TechRadar News

• Huge new data center is coming to South Korea
• Construction of 3GW facility is set to be complete by 2028
• The project will cost upwards of $10 billion, but could reach $35bn

Construction for the world’s largest data center has been given the go-ahead in South Korea, and is predicted to bring in an initial revenue of $3.5 billion - with an initial project size of $10 billion and the potential to reach $35 billion.

The data center will be built in the Jeollanam-do province, and will have a 3GW capacity - marking a huge advancement in Korea’s tech leadership, reportedly being able to, ‘triple' the capacity of current hyper-scale facilities operated by the likes of Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

The project was co-founded by LG Electronics heir Brian Koo and Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din in partnership with Stock Farm Road, who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Governor Kim of the Jeollanam-do province.

Rapid development

The center is set to complete construction by 2028, by which time the worldwide market is projected to grow to $438.70 billion.

Despite the significant challenges data center development faces, such as a dramatic increase in energy and water consumption, as well as consistent needs for infrastructure upgrades to keep up with, Koo noted the project could, ‘elevate Korea and the region to a new level of technological advancement and economic prosperity’.

Countries across the globe are developing their data center infrastructure, with Meta committing to spending $10 billion dollars to build a new project in the US - although this is only expected to generate 500 direct jobs once completed.

“This is more than just a technological milestone; it's a strategic leap forward for Korea's global technological leadership,” said co-founder Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with Stock Farm Road and the Jeollanam-do government to build this crucial infrastructure, creating an unprecedented opportunity to build the foundation for next-generation AI.”

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• Apple's debuting a custom Apple TV patch for each of the 30 MLS teams
• The new designs have dropped ahead of the 30th season of Major League Soccer
• Apple’s global head of sports marketing says the logos reflect the visual identity of each of the 30 clubs

The 30th season of Major League Soccer is about to kick off, and thanks to the league’s partnership with Apple, you’ll be able to stream every game with no blackouts via an MLS Season Pass subscription on Apple TV, one of the best streaming services around.

Further, to recognize the anniversary season beyond debuting a new show and hyping up the crowd with a new documentary, Apple’s taking a pen to its logo – a very rare occurrence. Apple’s putting a fresh spin on the Apple TV logo, well, actually, 30 fresh spins, one for each team in Major League Soccer.

That means Lionel Messi and his teammates on Inter Miami CF are sporting an Apple logo with a pink spotting star and zebra stripes, while Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls’ Apple TV logo is a mix of gold, red, and white. Each and every player will be sporting the custom Apple TV patch on the left sleeve of their player kits for the entire 2025 season. That’s 30 recreations of the Apple logo, and TechRadar chatted with Emeka Ofodile, Apple’s global head of sports marketing, about this custom treatment.

(Image credit: Apple)

“As we were approaching the 2025 season, we’d been collectively brainstorming how to celebrate this landmark season in a memorable way. The creative minds at Apple developed the concept, which felt authentic to MLS and the partnership and like the perfect way to commemorate the 30th season milestone,” explained Ofodile. The bespoke nature of each really captures the jerseys, logo, and overall branding of each team. It leads to a colorful take on the Apple logo, which goes beyond the early days rainbow apple and even the custom invites normally sent for an Apple Special Event.

On why now was the right time to put a fresh spin on the logo, Ofodile called out the 30th anniversary and said, “we wanted to nod to the incredible visual identity of each of the 30 clubs.” While the individual designs were made in-house at Apple, it was also collaborative with the teams: “We worked closely to make sure the designs felt authentic to each club and the feedback has been really positive,” explained Ofodile.

(Image credit: Apple)

For now, the custom patches are just on the player kits, meaning that to spot them, you’ll need to watch for the players on the field, professional photography of the games, or even player profile shots. We’re sharing a few of them in the gallery below. It would be neat to see these custom badges included in the live broadcasts, though, and we asked Ofodile on that or where else Apple is thinking about including these.

“Player kits will be the primary place fans can see this collaboration in MLS Season Pass broadcasts. We’re also exploring fun ways to spotlight this collaboration, including in our popular studio shows and across social channels,” explained Ofodile. It sounds like we’ll need to keep an eye on the shows and produced content to see if the badges make an appearance. Who knows, they might end up being a larger part of the teams represented in playoffs later this season, the League’s Cup tournament, or in the All-Star game.

Ofodile shared that Apple is focused on finding creative ways to partner with Major League Soccer, and clearly, the custom takes on the logo are from this work. It’s a really fun approach and for fans of the sport as well as Apple, it really lets creativity shine through. We’ve also seen Apple expand MLS into some of its other services, including locations around stadiums in Apple Maps and custom playlists in Apple Music; Ofodile shared that “we’re excited to continue exploring new opportunities to engage fans and grow the league’s fandom throughout the season.”

It sounds like these Apple TV sleeve patches might just be the start, and if it’s a hint at the other projects in the works, it'll be an exciting season. I, for one, am excited to see the Apple logo and Apple TV one spun in a few different styles.

Let us know which are your favorites in the comment below, and you can tune into the first match of the 2025 season between Inter Miami CF and New York City FC at 2:30 PM ET on February 22, 2025, on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

If you subscribe to Apple TV Plus, MLS Season Pass is $12.99 a month and $79. Otherwise, it's $14.99 a month or $99 for the season. You'll get access to every game plus analysis via shows, a back library of games, and documentaries that can be streamed from many devices – basically wherever Apple TV is available. That now includes Android phones, as the Apple TV app for Android has launched as well.

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• Rainbow Six Siege is getting a massive graphics and gameplay overhaul
• Siege X is the tactical shooter's 'biggest transformation in the game's history'
• The Rainbow Six Siege Showcase is set for March, which will provide an in-depth look at the update

Ubisoft has announced Rainbow Six Siege X, an upcoming update for the first-person tactical shooter that will see " major upgrades all around".

The first teaser trailer for Siege X was just released, which you can watch below. The update is described as "the biggest transformation in the game's history, including new tactical gameplay, graphical and audio upgrades, and more".

It doesn't sound like a Rainbow Six Siege sequel, but more of an evolution of the game that has been running since 2015. We could potentially see some improvements for the current generation as well.

A new blog post offers more insight, where Ubisoft said Siege X will usher in "a new era" that "sets the stage for the years to come of tactical and unique gameplay".

"The R6 team has been working tirelessly to bring to life the biggest transformation in the game's history and its purpose is to reinforce Rainbow Six Siege's position at the top of tactical first-person shooters by introducing new ways to play, deepened tactical gameplay, refined game feel and major upgrades all around," Ubisoft added.

Ubisoft will be broadcasting the Rainbow Six Siege X Showcase on March 13, 2025, at 5PM GMT / 6PM CET / 12PM EST over on its Twitch Channel.

The event will also be held in person in Atlanta, Georgia, and promises "an immersive and one-of-a-kind Siege experience" for those in attendance, and offer new details about the Siege X update.

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• Xbox boss Phil Spencer wants to be 'transparent' during Xbox showcases, will continue putting PlayStation and Nintendo logos in its trailers
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• Microsoft warns of new version of the XCSSET infostealer
• It comes with new obfuscation, infection, and persistence techniques
• Experts warn all users to be careful

Microsoft says it has spotted a new strain of an old macOS malware variant, one which comes with better obfuscation techniques, more persistence, and new infection mechanisms.

In a short X post, Microsoft detailed discovering a new version of XCSSET, which it describes as a “sophisticated modular macOS malware” that targets users through infected Xcode projects.

Xcode is Apple's official integrated development environment (IDE) for creating apps on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. It includes a code editor, debugger, Interface Builder, and tools for testing and deploying apps.

Limited attacks

In essence, XCSSET is an infostealer. It is capable of pulling system information and files, stealing digital wallet data, and grabbing information from the official Notes app. Its latest iteration comes after more than two years of being dormant, and appears to come with significant improvements.

To better hide itself, XCSSET now uses a “significantly more randomized” approach for generating payloads to infect Xcode projects, Microsoft explained. For persistence, XCSSET now uses two techniques, called “zshrc” and “dock”. In the first one, the malware creates a file named ~/.zshrc_aliases, which contains the payload. It then appends a command in the ~/.zshrc file to make sure the created file is launched every time a new shell session is initiated.

In the second one, the malware downloads a signed dockutil tool from a command-and-control server to manage the dock items. It then creates a fake Launchpad app and replaces the legitimate one’s entry in the doc. That way, when the victim runs the Launchpad from the dock, both the legitimate app and the malware are executed.

As for infection, XCSSET now comes with new methods for where the payload is placed in the Xcode project.

Microsoft said that at this time, it is only seeing the new variant in “limited attacks”, but wanted to sound the alarm on time, so that users and organizations can protect themselves.

“Users must always inspect and verify any Xcode projects downloaded or cloned from repositories, as the malware usually spreads through infected projects,” the company concluded. “They should also only install apps from trusted sources, such as a software platform’s official app store.”

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• Xbox boss Phil Spencer has commented on Microsoft's recent move to put PlayStation and Nintendo logos in its trailers
• Spencer said he wants to be "honest and transparent" about where the games can be played
• He also said that games should be the main focus

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has said the company will continue putting PlayStation and Nintendo logos in its trailers to be "transparent" with its audience.

In a new interview with XboxEra, Spencer discussed the company's recent decision to start showing the logos for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in its trailers during major showcases. For example, the latest behind-the-scenes video for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which was released during Xbox Developer Direct last month.

While it's likely the move was made in light of Microsoft's ongoing multi-platform push, the Xbox boss said it's to be more honest about where players can buy its games.

"I think it’s just being honest and transparent about where the games are showing, and we actually even had this discussion last year for the June showcase, and by the time we kind of made our decision, we couldn’t get all of the assets done and it felt weird to have some of them in and some of them out," Spencer said.

"But I just want to be transparent with people – for shipping on Nintendo Switch, we’re gonna put that. For shipping on PlayStation, on Steam... people should know the storefronts where they can get our games, but I want people to be able to experience our Xbox community in our games and everything we have to offer, on every screen we can."

Spencer continued, acknowledging that not every console is equal, and "there's certain things we can’t do on the other closed platforms that we can do on open platforms," like cloud gaming, but said its the games that should be the main focus.

"The strategy that we have allows us to do big games, while also supporting our native platform from hardware to the platform and services that we have and that’s going to be our approach," he added.

"And I know it’s not what everybody else is doing, but I just believe games should be the thing that’s at the forefront. Maybe it’s because of how I’ve grown up in this industry. I came from building games. But I think the games are the things that I see growing in their strength in what we’re doing and it’s because more people can play. So yeah, I’m just trying to be open and transparent with people."

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AI chatbots are often accused of a somewhat shallow approach to gathering and explaining information. That may soon change as developers race to put out AI models that can really get to the bottom of a subject. That's certainly what Perplexity is aiming for with its new Deep Research feature, which is available on all its tiers, both free and paid-for.

Coincidentally, that's the same name OpenAI uses for a very similar ChatGPT Pro feature also called Deep Research. The two tools both promise to do the heavy research work for you. Supposedly, they can comb through the vast sprawl of the internet to deliver curated, well-reasoned answers.

Despite the name, it's worth noting that the Deep Research fees are a little different. OpenAI’s Deep Research requires a $200-per-month subscription to ChatGPT Pro, which is still capped at 100 queries per month. It can also take as much as 20 minutes to get a full report. It's worth noting that OpenAI says that the Deep Research feature will filter down to ChatGPT Plus, then free tier users at some point in the future.

Perplexity’s Deep Research is much nimbler, coming back with answers in a few minutes despite still covering a broad range of sources to compile responses. Still, you get up to five queries a day for free and up to 500 a month with a Perplexity Pro plan, which costs $200, but for an entire year instead of a month.

I wanted to test the two Deep Research tools against each other, but I didn't want to pay for a ChatGPT Pro plan for the privilege, but OpenAI helpfully already had several Deep Research answers in a demonstration. I chose three and tested them against Perplexity's Deep Research to see how they did.

TV mysteries

(Image credit: Screenshots from Perplexity/ChatGPT)

I started with the 'needle in a haystack' query from ChatGPT's Deep Research. It was a long, rambling question about a specific TV show episode. The prompt asked:

"There is a TV show that I watched a while ago. I forgot the name but I do remember what happened in one of the episodes. Can you help me find the name? Here is what I remember in one of the episodes:

Two men play poker. One folds after another tells him to bet. The one who folded actually had a good hand and fell for the bluff. On the second hand, the same man folds again, but this time with a bad hand.

A man gets locked in the room, and then his daughter knocks on the door.

Two men go to a butcher shop, and one man brings a gift of vodka.

Please browse the web deeply to find the TV show episode where this happened exactly."

ChatGPT's Deep Research had a solid, seemingly accurate answer, saying the episode came from the Starz series Counterpart, specifically “Both Sides Now," which was the fourth episode of the first season. It cited the show's own episode summary and wiki.

Perplexity Deep Research, meanwhile, seemed to be trying to gaslight me with its answer. The AI asserted that I was thinking of season 1, episode 5 of Poker Face, titled "The Stage Play Murder," but that I was apparently conflating other shows in my description. According to Perplexity, my description meant I was mixing Poker Face in my brain with the Lifetime movie Girl in the Closet and scenes from the reality series Beekman Boys. The description may have been from the ChatGPT test, but Perplexity seemed confident that I was simply merging details from three wildly different sources, none of which were the correct answer. Score one for ChatGPT's slow and expensive option.

Snow shop

(Image credit: Screenshots from Perplexity/ChatGPT)

For the shopping genre, OpenAI put together a doozy of a complex request for winter sports equipment with this prompt:

“I’m looking for the perfect snowboard. I ride mainly in Hokkaido twice a month in the winter. I like groomed runs but also want something that can handle fresh powder. I prefer all-mountain or freestyle boards with medium flex, stable for carving yet maneuverable. Also, I want it in a citrus color palette. Mid-to-premium price range. Oh, and I want availability in Japan. Format the response in an easy-to-read table.”

ChatGPT’s Deep Research had a highly structured response that laid out two tables. The first went through the pros and cons of five recommended snowboards, followed by the specs for each board. It even included detailed recommendations on how best to snowboard in Hokkaido’s unique powder conditions.

Perplexity’s Deep Research came back in a couple of minutes with several tables, including one for the recommended boards and their specs, along with separate tables for color, price, maintenance, and accessibility. It all made sense as far as I could tell, but there was zero overlap in the recommendations. After being told I was incapable of telling a Lifetime movie from a gritty time-loop drama, neither of which matched my request, I admit to being a bit leery of what Perplexity pushed on me here.

The kicker

(Image credit: Screenshots from Perplexity/ChatGPT)

The final prompt test fell under the 'general knowledge' section and is far shorter than the other prompts. The query is simply: "What’s the average retirement age for NFL kickers?”

ChatGPT wrote a mini-dissertation about how kickers last longer in their careers, the range of ages where they retire, and a lot of insight into the reasons why they keep playing longer than those in other positions. That said, "mid-to-late 30s" was as precise as the AI was willing to go in picking an average age of retirement for kickers. It did stake a claim that 4.8 seasons is the average length of their careers.

Perplexity, too, wouldn't commit to a specific age of retirement but erred on a younger scale of early-to-mid 30s instead of later. The AI also cited statistics showing kickers with an average career of 4.4 seasons. Those kinds of statistics likely vary based on the age of the sources. But, while neither was egregiously wrong, Perplexity's answer was somewhat messier and wandered a bit in focus compared to the neatly organized ChatGPT essay.

Pay for depth

ChatGPT’s Deep Research was undeniably better in its final form from this brief test. The exhaustive, well-structured reports were quite well-written. That being said, they were also very dry and dull. And while they included sources, I wouldn't want to stake too much on how ChatGPT interpreted the information without some human double-checking. It would make sense as a resource for academics or other professionals working on weighty research projects, but not without aid.

Perplexity’s Deep Research, on the other hand, is great for those who want a lot of information collated quickly and relatively cheaply. It's a bit like a good abstract for a scholarly dissertation. You get the key bits and maybe even some numbers, but you're not going to be able to judge the whole book from that. Still, if you want to get into more complex and far-ranging topics and put together a starting point for your own research, Perplexity's Deep Research is a solid solution.

If you have $200 a month to burn and a huge stack of complicated projects you want to get through, ChatGPT Pro might be worth it just for Deep Research. On the other hand, if something similar appeals to you on a smaller, more personal scale, a Perplexity Pro subscription is a much better bargain. And you don't even have to pay for that if you rarely need any Deep Research done. Either way, human oversight is mandatory if you want to catch errors, verify sources, and ensure that conclusions make sense, or even just to check that you haven't hallucinated an unholy chimera of a TV show like Perplexity claimed I had.

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• Apple’s M5 chip could debut later this year
• It will find its way into the MacBook Pro before the iPad Pro, a report claims
• It’s expected to be a minor update compared to next year’s M6 chip

When we first got a glimpse of Apple’s M4 chip in 2024 it didn’t land first in a Mac – it came to the iPad Pro before anything else. Now, though, Apple is planning to switch things up, restoring the Mac as the first destination for new M-series chips.

That’s according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, at least. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman explained that the transition to M5 chips will begin “alongside new MacBook Pro models in the fall” of 2025. After that, “we should get an M5 iPad Pro by the first half of 2026,” Gurman argued.

While it might seem odd to reverse the order that was used for the M4 chip, it actually makes a lot of sense. In recent years, new iPad Pro models have appeared at a roughly 18-month cadence. The MacBook Pro, however, has started to be updated annually, with new models appearing in the fall.

The seventh-generation iPad Pro with M4 chip appeared in May 2024, while the sixth-generation edition came out in October 2022. Before that, the fifth-generation model landed in April 2021. Continuing that pattern, we’d expect the M5 iPad Pro to be revealed sometime around December 2025.

That’s slightly earlier than Gurman’s prediction of “the first half of 2026,” but Gurman’s timeline makes sense. After all, delays happen, and Apple is no stranger to that (just look at its attempts to get the all-new Siri out the door). With that in mind, looking out for an M5 iPad Pro in late 2025 or early 2026 seems sensible.

An incremental upgrade

(Image credit: Future)

What can we expect from the M5 chip? Well, it’s not likely to be an earth-shattering update, and a performance uptick of around 15% to 25% has been suggested. Elsewhere, we could also see the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, while the entry-level MacBook Pro might also get the Thunderbolt 5 connectivity that has come to the high-end models.

If you’ve been hoping for a more wide-ranging revamp, chances are you’ll have to wait until 2026, when Gurman believes Apple is planning a “true overhaul” of the MacBook Pro. This might mean an OLED display, a new chassis design, and a significant performance boost from the M6 chip, which could be made using an all-new 2nm process.

So, while the M5 chip is now anticipated to find its way into the MacBook Pro before the iPad Pro, don’t be surprised if it’s more of an incremental refresh than anything else. Anyone in the market for a total redesign of the MacBook Pro will probably have to wait a little longer.

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• More details around the Samsung tri-fold have emerged
• The phone could launch later in the year than Samsung's regular foldables
• Meanwhile the Huawei Mate XT tri-fold is going global

At the same time as it launched the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung also gave us a sneak peek of an upcoming tri-fold foldable phone without adding much in the way of detail – though fresh leaks may have answered some of the questions we have about this handset.

Information posted by tipster @PandaFlashPro and analyst @DSCCRoss, neatly summed up by Notebookcheck, suggests that the tri-fold handset is going to be launched in the second half of the year – after the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 unveilings.

Those more familiar foldables should be appearing around July time (a year after the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6), so the tri-fold – which is rumored to be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold – should appear in the months following that.

The same sources have 'confirmed' that the upcoming tri-fold phone will offer 2,600 nits of display brightness and 25W wired charging, matching Samsung's current foldables – though of course nothing is confirmed until Samsung says so.

The original tri-fold

The Huawei Mate XT (Image credit: Future)

While Samsung makes preparations for the launch of its first tri-fold handset, the Huawei Mate XT is going global. This tri-fold was launched in China last year, but will be heading to more markets across the world in the near future.

However, while Huawei has announced global availability (via Android Police), it hasn't said much more than that. The most useful detail released so far is a European price of €3,499, which at the time of writing works out as $3,660 / £2,905 / AU$5,760.

Given Huawei hardware remains banned in the US, we can safely assume the Huawei Mate XT won't be making an appearance there – but it looks as though the handset will be available to buy direct in at least some European countries.

There's no word yet of anyone else joining in with this trend of adding an extra fold. The rumors around a folding iPhone aren't going away – but Apple's first attempt at the form factor will have a single display hinge, rather than two.

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• Google Chat makes latest move to challenge Microsoft Teams
• Admins can now migrate Microsoft Teams channels data to Chat
• Customization, including date ranges, is supported

Google is taking its battle for supremacy in the online collaboration space to a new level with the public launch of a tool designed to take users away from one of its biggest competitors.

The company has officially released a new service making it easier to migrate Microsoft Teams conversations into its own Chat service.

First announced in December 2024, the migration tool is now generally available to all Google Chat users, with the company hoping businesses can deploy the platform more easily by experiencing less downtime and friction during the transition.

Goodbye Microsoft Teams?

“We’re expanding our data migration experience to include the ability for Google Workspace admins to migrate conversations from channels in Microsoft Teams to spaces in Google Chat," the company had initally noted in a Google Workspace update blog post announcing the news.

Within the ‘Chat migration’ menu of Google Chat, admins can connect to opposing Microsoft accounts to import Teams data. Migration maps and identity maps can be uploaded as csv files, and admins will also have the option to enter the start date for messages to be migrated from.

“You can also run a delta migration, which will migrate any messages added to Teams channels since the primary migration. Messages that are already successfully migrated are skipped," Google added.

Admins can also produce reports based on completed migrations to identify content that skipped, failed or had warnings.

Moreover, the feature requires those taking the action to be Google super admins and Microsoft Teams Global Administrators.

Any customers still needing to use the two platforms (and/or others) should consider enabling Mio, a third-party service which Google announced its interoperability with, alongside Teams and Zoom, back in 2024.

The news comes at a slightly tricky time for Microsoft Teams, as the company continues its battle with EU regulators concerning potential antitrust issues.

The latest salvo from lawmakers could in fact see the price of Microsoft Office (including Teams) subscriptions rise significantly, despite unbundling Teams from its software in 2024.

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• The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be getting an Apple 5G modem
• It's apparently not as speedy as the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon modem
• The handset is expected to be officially launched tomorrow

We're expecting Apple to unveil the iPhone SE 4 tomorrow, and while a lot of the handset's specs are rumored to be matching up to the iPhone 16 launched in September, it seems there's going to be one exception: the 5G modem.

According to South Korean outlet Donga (via GSMArena), the new Apple-designed 5G modem inside the iPhone SE 4 is going to lack mmWave support, and won't be quite up to the performance levels of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem fitted inside the four iPhone 16 handsets.

It remains to be seen exactly how different upload and download speeds will be between the handsets. The performance drop might not be noticeable at all to users most of the time, given the limits of 5G infrastructure, but it's worth noting the potential discrepancy as Apple looks to get more of its own chips inside its iPhones.

Rumors of an in-house Apple modem for the iPhone SE 4 have been swirling for months, with improved efficiency (and battery life) said to be one of the key benefits of making the switch. One source says these Apple modems, made by its partner TSMC, will be fully up to speed with the Qualcomm equivalents by 2027.

Specs appeal

The iPhone SE 4 could well look a lot like the iPhone 14 (Image credit: Apple)

It seems Apple is fully committed to the new 5G modem, which should also appear in at least some of the iPhone 17 handsets expected later this year. As with the mobile CPUs, it gives Apple more control over the circuitry and engineering inside its phones.

While the modem may not be quite up to speed, the other key specs of the iPhone SE 4 are thought to hold up very well against the flagship iPhone 16 series: the same A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM are believed to be on the way for the cheaper variant, and it will of course come running the same iOS 18 software.

The big reason for the performance parity is likely to be Apple Intelligence. Apple will want to make sure its new handset is capable of running all the latest AI tools, and a fast chipset and plenty of RAM will ensure that. The iPhone SE 3, which launched back in 2022, came with an A15 chipset and a mere 4GB of RAM.

It's likely that we'll get a lot of changes on the outside of the iPhone SE 4 too – it's apparently ditching Touch ID and the Home button for a more modern look, though it may get a notch rather than a Dynamic Island. You can keep up with all the latest launch news and leaks on our iPhone SE 4 live blog.

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• Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirms Rare's Everwild is still in development
• The game was announced in 2019 but Spencer says the team is making "progress"
• Microsoft can give Rare, among other studios, more time due to its packed release schedule

Rare's Everwild is still in development despite its five years of radio silence, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

Speaking to XboxEra in a recent interview, Spencer was asked to discuss his most anticipated game coming to Xbox. He'd previously shared excitement for Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, which is set for a 2026 release, but also said he's looking forward to Everwild, from Sea of Thieves developer Rare.

The game was announced in 2019 and has since been absent from numerous Xbox showcases. There's also no news on when it will launch, but Spencer did confirm that the team is making "progress."

"I’ll go back to what I said earlier. Yeah, State of Decay is just one of the franchises I love back from the original one, so that one stays on the board," Spencer said. "I do think the work that Double Fine’s doing and how Tim kind of solicits feedback from the team. And the other one, I’ll say because I was recently out at Rare. It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making."

Spencer explained that Microsoft can give Rare, Undead Labs, as well as Double Fine, more time to make their games since the company's current lineup is packed.

"...We’ve been able to give those teams time in what they’re doing which is good and still have a portfolio like we have," he said. "It’s like a dream that Matt [Booty] and I have had for a long time, so it’s finally good to be there. We can give those teams time. And next week I’m going to be up in Vancouver with the Coalition - and how fun is that?"

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• iPhone 17 Air renders give us a look at the possible design of the phone
• They show a slim build and a long camera bar
• We've also heard that the iPhone 17 might have the same design as the iPhone 16

This could be a big year for the iPhone, because along with successors to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we’re reportedly going to see something totally new – a super-slim model that, for now, we’re referring to as the iPhone 17 Air.

This device has been the subject of several rumors, but a new leak gives us our first proper look at what could be the iPhone 17 Air's decidedly un-Apple-like design.

Leaker Jon Prosser (via MacRumors) has shared renders in his Front Page Tech YouTube show that supposedly show the final design of the iPhone 17 Air, and you can see some of these below.

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(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)

As the renders show, the iPhone 17 Air supposedly has a very slim body, and there’s a long black camera bar running the width of its rear panel. Despite being so long, this camera bar only actually houses one lens, with that sticking out on the left, while the flash is on the far right. Some of the images also show that, unsurprisingly, the phone has both a Camera Control button and an Action button.

While this is the clearest look we’ve had at the possible design of the iPhone 17 Air, these renders are in line with previous leaks, including a blurry photo supposedly showing the iPhone 17 Air. So, these renders may well be accurate, though it’s worth noting that Prosser has a mixed track record – he’s been both right and wrong about Apple information in the past.

No change for the base model

This isn’t the only piece of iPhone 17 series design information Prosser has shared. In a post on X (via Phone Arena), he claimed that the base iPhone 17 looks much like the iPhone 16 – meaning two camera lenses arranged vertically, taking up much less space than the iPhone 17 Air’s alleged camera bar.

If so, then the iPhone 17 series could consist of three quite different designs, because as well as these two, Prosser recently revealed the possible design of the iPhone 17 Pro. According to him, this phone has a much chunkier camera bar even than the Air model.

We might not find out how accurate all of this information is for quite a while, mind, as we’re not expecting to get an official look at the iPhone 17 series until September.

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• The chance to create an NPC in The Elder Scrolls 6 is up for grabs at a charity auction
• Bids currently start at $10,450
• The money raised will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Have you ever wanted to be part of a video game? Well developer Bethesda Game Studios is offering one lucky gamer the chance to create an non-player character (NPC) in the massively anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6.

It's being offered as part of a charity auction, benefitting the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic organization. The charity works to provide wish-granting experiences for children with critical illnesses, with the aim of giving hope to children, families, and communities in a challenging time.

The auction is ongoing, with lot #301 letting the winner "have the opportunity to work with the Bethesda Game Studios development team to create a character to appear as a video game NPC in The Elder Scrolls 6." It's an incredibly tempting proposition, letting you have a direct impact one what is easily going to be one of the biggest fantasy video games of the generation.

Bidding starts at $10,450, though I imagine that this will seem like a small price to pay for some seriously die-hard fans. The money from the winning big will go directly to Make-A-Wish, which is going to be something to feel pretty good about.

The Elder Scrolls 6 was first unveiled back in 2018, where a short teaser trailer was shown. We've heard very little about the game since, though information from Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition suggests that it will launch in 2026 at the earliest.

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• Nintendo is set to discontinue its Gold Points rewards scheme
• From March 24, 2025, you'll no longer be able to earn them
• However, points you earn now will be redeemable for another 12 months

Nintendo has confirmed it will be winding down its eShop Gold Points rewards scheme next month.

The announcement was made over on the official My Nintendo website, confirming that the earning of Gold Points will be discontinued on March 24, 2025. At the time of writing, the website is currently returning an error for that page. But an FAQ (sourced by Go Nintendo) provides more details, reading:

"Beginning at 9:30 p.m. PDT on 3/24/2025, users will no longer be able to earn My Nintendo Gold Points. Gold Points will no longer be earned for digital purchases on Nintendo eShop after 9:30 p.m. PDT on 3/24/2025.

"Gold Points will no longer be earned on physical games that release after 3/24/2025. For physical games that released on or before 3/24/2025, Gold Points may still be earned by registering eligible titles within one year from the original release date of the game.

"All earned Gold Points will continue to be valid and redeemable for 12 months after they are issued. Please note that there are no changes to how you redeem the Gold Points you already earned."

Suspiciously, this is happening about a week and a half ahead of April 2's scheduled Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Nintendo currently hasn't announced a replacement for the Gold Points rewards scheme, but there is a chance the company could be implementing a new system for when its new console arrives later this year.

If not, then that's definitely a shame. Gold Points are a pretty great way of saving cash on digital eShop purchases. Like PlayStation Rewards, Gold Points are added to your Nintendo account after registering a physical game or purchasing a game digitally on the eShop. Over time, this lets players save a substantial amount on the best Nintendo Switch games.

Nintendo has confirmed that Nintendo accounts will transfer to Nintendo Switch 2, so, could a bigger Nintendo eShop overhaul be on the way? Let's hope so, because it definitely needs one.

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• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has finally made its streaming debut on Paramount Plus
• The hit video game film series' latest entry landed on the platform today (February 18)
• However, it's only available in the US and Canada

Sonic the Hedgehog loves telling himself that he's "gotta go fast" – and it seems that phrase applies to the speed with which movies land on Paramount Plus.

Indeed, less than two months have passed since Sonic the Hedgehog 3 raced into theaters, but the latest entry in the blue blur's film series is already available to watch on one of the world's best streaming services. That's right, you can watch Sonic's third big-screen outing from the comfort of your own home as of today (February 18), which Paramount confirmed on X/Twitter yesterday.

#TeamSonic is taking over Paramount+! Stream #SonicMovie3 tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/XEpCBGheKkFebruary 17, 2025

Unfortunately, it seems that Sonic 3 hasn't launched on Paramount's streaming platform outside of North America, with Deadline reporting that it's only available to watch in the US and Canada right now. I checked Paramount Plus UK's film library this morning and Sonic the Hedgehog 1 is the only film you can watch on British shores. The same appears to be true in Australia as well.

Responding to my inquiry about when British and Australian viewers can watch it at home, a Paramount spokesperson said: "Sonic 3 will only be available in the US and Canada. It will also come soon to the UK and Australia, but we haven't set a date yet". Sounds like we've got a long wait on our hands, then.

Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 worth streaming?

Keanu Reeves voices Shadow in the third Sonic the Hedgehog film (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Yes! Sonic 3 was one of the last new movies to speed into theaters worldwide in 2024. Its festive seasonal release helped it to become the highest-grossing entry in the Sega mascot's film franchise so far, with the live-action-animated hybrid flick earning $478.5 million globally. For context, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earned $405 million in early 2022, while the first movie accumulated around $320 million in early 2020.

The Sonic movie series has improved with each passing entry, too. Sonic 3 currently holds 85% critical and 95% audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes – and, while the dial hasn't moved that much from an audience perspective (Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 hold 93% and 96% RT scores), they have from a critical acclaim standpoint. Indeed, Sonic 3's critical rating is almost 20% higher than its forebear and over 30% greater than Sonic's first film. Don't be surprised, then, if one or more of these flicks make it onto our best Paramount Plus movies list in the near future.

It's rare that film franchises continually improve with every movie release, so how have the Sonic flicks been able to do so? Well, they're consistently fun, family-friendly films that Sonic devotees and newcomers alike can enjoy. The introduction of fan-favorite characters with each new entry – Tails and Knuckles showed up in Sonic 2, while the Keanu Reeves-voiced Shadow made his debut in Sonic 3 – have also helped. Add in supplemental material that have expanded this universe, such as Knuckles' TV spin-off, which is one of the best Paramount Plus shows, and Paramount's adaptation of the beloved Sonic video game series is going from strength to strength.

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• Kia promised lots with the EV4 Concept and it has delivered
• Both a saloon and hatchback will be offered
• Upcoming EV Day will reveal more about specification

Kia has whipped the silk sheet off its latest EV4 model ahead of an upcoming EV Day later this month, where the Korean company will lay out its plans for this, its PV5 van and a sneak peek at the concept version of the EV2 – slated to be the smallest and most affordable EV in the current line-up.

Although it was previewed more than a year ago now, the production-ready EV4 appears to have remained faithful to the original concept, and slots neatly into the ever-expanding range of electric vehicles that was debuted at the marque’s inaugural EV Day back in 2023.

A play on Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ front end, which can be seen in the revised EV6 and the most recent EV3, while the sharp and distinctive lines of the entire family can be seen on the sides and particularly at the rear of the elongated saloon model.

However, it is predicted that the saloon or fastback will be made available for global markets, including the US, while the hatchback is predominantly for the UK and European markets.

(Image credit: Kia)

Specification is still under wraps, but we do know that it will ride on the same E-GMP platform as everything else in Kia’s EV range, so will likely be offered with a 58kWh or 81kWh battery.

That said, there is no word on the charging speeds, as EV6 and EV9 are capable of drawing power at 350kW thanks to 800V architecture, but the recent EV3 and EV5 (coming to the UK soon) manage 128kW thanks to 400V architecture.

Inside, we can expect to see the EV4 following the same sort of minimalistic approach as EV3, with a focus on comfort, roominess and plenty of space for the latest screen tech.

Analysis: Kia continues to deliver the goods

(Image credit: Kia)

By offering both saloon and hatchback versions of the EV4, Kia has bolstered its pure-electric line-up and widened its appeal.

Several SUVs of varying sizes join the sporty crossover mash-up EV6 and the forthcoming EV2 city car to deliver an electrified option to suit most needs.

It is a similar story with price, as the EV2 is rumored to compete with the recent Renault R5 E-Tech and battle it out in the £25,000 ($30,000/ AU$50,000) arena, while the range-topping EV9 seven-seat SUV tickles the £77,000 mark in the UK – $73,900 in the US.

With a solid battery range, the latest constantly-connected tech and a very clear and bold design language, Kia now offers a range of electric vehicles that is arguably better than anything it sells with a combustion engine.

Rather than sitting on the fence, the Korean marque committed to a battery-powered future and it appears to be paying off. The company reported that its all-electric sales have been growing year-on-year and in the third quarter of last year EVs accounted for 21% of the company's total sales.

There is no sign of slowing, either, as Kia has gone on record to say that its EV line-up will be 15 strong by 2027, including a new range of battery-powered commercial vehicles, while 2030 will see it hit a target of 1.6 million EV sales globally.

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Since the term AI was first introduced in 1956, our reliance on artificial intelligence has grown immensely—much more than we ever anticipated. It’s not just a concept from futuristic sci-fi films anymore; today, nearly every sector, including highly regulated fields like finance, has embraced AI to enhance its competitive edge and boost profitability.

Companies around the globe are now integrating AI to streamline their operations, stay ahead of their competition, and solidify their positions in the market. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine any CEO ignoring the potential AI has, when used properly, to make our work lives easier, more efficient, and cost-effective. I’ll say it again: when used properly.

While AI is certainly driving growth for many businesses, it's important for us as leaders to take a moment to reflect: Are we truly leveraging what we refer to as "artificial intelligence," or are we actually dealing with "assisted intelligence"? Have we fully tapped into the capabilities of genuine "artificial intelligence"?

From my perspective, we still have a long way to go to reach that goal. Although I am not yet a believer in the full potential of AI, I am a strong advocate for assisted intelligence. For example, using machines to analyze thousands of messages in search of potential non-compliant language and behavior is a practical application of this technology. But it all starts by understanding the difference between what is assisted intelligence and what is artificial intelligence.

The Role of Assisted Intelligence in Modern Workplaces

If we really think about how “AI” has changed our daily lives - is it really doing what it says on the tin? While many of us call it "Artificial Intelligence," a more accurate term might be "Assisted Intelligence." Thanks to innovation in machine learning and natural language processing, many workplaces are changing for the better—about 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI tools to their advantage. However, the idea of AI being fully independent and capable of independent thought is still a long way off.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

Many companies are not yet ready for these types of - advanced - AI solutions. When we take the time to properly examine their primary challenges, it becomes very clear that the biggest obstacle is managing the vast amounts of data generated each day. In fact, over half of employees—around 53%—report feeling overwhelmed by this amount of data, which hinders their ability to engage in strategic thinking, or what I refer to as "meaningful work."

Here is an example: a company with 100 employees that sends out 100 messages each day generates approximately 200,000 messages each month. Even if the company implements policies to monitor just 5% of these messages, it would require a large compliance department to read through them all. Instead of relying on random sampling, companies should allow technology to analyze all messages in real-time and identify the ones that are significant. This way, compliance teams can focus on essential tasks and ensure that the company remains safe from any fines.

So, what can organizations do? They need solutions that can cut through the data clutter and offer clear, actionable insights, allowing teams to concentrate on what truly matters.

Navigating Uncertainty in AI

It’s important to recognize that AI has the potential to boost global corporate profits by up to $4.4 trillion a year. This possibility has business leaders everywhere eager and excited to incorporate AI into their operations for better efficiency and smarter decision-making.

But there’s also some hesitancy from cautious CFOs and compliance officers who want to make sure their organizations really understand the needs, benefits and risks of new technologies - especially something as unregulated as AI. Even though AI tools, especially large language models, can analyze massive datasets, their decision-making processes often aren’t transparent.

This lack of clarity can be a real challenge for compliance teams. In recent years, the amount of data they handle has increased by 10 to 15 times. While the idea of AI spotting noncompliant behavior is appealing, the industry is still figuring out how to best use AI and machine learning within compliance frameworks.

To make matters worse, the rules and regulations are constantly changing. Compliance professionals need to have accurate data to make necessary adjustments while navigating the complexities of compliance amidst ongoing changes.

Another big challenge is understanding how AI makes its decisions. Organizations frequently face questions about where their data comes from, its accuracy, and whether it’s ethically sourced, especially in tightly regulated sectors like finance, where compliance is critical.

For example, FINRA has recently shared updates regarding how regulatory standards apply to AI-generated content, reminding us that businesses are still accountable for their outputs, whether created by humans or AI.

So, what’s the takeaway? While adopting AI can be complicated, businesses should start with a clear vision. This vision needs to outline how AI can help tackle operational challenges while also highlighting growth opportunities—even as they weigh the risks of non-compliance against the potential benefits of AI.

New Year, New Possibilities

Despite the challenges that come with AI, there are plenty of opportunities for organizations ready to face these issues head-on. The good news is that as companies become more aware of their specific needs, they can use AI to pull valuable insights from their data.

In the coming year, we should expect even more exciting advancements in AI technology that will enhance its capabilities and improve user experience further. This progress will help organizations integrate these tools into their everyday workflows more effectively, giving them a competitive edge.

The real competitive edge however will be seen in those organizations that prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI strategies and will earn trust from clients, stakeholders, and regulators. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fostering fairness and equity in how technology is used.

We've compiled a list of the best data migration tools.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Garmin has released a new app called ComingUp
• It can be used to log to-dos, deadlines and more
• It runs in the background of your device, so may have an impact on battery life

Garmin has released a new app, ComingUp, which works as a to-do list for some of the best Garmin watches. The app comes with a QWERTY keyboard for task entry, and can talk to various task management services, including Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks, and Todoist, to ensure your tasks sync across your connected services.

Garmin has always walked the line between being some of the best fitness trackers and incorporating some of the features common on the best smartwatches. It appears the company could be preparing to tiptoe over that line.

Naturally, that extra data that's running regular syncs in the background can have an impact on battery life, but given how robust Garmin watches are in that regard we've got no major concerns.

How to get ComingUp on your Garmin (and which watches can get it)

(Image credit: Garmin)

You can find ComingUp in the ConnectIQ store here, and it's worth noting it'll need your permission to run in the background, access to your Garmin Connect profile, and the ability to send and receive data.

Garmin says it syncs in real-time, so your lists will update instantly while you're working away from your desk. As someone who loves a workout at lunch but my head is always filling with ideas for my afternoon, that could be a huge help.

Perhaps best of all are the new reminders for tasks. Getting a timely reminder of your next task being due can help users stay on target, and could be a huge help.

As for compatibility, the full list is on the app link above and it's very extensive. Most of Garmin's most popular models can access the ComingUp app, including the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Instinct 3, Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Forerunner range.

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• Potensic's Atom 2 is an update of the Potensic Atom drone for beginners
• It costs $329, or $449 for the Fly More bundle (UK / Australia pricing TBC)
• Features include 4K HDR video, 48MP stills and 10km transmission range

We reckon the Potensic Atom is the best DJI drone alternative for most novices, and now its successor has been announced – the Potensic Atom 2. It offers an array of new features without seemingly breaking new ground, but overall it's a polished upgrade, and becomes the most obvious DJI Mini 4K rival.

Headline features include gimbal-stabilized 4K video with the option for detail-rich HDR output, vertical video enhanced for social, 48MP stills, AI subject tracking, plus improved transmission range and stability of up to 10km, with Full HD / 30p live view and just 120 milliseconds latency.

With the Atom 2, Potensic has also introduced its first after-sales care service, including easy device exchanges and professional assistance, though we're not sure if this service is available with other models. This kind of customer support should provide peace of mind should you run into any issues with the Atom 2.

The Atom 2 standard bundle costs $329, while the Fly More Combo with additional batteries and charging hub costs $449 – we'll update this page when we get UK and Australia pricing. That's a small mark-up compared to the Atom, which launched at $299 / $399.

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(Image credit: Potensic) DJI's biggest drone rival (for beginners) just got better

We rate the DJI Mini 4K as the best drone for beginners, while the Mini 4 Pro is the best money-no-object option for first-time pilots. However, uncertainty remains around the prospect of a DJI drone ban in the US, and as such any viable alternative is likely to get plenty of attention. Cue the Potensic Atom 2.

On paper, the Atom 2 looks like a refined upgrade. There are no major upgrades that stand out, but the sub-250g drone appears to be refined in many areas, and certainly looks like viable DJI Mini 4K rival.

It's equipped with a 12MP 1/2-inch Sony CMOS sensor, a brighter new f/1.8 lens, together with a 48MP stills output, and a new HDR video mode. Potensic says an upcoming firmware update is on the way too, and it will introduce its first log video recording option. Log video color profiles are flat, and ensure you can get the most detail possible from your drone's hardware, although you'll need to edit them to get the look you want.

Other features include an AI Follow function which automatically tracks subjects to keep them in the center of the frame, while AI Night Mode "captures clear and vivid images" in low-light scenarios', says Potensic. There's also a Dolly Zoom mode, which Potensic "enables users to create cinematic shots with just a single tap, as well as panoramic photography capabilities that allow users to effortlessly capture expansive landscapes'.

We're not sure when the Atom 2 sales start date is, nor do we have our hands on a Potensic Atom 2 for testing yet. We'll be sure to update you on both fronts when the situation changes, and complete our expert review in due course.

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• Huawei FreeArc are here, boasting IP57 dust- and water-ingress protection
• It's Huawei's second open-ear option after FreeClip, but the firm's first 'shell' design
• They're affordable – and there's an extra saving if you buy now

My main issue when considering open-ear earbuds? Actually, there are two things: something that will survive a particularly sweaty/rain-soaked attempt to improve my (abysmal) 5k personal best, and something that won't fall out of my ear during the aforementioned attempt.

While the all-new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 certainly claimed to have sorted the latter during their hotly-anticipated February 11 arrival announcement, their IPX4 rating won't necessarily tackle the former. Oh, and they come in at $249 / £249 / AU$399. Want something that costs just £99 – or £75 if you act fast – and offers IP57 protection, meaning you could actually drop one in the pool, leave it languishing in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes and still expect music after you've fished it out? Meet Huawei FreeArc.

Open earbuds are big in 2025 – and this set won't break (the bank)

(Image credit: Huawei)

Are the Huawei FreeArc some of the best open ear headphones I've seen? Well, I haven't had a chance to test them fully yet, but on paper there's an awful lot to celebrate, especially for this money.

The sports-focused open-ear category is growing incredibly rapidly, and I predict Huawei's done well to price them so competitively. According to Huawei, a company that boasts seven audio-specific R&D facilities (one with a wind tunnel lab capable of serving up winds of 10 meters per second for mic testing) plus over 1,000 audio engineers with more than 150 PhDs between them, open ear headphones are the fastest growing product in the audio industry, with a 600% growth rate year on year.

This is the Chinese tech specialist's second stab at going open-ear, following the December 2023 cuff-like FreeClip. But this is the first time Huawei's attempted a shell-like design that slides over your outer ear so that the drivers slip in near your ear canal, but not covering it – think Shokz OpenFit Air or Oladance. Huawei tells me its engineers worked exceptionally hard on the new "140-degree optimal Triangle Design", which marries a delicate gravitational balance and data from over 10,000 auricle curves, in something Huawei is calling a "C-bridge design". That 'C' essentially amounts to 8.3g of liquid-silicone rubber covering a 0.7mm titanium nickel wire, with a 17 x 12mm high-sensitivity driver unit at one end and a battery pack at the other (behind the ear).

Leave your phone in your gym locker

Another big selling point for me here is the dual antenna design for stability at long ranges. Although you only get SBC and AAC codec support from the Bluetooth 5.2 chipset (so no higher-resolution codecs such as LDAC or aptX) your quoted range is 100m indoors or 400m outdoors, which means you can leave your phone in your bag by the running track – or in the locker at the gym. And that's a huge bonus if, like me, you'd rather not cart your smartphone around during workouts.

There's also an AI algorithm for the dual mics, to help eliminate blustery wind and ambient noise during calls, and your battery life is a highly competitive seven hours on, or 28 with the case. Did I mention they support on-ear sliding touch gestures for volume too?

The Huawei FreeArc are available to pre-order from today (February 18) in your choice of black, gray or green. Ultimately, they'll be priced at £99.99 – but pre-order them now and you'll get £25 off until March 3, only at a Huawei Store. The full product line will be officially launched on March 4, with a launch offer of £20 off once they hit shelves, until April 1. I'm still waiting on official US and Australian prices where available, but I have to say, predict a big hit at those prices…

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