TechRadar News

Managed services providers (MSPs) are third-party organizations capable of delivering a wide range of IT services, including cybersecurity, infrastructure management, cloud services, regulatory compliance, and more. Choosing to partner with MSPs can often be an advantage for organizations attempting to manage these same areas with in-house IT teams since MSPs offer specialized expertise, proven experience, and a business-first approach, often at a lower cost that building or maintaining internal IT resources.

MSPs are also capable of helping companies of all sizes and in various industries overcome many specific challenges. Let’s take a closer look at these challenges – and how MSPs deliver real-world benefits related to them.

Closing the talent gap

One of the first and most pressing issues is related to IT talent, and more specifically, attracting, managing, and retaining highly qualified technical employees. Today, the demand for skilled professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud services, or infrastructure management often outpaces supply. This is especially true for those companies competing with leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Google, or so many AI start-ups. Faced with these more exciting opportunities, prospective employees are less inclined to join what they perceive as conventional in-house IT teams.

MSPs help address this issue by giving businesses access to a pool of highly skilled IT professionals, without the need to hire, train, or manage them. MSPs are better equipped to bring an entire team of technical experts with specialized skills and knowledge and more capable of working in complex IT ecosystems.

Not only does this approach save companies the cost of recruiting and training, but it also ensures that their IT systems are managed by seasoned professionals. MSPs tend to work with a large portfolio of clients, so it’s more likely that their employees have “seen it all,” or at least have more experience with a wider range of challenges and solutions that than internal IT employees.

Advanced cybersecurity tools and expertise

Cybersecurity is another example where MSPs can deliver significant advantages. MSPs can specialize in modern, emerging cybersecurity products and services beyond baseline monitoring, firewalls, or other basic approaches many companies can only muster. They are often staffed with larger teams of experts who focus exclusively on the latest innovations in cybersecurity, including specific new tools, methodologies, or best practices. As a result, these teams tend to be more up to date on the latest threats and the best strategies to thwart them.

This isn’t a criticism of in-house IT staff. Yet those teams must often juggle many different IT responsibilities – including more mundane aspects such as maintenance, updates and patch management, network monitoring, and support – and simply can’t dedicate their full attention to cybersecurity. MSPs can dedicate full resources to threat monitoring and detection, behavioral analytics, identify security, and other innovations that many companies may not be able to afford, staff, or maintain on their own.

With so much experience amassed serving many different clients in many different industries, MSPs tend to have broad exposure to new cyber-threats, enabling them to quickly apply lessons learned and effective best practices to protect their customers. Such a proactive, specialized approach enhances any company’s security posture, reduces risk, and provides peace of mind – all without the burden of building a comparable in-house cybersecurity team.

Ensure business continuity with MSP-driven disaster recovery

Similar to cybersecurity, disaster recovery is a critical component to business continuity. Again, MSPs can play a pivotal role in planning the most effective recovery strategies, especially critical for companies in colocation or conventional data centers.

How do they do this? MSPs can provide valuable expertise in designing and implementing disaster recovery plans that factor advanced capabilities of data centers such as redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and high-speed connectivity. Their teams can monitor these systems on an ongoing basis and quickly execute various recovery protocols in the event of outages caused by natural disasters, hardware failures, or cyberattacks. Businesses benefit from minimal downtime, rapid data restoration, and compliance with industry regulations.

Driving growth with scalable IT solutions

Scalability is an important advantage in partnering with an MSP. In this case, MSPs can enable business growth by providing more flexible IT infrastructure and support tailored to the company’s evolving needs. As companies expand, MSPs can provide more resources, such as cloud services, storage, or bandwidth to meet the increased demand without requiring large upfront investments.

With MSPs handling IT scalability, businesses can focus on seizing new opportunities and driving revenue, all while maintaining operational agility and cost control. Beyond infrastructure, MSPs help optimize operations by implementing advanced technologies and automation, which helps free internal teams to focus on higher-value, more-strategic initiatives. This efficiency extends to sales and business growth, where more streamlined IT systems are more able to enhance customer experiences, improve productivity, and reduce downtime.

Simplify compliance with MSP guidance

Compliance with industry regulations is a complex yet essential requirement for many businesses, especially those handling sensitive data or operating in highly regulated industries. MSPs help organizations address these challenges by ensuring that their IT systems meet strict compliance standards.

MSPs can provide extensive experience implementing and maintaining security frameworks, conducting audits, and managing documentation required for regulatory compliance. This helps businesses avoid costly penalties and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Such a proactive approach helps make sure the systems are as compliant as possible as regulations evolve for further peace of mind.

MSPs: strategic partners for growth and innovation

Making the decision to partner with an MSP isn’t just about outsourcing IT. Instead, it’s about transforming elements in the IT ecosystem – and improving the overall business – with strategic guidance, scalability, and resilience. With MSPs as strategic partners, companies can confidently navigate today’s complex IT landscape and focus on driving growth and innovation.

We've compiled a list of the best IT management 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

• Google Gemini may soon integrate with Android Auto
• Gemini could augment existing tools with natural conversational abilities
• Gemini might make Android Auto more useful during trips

Google is taking Gemini on the road with plans to integrate it into Android Auto, according to unpublished code found by Android Authority. While Google hasn’t officially announced this upgrade, The code revealed hints that Gemini’s integration is on the way, with several notable changes to the interface, including a Gemini Live icon and the option to “Ask Gemini” anything. Even though Gemini won't actually engage through the interface yet, it’s clear the groundwork is being laid out.

Gemini could do a lot for drivers beyond what Google Assistant currently offers, simply by being more conversational and employing AI analysis to issues. Imagine you’re running late to work and need to find the fastest route through traffic. Gemini could not only calculate the best path but also analyze traffic patterns to suggest whether taking a detour for coffee is a smart move. If you’re bored driving alone, Gemini might break the silence with trivia about nearby landmarks like an entertaining human navigator.

Meanwhile, the school run could see Gemini queuing kid-friendly audiobooks or suggesting games to play from the back seat. Or, if your road trip needs more than just directions, Gemini could provide a curated playlist tailored to the mood you want your journey to have, suggest scenic stops along the way, and even find the closest dog-friendly park for a quick stretch.

Gemini could also be genuinely useful in sticky situations with your vehicle. If your check engine light comes on, it might analyze diagnostic data from your car and explain what’s wrong in plain English, complete with recommendations for nearby repair shops.

AI Automotive

The Android Auto integration will also likely benefit from Gemini's earlier integration with Google Maps. Gemini offers suggestions for places to visit and smmarizes reviews through the Maps app already. That's why Android Auto's Gemini link will be able to offer travel ideas based on a conversation about what kind of place you want to travel to at the time.

The Ask Gemini option will also be helpful when you have specific questions about a location. Assuming it pulls from the same databases as Google Maps, you'll be able to ask about things like opening times, how people rated their visit and more.

The uncovered interface is only a facet of the whole, but it suggests that Google is ready to expand Gemini into everyone's cars. Will driving be more enjoyable with Gemini, or will it be another underused feature destined to gather digital dust? It's only a pitstop on Google’s journey to throw Gemini into every part of people's lives, but it could herald an acceleration in that effort.

You might also like

• Google Gemini is racing to win the AI crown in 2025
• Gemini AI starts riding shotgun on Google Maps
• Gemini 2.0 doubles the speed of the AI assistant – and could supercharge search

• Pay a monthly fee to rent the latest AI devices
• The program aims to make cutting-edge tech more accessible
• There are optional maintenance services as part of the subscription

Samsung has a new plan to put AI tech in your hands, though not via drone delivery. Instead, it’s launching the AI Subscription Club, a program that lets you rent the company’s latest AI-powered gadgets for a monthly fee. It’s like leasing a car, but instead of a luxury sedan, you get a Galaxy phone or even the AI companion robot, Ballie, which debuted at CES this year.

On paper, it sounds great. You get shiny new tech, Samsung gets a predictable cash flow, and everyone walks away happy. But will it catch on? That depends on a few things. First, there’s the question of pricing. If the subscription costs rival traditional financing plans or carrier upgrades, it might not feel like much of a deal. Second, there’s the whole “ownership vs. rental” mindset. Some people like knowing their gadgets are truly theirs, even if they’re a few years behind the latest trend.

Despite what “AI Subscription Club” might suggest, this isn’t about subscribing to software features, at least for now, as Galaxy AI tools remain free through the rest of the year. The hardware subscription model lets you rent devices like phones, tablets, and robots. Samsung promises this will make staying on the cutting edge more affordable and accessible while also guaranteeing them a steady revenue stream.

Subscribers who pay a monthly fee get access to some of Samsung’s hardware catalog. It's like leasing a car in some ways. For instance, you can upgrade to new models without selling old devices. If you have an itch for new tech but don't want to pay for it every year or so, it's a good deal. Plus, it comes with optional maintenance services, so if Ballie accidentally rolls off a table or your phone gets an unplanned bath, Samsung has you covered.

It's notable that Samsung is pursuing this business model after similar attempts, such as the failure of the Google Pixel Pass. Still, Samsung may see this as the best way to get people to try its more expensive tech, but who don't want to pay the high price for the new toys. Then, if they like it, they may be more willing to fork over the cash.

AI anticipation

Samsung isn’t starting from scratch here. The AI Subscription Club actually began last year as a rental program for home appliances in South Korea. Consumers could subscribe to AI-powered washing machines, refrigerators, and TVs, complete with maintenance services. Expanding this concept to mobile devices and AI gadgets is a natural next step, though it remains to be seen if the same appeal translates to smartphones and tablets.

The subscription model also raises an interesting question: are we moving toward a world where we stop owning our tech altogether? Between this and services like Google’s Chromebook rentals, it’s easy to imagine a future where everything—from our phones to our fridges—is “as-a-service.” For some, that’s exciting. For others, it’s a bit dystopian. Either way, it’s clear Samsung sees subscriptions as part of its future.

For now, the AI Subscription Club is sticking close to home, rolling out in South Korea first. Samsung hasn’t confirmed plans for a global launch, but it’s not hard to imagine this program popping up elsewhere if it gains traction. And with the Galaxy S25 series expected to debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event later this month, this could be Samsung’s way of keeping the buzz alive.

You might also like

• Samsung’s AI chief predicts artificial intelligence in "every corner of life"
• Hands on: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: AI doesn’t come cheap … until now
• The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 series have landed, with high-end specs and a whole lot of AI

Full spoilers follow for Creature Commandos episode 7.

The first season of Creature Commandos has ended – and, hot damn, its final episode was an emotional roller coaster.

As the dust settles on the DC Universe's (DCU) first-ever project, I imagine you've got a ton of questions about Creature Commandos episode 7, titled 'A Very Funny Monster'. So, from queries concerning the fates of certain characters and the post-credits scene to DC Comics Easter eggs and whether a second season is on the way, I'll endeavor to answer all your biggest questions about said finale.

Major spoilers immediately follow for the R-rated animated series' final chapter. Turn back now if you haven't seen it.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: does Nina really die?

RIP Nina, you were taken way too soon *sniff* (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

That's affirmative. Nina Mazursky is murdered by Princess Ilana Rostikov when Task Force M's mission to kill Pokolistan's monarch-in-waiting goes awry.

After infiltrating the Princess' headquarters, the titular team's remaining metahumans – The Bride, Doctor Phosphorus, Weasel, and Nina – eventually locate Ilana. She's taking her daily morning dip in a lake within the confines of her command post, which makes things difficult. Not only is the body of water surrounded by guards, but none of the Creature Commandos can swim or breathe underwater.

Well, except for Nina. The amphibious humanoid's abilities mean she's tailor-made to assassinate Ilana as she enjoys her swim. Despite her protestations that she's ill-equipped to kill anyone, Nina is convinced to murder Ilana by The Bride and Phosphorus. Armed with a serrated knife, a determined but reluctant Nina leaves to execute the group's plan.

Why, Ilana, why!? (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

She would've succeeded, too, if it wasn't for Weasel. Remembering how kind Ilana was to him during the series' premiere, not to mention the fact that Ilana looks like a grown-up version of the blonde kid that Weasel failed to save in Creature Commandos episode 4, he races out onto the water and cries out to warn Ilana. As The Bride and Phosphorus try to stop him, Ilana notices Weasel, realizes what's going on, and spots Nina rising from the deep to skewer her. A tussle ensues beneath the surface and, after Ilana overpowers Nina, she wrestles the knife from the latter's hand, stabs Nina multiple times in the abdomen, and leaves her lifeless body floating serenely on the lake.

It's an emotionally soul-crushing moment, especially from a thematic standpoint. As the group's moral compass, Nina's death is a turning point for the Creature Commandos. With nobody on the team roster to keep their fellow villains and antiheroes in check on future missions, I think we can expect more inhuman actions in the seasons to come (more on this later). Additionally, this chapter and Creature Commandos episode 3 proved DC Studios co-chief James Gunn isn't afraid to kill his darlings, which suggests shocking deaths will be part and parcel of future DCU movies and shows.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is Princess Ilana also dead?

Good riddance, Ilana (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Yep. She evaded death's clutches by murdering Nina (Ilana will say she did so in self-defense), but Ilana's death-defying escapade proves to be short-lived.

Not long after Nina's devastating death, Ilana is visited by The Bride. After a brief back-and-forth, The Bride reveals that she knows Ilana isn't as sweet and innocent as she looks or has made out to be. Indeed, one of the biggest questions fans have had throughout the Max series' first season is whether Ilana is good or evil, and it turns out she's the latter.

Well, that's one way to assassinate a princess... (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

The Bride tells Ilana (and viewers by proxy) that she knows the Amazonian sorceress known as Circe, aka one of three big references to Wonder Woman in Creature Commandos, was telling the truth about Ilana's desire to conquer the world. However, Ilana's plan for world domination fails. Her scheme, which included seducing the titular team's leader Rick Flag Sr and using Batman villain Clayface to impersonate metahuman expert Doctor MacPherson and counteract Circe's claims, falls apart when The Bride sees Ilana and Clayface meeting in person on a security camera monitor in episode 6. In short: The Bride does what Nina couldn't and kills Ilana.

The Bride, though, reveals she's not murdering Ilana to prevent World War III. She's doing it because Ilana killed Nina who, as The Bride finally and heart-breakingly confirms after seven episodes of constant denials, was "the only friend I ever had" and the only team member "with an ounce of kindness in her soul". An angry and desperate Ilana reaches for a handgun in the drawer of her office desk but, she is too slow to shoot and winds up being shot in the head by her immortal foe instead.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: what happens to Rick Flag and Eric Frankenstein?

Rick Flag Sr has had better days (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Don't worry, the pair who make up the DCU's first bromance are still alive. After his near-death experience at the hands of Clayface – he's getting his own DC Studios movie, by the way – in episode 5, Flag Sr wakes from his coma (albeit temporarily) to tell ARGUS chief Amanda Waller that she was wrong to trust Circe and MacPherson before he passes out. That brief conversation becomes the catalyst for this finale's blood-soaked events, so I'm convinced that Flag Sr won't be a happy chappy when he reawakens and finds out that Ilana and Nina have died.

Eric really cannot be killed, can he? (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

As for Eric Frankenstein, he lives to fight another day, too. It seemed he'd taken his last breath after falling from a tower at Ilana's headquarters and then being riddled with bullets by The Bride. Remember, Eric believes The Bride was made with the sole purpose of being his adoring wife. However, after murdering the pair's creator – Victor Frankenstein – because The Bride fell in love with him instead of Eric, he shatters any hopes of getting together with her. Nonetheless, Eric spends the next two centuries pursuing The Bride across the globe, which is why he ends up in Pokolistan and gets gunned down by her in the season 1 finale.

Yet, Eric survives their latest encounter. Episode 7's post-credits scene reveals he's being nursed back to health by another old Eastern European woman, which mirrors the Eric-centric flashbacks depicted in episode 5. Based on what he did to his former savior Bogdana in that chapter, I don't have high hopes for the survival of this second Good Samaritan...

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: who are the titular team's new members?

G.I. Robot, reporting for duty once more! (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

With Rick Flag Sr incapacitated and Nina shuffling off this mortal coil, the eponymous group of superpowered beings is short of a member or two. Luckily, DC Comics isn't lacking in the villain or antihero department, so there's a seemingly immeasurable amount of individuals who could join Task Force M's roster.

Gunn and this DCU Chapter One show's showrunner Dean Lorey don't leave us hanging on that front before Creature Commandos ends. After returning to Belle Rive penitentiary, The Bride is met by Waller's right-hand man John Economos. He informs her that Waller wants to retain their services, thanks to their successful mission to kill Ilana. Not only that, but she wants The Bride to lead the new-look team, who'll operate out of one of Belle Rive's abandoned wings, which are now converted into their HQ.

I, for one, am delighted we're getting more King Shark after 2021's The Suicide Squad (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Entering Task Force M's new facility, The Bride is greeted by the familiar faces of Phosphorus, Weasel, and – in a reveal that'll surely delight many fans – version 2.0 of G.I. Robot, who's been repaired following his apparent demise in episode 3. They aren't the only individuals who The Bride will lead. As the camera pans around the room, the vampiric Nosferata, The Suicide Squad's breakout star King Shark, and a Pharoah mummy-like character (I'm assuming this is King Tut, but please correct me if I'm wrong!) are also revealed to be part of Task Force M's new line-up.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is there a post-credits scene?

Yes, Creature Commandos episode 7 has a post-credits scene (Image credit: Max/DC Studios)

Yes. As mentioned in the Rick Flag Sr and Eric Frankenstein section above, episode 7 contains an end-credits scene that stars Eric. Scroll up to learn more about what it's about.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is this the end of the show or will there be a season 2?

Don't worry, Creature Commandos isn't a 'one season and done' TV show (Image credit: Max)

There will be another installment! On Christmas Eve 2024, Max confirmed Creature Commandos season 2 was officially in development, so we can expect more adult animated monster mash-based storytelling in the future.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Gunn and fellow DC Studios co-head Peter Safran said: "We're thrilled to team up with Max for another season of Creature Commandos mayhem. From our spectacular first season of Peacemaker to the astonishing run of The Penguin to the record-breaking launch of Creature Commandos, Max has consistently delivered above industry expectations and beyond our wildest imaginings. Thank you, Casey [Bloys], Sarah [Aubrey], Pia [Chaozon Barlow], Sono [Mitchell], and the entire team for your tremendous support of DC Studios. We are proud to call Max home."

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: how does it reference DC heroes Green Arrow and Nightwing?

Two more DC heroes are referenced in Creature Commandos' season 1 finale (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Creature Commandos hasn't been shy about referencing myriad DC heroes throughout its initial seven-episode run. Its final episode is no different, with 'A Very Funny Monster' including Easter eggs concerning two other notable superheroes, though neither makes a cameo before season 1 ends.

The first of those suggests that a version of Green Arrow may be operating in the DCU. In a TV news segment seen midway through the season finale, the north Californian tech capital known as Star City is mentioned. This is the region that the Emerald Archer infamously watches over in DC Comics.

As for the other reference, the news anchor reporting on a mysterious fish-woman/sea creature being spotted around Star City (that'll be Nina, for anyone who may have forgotten) also mentions that animal control experts from Metropolis and Bludhaven had been drafted in to help catch Nina. The first city namedrop is a clear reference to Superman, who's already been alluded to in previous episodes. Bludhaven, meanwhile, is an obvious nod to Gotham City's sister town, which is protected by Nightwing, aka Dick Grayson, a former Robin. With a Dynamic Duo movie, starring the former Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, in development at DC Studios, this Easter egg may be planting the seeds for Nightwing's eventual debut in the DCU.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: how does the Max series set up other DCU films and shows?

I'd be amazed if we don't see Circe again in the DCU's Paradise Lost TV series (Image credit: Max/DC Studios)

Creature Commandos doesn't purposefully set up future DCU projects, but some of its characters and unresolved plot threads will feature in new movies and shows set to arrive in 2025 and beyond.

For starters, Rick Flag Sr will have a small role in James Gunn's Superman movie, which flies into theaters on July 11. After that, he'll play an antagonist in Peacemaker season 2, with Flag Sr expected to be gunning for the titular antihero after he killed Flag Sr's son in The Suicide Squad. Flag Sr will be portrayed by Frank Grillo, who voiced the character in Creature Commandos.

Waller and Economos should also have bit parts in the forthcoming Superman film and may have major supporting roles in Peacemaker's sophomore outing, too. The pair will likely be the protagonists of the as-yet-untitled Amanda Waller TV series, too, which is still in early development.

As for other DCU Chapter One productions, Creature Commandos season 2 might resolve any story threads left dangling after its forebear's finale. One of the best Max shows' next season is also in its early stages, though, so it's hard to determine when it'll be released or what its story will be about. This season's references to Wonder Woman also suggest it's tentatively setting up events to come in Paradise Lost, a Game of Thrones-inspired series set on the Amazonian island of Themyscira. Again, this project is still years away from surfacing, so I can't say what impact Creature Commandos season 1 will have on Diana Prince, Circe, and other Themyscira-based individuals.

You might also like

• Creature Commandos just revealed the DCU's Batman for the first time, and it's a disappointing cameo I'm willing to forgive for one big reason
• Creature Commandos episode 4 revealed the DCU's Justice League for the first time, but its showrunner has a warning for fans who might 'infer' anything from it
• Find out everything we know about The Batman Part II

GenAI is the most disruptive technology to hit society since the internet. Two years on from the launch of the most popular Large Language Model, ChatGPT, GenAI tools have fundamentally and forever changed the way we consume information, create content and interpret data.

Since then, the breakneck speed at which AI tools have emerged and evolved has meant that many businesses have found themselves on the back foot when it comes to the regulation, management and governance of GenAI.

This environment has allowed ‘Shadow AI’ to run rampant. According to Microsoft, 78% of knowledge workers regularly use their own AI tools to complete work, yet a huge 52% don't disclose this to employers. As a result, companies are exposed to a myriad of risks, including data breaches, compliance violations, and security threats.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, comprising of strong governance, clear communication, and versatile monitoring and management of AI tools, all without compromising on staff freedom and flexibility.

Trust is paramount, and goes both ways

Employees will use GenAI tools, whether their employer mandates it or not. In fact, blanket bans, or stringent restrictions on how it should be used, is only likely to exacerbate the challenge of ‘Shadow AI’. A recent study even showed that 46% of employees would refuse to give up AI tools, even if they were banned.

GenAI is an incredibly accessible technology which has the power to significantly enhance efficiencies and bridge skills gaps. These transformative tools are within arms reach of time-pressured staffers and employers cannot, without reasonable justification, tell them they’re not allowed to use it.

Thus, the first step for employers to strike the right balance between efficiency and authenticity is to establish the blueprints for how GenAI can, and should, be used within a business setting.

Comprehensive training is therefore essential to ensure employees know how to safely and ethically use AI tools.

This goes beyond technical know-how - it also includes educating staff on the potential risks associated with AI tools, such as privacy concerns, intellectual property issues, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.

Clearly explaining these risks will go a long way in getting staffers on board with those restrictions which may, at first, seem too severe.

Outline clear use cases

Defining clear use cases for AI within a given organization is also extremely important, not just for telling employees how they can’t use AI, but also how they can use it. A recent study actually found that a fifth of staff don’t use AI currently because they don’t know how to.

Thus, with the right training, awareness, and understanding of how AI tools can be used, they can avoid unnecessary experimentation that may expose their organization to risk, while also reaping the efficiency rewards that naturally come with AI.

Of course, clear guidelines should be set around what AI tools are acceptable for use. This may differ depending on departments and workflows, so it’s important that organizations adopt a flexible approach to AI governance.

Once use cases are defined, it's critical to measure AI’s performance precisely. This includes setting benchmarks for how AI tools are integrated into the daily workflow, tracking productivity improvements, and ensuring alignment with business goals. By establishing metrics to monitor success, businesses can better track the adoption of AI tools, ensuring that they are not only used effectively but that their usage aligns with organizational objectives.

Addressing BYO-AI

One of the main reasons Shadow AI festers, is that employees can bypass IT departments and implement their own solutions through unsanctioned AI tools. The decentralized, plug-and-play nature of many AI platforms allows employees to easily integrate AI into their daily work routines, leading to a proliferation of shadow tools that may not adhere to corporate policies or security standards.

The solution to this problem is through versatile API management. By implementing robust API management procedures, organizations can effectively manage how internal and external AI tools are integrated into their systems.

From a security perspective, API management enables businesses to regulate access to data, monitor interactions between systems, and ensure that AI applications are only interacting with the appropriate datasets in a controlled and secure manner.

However, it’s important to not cross the line into workplace surveillance by monitoring specific inputs and outputs from business sanctioned tools. This is only likely to force AI users back into the shadows.

A good middle ground is for sensitive alerts to be configured to prevent accidental leaks of confidential data. For example, AI tools can be set up to detect when personal data, financial details, or other proprietary information is being input or processed by AI models inappropriately. Real-time alerts provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring that breaches are identified and mitigated before they escalate into full-blown security incidents.

A well-executed API strategy makes it possible to provide employees with the freedom to use GenAI tools productively, while simultaneously safeguarding the originations' data and ensuring that AI usage complies with internal governance policies. This balance can drive innovation and productivity without compromising security or control.

Striking the right balance

By establishing strong governance with defined use cases, leveraging versatile API management for smooth integration, and continuously monitoring AI usage for compliance and security risks, organizations can strike the right balance between productivity and protection. This approach will allow businesses to embrace the power of AI while minimizing the risks of ‘Shadow AI’, ensuring that GenAI is used in ways that are secure, efficient, and compliant while allowing them to unlock crucial value and return on investment.

We've compiled a list of the best network monitoring 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

• Sony gave us a first look at the latest prototype of its NFL coaches headset.
• This announcement comes after the tech giant became the leagues' official technology partner.
• The NFL Commissioner unveiled the headset during Sony's 2025 CES keynote.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

Yes, Tom Brady showed up at Delta Air Line’s 2025 CES keynote, but before that, football and sports at large were making an impact at this year's show. In fact, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared at the Sony press conference, which tracks as the tech giant the NFL's official technology partner and the sport's official headphones supplier.

We’ve seen aspects of this partnership come to life, most recently with Sony’s Beyond Sports helping to power the alternative real-time telecast of The Simpsons football game on Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. That broadcast was made possible with Sony’s Hawkeye solution, which tracks players using sensors on the field but also various cameras.

When the partnership was announced, Sony teased us that a headset designed for NFL coaches was in the works, and we got our first look at it during Sony’s press conference. If you guessed it would feature Sony branding, you’re correct, and that tracks for being a corporate sponsor.

(Image credit: Sony)

We don’t have specs or any further details, but this is the latest prototype of the coaches' headset that Sony is developing for the NFL. It will feature active noise cancellation, something that Sony knows a thing or two about, considering the performance of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and there will be some extra connectivity here.

These will be connected to Verizon’s 5G network – the carrier is another partner of the NFL – though it’s unknown if they’ll also feature Bluetooth or other connectivity. There is a large boom microphone for clear pickup, even when on the sidelines, and there is also a receiver of some sort. Chances are as we approach the next NFL season, Sony will be ready to share a bit more.

It’s clear, though, that the partnership between the two brands is growing, as Sony and the NFL frequently work together to ensure replays, develop camera locations, expand Hawkeye to new stadiums, and much more. Indeed, we got a quick behind-the-scenes look at the camera setup and production areas at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, thanks to the companies' growing partnership.

You might also like

• Sony and the NFL are continuing to team up to make the game more accurate and entertaining
• CES 2025 day 3: the 11 best gadgets we've seen, from Lenovo's rollable laptop to Panasonic's new flagship OLED TV
• 'It's a lot of data, processed around 50 times per second' – Sony's Beyond Sports on how 'The Simpsons' Funday Football came to be

At CES 2025, it’s been all about the big-screen TVs. Several TV brands have confirmed new 100-inch-plus TVs including Hisense, Samsung, TCL and LG. While this isn’t Hisense or TCL’s first rodeo into the 100-inch TV world, Samsung announced a 115-inch version of its Samsung QN90F Neo QLED TV as part of its 2025 Neo QLED lineup. LG also revealed a 100-inch model of its QNED85 as part of its 2025 QNED TV lineup, throwing its hat in the 100-inch ring.

These brands, all responsible for making some of the best TVs on the market, have experience with larger screen sizes before, with CES 2024 and 2024 in general seeing a mass increase in 98-inch sized TVs. But CES 2025 is taking things a step further, breaking the 100-inch barrier.

Hisense also revealed a 116-inch, RGB mini-LED TV, called the 116-inch UXN, to add to its already stacked 100-inch TV lineup, including the 110-inch UXN, 100-inch U8K and more. It even announced a 136-inch MicroLED TV that it says will be consumer-ready, due for release in 2025, with a 163-inch version to follow.

While the demand for big screen TVs seems to be on the rise, it does beg the question – are these TVs going to become the go-to, big screen option for home theater fans, replacing projectors? Honestly, I don't think so. Not yet anyway.

It’s all about the money

Samsung goes big with a 115-inch model of the QN90F (pictured) - but what price will it be? (Image credit: Future)

While we don’t yet have confirmation on the pricing of the majority of the announced big-screen models, we can look at other, currently available models for an idea. The prime example is the Hisense 110-inch UXN. A mini-LED capable of 10,000 nits peak brightness (though based on my testing of it, it’s closer to 3,000 nits sustained peak brightness when measured on a 10% window), the 110UXN costs roughly $15,000 / £20,000, so is very much a premium TV.

For the cream of the crop of larger screen TVs, such as the 97-inch LG G4, you’ll be looking to pay $24,999 / £24,999. This is far beyond most people’s budgets and means larger TV screens sit out of reach.

For this, you could easily get one of the best 4K projectors, including the ultra-premium JVC DLA-NZ800, which costs $14,999 / £14,999, and a large screen, up to 150-inches, to go with it. Even dropping down to the still excellent Sony XW5000 (which I had experience with at my previous retail job) which costs $4,999 / £4,999, and adding a decent sized screen to this and you’re still way off the premium TVs above.

Even the LG CineBeam Q, one of the best ultra short throw (UST) projectors, can hit over 100-inch projection for under $1,000 / £1,000. So why would you opt for anything other than a projector at these 100-inch sizes?

Cheaper, big screen TVs – for and against

The Hisense L9H projector (left) vs the Hisense 100-inch U7K (right) (Image credit: Future)

OK, so above I picked some of the most extreme examples of big-screen TVs. The truth is there is a crop of 100-inch mini-LED TVs, one of the better panel types for bigger screens, out there for under $5,000 / £5,000 – some for as low as $2,000 / £2,000.

The Hisense U8K, one of 2023’s best mini-LED TVs, is one of those budget sets, retailing for around $3,999, but we’ve seen it as low as $2,599 during Black Friday before. For a mini-LED TV of this quality, which we praised for its detail, brightness and contrast, that’s a bargain at this size.

I even tested a 100-inch Hisense U7K against the Hisense L9H Laser TV (UST projector) to see which was better if you wanted a big home theater screen on a budget, and although I chose the L9H projector, the U7K mini-LED TV came very close and even bested the projector in some areas (namely during brighter viewing conditions).

Edge-lit, big screen TVs such as the Samsung CU8000 (pictured) can struggle with dark images. (Image credit: Future)

There’s also a score of cheap, big screen QLED and LED models from Hisense, TCL, Samsung and more, for as low as $1,299 / £1,299, which is significantly cheaper than what you would have to fork out for a decent projector and screen. Of course, it’s crucial to make sure these TVs have the right type of lighting – edge-lit TVs are best avoided, as I discovered testing a 75-inch budget Samsung.

However, the overall issue with these cheaper, big screen TVs, is they can have noticeable flaws. This could be poor backlight control, resulting in backlight blooming, and poor black uniformity (the ability to display dark tones evenly across the whole screen), something similarly priced projectors are unlikely to suffer from.

The other problem is, for how much you would spend on one of the ‘better’ affordable big screen TVs, such as the Hisense U8K or a more premium set, you could easily get a very good ultra short throw projector. The Hisense PX3-Pro, which costs around $3,499 / £2,499 and earned four-and-a-half out of five in our review, thanks to its excellent HDR picture quality and high versatility, is a prime example of this.

Final thoughts

While it appears that big screen TVs are indeed here and could be the future of home theater viewing, they ultimately aren’t going to replace projectors anytime soon. To get the very best quality from a large screen TV, you’d need to spend more than you would for a very good 4K or UST projector and an even larger screen (over 130 inches, say).

Don't get me wrong, some of the big-screen TVs we’ve seen here at TechRadar, myself included, are certainly impressive and rival the most elite of projectors. But until these big-screen TV prices reduce, they’re not going to dethrone the projector for those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck home theater.

You might also like

• I switched from a 65-inch TV to a 4K projector – and the results surprised me - what does a switch from a TV to a projector feel like?
• The 'world's smallest' ultra short throw projector promises lush 100-inch images from a tiny box, and with Google TV built in - JMGO's latest ultra short throw projector
• Samsung announces 2025 OLED TVs, with next-gen Glare Free tech and 165Hz gaming support - the S95F, successor the S95D, has arrived

TechRadar will be covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Off the hook!

NYT Strands today (game #312) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• LOAF
• FINE
• SCAM
• CORK
• SKIP
• PICK

NYT Strands today (game #312) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Chicken of the sea

NYT Strands today (game #312) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 3rd row

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

NYT Strands today (game #312) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #312, are…

• BIGEYE
• BLUEFIN
• SKIPJACK
• ALBACORE
• YELLOWFIN
• SPANGRAM: TUNA FAMILY

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 2 hints

It took me two hints before I cottoned on to today’s Strands being all about Tuna – or “the chicken of the sea” as one canned tuna brand calls it, which is not accurate but is a bit more catchy than obligate ram generators of the sea.

Because we think of tuna in cans or fillets rather than as living creatures, it’s easy to forget their size – Atlantic YELLOWFIN tuna are enormous and can weigh as much as a horse. They’re fast too, swimming at speeds of 42mph.

My favourite fact about the tuna is that they never stop moving, as their movement and respiration are connected and because of this they don’t stop to sleep and instead employ a technique where they shut down one half of their brain so they can continue moving and staying vigilant to threats and then after a while shut down the opposite half of their brain. I’ll try it when I do Strands tomorrow.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, 8 January, game #311)

• OVEN
• SINK
• ISLAND
• BACKSPLASH
• COUNTERTOP
• SPANGRAM: KITCHEN REMODEL

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 #1081) - hint #1 - Vowels How 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 #1081) - 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 #1081) - 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 #1081) - 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 0.

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 #1081) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• R

• H

• T

• I

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

Quordle today (game #1081) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1081, are…

• RESET
• HUMOR
• TENOR
• IMAGE

I came close to getting Quordle in six goes today, but seven still equals my PB, although I really struggled to get IMAGE. I knew it ended in E and had an M and I, but after guessing Maize it took me a good few minutes of brain freeze and word inventing until I got to image.

Today, I got to that stuck stage where I almost guessed words I knew were incorrect just so I could fill out the puzzle.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1081) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1081, are…

• FILLY
• NORTH
• BROOK
• NAVAL

Quordle answers: The past 20

• 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
• Quordle #1067, Thursday 26 December: TATTY, OVERT, FLOUR, SWEPT
• Quordle #1066, Wednesday 25 December: LIVER, CRIER, SHORE, MURKY
• Quordle #1065, Tuesday 24 December: TIPSY, SCALE, FLYER, VALVE
• Quordle #1064, Monday 23 December: SNAKE, SAVVY, ELBOW, TWEED
• Quordle #1063, Sunday 22 December: DOUBT, SLURP, PAPER, CIVIL
• Quordle #1062, Saturday 21 December: STRIP, BUDGE, SAPPY, SHELF
• Quordle #1061, Friday 20 December: PENAL, EAGLE, DILLY, QUITE

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 #578) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SHINING
• FINANCE
• TABLE
• SIT
• STAND
• STAY
• TO
• IT
• SEA
• STALL
• COME
• FROM
• LEGAL
• HEEL
• BOOTH
• SALES

NYT Connections today (game #578) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: A pitch to sell from
• GREEN: Well trained 
• BLUE: The office
• PURPLE: Last line of patriotic song

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 #578) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: VENDOR'S SPOT AT A MARKET
• GREEN: DOG COMMANDS
• BLUE: CORPORATE DEPARTMENTS
• PURPLE: LAST WORDS IN "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" 

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

NYT Connections today (game #578) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #578, are…

• YELLOW: VENDOR'S SPOT AT A MARKET BOOTH, STALL, STAND, TABLE
• GREEN: DOG COMMANDS COME, HEEL, SIT, STAY
• BLUE: CORPORATE DEPARTMENTS FINANCE, IT, LEGAL, SALES
• PURPLE: LAST WORDS IN "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" FROM, SEA, SHINING, TO

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Perfect

It’s an odd feeling getting the purple group second, and not one I’ve experienced often. “FROM SEA TO SHINING sea” felt almost too obvious – like, yellow-group obvious.

My first thought about today’s words was Stephen King novels – IT, The SHINING, The STAND – and that’s as far as I got before seeing the LAST WORDS IN “AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL” and DOG COMMANDS.

VENDOR’S SPOT AT A MARKET didn’t include the best one – blanket on the floor, the spot most often deployed by someone who doesn’t have an official spot at the market. There’s a Saturday market near me where another “spot” comes into play – opened suitcase on top of a dustbin. This is a style of selling that’s exclusive to perfumes of dubious provenance, the suitcase necessary for speedy departures. Best to stick to sellers with a BOOTH, STALL, STAND or TABLE.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, 8 January, game #577)

• YELLOW: SECTION BRANCH, DIVISION, LIMB, WING
• GREEN: ACCESSORIES FOR PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT BOW, DRUMSTICK, MALLET, PICK
• BLUE: DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AN ELEPHANT EAR, MEMORY, TRUNK, TUSK
• PURPLE: WORDS MISSPELLED IN NU METAL BAND NAMES BISCUIT, CORN, LINCOLN, STAINED

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.

• HP ZBook Ultra 14-inch G1a mobile workstation PC weighs less than 2Kg
• It is the only device in its category able to support 128GB of RAM
• G1a is also powered by the fastest mobile CPU right now, the AMD AI Max+ Pro 395

HP has released a compact powerhouse which it says could challenge what is possible in mobile computing.

The company says this workstation enables users to handle complex AI workflows, render graphics-intensive projects, and work with large language models (LLMs) locally.

The ZBook Ultra is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 processor, boasting 16 cores and 32 threads with clock speeds ranging from 3.0 GHz (base) to 5.1 GHz (boost).

Fast charging delivers 50% in 30 minutes

The new HP ZBook Ultra comes with AMD Radeon Graphics and a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers up to 50 TOPS for AI-enhanced tasks.

There's 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory and the ability to allocate up to 96GB directly to the GPU, with storage options offering up to 4TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD.

The HP ZBook Ultra 14-inch G1a Mobile Workstation gives the option of a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) anti-glare panel, which features ultra-wide viewing angles, 400 nits of brightness, and 100% sRGB color accuracy.

For an even more enhanced visual experience, the device offers a vibrant 2.8K OLED display with touch support, boasting refresh rates from 48Hz to 120Hz, 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, and it's TÜV-certified for low blue light.

This device comes with a couple of connectivity options including USB Type-C port (10Gbps), an HDMI 2.1 port, a combined headphone/microphone jack, Wi-Fi 7 support, and, on the left side, a Thunderbolt 4 port.

On the right, there's another Thunderbolt 4 port, a USB Type-A port with 10Gbps and charging support, and a security lock slot.

Powered by an HP XL Long-Life 4-cell, 74.5Wh polymer battery which supports fast charging technology, the ZBook Ultra gets 50% charge in 30 minutes.

The heavy-duty performance of the device, weighing about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg), with a thickness of only 0.73 inches, is cooled by the HP Vaporforce Thermals.

You might also like

• These are the best mini PC with big specs for every budget
• We've also listed the best business laptops right now
• From floppy disks to fax machines: 5 obsolete piece of tech that do not want to die in 2025

• TCL unveils its TCL 60XE NXTpaper 5G Android phone
• The NXTpaper tech makes week-long battery life possible
• The price is impressive

I'm happy to celebrate the day-long battery life I get with most flagship iPhone and Android handsets, but what if they offered a week of battery life and cost $199? Impossible, right? Not if you're TCL, apparently. Today at CES 2025, the Chinese electronics giant best known for affordable big-screen TVs is bringing the TCL 60XE NXTpaper 5G Android phone to the US and Canada and, yes, it fits this bill.

This active 6.8-inch handset achieves 7 days of battery life using TCL's proprietary NXTPaper technology. TCL calls it E Ink-like but this is not electronic paper technology (I previously saw it on the 14-inch TCL NxTPaper 14 Pro). The FHD+ screen is still LCD but uses a series of layers to kill reflectivity and remove blue light. The combination gives NXTPaper-based screens an almost matte-paper, magazine-like look.

(Image credit: TCL)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

So, yes, they're easy on the eyes but also a lot less bright. NXTPaper's technology makes it more of a power-sipping display. The TCL 60XE will not run in this mode all the time, though. There's a physical switch on the phone to enable the NXTPaper effect, and the 7-day battery life would be if you used it in NXTPaper mode 24/7 (standby would be an astounding 26 days).

Interestingly, this new phone won't even feature the latest edition of TCL's NXTPaper technology. TCL told us that NXTPaper 4.0 will arrive later this year, but only on its new TCL NXTPaper 11 Plus tablet, also announced at CES. NXTPaper 4.0 uses nano-matrix lithography, a new screen etching process to create microstructures on the cover glass that effectively kill reflections without undermining visual quality.

It's not clear when NXTPaper 4.0 will arrive on handsets. The next best thing, NXTPaper 3.0, is available on the TCL 60XE, as well as a few other enticing features that might make it a surprise winner in the 2025 Android market.

Specs that include a 50MP front camera, 32MP rear camera, 256GB storage, and 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB) would normally add up to a phone that costs at least $800. But TCL is bringing in the TCL 60XE at $199 in the US and Canada.

That's an unheard-of price for a phone that will last for days on a change (depending on how often you use the NXTPaper mode). As for build quality, camera capability, and overall performance, I'll know more when I get my hands on the new Android handset.

You might also like

• Android 15 will make it easier for you to navigate indoors
• The best Android phones you can buy
• You need to have these apps installed on your Android phone

• BlackBerry's QNX will work with Microsoft on software-defined vehicles or SDVs
• QNX's software development platform will be available on Microsoft Azure
• This should shorten the time-to-market, enabling products to be delivered faster

BlackBerry, once synonymous with the business smartphone, is now a major automotive technology player through its QNX platform, and has now revealed a tie-up with Microsoft to revolutionize the development of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

The company announced its Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) division is collaborating with Microsoft in a bid to streamline the development process for automakers.

The partnership will integrate BlackBerry's software tools into the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, with the QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0 giving developers an environment for building, testing, and refining automotive software.

QNX Software on Microsoft Azure

Here, the cloud’s scalability should accelerate a typically extended development cycle. Early testing and the virtual validation of software can resolve issues much sooner, improving the time-to-market for software-defined vehicles.

The partnership will later extend to the QNX Hypervisor virtual machine software and QNX Cabin reference architecture, as BlackBerry looks to develop next-generation, hardware agnostic, and cloud-based automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

“Together with Microsoft, we are looking at innovative ways to bring Microsoft Azure AI in to support cutting-edge technology early in the development cycle," said John Wall, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product, Engineering and Services at QNX.

“This approach accelerates development timelines and minimizes risks, allowing automakers to leverage the scale and development velocity inherent to the cloud. Together, we're paving the way for the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles," he added.

Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President of Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft said the collaboration, "bolsters our commitment to empower the automotive industry with cutting-edge technology to accelerate innovation. By combining the strengths of Microsoft Azure and QNX, we’re enabling OEMs to deliver on the promise of the Software-Defined Vehicle.”

You might also like

• These are the best dash cam for every budget
• Here are the best cloud document storage
• The 9 best Android Automotive apps to upgrade your driving experience in 2025

• PowerSchool said that in late December, threat actors accessed its student information system and stole data on students and teachers
• We don't know exactly how many people were affected by the breach
• The data was allegedly deleted

PowerSchool, a major education technology software platform for K-12 schools, has confirmed suffering a cyberattack resulting in the theft of sensitive student and teacher information. Furthermore, the company decided to pay a ransom demand to have the data deleted.

In late December 2024, an unidentified threat actor used stolen credentials to access its PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) platform. From there, they were able to use the “export data manager" customer support tool to exfiltrate “Students” and “Teachers” database tables to a CSV file, which was then stolen.

The information grabbed in this attack includes names, and postal addresses, and in some districts, the threat actors also obtained Social Security numbers (SSN), personally identifiable information (PII), medical information, and grades.

A ransomware attack

PowerSchool notified the affected individuals via a breach notification letter, and stressed that not all PowerSchool SIS customers were impacted.

Only a subset of customers received the update, with a PowerSchool spokesperson adding items such as customer tickets, customer credentials, or forum data were not exposed or exfiltrated.

We don’t know exactly how many people were exposed in the incident, but apparently, the data was deleted.

PowerSchool said hile this wasn’t a ransomware attack, it still paid the attackers to have the data wiped.

"With their guidance, PowerSchool has received reasonable assurances from the threat actor that the data has been deleted and that no additional copies exist." The publication asked the company how much money it paid for this, but did not get a straight answer: "Given the sensitive nature of our investigation, we are unable to provide information on certain specifics."

In recent times, some ransomware operators stopped deploying the encryptor and started focusing solely on data exfiltration, since it’s cheaper, easier, and more convenient, with the same end result.

Via BleepingComputer

You might also like

• Ecommerce sites targeted by Magento payment system hack
• Here's a list of the best antivirus tools on offer
• These are the best endpoint protection tools right now

• Delta Air Lines' 2025 CES keynote was an immersive spectacle
• The airline announced partnerships with YouTube, Airbus, and Uber
• A new generative AI assistant called 'Concierge' could make air travel easier

There have been plenty of keynotes this week at the CES 2025, but by far the most impressive and simply the coolest was the one I attended last night, on January 7 at the Sphere. Delta Air Lines put on a keynote that had plenty of razzle and dazzle, but it also made excellent use of the space – I mean, there is nothing like a tech demo, even a pre-recorded one, on a massive screen.

Further, though, it feels as if Delta Air Lines is laying a fresh foundation and between a new generative AI assistant ‘Concierge’ to confirmed vertical takeoff electric aircraft arriving in the next few years with plenty of partnerships, there was certainly a lot of ground to cover.

CEO Ed Bastian led the keynote quite well, speaking to the airline's history, core values, and foundation for future innovation, and that was all accompanied by bold sound, plenty of wind courtesy of a long row of blowers, and the big screen.

So, let’s go through the three most impressive things that Delta Air Lines announced and teased at its 2025 Consumer Electronics Show keynote.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar 1. ‘Concierge’ could make travel a whole lot easier and way more personable

Just like every other company at CES, Delta is joining the AI bandwagon, too. This one has the potential to be helpful though, and it will be a level playing field regardless of where you're sitting on the aircraft – Delta One and standard economy are the same here.

Delta’s ‘Concierge’ is a personalized assistant, so it’ll know your itinerary, where you live, and past flights. From there, it can suggest things like scheduling a Uber to get you through the airport on time and help guide you through the terminal, potentially having dropped you off closer to the best security lane for expedited processing if you have TSA Precheck or Clear. But conversely, if you’re checking a bag it can adjust your routing for that.

Given that it can interface with other apps, the LLM is multi-modal, and potential partnerships down the line could expand this. In a teaser video, via the seatback screen, a customer could confirm a dinner reservation and preview a new suggested route that could get them from the airport to their hotel faster.

It’s really all about making more data accessible in one place and increasing the overall Delta experience – which is something that the employees are very passionate about, just ask me or my colleague Lance as we were seated next to the cheerful group – and ultimately making travel a bit more convenient on the whole.

Now, similar to Apple Intelligence, Concierge will be a tiered rollout, so we can expect the first features to arrive at some point in 2025.

2. YouTube will arrive in flight alongside 4K screens and better Wi-Fi

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

The Delta Air Lines seatback experience is dubbed ‘Delta Sync’ and it will be getting a number of new features. But the one that got a shoutout – and a debut on the Sphere stage – was a partnership with YouTube.

If you’re enrolled in Skymiles – Delta’s free membership program – you’ll unlock ad-free YouTube content ranging from videos to music and podcasts on the Delta Sync screen at your seat.

Judging from teaser photos, it appears that YouTube videos might appear in line with the existing content library, while there will be a widget for YouTube Music. Further, Skymiles members will be eligible for a free trial of YouTube Premium – this way, you can experience ad-free content on the ground or at 30,000 feet.

Not featured on stage but written in a subsequent press release is a promised improvement to Wi-Fi. Delta’s already been offering free Wi-Fi for Skymiles members, but thanks to an already announced swap to provider Hughes for some aircraft, you can expect more stable connections in the future. This comes shortly after United Airlines announced it’s accelerating its planned rollout of Starlink on its entire fleet.

Maybe even more important, though, is the arrival of 4K HDR QLED displays to some seatbacks. If you’re like me and enjoy a window seat, this could let you get crisp, rich views even when the sun is shining in. There will also be an exclusive new show focused on wellness while traveling hosted by Tom Brady dubbed “Well Traveled.”

3. A look at the future of aviation @techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

Probably my favorite moment was how Delta used the Sphere's screen – for instance, as you can see in the TikTok we witnessed and felt the air of an Airbus A350 taxining towards us on a runway and then parking with its nose almost touching the folks to the far left side of the Sphere. There was a rumble in the seats, loud roaring jet engines, and wind – yes, wind blowing at us.

And while that’s a look at our current aircraft of today, potentially even the one that some CES attendees arrived in, we did get a peak ahead. Delta Air Lines is partnering with Airbus on innovation labs to help imagine future aircraft including ones that could eventually run on 100% sustainable fuel.

Right now, some planes can fly with a 50% blend of this, but even more interestingly the two companies are working on aircraft with folding wings. So, much like a bird in the sky, a future Delta airplane could change the shape or orientation of its wings for better aerodynamics.

Even more cutting edge, and likely arriving sooner, is the Joby electric aircraft that is capable of taking off or landing vertically. This means it could take to the air or come back down more like a helicopter rather than needing a long runway of asphalt or concrete.

CEO Ed Bastian said on stage that these would be arriving in the next few years, first in Los Angeles and New York City – we even saw how Concierge could call a Joby to ensure you get to the airport on time. It was awesome to see the 160,000 square foot wrap-around screen of the Sphere transform into that futuristic aircraft cockpit, but also the shots of it flying across some beautiful backdrops.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

As a whole, Delta Air Lines used the opportunity of its 2025 Consumer Electronics Show keynote to impress visually – as well as audibly with a set from Lenny Kravitz after a grand finale of digital fireworks, which, trust me, were as cool as the real thing – but also aim to elevate the customer experience by using new technology to hopefully create meaningful experiences, some of which will be arriving in the next few months of 2025.

I’m really keen to try out the generative AI ‘Concierge’ experience as it will likely get better with time, but I’ll do anything to speed it up and make air travel a bit easier.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar You might also like

• CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show
• Vay is expanding its remotely driven rental fleet to over 100 cars in 2025
• I witnessed Hisense's giant 163-inch micro-LED TV in person, and this thing is staggering

• The Windows 11 gaming user interface is set to become more console-like, taking inspiration from Xbox and simplifying controls
• New design looks to become a more substantial rival to SteamOS and optimize usability
• There will be a focus on enhancing controllers and handheld-specific features for seamless gaming

It looks like Microsoft has finally acknowledged that handheld gaming PCs could be better, primarily when it comes to running Windows 11 on them, and it wants to improve this experience.

Right now, Windows 11 simply isn’t great on these devices; it feels clunky and complicated, probably because Windows 11 is largely designed for desktops and larger devices in general, not compact handhelds without keyboards. This is all the more apparent when compared to the smooth interfaces of Xbox consoles or Valve’s SteamOS, which were specifically designed for their respective devices.

Now, Microsoft wants to bring the Xbox experience to Windows PCs, combining the two systems and elevating the handheld gaming Windows experience. This was hinted at during a roundtable discussion at the recent AMD and Lenovo “The Future of Gaming Handhelds” event by Microsoft VP of “Next Generation” (presumably the Next Generation of Windows handheld gaming PCs) Jason Ronald, which was held during the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas.

Microsoft’s goal appears to be to take the user-friendly, console-like features of Xbox like quick access to games and simple navigation, and integrate them into Windows for handhelds. This would make it easier to use Windows gaming handheld devices more intuitively, allowing you to pick up your device and play without fiddling with complicated settings or dealing with desktop-style menus.

Microsoft’s VP of “Next Generation,” Jason Ronald, hinted that they’re actively working on this and that we’ll see some big improvements this year. It’s not about building a brand-new Xbox operating system for PCs but rather improving Windows 11 itself to feel more like an Xbox when you’re gaming. The big idea? To make handheld Windows gaming as easy and enjoyable as playing on an Xbox, while still allowing you to tap into the flexibility of Windows if you need it.

When speaking to The Verge, Ronald elaborated on this by explaining that this will go beyond the current state of things where there are compact modes for Xbox apps in Windows 11, becoming a simplified experience similar to what you’d use on a games console. This includes tackling aspects like making Windows 11 work better with gaming controllers and designing Windows 11 to make better use of handheld gaming hardware.

(Image credit: Steam Deck) Could a game-changing update take on SteamOS?

This news is very welcome, as I know many people are very vocal about the fact that Windows 11 is the weakest part many gaming handheld PCs, including the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally X, and MSI Claw 8. The PC gaming handhelds that run Windows 11 will often use a proxy user interface to manage and run your games, but this can make for a slower and less-than-ideal experience overall. Furthermore, Windows 11 has SteamOS (a Linux-based operating system) to contend with, as we are beginning to see devices come in a version running SteamOS as well as Windows 11, like the Lenovo Legion S.

SteamOS is an operating system specifically designed to run games, has an easy-to-use dedicated user interface, and none of the baggage and bloat of Windows 11.

The roundtable conversation didn’t clarify if this will mean a special version of Windows for gaming handhelds or if Windows 11 will have additions made to it that make gaming on handheld PCs better. Ronald says his team is working on ‘fundamental interaction models’ that work regardless of what operating system is used by a device, and ensure that users get a solid gaming experience regardless.

It sounds like Ronald and his team perhaps have more in store, however, than just layering software on top of Windows 11 for gaming handhelds. We’ll have to see how this new system looks, performs, and feels, but it sounds pretty promising, especially as handheld gaming PC devices appear to be a booming market.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

• Lenovo's new Legion Go S gaming handheld might finally be the one to take down the Steam Deck
• Phil Spencer confirms Xbox handheld prototypes are now being worked on, but a console is years away
• It looks like typing in Windows 11 with an Xbox controller is about to get easier as Microsoft gives it a boost

• A new rumor suggests Oppo could release an upcoming mini flagship through OnePlus in global markets
• The so-called OnePlus 13 Mini would feature a 6.31-inch display; that's larger than a standard iPhone 16
• Neither Oppo nor OnePlus have confirmed the phone's existence

Oppo has firmly re-established itself in global markets following the launch of the Find X8 and X8 Pro, but it seems the company’s new flagship lineup – and potentially that of its company stablemate OnePlus – isn’t complete just yet.

According to a Weibo post from notable leaker Digital Chat Station (via Smartprix), the Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro are due to be joined by the rumored X8 Ultra and X8 Mini, meaning our list of the best Oppo phones could soon feature some new entries.

The tip also suggests that the X8 Mini may be rebadged and released as the OnePlus 13 Mini or OnePlus 13T in global markets. Since OnePlus operates under the same parent company as Oppo, it frequently releases phones with borrowed designs or specs from existing Oppo models.

Digital Chat Station also provided a speculative list of specs for the supposedly upcoming OnePlus phone, listing various features such as a 6.31-inch display with a 1.5k resolution, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a triple camera system comprising a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom (you'll find two of those cameras on the full-size Oppo Find X8).

Having the power of the OnePlus 13 (pictured) in a smaller form factor is sure to excite fans of mid-sized phones (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

A 6.31-inch display would position the OnePlus 13 Mini outside of what’s typically considered a small phone, and this name is likely relative to the 6.59-inch display found on Oppo's latest flagship.

The OnePlus 13 launched on January 7 at a price of $899 / £899, which, as our OnePlus 13 review notes, is solid value for money. A cheaper mini version would have a decent shot at being the cheapest Snapdragon 8 Elite-equipped phone on the market, depending on OnePlus’ pricing strategy.

Does 'small' mean anything anymore?

Since the standardization of large phones – previously known as phablets – mini phones have failed to catch on in the West. Apple famously discontinued its small-form handsets after just two years when the iPhone 13 mini was replaced by the iPhone 14 Plus in September 2022.

In other markets, regional phone makers like Vivo continue to produce mini phones, though the goalposts seem to move quite easily when it comes to what counts as a small phone in 2025.

At 6.31 inches, the Find X8 Mini and OnePlus 13 Mini are set to launch with larger displays than both the standard iPhone 16 and baseline Samsung Galaxy S24. That’s not exactly small by most people’s standards, and leaves me wondering if the time of small Android phones might just be over.

The iPhone 13 mini was released in September 2021 (Image credit: TechRadar)

Displays aren’t getting larger at the breakneck pace of the 2010s anymore, but it is still a noticeable trend. As it stands, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 is about as small as you can get in a mainstream, flagship, fully-featured smartphone, though if Apple continues to let the specs of its Pro and Pro Max iPhones filter down to the standard models, we could see this increase to 6.3 inches, in line with the iPhone 16 Pro, over the next few generations.

I’ve written previously about my nostalgia for truly small phones, but at this point, it’s encouraging to see a phone maker taking even a small step back from making things even larger.

With the latest premium flagships from Apple, Google, and Samsung all approaching 7 inches in display size, it’s no bad thing to hear word of a new phone that may keep things a little more sensible – even if the OnePlus 13 Mini spells the end for small Android phones as we once knew them.

So who knows – in ten years' time, maybe I’ll be writing about my nostalgia for the OnePlus 13 Mini and its tiny display. Until then, holding the line is fine, and the Mini title feels fairly earned by any phone that does so.

Neither Oppo nor OnePlus has shared any official information about the X8 Mini or OnePlus 13 Mini. For the latest updates as we hear them, be sure to check out our coverage of Oppo phones and OnePlus phones.

You might also li

• The OnePlus 13 borrows a very useful Find My Device trick from Pixel phones
• Is your iPhone listening to you for ads? Apple confirms Siri data has ‘never been sold to anyone’
• Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs reveal new details and a charging surprise

(Image credit: Future)

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

We've already seen a wealth of gadgets and news coming out of CES 2025, but the pace isn't slowing down for the third day of the big tech expo – and we're still committed to bringing you the best and coolest picks from the show (and there are an awful lot of product launches to sift through).

You can look back on our CES 2025 day 1 and CES 2025 day 2 round-ups for all the major gadgets and gizmos unveiled so far, and on day 3 we're continuing the theme. Below you'll find crazy digital E ink posters, laptops with rolling screens, AI systems for your automobile, and much more besides.

The usual CES caveats apply: a lot of these products are still at the concept or early development stage, so you might not be able to get your hands on them straight away. However, they all point towards an exciting 2025 for anyone interested in technology. So sit back and let us guide you through the 11 finest things we've seen on this third day of CES 2025...

1. Lenovo Thinkbook Plus Gen 6 Rollable

• Best feature: The rollable display... of course

It's a display that extends... (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Forget foldable phones – what about rollable laptop displays? That's the era we're officially in now, thanks to the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable from Lenovo. From a single button press, the screen can expand from the regular 14 inches up to an impressive 16.7 inches when you need some extra vertical space to work with.

This is a very decent laptop aside from the main party trick, too: you get an Intel Core Ultra 200V processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage, so you're going to be able to get some serious computing done on it. The laptop will apparently be on sale this year, though we're still waiting on a price...

• Read the full story: Lenovo unveils world's first rollable display laptop, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, at CES 2025

2. PocketBook InkPoster

• Best feature: That glorious E Ink screen

(Image credit: PocketBook)

The PocketBook InkPoster is exactly the sort of gadget CES is about: a sleek, innovative, desirable bit of tech that's on the expensive side but is going to impress everyone who sees it. It's a premium digital art display, enabling you to continually change around the artwork being shown on your walls.

As the panel uses E Ink technology, the energy demands are far lower than they would be with a standard screen – and it makes the art look more traditional and authentic as well. Three different sizes will be available across the course of the year, though you may have to do some saving up to be able to afford one – prices start at an eye-watering $599 (around £485 / AU$970), going up into four figures.

• Read the full story: This awesome E Ink poster frame looks like the future of wall art, if you can stomach the price tag

3. Kanto UKI bookshelf speakers

• Best feature: It's a toss-up between the looks and the price tag

(Image credit: Kanto Audio)

If you’re looking for some impossibly cute bookshelf speakers that won’t break the bank, then the new Kanto UKIs could be for you.

We haven’t managed to listen to them yet at CES 2025, but if the UKI speakers sound half as good as the company’s excellent Ren powered speakers then we’ll be very big fans indeed.

While you can’t buy them just yet (the only ones at CES are prototypes), they’ll launch in the second half of 2025 for only $199 / £199 (around AU$319.99). On paper, that’s a serious bargain – and you get a choice from dashing black, white, cobalt and sage colors too.

• Read the full story: Take a look-y at the kooky Kanto UKI: Kanto's new small speaker brings distinctive looks to your desktop or bookshelf

4. KaraPod

• Best feature: No need to add water

Never be faced with an empty water tank again (Image credit: Karawater)

We've seen a lot of coffee machines at TechRadar, but the KaraPod has still managed to catch our eye: its unique selling point is the way it works as a dehumidifier as well as a coffee maker, using the condensed water it gathers for your beverages. A neat eco-friendly idea? Or just a little bit on the weird side?

According to the team behind the KaraPod, this is all perfectly safe – though your coffee might taste rather different. There's certainly some appeal in a coffee machine that never needs its water tank refilling, and the device won't cost you over the odds either – it's going to be available direct from Karawater soon.

• Read the full story: This coffee machine brews espresso using water condensed from the air in your home

5. Razer Blade 16

• Best feature: Top tier Nvidia graphics power

The Blade 16 is part of Razer's new 2025 range (Image credit: Razer)

The Nvidia RTX 5090 is now official (see yesterday's CES news), which means laptops with the GPU fitted inside can be unveiled – such as the Razer Blade 16, for example. This is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, featuring the aforementioned graphics as well as the high-end AMD AI 9 HX 370 CPU.

This being a Razer laptop, we're expecting impeccable build quality, and the Blade 16 also comes with a high-resolution 240Hz OLED display as well as a new vapor chamber cooling system. We're still waiting to find out how much it costs, but it should be out and available to buy before the end of March.

• Read the full story: Razer Blade 16 announced at CES 2025 with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU – but Intel has been dumped

6. Nanoleaf 4D V2

• Best feature: Easy to attach to any TV

A responsive, bendy light strip for your TV (Image credit: Nanoleaf)

Nanoleaf is again taking on the Philips Ambilight system with a smart light that changes color and flows with whatever's being displayed on your TV. Say hello to the Nanoleaf 4D V2, which combines a tiny camera (for looking at your TV screen) with a bendy light strip that fits around the back of your large display.

From what we've seen of the product at CES 2025, it should be easier to fit than most other systems of its type, as there are no fiddly adhesive brackets to deal with – the strip simply attaches directly to the rear of your TV. It's coming later this year, and we're hoping it's a similar price to the original Nanoleaf 4D.

• Read the full story: Nanoleaf's Ambilight alternative is now even easier to install – no more corner brackets

7. Asus ROG Strix Scar

• Best feature: Tool-free upgrades for more storage

Asus has some impressive new laptops to show off (Image credit: Future)

Asus has treated us to a host of new laptops at CES 2025, and the ROG Strix Scar models are particular highlights: the 16-inch and 18-inch laptops bring with them next-gen Intel and Nvidia parts (up to an RTX 5090 for the graphics), while also boasting up to 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage space on board.

Add in 2.5K mini-LED screens (with 3ms response times and 240Hz refresh rates), plus tooless upgrades for the SSD if you ever need it, and it's a truly impressive package – and no doubt an expensive one, when the prices are made official. These laptops will cope with absolutely anything and then some.

• Read the full story: New Nvidia and AMD GPUs bring next-gen oomph to Asus' CES 2025 gaming laptop line-up

8. Swann Xtreem4K

• Best feature: AI defending your home

The Swann Xtreem4K comes with AI on board (Image credit: Swann)

We're all for AI when it adds features that are genuinely useful, and that's the case with the new Swann Xtreem4K, one of several new home security tech products introduced by Swann at CES 2025. The security camera has an AI assistant on board, that can ward off intruders or welcome guests on your behalf.

The idea is that the device is smart enough to recognize whether detected people are friends and foes, and respond accordingly, even if you're not around. The impressive-looking camera works wirelessly, offers three months between battery charges, and gives you a full color 4K video feed day and night.

• Read the full story: These new video doorbell and security camera use AI to welcome visitors and deter intruders

9. BMW Panoramic iDrive

• Best feature: A super-smart, full-screen aesthetic

Look at all that display... (Image credit: BMW)

BMW has used the opportunity of CES 2025 to introduce its next-gen iDrive system for 2025 – and there's a lot of screen here. The new full-width head-up display stretches from pillar to pillar in front of the driver, displaying just about every piece of information you could want to know while out on the road.

Its full title is the BMW Panoramic iDrive, and it's going to be appearing first in the Neue Klasse X electric SUV (and all BMW cars going forward). BMW has also upgraded the operating system underpinning its in-car offering, and there are going to be plenty of customization options to play around with when you get behind the wheel. On the downside, fans of physical buttons may be less impressed.

• Read the full story: Goodbye, buttons – BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system gives all of its cars a massive head-up display with AI assistant

10. Panasonic Z95B OLED TV

• Best feature: The brightest OLED TV yet

We've seen the future – the Panasonic Z95B OLED TV (Image credit: Future)

TVs are always a big part of the story at any CES, and this year's event is no different. One of this year's highlights is the new Z95B OLED from Panasonic, which features a next-gen display stack and cooling system to offer a noticeable improvement over the Panasonic Z95A OLED (which was already fantastic).

One of the benefits of having the TechRadar team on the show floor in Las Vegas is that we can get in-person previews of the hottest tech launching in 2025 – and based on our early experiences of the Z95B, this is going to set a new standard for OLED TV tech, whenever Panasonic decides to make it available for sale.

• Read the full story: I tried Panasonic’s new Z95B OLED TV, and it takes OLED picture quality to an even higher level

11. Honda Series 0 SUV and Saloon

• Best feature: Lighter, more elegant designs

Honda has more prototypes to show off (Image credit: Honda)

Honda is making itself known at CES 2025 too, showing off a bold line-up of new electric vehicles that include the Series 0 SUV and Saloon. These motors bring with them some dramatic curves, as well as tweaked designs for the headlights and new paint jobs compared with what we've seen from previous prototypes.

These cars are based around Honda's new "Thin, Light, and Wise" philosophy, which it promises will result in EVs that are lighter and more elegant than the ones we have now. Unfortunately, it'll be while before we can drive these automobiles for ourselves, because they're slated for a full launch in 2026.

• Read the full story: Honda's new Series 0 prototypes suggest it's back on exciting and pioneering EV form

You might also like

• The biggest TVs are battling it out in Las Vegas
• A 750Hz gaming monitor comes out of nowhere at CES 2025
• Denon's 22-speaker EV audio system is tailored to you

The ubiquity of artificial intelligence across the CES 2025 landscape is just as impressive and commanding as the already iconic Sphere. It's a clarion call of intention from innumerable tech companies all promising to make AI the center of your known digital universe.

Unlike other CES trends – think VR and 3D TV – that are more marketing than utility, there is some inescapable logic here. AI's inherent power, versatility, and unprecedented exponential growth make it almost unlike any technology we've encountered before.

Dell CEO Ed Bastian announces his airline's big Delta Concierge AI plans (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

What companies like Delta, BMW, LG, Hisense, Samsung, and others have recognized is that the data their systems have been collecting and moving among their once disparate digital systems can be pulled together by AI into an almost organic whole that proactively operates at your behest.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

Delta, for instance, turns 100 this year, which means it's had a century-long intimate relationship with our travel needs, which naturally tie to us as people. We travel for work, fun, family connection – the best and worst and most mundane moments of our lives – where we go and what we do doesn't just start and end on the flight. It begins the minute we start thinking about a trip, planning it, packing for it, getting there, arriving at a destination, and then turning around to come back home. Companies like Delta that provide services of connection also have a vast treasure trove of data about what we do and that's the life's blood of powerful AI.

And so, a Delta concierge that eventually ties that all together and proactively guides and assists you through the journey makes sense.

Image 1 of 3

BMW's Panoramic iDrive is an encompassing in-car AI vision (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Similarly, Samsung's been trying for years to interest consumers in its SmartThings smart home platform but this year the effort was transformed into Home AI and SmartThings everywhere. The backbone of connection is data, cross-product, and cross-category communication, and AI helps stitch it all together so that the results make sense for everyday consumers. Even Bixby, a somewhat forgotten digital assistant, appears to be getting an intelligence upgrade that finally makes it a useful part of the whole.

If there's one thing that's consistent across most of the AI-related announcements I've seen thus far it's their boldness. BMW isn't just polishing its existing iDrive system like an aging "Beamer", adding one new screen, or an app-based assistant. Instead, it's reimagining the interior of almost all its new cars. The dash is not just a bunch of disparate readouts, it's a system, a window into the heart of your driving experience and needs that extend far beyond the car interior.

Hisense wants to AI your life. (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Again, AI is emboldening companies to try and connect more broadly to your life experience. Naturally, as one company tries to engage you in the home while another is marching to your doorstep, there may be odd collisions, and we may soon question just how much AI we need in our lives.

But the reality is if all this AI works, it'll be transparent. We'll notice that apps and screens are becoming hyper-customized, recalling our preferences, schedules, and connections in a way that seems useful, transformative, and not forced.

It's not inaccurate to say Nvidia (and CEO Jensen Huang) are behind all of this. (Image credit: Nvidia)

Certainly, CES keynoter Nvida believes this. The company is almost singlehandedly driving the backbone of the AI revolution with ever more powerful silicon that can run ever larger models. The energy costs are a big question, but I'm almost certain that will be solved in tandem with AI's growth, or perhaps it will be solved by Artificial General Intelligence which may be right around the corner.

There is, of course, an element of oversell with companies like Hisense promising to "AI your life." I mean, they're not necessarily wrong, but there might be a better way to phrase it. Samsung likes to say "AI for All," which is true but maybe too much like a rallying cry. LG offered "Affectionate Intelligence," which sounds nice but also creepy. AI has no real emotion – and I'd rather it didn't try to fake affection.

AI is many things, affectionate is not one of them. (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

I also saw some companies confusing proactivity with invasiveness. LG's in-car AI solution seemed to be watching everything you do and would then offer suggestions related to your most minute emotional or physical prompts. No one wants to feel like they're being watched. The good news is that customer distaste will quickly stamp out that kind of AI "innovation" and less weird and more helpful AI will take its place.

@lanceulanoff

♬ original sound - LanceUlanoff

Yes, CES is overstuffed with AI but I also think that even the smallest companies that are embracing it here are doing so for long-term gains and not short-term goals or notoriety. I saw one sexual health company that is encouraging customers to opt into a beta program where they can share intimate but anonymized data so the AI model can learn and ultimately improve the product for all users.

CES has always been about technology's potential to change our lives. AI ubiquity at the massive event doesn't change that, it just does it at scale.

You might also like

• Nvidia CES 2025 Keynote live blog: all the latest on the RTX 5000 reveal and more
• AMD announces new Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards at CES 2025
• Razer Blade 16 announced at CES 2025 with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU – but Intel has been dumped

• New Narwal Flow vacuums forward, and then in reverse, for cleaner carpets
• A descending brushroll cover also improves pickup on deep carpet
• A roller mop promises cleaner hard floors with less smearing

Narwal has unleashed a whole fleet of new robot vacuums at CES 2025, but the one that has particularly caught my eye is the Narwal Flow, which has an innovative way of making sure it gets your carpets properly clean, as well as a rather clever mopping system designed to remove the dirt from your hard floors, rather than just smearing it about.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

We rate Narwal amongst the best robot vacuum makers around. While its innovations are slightly less flashy than what other brands are showing at CES (Dreame's new bot can climb stairs, Roborock's has a mechanical arm that'll pick up your socks, and SwitchBot's will deliver you your lunch) they might be more genuinely useful.

Let's start with the vacuuming. Typically, robot vacuums can struggle to pull dust from thicker carpets, but the Flow has a new different features to help ensure a deeper clean. First up, it'll do a kind of moonwalk on your floor: it first vacuums forward, and then reverses, tackling ingrained dirt and hair from both directions. The backwards motion also helps to lift the carpet fibers and release anything stuck deeper in there. Narwal says this approach results in double the dust pickup compared to regular forwards-only driving bots.

The brushroll also has a cover that descends close to the floor when the robovac detects it's on a carpeted area. This effectively creates a kind of vacuum – in the non-appliance sense – in the area, increasing pressure and improving pickup.

Unfortunately, there are no images to illustrate the vacuuming features included in the press materials, so you're going to need to use your imagination here. When we tested Narwal's previous flagship, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra, we weren't blown away by the carpet cleaning powers, but the various fiber-agitating features, combined with an incredible max suction power of 20,000Pa sound very promising indeed.

Going with the flow

The Narwal Flow also boasts an innovative mopping system. Rather than your standard rotating mop pads or D-shaped mop, the Flow has a constantly rotating mop fabric-covered roller (like a tank track). This is fed with clean water from a small onboard clean water tank, but the remaining dirty water is also siphoned off into a dirty water tank, to keep the roller as fresh as possible.

Other premium hybrid robovacs might have a mop-cleaning function built into the dock unit, but this one is constantly cleaning its mop as it goes. The result should be cleaner hard floors, with less smearing of spillages.

(Image credit: Narwal)

The roller's profile is wide and relatively flat rather than being a perfect circle, to maximize contact with the ground. It also runs in the opposite direction to the robot's movement, to help agitate dried-on dirt, and it can even kick out to the side to get closer to the edges of rooms.

It's not a brand new idea – it has also appeared on the likes of the Eureka J20 robot vacuum, where it impressed our tester – but it's still very rare, and looks like a more effective mopping solution than existing alternatives.

Elsewhere, you're getting main and side brushes that are optimized to prevent hair tangle and a side brush that extends out when encountering a corner and can also reverse its direction (Narwal has learned a new trick, and it's applying it to everything). Navigation is powered by dual RGB cameras (here's more on how robot vacuums find their way around), and this bot is apparently able to identify over 200 common obstacles.

We don't have pricing details yet – although they are promised soon – and the Narwal Flow is due to launch sometime in mid-2025.

You might also like...

• Roborock's new robovacs are determined to get under your sofa – here's how
• This new robot vacuum-and-mop is so eagle-eyed it can even spy clear liquid spillages
• Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum review