TechRadar News

• KDE has a campaign to persuade Windows 10 users to switch to Linux
• The desktop environment maker accuses Microsoft of ‘tech extortion’ with the end of support deadline for Windows 10
• There are serious environmental concerns here, but at the same time, the language used in this campaign is going too far

As Windows 10 comes nearer to its End of Life – and we’re getting quite close now – there’s a growing movement attempting to persuade those who can’t (or won’t) switch to Windows 11 to migrate to Linux instead.

Recently we saw the ‘End of 10’ project, which is a group of Linux enthusiasts urging folks to switch to one of the flavors (known as distros) of that operating system as an alternative to Microsoft.

And now, Windows Latest flagged up that we’ve got ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ which is, shall we say, a bit more full-on in its attempts to persuade people to defect to Linux.

If you’re wondering what KDE is, it makes a desktop environment called Plasma which comes preinstalled with some of the best Linux distros (and can be installed with others, too).

The portal on the official KDE website doesn’t pull any punches, as we’re told: “Running Windows 10 on your computer? On October 14 Microsoft wants to turn it into junk.

“It may seem like it continues to work after that date for a bit, but when Microsoft stops support for Windows 10, your perfectly good computer will be officially obsolete.”

KDE then points out that if it’s unpatched, which is what happens when support ceases, Windows 10 is insecure, and you open yourself to being hacked, adding that also: “New versions of your apps will not run, but Microsoft will still block you from upgrading to the next version of Windows until you buy the new computer they decide.

“You will be forced to spend your hard-earned cash and will be unwillingly polluting the earth and water as your old machine rots in a landfill. The air will also be polluted with the emissions that come from manufacturing and shipping a new device you don’t really need.”

(Image credit: Microsoft)Analysis: Firing the big guns

Ouch, in a word. That’s quite the heavy cannon fire aimed at Microsoft. Indeed, the KDE website accuses Microsoft of leveraging a form of ‘tech extortion’ here – but is this fair? Not really, no, but it’s not entirely baseless either.

The anger is coming from the fact that Windows 11’s heftier system requirements mean that some Windows 10 PCs simply can’t have the newer OS, because their CPU is too old (or they don’t have TPM 2.0, a security feature).

This could be an impossible issue to resolve with a laptop (where the hardware can’t be replaced at all), and perhaps even super-tricky on a desktop PC (you may end up upgrading basically everything, which might be well beyond the abilities of many owners, or not make any sense cost-wise).

That enforcement of a loftier PC spec is done for what Microsoft argues is (primarily) security improvements with Windows 11, and it’s a move that many organizations have criticized because it’s likely to push a whole heap of computers onto the scrapheap. This is where the stark images of landfill come into play, and this is a looking environmental disaster on the tech front, I wouldn’t argue against that.

Can Linux rescue your old PC from that fate? Well, yes it can, though it’s not quite as simple as that. For less tech-savvy users, a move to Linux will be a complex process where they may wonder where to even begin (picking a good Linux distro for beginners, or perhaps one that’s similar to Windows, would be a start).

And I can’t pretend there aren’t serious shortcomings with Linux in some ways: it’s a whole new interface to learn, some of the apps you’ve spent money on may not work with the OS, and certainly some games won’t run (at all).

There are brick walls that may be run up against, including potential hardware or driver issues – and for a less experienced computer user, that’s going to be a whole lot to cope with, only relying on online support from the community to get them through. (Although I must admit, the Linux community cannot be faulted for their helpfulness).

I’ve covered this ground before, but for somewhat more experienced Windows 10 users, a switch to Linux could be a viable enough way to keep old hardware alive. For the less confident tech types out there, though, maybe not so much.

As for calling out Microsoft for extortion – well, that’s going too far. Windows is a paid OS, and as such, it won’t last forever. Windows 10 has been around for a decade, so really, that’s hardly bad value for money – especially seeing as a fair few folks got the upgrade for free, anyway. You can also pay for another year of support for Windows 10, and it doesn’t cost a whole lot.

If I was to chuck stones at Microsoft’s Windows greenhouse, it would be for including promotional activity in a paid-for OS, not charging for the software in the first place. That is a serious frustration with Windows. It’d also be nice to have the option of extended support for consumers that’s longer than a year, too (while that could still happen, Microsoft hasn’t said it will yet).

It’s worth noting that some folks who work on KDE were part of the End of 10 project, and there’s a link across to the latter website, too. So, it’d appear that KDE really is making a big play to capitalize on disgruntled types who feel Microsoft is being unfair with its Windows 11 system requirements, and that’s fair enough.

However, I think it’d be wise to rein in some of the language and the way this campaign is angled here.

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• Several possible iOS 19 features have been rumored
• These includes polls and automatic translations in the Messages app
• The Notes app might let you export in Markdown, and Music could be getting animated album artwork on the lock screen

iOS 19 is expected to be a major visual overhaul for the operating system, and it may even include a new naming scheme, with the update possibly set to be called iOS 26 instead.

But as well as these big changes there are sure to also be smaller updates, and some possible ones have now been shared by 9to5Mac.

According to the site, the Messages app will be getting two new features. For one thing, it will apparently add support for polls, and may even use Apple Intelligence to suggest polls based on the context of a conversation.

The other feature apparently coming to Messages is automatic translation of incoming and outgoing messages. So if someone messages you in a language other than your phone’s system language, it will arrive translated, and likewise if you message someone in something other than their native language, they’ll receive a translation.

The iPhone 16e (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)Getting animated

The Music app is also said to be getting a new feature in the form of animated album art that can be displayed on the lock screen. You can already see animated album art within the Music app, but with iOS 19 it will apparently be possible to display this on the lock screen too.

Finally on the iOS 19 front, the Notes app is apparently gaining the ability to export notes in Markdown.

9to5Mac also claims that CarPlay is getting an overhauled UI that will see it look more like iOS 19 (which itself is also expected to be overhauled).

All of this should of course be taken with a pinch of salt, but Apple is expected to unveil iOS 19 on June 9 at WWDC 2025, so we should know exactly what the company has planned for its software soon.

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• Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC cost £249 / $299 (about AU$520)
• Adaptive noise cancellation and THX Spatial Audio with head tracking
• Up to 60 hours listening time; Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio

If you're going to compete with the likes of Sony and Bose for the title of best ANC headphones, you need to bring your A game, and ideally a bag with a skull on it. And Skullcandy has done exactly that with its new Aviator 900 ANC headphones.

Where rivals tend to offer a case, Skullcandy has gone for the more fashionable cross-body bag pictured below. And where rivals offer some form of spatial audio, Skullcandy's gone for THX Spatial Audio with head tracking.

The bag feels like a genuinely useful and practical addition, while also being a more fashionable option, so it's maybe a win all round.

These aren't the first Skullcandy Aviator headphones: the previous model, relreased in 2010, was something of a hit among celebrities and influencers. This new model takes the same retro aesthetic but brings it bang up to date.

Where rivals offer a carrying case, Skullcandy has a bag with a skull on it (Image credit: Skullcandy)Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC: key features and pricing

The noise cancellation here is adaptive, with six microphones analyzing the audio around you, and with ANC on you can get a very respectable 50 hours of listening; with ANC off that rises to 60-plus hours. Rapid charging will give you four extra hours from a 10-minute charge.

Bluetooth is 5.3 with LE Audio and multi-point pairing, and there's a low latency mode for gaming and watching video. Google Fast Pair and Google Finder are both supported.

The Aviator 900 ANC headphones include personalized audio via Mimi, and they also come with three EQ presets and a customizable 5-band EQ. You can customize the button functions via the companion app, and there's Spotify Tap support for instant access to your Spotify tunes.

These are Skullcandy's most premium headphones yet, we're told, but they're not priced too expensive: the list price is $299 / £249 / €299 / about AU$520.

That puts them in competition with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones – though they're still less premium-priced than the $399 / £349 of the new Sony WH-1000XM6.

We look forward to seeing if they can stand up to those headphones when it comes to performance – but when it comes to features and design, they're off to a good start.

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• Polar's new fitness tracker is targeting users that want a slightly smaller footprint
• The Grit X2 is intended to offer many of the features from the Grit X2 Pro at a lower price point
• It's packed with sensors, as well as offline map functionality

It would be fair to say that many of the best fitness trackers right now are so comprehensive that it's tricky for anyone to break new ground.

That means most devices launching in 2025 are evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, falling into one of two categories. They're either adding small tweaks to preceding models, creating more premium versions, or they work to lower the price where possible by slimming down to democratize the technology.

Polar, a company well-versed in incremental improvements, has managed to go down both routes with its new Polar Grit X2. The latest rugged smartwatch is aiming to be more "affordable, durable, and compact" than the Polar Grit X2 Pro, and launches today, June 4 for £399 (around $540 / AU$835), in the UK and EU, with US and other regions to be added.

A strong first impression

The Polar Grit X2 offers a 1.28 inch AMOLED panel, smaller than the Grit X2 pro's 1.39-inch, with the same sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel bezel for durability. This watch will be ideal for Polar fans with smaller wrists, looking for a slimmer, lighter adventure companion.

It meets military-grade 810H standards, meaning it should withstand "extreme temperatures, high altitudes, shock, and immersion" according to Polar.

Polar has long been pushing its navigation features, and that's not changing here. The Grit X2 gains the Grit X2 Pro's full-color, offline topographic maps to help with getting from A to B, or finding your way back if you get off the path.

This is particularly good as it slots within the same price point as this year's Garmin Instinct 3, an excellent adventure watch that's sadly missing full-color, topographical maps. Polar's managed to undercut Garmin here.

Polar Elixir health monitoring technology

(Image credit: Polar )

Polar Elixir, the company's 'most advanced biosensing platform to date' includes a fourth-generation optical heart rate sensor, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature updates, and the company says it'll be getting new features in lockstep with the Grit X2 Pro.

“Outdoor sports are thriving like never before – and it's women who are leading that growth", Sander Werring, CEO of Polar Electro explained via press release.

"Yet the market still lacks well-designed outdoor watches that truly cater to those seeking a more compact fit. Too often, designs are bulky or lack essential features."

"With the launch of Grit X2, we address this long-standing gap, delivering premium functionality in a streamlined design, built to move with a new generation of adventurers."

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• Samsung has teased an 'Ultra' foldable
• It sounds like this could launch soon, so we might see a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra alongside the company's other 2025 foldables
• Expect bigger screens, better cameras, and lots of AI

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is currently Samsung’s most expensive widely available phone, but this year the company might launch something even pricier than the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. That's right: Samsung has strongly hinted that a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra is on the way.

In a new post on its newsroom, Samsung talks about introducing an "Ultra-experience" with a foldable form factor, and while the company doesn’t get specific about when such a product might launch, it concludes by saying “the Ultra experience is ready to unfold”, which suggests it’s coming soon.

That could mean we’ll see the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra launch alongside the standard Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, both of which are expected to land in July.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Bigger and better

But what would a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra entail? Samsung doesn’t get super specific here either, but it does mention “bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create,” as well as “industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format.”

And there’s a GIF included that shows the outline of a foldable phone, though the form factor appears much like that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

However, while this all basically confirms that Samsung is working on an Ultra-level foldable, it’s possible that these features will instead come to the standard Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. After all, that’s rumored to have a new 200MP camera, bigger screens, and more power, so it could potentially be considered an ‘Ultra’ phone in itself.

So, it could be that we’ll still see just one new Z Fold model this year, a product with Ultra-level upgrades that may or may not have 'Ultra' in its name.

Alternatively, we might get both a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra – though in that case, it’s unclear whether all the previous Galaxy Z Fold 7 leaks we’ve seen are actually about that phone or whether some are about the Z Fold 7 Ultra instead.

Either way, it seems likely that at least one of Samsung’s upcoming foldables will be a big upgrade on what we’ve seen before.

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• HPE patches eight flaws in StoreOnce platform
• Among the flaws is a critical severity authentication bypass
• There are no workarounds and users are advised to patch up

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has revealed patches for a number of dangerous flaws affecting its data backup and recovery solution, StoreOnce, including a critical-severity bug which allows threat actors to gain full access to the vulnerable system without user interaction.

The bug is tracked as CVE-2025-37093, and is described as an authentication bypass flaw stemming from improper authentication handling. It has a severity score of 9.8/10 (critical) and could potentially be abused to compromise system integrity, allow threat actors to access sensitive data, and lead to different disruptions and availability issues.

Crooks could use it to deploy ransomware, steal sensitive data, or move laterally throughout the target network.

Eight flaws patched

In HPE’s advisory, the company said all versions prior to 4.3.11 were vulnerable, and has urged users to update their software as soon as possible.

There are no other mitigations or workarounds, so if you can’t update your instance immediately, it would be best to remove the product until you can patch it.

The issues were reportedly discovered seven months ago but apparently no one abused it in the wild so far.

In total, HPE patched eight flaws this time around. While the authentication bypass is the most severe one, others are potentially dangerous, as well.

Here is a list of other seven flaws HPE fixed in version 4.3.11:

CVE-2025-37089 – Remote Code Execution
CVE-2025-37090 – Server-Side Request Forgery
CVE-2025-37091 – Remote Code Execution
CVE-2025-37092 – Remote Code Execution
CVE-2025-37094 – Directory Traversal Arbitrary File Deletion
CVE-2025-37095 – Directory Traversal Information Disclosure
CVE-2025-37096 – Remote Code Execution

HPE StoreOnce is a disk-based backup and recovery system that uses data deduplication to reduce storage needs.It is usually used by enterprises, government agencies, and mid-sized businesses with complex IT environments.

StoreOnce supports integration with other backup and enterprise software, such as HPE Data Protector, Veeam, Veritas NetBackup, Commvault, and Microsoft Data Protection Manager. It also connects with cloud storage through HPE Cloud Bank Storage.

Via BleepingComputer

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Ever since Prime Video revealing they were doing a Carrie TV adaptation, I've been eagerly following along. The recent casting announcement has only made me more excited, too, as Scream and Five Nights at Freddy's star Matthew Lillard is stepping into the shoes of the horror story's well-meaning principal, aka Mister Morton.

I'm so excited to see Lillard's take on a character who's taken many forms over the years from the original Stephen King novel and the 1976 movie classic, to the not-so-good 2013 retelling. It'll be interesting to see if they stick to the novel or make changes his character, too.

I already had high hopes for this project, which has Netflix horror aficionado Mike Flanagan at the helm. He's well-known for his successful horror series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, so I'm expecting his Amazon TV take on another of King's most iconic works to be another small screen hit.

Who else is going to appear in Amazon's Carrie TV adaptation?

Sissy Spacek as Carrie White in Carrie (1976) (Image credit: United Artists)

Alongside Lillard, there are numerous famous faces attached to appear.

For starters, Cult of Chucky's Summer Howell stepping into the shoes of the titular telekinetic teenager. Joining her is Samantha Sloyan, who recently starred in The Pitt, aka one of the best Max shows, as Carrie's domineering and god-fearing mother Margaret White.

Other names include Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, i.e. the popular schoolgirl and Carrie's major bully, Amber Midthunder as gym teacher Miss Desjardin, and Thalia Dudek, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, and Joel Oulette in supporting roles.

We still don't know a lot about this project yet, but it's likely we'll spend a lot more time getting to know these characters as Flanagan can do a lot more with a TV remake than, say, a film's two-hour runtime. Here's hoping it's a horrifying hoot that'll earn a spot on our best Prime Video shows list in due course.

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• The 3i G10+ has a big onboard dust bin with dust compression
• It's designed to hold up to two months' worth of dirt in one go
• This removes the need for a bulky self-empty dock

If your home is on the smaller side but you still want a robot vacuum, typically you need to make a choice: opt for a bulky dock with a big dust cup that the robovac can automatically empty into, or take a compact, charge-only dock and commit to manually emptying the bot's small onboard bin on a regular basis.

3i has come up with a third option. Its newly announced G10+ robot vacuum has built-in dust compression, and aims to be the best robot vacuum for those with small homes.

Inside, you'll find a mechanical paddle that physically squishes the contents of the onboard dustbin as the bot goes about its cleaning, to maximise how much dirt it can carry. The onboard bin itself is also large at 950ml – bigger than that found on most cordless vacuums.

(Image credit: 3i)

All that means that even though there's nowhere for the robot to dump its dirt in the dock, it still shouldn't need emptying too often. In fact, 3i suggests it can hold up to eight weeks' worth of dust and debris… although that will vary by how much there is in your home that needs sucking up. (Pet owners should expect to have to empty it more regularly, for instance.) If you're worried about debris being stored for so long, 3i has added a built-in UV light to sterilize the bin's contents.

There are further benefits to this setup. The dust squishing happens in real time as the robot cleans, and it's silent. You'll never have to listen to the (sometimes noisy) sound of your robot vacuum auto-emptying every time it parks up. And there are no dock dust bags to dispose of, or to remember to buy.

3i isn't quite the first robovac brand to explore the idea of dust compression, but it does look like the best current option for those with limited space. The Narwal Freo X Plus has onboard compression, but that model still comes with a bulky dock; one that has water tanks but no dust bag. Another option to consider is the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo offers dust compression and a charge-only dock, although given the company's recent troubles, now might not be the best time to invest in a new Roomba.

(Image credit: 3i)

Elsewhere, the 3i G10+ features an extendable side brush and mop for effective edge cleaning (the latter via a mop pad with an unusual protrusion), and a very-decent 18,000 Pa of suction. There's automatic carpet detection and intelligent suction and water flow adjustment based on the type of dirt the bot encounters, and the same LiDAR navigation system and AI-powered obstacle avoidance as 3i’s flagship model (the S10 Ultra).

It's also relatively affordable – the list price is $499, but it's launching with a discount that takes it down to $399 (usually an indicator that it won't generally be sold at list price). One of the things that often bumps up the price of today's flagship robot vacuums is a fancy dock that offers things like mop pad cleaning; if you don't necessarily want those things but are still keen on an advanced robot vacuum, this could potentially be a great solution.

The 3i G10+ robot vacuum goes on sale at Amazon US on 29 May. We're in the process of testing it, and will have a review live for you to read as soon as possible.

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• Qualcomm has addressed three zero-days abused since January 2025
• The patches must now be applied by OEMs
• No details about in-the-wild abuse, but users should still be on guard

Qualcomm has finally patched three Adreno GPU zero-day vulnerabilities that were being abused in the wild.

According to the June 2025 Android Security Bulletin, the chipmaker has now fixed CVE-2025-21479, CVE-2025-21480, and CVE-2025-27038.

The first two are incorrect authorization flaws in the Graphics component. They were given a severity score of 8.6/10 (high), and could trigger memory corruption. They were first observed in January 2025. The third bug is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Graphics component that also leads to memory corruption. This one was given a lower severity score - 7.5/10.

Payment information intact

"There are indications from Google Threat Analysis Group that CVE-2025-21479, CVE-2025-21480, CVE-2025-27038 may be under limited, targeted exploitation," Qualcomm explained.

"Patches for the issues affecting the Adreno Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) driver have been made available to OEMs in May together with a strong recommendation to deploy the update on affected devices as soon as possible."

Now, it’s up to different device manufacturers, such as Samsung, Google OnePlus, or Xiaomi, to apply these patches in their products.

The affected devices span a wide range of Qualcomm chipsets, including flagship models like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3, as well as midrange and budget platforms such as the Snapdragon 695, 778G, and 4 Gen 1/2.

There are currently no details on who abused these flaws, against whom, and to what end, however similar vulnerabilities were seen used in the past in spyware campaigns such as Variston and Cy4Gate.

A separate Qualcomm bug (CVE-2024-43047) was used by Serbian secret service agency, BIA, in December 2024, to unlock Android devices seized from journalists, activists, and protestors, the same source claims.

Via The Hacker News

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• Genki has unveiled its new handheld gaming accessory collection, available exclusively online starting today (May 29)
• The collection is designed to eliminate the common frustrations while playing on the go
• All-new accessories include a Modular Grip Case, Minimalist Protective Case, a 30W Wireless Power Bank, and more

Genki, the innovative gaming accessories company, has unveiled its brand new handheld accessory lineup.

The collection, which Genki is calling "its most complete accessory lineup yet," is officially available exclusively at its online store starting today (May 29) and arrives just in time for the newest generation of handheld gaming consoles, like the Nintendo Switch 2.

The lineup includes a range of different accessories, including the Attack Vector Modular Grip Case, Force Field 2 Minimalist Protective Case, Sleeper Ultra Protective Zipper Carry Case, and Aegis Shield Perfect Screen Protector.

There's also the 30W MagSafe Wireless Power Bank, Detachable Controller Charging Station and Grips, Mimic Chest Game Cartridge Storage Case, and the Saya Carry bag.

These all-new accessories are purpose-built for uninterrupted handheld gaming and designed to eliminate the common frustrations while playing on the go by introducing ergonomic upgrades, smart power solutions, and rugged protection, "all engineered with Genki’s signature focus on innovation and design."

"The problem with handheld consoles has always been the trade-off between portability and a complete gaming experience—whether it’s poor ergonomics, limited battery life, or inadequate protection. Genki, known for redefining portable play, is tackling these challenges head-on," Genki said.

You can check out the Genki handheld accessory collection pricing details below and see the collection here.

• Attack Vector Modular Grip Case - $49.99 / $59.99 with travel cover
• Force Field 2 Minimalist Protective Case - $29.99 / $39.99 with travel cover
• Sleeper Ultra Protective Zipper Carry Case - $42.99
• Aegis Shield Perfect Screen Protector - $19.99
• 30W MagSafe Wireless Power Bank - $69.99
• Detachable Controller Charging Station and Grips - $39.99
• Mimic Chest Game Cartridge Storage Case - $19.99
• Saya Carry Case - $139.99

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• CD Projekt Red has shared a new tech demo for The Witcher 4 at the State of Unreal 2025 showcase
• The demo revealed new cinematic and gameplay footage, which offered a first look at the region of Kovir and protagonist Ciri
• The gameplay footage captured is running on the base PS5 at 60 FPS with ray tracing

CD Projekt Red has shared a brand new look at The Witcher 4 with an impressive tech demo.

During the State of Unreal 2025 event today, we were treated to a technical demo that offered an early glimpse into the Unreal Engine 5.6 features that will be in The Witcher 4.

At the start of the livestream, we saw a short cinematic of a group of men being attacked by a monster, before the footage seamlessly transitions into gameplay. We then see Ciri, the game's titular Witcher and playable protagonist, emerging from a cave onto a cliff after investigating the attack and showing off the never-before-seen region of Kovir.

According to CD Projekt Red, the gameplay shown is running on the base PS5 at 60 FPS, with ray tracing enabled, and it looks incredible.

Just like Geralt of Rivia, Ciri also has her own horse companion named Kelpie, and the two of them can be seen riding through the mountains and dense forests of Kovir to the port town of Valdrest.

The town is bustling with crowds of NPCs, some of whom will react to certain instances created by the player, thanks to Unreal Engine's MetaHuman technology with Mass AI crowd scaling.

For instance, when Ciri knocks into a man carrying apples, she kicks off a chain reaction. She apologizes, and then a child can be seen running forward to steal some apples that fell on the ground, followed by a pig looking to eat them up.

We also see other NPCs interacting with each other and creating their reactive scenes, making the whole town feel alive. It also appears that gameplay will seamlessly transition back into cutscenes when Ciri reaches her destination and starts a conversation, suggesting there'll be no black loading screens in between these moments.

Tools like the new Unreal Animation Framework and Nanite Foliage rendering are being utilized in The Witcher 4 to help deliver an immersive world at 60 FPS without compromising on quality, according to the developer.

"We started our partnership with Epic Games to push open-world game technology forward," said CDPR co-CEO Michał Nowakowski. "To show this early look at the work we’ve been doing using Unreal Engine running at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5, is a significant milestone - and a testament of the great cooperation between our teams.

"But we're far from finished. I look forward to seeing more advancements and inspiring technology from this partnership as development of The Witcher 4 on Unreal Engine 5 continues."

The studio also confirmed that while the tech demo was running on a PlayStation console, "the features and technology will be supported across all platforms the game will launch on", including Xbox and PC.

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For over two decades, Google has monopolized how and where people search online. From outfit ideas and travel tips to medical symptoms and product reviews, consumers have turned to Google to guide their decision-making. But we’re now witnessing a monumental shift in how people search. As antitrust pressures mount and tools like ChatGPT redefine the very nature of information discovery, a new contender has entered the ring: AI-powered search.

This isn’t just a blip on the radar - it’s a full-blown transformation. AI-driven platforms are not only gaining popularity, they’re also fundamentally changing consumer expectations and search behavior.

According to our latest research at adMarketplace, one in five consumers already prefers AI-powered search tools over traditional methods, drawn to their ability to deliver seamless, personalized, and conversational results. For advertisers, this presents a golden opportunity should they seize it. The age of AI search is here, and brands that fail to evolve with it risk being left behind.

AI search: redefining relevancy and intent

The foundation of search advertising has always been built on intent - understanding what consumers want and delivering relevant results in real-time. AI supercharges this. Unlike traditional keyword-based systems, AI search engines use natural language processing, machine learning, and real-time data to understand user intent more deeply and deliver results in a way that feels intuitive and tailored.

Consumers are no longer satisfied with a list of blue links on the legacy search engine results page. They want responses to their queries delivered natively on the sites, apps, and platforms they use daily. Whether it's product comparisons, local food recommendations, or answers to complex questions, AI search tools are meeting users where they are. This is a major leap forward for the consumer search experience and a powerful opportunity for advertisers to capitalize on.

Search is no longer confined to traditional platforms

Discovery is increasingly happening natively within the apps, websites, and digital ecosystems consumers already engage with daily, whether it's through AI-driven assistants, retail apps, or vertical-specific platforms. This decentralization of search represents a major change for advertisers. It's no longer enough to focus campaigns exclusively on legacy search engines.

To reach consumers effectively, brands must expand their search strategies to meet audiences where they are, across multiple platforms that are integrated with AI-driven discovery tools. As the search landscape modernizes, advertisers who diversify their investments and embrace this broader, AI-enhanced environment will be best positioned to capture attention and drive engagement.

A seamless, conversational experience

One of the key differentiators of AI search is its ability to make searching feel more engaging, relevant and intuitive. Instead of fragmented queries and manual refinement, users can engage in a natural, back-and-forth dialogue with AI tools, refining results through follow-up questions, contextual cues, and real-time data to find answers that fit their needs more efficiently.

This conversational approach is already proving to be a game-changer. It simplifies the path to discovery, reduces friction, and increases the likelihood that consumers will find - and act on - what they’re looking for. For brands, this opens up new creative formats and interaction points within search, allowing for more immersive and persuasive ad experiences.

Capturing the next generation of consumers

AI-powered search isn’t just a novelty. It’s quickly becoming the de facto method for specific types of discovery, especially among the younger, tech-native generations. Gen Z and younger Millennials are already leaning into tools like ChatGPT and AI-enhanced assistants for everything from shopping advice to academic support. These demographics expect search experiences to be fast, intuitive, and tailored to their needs.

For advertisers, this presents a crucial opportunity. If you want to engage the next wave of digital consumers, your search strategy must evolve. That means embracing AI-powered experiences, diversifying search media investment, and prioritizing how you approach consumer search intent.

What this means for advertisers

So, how should advertisers respond to this AI-powered revolution?

1. Reevaluate search strategies – Traditional search advertising, placing ads at the top of search pages, is no longer sufficient. It's time to experiment with native search integrations that leverage AI to deliver personalized, intent-driven results and enable conversational, real-time interactions between users and your brand.

2. Invest in personalization – Use AI to analyze behavior, preferences, and context to create more targeted and meaningful search experiences.

3. Reach next-generation consumers today – Target the younger demographics that are already adopting AI search. Meet them on the platforms they prefer with messaging and formats that resonate.

4. Stay agile and curious – AI search is evolving fast. Keep testing, learning, and adapting your campaigns to remain relevant in this rapidly shifting environment.

The bottom line

We’re on the cusp of a new era in digital discovery. AI is not just changing how consumers search, it’s redefining what they expect from every brand interaction. Advertisers that lean into this transformation will be able to connect with consumers in smarter, more personal ways, capturing attention and loyalty in a crowded market.

The crown of search is up for grabs. It’s time for advertisers to claim their place in the AI-powered future.

We've featured the best AI chatbot for business.

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

Is the conversation around remote work models finally petering out? Data suggests a shift in focus, with many firms reassessing their approach to the modern workplace. The reasons for these changes are myriad and nuanced. But while businesses and employees adapt to new ways of working, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the crucial factor that could actually shape the future of hybrid work.

Its application holds the potential to shift the focus away from location to how employee experience can be optimized and unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity. Our recent research highlights this shift, noting that 70% of businesses have integrated AI to enhance communication and workflows.

AI is driving the evolution of hybrid work, from intelligent workspaces to enhanced collaboration and personalized work experiences. As organizations move beyond traditional models, AI is enabling a workplace that is more dynamic, efficient, and ultimately, more human-centric.

The rise of intelligent workspaces

As hybrid work has become an established norm, many workplace tools have struggled to keep at pace with its demands. Standard video conferencing struggles to create truly inclusive meetings between office and remote participants. Calendar systems can also fail to account for complex hybrid schedules. Communication platforms often create information silos between in-office and remote teams, while productivity tools lack the intelligence to adapt to different working environments.

The challenge isn't just about managing hybrid schedules, but creating consistent, engaging experiences for employees splitting their time between home and office. Our research shows that AI is becoming a key focus for businesses looking to improve hybrid work, with a significant majority experimenting with or fully utilizing AI to enhance communication and workflows.

Rather than enforcing rigid systems, AI-powered platforms are introducing new levels of personalization. These systems learn from individual work patterns, automatically adjusting to personal preferences and optimizing workflows based on when and where employees are working. Data indicates that 88% of teams are already using AI tools at least weekly, demonstrating widespread adoption and reliance on AI to improve working practices.

The implications are far-reaching. AI can now predict when employees are most productive, suggest optimal meeting times that respect work-life balance, and even pre-emptively organize digital workspaces based on upcoming projects. For organizations embracing hybrid work policies, this level of intelligent adaptation is proving transformative.

Breaking down collaboration barriers

Business leaders and employees often share a common challenge: making collaboration work seamlessly across dispersed teams. Many employees in hybrid settings often struggle with feelings of disconnection and unequal participation between in-office and remote workers.

AI is helping address these challenges head-on. Advanced communications solutions provide real-time translation for global teams, intelligent meeting scheduling accounting for time zones and personal preferences, and automated note-taking that ensures everyone stays aligned regardless of location.

These tools are transforming how teams interact, making file sharing, team messaging, and real-time document editing more intuitive and accessible. Further, our research indicates that businesses are recognizing the value of these AI-driven solutions, with an overwhelming 97% of leaders anticipating increased investment in AI tools.

More significantly, AI is levelling the playing field between remote and in-office workers. Leading platforms can now analyze meeting dynamics to ensure equal participation, automatically enhance video and audio quality for remote participants, and even suggest optimal times for in-person collaboration based on team patterns. For global operations and mobile workforces, these capabilities are essential for maintaining productivity and team cohesion within a flexible work environment.

The benefits aren’t just limited to improved efficiency. AI is also helping managers and HR teams better support employee wellbeing. By analyzing communication patterns and workload distribution, AI can identify potential burnout risks before they become serious issues. These systems can recommend breaks, suggest more efficient working patterns, and help managers better understand their teams' needs.

Embracing the shift with AI

In short, the binary in/out debate is becoming less relevant. Organizations preoccupied with tracking office attendance have missed the bigger picture: AI is fundamentally changing how teams work together, regardless of the location.

Modern workplaces use intelligent systems to eliminate the mechanical aspects of coordination, allowing teams to focus on creative problem-solving and meaningful collaboration. A workplace with AI at its core removes the traditional tension between flexibility and productivity, between remote efficiency and in-person connection.

A future in which intelligent agents empower individuals to shape their workday is close. Our collective evolution towards agentic AI means work becomes less about rigid mandates and more about personal agency. By removing friction and enhancing individual experience, AI can foster the next era of work, where even the decision to go to the office is less about obligation and more about genuine choice.

As we embrace this shift, the workplace of tomorrow will be defined not by where we work, but by how effectively we can work together, augmented by the intelligent systems that empower us.

We've featured the best productivity tool.

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

• PlayStation has announced its next State of Play presentation
• It's happening on June 4 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm BST / 11pm CEST
• The show will be around 40 minutes, focusing on upcoming PS5 games

It's a PlayStation surprise as a new State of Play presentation has been announced for tomorrow (June 4).

Announced via a post on PlayStation's official X / Twitter account, this State of Play presentation is expected to be around 40 minutes long, according to the accompanying PlayStation Blog announcement.

This State of Play presentation will focus on "news and updates on great games coming to PS5." No information has been provided beyond that, though it's reasonable to expect potential updates on upcoming games like Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yōtei and Housemarque's Saros.

The State of Play presentation will air on PlayStation's official YouTube and Twitch channels. The show will go live on June 4 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm BST / 11pm CEST. It will also be uploaded to PlayStation's channels after the fact if you're unable to catch the show live.

Sony is perhaps cutting it fine with this State of Play announcement, but it's really not much of a surprise. This is arguably the biggest week in gaming, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, followed by Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Games Showcase on June 6.

We're going to be seeing tons of new game announcements in the latter half of the week, then, so it's not too surprising that PlayStation is looking to get ahead of the curve here.

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• The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 wireless gaming headset is available now
• The headset has multiplatform compatibility across all consoles and PC
• It has a bevy of features at an impressively competitive price point

Hardware manufacturer SteelSeries has just revealed its new Arctis Nova 3 wireless gaming headset lineup.

Sporting multiplatform capability (that's PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC in addition to mobile devices), custom drivers, a new companion app, and a rather impressive feature set, it may just be one of the next best wireless gaming headsets to enter the market. Doubly so when you take its price point into account.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 wireless gaming headset comes in at $109.99 / £99.99 and is available to purchase from the brand's website or select retailers in your region. You can choose from four distinct color options (black, white, aqua, and lavender), as well as a 3P (PlayStation) or 3X (Xbox) variant.

This means it's close but undercuts its SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 - a headset we love - brethren, offering an even more aggressively priced wireless option.

While this is a multiplatform headset, keep in mind that the 3X version is not compatible with PlayStation consoles. However, the 3P model does work with Xbox alongside all other major platforms. If you game across all consoles regularly, then the latter is the one to go for.

In terms of features, then, the Arctis Nova 3 is certainly packing a lot into a very competitively priced gaming headset. The brand's custom Nova drivers are featured here, offering full 360-degree spatial audio and compatibility with the PS5's Tempest 3D audio as well as Microsoft's own spatial sound solution.

An on-board 'quick switch' button lets you instantaneously swap between a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 connection; handy if you're expecting a call or for listening to music while you game. The headset also features a ClearCast 2.X microphone, which should provide clear voice quality for online multiplayer with pals.

In terms of battery life, SteelSeries claims you'll get an impressive 30 hours via 2.4GHz and around 40 hours via Bluetooth. Fast charge is also supported, with the brand noting you'll get nine hours of battery life from just 15 minutes of charging.

Lastly, SteelSeries is launching a new Arctis companion app for Android and iOS devices. The app features more than 200 game audio presets, which can be swapped and customized on the fly even while you're playing. That's pretty nifty if you're the type to set profiles on a per-game basis for maximum immersion.

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Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, June 3 (game #1226).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 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 #1227) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* 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 #1227) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1227) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1227) - 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 #1227) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• B

• S

• S

• H

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

Quordle today (game #1227) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1227, are…

• BANAL
• STOUT
• SEDAN
• HIPPO

Today’s Quordle nearly unraveled for me, but I managed to pull it back.

My starter words delivered all five letters for SEDAN and it was a simple case of rearranging them, but my next word had multiple options.

I figured that the word must end O-U-T but despite knowing it started with the letter S I had several options and sadly chose the wrong one before guessing STOUT.

From here it was more straightforward. For HIPPO, I had the H,I, P and O, so it wasn’t a great leap, while there was no other choice for BANAL.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1227) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1227, are…

• AMONG
• EXILE
• PRONG
• SOLVE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1226, Tuesday, 3 June: FUGUE, SYRUP, FLACK, WORST
• Quordle #1225, Monday, 2 June: THINK, BELLE, CRONE, BOULE
• Quordle #1224, Sunday, 1 June: POINT, MERIT, WHOOP, APHID
• Quordle #1223, Saturday, 31 May: CRUMB, ELFIN, DRIER, QUITE
• Quordle #1222, Friday, 30 May: RAJAH, CAUSE, BLACK, ETUDE
• Quordle #1221, Thursday, 29 May: CRIER, DRAPE, STRUT, NEIGH
• Quordle #1220, Wednesday, 28 May: HELLO, BEADY, VIGIL, PURER
• Quordle #1219, Tuesday, 27 May: TWEET, RANGE, POPPY, RADAR
• Quordle #1218, Monday, 26 May: BLEAT, HOWDY, ASIDE, SCOOP
• Quordle #1217, Sunday, 25 May: OCEAN, AMBER, PIPER, GLEAN
• Quordle #1216, Saturday, 24 May: HUSKY, HEIST, FOGGY, POLAR
• Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, CAPER
• Quordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCEL
• Quordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUT
• Quordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURER
• Quordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVE
• Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNY
• Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE
• Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK
• Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, June 3 (game #723).

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 Connections hints.

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 #724) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• PIPE
• HOOK
• ROOT
• APPLE
• CHEER
• CONSOLE
• CLOUD
• BRIDGE
• RUNNER
• BOWLER
• REFRAIN
• WHISTLE
• BENCH
• CHORUS
• CLAP
• COAT RACK

NYT Connections today (game #724) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Elements of a hit
• GREEN: Fan worship
• BLUE: Hallway stuff
• PURPLE: A surrealist classic

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 #724) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A SONG
• GREEN: SUPPORT AUDIBLY
• BLUE: THINGS IN AN ENTRYWAY
• PURPLE: IMAGERY IN MAGRITTE PAINTINGS

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

NYT Connections today (game #724) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #724, are…

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A SONG BRIDGE, CHORUS, HOOK, REFRAIN
• GREEN: SUPPORT AUDIBLY CHEER, CLAP, ROOT, WHISTLE
• BLUE: THINGS IN AN ENTRYWAY BENCH, COAT RACK, CONSOLE, RUNNER
• PURPLE: IMAGERY IN MAGRITTE PAINTINGS APPLE, BOWLER, CLOUD, PIPE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

A game of two halves today. After I got the first two groups fairly quickly I hit a roadblock and saw no connection between the eight remaining words (I’ll count COAT RACK as one word).

Completely stuck, I pressed shuffle to see if it would give me any clues and selected a few random groups of four.

It was thinking visually that changed things, as I imagined each item. I would not have been able to tell you the name of the artist – but APPLE, BOWLER, CLOUD and PIPE were all things I imagined in a painted form, and indeed there are all items that reoccur in Magritte’s surrealist paintings along with umbrellas, candles and doves.

His most famous piece is The Treachery of Images, better known for the phrase beneath a painting of a pipe which reads Ceci n'est pas une pipe (this is not a pipe). For a moment I felt quite clever, before admitting to myself that it was just a wild guess.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, June 3, game #723)

• YELLOW: BE OSTENTATIOUS GRANDSTAND, POSTURE, SHOWBOAT, SWAGGER
• GREEN: COPACETIC FINE, HUNKY-DORY, OK, SWELL
• BLUE: KINDS OF BRACELETS CHARM, FRIENDSHIP, ID, TENNIS
• PURPLE: THINGS YOU CAN PRACTICE LAW, MEDICINE, SELF-CARE, WITCHCRAFT

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.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, June 3 (game #457).

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 #458) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Monster quest

NYT Strands today (game #458) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• MANY
• CAKE
• FEEL
• POLITE
• MOCK
• WIRE

NYT Strands today (game #458) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #458) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 4th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #458) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #458, are…

• YETI
• BIGFOOT
• KRAKEN
• CRAWLER
• MOTHMAN
• JACKALOPE
• SPANGRAM: CRYPTIDS

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 hint

Today’s quest had us searching for mythical beasts, including the fantastical wild man Sasquatch (also known as BIGFOOT) – one of the most enduring CRYPTIDS of North American folklore.

The history of Bigfoot sightings goes all the way back to 1811, with some scientists claiming that the ape-like giant could be a remnant of the Neanderthals.

Of course, it is also entirely possible that once the mythology spread, certain mischievous people might enjoy dressing as a giant ape-like man and running around the country being elusive (see the Beastie Boys' video for Triple Trouble for further information).

They’re a shy bunch, are mythical beasts, even the more recently seen ones like MOTHMAN first seen in West Virginia in the 1960s.

After several couples reported seeing a large winged black creature whose eyes glowed red, the Point Pleasant Register ran a news story with the headline “Couples See Man-Sized Bird ... Creature ... Something".

He hasn’t been seen much since, but rather than fear the beast in their midst, the town has taken them to their hearts and there is now an annual Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant where you can watch live music and take part in a pancake-eating contest.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, June 3, game #457)

• VELCRO
• JACUZZI
• KLEENEX
• POPSICLE
• CHAPSTICK
• SPANGRAM: TRADEMARKED

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which 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.

• Edifier's Doo Ace on-ear headphones are Bluetooth 6.0
• Just 100g, so much lighter than the equivalent Sony cans
• Audio codec support is a little disappointing

We've been waiting a while for the first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones to arrive, and it looks like Edifier has beaten its rivals with the launch of the terribly named but quite funky Doo Ace on-ears.

The Doo Ace – a name that gets worse each time I type it – are Bluetooth 6.0 with multi-point pairing. But the presence of the latest Bluetooth doesn't necessarily mean you're going to want to buy them, as there are a few downsides to the spec – and as they're currently only available in China, you might not be able to buy them at all.

(Image credit: Edifier)Edifier Doo Ace headphones: key features and pricing

The Doo Ace headphones promise AI-based noise reduction, 32mm drivers and an audio jack for wired connections. There's a game mode with reduced latency, and Edifier says that you can also use them as a remote shutter control for your phone's camera.

However, as Notebookcheck.net reports, the audio codec support is limited: SBC, A2DP, AVRCP and HFP – not only is there nothing like aptX or LDAC, there isn't even LC3, the better default Bluetooth audio codec that's part of Bluetooth LE Audio.

At 100g, these headphones are very light compared to rivals such as the 147g Sony WH-CH520, but that light weight means less battery capacity: battery life is a claimed 25 hours, half that of the Sonys. Fast charging will give you 5 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.

There are four colors, Mother-of-Pearl White, Sunset Orange, Earth Brown, and Secret Night Blue, and the price tag in China is CNY229 (about $32 / £24).

It's unknown whether the Doo Ace will be launched in other markets but of course if they are we'll let you know. As far as we can tell, they're the first headphones revealed with Bluetooth 6.0 – we can't find evidence of any others, but let us know in the comments if you've seen any announced.

They're not exactly a flagship showcase of what Bluetooth can do compared to the best wireless headphones, but they're funky looking, inexpensive, and the lightness is very impressive.

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• Early adopters are in a much better position to win – "just do it," Sam Altman says
• Today, AI is an intern, but soon it'll be an experienced worker capable of tackling complex problems
• The next step is AGI, but does that mean accelerated scientific discoveries, self-improvement, or something else?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered his honest insights into the evolving AI landscape, comparing previous, current and future trends to point enterprises in the right direction.

"I think, just do it," Altman said in an interview with Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy at the company's Summit 2025 event, highlighting that companies waiting for the next AI breakthrough risk being left behind.

"When things are changing quickly, the companies that have the quickest adoption speed... win," he added.

AGI definition is shifting

Reflecting on how his guidance has changed over the past year, Altman noted a major shift in AI's capabilities just in this short period of time.

"We hit a real inflection point for the use of these models," he said, but "an interesting question is what we say different next year."

Looking ahead, Altman said he envisions businesses adopting AI not just to automate routine processes but to tackle bigger challenges.

In 2026, he predicts companies will, "throw a tonne of compute" at "hugely important problem[s]" and "the models will be able to go figure out things that teams of people on their own can't do."

Altman likened today's AI to "an intern that can work for a couple of hours," but foresees a near future where AI resembles an experienced or senior worker. The OpenAI founder predicts that "in some limited cases [and] in some small ways" we could see agents capable of discovering new knowledge pretty soon, and the use cases are only set to increase with further developments.

When asked about artificial general intelligence (AGI), Altman explained that humans are very good as adjusting their expectations, challenging static definitions of the term. Casting his mind back five years, he said that most people might have considered today's ChatGPT to be AGI, but our expectations today have furthered.

"The thing that matters is the rate of progress that you see year-over-year over the last five years should continue for at least the next five, probably well beyond that," he added, suggesting we're nowhere near the top.

His preferred purpose for AGI would be to significantly increase, maybe "quadruple," scientific discovery, but he also acknowledges that others see AGI as a system capable of self-improvement, potentially even consciousness.

Concluding, Altman was asked a hypothetical question – what would he do if he had 1,000x more compute?

"I would ask it to work super hard on AI research, figure out how to build much better models, and then ask that much better model what we should do with all the compute," he said.

Offering us a glimpse into the not-too-distant future from OpenAI, Altman revealed that "the models over the next year, two years, are gonna be quite breathtaking... there's a lot of progress to come."

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