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A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, June 19 (game #1242).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

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

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• B

• D

• H

• L

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

Quordle today (game #1243) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1243, are…

• BRAID
• DULLY
• HASTE
• LURID

My three start words again came up trumps today, giving me all five letters for what became HASTE and LURID, and four each for DULLY and BRAID.

DULLY was the only mildly difficult one on account of having a repeated L, but it wasn't really tough for me because nothing else would have fit at that point. A real cinch of a Quordle.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1243) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1243, are…

• THROW
• SHAKY
• OWING
• LOAMY  

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1242, Thursday, 19 June: BRUSH, ISLET, FRUIT, PRIVY
• Quordle #1241, Wednesday, 18 June: MEDIA, SHARK, GUPPY, MOURN
• Quordle #1240, Tuesday, 17 June: LEAPT, PRISM, ADMIN, WHINE
• Quordle #1239, Monday, 16 June: RETRY, SCALD, DINGO, FEIGN
• Quordle #1238, Sunday, 15 June: SHOCK, STEIN, BROIL, COVEN
• Quordle #1237, Saturday, 14 June: STICK, FERRY, THESE, IONIC
• Quordle #1236, Friday, 13 June: REPEL, LARGE, SNIDE, CARRY
• Quordle #1235, Thursday, 12 June: SCANT, BATCH, UNDER, PARSE
• Quordle #1234, Wednesday, 11 June: CRAVE, ROOST, ANGLE, FLOOD
• Quordle #1233, Tuesday, 10 June: DECRY, CHEEK, FILET, EASEL
• Quordle #1232, Monday, 9 June: DERBY, LEMON, WRITE, HOVEL
• Quordle #1231, Sunday, 8 June: REBAR, ALERT, PAYEE, FLUME
• Quordle #1230, Saturday, 7 June: FLUNK, ESTER, SPITE, CHEAP
• Quordle #1229, Friday, 6 June: ELUDE, KHAKI, VISTA, SMOKY
• Quordle #1228, Thursday, 5 June: CHIDE, RABBI, GUSTY, LANCE
• Quordle #1227, Wednesday, 4 June: BANAL, STOUT, SEDAN, HIPPO
• Quordle #1226, Tuesday, 3 June: FUGUE, SYRUP, FLACK, WORST
• Quordle #1225, Monday, 2 June: THINK, BELLE, CRONE, BOULE
• Quordle #1224, Sunday, 1 June: POINT, MERIT, WHOOP, APHID
• Quordle #1223, Saturday, 31 May: CRUMB, ELFIN, DRIER, QUITE

• Nintendo has provided instructions for how to fix the Switch 2 battery charge indicator issue
• This solution is for "for when the battery amount displayed and the actual remaining battery use don't match"
• Nintendo adds that if following these steps didn't resolve the issue, then the console will need to be sent in for a service repair

Nintendo has shared a solution for the common Switch 2 battery charge indicator issue.

The Switch 2 officially launched earlier this month, and if you're one of the users who have been experiencing a problem where your console is incorrectly displaying your battery percentage, thankfully, there's now a fix.

On the support page, Nintendo has provided simple step-by-step instructions "for when the battery amount displayed and the actual remaining battery use don't match."

All you'll need is your Switch 2 console, the Switch 2 AC adapter, and access to the internet. You can read the guide below.

1. Confirm that you're using an adequately powerful AC adapter to charge your console. The Nintendo Switch AC adapter (Model HAC-002) can be used to charge the Nintendo Switch 2 when plugged into the console directly. Due to power output differences, it cannot be used to charge the Nintendo Switch 2 when docked.
2. Confirm that your console has the latest system update.
3. Power off the console.
4. Press and hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, press the POWER Button once to turn the system on. 
5. Keep holding down the volume buttons until the menu for Recovery Mode appears. Navigating to this menu should reset the battery level meter.
6. Power off the console again by pressing and holding the POWER Button until it turns off.
7. Power the console back on and monitor the situation.

Nintendo noted that navigating to the Recovery Mode menu should be enough to reset the battery level meter, but if following these steps still didn't resolve the battery charge indicator issue, then the console will need to be sent in for a service repair.

If you're hoping to get your hands on the new console, you can check out our live coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 restocks for the US and UK.

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• Episource confirms cyberattack with patient data stolen
• The theft happened in late January 2025, and includes policy and MedicAid information
• Customers are urged to remain vigilant

American healthcare data giant Episource has confirmed suffering a cyberattack in which it lost sensitive data on more than five million people.

In a data breach notification published on the company’s website, it said the intrusion was spotted on February 6, 2025, and after shutting down the IT network, bringing in third-party forensics experts, and notifying law enforcement, the company learned the miscreants took “copies of some data” between January 27 and February 6, 2025.

The data includes health plans/policies, insurance companies, member/group ID numbers, and Medicaid-Medicare-government payor ID numbers. It also includes health data such as medical record numbers, doctors, diagnoses, medicines, test results, images, care, and treatment, as well as other personal data such as dates of birth or Social Security numbers (SSN).

Increasing credibility

Cybercriminals often target healthcare organizations for their data, since it can be abused in phishing, identity theft, and other forms of scams.

Crooks can use the data to craft personalized, convincing emails, which can trick the victims into downloading malware or sharing login credentials.

At the same time, Episource filed a new report with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights’ breach portal, confirming exactly 5,418,866 people were affected by this attack.

The company began notifying them on April 23, 2025, it was said. It did not state which providers it’s notifying, but stressed that not everyone was impacted by the attack.

Episource is a healthcare data and technology company that helps health plans manage risk adjustment, quality measurement, and clinical data through analytics, coding, and technology solutions.

It is urging impacted individuals to stay vigilant, and watch out for potential impersonation and scam attempts.

Via BleepingComputer

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18 months have passed since Max (soon to be rebranded to HBO Max) became the exclusive streaming home for A24 movies – well, in nations where one of the world's best streaming services has launched, anyway. Since that multi-year deal was signed in December 2023, over 100 A24-developed films have joined Max's back catalog.

You'll be able to add more to that growing list next month, too. July 2025 marks the official streaming debut for three more new movies from the acclaimed indie studio, including two that only arrived in theaters earlier this year.

However, based on their Rotten Tomatoes (RT) critics scores, there's only one that'll deserve a spot on our best Max movies list. To help you decide which film(s) are worth your time, I've ranked the forthcoming trio from worst to best. That way, you'll have a better idea of determining if some of July's new Max movies should be added to your watchlist.

3. Opus

HBO Max release date: July 11
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Age rating: R
Main cast: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Melissa Chambers, Tony Hale, Young Mazino, and Amber Midthunder
Director: Mark Anthony Green
RT critics score: 40%

With a starry cast including the ever-excellent John Malkovich, The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, The Last of Us' Young Mazino, and Prey's Amber Midthunder, you might have expected Opus to be a must-watch.

Assembling a cast of talented actors will only get you so far, though, and Opus proves it. A cult-based thriller that's not dissimilar to another A24 flick in Midsommar, Opus struggles to match the psychological intensity, narrative mystery, and lashings of horror that of its 2016 genre cousin. Malkovich chews the scenery with a delightfully unhinged performance but, that aside, Opus is a largely forgettable movie.

2. Death of a Unicorn

HBO Max release date: July 25
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Age rating: R
Main cast: Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Will Poulter, Anthony Carrigan, Tea Leoni, and Richard E Grant
Director: Alex Scharfman
RT critics score: 54%

Another horror-fuelled A24 offering that, based on its own A-list cast, should have been better received than it was.

Like Opus, though, the messy nature of this satirical creature feature's plot drags it down. The never-aging Marvel actor Paul Rudd and Wednesday superstar Jenny Ortega ground proceedings with their convincing father-daughter dynamic, while Poulter and Grant bring classic British flair to their villainous roles. Those highlights aside, Death of a Unicorn is a tonal misfire that disappointingly skewers its potentially great narrative and thematic ideas.

1. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

HBO Max release date: July 4
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
Age rating: PG-13
Main cast: Susan Chardy, Elisbath Chisela, Henry B.J. Phiri, Roy Chisha, Blessings Bhamjee, Chunju Bwalya, and Maggie Mulubwa
Director: Rungano Nyoni
RT critics score: 100%

Of the three new A24 films that'll join Max's movie library in July, I suspect that this hidden gem was the one that most readers wouldn't have expected to come out on top.

With its perfect RT critical rating, though, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is an unmissable dark comedy-drama that's not only Nyoni's first feature in eight years, but also cements the Zambian-Welsh filmmaker as one of the most talented of her generation. A universally appealing, beautifully shot, witty, and at-times uncomfortable movie whose exploration of death, self-deception, and communal misgivings is incredibly impactful.

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• Amazon workers in Seattle, Arlington and Washington DC workers could have to move closer to the office
• Amazon has been relocating workers for months, citing boosted productivity
• The company's office-working policy now stands at five days

Amazon is requiring some corporate workers to relocate closer to their managers and teams, targeting cities like Seattle, Arlington and Washington DC (via Bloomberg).

Unlike other similar moves, which have been communicated via email, the ecommerce giant is believed to be sharing the message via one-on-one meetings and town halls with those likely to be affected.

The report notes thousands of employees could be forced to move from across various teams, however the company's famously vocal workers are understandably frustrated with the decision.

Amazon is asking workers to relocate

Although relocating isn't always a problem for new starters, many mid-career workers are hesitant to move due to personal and financial challenges – a move would mean uprooting families, children switching schools and partners seeking other jobs.

Affected workers are said to have 30 days to decide, followed by a 60-day period to relocate or resign. It's also believed that those who refuse to relocate will not be receiving severance packages.

A company spokesperson said that Amazon's relocation trend has already been ongoing for more than a year, with CEO Andy Jassy previously claiming that in-person working boost ad-hoc interactions and, therefore, productivity.

Amazon now requires workers to come to the office five days per week, but that policy got delayed at the end of 2024 due to a lack of readiness – there simply weren't enough desks.

"We hear from the majority of our teammates that they love the energy from being located together, and whenever someone chooses to or is asked to relocate, we work with them to offer support based on their individual circumstances," a company spokesperson stated.

Some workers worry that the policy shift could be an effort to push workers away from the company – although thousands lost their jobs in 2022 and 2023, Amazon's layoffs in the years that followed have been relatively small (compared with other giants in the industry).

TechRadar Pro has reached out to Amazon for a comment, but we did not receive an immediate response.

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Apple TV+ is known for some blockbuster-worthy original films, but so far in 2025 none of its new movies have managed to reach the same heights as its TV show releases.

We've only seen three new Apple TV+ original films released this year, none of which would be considered to be among the best Apple TV+ movies, as they all have low-scoring reviews from critics and audiences alike.

The worst-rated movie is adventure-action flick Fountain of Youth, which currently has a Rotten Tomatoes critical score of just 36%. The mystery drama Echo Valley fares better with a 52% rating, while romantic thriller The Gorge scores an only slightly better 63%.

Granted, audiences appear to give slightly more positive reviews than the critics (aside from Echo Valley; it seems we're all in agreement that it's a middle-of-the-road type movie), but none of the trio can hold a candle to the best Apple TV+ shows that have been released this year.

(Image credit: Apple TV+)

Just to name a few, we've had the biggest Apple TV+ returning series of 2025 so far, Severance season 2, rack up an almost flawless 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics, while The Studio, Mythic Quest, Carême, Dope Thief and Your Friends and Neighbors have all received scores of above 80% from the critics on the review aggregate site.

Is this a sign that Apple TV+ can't quite make movies that match the success of its TV shows? Definitely not (and I'll get into why below). Instead, I think it's more of an indication that Apple Studios is better suited to making TV shows. After all, it's a young studio that's still finding its way among the established names of Hollywood.

What sets Apple TV+ shows apart from their movie counterparts?

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

I'm not alone in naming Severance season 2 as one of my top TV shows of 2025. It's got intrigue, mystery, excellent pacing, satisfying reveals, phenomenal acting, stylish cinematography, and mesmerizing dance scenes (Milchick's boogie numbers are a highlight).

Since signing up for a rare Apple TV+ deal in April, I've continued to be hooked by new shows on the platform, from the satirical comedy series The Studio, which has a timely, smartly written script, to Jon Hamm's return to TV in the drama Your Friends and Neighbors.

Apple TV+ has a weighty TV catalog of gems that it's been adding to in 2025. Can I say the same for Apple TV+ Original movies? Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned three have come anywhere close to the series I've watched in terms of quality, and that's not because I've personally not been interested in the stories they tell.

(Image credit: Apple TV+)

As a big National Treasure fan, I'd been looking forward to Guy Ricthie's treasure-hunting film Fountain of Youth – but like many others, I felt the story became too predictable, which took away much of the excitement. Not even the star power of Natalie Portman (Leon; V for Vendetta) or Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina; About Time) could help rescue it.

As for The Gorge, I will say that it had some playful scenes – like the one where Anya Taylor Joy (Queen's Gambit) and Miles Teller (Whiplash) act out their most popular characters – but the payoff was not at all what it should have been. Funnily enough, it was essentially the opposite with Echo Valley; the mystery thriller had an intriguing plot twist, but the film was let down by Sydney Sweeney's exaggerated performance.

Apple TV+ movies walked so its TV shows could run

(Image credit: Apple TV)

It wasn't always like this. When Apple Studios and Apple TV+ launched in 2019, they made a splash in the film industry by picking up the distribution rights of CODA: the first movie by a streaming service to ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Of course, an Oscar win can be taken with a pinch of salt, especially considering that the Academy has only recently started to insist that judges actually watch the nominations before casting a vote, but the coveted prize is still a good barometer of what's successful.

The win was a shock to the industry in 2022, mostly because rival streaming services that had been producing content for a lot longer had only ever received nominations. But it sent out a big signal to everyone that Apple TV+ had an eye for good stories, and crucially a big purse to get them.

It reportedly spent $22 million at the Sundance Film Festival to acquire CODA, and looked to replicate its success by pursuing similar projects that fit the bill for big theatrical runs, such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon and Argylle. Variety reports that those three films combined cost the company at least $700 million to make, but a source told the publication that only Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon were profitable.

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus/Paramount Pictures)

Apple has similarly splurged on its TV productions, which undoubtedly helped them to win critical acclaim. Bloomberg reported that the first two seasons of The Morning Show cost an eye-watering $300 million to make, making them among the most expensive TV shows ever made – and Apple has its name behind a lot of those, including See, Foundation, Pachinko and most recently Severance season 2, each episode of which cost $20 million to make.

Apple's TV bets have paid off much more than its film projects, looking at the number of positive reviews each has received, and it seems that those movie misses have made big holes in the company's pockets that are starting to take their toll, because Apple has decided to pull back massively on its budgets.

According to anonymous claims reported in The New York Times earlier this year, Apple Studios will, going forward, only make one or two "event-size films a year, with big budgets and expansive theatrical releases".

The report added that Apple would set a limit of $80 million or less for the budgets of its films, which indicates to me that it's focusing on prestige TV over the box office – and that doesn't necessarily mean it's spending less, considering that some series rival the costs of big box office productions already.

Upcoming Apple TV+ movies to be excited about

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Apple)

Apple TV+ still has a chance to turn its losing movie streak around with the upcoming release of the new F1 movie, though. It's arguably one of its biggest releases of 2025 and with it coming out in the summer (for those in the northern hemisphere at least), a lot is riding on this being a big pull for audiences.

With Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) in the director's chair, I don't doubt that this is going to be spectacle, especially considering the way it's been filmed. A lot of the scenes involving the fictional F1 team that includes Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris have been shot on real-life F1 racetracks, so the big-screen action is set to be thrilling.

I've also got my money on Spike Lee's new crime movie Highest 2 Lowest being a surefire hit on Apple TV+. Denzel Washington (Training Day) sounds like he's been perfectly cast in the lead role of a music mogul targeted by a ransom – anyone else getting Man on Fire vibes?

Both F1 and Highest 2 Lowest are getting theatrical releases before eventually streaming on Apple TV+, which is another sign that the studio is backing these two titles as its potential "event-sized" blockbuster winners of the year.

I wouldn't write off Apple TV+ movies just yet, then. Indeed, I'm hopeful that both films will be the redeeming movie releases I've been waiting for.

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• Viewing figures in May show streaming eclipsed TV for the first time
• The news comes as Netflix signs a broadcast deal with France's TF1
• Netflix will show traditional TV channels from next year

Traditional TV just hit a new low – for the first time in history, streaming services had a bigger audience than broadcast and cable channels combined. That's according to official US viewership numbers from May, and in a poetic twist of timing, Netflix has just announced its first-ever deal to broadcast traditional channels and live TV.

In a tie-up with French TV giant TF1 (as reported by The Financial Times), the streaming platform will host all five of its traditional channels – along with more than 30,000 hours of on-demand content. From summer next year, subscribers in France will be able to watch everything from prime-time dramas to The Voice, plus live sports, including the French national football team’s matches.

The deal marks a major shift in the streaming landscape. Netflix has long posed a disruptive threat to traditional television – now it’s going full circle and offering the medium a lifeline, hosting the very kind of live, linear programming that it helped to dethrone.

The move's timing is particularly exquisite, because May was also the first month on record where streaming became more popular than its traditional TV rivals...

Crossing the streams

According to Nielsen data, May was the first month ever where streaming was more popular than cable and broadcast combined in the US.

YouTube led the field (12.5%), followed by Netflix (7.5%). Nielsen's data has limitations – it only tracks US viewing on TV screens (smartphones, tablets and laptops aren't included). But it's still a milestone moment that reflects a wider trend: more people (especially younger audiences) are ditching scheduled programming entirely. Instead, they access on-demand content through smart TVs, tablets and smartphones.

(Image credit: Nielsen)

As streaming eats up more screen time, traditional broadcasters are struggling to keep up. Fragmented audiences and falling ad revenues make it harder to sustain old business models. While some have launched their own streaming services, such as Britbox – a joint venture between ITV and BBC Studios – these rarely achieve global reach. Now, some networks are turning to their streaming rivals for traction.

TF1 is a perfect example. Its free-to-watch TF1+ streaming service serves a sizable domestic audience, but remains heavily reliant on advertising revenue. Netflix’s subscriber base in France – which reportedly passed 10 million in 2022 – offers a much bigger pool of potential viewers. For TF1, the upside of a partnership is clear.

Competitor to savior

For Netflix, the deal brings fresh content to its platform. TF1 has a huge back-catalog, including popular dramas such as Brocéliande and reality shows like Koh-Lanta. Speaking to the The Financial Times, Greg Peters, co-chief executive of Netflix, said that many French viewers already think of “TV as Netflix”.

Describing TF1 as a “producer of great, premium content”, Peters highlighted the variety of shows that the tie-up will bring to the platform. In a competitive market, where Netflix needs to continue justifying its rising subscription costs, it’s a move which could help retain customers.

It isn't the first time the two companies have worked together. TF1 and Netflix previously collaborated on scripted co-productions such as Les Combattantes and Tout le bleu du ciel. But it is the first time Netflix will stream live, scheduled TV channels. That marks a major evolution in how streaming platforms and legacy broadcasters work together.

(Image credit: Netflix)

It also reflects how streaming has reshaped TV itself – not just how we watch, but what gets made. Shows like Lucifer (above), Money Heist and Designated Survivor were all rescued by Netflix after being canceled by their original networks. In more ways than one, streaming has gone from TV’s competitor to its savior.

Whether this deal signals the start of a broader shift remains to be seen. Peters hinted that Netflix would see how things go with TF1 before rolling out similar partnerships elsewhere. But it’s a clear sign that the definition of ‘TV’ has changed forever. As streaming overtakes traditional channels, the lines between the two are blurrier than ever. And it’s Netflix that’s setting the boundaries.

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• Apple’s foldable iPhone is on track to go on sale in September 2026, based on a new rumor
• A well-known Apple analyst claims it will enter production next year
• They also say its sales will be impacted by its high price tag

Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone is due to enter production next year, according to a leading analyst, which puts it on course for a release alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026.

Posting on X, Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed that Apple is anticipating relatively low sales of its foldable, on account of what he says will be its "premium pricing".

If Kuo is on the money, this would mean there’s not long to go before we get a glimpse of the company’s first attempt at a foldable device. Then, we’ll finally find out how it fares against the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The foldable iPhone has been rumored to come with an under-display camera, a near-invisible seam, a beautiful display, and impressive battery life. That all means it won’t come cheap – which Kuo appears to confirm – and that’s a key concern of mine.

The pricing barrier

(Image credit: ConceptsiPhone)

In the X post, Kuo noted that recent rumors have claimed Apple has ordered 15-20 million units of the device. Yet Kuo revealed that this is likely the figure for “the product’s 2-3 year lifecycle,” putting the sales estimates for each year significantly lower.

The importance of that is that Kuo says the lower yearly estimations all come down to the foldable’s “premium pricing.” As with the costly Vision Pro headset, the sky-high asking price of the foldable iPhone is going to put a lot of people off, including myself – while I’m dying to try out this new evolution in the iPhone line-up, I’m not willing to sell a kidney to get one.

How much are we talking here? We’ve previously seen reports that Apple could price the foldable iPhone anywhere between $2,100 and $2,500. For context, the most expensive iPhone right now – the iPhone 16 Pro Max – starts at $1,199, making the foldable iPhone roughly twice as expensive.

We won’t know for sure, of course, until the foldable iPhone actually launches. But with that date rapidly approaching, it could well be out of reach for the majority of Apple’s customers.

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• The next Unpacked could be on July 9, according to new rumors
• We're expecting new foldables and wearables
• Samsung hasn't yet made anything official

We've heard plenty of leaks and rumors around the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Watch 8 – and we may now know the date when these upcoming gadgets are getting their official unveiling, too.

According to well-known tipster @evleaks, the next Galaxy Unpacked – the name Samsung tends to give to its launch events – is going to be on Wednesday, July 9. Apparently, the show gets underway at 10am Eastern time in the US, which works out as 7am PT / 3pm BST, or midnight AEST on July 10 for those in Australia.

That date isn't much of a surprise, as last year's equivalent event – including reveals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Watch 7 – happened on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Nothing is certain until Samsung confirms it of course, but this tipster has a good record, and the date makes sense. It's likely that the event will be available to stream online somewhere, and we will of course be covering it live as well.

Here's what's coming

The next Galaxy Unpacked: 9 July 2025 @ 10AM EDTJune 18, 2025

We don't get any fresh details about what to expect in this particular leak, but we've heard plenty already. For example, the new foldables are expected to come with improved camera setups and a free Google AI subscription for six months.

Samsung itself has confirmed that the upcoming folding phones will be running One UI 8 out of the box, though it didn't specifically mention the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 names (which are pretty much a given at this point).

On top of those two flagship foldables, we might well see Samsung's tri-fold foldable in full for the first time – a device that's rumored to be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold. Samsung has already teased this device at other events, but we don't know much about its specs, or how much it will cost.

We should also get appearances from Samsung's 2025 smartwatch upgrades too, which are expected to be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It's possible the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 won't show up until next year.

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• Researchers found 30 databases housing 16 billion records online
• The records were most likely generated by infostealers
• Records come from a wide range of providers, from Apple to Google and many more

Security researchers have reported discovering what could be the mother of all data breaches - a set of 30 databases containing a total of 16 billion records.

These records were most likely generated by various cybercriminals (and possibly white hat hackers or researchers) using different infostealing malware, a new report from Cybernews claims.

The researchers note the databases differed in size - from “smaller” ones containing just millions of entries, to gigantic ones housing billions of records, with accounts from Google, Apple, to various VPN services, GitHub, Telegram, and more - and of the 30 discovered datasets, just one had been previously reported by the media, a “mysterious” database with 184 million records.

Scratching the surface

“It barely scratches the top 20 of what the team discovered,” Cybernews explained. “Most worryingly, researchers claim new massive datasets emerge every few weeks, signaling how prevalent infostealer malware truly is.”

The databases were available to the wider internet only briefly, and were quickly locked down - however, it wasn’t possible to determine who the owners are.

It is probable that many of the information overlaps, making it virtually impossible to determine exactly how many people were affected. It’s also important to note that some 5.5 billion people have access to the internet today, meaning that many people have multiple compromised accounts.

Unprotected databases continue to be the most common cause of data leaks. For years, security researchers have been warning that many organizations do not understand the shared responsibility model of cloud services, and that they are required to safeguard and secure the data they generate.

On the other hand, cybercriminals are having a field day with these archives. They often contain more than enough of sensitive information to launch highly personalized, successful phishing campaigns, leading to identity theft, wire fraud, and even ransomware attacks.

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Possible spoilers follow for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is less than a month away (at the time of publication) from landing in theaters.

With Marvel's next movie set to arrive on July 25, the comic book titan is not only ramping up its promotional campaign for said film, but it's also dropped some exciting new details about the group's next big-screen reboot and their future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here are the three biggest reveals that hit the internet yesterday (June 18).

1. Another villainous unveiled via a... pizza ad?

Marvel fans haven't reacted well to Giganto's CGI recreation (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

First Steps will primarily pit Marvel's First Family against the planet-devouring cosmic entity known as Galactus. He'll be voiced by The Office UK alumnus Ralph Ineson, for those who aren't aware.

There are other villains who'll appear throughout the MCU film, though. Julia Garner is set to play another antagonistic figure in The Silver Surfer, aka Galactus' Herald. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps' initial trailer teased the mysterious individual that John Malkovich will play. MCU devotees think he's playing a B-list villain Red Ghost. Oh, and there are rumors that another cast member in Paul Walter Hauser will portray another of the group's regular comic book foes in Mole Man.

Think four villains is more than enough? Think again. Revealed by the most unlikely of sources – a new First Steps tie-in ad for US fast-food chain Little Caesar's Pizza, no less – the monstrous creature known as Giganto will also appear in the forthcoming superhero film.

We already knew Giganto would be part of the parallel universe that The Fantastic Four inhabit before they cross over into the MCU (more on this shortly). Indeed, Giganto features on the cover a forthcoming First Steps prequel comic book that acts as an origins story for the titular team and how they acquired their superpowers.

I'd be amazed if this Giganto-starring scene is more than a footnote in, say, a longer sequence – in the movie's first act – that shows The Fantastic Four defeating various enemies and hailed as heroes by their universe's version of Earth. Nonetheless, I'm delighted to see the team's first-ever adversary feature in some capacity, even if Giganto's CGI recreation looks a little off.

2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps' ending will directly lead into Avengers: Doomsday

Robert Downey Jr will portray Doctor Victor von Doom in the MCU (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

This reveal won't come as a shock to many MCU fans. After all, First Steps is one of two Marvel Phase 6 movies that'll land in theaters before Avengers: Doomsday does so in its revised December 2026 release slot. The other film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is currently slated to arrive in July 2026, but its launch could be delayed again if the joint Sony-Marvel venture's story needs to follow the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

But I digress. Speaking during Disney's CineEurope 2025 presentation, Marvel President Kevin Feige confirmed (per Deadline) that the next Avengers film will directly follow on from First Steps.

Thunderbolts' post-credits scene already gave us an idea that this would be the case. Nevertheless, I was pleased to directly hear it from Feige himself. Does that mean Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom will make a crowd-pleasing cameo before First Steps' main story ends or in one of its end credits scenes? Here's hoping!

3. A sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps might be in early development

The Fantastic Four could have a big impact on Earth-616 once they've settled into their new surroundings (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Announced at CineEurope 2025, Disney also revealed that a fourth Marvel movie has been added to its 2028 calendar. Currently, the untitled movie will launch in cinemas worldwide on December 15. If it does, it'll join three other MCU films that are set to arrive in February, May, and November of that year.

According to Variety, there are three possible candidates to fill that final 2028 slot – and one of them is reportedly a follow-up to the first Fantastic Four film, i.e. First Steps, that Marvel Studios has produced.

If a sequel is already in the works, it suggests Marvel is bullish about First Steps' chances of being a huge global hit. Of course, a second Fantastic Four MCU movie will depend on its critical reception and, more importantly, how much money it makes. However, given the group's enduring popularity, its starry cast, and the fact it'll set up events to come in the Downey Jr-led fifth Avengers flick, I'd be amazed if First Steps trips over itself and stumbles out of the gate.

With its first two films of 2025 failing to make a profit, Marvel could use a box office win. Equally, The Fantastic Four has plenty of untapped cinematic potential following the abject-to-lukewarm responses that the group's other film adaptations, which are available to stream on Disney+, received. I'm praying, then, that First Steps is a huge success and heralds a new golden age for Marvel's First Family on the silver screen.

For more details on one of my most anticipated new movies of the year, check out my definitive guide on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. And let me know in the comments if you'll be heading to theaters to watch it.

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This limited-time deal represents a saving of 60% compared to the normal monthly price for the Disney+ Standard with Ads plan. Taking advantage of this promotional offer will get you access to some of the best movies and shows around, including numerous offerings from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. But, be quick! It's only available between June 11 and June 30. This deal only offers for four months, too, so note that you'll automatically be enrolled on the Standard with Ads plan's usual £4.99 per month cost once your four-month window has expired. Unfortunately, this deal is not available for those outside of the UK. View Deal

• Nintendo has released the first Switch 2 post-launch update
• Version 20.1.5 is small and only improves general system stability to enhance the user's experience
• The update should automatically download if the console is connected to the internet but can be manually installed, too

Nintendo has rolled out the first Nintendo Switch 2 update since the console was released, but there's not much to be excited about.

Version 20.1.5 is now live and available for the console and, as the patch notes detail, is a simple update with only one main feature.

The patch adds: "General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience," and that's it. Presumably, this means the update has improved performance.

Nintendo is always quite vague when it comes to Switch firmware updates, and it looks like it'll be no different with the Switch 2.

Like with the original Switch, the update should automatically download when the console is connected to the internet; otherwise, it can be manually installed via the System Settings menu.

The Switch 2 launches earlier this month, along with a day-one patch that was required for a number of the console's features, including backwards compatibility, Game Share, Switch Online, Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo eShop, and more.

If you're looking to get your hands on the new console, you can check out our live coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 restocks for the US and UK.

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• A new software update for PS5 and PSVR 2 adds a free educational app all about climate change
• The Climate Station app is now available and lets users explore the story of climate change through three acts
• The app is part of Sony's commitment to the United Nations' Playing for the Planet Alliance campaign

Sony has released a new software update for the PlayStation 5 and PSVR 2, which introduces a new educational app.

Today, the company launched Climate Station, a free app for both consoles that raises awareness about climate change. It uses the latest gaming tech, including virtual reality, to allow users to view, interact with, and understand complex climate data to learn more about climate change.

This app is the latest project in Sony's commitment to the United Nations' Playing for the Planet Alliance campaign, which aims to bring gaming industry leaders together to work towards their sustainability goals.

"Whether you’re a curious explorer, a data detective, or just looking for something totally unique to dive into, this free app available today on PS5 and PSVR 2 is your gateway to understanding the forces shaping our world," said Dan Bardino Senior Director, Strategic Development and Operations, PlayStation Studios on PlayStation Blog.

Those with a 4K TV can view Climate Station with high-quality 4K visuals from the PlayStation 5, while PSVR 2 adds immersion by allowing users to view information in a first-person view.

The app tells the story of climate change through three acts: Weather Year, Observations, and Projections, and also offers an Explainer Library, which features 90 minutes of multi-media content for users to explore.

"Bringing climate awareness into the homes of millions through gaming will help build both knowledge and action to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste," said Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, United Nations Environment Programme, in a press release.

"The approach to adapt the science into a game format has been impressive. We look forward to seeing how players react to this new tool and also recognise the leadership of Sony Interactive Entertainment in bringing climate science to consoles across the planet."

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• In the US, the X-E5 costs twice the price of the X-E4 when it launched in 2021
• X-E5 offers a number of improvements over its predecessor
• The X-E4 remains on sale, if you can find it

It’s fair to say that the official reveal of the Fujifilm X-E5 has caused some consternation among fans of the brand. Starting at $1,699 / £1,299 body only, this compact mirrorless camera is a lot pricier than its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-E4, which cost just $850 / £799 when it arrived in 2021.

I’ll admit that it does seem a hefty sum to pay for a camera with no weather sealing and a dated, minuscule viewfinder. But as someone who reviews cameras day in, day out, I think the Fujifilm X-E5 represents pretty good value for money – at least on paper.

I’ve yet to actually get my hands on a Fujifilm X-E5 review sample (it’s coming though, so stay tuned for an in-depth review here very soon) but even from afar it’s clear that this camera is more expensive than the X-E4 for very justifiable reasons. And TechRadar's Cameras Editor Tim Coleman has his own take following a three day trip with the camera ahead of its launch – check out his X-E5 first thoughts.

First, the specs and features on offer in Fujifilm’s new camera far surpass those of the X-E4. To pick out the most obvious two upgrades: the X-E5 is built around a new-gen 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR back-illuminated sensor that offers almost twice the resolution of the X-E4’s 26.1MP sensor; and it now comes with in-body five-axis sensor shift image stabilization (IBIS).

These enhancements, particularly the IBIS, should result in big improvements to image detail and sharpness, especially for handheld shooting. It can now also record 6.2K video, while the X-E4 topped out at 4K.

More metal, more money

The X-E5's all-metal top plate is naturally going to drive up its asking price. Trust me, it's lovely. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

The X-E5 is also the first camera in the X-E series to come with an all-metal top plate. Machined from a single block of aluminium, I’m certain this will make the X-E5 feel tougher and more luxurious than its predecessor. Yes – even if it’s not technically weather-sealed – which I’ll admit is a bit of a disappointment, particularly as Fujifilm is selling the camera in a kit with a new XF23mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which IS weather resistant.

I’ll also say that the tiny viewfinder could really have used an update. Incredibly, it actually appears to be the very same 0.39-inch, 2.36-million dot one as seen on the very first X-E series camera, the Fujifilm X-E1, which launched 13 years ago. It’s functional, yes – but as a photographer who much prefers composing shots with my eye pressed up against a viewfinder rather than looking at a screen, the bigger, brighter and crisper the viewfinder the better.

The LCD screen also appears to be a downgrade from other recent models – it's a 1.04m-dot unit rather than the 1.84m-dot utir lized by the the X-T50 and X100VI.

When talking about the price of the X-E5, particularly in the US, we must also acknowledge the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs, which has led to a situation where non-US manufacturers are naturally going to raise prices on their products. It's no secret that the X-E5 costs $200 more than it otherwise would have.

The X-E5 is available in black or silver and in a more cost effective bundle with the new XF 23mm f/2.8 WR lens. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Even setting aside this tariff confusion, inflation has also bitten hard since 2021 – so it’s really not that surprising to see the X-E5 priced this way.

Finally, it seems that Fujifilm is set to keep the X-E4 in its current X Series line-up, if you can find it in stock, which means the company is still giving consumer the option to pick up an affordable rangefinder-style mirrorless camera if that’s what they need. While the X-E4 is certainly not without its drawbacks, it’s still a very serviceable interchangeable lens camera. It just now has a more advanced, better-constructed sibling for anyone who wants it.

Disagree with me and still think the X-E5 is far too pricey compared to its predecessor? Feel free to sound off in the comments below – but do remember to check back soon for a full and definitive review of Fujifilm's latest release.

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• TeamViewer study finds SMBs already missing out from AI-driven productivity boosts
• Most SMB leaders say they need more training
• But AI investments are rising across the board

New research has revealed just how much prospective SMBs must get on board with artificial intelligence to grow and stand out in a highly competitive market.

A new TeamViewer study found more than one in four (28%) say rising operational costs from missed automation opportunities are already taking a toll.

Nearly half (47%) of the SMBs surveyed admitted they lack the infrastructure needed to scale AI tools, and almost all (95%) say they still require more training.

SMBs need AI to grow, but they're still unsure about it

Despite growing enthusiasm, confidence in managing AI remains poor, the study found

More than three-quarters (77%) of SMB leaders say they wouldn't even bet a week's salary on their organisation's ability to handle the risks associated with AI, such as data misuse or unauthorized tool access. Yet somehow, nearly the same number (72%) consider themselves AI experts.

As it stands, two in three (65%) say AI tools are only deployed in tightly controlled environments, with three in four (74%) feeling uneasy about data management vulnerabilities. Although AI plays a role in heightened risks, AI isn't entirely to blame – two in five (38%) agree that a lack of training is their main obstacle.

"SMBs are clearly motivated to embrace AI, but many are still searching for the right way to turn early adoption into lasting impact,” TeamViewer Director of Product Management Artus Rupalla explained.

The research also revealed SMBs are leading the way in terms of AI adoption across their workforces – but that doesn't always translate into frequent or mature use. Larger enterprises are generally seen to be using AI more frequently when it comes to daily and weekly measurements.

But despite current limitations, SMBs are betting on AI to drive future growth. Three in four plan to ramp up AI investments in the next 6-12 months, with 72% foreseeing major productivity boosts and 76% believing AI is essential for improving overall business performance.

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• Yes, Samsung is considering a premium subscription tier for Samsung Health
• This is no rumor – it was confirmed in an interview with Samsung's Head of Digital Health
• Advanced coaching features would be included free in new watches, while being locked behind a paywall for older models

In these cash-strapped times, none of us enjoy paying more than we have to. When our best streaming service prices go up, we grumble, even though more films and TV are added all the time.

Likewise, if we buy a device such as one of the best smartwatches, and previously we've been able to use all its features for free, we don't like being charged a monthly subscription for future ones.

Just ask Garmin users. There was an enormous outcry of vitriol and outrage from the brand's highly engaged userbase when Garmin introduced its premium tier, Garmin Connect+. Despite promising AI training insights, new LiveTrack abilities for endurance athletes and advanced ways to view your training metrics, the new tier was deemed not good enough for the cost – and especially given the best Garmin watches are sold at premium prices in the first place. The community was in uproar, but Garmin has not wavered, continuing with its plans.

Now, Samsung is in on the act. In an interview with CNet, Samsung's Head of Digital Health, Dr Hon Pak, confirmed it's "exploring a premium subscription model similar to Fitbit Premium or Garmin's new Connect Plus that requires a monthly subscription to unlock advanced coaching features."

This is bad news for Samsung Galaxy Watch owners, and even owners of the best Samsung phones or the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Any changes Samsung makes here will likely affect the Samsung Health app, so if you want any extra features Samsung decides to bring forward behind a paywall, you'll need to fork out for a premium tier.

Samsung hasn't yet revealed whether it's definitely going ahead, or how much it will cost: these kind of mid-interview slips are likely testing the waters, to see if an outcry as loud as Garmin's userbase will follow.

The writer of the original article goes on to suggest that Samsung might offer the features for free with its new watch, and make them available owners of older models for a fee, but there are no direct quotes from Pak or anyone at Samsung addressing that particular idea.

Just like Garmin Connect+, it's likely if this premium tier launches, many of the new features that would have come to your watches for free will land behind a paywall instead. This means there's a risk of 'feature creep' so that in a few years' time, all the features Samsung fans really want will be behind a paywall, forcing users to subscribe to avoid missing out.

To paraphrase Dune, it's the slow blade that penetrates the shield. Premium tiers are a way for companies to extract long-term revenue from users and subscribers, unlike launching a soon-to-be-obsolete tech product, which creates a temporary revenue spike.

Of course, no-one's saying you shouldn't pay a fair price for the features you use, and having your data sat around in a server, ready to be recalled at a moment's notice, costs companies money in the long term. Many of our best fitness apps require subscription costs, and we rate them highly.

However, when a wearables company offers a subscription tier, that money is recouped as long as you subscribe, as it's recurring revenue in addition to the one-time purchase of a watch. I can't shake the feeling that I'm paying twice: once for the privilege of having the watch collect my data, and once to have the data sold back to me in graph form. And however you choose to pay, be it one-off or recurring, I think you should only pay the once.

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• Microsoft reportedly set to lay off thousands in its new fiscal year
• Over 6,000 workers have already lost their jobs this calendar year
• Revenue is up, and Microsoft's worth more than $3.5 trillion

Microsoft is preparing to cut thousands of jobs as part of its ongoing cost-cutting shakeup as the company continues to spend big on AI.

A new Bloomberg report says if confirmed, the layoffs could be announced in early July after the company's fourth quarter and fiscal year end on June 30, 2025.

Sales teams could be the worst affected, but the redundancies could span other departments as Microsoft looks to reduce employment-related expenses.

Microsoft set for more layoffs

The company has already cut thousands of workers off in these post-pandemic years.

In May 2025, it cut 6,000 of its workers, equating to around 3% of its roughly 228,000 headcount, in an effort to reduce inefficiencies by removing middle management tiers. A further 305 workers lost their jobs this month, with 14,000 roles affected in 2023 and 2024.

In April 2025, Microsoft said it would outsource sales to small and mid-sized customers to third-party firms – an indication of the changes believed to be coming as soon as next month.

Despite widespread job losses, Microsoft continues to perform well financially. Last quarter, it reported a 13% increase in revenue to $70.1 billion. It currently holds the title of the world's most valuable company, with a market cap of $3.569 trillion.

At the time, CFO Amy Hood stated that overall company headcount was 2% up year-over-year, but slightly down quarter-over-quarter, suggesting constant fluctuations.

TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft to confirm plans to lay off workers after the current quarter draws to a close, but we did not receive an immediate response.

While highly disappointing for the company's workers, Microsoft employees aren't alone in facing job uncertainty. Key rivals like Amazon and Google have also been making regular adjustments to their headcounts to optimize costs and output.

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Quantum artificial intelligence is the fusion of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. It is poised to redefine what’s computationally possible and it’s closer to reality than many think.

The quantum technology market is rapidly expanding. Today, it's valued at around $35 billion, but forecasts estimate it could reach $1 trillion by 2030. That kind of explosive growth reflects not only the financial interest in quantum tech, but also its much anticipated capability.

In fact, a recent global survey by SAS of 500 business leaders across industries reinforces these projections as it found that interest in Quantum AI is very high, with more than 60% of respondents indicating they are actively investing or exploring opportunities in the technology.

Yet these business leaders also cited crucial barriers to adoption of Quantum AI. Among their top concerns were high cost (38%), lack of understanding or knowledge (35%), and uncertainty around practical, real-world uses (31%).

The survey results indicate that while interest in Quantum AI is on the rise, organizations need a clear roadmap and guide to better leverage this technology.

What is Quantum AI?

Quantum AI combines the power of quantum computing with artificial intelligence, leveraging the unique strengths of both fields to solve problems beyond the reach of classical systems.

At the heart of quantum computing are quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once, known as superposition. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of information simultaneously, offering parallelism far beyond the capabilities of traditional, sequential computing.

When integrated with AI, which excels at data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling, the result is a powerful system capable of breakthroughs across industries. AI has already transformed fields like healthcare and finance, but its progress is limited by the constraints of classical computing.

Quantum AI also uses quantum algorithms to improve machine learning models. Quantum machine learning models, including quantum-enhanced support vector machines and neural networks, use quantum circuits to perform computations. These circuits form the foundations of quantum computing, representing a universal method for executing further operations.

In these neural networks, classical data is encoded into quantum states. Parameterized rotations, entanglements, and measurements allow the quantum circuit to explore complex relationships simultaneously. The resulting outputs are optimized classically and then cycled back into the quantum system, mimicking the iterative weight adjustment process seen in traditional neural networks.

A hybrid approach

Due to the current limitations of quantum hardware, Quantum AI is typically implemented as a hybrid process, combining quantum and classical computing. In some systems, quantum computation precedes classical post-processing, and in others, it's the reverse.

Many emerging approaches involve a cyclical interaction between the two. This hybrid architecture enables researchers to take advantage of quantum parallelism while relying on classical systems for stability, scalability, and optimization.

As quantum processors evolve, we are witnessing early stages of co-located quantum processing units (QPUs) and AI-specific units (AIUs) on shared platforms. This tighter integration signals a future where quantum and AI co-develop in increasingly intertwined ways, offering unprecedented performance and efficiency.

Real-world applications and opportunities

Researchers in healthcare are exploring the use of Quantum AI to streamline drug design and make the discovery of life-saving treatments faster and more cost-effective. In the financial services industry, quantum algorithms can process extremely complex financial data in unique ways and identify patterns that traditional computers might miss.

Quantum-enhanced AI systems can also manage supply chains with unmatched efficiency, or revolutionize the logistics industry by optimizing routes and inventory in ways that aren't computationally feasible today. Cybersecurity may experience one of the most dramatic shifts, as Quantum AI brings both risk and reward. For example, it could crack current encryption standards, but also create far more secure systems in their place.

This powerful convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence is not just convenient, but is a transformative leap that could fundamentally alter how we process data, solve problems, and envision the future.

At its core, Quantum AI draws from the very fabric of quantum mechanics, merging it with the adaptive learning and decision-making capabilities of AI.

Challenges ahead

The road to a Quantum AI future is far from smooth. In fact, one of the greatest challenges lies in the hardware itself, particularly as quantum computers are incredibly delicate.

Qubits are prone to decoherence, a process where their quantum state collapses due to interference from their environment. To maintain their integrity, these systems must be kept at temperatures near absolute zero, shielded from even the slightest vibrations or electromagnetic interference. This makes them not only expensive but also highly complex to maintain and operate.

On the software side, things are equally challenging as developing algorithms that can run on quantum systems while taking advantage of AI’s learning capabilities is an intricate task. It demands expertise across two highly specialized fields, quantum physics and machine learning, which are not often found together.

New programming languages, compilers, and development frameworks are being built from scratch, but we are still in the early stages of that journey.

Beyond the technical obstacles, there are also profound ethical questions to consider. As with AI, Quantum AI demands thoughtful deployment to prevent bias or misuse. Given its scale, responsible governance must be built in, not bolted on.

The sheer power that Quantum AI promises means it could become a tool of extraordinary benefit, or risk, depending on how it's governed, and important concerns should start to be addressed now and not after the technology is widely deployed.

A look ahead

What is clear, though, is that we are standing on the precipice of a technological revolution.

Quantum AI has the potential to reshape entire industries, challenge our current understanding of computation, and offer solutions to problems once thought insurmountable. But for all its promise, its success depends not just on innovation, but on collaboration between scientists, businesses, policymakers, and the public.

As quantum processors become more robust and AI algorithms more adaptable to quantum platforms, we will start to see the first wave of truly transformative applications.

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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

The recent spate of cyberattacks targeting major UK retailers has sent shockwaves through the industry, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the sector's IT infrastructure. In just two weeks, high-profile brands including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods have fallen victim to sophisticated attacks that have disrupted operations and potentially compromised sensitive data.

These incidents highlight a troubling pattern—threat actors are increasingly setting their sights on retail organizations, which represent lucrative targets due to their vast customer databases and the devastating operational impact of even brief outages. With millions in revenue lost and consumer trust at stake, these attacks serve as a stark warning that the retail sector must fundamentally rethink its approach to cybersecurity.

Security Nightmare Unfolds Across British High Street

The attack sequence began with Marks & Spencer falling victim to what appears to be a ransomware incident attributed to the notorious Scattered Spider group. The timing—over the busy Easter weekend—appeared deliberate, maximizing disruption when the retailer was least prepared to respond.

The consequences were immediate and severe—online ordering systems collapsed, click-and-collect services failed, and contactless payment gateways went offline. Some locations reported empty shelves as inventory management systems faltered, creating a visible manifestation of the digital chaos unfolding behind the scenes.

Within days, Co-op and Harrods reported similar security incidents, suggesting a coordinated campaign or the exploitation of common vulnerabilities across the sector. Co-op took the precautionary step of shutting down significant portions of its IT infrastructure, while Harrods restricted internet access across its operations. Though neither has confirmed the full extent of the breaches, the proximity of these incidents has raised alarms about a potentially systemic vulnerability being exploited.

The financial impact has already proven substantial, with M&S alone facing millions in lost revenue. Yet the long-term consequences—including potential exposure of customer data—may prove far more damaging to brand reputation and consumer trust.

The Industry & Community Responds

The severity of these attacks has prompted a coordinated response. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has emerged as the central coordinating body, working directly with security teams at M&S, Co-op, and Harrods to contain the damage and investigate attack vectors. The agency has simultaneously issued urgent, updated guidance to all retailers, emphasizing that these incidents likely represent a sector-wide threat rather than isolated cases.

Information sharing has become particularly important, with the NCSC working closely with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and law enforcement to establish a unified response framework. Parliamentary committees have also stepped in, seeking assurances that adequate support is reaching affected businesses and that key lessons are being shared throughout the sector.

Industry experts have been blunt in their assessment—the retail sector can no longer afford complacency in cybersecurity matters. Legal and security professionals point to these incidents as evidence that modern attacks involve sophisticated reconnaissance, with threat actors often probing systems for months before launching their primary assault. The sector now faces pressure to fundamentally reconsider its approach to data governance, incident response, and customer transparency.

What Retailers Must Do—Strengthening Defenses Against Cyber Threats

With retail organizations clearly in the crosshairs of sophisticated threat actors, immediate action is essential. Based on security best practices and lessons from these incidents, retailers should implement the following protective measures:

Focus on external attack surfaces. The vast majority of breaches involve external actors exploiting internet-facing assets. Retailers must prioritize continuous monitoring of external systems, particularly ecommerce platforms, payment processing endpoints, and customer-facing applications that represent prime targets.

Implement comprehensive discovery. Security teams can't protect what they don't know exists. Discovery must span all business units, subsidiaries, and acquisitions, including cloud services, on-premise systems, and third-party integrations. Many retailers operate complex technological ecosystems with legacy systems and modern cloud computing infrastructure operating in parallel—each representing potential vulnerability points.

Test continuously, not periodically. The traditional approach of annual penetration testing is insufficient. Implement ongoing security testing across all exposed assets, including regular application security assessments and retail-specific security evaluations that account for the unique threats facing the sector.

Adopt risk-based prioritization. Not all vulnerabilities carry equal weight. Evaluate threats based on potential business impact rather than technical severity alone. Factors like customer data exposure, operational dependencies, and regulatory implications should guide remediation priorities.

Share intelligence broadly. Security isn't just an IT department concern. Integrate exposure management into existing business processes through automation and clear communication channels. Ensure findings reach relevant stakeholders from operations to customer service, creating a culture of security awareness.

These recent attacks are certainly a wake-up call for UK retailers, and other industries. Security can no longer be treated as an afterthought or compliance exercise, especially when sophisticated threat actors stand ready to capitalize on every vulnerability. With proper preparation and a proactive security posture, retailers can significantly reduce their risk profile and protect both operations and customer trust.

We list the best antivirus software in 2025 for PC.

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’s new Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite model is its fastest and most cost-efficient
• The model is for tasks that don't require much processing, like translation and data organization
• The new model is in preview, while Gemini 2.5 Flash and Pro are now generally available

AI chatbots can respond at a pretty rapid clip at this point, but Google has a new model aimed at speeding things up even more under the right circumstances. The tech giant has unveiled the Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite model as a preview, joining the larger Gemini family as the smaller, yet faster and more agile sibling to the Gemini 2.5 Flash and Gemini 2.5 Pro.

Google is pitching Flash-Lite as ideal for tasks where milliseconds matter and budgets are limited. It's intended for tasks that may be large but relatively simple, such as bulk translation, data classification, and organizing any information.

Like the other Gemini models, it can still process requests and handle images and other media, but the principal value lies in its speed, which is faster than that of the other Gemini 2.5 models. It's an update of the Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite model. The 2.5 iteration has performed better in tests than its predecessor, especially in math, science, logic, and coding tasks. Flash-Lite is about 1.5 times faster than older models.

The budgetary element also makes Flash-Lite unique. While other models may turn to more powerful, and thus more expensive, reasoning tools to answer questions, Flash-Lite doesn’t always default to that approach. You can actually flip that switch on or off depending on what you’re asking the model to do.

And just because it can be cheaper and faster doesn't mean Flash-Lite is limited in the scale of what it can do. Its context window of one million tokens means you could ask it to translate a fairly hefty book, and it would do it all in one go.

Flash-Lite lit

The preview release of Flash-Lite isn't Google's only AI model news. The Gemini 2.5 Flash and Pro models, which have been in preview, are now generally available. The growing catalogue of Gemini models isn't just a random attempt by Google to see what people like. The variations are tuned for specific needs, making it so Google can pitch Gemini as a whole to a lot more people and organizations, with a model to match most needs.

Flash-Lite 2.5 isn’t about being the smartest model, but in many cases, its speed and price make it the most appealing. You don’t need tons of nuance to classify social media posts, summarize YouTube transcripts, or translate website content into a dozen languages.

That’s exactly where this model thrives. And while OpenAI, Anthropic, and others are releasing their own fast-and-cheap AI models, Google’s advantage in integration with its other products likely helps it pull ahead in the race against its AI rivals.

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