TechRadar News

• Dummy units of the iPhone SE 4 have appeared online
• White and black color options are shown
• The handset is expected to look a lot like the iPhone 14

We shouldn't have long to wait now until we see the iPhone SE 4 officially launch – though it might actually be called the iPhone 16E – and freshly-leaked dummy unit images show off the handset's long-awaited redesign.

These images come courtesy of veteran tipster @SonnyDickson, and we can see the back and sides of the phone in both white and black. There's no look at the screen, but with these being dummy units, it wouldn't be an actual working display anyway.

These dummy blocks are made through supply chain sources so that accessory manufacturers – particularly phone case makers – can get their products sized up and ready to go when the devices in question are revealed to the world.

Not only do they give third-party accessory makers something to work with, they can also give us an idea of the shape and dimensions of upcoming handsets – and it looks as though the next iPhone SE will look quite different from its predecessor, which you can read all about in our iPhone SE (2022) review.

A new design

First look at the iPhone SE 4 Dummy pic.twitter.com/qL0COgmPPAJanuary 16, 2025

We've been hearing for several months now that the iPhone SE 4 will finally abandon the old Apple iPhone design, with the thick bezels top and bottom, the home button, and Touch ID for logging into the handset.

In fact, the upcoming handset is rumored to be based very much on the iPhone 14 that launched in 2022 (just like the current iPhone SE). That means Face ID and a display notch, and an increase in screen size – reportedly up to 6.1 inches from 4.7 inches.

There are likely to be plenty of other changes as well. The talk is that the CPU and RAM could match the iPhone 16 – so the A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM – so that the iPhone SE 4 will be able to support the full suite of Apple Intelligence features.

It looks as though we could get an upgraded single-lens rear camera – as shown in this dummy unit leak – and this could also be the first iPhone to feature a Wi-Fi and 5G chipset made by Apple. As for when we can actually get our hands on the phone, a launch date sometime in March is most likely.

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• The ultra-thin "wallpaper TV" is coming back
• Zero Connect wireless technology as seen in the LG M5
• The latest-gen OLED tech is included

Way back in 2017, LG made a TV that was truly breathtaking – only to stop making it in 2020. But a new official image shows that it's coming back, and it's even better than before.

The new TV is the LG W5, and it's the successor to the TV officially called the LG W7 Signature Series but known to everybody as the Wallpaper TV.

The W7 (pictured below) got its nickname because it was so thin you stuck it to the wall like wallpaper, albeit with magnets instead of wallpaper paste; all the electronics were in a separate soundbar. It wasn't cheap – the biggest model was $19,996 (about £16,000 or AU$26,500) – but it was stunning. As we said in our LG Signature OLED W7 review, it was "thinner than we even thought possible".

And now it's back, and it's even smarter thanks to LG's wireless tech.

(Image credit: LG) What we know about the LG W5 OLED TV

LG isn't confirming or denying anything, but the new TV was entered for and won a CES Innovation Award this month – and as FlatpanelsHD spotted, there's a whole page on the CES website about the W5. It says:

"The 4K 77-inch W5 is the culmination of many years of LG technical knowhow. Less than ½” thick, it blends into your wall without visible AV wires. This is achieved without compromise, as the TV offers LG’s best OLED picture quality, featuring a brighter more colorful OLED display capable of gaming (up to 144Hz with VRR). It includes LG’s most advanced α11 AI Processor inside a Zero Connect Box that wireless sends your AV connections to the TV, eliminating clutter and freeing TV placement. The W5 is the perfect TV, offering the best of what is possible in a TV."

The big improvement over the previous model is that the new TV uses the same Zero Connect wireless box as the LG M5, making it even more like part of your home décor as well as making it very flexible: as we've previously said, the wireless box is suitable for gaming as well as home entertainment, and is more flexible than previous versions, because it can now be hidden in a cupboard without spoiling the wireless communication.

It's hard to say why LG didn't show the TV off at CES fully – perhaps there was a problem with its initial units, or perhaps the whole launch needs to be delayed. But I'm happy to see such an iconic design return, because this seems like the ideal use of LG's wireless tech. No doubt it'll be devastatingly expensive compared to the best OLED TVs – but it'll probably be super-desirable anyway.

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• Leaks are teasing new Samsung Galaxy AI tools
• Now Brief looks like a daily personal briefing to help you face the day
• Gemini might be taking a more active role as a Bixby replacement

Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked showcase is set for January 22, and it’s there that we’ll find out everything there is to know about its 2025 smartphone flagships (perhaps even the much-rumored Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim). We’re expecting a slew of upgrades to the hardware, but also to the phone’s software – specifically in the AI department – and new leaks are teasing just that.

The new details come via Brazilian tech outlet Tecnoblog (translated from Portuguese), which claims to have received official Samsung assets highlighting new Gemini integration and a feature called “Now Brief.” This follows previous Samsung Galaxy S25 teasers which highlighted several impressive AI tricks which could be on the way to the next-gen Samsung devices.

Take the following with a pinch of salt as always, but here are three Samsung Galaxy S25 AI features we could soon have our hands on.

Now Brief

(Image credit: Artur Guarnieri / Tecnoblog)

Now Brief, according to the leaked info, appears to be a sort of personalized morning briefing that your phone’s AI presents to you, containing various handy stats – like today’s weather and your Energy score based on how well rested you are (presumably measured by a smart ring or fitness tracker) – as well as useful reminders for the day ahead. For example, in the leaked image Now Brief is reminding us to use that coupon for coffee before it expires in the next few days.

It also appears that your Now Brief doesn’t have to come in the morning, the final part of the leaked image shows us a recap of the day we’ve just had with “memorable moments” to relive and an overview of how we did achieving our daily activity goal. So whether you’d rather have a retrospective recap or a guide to help you navigate the day ahead it looks like this could be a nifty AI tool.

Bye, bye Bixby?

As we noted on the recent CES special episode of our podcast Samsung has a few too many named AI assistants. There’s the Galaxy AI, classic Bixby, and also Google’s Gemini, which it uses via the Android OS. Another AI leak suggests the new phones will try to simplify things by making Gemini more front and center.

It’s not clear whether Bixby is being phased out, but one leaked image suggests Gemini will at least have a more integrated role on the new Samsung phones – with it suggesting users will be able to more easily call on the Google assistant to help them with tasks across various Android and Galaxy apps (such as YouTube and Samsung Notes).

(Image credit: Artur Guarnieri / Tecnoblog) A smarter, more understanding assistant

That same leak which teased better Gemini integration also hints at Galaxy AI being able to perform tasks across multiple apps with one prompt, and that the new Galaxy AI will have a better understanding of what’s happening on your phone. The teaser image example shows us a request for the AI to save a summary in Samsung Notes of what was said in a YouTube video playing on the phone – highlighting both cross-app integration, and the ability for Gemini to understand it needs to pay attention to on-device media.

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• A new trailer Sniper Elite: Resistance has dropped
• It shows off the game's modes and co-op features
• It's set to launch on January 30

A new trailer has been released for Sniper Elite: Resistance, showing off some of its campaign and other core modes.

Set in occupied France, the game is set alongside the events of the last instalment Sniper Elite 5. You play as series staple Harry Hawker, who served as the second protagonist in Sniper Elite 3 through 5 while playing in co-op modes. In typical Sniper Elite fashion, you’re sent deep into enemy territory to take down a sinister Nazi plot that could turn the tide of the war.

The whole campaign will be playable in both single player and online co-op, which is great news if you want to dive in with a friend. For those with a more competitive streak, the fantastic Invasion Mode from Sniper Elite 5 is also coming back, which allows you to drop into other player’s games as a rival sniper and hunt them down. If you’re not a fan of confrontation, the trailer does state that this can be disabled.

Sniper Elite resistance will also introduce a brand-new Propaganda Mode, which you unlock by finding collectible Propaganda posters throughout the campaign. In this mode you play as a resistance fighter, taking on quick challenges against a strict time limit.

As you would expect from a Sniper Elite, plenty of fan favorite features are returning including the expansive weapon customization system, the ability to complete missions in a multitude of ways, and plenty of optional side missions. Of course, the trademark Sniper Elite X-ray killcam is coming back, allowing you to obliterate Nazi testicles from a distance in a glorious, gory 360 view.

The game will release on January 30 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC. It will be part of Xbox Game Pass on day one. A Deluxe Edition is also available, which grants two days of early access to the game in addition to a season pass and some cool bonus weapons.

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• Google is working on a major Wear OS upgrade
• It would let users scan transit passes without opening the Wallet app
• It sounds a lot like the Apple Wallet Express Transit feature

A new Wear OS leak has revealed that the best Android smartwatches on the market might soon feature an upgrade that will make commuting a breeze, and it's a move lifted directly from Apple's playbook.

As it stands, Wear OS smartwatch users who want to scan transit passes need to open the Wallet app and find the pass before tapping it to board their transport method of choice. Now, code uncovered by Android Authority reveals that this could be about to change.

Lines of code found in the 25.02.32 beta of Google Play services reveal references to the changes. Specifically noting "When your watch is unlocked, you can tap to ride without opening Wallet," and "Ride without opening Wallet." So what could this mean for commuters with Android smartwatches?

Apple Express Transit commutes to Android

(Image credit: Future)

The code uncovered in the latest beta is a very clear sign that Google is working on its own version of Apple's Express Transit feature for Wear OS.

Launched in 2019, the feature allows users of the best iPhones and best Apple Watch models to pay for travel without authenticating using Face ID or Touch ID, even working on some iPhones when they've run out of battery.

As it stands, Wear OS users can store and use transit passes on their watch, but to use it they have to open the Wallet app and find the pass before scanning it. Google Wallet for transportation more generally usually requires waking up your phone when using a transport pass, but there is an option to turn off the verification setting for public transit in Google Wallet for payment cards.

While there's no clear rollout timeline or release window for the new feature, it'll be a welcome update for Wear OS transit pass users when it eventually drops.

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• Google Gemini will now offer up-to-date news
• Google has announced a partnership with The Associated Press
• You'll be able to get your daily news fix directly from the Gemini app

Google has announced that one of the world's biggest providers of news will now provide up-to-date bulletins directly in its AI chatbot, Gemini.

The major deal with The Associated Press was announced in a blog post on Wednesday, and is the first time Google has struck an AI news deal with a publisher.

This new addition to Gemini will give users access to AP's journalism right from within the chatbot, allowing you to quickly get news on the go without the need for a fact check.

The Associated Press Chief Revenue Officer, Kristin Heitmann said the deal looks to "provide timely, accurate news and information to global audiences.”

She added, "We are pleased Google recognizes the value of AP’s journalism as well as our commitment to nonpartisan reporting, in the development of its generative AI products,"

Google's blog announcement says "The AP will now deliver a feed of real-time information to help enhance the usefulness of results displayed in the Gemini app."

At the time of writing, when I ask Gemini for the news in its iOS app, the chatbot replies "Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with real-time, up-to-the-minute news updates. My knowledge of current events is limited."

Google hasn't detailed a timeline of when we can expect to see AP news in Gemini, but considering the language of the post, it shouldn't be too long.

A trustworthy news source

(Image credit: Google)

Google says: "For years, we’ve worked with The Associated Press (AP) to provide up-to-date and accurate information for features in Google Search. To build on that collaboration, the AP will now deliver a feed of real-time information to help further enhance the usefulness of results displayed in the Gemini app. This will be particularly helpful to our users looking for up-to-date information."

This major change to Gemini could see more users flocking to the chatbot to get their daily news fix. In the past, I've been disappointed with the lack of trustworthy news sources in AI chatbots like Gemini or OpenAI's chatbot, so the shift to include more publishers allows the end user to read information in these apps without worrying about their validity.

Would you use Gemini to read the news? Let us know in the comments section below.

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• Google Workspace now offers Gemini AI to all Business and Enterprise tier users
• Does away with paying for extra Gemini add-on
• However overall Google Workspace subscription costs will increase slightly

Google has revealed it is bringing its Gemini AI tools to all enterprise users, but they will have to pay a higher subscription fee for the privilege.

The company announced all Gemini features for its Google Workspace suite of office software, including Docs, Sheets, Slides and more, will now be free to use for Workplace Business and Enterprise subscribers, meaning no additional add-ons are needed.

However the price of all Google Workspace tiers will rise as a result, with cost increases coming across the board.

Gemini for all

"We believe AI is foundational to the future of work and its transformative power should be accessible to every business and every employee, at an affordable price," Jerry Dischler, President of Cloud Applications, Google, wrote in a blog post announcing the news.

"That's why today we’ve decided to include the best of Google AI in Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, bringing the latest generative AI capabilities to our business customers without the need to purchase any add-ons."

Google says it has already seen over 100,000 customers use Gemini within their workplace, unlocking "employee productivity, creativity, and innovation".

This includes summarization, drafting, and information search functions across the whole Google Workplace suite, as well as access to Gemini Advanced chat for more complex tasks.

Previously, subscribers had to pay an extra fee for access to Gemini in their Workplace plan, with an add-on costing from $20-30 per month.

The company says that removing the need to pay for these additional services will help organizations of all sizes get to grips with AI, as well as resulting in significant savings - for example, using the Workspace Business Standard plan with a Gemini Business add-on previously cost $32 per user, per month, but will now total $14 per user, per month — only $2 more than was being paid for Workspace without Gemini.

The new pricing structure is effective now for new Google Workspace customers, and for existing customers, monthly subscription pricing will be updated starting March 17, 2025, or at the renewal date of their an Annual/Fixed-term plan, whichever is later.

Google says "very small business customers" are exempt from the changes, and users can start a "no-cost" trial today - more information on pricing can be found on Google's site here.

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• AMD’s RX 9070 GPUs were listed as in stock by a Danish retailer
• Purported photos were also provided from a retailer in Israel
• Release date rumors are pointing strongly towards something happening either on January 23 or 24

AMD’s RX 9070 graphics cards are already in the hands of retailers, if the latest gossip on the RDNA 4 GPUs is correct.

VideoCardz noticed that a Danish retailer (Foniks) actually had both the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT listed as in stock on its website, although those listings have now been pulled. This was flagged by @momomo_us, a regular leaker on X.

Product no: GV-R9070XTGAMING OC-16GDEAN: 4719331355524https://t.co/7qZHBB1QrH pic.twitter.com/lLKb364MtiJanuary 15, 2025

The tech site also pointed to a Reddit thread where a staff member at a shop in Israel provided purported photos of both the RX 9070 and its 9070 XT sibling (as ever, skeptical hat on, but they look genuine enough).

Those pics have now been removed from Reddit, but the thread remains (at the time of writing), and VideoCardz saved and published them.

Further to that, a German price comparison site, Geizhals, also listed the RX 9070 XT with a release date of January 24, and so the spillage around these GPUs is coming pretty thick and fast now.

(Image credit: Shutterstock) Analysis: Strong signs of an imminent RDNA 4 launch

What’s interesting here is that as someone else (CrateDane) noticed on the Reddit thread, Foniks had the RX 9070 listed as ‘In stock’ briefly, but then that was changed to ‘Ordered, expected in stock by January 23’ before the listings were taken down completely.

So, we have a mention of both January 23 and 24 here, as the potential launch date, which backs up other recent rumors. B&H Photo has previously accidentally listed the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT with a pre-order date of January 23, and XFX, a graphics card maker, also dropped a hint on social media that something big relating to Navi 48 (AMD’s chip in the RX 9070, as per rumors) is happening on January 24.

At this point, then, we’d be surprised if something doesn’t happen on January 24 (or 23), whether that’s the full announcement of RX 9070 models, or these graphics cards actually going on sale.

If you’re thinking – weren’t these RDNA 4 GPUs announced at CES 2025? – yes, they were, but barely, with hardly any details revealed. AMD wants to debut the RX 9070 boards with their own showcase, and by all accounts, also wanted to see Nvidia’s big RTX 5000 unveiling and pricing, before deciding on its own price tags – which will be suitably compelling, we’re told.

As far as what AMD has officially said in terms of dates, though, all we have is a release timeframe of Q1 2025. Frank Azor, AMD’s head of consumer and gaming marketing, previously said there will be a dedicated RDNA 4 launch event, and VideoCardz also noticed that another Team Red exec, Donny Woligroski, a senior marketing manager, backed this up, but without providing any firm date. Apparently it’ll be soon, though – likely a week away, maybe, or even sooner, if all these hints that have been dropped aren’t hopelessly errant. (Or, if AMD changes its mind again over the next week – though that seems unlikely).

Why wait until late in January, you might be thinking? Well, this gives AMD a suitable distance from the noise and hype around CES 2025 revelations, and of course, a chance to run interference with Nvidia’s RTX 5080 and 5090 launch which happens on January 30 (though reviews are likely to come out a bit before that, going by rumors).

Frank Azor previously underlined that there’s certainly no delay around RDNA 4, and that isn’t an issue here, as the apparent appearance of RX 9070 models at retailers indicates.

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• Tech layoffs have reduced the number of IT jobs available, report claims
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• AI and cybersecurity skills remain in hot demand

Almost 71,000 IT positions were lost across 2023 and 2024 as the industry continues to grapple with tough economic conditions, geopolitical tensions and ongoing skills shortages, new research has claimed.

A report by Janco notes how although the trend is slowly improving, with 48,600 jobs lost in 2023 compared with 22,300 in 2024, the reality appears to be that IT jobs remain increasingly difficult to acquire and retain.

The news reflects a broader trend of tech industry layoffs, which were amplified by post-pandemic budget cuts and shifts in working routines, including return-to-office mandates marking the end of flexible working.

IT jobs are hard to come by

Just two weeks into 2025 and layoffs.fyi has tracked nearly 1,400 redundancies in the sector. The good news is that signs of recovery are being seen – 152,000 IT roles were eliminated in 2024, compared with 264,000 in 2023. Note that layoffs.fyi tracks redundancies, not the total job losses that Janco’s report details.

Despite the growing need for developers who can handle artificial intelligence models, the technology has also slimmed down many workforces due to its ability to handle mundane, repetitive tasks, threatening knowledge workers across the globe.

It seems that smaller and mid-sized companies are now leading the way in terms of hiring efforts, primarily seeking workers with AI and cybersecurity skills.

It’s not necessarily all bad news for the tech sector, though. CompTIA recently reported that December 2024 tech unemployment rates had dropped to 2%, the lowest in 13 months. That compares with the US average across all sectors of 4.1%.

Network support specialists, tech support specialists and computer programmers were found to be the most in-demand without requirements for extensive college degrees.

Looking ahead, these are among a growing list of studies and reports confirming that the skills landscape is evolving, with AI and cybersecurity continuing to lead the way. Workers looking to futureproof their careers should consider upskilling in these areas for their best chances of survival.

Via The Register

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• Marvel sleuths think Daredevil: Born Again's first trailer contains a Spider-Man reference
• Fans have long clamored for an MCU team-up between the two superheroes
• Some aren't convinced that the show's teaser has a Spider-Man Easter egg, though

Marvel fans have dreamed of a Daredevil and Spider-Man team up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – and now some are more convinced than ever that it'll happen sooner rather than later.

Yesterday (January 16), the first trailer for Daredevil: Born Again was finally released to the public. And, while there was a lot to unpack from the forthcoming show's two-minute-long teaser, there's one supposedly hidden detail that's got fans excited.

So, what is it? Some viewers believe that, right before the trailer ends, Spider-Man's iconic 'thwip' sound can be heard. And, when I say the very end of the teaser, I mean it, because fans think they can hear the sound of Spidey's webslinging cue right as the Disney Plus logo appears on the screen – you'll need to scroll all the way to the 2:04 mark to hear it.

Upon first viewing, I noticed that something was a little... different about the normal 'click' sound that accompanies the Disney Plus logo's appearance at the end of trailers for one of the streamer's new projects. I'll readily admit, though, that I couldn't work out why it sounded unusual, and it wasn't until I started scouring the internet for clues that I saw what other fans were saying.

what if we get a spider-man cameo toward the end of DD Born Again pic.twitter.com/KIxnEr8KiGJanuary 15, 2025

Long story short: there are a fair few people who've turned detective and claim that Spider-Man will appear in Daredevil: Born Again. On the ResetEra Etcetera forum, users including Miles Iz Ded, RayCharlizard are convinced that Spidey is loosing one of his webs as the trailer ends.

Unsurprisingly, that's sparked a revival of the conversations fans have had about Tom Holland's wallcrawler appearing in a Daredevil project or vice-versa. ResetEra user Gotchaforce said "[A] grounded Spidey movie [with Daredevil] vs [Wilson] Fisk... would be Avengers-level awesome". Similar sentiments were expressed on Reddit, with YNWA1616, Vekastu, and pseudoveritas all stating their desire to see the duo join forces to take down a common foe.

The devil's in the details

Some fans don't believe Born Again's trailer is hinting at a Spider-Man cameo (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)

Other fans, though, are baffled by suggestions that Spider-Man will show up in Daredevil's standalone MCU TV show.

For starters, ResetEra member Pai Pai Master appeared to pore cold water on the claims that Spidey's 'thwip' sound can be heard at the end of the Marvel Phase 5 show's first trailer. Indeed, they suggest that it's Daredevil's billy clubs, which can be joined together by a cable that extends and retracts, are what's making the noise, which makes far more sense to me.

Other users are similarly unconvinced about Spider-Man's potential appearance, but for a whole different reason. Roxas and Nacho took to ResetEra to opine that Sony Pictures, which owns the rights to the webslinger, wouldn't allow him to appear in a Marvel TV series. Sure, we don't know the ins and outs of the deal that allows Holland's wallcrawler to appear in the MCU, but I'd be very surprised if Sony allowed him to appear any live-action MCU TV project. Holland has starred in TV shows, such as The Crowded Room on Apple TV Plus, so it's not as if he'd turn down the opportunity to pop up in a small-screen production. Nevertheless, Sony has a big say in where Spidey will appear, and I just can't see it happening here.

Some people don't believe Tom Holland's webslinger will show up in Born Again (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Sony)

Crowd-pleasing as it would be for me to see Daredevil and Spider-Man team up in Born Again, there is the odd fan or two who bizarrely don't want it to happen. Admittedly, ResetEra users like Uzzy are in the minority about this, but there are clearly people who either want a team-up to happen in a Marvel film, such as Spider-Man 4, or not at all.

Do you think Spider-Man will stun us all and actually appear in Born Again? Let me know in TechRadar's recently-reintroduced comments section below! Alternatively, get the complete lowdown on everything we know about the series by reading my Daredevil: Born Again hub.

Daredevil: Born Again arrives on Disney Plus, aka one of the world's best streaming services, on March 4 (US) and March 5 (UK and Australia).

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Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, rumors and speculation have been rampant over the last few months, but it's looking like we could get our first official announcement today (January 16). This comes from sources such as The Verge's Tom Warren, who teased a potential reveal this week.

In terms of concrete information from Nintendo itself, there is precious little. However, we do know that the console is to be revealed before the end of Nintendo's fiscal year, as stated by company president Shuntaro Furukawa. That gives us a hard deadline of March 31, 2025. There's still every chance Nintendo could play the waiting game a bit further, but signs are pointing to a debut announcement today.

As it stands, all unofficial information on Nintendo Switch 2 should be taken with a huge pinch of salt. That includes renders from accessory maker Genki at CES 2025, as well as the apparent logo for the console which leaked a few days prior.

In the run-up to any potential announcement today, we're bringing you all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 coverage. This will include official information from Nintendo itself, as well as the most prominent points of speculation and our own predictions and wishes.

What we know so far

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Wachiwit)

In terms of official Nintendo Switch 2 information, there isn't a whole lot to talk about. However, as mentioned in the intro, we do know that Nintendo “will make an announcement about the successor to [the] Nintendo Switch within the fiscal year” as per company president Shuntaro Furukawa.

Also confirmed by Nintendo is that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with original Switch games. Furukawa stated: “at today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch.”

Furukawa then added that the Nintendo Switch Online "will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well," so it's reasonable to expect your Nintendo account will also carry over to the new console.

What time should we expect?

(Image credit: Nintendo)

We're expecting the Nintendo Switch 2 to be revealed at some point today, but what time should you get ready for? Although there's obviously no word on an official reveal window, we can make an educated guess as to when it might be.

A lot of it depends on the current time in Japan, which is 9 hours ahead of coordinated universal time (UTC). At the time of writing it's almost 8PM, so we might even see some news in the next few hours before Japanese Nintendo fans head to bed.

That said, we suspect that that the reveal will be a bit later than that, potentially even tomorrow morning in Japan. 7AM Japan time would be about 5PM EST in the US, which would allow the news to reach two large audiences at once. Fingers crossed!

How will Nintendo reveal the Switch 2?

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The way in which Nintendo will reveal the Switch 2 remains a mystery even today, as we've still heard nothing in regards to what we can expect from that first reveal.

For the original Nintendo Switch console, we got a fairly comprehensive reveal teaser that showed the Switch's use cases. It demonstrated its docked and handheld mode capabilities while also showing off a number of unannounced titles like Super Mario Odyssey and a port of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. This was shortly followed by a full in-person presentation detailing specs, pricing and game announcements.

If Nintendo doesn't reveal anything concrete today, then an announcement of an announcement would be the next best thing - perhaps a social media post telling us exactly when a potential reveal will happen. We are still expecting a teaser video, potentially followed by a more in-depth Nintendo Direct presentation for the hardware.

Similarly, we don't expect Nintendo to just shadow drop a Switch 2 video or presentation. As with any Nintendo Direct, we do anticipate there will at least be some lead-up to the event itself.

What color will the Nintendo Switch 2 be?

(Image credit: Nintendo)

One of our biggest questions is of course what color the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be. Based on recent leaks, we actually have a pretty concrete idea of how it might look.

Like the original Nintendo Switch we think that it will come in two colorways, one plainer black option for all the boring gamers out there and something more adventurous for those who love a bit of whimsy.

We suspect that the latter will be a striking combination of black, orange, and blue. The orange and blue elements will likely come into play most on the refreshed Joy-con, with colored rings around the thumbsticks and a bright rail where it attaches to the system.

What new Nintendo Switch 2 features should we expect?

(Image credit: Future)

As ever, Nintendo hasn't revealed anything official for Switch 2 features as of yet, but some leaks have given us things to speculate over.

First up is the mysterious 'C' button which surfaced in a Nintendo Switch 2 rumors Discord server (via Game Rant). It's suggested that this could stand for 'Campus', a feature that had been previously datamined. We're still not exactly sure what Campus could be, but folks are speculating it to be a new social feature that's potentially similar to the Wii U's excellently charming Miiverse.

As for the hardware itself, it's heavily rumored that the Switch 2 Joy-Con will feature magnetic connectivity, as opposed to the current Switch's rail attachment system. This should make the Joy-Con easier to disconnect and reattach while in handheld mode.

It's potentially going to be a bigger handheld, too, with rumors stating the Switch 2's display will be around 8 inches. That's slightly larger than the Nintendo Switch OLED's 7.2-inch display. That could be a great thing for overall image clarity, but will likely mean the device will be a bit less portable-friendly overall.

Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be backwards compatible

(Image credit: Nintendo)

One of the very few pieces of concrete information we have about the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch software. This was confirmed in an X / Twitter post by a Nintendo corporate account on November 6 last year.

What does this mean? Well, you won't have to worry about your existing library of Nintendo Switch games not working on the new console. The company has also stated that Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, too, so you should be able to carry over your save data via the cloud.

You can see the company's full statement below.

This is Furukawa. At today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…November 6, 2024

Will there be any Nintendo Switch 2 launch deals?

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, it's very unlikely that we'll see any substantial Nintendo Switch 2 deals for the launch or pre-order phase. Nintendo will likely offer bundles with at least one major launch game included but this will almost certainly be at full price.

Your best chance to get a saving will be to trade in your current Nintendo Switch (or any other existing console) and put that towards an upgrade to the Switch 2.

As we saw with the recently released PS5 Pro, this was one of the better ways to get the console for less. In the UK, the phone network EE bumped up its trade-in rebate for the original PS5 by £30 to £260 when you also bought a PS5 Pro, making it one of the largest discounts from all retailers.

It's best to expect something similar to that trade-in discount whenever the Nintendo Switch 2 is up for sale – at least until the major end-of-year sales get underway in November for Black Friday.

Nintendo unveils its Switch successor

Nintendo has officially unveiled its Nintendo Switch successor, officially called the Nintendo Switch 2, via a new trailer posted to YouTube.

In the trailer we see the console showed off for the first time and it looks... almost exactly how we predicted! You can see it for yourself below.

Organizations increasingly depend on accurate insights from their data to drive decisions, fuel innovation and maintain their competitive edge. Yet, the ability to extract meaningful, high-quality insights from this data is dependent on effective data governance.

Implementing data governance is critical, but like all data initiatives, it requires internal adoption and organizational fit. Generative AI is emerging to transform the way organizations streamline data management processes.

Data governance and its challenges

Effective data governance is the backbone of data-driven decision-making, but it is more than just a process. It is a strategic framework that ensures data is accessible, secure and aligned with organizational goals.

Data governance relies on four core pillars for success. The first is having people to define and execute the policies and standards. Secondly, the process outlines the workflows for managing data while the third pillar, technology, provides the tools for tasks like ingestion, integration, security and compliance. Finally, standards ensure data consistency and interoperability across the organization, enabling effective collaboration and decision-making to maintain the quality and usability of data assets.

However, data governance is not a simple task and requires coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, such as business users, data teams and IT departments, along with the technical expertise and tools to implement, manage and monitor it. Managing data sources across platforms, applications and business departments requires a governance policy that is tailored to the complexity of the organization's structure.

Organizations face two primary challenges: the complexity of managing diverse data sources, and how to encourage widespread adoption of governance practices among users.

Organizations are required to handle data from various sources, such as customer databases, web traffic, or after acquisition, which can be formatted in many ways from structured and semi-structured to unstructured. This diversity, along with the growing volume of data, makes integration, management and effective use difficult.

However, data is only useful if it is being utilized to serve business initiatives, and yet many enterprises continue to wrestle with the fact that user adoption remains a challenge. Business users often see governance as a burden, rather than a benefit, limiting their access to data access and therefore ability to use it effectively.

They may also lack the skills to follow data governance policies. This can lead to non-compliance and the creation of data silos or shadow IT systems that compromise data quality and security.

How generative AI accelerates data governance

Leveraging generative AI helps organizations take a new approach to data governance. By automating, optimizing and simplifying core functions, generative AI enables them to realize the full potential of their data assets. Adopting techniques like deep learning and natural language processing, generative AI can also create relevant and accessible outputs including text, audio, and images.

It can transform data governance in several ways. By automating labor-intensive data management tasks such as ingestion, cleansing, classification and profiling to ensure data accuracy, it helps data teams efficiently scale data management. It also aids data discovery by providing metadata, lineage and context information, generating natural language summaries for all data assets to make it easier for users and businesses to understand data value.

This accessibility fosters a more inclusive data culture across a business and transforms data governance in several ways to achieve operational benefits. By providing natural language recommendations or suggestions alongside analysis results, Generative AI makes insights accessible to both technical and non-technical users, helping users optimize the impact of the data and ensure that it is effectively leveraged for decision-making and innovation.

By enabling users to interact with data effectively, generative AI can ultimately increase the adoption of governance practices, and foster a data-driven culture across the organization. This not only enhances data quality but also strengthens security and promotes seamless integration across systems.

Data trust and its role in governance

Data trust is the mission-critical consequence of effective data governance. In an environment where data is increasingly shared across departments and even external partners, ensuring trust in data for all purposes is essential. Trust is built through the transparency in data management practices, clear policies on data access and robust security protocols.

Generative AI can play a significant role in enhancing data trust by providing continuous transparent monitoring, automated auditing, and anomaly detection to ensure data integrity and compliance with standards. AI-powered insights can validate the data’s accuracy which helps to maintain trust as the data moves across different systems and teams.

Gen AI in decentralized data governance

As organizations adopt modern IT paradigms like data mesh and data fabric, data governance models are shifting from centralized to decentralized or federated frameworks.

In decentralized models, individual business units retain autonomy while following governance principles. Federated models strike a balance, with a central data team providing guidelines and decentralized teams managing data at the local level.

Generative AI is particularly well-suited for these frameworks, acting as a bridge between central governance bodies and decentralized teams. It facilitates communication, ensures alignment of goals, and provides localised, tailored insights while adhering to enterprise-wide standards.

Effective data governance is essential for unlocking the full potential of an organization's data, but managing complexity and encouraging user adoption remain significant challenges. Generative AI is a powerful tool for data teams to bring value from their organization's data to the business users efficiently and accessibly.

Generative AI bridges the gap between oversight and autonomy by ensuring data quality, bolstering security and supporting robust, bespoke data governance models. Embracing this technology enables organizations to overcome common governance challenges, drive innovation, and maximize the value of their data assets to ensure continued business competitiveness.

We show what we think are the best AI 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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of technological and business innovation, permeating every sector and fundamentally transforming how we interact with the world. AI tools now streamline decision-making, optimize operations, and enable new, personalized experiences.

However, this rapid expansion brings with it a complex and growing threat landscape—one that combines traditional cybersecurity risks with unique vulnerabilities specific to AI. These emerging risks can include data manipulation, adversarial attacks, and exploitation of machine learning models, each posing serious potential impacts on privacy, security, and trust.

As AI continues to become deeply integrated into critical infrastructures, from healthcare and finance to national security, it’s crucial for organizations to adopt a proactive, layered defense strategy. By remaining vigilant and continuously identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, businesses can protect not only their AI systems but also the integrity and resilience of their broader digital environments.

The new threats facing AI models and users

As the use of AI expands, so does the complexity of the threats it faces. Some of the most pressing threats involve trust in digital content, backdoors intentionally or unintentionally embedded in models, traditional security gaps exploited by attackers, and novel techniques that cleverly bypass existing safeguards. Additionally, the rise of deepfakes and synthetic media further complicates the landscape, creating challenges around verifying authenticity and integrity in AI-generated content.

Trust in digital content: As AI-generated content slowly becomes indistinguishable from real images, companies are building safeguards to stop the spread of misinformation. What happens if a vulnerability is found in one of these safeguards? Watermark manipulation, for example, allows adversaries to tamper with the authenticity of images generated by AI models. This technique can add or remove invisible watermarks that mark content as AI-generated, undermining trust in the content and fostering misinformation—a scenario that can lead to severe social ramifications.

Backdoors in models: Due to the open source nature of AI models through sites like Hugging Face, a frequently reused model containing a backdoor could lead to severe supply chain implications. A cutting-edge method developed by our Synaptic Adversarial Intelligence (SAI) team, dubbed ‘ShadowLogic,’ allows adversaries to implant codeless, hidden backdoors into neural network models across any modality. By manipulating the computational graph of the model, attackers can compromise its integrity without detection, persisting the backdoor even when a model is fine tuned.

Integration of AI into High-Impact Technologies: AI models like Google’s Gemini have proven to be susceptible to indirect prompt injection attacks. Under certain conditions, attackers can manipulate these models to produce misleading or harmful responses, and even cause them to call APIs, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilant defense mechanisms.

Traditional Security Vulnerabilities: Common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) in AI infrastructure continue to plague organizations. Attackers often exploit weaknesses in open-source frameworks, making it essential to identify and address these vulnerabilities proactively.

Novel Attack Techniques: While traditional security vulnerabilities still pose a large threat to the AI ecosystem, new attack techniques are a near-daily occurrence. Techniques such as Knowledge Return Oriented Prompting (KROP), developed by HiddenLayer’s SAI team, present a significant challenge to AI safety. These novel methods allow adversaries to bypass conventional safety measures built into large language models (LLMs), opening the door to unintended consequences.

Identifying vulnerabilities before adversaries do

To combat these threats, researchers must stay one step ahead, anticipating the techniques that bad actors may employ—often before those adversaries even recognize potential opportunities for impact. By combining proactive research with innovative, automated tools designed to expose hidden vulnerabilities within AI frameworks, researchers can uncover and disclose new Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). This responsible approach to vulnerability disclosure not only strengthens individual AI systems but also fortifies the broader industry by raising awareness and establishing baseline protections to combat both known and emerging threats.

Identifying vulnerabilities is only the first step. It’s equally critical to translate academic research into practical, deployable solutions that operate effectively in real-world production settings. This bridge from theory to application is exemplified in projects where HiddenLayer’s SAI team adapted academic insights to tackle actual security risks, underscoring the importance of making research actionable, and ensuring defenses are robust, scalable, and adaptable to evolving threats. By transforming foundational research into operational defenses, the industry not only protects AI systems but also builds resilience and confidence in AI-driven innovation, safeguarding users and organizations alike against a rapidly changing threat landscape. This proactive, layered approach is essential for enabling secure, reliable AI applications that can withstand both current and future adversarial techniques.

Innovating toward safer AI systems

Security around AI systems can no longer be an afterthought; it must be woven into the fabric of AI innovation. As AI technologies advance, so do the methods and motives of attackers. Threat actors are increasingly focused on exploiting weaknesses specific to AI models, from adversarial attacks that manipulate model outputs to data poisoning techniques that degrade model accuracy. To address these risks, the industry is shifting towards embedding security directly into the development and deployment phases of AI, making it an integral part of the AI lifecycle. This proactive approach is fostering safer environments for AI and mitigating risks before they manifest, reducing the likelihood of unexpected disruptions.

Researchers and industry leaders alike are accelerating efforts to identify and counteract evolving vulnerabilities. As AI research migrates from theoretical exploration to practical application, new attack methods are rapidly moving from academic discourse to real-world implementation. Adopting “secure by design” principles is essential to establishing a security-first mindset, which, while not foolproof, elevates the baseline protection for AI systems and the industries that depend on them. As AI revolutionizes sectors from healthcare to finance, embedding robust security measures is vital to supporting sustainable growth and fostering trust in these transformative technologies. Embracing security not as a barrier but as a catalyst for responsible progress will ensure that AI systems are resilient, reliable, and equipped to withstand the dynamic and sophisticated threats they face, paving the way for future advancements that are both innovative and secure.

We've compiled a list of the best identity management software.

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

• I've counted three TWM launched or demoed over the past year or so
• Viewsonic's VG1656N costs under $300 and has a 4000mAh battery for an expected 3hr battery life
• Mirror or cast wirelessly, without the need for a separate app

True wireless, portable monitors have been steadily evolving, and we could count no less than three launched or demoed over the past year.

Enter ViewSonic’s latest release, the VG1656N (via TechPowerUp). This 16-inch portable monitor stands out with a sizable built-in battery and wireless casting capabilities at a reasonable price point of $299.99 USD.

The lightweight display weighs just under two pounds and is less than half an inch thick, making it easy to carry in a backpack. It also includes a smart cover which doubles as a protective case and an adjustable stand.

Highly portable display

It offers a native WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution, and it also supports a 4,000mAh battery which can power the monitor for up to three hours, depending on usage.

Users can mirror content from Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices without the need for additional apps or software using a USB-C wireless dongle.

ViewSonic’s VG1656N integrates a G-Sensor which detects the monitor’s orientation and automatically adjusts the screen to landscape or portrait mode.

This feature requires the vDisplayManager app for wired connections, and doesn't function at all with wireless casting.

The monitor also comes with two USB-C ports, offering 60W two-way power delivery, though the battery itself cannot be recharged via USB-C and users will need an AC adapter.

Elsewhere, the company plans to launch the TD1656-2K in the second quarter of 2025, featuring a 16-inch touchscreen display with a native 2K resolution.

"Our new desktop monitors, along with our current slate of portable display devices, showcase how ViewSonic continues to expand its display solutions to offer more choices, features, and functionality to any type of work or play lifestyle," noted Jeff Muto, Business Line Director at ViewSonic.

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• Google Chrome's PermissionsAI test anticipates user permissions.
• PermissionsAI could reduce intrusive pop-ups by analyzing user behavior.
• It is currently in Chrome Canary for early testing now.

Google’s Chrome browser is testing a new feature dubbed PermissionsAI, which is designed to make those pesky pop-ups asking for access to your location or permission to send notifications much quieter.

The tool uses Google's “Permission Predictions Service” and Gemini Nano v2 to guess whether users are likely to grant a website’s request. If the answer is probably no, the feature tucks the request into a less intrusive UI instead of flashing it front and center like it currently does.

The idea is for Chrome to use AI to make browsing more pleasant by quietly handling the minor annoyances that can pile up when online. PermissionsAI analyzes your previous interactions with similar requests to predict your response. If you’re the kind of person who reflexively denies every notification pop-up, PermissionsAI won’t even bother you with a loud, in-your-face request. Instead, it quietly logs the request in a subtle UI where you can engage with it later.

PermissionsAI is currently being tested in Chrome Canary – the experimental version of the browser – and isn’t available to the public yet. It pairs well with the Safe Browsing security tool, which shields users from harmful websites and malicious downloads, meaning a wrong guess won't wreak havoc on your computer.

Browsing AI

This marks the latest move by Google to embed AI in Chrome. Gemini is now part of many of the browser's features, with the AI organizing open tabs, offering product comparisons, and helping to compose text. PermissionsAI, though, is less flashy than other features and may turn out to be one of the more appreciated improvements simply because it removes a common irritation.

While the concept is straightforward, the details of how PermissionsAI works remain vague. Google hasn’t disclosed exactly how its AI calculates the likelihood of you clicking “Allow” versus “Deny,” but it’s safe to assume the system leans heavily on machine learning.

By studying patterns in user behavior, Chrome could cut down on interruptions and make life a little easier for web developers who hear complaints about their pop-ups annoying people.

It’s worth asking whether PermissionsAI and other Gemini-powered features will strike the right balance between helpful and intrusive. While reducing the noise of pop-ups is universally appealing, AI-powered predictions aren’t infallible.

What happens if PermissionsAI incorrectly predicts that you wouldn’t want to approve a request and you miss an important pop-up entirely? Still, if PermissionsAI can reliably filter out the noise while giving users control over important decisions, it could become one of Chrome’s most welcome features yet.

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• Google is making Gemini AI part of everything you do with your smartphone – here's how

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #319) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Bar association

NYT Strands today (game #319) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• RICE
• TRACK
• CORE
• MILK
• TASTE
• CART

NYT Strands today (game #319) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Mixed beverages

NYT Strands today (game #319) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 4th column

Last side: bottom, 1st column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #319) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #319, are…

• ZOMBIE
• SIDECAR
• MARTINI
• STINGER
• COSMOPOLITAN
• SPANGRAM: COCKTAILS

• My rating: Easy
• My score: 1 hint

When I saw today’s theme I initially feared that it was going to be about boring legal words (and who’d want that), but my concerns were soon eased when the first Hint gave me ZOMBIE – which is both a slow-moving human whose brain has been eaten by an inexplicable virus OR a delicious beverage made from rum, lime and grapefruit juice.

Why it’s called a Zombie is uncertain although I suspect you’d find navigating stairs tricky if you had more than a couple.

Strands also included the classic cocktail COSMOPOLITAN – not a word that I use very often, but one that was strangely satisfying to connect letter by letter.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, 15 January, game #318)

• BLUE
• RIGHT
• GRAY
• ORCA
• BALEEN
• HUMPBACK
• SPANGRAM: WHALES

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1088) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1088) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1088) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1088) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1088) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• B

• T

• P

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1088) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1088, are…

• PARTY
• BLUNT
• TWEED
• PLANT

Boom!

I employed a different technique today and achieved easily my best ever Quordle score, getting all four words after six guesses.

Instead of taking an overview of all four columns I decided to solve each word at a time – Wordle style, or in the way that Daily Sequence game works – and only move on once I guessed each correctly. I didn’t do the words consecutively though, just looked at which one gave me the most clues. After getting PARTY I moved on to the fourth word – PLANT – as I had a head start there, with two green letters and two orange.

TWEED was lucky. With no other vowels available I thought there could be a double E and TWEED was the only possibility.

Happy days.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1088) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1088, are…

• GULCH
• TORCH
• BEGIN
• GONER

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
• Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
• Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
• Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
• Quordle #1083, Saturday 11 January: ASCOT, FIBER, ROGUE, SMELL
• Quordle #1082, Friday 10 January: BIGOT, INLET, LEECH, TUNIC
• Quordle #1081, Thursday 9 January: RESET, HUMOR, TENOR, IMAGE
• Quordle #1080, Wednesday 8 January: MINCE, SADLY, RISEN, VOUCH
• Quordle #1079, Tuesday 7 January: CREED, FILET, ROUTE, TAPER
• Quordle #1078, Monday 6 January: PIVOT, WOOLY, GRUNT, GROOM
• Quordle #1077, Sunday 5 January: BORAX, JUDGE, CADET, SALON
• Quordle #1076, Saturday 4 January: CORER, CRATE, QUASI, EXIST
• Quordle #1075, Friday 3 January: PERKY, QUARK, NAVEL, SHEEN
• Quordle #1074, Thursday 2 January: UNIFY, SWORE, DEPOT, INTRO
• Quordle #1073, Wednesday 1 January: CLING, SUITE, WORRY, TONIC
• Quordle #1072, Tuesday 31 December: PLUMP, TUBER, IRATE, ICILY
• Quordle #1071, Monday 30 December: TODDY, GROIN, GROWN, VERVE
• Quordle #1070, Sunday 29 December: PURER, SPLAT, RABID, EMCEE
• Quordle #1069, Saturday 28 December: BUNCH, LABOR, TRIPE, BUNNY
• Quordle #1068, Friday 27 December: BRAWL, LYING, ORGAN, CRONY

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need clues.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #585) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• MARKET
• SWITCH
• PLANT
• MALL
• TRADE
• GYM
• OUTLET
• ASSET
• RUG
• BUSINESS
• MOLE
• SCONCE
• PACK
• AGENT
• BASEBOARD
• COMMERCE

NYT Connections today (game #585) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Merchandise 
• GREEN: Room fixtures 
• BLUE: Undercover
• PURPLE: Add a rodent 

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #585) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: BUYING AND SELLING 
• GREEN: INSTALLED ON A WALL 
• BLUE: SPY 
• PURPLE: RAT 

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #585) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #585, are…

• YELLOW: BUYING AND SELLING BUSINESS, COMMERCE, MARKET, TRADE
• GREEN: INSTALLED ON A WALL BASEBOARD, OUTLET, SCONCE, SWITCH
• BLUE: SPY AGENT, ASSET, MOLE, PLANT
• PURPLE: RAT GYM, MALL, PACK, RUG

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 3 mistakes

I really struggled today, even though I got the yellow and blue groups fairly quickly.

My sticking point was INSTALLED ON A WALL, as I’d never heard of the word SCONCE before – which probably says a lot about my interest in interior design and home makeover shows.

Having said that, I really should have seen the words that had RAT in common.

Sheer guesswork got me over the line.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, 15 January, game #584)

• YELLOW: MEANS MECHANISM, MEDIUM, TOOL, VEHICLE
• GREEN: LACKING LIGHT, LOW, SHORT, SHY
• BLUE: MARTINI SPECIFICATIONS DIRTY, DRY, PERFECT, WET
• PURPLE: FICTIONAL MISTERS BIG, PEANUT, ROBOT, TOAD

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

• Qualcomm currently sells AI accelerator processors but has the CPU market in its sights
• Sailesh Kottapalli's expertise is in x86 architecture, not Arm
• But that didn't stop Qualcomm from bringing him onboard to lead its data center team

Qualcomm, renowned for its Snapdragon processors powering business smartphones and laptops around the world, has made a potentially key hire as it looks to challenge the likes of AMD and Intel in the processor market.

The company’s latest coup is hiring Sailesh Kottapalli, a former chief architect for Xeon processors and a 28-year Intel veteran.

Kottapalli joined Qualcomm as senior vice president in early January 2025, bringing extensive expertise in designing high-performance x86 server chips.

Kottapalli's move to Arm

Kottapalli wrote on LinkedIn that “the opportunity to innovate and grow while helping to scale new frontiers was immensely compelling to me—a once-in-a-career opportunity that I could not pass on.”

What makes the move significant, given Qualcomm’s reliance on Arm-based designs, is Kottapalli’s expertise in x86 architecture. His leadership could help bridge the gap between Qualcomm’s existing technology and the demanding requirements of data center CPUs.

A renewed push for the data center

Qualcomm had retreated from server CPU development back in 2018, but the company has now revealed plans to develop high-performance, energy-efficient server solutions tailored for data center applications.

This journey began with its Snapdragon X series for PCs, featuring custom Arm-based cores derived from its $1.4 billion acquisition of the startup Nuvia back in 2021, that built to a legal crescendo in a Delaware court in December 2024 when Arm alleged that Qualcomm's acquisition breached its licencing terms. Though a federal jury sided with Qualcomm, Arm is seeking a retrial.

For now, though, Qualcomm has been expanding its presence in the data center sector, with AI accelerator chips under the Qualcomm Cloud AI brand supported by industry leaders like AWS, HPE, and Lenovo.

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• GMKTec is yet another vendor jumping on the NAS + Mini PC combo craze
• Unlike rivals like Ugreen, it's announced a cost-effective, entry-level system
• GMKtec describes it as 'a dual-system NAS', suggesting dual boot functionality

GMKTec has announced its G9 NAS mini PC, a 4-bay device targeting entry-level users.

The G9 is marketed as a "dual-system" NAS and, though specific details are thin on the ground, this does imply being able to switch between NAS and mini PC-oriented operating systems.

An official teaser for the product does confirm this device will come with 12GB of RAM, but just 64GB of storage - likely eMMC.

An entry-level device for low spenders

The G9 will be also powered by the Intel N150 processor combined with LPDDR5 4800MHz memory. According to GMKTec, that makes the RAM in the system 80% faster than the previous DDR4 standard.

The GMKTec G9 also comes with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports as well as two USB Type-A ports, a high-speed USB Type-C port and dual HDMI ports.

GMKTec lists the device as “coming soon", with no information about the price.

Considering the specs, especially the eMMC storage, I expect it to be very affordable, but power users will probably want to look elsewhere.

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