TechRadar News

• Spotify is rolling out new features for its library of podcasts, bringing you closer to the shows you love
• This includes a new Following feed in the Home page, which groups all the podcasts you follow
• There's also a new function that helps you to discover new shows, which Spotify has been criticized for lacking in the past

Spotify has introduced a small slurry of new podcast features, all designed to boost the presence of its library of audio and video podcasts to the same level as its music catalog - the most notable new addition being a new Following feed.

Yesterday the platform announced the new functions in a blog post and although they’re minor additions to Spotify’s interface, they play their part in bringing you closer to the podcasts you love while helping you discover your next favorite show. They also give creators an upper-hand, with Spotify adding ‘it gives them new ways to reach even more audiences around the globe’.

The new features are already starting to roll out to users and are widely available, with the exception of one which Spotify says will be ‘rolling out globally in the coming weeks’. So if you’re a keen podcast fan, or you’re at least trying to be, these are the three new tools to test out.

1. New podcasts Following feed

(Image credit: Spotify)

The main podcast feature of the three is the new Following feed, a dedicated space for shows you already follow. It puts them all into one place in the Spotify Home page, allowing you to stay on top of new episodes and releases from the creators you listen to the most.

When you go to the Spotify Home page and use the Podcasts filter at the top of the screen, it now displays an extended Following tab that you can enable. From there, all of the latest episodes from the podcast you follow will appear. It’s simple, and easily accessible.

2. Podcast recommendations in your Home feed

(Image credit: Spotify)

As well as bringing you closer to your favorite creators Spotify is doubling down on its podcast discovery features. The second new feature is a recommendation-focused function in your Home page.

Just under your Home page shortcuts, Spotify has started displaying recommendations for new audio and video podcasts, ready for you to play or save. This new addition is designed to save you time when scrolling through Spotify’s podcasts categories in search of a new show, while adhering to its own ethos of optimizing exposure for creators.

3. New ‘In this episode’ section

Spotify recently launched its ‘Follow-Along’ feature for audiobooks, and it’s doing something similar with podcasts. In the coming weeks, Spotify will be rolling out a new ‘In this episode’ section for podcasts, which allows creators to link to content they mention in episodes that’s also available on Spotify.

For example, if a creator mentions a specific album, song, or audiobook in a podcast episode, the ‘In this episode’ section will show those titles and give you the option to explore the referenced content.

(Image credit: Spotify)

For the past few years, Spotify has given much attention to bringing new features allowing users to optimize music discovery, however it has received criticism for not applying the same to podcasts. But these features mark a step towards Spotify’s new strategy for podcast discovery.

The battle for the best podcast platform continues, and Spotify is putting up a fight to compete with the likes of Apple Music and YouTube, the latter of which is the current reigning champion for podcast fans in the US.

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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are supposed to be the internet’s cloak of invisibility. Long embraced by corporations to secure remote access and by individuals to shield their browsing activity, VPNs have built a reputation as tools of privacy, security, and digital freedom. But that reputation is now under threat.

A growing number of criminal groups are repackaging open source VPN frameworks into malware-laced products, disguising their intent behind familiar language, friendly branding, and fake reviews. What looks like a quick fix for accessing overseas content or bypassing geo-restrictions is, in many cases, an entry point for data theft, surveillance, and fraud.

It’s ironic in many ways. The promise of privacy has become the perfect lure for privacy-hacking criminals. Users who download these malicious VPNs often think they’re outsmarting content restrictions – watching football matches from abroad, placing bets where they legally shouldn’t, or cashing in on digital deals restricted by region.

At the very least, they might think that having a VPN shields them from the prying eyes of online snoopers. In reality, they’re likely handing over control of their device to a shadow network. These fake VPNs quietly turn home networks into residential proxies, harvest personal and financial data, and open the door for broader criminal operations – all while maintaining the illusion of security.

This isn’t to say that VPNs are bad. Far from it. But a user's choice of VPN matters today more than ever before. With so many affordable, easy options flooding the market, latching onto a cheap VPN to cloak your device or access geo-restricted content is a gamble – and the cost of losing that gamble simply isn’t worth the risk.

Behind the mask: How VPNs are being weaponized

What makes these VPNs so effective as attack vectors is how seamlessly they blend into the digital noise. Many operate through traffic distribution systems (TDSs) like Vextrio, which funnel users toward seemingly legitimate downloads. These platforms don’t just advertise VPNs – they create an entire illusion of trust, complete with sponsored search results, polished websites, and glowing reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.

Some VPNs are free, others charge modest monthly fees, but the business model is the same: install the software and you unwittingly join a network of compromised machines. These apps often double as information stealers – scraping keystrokes, intercepting browser activity, and quietly logging banking credentials.

Worse still, the infected device becomes part of a much larger infrastructure. Malicious VPNs routinely convert users’ home internet connections into residential proxies, effectively turning everyday consumers into unknowing enablers of criminal activity.

This allows attackers to route their own traffic through compromised systems, making it harder for authorities to trace or block malicious behavior. It’s like a parasite worming its way in unnoticed – users pay for access to content they’re not legally allowed to watch, while criminals profit by harvesting their data and hijacking their connections. Users think they’ve found a clever workaround, but in reality they’re simply being exploited.

DNS, RDGAs, and the art of evasion

The success of these criminals depends on their ability to hide and deceive. To maintain the illusion of legitimacy and avoid detection, malicious VPN operators rely heavily on rapidly generated domain aliases (RDGAs) and DNS tunneling. These tactics allow them to constantly shift the endpoints used by their software, cycling through thousands of domains so that if one is flagged or taken down, the service continues uninterrupted.

Take “Reckless Rabbit” and “Ruthless Rabbit” for instance – two recently discovered investment scam actors that use RDGAs to scale their advertising campaigns and lure victims using well-known names to appear trustworthy. Unlike legitimate providers, whose infrastructure remains relatively stable, these actors thrive on churn.

The fast rotation of domains not only obscures the true nature of the traffic but also makes it nearly impossible for traditional blocklists or IP reputation tools to keep up. From the outside, it simply looks like a user is accessing routine web services, when in fact, DNS is being manipulated to mask criminal infrastructure.

This constant domain hopping is part of a broader evasion strategy. DNS tunneling, in particular, allows attackers to disguise command-and-control traffic as benign DNS requests. It’s a method often used to sneak malware past firewalls or send data out of restricted environments without detection.

When embedded within VPN software, this technique becomes even more insidious: not only is the app encrypting the user's traffic, but it’s also silently exfiltrating information and receiving instructions from remote servers, all under the cover of what appears to be a legitimate privacy tool. This is how VPNs, when co-opted, transform from protective wrappers into full-fledged vehicles for criminal communication.

Snakes and Ladders: Why do people fall for it?

Contempt for the conners, compassion for the conned. That’s how this particular form of cyber-abuse should be viewed. Because the appeal of these rogue VPNs isn’t just technical – it’s psychological. Users are drawn in by the promise of unrestricted access: the ability to stream content blocked in their country, gamble on overseas platforms, or use region-specific services with no questions asked. For many, it feels like a harmless workaround.

But that desire to outsmart the system is precisely what these criminal operators rely on. They know users will trade caution for convenience. They know a free or cheap download that promises to “just work” will attract attention. But once it’s installed, the cost is no longer just a few dollars a month – it’s your identity, your credentials, and even your bandwidth.

Unwitting participants in criminal schemes

It’s not just about personal risk either. By participating in these networks, even unknowingly, users help power a much larger criminal economy. Their machines become part of an invisible infrastructure used to launder traffic, evade detection, and launch further attacks. In some cases, VPN clients are bundled with gambling or scam platforms, creating a double-loss scenario: victims hand over their data and their money.

It’s not just that the VPN didn’t protect them – bad enough though that is – it was that the VPN was the bait all along. The irony stings: in trying to gain more freedom, users end up more surveilled, more exploited, and more vulnerable than they were before.

Can app stores and search engines be trusted?

When we need a service, we Google it. Or perhaps we scan our app store of choice to find a suitable candidate. We might look at a few reviews, but by and large we’re programmed to trust what we find in these places. But in the case of malicious VPNs, that trust is being actively abused. Traffic distribution systems like Vextrio are skilled at manipulating search rankings – pushing sponsored ads and SEO-optimized domains to the top of results pages within days.

A quick search for “free VPN” or “VPN for Netflix” often leads users straight into their funnel. From there, everything is choreographed: the convincing website, the high user ratings, the false claims of speed and security. Even cautious users, seeing a top result or an official-looking listing in an app store, may assume legitimacy – especially when the app promises what they want to hear.

Apple’s App Store and Google Play are not immune. Despite vetting processes, threat actors have found ways to sneak past these controls by rebranding malware over and over again – changing logos, names, domains, and shell companies with each iteration. Dozens of malicious VPNs have slipped through, some remaining live in the stores long after being flagged.

Even the reviews can’t be trusted – so many of them are fabricated or bot-generated, designed to drown out real complaints and boost visibility. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT have made these bogus reviews all the more convincing and harder to spot. The result is a distorted marketplace where bad actors operate in plain sight, shielded by the very platforms users rely on for safety.

How to choose a VPN without compromising yourself

So how can users protect themselves without sacrificing privacy? The first step is a healthy dose of good old skepticism, particularly toward any VPN app that’s unfamiliar, heavily discounted, or promises unlimited access for free. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Instead of trusting search engine rankings or user reviews, consumers should rely on well-established providers with transparent business models and a long-standing track record.

Brands like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Malwarebytes are trusted not because they’re perfect, but because they’re accountable. They don’t need to hide behind a fresh logo or fake domain every time scrutiny increases. Reputation in this space isn’t just branding – it’s a proxy for security, support, and scrutiny.

Equally important is understanding what a VPN can and can’t do. A VPN won’t make a user anonymous, and it doesn’t guarantee safety if the software itself is compromised. In many cases, Protective DNS offers a more targeted layer of defense, alerting users to suspicious activity, blocking access to malicious domains, and providing visibility into where traffic is really going. Whether on a personal device or in an enterprise setting, layered protection matters.

VPNs were built to protect. But in the wrong hands, they become a perfect disguise for exploitation. Criminals are counting on users to trade caution for convenience, wrapping malware in the language of privacy and selling it as freedom. The safest path isn’t the fastest download or the highest-ranked result – it’s a trusted name, a transparent provider, and a double-dose of skepticism. Because when privacy tools are weaponized, the price of easy access can be far greater than it first appears.

We list the best free VPN.

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 is heading to Android Auto soon
• A new video shows how the integration will work
• The new AI will replace Google Assistant in cars

Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant across all of Google's apps and devices, and Android Auto will be making the switch soon – as shown by a new demo video that gives us an idea of how the AI assistant is going to work on your car's dashboard.

The video was captured at Google I/O 2025 and posted by 9to5Google, and you can see how Gemini slots in on the right-hand of the screen (or perhaps the left-hand, depending on the rules of the road in your country).

If you've used Gemini on your phone, the interface will be familiar, with the glowing blue-ish ripples showing that Gemini is active. You're then free to ask whatever questions you have on the road, using natural language.

You might want to see nearby gas stations for example, or have Gemini pull up the location of an event you're heading to from your Google Calendar. Anything you can do on your phone you can do through Gemini on Android Auto.

More flexibility

One demo Google showed off was using Gemini to compile a list of ingredients for a particular meal in Google Keep, then asking for directions to the local grocery store to pick up the necessary supplies – all very impressive.

Generally, it's much more flexible and more intelligent than Google Assistant. All of your in-car chats will be synced back to Gemini on the web and on your phone, so you can pick up where you left off on other devices and carry on the conversation.

With Android Automotive (so the version built right into cars), the interface is a little more subtle, with a small pop-up bar showing Gemini. However, the exact look can vary depending on your vehicle and the dashboard screen configuration.

It's not clear exactly when Gemini will show up on Android Auto, but Google has said it's coming soon, and we've seen numerous signs that it's on the way. Gemini is already the default AI assistant on new Android phones.

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• Pokémon Legends: Z-A will officially launch on October 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
• A digital or physical Switch version can be upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via a $10 upgrade pack
• The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will "offer improved graphics and frame rates"

The Pokémon Company has announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will officially launch on October 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Pre-orders for the next major Pokémon game begin on June 5, and it's been confirmed that players who purchase either a digital or physical version on the Switch can upgrade their copy to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via a $10 upgrade pack on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.

It might be worth investing in the Switch 2 Edition as The Pokémon Company has also revealed in a social media post that the version will "offer improved graphics and frame rates", but there's no new trailer for us to compare to the Switch version just yet.

In addition, players who pre-order Legends: Z-A through the Pokémon Center in the US, UK, and Canada will receive a random, exclusive Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush featuring Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.

According to Nintendo, those who pre-order a version of the game from My Nintendo Store will receive a Partner Pokémon figurine as a bonus item, and Mega Evolution, Trainer, and Champion's Choice bundles will also be available."

#PokemonLegendsZA arrives October 16, 2025!In addition to the #NintendoSwitch title, a #NintendoSwitch2 Edition will offer improved graphics and frame rates! The digital and physical versions of #PokemonLegendsZA can be upgraded to the #NintendoSwitch2 Edition via upgrade pack pic.twitter.com/DqAcfYPxiKMay 28, 2025

We've also received brand new cover art for the game, along with an official blurb, which reads: "Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a new frontier for the Pokémon video game series, blending an RPG story unfolding in a single city with action elements and a real-time battle system unlike anything seen before in the franchise.

"Trainers can look forward to the beginning of a new adventure in Lumiose City — one woven by people and Pokémon together!​"

Pokémon fans won't have to wait long for another look at the game because the next Pokémon Presents livestream will air this summer on July 22.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches next week on June 5 for $449.99 / £395.99, and $499.99 / £429.99 for the official Mario Kart World bundle, which comes with a digital copy of the game.

UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are now live. If you missed out on securing a pre-order, GameStop and Best Buy have announced that they will be restocking Switch 2 units in-store and online during the console's launch.

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• The new version of macOS will be revealed on June 9 at WWDC
• Several older Intel-based Macs might be incompatible with it
• Apple is rumored to be switching to a year-based “macOS 26” name

Apple releases a new version of its Mac operating system every year, and when that happens, there are inevitably older Macs that are no longer supported.

We’re just a week or two away from Apple unveiling its latest iOS and macOS updates at its WWDC 2025 event, and we’ve just found out exactly which Macs might be left behind.

That information comes from AppleInsider, which cites “people familiar with the matter.” These sources have revealed that a slate of Intel-based Macs will be incompatible with the forthcoming software update, meaning they’ll be stuck on older versions of Apple’s operating systems.

Specifically, AppleInsider says the following Macs will be compatible with the next version of macOS:

• MacBook Pro 2019 or later
• MacBook Air M1 or later
• iMac 2020 or later
• Mac Pro 2019 or later
• Mac mini M1 or later
• Mac Studio

That means there are some notable omissions. The 2018 MacBook Pro, 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air, 2017 iMac Pro, and 2018 Mac mini all work with the current version of macOS (macOS Sequoia) but are left off AppleInsider’s list. That suggests that they won’t be able to upgrade beyond macOS Sequoia.

What’s in a name?

(Image credit: Future / Apple)

Interestingly, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has also claimed that Apple is set to switch up its operating system naming conventions. Instead of the previously expected iOS 19 and macOS 16, Apple could name its platforms after the calendar year. So that means we’ll have iOS 26 and macOS 26, Gurman believes.

Alongside the name change, these operating systems are expected to come with sweeping changes to their visual styles and user interfaces, something that AppleInsider’s sources also confirmed. Unfortunately, that means that the aforementioned Macs will miss out on this new look as well.

If you have one of the Macs that are set to miss out on macOS 26, you might want to think about upgrading. Not only will that ensure you get all the latest macOS features, but you’ll likely get hardware improvements and better battery life too.

If you’re thinking about it, our guide to the best Macs and MacBooks should help you decide which one to get.

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• Marvel fans are worried about the fate of Thor in Avengers: Doomsday
• A video uploaded to Chris Hemsworth's YouTube channel has sparked fears about his potential MCU exit
• Chris Hemsworth has been playing Thor in the MCU since 2011

Avengers: Doomsday is 18 months away from landing in theaters, but Marvel fans are already fearing the worst about one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) longest-serving heroes.

Yesterday (May 28), a new video was uploaded to the personal YouTube channel of Chris Hemsworth, who's played Thor since 2011 and is one of the MCU's six original Avengers.

Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a big deal. Hemsworth and/or his social media team regularly post videos on the A-lister's account, so the arrival of a new video shouldn't come as a shock.

This video is different to the usual ones that get posted, though. Titled 'Thank You! The Legacy of Thor', the two-minute-long video comprises footage of Hemsworth's various appearances as the God of Thunder over the past 14 years. The clips are interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage, plus interviews with Hemsworth and other creatives who have worked on the Thor films, too.

Taken at face value, there's an air of finality to the video's title and the footage contained within. That's before you read the earnest video description accompanying said footage, which has seemingly been written by Hemsworth and reads: "Playing Thor has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

"For the last 15 [sic] years I've held Mjolnir and then Stormbreaker as the God of Thunder, but what made it truly special was sharing it with all of you. Your passion, your cheers, and your love for this character have meant everything to me. Thank you for making my journey through the MCU unforgettable. Next up, Doomsday!"

Thor is one of the MCU's most iconic heroes, so his potential demise would be felt acutely among viewers (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Predictably, Hemsworth's latest YouTube upload has sparked fears among MCU fans, with many drawing the conclusion that Thor is going to be killed off in Avengers 5. After all, Hemsworth was confirmed to be part of Doomsday's initial 27-strong cast. With filming now underway on one of 2026's most anticipated new movies, why would Hemsworth, who's probably seen a script and/or starting shooting scenes, post a video like this now if there wasn't a significant reason to do so?

Fan worries aren't consigned to a single corner of the internet, either.

Indeed, threads on the r/Marvel subreddit and ResetEra, plus the comments section of Hemsworth's latest YouTube video, are full of viewers expressing concerns that the Asgardian's MCU journey will soon come to an end. Is he going to be murdered by Doctor Doom in the same way that Thanos killed Loki in Avengers: Infinity War? It would certainly prove how powerful Doom is if he kills someone like Thor who's survived so many life-threatening events in the MCU.

Comment from r/marvelstudios

There are people who aren't convinced this is the end of the line for Hemsworth, though.

Some believe this is nothing more than a promotional video for Thor: Love and Thunder, aka the character's latest Marvel film that was released in July 2022, which has been uploaded to Hemsworth's channel three years too late.

Meanwhile, others say their fellow fans are reading too much into the video, with some pointing out that Marvel and Hemsworth have consistently talked about the possibility of making a fifth Thor solo movie. In fact, just three weeks ago, industry insider MyTimetoShineHello, whose recent track record has been patchy at best, suggested Thor 5 is still in the works. If that's the case, the God of Thunder won't perish in Doomsday.

Ultimately, it's hard to determine why this video has made its way onto Hemsworth's YouTube channel. I can see why people are scared about the possibility that Thor will die in the Marvel Phase 6 movie. However, I also understand the argument that some are putting two and two together and getting five.

If I had to get off of the proverbial fence, I'd err on the side of caution and agree that people are reading too much into this video. I don't think Hemsworth's time in the MCU is done yet, but I guess we'll know for sure when Avengers: Doomsday is released worldwide on its revised launch date of December 18, 2026.

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• Windows has released a new business backup tool
• The tool will help organizations transition to Windows 11
• Businesses can sign up for the limited public preview

Windows Backup for Organizations has now entered public preview, offering businesses a new tool to backup Windows settings when resetting or reimaging a user’s device.

The tool works when backing up both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, making it even easier for businesses to transition to the latest Windows operating system - a process that many have been putting off for the past three years.

The business backup tool was first announced at Microsoft Ignite in 2024, and has now entered limited public preview.

All aboard for Windows 11

In an announcement, Microsoft said, “You can back up your organization’s Windows 10 or Windows 11 settings and restore them on a Microsoft Entra joined device. This capability helps reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience against incidents.”

In order to sign up for the public preview, an organization needs to be using Microsoft Entra joined Windows 10 or Windows 11 systems, alongside an active Microsoft Intune test tenant and Microsoft Intune service administrator permissions.

As for businesses unable to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10 stops receiving updates on October 14 2025, there is the option to register for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will provide additional security updates beyond the end-of-life date. Home users can also opt in to this program for $30.

Microsoft also announced a new tool designed that allows developers to have their software seek updates via Windows Update, with Microsoft stating that the tool would offer a “unified future for app updates on Windows” across applications, system components, drivers, and more.

Via BleepingComputer

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• Framer introduced four new features
• Two features are powered by generative AI
• The company wants to simplify website creation without taking away the "magic"

Website builder platform Framer has announced a new suite of features, available now to all users. The features, some of which are powered by artificial intelligence (AI), are designed to “boost productivity, enhance creativity, and remove barriers between ideas and execution”.

The new features are called Wireframer, Workshop, Vector, and Advanced Analytics. As the company explained in a press release shared with TechRadar Pro, Wireframer is a “smart layout assistant” that allows users to create custom webpage structures through prompts. Workshop, the second AI-powered feature, can build custom components while keeping the site’s style in mind (think colors, fonts, layout, and more).

Vector is a new set of graphics and icon drawing tools that should enable more users to start designing their site with Framer. Vectors can be animated and customized, exported, and combined into icon kits.

Ideas front and center

Wireframer, Workshop, and Vector are available to all users, with no Beta access needed. However the fourth feature, Advanced Analytics, is only available to enterprise customers. Advanced Analytics allows users to measure the site’s effectiveness by setting up metrics, running tests “within minutes”, and then generating comprehensive reports.

Framer believes the new features make the platform friendly for both casual web builders and professional designers. According to Koen Bok, Framer’s CEO and Founder, the new features were introduced after thorough customer feedback on “how AI can support productivity without taking away the ‘magic’ of building a site.”

“We’re simplifying the journey from concept to live site, so ideas can take center stage,” Bok added.

Most of the best website builders around, including Wix, Hostinger, and Squarespace, have already introduced Generative AI in some capacity. The new technology allows developers to “chat” to the platforms to create everything from wireframes and sitemaps to full-blown websites, including the content and the multimedia.

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• Samsung has confirmed it will ship its next foldable phones with Android 16
• That will likely make them among the first handsets to run Android 16 out of the box
• Samsung's customizations are focused on AI, security, and convenience

Usually, Samsung’s new foldable phones launch with the previous year’s version of Android, as in the past Google had been launching new Android versions later in the year than Samsung’s phones. But that’s all changing this year.

We already know that Android 16 will roll out soon, with June looking likely, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will probably launch in July. So that makes it viable for them to launch with Android 16 out of the box, but until today we weren’t certain that would happen, since Samsung still needs time to make its own software modifications.

However, the company has now confirmed that these phones will ship with Android 16, which is likely to make them among the first handsets to run Android 16 out of the box.

Android 16 on a Samsung phone (Image credit: Samsung)Faster than normal

This is slightly surprising since Samsung can often be slow to update its handsets, but the company claims this was achieved through “open communication” and “real-time feedback” with Google.

Specifically, you’ll be getting One UI 8 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. This is Samsung’s customized take on Android 16, and – as you might have guessed – it puts a lot of focus on AI.

That said, Samsung also highlights security and “convenient, intuitive tools” like allowing you to connect to Bluetooth audio devices effortlessly by scanning a QR code.

Of course, you won’t have to buy one of Samsung’s upcoming foldables to get Android 16 and One UI 8 – the company has already launched a One UI 8 beta on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, so those devices will also probably get access to the finished version of this software soon after it’s available.

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• Surfshark has just launched a new 7-day free trial for new users
• The provider previously offered a 30-day money-back guarantee as its 'trial' offering
• Surfshark is now one of the few VPN providers offering a free trial option

If you are looking for a new VPN service but don't want to invest the money blindly, good news – Surfshark now offers a 7-day free trial to all new users.

Until now, you could find out if Surfshark was the right service for you only after subscribing – risk-free, though, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee policy. Now, while this policy remains in place, you can try the service for a whole week without putting your hands on your wallet.

One of the best VPN services out there, according to TechRadar's latest testing, Surfshark is now among the very few providers that offer new users a free trial option.

Surfshark – 7-day free trial
Try out all that Surfshark has to offer for 7 days on up to three different devices at once, completely free of charge. You can expect a host of security and privacy features, great streaming unblocking results, and fast connection speeds. If, after that, you decide to subscribe, you'll even be able to use the VPN service across unlimited devices simultaneously. No worry too much, though, as you'll still be able to change your mind thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

Why use Surfshark 7-day free trial

A virtual private network (VPN) is a crucial tool nowadays to boost your online experience as it allows you to enjoy a more private and secure internet, while enabling you to unlock otherwise geo-restricted content, among other things.

Yet, not all VPN services are made equal. That's why we found the opportunity to test premium services without committing to a paid subscription very advantageous.

As mentioned earlier, Surfshark isn't the only VPN with a free trial on the market – but it's perhaps the best option out there.

For instance, CyberGhost offers some shorter free trial options for new subscribers depending on the device they use – 24 hours for Windows and Mac users, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS devices. Private Internet Access also offers a 7-day free trial, but only for Android and iOS users who activate it via the official app stores. NordVPN does something similar, but only for new Android subscribers.

By contrast, any new users can enjoy Surfshark's 7-day free trial – no matter the device they use – and they can do so directly from the provider's official websites. Even better, Surfshark's free trial can be active on three devices at once.

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How to use Surfshark 7-day free trial

Taking advantage of Surfshark's new 7-day free trial couldn't be easier.

You start by choosing the plan that best works for you between Surfshark Starter (which also includes its Alternative ID and CleanWeb services), Surfshark One (which also adds the provider's antivirus, Alert ID, and search engine tools), and Surfshark One+ (which includes all of the above plus the data removal service Incogni).

To do so, you'll have to enter your email address and payment details "to confirm you’re a first-time user," the provider explains on its dedicated page.

The next step is to create an account by filling in the login credentials.

Once you do that, you can download, install, and start using Surfshark for a week free of charge.

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• A Chinese telecomms certification has revealed a pair of new Samsung devices set to launch in July
• As previously rumored, it looks like we're getting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic
• There is no mention of a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, indicating it may not be coming this year

Samsung's Galaxy Watch line is expected to get another update in the coming months at this year's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked summer showcase. According to a recent report, it looks like there will only be two models making their debut: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic series takes the standard Galaxy Watch line and adds a dive watch-style rotating bezel, which also serves as a way to engage with the watch's UI outside of the buttons and touch screens.

As spotted by XpertPick, the Chinese telecomms certification board CMIIT has passed two devices labeled SM-L3350 and SM-L5050, believed to be the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. It appears they'll both launch in July 2025—around the time of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event.

The report follows previous news that generation eight of the Samsung Galaxy Watch line could bring back the Classic form factor. Classics tend to appear every other year –we got a Watch 4 Classic and a Watch 6 Classic, so it's likely we'll get a Watch 8 Classic too.

However, the absence of a Watch Ultra 2 certification suggests we're not getting a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra follow-up this year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 not coming this year?

While the lack of a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 certification is a surprise, the rumor mill suggests that the standard and Classic watches are expected to get a similar squircle-style chassis that would at least mean it's there in spirit.

The certification conflicts with previous rumors that made the rounds in April, suggesting that a new Ultra model would be revealed in July.

Away from the Ultra-specific news, as well as the rotating bezel, the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are expected to get Google's Gemini AI assistant on-wrist. Google's upcoming Wear OS 6 release will bring Gemini to more wearables, including new Samsung devices.

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