TechRadar News

• WhatsApp has accused spyware company Paragon of targeting journalists
• The encrypted messaging app disrupted the campaign in December 2024
• A cease-and-desist letter has been issued to Paragon by WhatsApp

WhatsApp has revealed it has disrupted a spyware hacking campaign targeting journalists and prominent members of civil society.

The spyware in question belongs to Paragon, a commercial spyware company founded by former Israeli intelligence officers, which Meta-owned WhatsApp has directly implicated in the campaign.

WhatsApp says about 90 of its users were targeted with malicious PDF files, with the victims being notified of the attempt, and a cease-and-desist letter being issued to Paragon.

Paragon caught targeting journalists

According to WhatsApp, the campaign was discovered in December 2024, and did not require the users to open the PDF attachment, acting as a ‘zero-click’ deployment method.

“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions. WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately,” WhatsApp spokesperson Zade Alsawah said (via TechCrunch).

WhatsApp has not said where the victims of the campaign were based, and was unable to determine when the campaign started.

In 2024, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a $2 million one year contract with Paragon that included a “fully configured proprietary solution including license, hardware, warranty, maintenance and training,” federal documents say.

While this is the first time Paragon has been implicated in a spyware campaign, numerous other commercial spyware software developers have been involved in illegal operations.

Israeli spyware company NSO Group is currently in the crosshairs of a Polish government investigation into the deployment of the Pegasus spyware on thousands of opposition government devices.

In early 2024, WhatsApp won a federal court battle to be able to view the source code of NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware after the company was accused of deploying the spyware on 1,400 mobile devices over a two-week period in 2019.

“Based on Meta’s notification, this spyware campaign was another precise attack targeting individuals with highly valued access or contacts," noted Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager EMEIA at Jamf. "When spyware does hit, it is often a sophisticated threat that uses advanced techniques to maintain persistence.”

“Meta should be praised for proactively issuing a warning about the attack. Encouraging transparency and the safe sharing of breach details will be critical to properly addressing the threat posed by spyware. We recommend that individuals who believe their device could be compromised enable preventative security features such as Lockdown Mode for iPhone users as well as keeping their devices on the latest version of operating system,” Boynton said.

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While many Netflix cancelations come as a surprise to subscribers, this year's first axing will come as a surprise to nobody, especially after the hit supernatural series Dead Boy Detectives was canceled last year. The streamer has officially pulled the plug on The Sandman, and this is likely only the start of many more cancelations to come.

In 2024, Netflix incurred the wrath of its fanbase after scrapping several series, including the dark comedy Greek mythology-inspired series Kaos and the flawless animation show My Dad the Bounty Hunter. Indeed, not every cancelation is welcome news – just look at these nine canceled Netflix shows in 2024 for an idea of some shows that are still worth watching.

But while some of the best Netflix shows from last year will be missed by viewers, I'm not sure the same can be said about the first canceled Netflix show of 2025 considering the controversies surrounding its creator...

The Sandman to end after season 2

Netflix has announced that its dark fantasy epic The Sandman has been canceled and will come to an end after its upcoming second season. It's been said that the series is finishing as the story of Dream/Morpheus (Tom Sturridge) is coming to a natural end, but there's also the ongoing sexual misconduct accusations against Neil Gaiman, who created The Sandman DC comics and developed the TV series, that could be a contributing factor.

In showrunner Allan Heinberg's statement about the cancelation, he didn't mention the allegations against Gaiman but revealed that the reason why The Sandman was ending is because they only had enough story for one more season. "The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season. We are extremely grateful to Netflix for bringing the team all back together and giving us the time and resources to make a faithful adaptation in a way that we hope will surprise and delight the comics’ loyal readers as well as fans of our show."

The Sandman tells the tale of Morpheus, aka Dream/the titular Sandman, one of the seven beings known as The Endless and the King of the Dream Dimension. After escaping decades of imprisonment by a mortal wizard, he goes on a quest for his lost objects of power.

The Sandman spin-off Dead Boy Detectives was also canceled by Netflix last year and fans campaigned to bring the show back from the dead when they learned that the show had been scrapped. Given that its based on the characters from the DC Comics, a big viewership was promised, however, this wasn't enough to resurrect it for another season.

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• Apple could soon launch a new iCloud feature called Confetti
• It’ll apparently help you send and manage invitations more easily
• Unfortunately iCloud’s free storage option is still limited to 5GB

Apple’s iCloud system is used to manage all sorts of cloud-based activities, from managing files in iCloud Drive to checking your mail from any device. Now, it’s on the brink of getting a new feature named Confetti that could change how you meet up with friends and loved ones.

The rumor comes from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who spilled the beans in his Power On newsletter over the weekend. There, Gurman describes Confetti as “a new iCloud-based events and invite service.”

The idea is that it gives you “a new way to invite people to parties, functions and meetings,” Gurman says. Right now, that’s mainly done in a few disparate ways, either by creating an event in Apple’s Calendar app and sharing it with invitees, or by simply texting people in your chosen messaging app.

Confetti might launch as soon as this week, Gurman believes. It’s not certain that the app will actually be named Confetti, though, as Gurman says that’s what Apple is calling it internally – that means it’s possible Apple will choose a different name when the app gets released. Either way, we could get our first look within the next few days.

Confetti versus more storage space

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Primakov)

There’s a lot to like about iCloud, and it enables a range of strong features from Apple. I use it to back up my iPhone, keep track of my devices with Find My, and offload my photos to the cloud to free up storage space. And while Confetti sounds like a welcome update to the Calendar app, it feels like Apple still hasn’t addressed the elephant in the room.

That problem is iCloud’s base storage level. Apple offers a free iCloud tier, but it only comes with a measly 5GB of storage space. Compare that to some of the best free cloud storage options like Google Drive and Samsung Cloud, both of which grant 15GB for free.

Every year, Apple improves its iPhones’ photography capabilities and allows them to take ever-more-detailed (and ever-larger) pictures. While that’s a laudable move, it means your iPhone will fill up faster than ever – and with only 5GB of free storage in iCloud, makes paying for extra space more necessary than ever. It’s a hidden cost to owning an iPhone that many users have to pay, including me.

Don’t get me wrong, Confetti looks like a useful addition to iCloud’s arsenal, and I’m glad to see it’s on the way. But if the choice was between Confetti and a more generous free storage allowance, I know what I’d choose.

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• Nvidia RTX 5090 supply is looking very shaky according to a UK retailer
• Overclockers has a worst-case ETA of 16 weeks for RTX 5090 stock
• The RTX 5080 is better, but could still take up to six weeks before it’s available to buy again

Nvidia’s RTX 5090 stock situation is rather dire, to say the least, and could stay that way for longer than you’d expect – and the RTX 5080 is looking unhealthy inventory-wise, too, going by the prediction of one UK retailer.

As you doubtless realize if you’ve been mulling a purchase of either of the new Blackwell graphics cards, the RTX 5090 and 5080 are out of stock everywhere (except on auction sites where scalpers are flogging their ill-gotten GPUs at massively inflated asking prices, of course).

According to a major components retailer in the UK, Overclockers (OCUK), RTX 5090 and 5080 stock is sold out and (unsurprisingly) pre-orders aren’t being offered any longer, and they won’t be until the company has “greater clarity on availability and have fulfilled the pre-orders we have taken.”

RTX 50 Series Stock Update 31/01/2025Stock UpdateRTX 5090 sold out and pre-orders ceasedRTX 5080 sold out and pre-orders ceasedDue to incredibly high demand and limited stock, all 50 Series cards sold shortly after launch with some pre-orders taken in restricted quantities.…January 31, 2025

We are told by OCUK (in the above post on X) that the ETA for stock of the RTX 5090 is three to 16 weeks, and the ETA for the RTX 5080 is two to six weeks, a bit more palatable, but still a potentially long wait.

Note that pre-orders that have been successfully placed with OCUK (but not yet dispatched) are in a queue, and the retailer is “working with our supply chain to fulfill these within the ETAs above, or sooner if possible.”

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Analysis: Another GPU launch hit with stock misery

Surely a bit of stock of these RTX 5000 GPUs is going to be coming in over the course of February? That must be the case (I assume), but the way in which the above statement is worded makes it sound to me like the small amount of Blackwell graphics cards that will be arriving is going towards fulfilling existing pre-orders. So, there won’t be any available stock to actually buy on the OCUK site for quite some time – maybe towards the lengthier end of the ETAs provided.

The fact that the RTX 5090 is pushed out to a possible 16 weeks is going way past the most pessimistic thoughts I was having, though. That would put us at almost the end of May before the ‘Buy’ button lights up again on some of the flagship Blackwell models, an eyebrow-raising prospect.

Perhaps more disappointing is the news that this retailer isn’t going to have stock of the RTX 5080, a much less niche proposition than the RTX 5090, for maybe up to six weeks. That’d put us in the middle of March before the graphics card was available again (perhaps only briefly).

We shouldn’t get carried away with the timeframes from just one retailer, of course, and the worst-case scenarios presented by OCUK – but this does, of course, broadly reflect everything we’re seeing right now. And the general accusation of a ‘paper launch’ being leveled at Nvidia, meaning a launch with no real quantity of stock behind it (in the face of major demand).

Unless we do get a quick recovery for RTX 5080 stock that runs against OCUK’s expectations – we don’t expect the RTX 5090 to be back on shelves quickly by any means, especially given that its Blackwell chip (GB202) is more profitable in AI graphics cards, not gaming products – a lot of hope lies with the incoming RTX 5070.

Nvidia’s RTX 5070 vanilla version uses a different GB205 chip – the RTX 5070 Ti is built with GB203 (a rumor that’s now confirmed), also the engine of the RTX 5080 – and so we can hope that Nvidia has more of a depth to its GB205 production, especially as the RTX 5070 is coming a bit later. (If rumors are right, perhaps at the end of February – there’s even talk of a delay to March, which wouldn’t be a positive development, of course).

All in all, though, the situation looks distinctly rocky with Blackwell stock for now, and AMD has a chance to fully capitalize on this by building up good levels of RDNA 4 supply at retail for the launch of its RX 9070 models in March, to take on Nvidia’s RTX 5070 graphics cards. This is a clear opportunity for Team Red in the mid-range bracket of the GPU market, although AMD has had its own missteps with the RDNA 4 launch, it must be said.

Those looking for an Nvidia Blackwell graphics card should keep an eye on our guides on where to buy an RTX 5090 and an RTX 5080 respectively, where we’ll keep you up to date should we spot stock coming back in at big retailers. Best of luck out there, GPU hunters, but for now, the outlook remains seriously bleak.

Via Tom’s Hardware

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• Gemini can use Python to build data visualization graphics in Sheets
• You can also interact with it by asking questions about your data
• However charts won’t auto-update from live data sets

Google has rolled out a rather handy update to its Gemini which enables the AI tool to do more with the data you have in Google Sheets.

Using the Gemini add-on within the spreadsheet software, users can now build visualizations and analyze data in other ways, such as identifying trends, with the help of artificial intelligence.

In a Google Workspace update blog post, the company noted, “Gemini in Sheets can perform actions or answer questions to address a wide variety of scenarios.”

Google Sheets Gemini upgrade

The update means Gemini can now provide contextual trends, patterns, and correlations between different variables in your data, all of which can be turned into charts.

The company added: “This update reflects Gemini in Sheets’ enhanced intelligence as it now yields valuable outputs by transforming your requests into Python code, executing on them and then analyzing the results to perform multi-layered analysis.”

However, there is a catch – although no coding is required, the charts will be built using a one-time prompt and are therefore not linked to live data. Changes to the data will not be reflected in the charts, and users will need to generate new visualizations – albeit very easily with AI.

Google also noted the importance of a solid data foundation in order to give Gemini the best chance of success, adding, “For the most accurate results, ensure your data is in a consistent format, with clear headers and no missing values.”

It was also noted Gemini’s performance is most “consistent” in spreadsheets with fewer than one million cells, rendering the AI add-on slightly less appealing for large data sets.

Google Workspace Business Standard/Plus and Enterprise Standard/Plus customers will be among the first to get their hands on the updated AI tool, together with Google One AI Premium subscribers and anyone with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on.

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• Launching 11 February 2025
• H2 chip, slimmer design and heart rate tracking
• $250 (about £219 / AU$349)

The highly anticipated Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 will launch next week, February 11. That's according to a new report from Bloomberg, which says that the sticker price will be $250 (roughly £219 / AU$349).

This is going to be a really big deal, partly because the new model has been teased for ages, and partly because the second generation will be a very significant upgrade.

Here's what we're expecting to hear next week.

Why we're excited about the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The headline new feature here is the addition of heart rate tracking, the first time Apple has offered this feature beyond the Apple Watch, though it's rumored to be coming to AirPods Pro 3 as well. And the buds are believed to connect to gym equipment too, which could make these among the best headphones for workouts.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are also expected to get the same H2 chip that powers the AirPods Pro 2, so vastly improved noise cancellation is coming, along with a load of other smart features, most likely. The current model has the older H1 chip. Hopefully the newer chip will mean better battery life too.

The design has been slimmed down and presumably weighs a little less too, and there are four color choices: a fun orange hue plus beige, lilac and black.

There are still going to be some differences between these and the AirPods Pro 2, most notably in AirPods' hearing health features: if the Powerbeats Pro 2 were getting those features, we'd probably have heard about it by now. But these are shaping up to be the very best Beats buds yet, and it's safe to say you'll soon be seeing them everywhere.

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• Tata Technologies notified the Indian stock exchange about an attack
• It says it was a ransomware attack, but did not share further details
• The investigation is still ongoing, but operations are up and running

Tata Technologies has revealed it suffered a ransomware attack which crippled parts of its IT operation.

In a notification sent to the National Stock Exchange of India, the company said it “became aware” of a ransomware incident that affected a few of its IT assets.

“As a precautionary measure, some of the IT services were suspended temporarily and have now been restored,” the company said in the letter. “Our client delivery services have remained fully functional and unaffected throughout.”

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Targeting large Indian firms

Other than that, the letter doesn’t say much. Therefore, we don’t know who the attackers were, how they managed to break into Tata Technologies’ infrastructure, or how much of the company’s network the attack affected. The letter suggests that the company doesn’t know yet and that it’s looking into it:

“Further detailed investigation is underway in consultation with experts to assess the root cause and to take remedial action as necessary,” Tata said.

We also don’t know if the crooks took any sensitive company, or customer data (as is usual in ransomware attacks), or how long they dwelled before deploying the encryptor.

Tata Technologies is part of the massive Indian conglomerate Tata Group, counting more than 100 companies across a wide range of industries. As such, it is a major target for all sorts of cybercriminals, and roughly two years ago, Hive Ransomware struck Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company. At the time, the company did not describe it as a ransomware attack, although it was forced to restore its systems.

"The attack detailed in the Recorded Future report was one of several intrusion attempts on Indian critical infrastructure since 2020, with the most recent attack on IT assets confirmed in October 2022," Microsoft said at the time.

It was said Tata Power did not pay the ransom demand.

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Any discussion of the best smartwatches on the market right now is sure to include the latest Apple Watch – especially for those who already own an iPhone – and so anticipation levels are high for the next smartwatch model Apple is working on, due to launch in 2025.

This will be the Apple Watch Series 11, the successor to the Apple Watch Series 10. While Apple hasn't said anything about it officially yet (and won't do so before the device is unveiled), we do have some leaks and rumors to give us an idea about what to expect.

We've collected everything we've heard so far about the Apple Watch 10 below and included some educated guesses for good measure. What's more, you'll find this hub gets regular updates between now and whenever the Apple Watch 11 launch day happens.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The 2025 Apple Watch
• When is it out? Almost definitely September 2025
• How much will it cost? Probably around $399 / £399 / AU$649

Apple Watch Series 11: Release date predictions and pricing

The Apple Watch Series 10 launched in September 2024 (Image credit: Apple)

• A September 2025 launch is almost certain
• It's likely to cost $399 / £399 / AU$649 and up

We haven't heard much about a potential release date or price for the Apple Watch Series 11 as yet, but do get some clues from the current model: check out our Apple Watch Series 10 review for details. In fact, Apple Watches are usually quite predictable in terms of release date and pricing.

Every single Apple Watch except for the very first one has been unveiled in September, so you don't need to apply too much detective work to figure out that the Apple Watch 11 is going to break cover in September 2025 – it would be a big surprise if it didn't. Look out for the iPhone 17 appearing at the same time as well.

That's backed up by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable tipster, who says we can expect the Apple Watch Series 11 in the second half of 2025. It looks like it's going to be a big year for Apple Watches, with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch SE 3 also expected.

Pricing for the Apple Watch 11 is less easy to predict. The Apple Watch Series 10 launched in 2024 matched the starting prices of the Apple Watch Series 9 launched in 2023, which in turn was very similar to what we had to pay for the Apple Watch Series 8 launched in 2022 (depending on where in the world it was sold).

Apple is clearly keen to keep the pricing steady, so something around $399 / £399 / AU$649 for the 42 mm size and $429 / £429 / AU$699 for the 46 mm size seems likely. As usual, LTE connectivity will cost you extra, and different casings and different straps will change the price you pay too.

Apple Watch 11: Leaks and rumors

Improved sensors are always a possibility (Image credit: Future)

• A faster processor is likely
• watchOS 12 will be on board

We're still waiting for the Apple Watch 11 leaks and rumors to start in earnest, and perhaps that says something in itself: the annual Apple Watch upgrades aren't usually huge, and so it might be a case of another iterative update this time around (in which case we'd certainly hope the price doesn't go up).

That said, the long-rumored blood pressure monitoring feature could well make an appearance on the Apple Watch 11, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This is likely to work like the existing sleep apnea detection, where you get alerts about elevated readings, rather than round-the-clock measurements.

More advanced health sensors – for glucose monitoring, for example – are also in the works but probably won't make an appearance this time around. Meanwhile, Apple remains deeply entangled in a legal case relating to blood oxygen readings, so it doesn't look as though that particular feature is going to make a comeback anytime soon.

Bear in mind that the Apple Watch 10 got a bigger screen and slightly larger and thinner cases in 2024, making it even less likely that the design is going to be changed for 2025. What's more likely are a handful of new color, casing, and strap options, just to distinguish the new model from the old one.

We've actually heard that the Apple Watch SE 3 will be getting a redesign this year, while the Apple Watch 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 won't – that's Gurman again.

An upgrade on the inside of the Apple Watch Series 11 seems probable at this stage: Apple always bumps up the processor with each new smartwatch model, so we could well get a new Apple S11 chipset to go alongside the new Apple Watch 11. Let's hope that means improved performance and more efficient power use at the same time.

However, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to be getting satellite connectivity and 5G support, we don't think these features are going to appear on the Apple Watch Series 11.

Something else that's almost definite but not quite confirmed is that the new Apple Watch 11 is going to come running watchOS 12, following on from the watchOS 11 software that launched with the Apple Watch 10. Apple hasn't said anything about watchOS 11 yet, but we should get more information at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) sometime in July.

Also on the software side, we've heard that an AI health coach app is on the way, which would presumably leverage some AI smarts to give you personalized insights into your fitness data, as well as advice on which workouts to try next.

Apple Watch 11: What we want to see

The Apple Watch 10 can be improved upon (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

While we were big fans of the Apple Watch 10, that doesn't mean there's no room for improvement with a new model for 2025. While it's probably too late in the development stage for us to have any sway over Apple's engineers at this stage, nevertheless we'd like to put forward the improvements we want to see with the new wearable.

1. Smart uses of AI

AI is everywhere these days, in case you hadn't noticed, and when it comes to Apple devices that means Apple Intelligence. So far, Apple Intelligence hasn't expanded its reach to the Apple Watch, so we're hoping that changes with the 11th-gen model – assuming Apple puts some thought into the features that would actually be useful on a wrist.

2. More customization options

Each new Apple Watch always comes with a selection of new watch faces of course, but we think Apple can do more in terms of the customization options on watchOS – it's an area where other watches have the edge. With iOS 18 there are now more customization tweaks available on the iPhone than ever before, so let's hope the Apple Watch follows that trend.

3. Improved health sensors

Rumors have been swirling for years about health sensors and functions that Apple could potentially add to its smartwatch range, from sensors in the straps to glucose monitoring. While major upgrades still seem to be several years off, based on reports, we're still hopeful that we might see one or two new health tracking features on the Apple Watch 11.

4. Better battery life

Now stop us if you've heard this one before, but we'd like to see better battery life on the Apple Watch 11 – because of course we would. During our testing of the Apple Watch 10, we were getting about a day between charges, which isn't great compared to a lot of Apple Watch competitors (especially if you want to use the smartwatch to track your sleep).

5. Better band attachments

It's not the most noticeable of features, but we've often found the Apple Watch band attachment mechanism to be a bit too fiddly. Samsung has worked out how to make a smooth and stress-free attachment system, so it can be done – and it would definitely make life easier for those who like to swap out their bands on a regular basis.

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• Dell’s RTO mandate will come into force on March 3, 2025
• Workers will need to be in the office five days per week
• There’s some slack for hybrid working, but it comes at a cost

In September 2024, we reported Dell would be enacting a return-to-office policy, and it has now been confirmed any employees living within an hour’s commute from an office must go in five days per week.

The company's full-time RTO mandate is set to come into force on Monday, March 3, 2025, but workers living further afield will still be granted permission to work remotely.

The news follows several other similar announcements across the tech industry, marking what could be the start of the end of remote working for many.

Dell’s RTO mandate does have some leniency

A memo seen by The Register stated: “Starting March 3, all hybrid and remote team members who live near a Dell office will work in the office five days a week… We are retiring the hybrid policy effective that day. We remain committed to flexibility within your workday, and you should continue to work with your manager to meet your needs. But for the most part, you should plan to work in the office five days a week.”

Although there appears to be some tolerance for hybrid working among Dell’s employees who live further afield, the company had previously come under fire for making its remote workers ineligible for promotions.

CEO Michael Dell is one of the many leaders citing better productivity and collaboration off the back of in-person interactions – a sentiment apparently shared by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy when the ecommerce and cloud computing giant asked its workers to visit the office more regularly.

Although the benefits of in-person working are undeniable, there are occasions and roles that are better suited to working remotely. Workers from across the industry have expressed concerns over getting into the office when they have care and other duties at home. More broadly, the pandemic-induced rise of hybrid working helped companies increase their talent pools to workers who previously may not have considered a role.

TechRadar Pro has asked Dell to share more information about its revised policy, but we did not receive an immediate response.

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• Nintendo Switch 2 game boxes could be larger than those for the original Nintendo Switch
• This is per a listing at a French game retailer
• It could help differentiate Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games

There has been no shortage of speculation regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 as, although the console was finally officially unveiled last month, there's still plenty that we don’t know about it.

One of the most interesting new rumors concerns the physical size of Nintendo Switch 2 game boxes. As reported by Nintendo Life, a French retailer may have given us a hint of what to expect. An early listing for a mystery Nintendo Switch 2 game indicates that its box will measure 7.6 in / 19.5 cm by 5.1 in / 13 cm.

For comparison, the existing cases for original Nintendo Switch games come in at 6.7 in / 16.9 cm tall and 4.1 in / 10.4 cm wide, suggesting that Nintendo Switch 2 game boxes will be significantly larger. It might be a bit of a pain if you’re short on shelf space, but this actually makes a lot of sense. After all, a bigger box is probably the easiest way for Nintendo to differentiate newer games in the eyes of the average consumer.

Does this increased heft mean that game cartridges themselves will also be larger? It’s too soon to say, but I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility. Much like the leap from Nintendo DS cartridges to Nintendo 3DS ones, I’m expecting some kind of physical difference that would prevent some Nintendo Switch 2 games from being fully inserted into a Nintendo Switch. That would make sense, as we know from Nintendo's official unveiling that new Switch 2 games won't always be compatible with the original hardware.

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with most physical Nintendo Switch games though, so I wouldn’t expect anything radically different in the cartridge design department. It's likely that they will both need to be compatible with the same slot on the new system. so a slightly bigger size could do the trick.

Of course, this is all speculation as of right now and we'll have to wait and see exactly what Nintendo has in store. Hopefully the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct airing on April 2, 2025 will shed some light on the situation.

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• The UK is partnering with the EU on research projects
• Projects include climate change protection and cancer research
• Horizon Europe brings together top scientists from around the world

The UK has announced plans to deepen and strengthen links with the EU, especially in regards to research and innovation projects around technology.

The news will see the UK launch a nationwide advertising campaign and a series of roadshows in hopes of attracting researchers to join the EU’s cutting edge research programme, Horizon Europe.

Horizon Europe, which is the largest programme of research collaboration in the world, has a budget of almost €100 billion. The programme has five missions; adaption to climate change, cancer research, restoring oceans and waters, building climate-neutral and smart cities, and restoring and protect soil health.

An innovation powerhouse

The UK is not the only non-EU nation to participate in Horizon Europe, with other partnerships including South Korea, New Zealand, and Norway.

To further boost collaboration, the UK is also set to join four European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs). These will bring together the continent’s brightest minds, to foster ‘deep and high quality links’.

By participating in these research programmes, not only will the UK hope to benefit from the findings of the research projects by developing climate friendly practices and protections, but also in forging collaborative relationships with the top researchers around the world.

“There is no question about it: we stand our best chance of tackling the great challenges of our era, from climate change to public health, to growing economies that work for everyone, by bringing the brightest minds from across the UK and the European Union, together,” said UK Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle.

“The UK is determined to give our researchers, innovators and businesses the opportunities and platforms they need to bring their great ideas to life, to the benefit of us all – all of which is highlighted by our new Horizon ad campaign. I’m pleased to have had such fruitful conversations with my European friends and colleagues, on taking this vital partnership even further.”

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When it comes to the best smartwatches of the moment, the discussion always includes the Apple Watch series – and the Apple Watch SE model, which we've had two of so far, is the least expensive way to get an Apple-made smartwatch wrapped around your wrist.

Our Apple Watch SE 2 review will tell you that we're very impressed with the latest model, which was unveiled on September 7, 2022. That's more than two years ago now, which makes us think that an Apple Watch SE 3 isn't going to be too far off at this point.

Apple hasn't said anything officially of course – it never does, until a product actually launches – but here we've gathered together everything we've heard so far about what the Apple Watch SE 3 will bring with it: rumors, leaks, best guesses, and what we want to see.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The 2025 Apple Watch SE
• When is it out? Probably September 2025
• How much will it cost? Around $249 / £259 / AU$399

Apple Watch SE 3: release date and pricing

(Image credit: Apple)

• A September 2025 release looks likely
• The existing model starts at $249 / £259 / AU$399

The original Apple Watch SE was launched in September 2019, with the second-gen model appearing in September 2022. That's a gap of three years, and if Apple sticks to the same scheduling for the third-generation model, then we're looking at a launch window sometime during September 2025 – which is fast approaching.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in January that Apple would unveil the Apple Watch SE 3 in the second half of 2025. That would mean a launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as the four expected iPhone 17 models of course.

When it comes to pricing, again there haven't been any rumors or leaks mentioning this particular detail, so we need to look at past pricing for some clues: the first Apple Watch SE started at $279 / £269 / AU$429, while the Apple Watch SE 2 started at $249 / £259 / AU$399, both for the smaller 40 mm sizes. Remember that pricing is from 2019 and 2022 respectively, however.

While Apple will want to keep the Apple Watch SE 3 affordable – it's the primary reason for the device existing, after all – there might be a slight price bump this time around. We would certainly welcome a small drop in price, as there was between the first and second Apple Watch SE models, but right now that seems less likely.

Apple Watch SE 3: leaks and rumors

The Apple Watch SE 2 (Image credit: TechRadar)

• We might get a plastic casing
• Improved health sensors are possible

There hasn't been an overwhelming flood of Apple Watch SE 3 leaks so far, but that doesn't mean Apple isn't working on a new watch: most of the Apple rumors we hear trend to be around iPhones and iPads, so perhaps there are smaller teams working on the Apple Watch models that are tighter in terms of information security.

Reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman has gone on record as saying that we will get an Apple Watch SE 3 during 2025 and that it's going to be a "fresh" upgrade with a "new look" – quite what that new look will involve, Gurman doesn't say. We're thinking thinner bezels and sleeker edges that are more like the Apple Watch 10 than the current Apple Watch SE 2 (which does now look rather dated).

In the background, there's always chatter about Apple introducing new sensors for its Apple Watch – for glucose monitoring, for example – so that's a possibility. However, real innovation in terms of health monitoring still seems some way off, based on what we've heard, and any notable upgrades would most likely go to the more expensive Apple Watch devices first.

Gurman has also predicted a more plastic, kid-friendly look for the Apple Watch SE 3, maybe to get parents to buy the new model for their children. We can almost certainly look forward to new colors, new watch faces, and perhaps new straps when the Apple Watch SE 3 makes its debut, and of course, watchOS 12 (the successor to watchOS 11) will be ready at the same time.

Apple Watch SE 3: what we want to see

The Apple Watch SE 2 (Image credit: TechRadar)

We'd expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to instantly become one of the best Apple Watches when it does make an appearance, but we also have some ideas about how Apple could make sure the Apple Watch SE 3 has broad appeal. Here's what's on our wishlist when it comes to the next model – let's see how many of them Apple manages to check off.

1. A serious drop in price

We've already said it's unlikely that the Apple Watch SE 3 will cost significantly less than its predecessor, but we can hope. There are some very inexpensive smartwatches competing with the Apple Watch at the moment, which is surely something Apple has noticed – and perhaps the rumored switch to a plastic shell will help bring production costs down.

2. Better health tracking

The Apple Watch SE series currently lacks some of the health tracking features you can find on the standard Apple Watch line: you don't get ECG, blood oxygen, or temperature sensing capabilities on the Apple Watch SE 2, for example. Here's hoping Apple manages to put some of these upgrades into the new model, while still keeping prices down.

3. An always-on screen

We don't really have too many gripes about the Apple Watch SE 2, but one of them was the lack of an always-on screen – something that's hugely useful for a smartwatch, even if it does affect battery life a little. We'd very much welcome this as a feature on the Apple Watch SE 3, which may require some kind of screen tech upgrade at the same time.

4. A smattering of AI

The wealth of Apple Intelligence features that have made their way to iPhones, iPads, and Macs in recent months are yet to find a place on any Apple Watch, and we're hoping that changes soon – AI assistance could be really helpful on such a small screen, with summaries for example, as long as Apple doesn't go overboard with the additions.

5. Better battery life

Yes, yes, yes... it's the same request every year, with every smartwatch. Hopefully, the engineers at Apple manage to figure out a way to eke more battery life out of the Apple Watch SE 3. Based on our testing, the current Apple Watch SE 2 manages to get around two days between charges, so we're hoping for something even better from the next model.

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• Apple has settled a lawsuit over battery swelling in old Apple Watch models
• Owners of the Series 3, 2, 1, and the original Apple Watch
• The company denies wrongdoing, but you could still grab yourself $50

Apple has settled a lawsuit related to battery swelling in some of the oldest Apple Watch models. If you qualify, you could receive up to $50.

As spotted by TechCrunch, Apple has settled a class action lawsuit alleging that the company's earliest Apple Watches, the first-gen, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models, "experienced issues related to battery swell".

While Apple fervently denies the issue, the company has agreed to a payout to settle the claim and stop the case going any further. In a defiant statement, the company said: "Apple Watch is designed to be safe and reliable. This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase." It continued: "While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation."

All that remains is for potential settlement class members to make a claim for a payout, which could be up to $50. Here's how to find out if you're eligible, and what to do next.

Make your old Apple Watch pay

The Apple Watch Series 3 was first unveiled in 2017. (Image credit: Apple)

As per the settlement website, a $20 million fund has been set aside for "Settlement Class Members who are natural persons who reside in the United States who own or owned a Covered Watch for personal and/or household use and who are reflected in Apple’s records as having reported issues potentially related to battery swell in the United States."

If you owned a first-generation Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3, and Apple has recorded you having reported an issue with battery swelling, you should be eligible for payment.

In theory, if you fit this bill, you don't need to submit a claim, as you should be included automatically. If you think you're eligible you may want to confirm or update your payment info so you get the cash. For various statutory reasons, if you want to exclude yourself from the class you need to do so by February 24, 2025.

Payments should be between $20 and $50 - not enough to pay for one of the best Apple Watches you can buy right now, but sufficient for one of the best Apple Watch bands.

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• Microsoft and Alphabet CEOs are among the latest investors in a London cricket team
• London Spirit seals £145m deal for 49% stake in franchise
• Bid led by Palo Alto Networks chairman Nikesh Arora

The CEOs of Alphabet and Microsoft are among several technology heads behind a record-breaking bid for a minority stake in a franchise of the UK's Hundred cricket competition.

Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai have joined a number of other cricket fans holding major roles at technology firms who have come together for a £145 million bid for a 49% in the London Spirit franchise.

The bid is the largest in this year's tender, and values the London Spirit, which plays its matches at the iconic Lord's cricket ground in the capital, at over £300 million.

London Spirit deal

Leading the bid, officially made by a consortium called the Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, is Nikesh Arora, the chief executive of security firm Palo Alto Networks, who heads up what the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of Lord's, called "11 high net-worth individuals".

Along with Nadella and Pichai, this includes Shantanu Narayen, chief executive of Adobe, Egon Durban, the chief executive of Silver Lake Management, and Satyan Gajwani, the co-founder of Major League Cricket and vice-chairman of Times Internet.

Nadella and Pichai are both huge fans of cricket, which enjoys a huge fan base in their home nation of India. Nadella in particular is known for sneaking cricket references into the background of online talks and addresses, and is also an investor in the new Major League Cricket competition, co-owning the Seattle Orcas team.

The group was only able to bid for a 49% stake due to the remainder being retained by the MCC. Each of the hosts for the eight teams were given a 51% stake in their franchise, which they can sell or keep, with the ECB then selling the remaining 49%.

Elsewhere in the auction, Indian-American IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, the founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions, also spent £80m for a stake in the Welsh Fire franchise.

India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, founder of the Reliance Group, snapped up the stake in the Oval Invincibles, London's other franchise in the competition.

Via Cricket.com

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• Three in five workers are already using some form of AI agents
• Most IT execs are keen to adopt even more agentic AI
• The same challenges are blocking a full rollout

As artificial intelligence begins to become more engrained into business operations, companies are looking to hand over more of their processes to the more autonomous side of the technology.

A report from Pega claims three in five (58%) workers are already using AI agents, with separate research from AI technology firm UiPath revealing nearly all (93%) of IT execs are very interested in agentic AI.

UiPath also found over two-thirds (69%) of IT execs are using or will use AI agents within the next six months – a figure not too dissimilar to Pega’s.

The next step of AI is agentic AI

We’ve already seen how artificial intelligence can save workers hours per week on mundane, repetitive tasks, and workers are excited to see AI agents automate these tasks, summarize meetings more efficiently, improve the oversight of business workflows and ultimately reduce the amount of time workers spending searching for job-related information.

However, while companies like Salesforce are bidding big on agentic AI, some key hurdles remain in place, and they’re the same challenges that businesses faced and continue to face with regular AI.

UiPath identified IT security issues (56%), the cost of implementation (37%) and integration with existing systems (35%) are concerns among IT executives, while Pega found a lack of confidence in AI’s ability to autonomously replace humans as a sticking point, be it AI’s work quality (33%), the lack of human intuition and emotional intelligence (32%) and untrustworthy AI-generated responses (30%).

“As AI systems become more autonomous, enterprises must strike a balance between autonomy and human oversight to prevent unintended consequences and guarantee that AI-driven actions align with ethical, compliance, and legal standards," noted Daniel Dines, CEO of UiPath.

Looking ahead, there is a clear need for better education and transparency to encourage agentic AI adoption, as well as careful consideration as to the balance between AI autonomy and human oversight.

With the right approach, 46% of Pega’s survey respondents believe AI will positively impact their jobs over the next five years.

“Organizations must meet employees where they are by integrating AI agents with actual workflows so they’re not just doing any work, but doing the right work," added Pega CTO Don Schuerman.

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• A durability test has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's Corning Gorilla Armor 2 screen might scratch more easily than first thought
• This could, however, mean that the phone is less likely to shatter when dropped
• These results are at odds with Corning's claims

The move to Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection is supposedly one of the biggest upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the new material sounding, on paper, like a big improvement on the original Gorilla Armor used by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, a new durability test suggests the reality might be a bit more complicated than that.

JerryRigEverything (via Phone Arena) has released a video testing the durability of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in various ways, and one interesting thing they found was that the phone's screen started getting scratched at level six of the Mohs scale of hardness (a system used to measure scratch resistance).

That’s in line with a lot of other high-end phones, but it’s a step down from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which in the same test didn’t start getting scratches until level seven. So, in other words, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen is seemingly easier to scratch than its predecessor’s.

A shatter-resistant compromise

So, what’s going on here? While JerryRigEverything doesn’t have a definitive answer, they posit that perhaps the glass was too brittle on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. After all, increasing scratch resistance will typically mean making the glass harder, which can also make it more likely to shatter when dropped.

So, Corning and Samsung might have decided that this is a better balance – sacrificing some scratch resistance for improved drop resistance.

That said, while Corning itself states that drop resistance has been improved compared to the original Gorilla Armor, it also says that “Gorilla Armor 2 maintained its exceptional scratch resistance.”

So, it’s possible that, for whatever reason, JerryRigEverything’s results will prove to be outliers. But even if the glass on the Galaxy S25 Ultra really is more prone to scratching, we’d argue it’s probably a fair trade if that means it’s less likely to smash.

What do you value more in a smartphone: strong scratch resistance or strong drop resistance? Let us know in the comments.

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• A fairly reliable leaker has hinted at the next State of Play date
• The next PlayStation presentation could air around Valentine's Day
• Updates for upcoming PS5 games like Ghost of Yotei seem likely

A PlayStation State of Play presentation could be happening this month per a reliable leaker, which would line up with previous years.

The rumor comes from NateTheHate on X / Twitter (via VGC), a fairly reliable source who has revealed accurate information about PlayStation and Nintendo products in the past. In a reply to another user asking about a specific date for the State of Play presentation, he responds: "What does your heart tell you?" That strongly suggests a live date of on or around February 14 (Valentine's Day).

Now, it's possible that Nate could just be guesstimating here. A State of Play for February 2025 is a fairly safe bet, given Sony has run these presentations towards the start of the last two years. We also know that Sony has at least two big PS5 games in the pipeline for this year - those being Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, both sequels to a pair of critically acclaimed titles.

A State of Play this month would also present a good opportunity for Insomniac Games to give a more thorough update on its upcoming Marvel's Wolverine game. The developer did share a small message about the game last week, stating it has to remain "very stoic until it’s time to pop the claws down the road." Could that time be this month? We'll need to wait and see.

It'd also be reasonable to expect an update on Tekken 8 season 2 - a massive patch for the fighting game that doesn't yet have a release date. While we currently don't know which characters are going to be added for the game's second year, Bandai Namco has not so subtly teased the return of Anna Williams in the original season 2 trailer.

In any case, keep your eyes glued to PlayStation's social channels this month, as that State of Play announcement could happen any day now.

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To most people, words like algebra, algorithms, and computational mathematics may bring back memories of educational struggles. But behind these abstract concepts lies a powerful, life-saving tool: High-Performance Computing (HPC). HPC leverages advanced mathematics and enormous processing power to handle calculations that were once unimaginable, making it indispensable across a range of disciplines, including meteorology.

Without HPC, our ability to predict natural disasters would be vastly diminished. From issuing hurricane warnings that enable mass evacuations to forecasting floods before they reach populated areas, HPC allows meteorologists to transform data into actionable insights that save lives. In a world without HPC, many more lives would be lost to extreme weather.

Mathematics that saves lives

Natural disasters impact nearly every corner of the globe. In 2023, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria led to the highest death toll of any natural disaster that year. Economically, Hurricane Katrina remains one of the world’s most costly disasters, second only to the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 These catastrophic events underscore the importance of accurate and timely forecasting, a feat made possible by the power of HPC.

During my tenure at Red Oak Consulting and my time working within the Met Office, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of High-Performance Computing (HPC) in forecasting and predicting impending weather catastrophes with remarkable accuracy, which is only going to be more vital to society as we progress through the modern world.

Natural disasters on the rise

Climate change is transforming the world’s landscape, fueling extreme weather events that threaten to reshape entire regions. Rising global temperatures drive severe droughts, increase the intensity of storms, and intensify tropical cyclones. The oceans, warmed by climate change, provide ideal conditions for storms to form and strengthen, while rising sea levels and water-saturated air supercharge these events.

With rising sea levels blurring the boundaries between land and ocean, coastal areas that were once considered safe are now at risk of flooding. Climate change redraws the map of risk, leaving previously untouched regions vulnerable to natural disasters. As the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes, climate change is a key driver behind the increased frequency and severity of hurricanes, which last longer and reach higher intensities than ever before.

The devastating floods in Spain, which tragically claimed 200 lives, highlight the increasing risks climate change poses to weather patterns and water systems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, have intensified due to human-induced warming. Rising global temperatures accelerate and destabilize the hydrological cycle, resulting in extreme variations in water availability.

The phenomenon known as DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) played a major role, as residual summer heat from the Mediterranean clashed with polar air, creating convective clouds and torrential rains. Warmer sea surfaces and a moisture-laden atmosphere, both driven by climate change, amplify such events, making deadly flash floods more frequent and severe.

Why is HPC crucial to meteorology?

For decades, weather forecasting has relied on complex mathematical equations and vast amounts of data. However, until recently, the computing power needed to process these elements quickly and accurately was limited. HPC has now become a crucial tool, allowing meteorologists to model and forecast extreme weather events with unprecedented precision and speed, giving communities precious time to prepare for what lies ahead.

HPC processes vast datasets from satellites, ocean buoys, radar, aircraft, and ground stations, integrating them to create models that simulate various weather scenarios. These advanced models can predict hurricanes, cyclones, heatwaves, and flash floods by running billions of calculations that reveal how atmospheric conditions may develop. HPC enables these models to be run at an incredibly high resolution, pinpointing likely developments across specific regions and timeframes.

For example, in the case of an approaching hurricane, HPC can forecast its expected path, intensity, wind speeds, and rainfall distribution, allowing meteorologists to issue accurate, targeted warnings well in advance of impact. Without HPC, such precise predictions would be impossible, and communities would be left with much less time to prepare for incoming disasters.

HPC also enables real-time data assimilation, which means it can integrate the latest data into ongoing forecasts, updating predictions minute by minute as conditions change. This capability is particularly vital for rapidly shifting events, like thunderstorms and cyclones, which can be unpredictable and fast-moving. HPC’s speed and scale make it possible to refine forecasts down to highly specific locations, helping authorities make informed decisions on evacuations, shelter locations, and resource deployment.

Future-proofing with climate modelling

While weather forecasting predicts short-term conditions, climate modelling aims to simulate long-term changes, giving us insight into how rising temperatures, greenhouse gases, and other factors will shape our planet’s climate over decades or centuries. HPC is essential for this purpose, allowing scientists to simulate the complex, interconnected systems driving Earth’s climate and to explore possible future scenarios.

At its core, climate modelling is about understanding the intricate dynamics between atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and land-sea interactions. Models consider variables like greenhouse gas concentrations, solar radiation, cloud formation, and human activities, integrating them to project future climate conditions. Because Earth’s climate system has countless interdependent factors, climate models require immense computational power. HPC enables scientists to run these models and simulate climate interactions with unprecedented detail and accuracy.

HPC-powered climate models provide insights crucial for planning and policymaking. For instance, by running simulations based on different emissions levels, scientists can predict potential outcomes for global temperatures, sea levels, and weather patterns. This data helps inform government policies on climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness, empowering decision-makers to build defenses against the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, HPC enables ‘ensemble modelling’, where multiple simulations run in parallel with slight variations to account for uncertainties. This approach yields more reliable, probabilistic forecasts, offering a range of potential outcomes. Ensemble modelling is essential in climate science, as it provides a fuller picture of possible scenarios and equips policymakers with the information needed to make informed, adaptive decisions.

HPC and global aviation

A less visible yet equally vital area where HPC powers forecasting is in global aviation. The skies may seem vast and unpredictable, but behind every transatlantic flight and intercontinental journey lies a finely tuned network of meteorological support. Just two centers worldwide provide real-time aviation forecasts: the World Area Forecast Centers (WAFCs), operated by the UK Met Office and NOAA in the United States.

Tasked with delivering critical weather forecasts for safe flight planning, the WAFCs rely on HPC to generate up-to-the-minute insights that help pilots navigate potential hazards. The Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees these centers, which keep watch on everything from turbulence to icing conditions across global airspace. With HPC enabling rapid data processing, WAFCs can predict hazardous conditions well before a flight reaches them, allowing pilots to adjust routes and ensure passenger safety.

Imagine a transatlantic flight with hundreds of passengers on board, cruising at high altitude over the Atlantic. Without HPC, forecasters would struggle to track storm systems, turbulence, and potential icing hazards in real time. Thanks to HPC, WAFCs monitor vast stretches of atmosphere, predict weather events, and ensure that flight paths are optimized for safety and efficiency. This essential capability keeps global aviation moving smoothly and mitigates the risks posed by unforeseen weather conditions.

Preparing with precision

As the risk of natural disasters grows, high-performance computing stands as a frontline defense, transforming raw data into life-saving forecasts. HPC models simulate hurricanes, wildfires, and floods in astonishing detail, giving communities and emergency responders precise, real-time updates that guide preparations and minimize harm.

Beyond immediate crises, HPC powers long-term climate models that reveal how rising temperatures and sea levels will shape future risks. Cities use this information to strengthen defenses, plan resilient infrastructure, and adapt to an era of extreme weather. Enhanced by AI, HPC pushes the boundaries of early detection, identifying patterns that signal emerging threats and offering vital insights that help us act with precision.

So, the next time you check a weather forecast, remember the sophisticated systems working behind the scenes-powered by HPC, predicting natural disasters, and preparing us for whatever lies ahead.

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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

By now, even casual observers of the tech world are well aware of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s dazzling contribution to artificial intelligence. Its ability to generate coherent, on-point responses has upended online research and sparked endless speculation about AI’s growing role in our everyday lives.

A recent rising challenger, China’s opensource AI-powered chatbot, DeepSeek, has drawn its own intrigue, promising to run more efficiently and be better suited to non-English users than its American competitor.

Yet in the rush to assess its functionality, adoption, and potential geopolitical sway, one pressing question seems to have been sidelined: how do the environmental credentials of these ChatGPT and DeepSeek compare?

Where It All Began: A Look at ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s Origins

ChatGPT

ChatGPT’s meteoric rise began in late 2022, with OpenAI and Microsoft forming a high-profile alliance to scale it via Azure’s cloud services. Every iteration of the GPT architecture, however, comes at a steep environmental price. Training such a colossal model requires immense computing power, and the subsequent energy use has raised uncomfortable questions about its carbon footprint.

DeepSeek

While DeepSeek hasn’t yet become a household name to the extent ChatGPT has, it’s earning a reputation as a leaner, more multilingual competitor. It uses techniques like pruning (removing unnecessary parts of the model to reduce size and improve efficiency), model distillation (training a smaller "student" model to imitate a larger "teacher" model), and algorithmic streamlining (optimizing each step of the computation process to minimize wasted resources and improve overall performance) – all intended to cut down on resources and associated costs.

The theory goes that an AI needing fewer GPUs should, in principle, consume less energy overall. Yet details on its total environmental impact remain conspicuously thin, leaving observers to wonder if DeepSeek’s operational gains could truly deliver on the sustainability front.

Energy and Carbon Emissions

The most glaring environmental toll for both models lies in the power needed to train them. Early estimates suggest that rolling out ChatGPT’s latest language model, GPT4, demanded colossal GPU capacity for weeks on end.

DeepSeek, meanwhile, claims to require fewer high-end chips, potentially reducing its total electricity draw.

Data Centers and Energy Sources

Powering ChatGPT on Microsoft’s Azure platform has its upsides and downsides. Microsoft is working to become carbon-negative by 2030, underpinned by investments in green energy and carbon capture. Yet many of its data centers remain tethered to non-renewable energy grids, and the manufacture of sophisticated AI chips is itself resource-intensive.

DeepSeek appears to rely on Alibaba Cloud, China’s most prominent cloud provider, which has set similar targets for carbon neutrality. But China’s national grid continues to rely heavily on coal, meaning the actual environmental impact might be more significant unless DeepSeek is sited in locations rich in renewable infrastructure. That said, DeepSeek’s focus on efficiency might still make it less carbon-intensive overall.

Water Usage and Cooling

Running giant clusters of GPUs produces heat – lots of it. Data centres typically use vast amounts of water for cooling, especially in regions with high temperatures. Microsoft has come under fire for consuming billions of liters of water, some of which goes towards cooling the hardware behind AI operations.

Information on DeepSeek’s water footprint is scant. If Alibaba Cloud’s newer facilities use advanced cooling methods – such as immersion cooling (submerging servers in a thermally conductive liquid to dissipate heat more efficiently) – DeepSeek might fare better in terms of water usage. But with so little public data on its processes, it’s difficult to measure how it stacks up against ChatGPT on this front.

The Hidden Cost of E-Waste

The relentless pace of AI hardware development means GPUs and other accelerators can quickly become obsolete. ChatGPT’s operations, involving cutting-edge equipment, likely generate a rising tide of e-waste, though precise figures are elusive.

In principle, DeepSeek’s more frugal approach implies fewer chips, which could mean slower turnover and less waste. Still, this remains an educated guess until there’s more visibility into how DeepSeek’s hardware ecosystem is managed.

Where Do They Stand?

At first glance, OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft suggests ChatGPT might stand to benefit from a more environmentally conscious framework – provided that Microsoft’s grand sustainability promises translate into meaningful progress on the ground. DeepSeek, meanwhile, must grapple with a coal-reliant grid in China, yet its drive for efficiency could place it in a better position to curb overall energy consumption per operation.

That said, the U.S. is hardly a clean-energy haven either. While Microsoft has pledged to go carbon-negative by 2030, America remains one of the world’s largest consumers of fossil fuels, with coal still powering parts of its grid. Moreover, political shifts could slow progress: the resurgence of a "drill, baby, drill" mentality in Republican energy rhetoric suggests a renewed push for oil and gas, potentially undermining AI’s green ambitions.

Ultimately, AI is hurtling forward at breakneck speed, but the environmental ramifications lag far behind in public scrutiny. As these systems weave themselves ever deeper into our politics, economy, and daily interactions, the debate on their energy sources, water usage, and hardware footprints must become more transparent. If the world’s appetite for AI is unstoppable, then so too must be our commitment to holding its creators accountable for the planet’s long-term well-being. That responsibility extends not just to China and the U.S. and every nation where AI is trained, deployed, and powered.

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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

When we hear the word “mobile,” the automatic assumption is that we’re talking about iPhones and iPads. However, "mobile" is an umbrella term that extends far beyond just phones and tablets.

Mobility use cases are enabled by infrastructure that affords users the freedom to stay connected while on the move. This ranges from handheld portable electronic and smart wearables to point-of-sale (POS) systems and Apple Vision Pro headsets. This means that most of the critical technologies used by businesses to operate and connect with customers are increasingly provided through mobile solutions.

Many organizations have yet to reach a level of maturity in their mobile programs to reflect the critical role devices play. Such assets can no longer be viewed solely as ‘niche’ by businesses. They are, in fact, ‘mission-critical’ devices that must be treated as first-class assets when developing both security and resilience strategies.

What is meant by ‘mission-critical use’

It’s safe to say that one of the biggest revolutions over the last 30 years, alongside developments like the internet, has been the introduction of mobile devices into the workplace.

What originally started as a “nice to have,” with only certain individuals having access to smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), has evolved to the point where mobiles are a necessity for any successful business.

As a result, we have seen new device form factors join the ‘mission critical’ category. These mobile devices are essential to the operation and running of an organization; if one of these devices fails, the entire business would likely grind to a halt.

Many of these devices are deployed in environments where they might be shared among multiple users or designated for specific functions rather than assigned to an individual.

Given the broad definition, there is a wide spectrum of devices that can count as ‘mission critical,’ each one serving a distinct need within a business. This includes tablets used in healthcare to monitor patient recovery or clinical therapy, as well as systems used in retail environments such as mobile credit card processors, as well as to process payments, manage inventory, or for time tracking on the sales floor.

Even an Apple Vision Pro headset can be considered ‘mission critical’ depending on the use case, with such devices being used in power stations to train technicians and optimize site operations.

Whilst these are three very different examples, each illustrates how vital mobile assets have become for organizations. If they were to fail, it could result in lost revenue for a small business, or, in more serious cases, put patients’ or workers’ lives at risk.

Challenges organizations face with managing ‘mission-critical use’ devices

Maintaining operational uptime on ‘mission-critical use’ devices is essential and this means making them both cyber resilient and operationally resilient.

Mobiles are now a common attack vector for cybercriminals, in part because they often exhibit the worst security standards. For example, 40% of mobile users are running a device with known vulnerabilities. Poor cybersecurity standards mean that the bar to exploit such an asset is extremely low, making it easier for cybercriminals to take them offline and halt the operations of victim organizations.

Businesses tend to focus all their efforts on meeting regulatory checkboxes for compliance, yet they often overlook specific security threats and vulnerabilities that might put the device at risk. It’s also frequently assumed that limited-access devices are safe by default, but this is rarely the case, particularly when work devices are used for personal reasons.

On the other hand, some businesses may have elements of strong cybersecurity but fail to implement practices strategically. For example, automated processes might update all devices with new patches at the same time. If the business doesn’t have backup systems in place, then it could face operational downtime while the update takes place.

Performance is king when it comes to mobile devices, and providing the best possible service to customers means frontline workers having the right tools performing reliably.

For example, you can’t have a mobile device used in a critical scenario run out of power because heavy cumbersome software is placing undo strain on the battery.

While these are two different issues, they stem from the same problem: businesses don’t fully understand how dependent they are on mobiles and lack awareness when examining the security of such devices.

While mobile devices used by workers on the frontline, such as POS systems, are obvious additions to the ‘mission critical’ category, the mobile devices of knowledge workers, are equally important. If an executive loses access to their smartphone, they can’t retrieve essential information or perform their job effectively. This is potentially as disastrous as a frontline system going down; however, it’s often overlooked by IT teams.

Organizations need to understand assess all the mobile devices that are used for work and recognize which ones are ‘mission critical.’ Only then can they start addressing the security challenges they face and make mobiles more resilient. Tackling the problem requires a structured and layered model.

Building resilience in ‘mission critical’ devices

The first stage in assessing an organization's ‘mission critical’ footprint involves a comprehensive asset inventory. This means understanding what assets are deployed, where they are, and what they’re accessing.

The inventory should include a mapping of where there are overlaps between devices and the applications that are also ‘mission critical.’ These are crucial aspects that organizations often overlook. Once a business has an understanding of their ‘mission critical’ assets, they can implement a backup plan for when they go down.

During this phase, it’s also crucial for organizations to know their suppliers, and to understand the control options available for the devices they’ve acquired. This will enable security teams to apply minimum security standards immediately as devices are unboxed, making good security hygiene just as important as application deployments.

Basic cyber hygiene practices, such as implementing Multi-Factor Authentication, enforcing rigorous patching processes, and requiring strong passwords, are essential for improving the security standards of ‘mission criticals’. The majority of breaches can be tied to failures in getting the basics right.

Following the ‘mission critical’ asset inventory, it is imperative to implement threat prevention, this includes Device Management to ensure that devices are monitored and security policies enforced. By implementing such capabilities, organizations can block malicious activity before it reaches the device, helping to maintain operational availability in devices.

Settings are equally important. Limiting non-essential notifications, restricting high-risk applications, and carefully managing access controls can enhance safety on ‘mission critical’ tools. The same approach applies to backup planning.

Finally, organizations should think about connectivity to workloads and backend applications that are operated off the device – for example, connection to a database or running an AI workload in the cloud. It’s important that all data in transit between devices and workloads is protected.

However, cybersecurity strategies and practices must also be aligned with uptime strategies. It’s a wasted effort improving cyber hygiene if a malfunctioning update causes downtime in all ‘mission-critical’ devices at the same time.

For ‘mission critical’ devices, broad updates or general alerts aren’t ideal. A tablet relied on by an airline pilot or surgeon should not receive disruptive updates during essential operations.

Organizations need to either establish a plan to schedule downtime aligned with business requirements or procure backup devices and implement a local protocol to enable immediate device swapping as needed.

Ultimately, mobile devices are now critical to the operations of every business. Therefore, IT teams need to treat them in the same way they would other critical assets. Businesses need to have a clear plan for how they manage ‘mission critical’ devices that ensures they are both secure and operationally resilient. For many, this means the time has come for mobile to assume a first class role in the enterprise, where its impact on business is understood and maintained.

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