TechRadar News

• Security researchers find threat actor advertising a major database
• The archive allegedly belongs to VirtualMacOSX.com
• It contains passwords, bank data, and other sensitive information

Thousands of records belonging to VirtualMacOSX users, including banking information, have been leaked on a popular hacking forum recently, experts have claimed.

Cybersecurity researchers Safety Detectives say they found a new thread on a popular clearweb hacking forum (a forum hosted on the mainstream internet), in which the poster offered a database to anyone who would comment, or otherwise interact with the thread, for free.

Allegedly, the database belongs to the customers of VirtualMacOSX.com, a cloud-based service that provides virtual Mac OS X servers and desktops, and contains 176,000 lines, split across three separate .txt files. In these files were contained people’s user IDs, full names, company names, email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, passwords, password reset keys, bank names, bank types, bank codes, bank accounts, and various support tickets.

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Operations stable

The threat also contained a 34-line sample of the database, Safety Detectives said, adding that their superficial analysis confirmed the data’s authenticity.

“Although the data appeared genuine and we saw indicatives in invoices sent to VirtualMacOSX, we could not definitively confirm that the data belonged to VirtualMacOSX’s customers as, due to ethical considerations, we refrained from testing the exposed credentials,” the researchers said.

We would argue that it is unusual for cybercriminals to give away a brand new database containing both banking data and passwords for free, so it could also be that the database is either fake, or recycled from a previous breach. A quick Google search showed no previously reported breaches at VirtualMacOSX.com.

In any case, users should definitely reset their passwords, including on any other platforms where they might have used the same set of credentials.

Furthermore, they should closely monitor their bank accounts for any suspicious transactions. Finally, they should be on the lookout for well-crafted phishing emails impersonating VirtualMacOSX.com.

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Fifteen years ago, I was no stranger to a moshpit. I was eighteen, and without the responsibilities nor the creeping aches of a mostly desk-bound thirty-three-year-old journalist, I could throw myself into these mock-brawls at rock concerts with reckless abandon.

Clad in my best (or tattiest) black, baggy Iron Maiden T-shirt, I moshed at any gig I could, from obscure hardcore garage bands in tiny metal-music pubs, all the way to huge festival concerts for the likes of Metallica, entering moshes with hundreds of participants.

They might look scary on the outside, but even if you've never been in one before, most moshpits are friendly affairs: no-one's out to (seriously) hurt anyone else, and if anyone falls down, they get hauled up straight away. On many occasions, I'd see a hand holding a shoe, phone, or hoodie stick straight into the air in the middle of the pit, signaling to the owner that they've lost something. Moshpits everywhere, no matter the size of the crowd, share an unwritten code of conduct.

Unfortunately, your technology can't understand that this is all fun and games. All the best Apple watches, and most of the best Android smartwatches, offer features designed to detect falls and collisions, notifying either a designated contact or placing a call to emergency services, but these features can be accidentally triggered too. The Guardian reports that during the annual Download Festival, a three-day event in the UK that's considered by many to be a Mecca for metal fans, around 700 accidental emergency calls get made on average as a result of moshing.

The festival took place last weekend, from 13-15 June, and the wasted time for emergency services is presumably still being assessed.

Posted by leicspolice on 

Before Download began in earnest last weekend, the local Leicestershire Police force took to social media to remind rock fans to either take off their smartwatches or turn off the feature. On Facebook, the police force wrote:

"The tech assumed that people in mosh pits had been in a collision, causing 999 contacts and abandoned 999 calls.

"All those calls had to be assessed, with three outbound call attempts completed to ensure there is no threat, risk or harm, taking our contact handlers away from answering true emergency calls.

"#HelpUsHelpYou by answering our callbacks from hidden numbers to let us know you are safe. We also recommend switching on ‘airplane mode’ or disabling emergency alerts on your wearable tech."

When Crash Detection features were first introduced by Apple in 2022, headlines abounded about accidental callouts to theme parks: one BBC article highlighted Apple Watches as responsible for six different emergency callouts to a single theme park in Cincinatti, Ohio.

However, it's not all bad; for every headline about accidental triggers or false callouts, there's also been one about how someone's benefited from a smartwatch's emergency features. We'd call that a net positive overall.

If you're about to rock, we don't just salute you: we also encourage you to turn off Crash Detection or similar features on your devices. For Wear OS, you'll find these features under the Personal Safety tab, while Apple Watch users will need to go to Settings > SOS > Crash Detection.

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• Studio-quality audio recording and camera remote will be in public beta
• The public beta will be available in July 2025
• Apple doesn’t recommend installing betas on devices you rely upon

Since the early days of iOS, there's been a frustrating delay between the big reveal at WWDC and the final version arriving in September (usually): we get to see fun new things and then have to wait for what feels like forever to actually get them – including on upgrades promised to AirPods.

Good news! Apple has promised to let you play with the new AirPods features in July 2025 for the first time. There is a catch, though: it'll be part of the iOS/iPadOS/macOS public beta, so you shouldn't expect the fully polished final versions, and it's not a wise idea to install the beta software on your devices you rely on every day. So while you can get early access, you probably shouldn't.

The new features are studio-quality audio recording and camera remote. Apple says the former is for singers, podcasters, interviewers and other content creators and will deliver much better sound quality in recordings, in phone calls, in FaceTime and in third-party apps that use Apple's CallKit framework. It should also improve dictation accuracy, especially in noisier environments.

Camera remote is exactly what it sounds like: it enables you to trigger the Camera app's (or compatible third-party app's) shutter by squeezing the AirPods stem to take a photo or start a video recording.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)Public betas are better

The new features are for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 2, and require an iPhone capable of running iOS 26 – which is most of the relatively recent ones, as iOS 26 will be available for phones going back to the iPhone 11.

If you're really keen to experiment with the new features, you can get the developer beta of iOS 26 right now at developer.apple.com; all you need is a developer account. The public beta will follow in July, which doesn't require a developer account.

But both options aren't a good idea for most of us, I think. From the feedback I'm seeing online from early adopters, iOS 26 is still quite far from being finished, and Apple very specifically urges people not to install developer betas on their main devices.

The public beta is a safer option, but there are still the usual caveats about beta software being unfinished – so there may be app incompatibilities, weird bugs, display glitches and other frustrations.

In a worse-case scenario, they can even brick your devices, making them completely unusable – but these are risks you'll agree to take when you sign the agreement to try the beta software. It's probably not worth the risk to get clearer calls a few months early.

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be the next two major smartphone launches (all signs point to a July announcement), and at this point, we have a good idea of what to expect from both new devices.

Leaks and rumors have detailed many of their possible specs and upgrades, and now, leaker @PandaFlashPro has even gone so far as to detail the specific features Samsung will supposedly highlight at the phones' July launch.

So, below, you’ll find the five things Samsung might focus on during its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked showcase – from camera tech to screen sizes.

1. Gemini Live

Gemini Live on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (Image credit: Google)

While Gemini and Gemini Live are Google features rather than Samsung ones, the latter company will apparently talk a lot about these tools during the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Gemini is Google’s AI chatbot, and Gemini Live is a feature that lets you engage in spoken conversations with said chatbot. You can also show Gemini what your camera can see, or other images or files, and ask it questions about them.

None of this is new, but perhaps we’ll see new Gemini features baked into the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7, or perhaps Samsung will simply highlight how well Gemini Live works with a foldable form factor.

According to this leak, Samsung will also highlight other existing AI features like Generative Edits for photos and Now Brief (a tool that delivers personalized briefings throughout the day).

2. A new camera with a new visual engine

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

Samsung will also apparently highlight the camera capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in particular, including its widely rumored new 200MP primary snapper, which will reportedly replace the 50MP one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

As well as new camera hardware, the company will apparently highlight new software, too, in the form of an improved version of its ProVisual Engine, which runs behind the scenes to optimize photo quality.

3. A thin and durable design

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

Samsung will supposedly highlight the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s thin and durable design at Galaxy Unpacked, including the “all-new” ultra-thin glass on its screen. The aforementioned leaker doesn't say exactly how this glass will be improved over the Z Fold 6’s, but presumably it will either be thinner or more durable, or both.

And we’ve previously heard from various sources that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be much slimmer than its predecessor, with one source suggesting the Z Fold 7 will be just 3.9mm thick when unfolded and 8.9mm thick when folded. That’s down from 5.6mm and 12.1mm on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

As for durability, we’ve previously heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have improved water and dust resistance, and that it could have a tough titanium backplate.

In fact, Samsung itself has even said the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be slimmer and more durable than the Z Fold 6.

It’s worth noting that some leaks suggest the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could also be more durable than the previous model, but seemingly, Samsung won’t focus on that if this latest claim is accurate.

4. Improved photo quality

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Samsung reportedly won’t focus as much on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which makes sense, since leaks suggest this device won’t be getting as many upgrades as the Z Fold 7. But according to this latest rumor, one thing Samsung will highlight is the phone’s improved photo quality.

They don’t specify here what the cause of that improved photo quality will be, but this is likely a reference to a new version of Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, which is reportedly coming to both upcoming foldables and works behind the scenes to improve images using AI.

From what we’ve heard so far, though, the actual camera hardware on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 might be unchanged from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, so there might not be too much for the company to talk about here.

5. A better cover screen

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The other Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 feature that Samsung will apparently focus on is its cover screen. The source here doesn’t detail what this specific display upgrade might be, but we’ve previously heard that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 may have a larger cover screen of around 4 inches (up from 3.4 inches on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6), so it’s likely to be the size that’s the focus.

That increase should make the Galaxy Z Flip 7's display a lot more usable, and according to previous reports, the main display might also be larger this year, at around 6.85 inches (up from 6.7), but that’s not mentioned here.

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In these pessimistic times where dystopian angst is often seen as a supreme virtue, it's remarkably refreshing to discover a new Netflix movie that can properly deliver a good old-fashioned love story… and especially one revolving around space exploration.

Debuting on Netflix back on May 30, Lost in Starlight is peppered with a soothing and emotional selection of original K-pop tunes courtesy of artists like CIFIKA, Meego, John Park and Wave to Earth's Kim Daniel.

The sci-fi anime film, which is one of the best Netflix movies with its 88% and 91% Rotten Tomatoes scores from the critics and audiences respectively, confidently carries a distinctive air of romanticism in a star-crossed lovers tale of scientist astronaut Nan-young and a struggling musician named Jay.

The pair become estranged when one of them ventures into the cosmos on a mission to Mars, but the connection they've forged on Earth carries across million of miles as she endeavors to perform her astronaut duties to the best of her abilities and return to Seoul safely.

This is Netflix's first feature-length Korean animated movie and it's a fantastic beginning to that relationship of working on the best anime with the film’s heartbreaking core of emotionality, immediate resonance, and irresistible charm.

Directed by South Korean filmmaker Han Ji-Won and produced by Climax Studios, Lost in Starlight offers something different with its beautifully rendered backgrounds, crisp and appealing character designs, and a color palette reminiscent of vivid spring bouquets.

The futuristic love story begins in 2026 when a devastating Mars quake causes the collapse of an underground research base, Nan-young's mother was one of the casualties. Now 25 years later in the year 2051 she’s an astronaut candidate in Seoul, South Korea hoping to be chosen for a fourth expedition to Mars to investigate an immense impact crater.

Nan-young en route to Mars in "Lost in Starlight" (Image credit: Netflix)

As she's waiting to be evaluated and cleared for flight she bumps into Jay, an electronics expert and songwriter who's capable of fixing her broken record player. The two bond over one of his songs and the transportive power of music just as her Life Form Detector is going to be employed by the Korean Aerospace Administration on the next NASA mission to the Red Planet, and she'll be accompanying the equipment.

"Usually in animated films, the characters just exist to drive the plot," Han told Forbes in a recent interview. "I didn't want that. I really wanted to have characters that you would see in everyday life, who you could really relate to. With animation, you can control all the details of expression and movement, so you can actually get more personal, more character-specific, and really dive into the feeling of it."

A touching scene from Netflix's "Lost in Starlight" (Image credit: Netflix)

Still dealing with psychological after-effects of her mother's death on Mars two decades earlier, Nan-young accepts the mission assignment and lifts off on a 6-month journey to Earth's mysterious neighbor. Once on planet, she explores a subterranean lava cave created by the meteorite crash where life forms have been detected. While on this perilous hunt, Nan-young becomes cut off from her colleagues as a dust storm descends. Will she get rescued and make it out alive from the Red Planet and return to her beloved Jay waiting back on Earth?

Currently streaming exclusively on Netflix, Lost in Starlight is only Han Ji-Won’s second feature film, but it's a stunning followup for this rising cinematic star and we can’t wait to see what project she becomes attached to next. Until then, let's relish the romance of her sci-fi gem.

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• German state Schleswig-Holstein wants to remove all traces of Microsoft, including Windows
• Transition started in 2023, and should be complete by the end of 2025
• Digitalization minister says, "We're done with Teams"

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany's northernmost state, has confirmed it will be phasing out Microsoft office software tools (including Teams, Word, Excel and Outlook) in its public offices in a bid to reduce its reliance on US tech giants.

The region is now seeking open source alternatives, with the likes of LibreOffice, Open-Xchange and Linux being broadly adopted.

To date, an estimated 30,000 public employees have already turned their backs on Microsoft's products, with a further 30,000 teachers set to follow suit.

German state pulls the plug on Microsoft software

The move means Schleswig-Holstein has become the first German state, and one of the first in Europe, to fully phase out Microsoft products in public administration, however it marks a growing trend across the continent as administrations seek to support local and sovereign options, gain digital independence and tackle the dominance of US tech giants – a topic that has been central to numerous EU antitrust investigations in recent years.

Set to affect almost all government departments in the state, the transition started in 2023. A full switch for civil servants, police and judges is expected by the end of this year.

Possibly one of the biggest changeovers to have happened, the transition extends far beyond switching Microsoft Office for LibreOffice.

Outlook is to be replaced by Open-Xchange, Microsoft Teams will be phased out for an open source German platform, and even the entire operating system – Windows – will be switched out for Linux-based OSs.

Besides seeking geographical independence, Schleswig-Holstein's approach can also be seen as a reaction to geopolitical instability, such as President Trump's return to office and subsequent EU-US tensions.

By betting on open source software (OSS), the German state could avoid expensive licensing fees tied to Microsoft's products (one of the pertinent antitrust cases to have been led by the European Commission), potentially saving tens of millions of euros in the long term.

Neighbouring Danish cities, like Copenhagen and Aarhus, are also reportedly exploring Microsoft alternatives, however such a change could come at a cost.

For example, the state risks running into potential interoperability issues by adopting solutions from a range of providers, while workers could need full retraining and support during the transition.

However, desires to cut ties are evident. Speaking with AFP (via France24), digitalization minister Dirk Schroedter concluded: "We're done with Teams!"

"The geopolitical developments of the past few months have strengthened interest in the path that we've taken," Schroedter added.

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• A Minecraft Movie will be available to stream on Max very soon
• Warner Bros. has confirmed it'll arrive on June 20
• The biggest film of 2025 has almost reached the $1 billion mark globally

Get ready to shout "chicken jockey!" at your screens, everyone, because A Minecraft Movie has finally dug up a streaming release date.

Well, that is in countries where Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) super streamer Max, i.e., one of the world's best streaming services, is available.

The Jason Momoa and Jack Black-starring film will launch on the service this Friday (June 20), so you don't have long to wait to check out one of the highest-grossing new movies of the year at home in nations including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Craft at your own pace. #MinecraftMovie begins streaming June 20 exclusively on Max. pic.twitter.com/lHH18JD6fbJune 13, 2025

Viewers in places where Max isn't available, such as the UK, Canada, and India, can still watch Minecraft's movie adaptation at home. However, you'll have to rent or buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, the Microsoft Store, and other online stores. Hopefully, it won't be long until deals are struck with Max's distribution partners in these nations, so that viewers can watch on services like Sky, Crave, and JioHotstar.

Debuting in theaters on March 4, A Minecraft Movie stars Momoa, Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastien Hansen as five humans transported to the Overworld, aka Minecraft's cube-based dimension where the only limit to creativity is your imagination. There, they must help to defeat the nefarious Malgosha, who wants to rule the Overworld using a magical artifact known as the Orb of Dominance.

A movie worth its weight in gold (or diamonds)

A Minecraft Movie was propelled to its near-billion dollar mark by viral videos of chaos-filled screenings (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Mojang Studios)

Not many people expected A Minecraft Movie to be such a huge hit. Despite the enduring popularity of Mojang's hugely successful video-game namesake, I was one of those who expected its film reimagining to fall flat on its face. And my belief didn't waver after watching it – indeed, as part of my A Minecraft Movie review, I said it wasn't the wildly creative blockbuster video-game film adaptation I was hoping for.

I'm not afraid to admit that I underestimated how wildly successful it would be, though. Per BoxOfficeMojo, A Minecraft Movie has raked in over $951.51 million worldwide since it debuted in theaters. That makes it the biggest money-spinner of the year in the western world (China's animated fantasy flick Ne Zha 2 has reportedly made an eye-popping $1.89 billion, with $1.82 billion made domestically in that nation).

Disney's Lilo & Stitch remake could surpass A Minecraft Movie before the former's theatrical run ends – at the time of writing, Lilo & Stitch has amassed $858.3 million globally. However, thanks to its game namesake's worldwide fanbase and those viral TikTok videos of chaotic A Minecraft Movie screenings, Warner Bros' film remake may yet hold onto its box office crown – at least until Superman and/or The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrive and potentially earn more money.

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AI may be redefining cyberattacks and defenses, but the real security battleground is data. In an environment where information flows freely between SaaS platforms, personal devices, and remote endpoints, preventing data leakage is a strategic imperative critical to company performance.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) has become the cornerstone of digital trust, especially as organizations automate more of their operations and employees leverage AI platforms in their day-to-day work. Modern DLP tools need to support expanded functionality and new layers of context to truly integrate into broader access and identity policies in the quest to safeguard and futureproof business.

Inside your business, the need for DLP continues to evolve

Employees do things they aren’t supposed to. That isn’t a new phenomenon, but it presents big challenges for DLP efforts. The rise of content-hungry tools such as ChatGPT and increased reliance on shared data repositories in the cloud – Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. – create more opportunities for workers to move or exfiltrate sensitive customer data in ways they shouldn’t.

Alongside company-provided solutions, the 2025 Netskope Cloud and Threat Report found that 88% of people use personal cloud apps at work. Shadow IT, where users quietly implement SaaS apps without IT’s knowledge, means your business may have numerous undiscovered apps floating around that put your data at risk.

Even the sanctioned use of large language models (LLMs) is frequently hampered by insufficient governance and oversight to ensure employees don’t run afoul of data boundaries. Companies struggle to identify and stop data leakage because there’s scant visibility into what the LLM is ingesting, what data it’s storing, where its outputs go, who’s using those outputs, and how. Unfortunately, legacy DLP platforms often can’t monitor and control AI-powered SaaS apps, leaving sensitive data potentially unprotected.

External threats amp up the value of DLP

When threat actors get onto a network, they’re typically looking to steal sensitive data or encrypt files for a future ransom. Those two risks have enterprises on high alert, and while robust ransomware prevention tools can help with the latter, DLP is key to protecting against the former.

The right DLP platform can prevent sensitive data from leaving your network, no matter how the attacker entered or where their search for content takes them. Anytime somebody tries to touch, access, or move data you’ve earmarked as sensitive, you’re going to know who’s trying to access it and what they’re trying to do with it.

Used in conjunction with a capable ransomware protection service to manage against attacks, DLP can stop external threat actors from accessing and moving your sensitive data.

Integrations solve DLP challenges in modern architectures

There are a few core capabilities to consider that make a big difference in a DLP solution’s effectiveness and usability. Historically, some primary complaints have been the lack of integrations and limited ability to stop employees from getting around established parameters.

Modern DLP tools can integrate with tens of thousands of web applications used by employees, from email to Slack, Salesforce, Teams, and others. A DLP solution designed for today’s infrastructure can also keep an eye on what users are submitting to LLMs.

Custom rules enable you to scan LLM inputs for discrete data types, such as credit card numbers, customer records, valuable source code, and even confidential keywords that may denote a highly sensitive project or pending business deal. If you can define it, an integrated DLP can watch for it and prevent unauthorized actions.

Context and customizations are key to quick response and efficient alert triage

Every threat is not created equal. Leading DLP tools offer flexibility in customizing rules and responses to suit nearly every scenario. To achieve the best results, your security team must begin by finding and defining your sensitive data, which may be different from one company to the next. CRM lists, source code, customer data—it’s up to you to decide what you want to monitor.

An advanced DLP can then use your unique content definitions to drive tailored response actions. What if a user tries to exfiltrate sensitive customer data? Your DLP may automatically block the action and immediately notify your security team. Alternatively, a less risky action might trigger a pop-up window that provides active coaching and policy reminders to help change user behavior. The DLP could allow an action after confirming the user’s identity through an additional authentication prompt, or allow an action but automatically redact sensitive data, such as patient names or payment card numbers.

The ability to customize your DLP strategy by choosing the automated response based on the severity of the threat enables a faster and more effective response to every event. By adding context to surface the most pressing risks, you also reduce the non-critical alerts sent to your security and IT teams and preserve their time for high-priority situations that require their attention.

Data loss prevention is a priority for enterprises navigating the AI age. Managing and protecting data moving through the organization requires integrated tools that can act as a traffic light to stop risky actions, encourage users to adopt preferred behaviors, and apply automated rules to free your security and IT teams to focus on critical threats. Innovative solutions empower security and IT teams to effectively prevent data leakage even in highly fluid environments.

We list the best data recovery service.

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

• BT could save £3 billion by cutting up to 55,000 workers, AI could end even more contracts
• If share prices don't rise, BT might have to spin off Openreach
• Group revenue was down 2% year-over-year

BT CEO Allison Kirkby has indicated the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence could lead to even deeper cuts beyond current plans to trim the company's workforce.

Kirkby confirmed plans, which are hoped to save £3 billion by 2030, to cut 40,000-55,000 jobs by the end of the decade.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Kirkby stated: "Depending on what we learn from AI... there may be an opportunity for BT to be even smaller by the end of the decade."

BT CEO blames AI for further job cuts

Kirkby took over BT in 2024, replacing former CEO Philip Jansen, and has led several saving exercises, including selling off non-core assets like the company's Italian and Irish units.

The FT also noted that BT had spun off its international business last month, citing sources familiar with the matter, suggesting that it could be open to offers on it.

However, the CEO believes that BT's current share price (£186.45) does not reflect the true value of Openreach – its broadband network arm. If this perceived undervaluation continues, BT could consider spinning off Openreach after the fibre rollout is complete, however Kirkby said she would prefer the share price to improve rather than having to resort to yet another spinoff.

Speaking about BT's latest full fiscal year, which ended on March 31, Kirkby said the company had realized "over £900m of annualized cost savings." She blamed "lower international sales and handsets" on the 2% dip in revenue, to £20.4 billion.

BT's reach across the UK could be about to get even stronger, with The Guardian revealing that the company could have entered initial discussions to buy out TalkTalk, a smaller broadband provider that has struggled financially.

However, such an acquisition, together with BT's ownership of mobile network provider EE, could spell out great domination over UK networks, potentially sparking an antitrust investigation.

The recently-completed merger of Three and Vodafone was subject to an in-depth investigation before eventually approved by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

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• We have a release date for the smaller 43mm OnePlus Watch 3
• It will begin rolling out on July 8
• It's said to be "packed with specs that rival the full-sized version"

When I reviewed the OnePlus Watch 3 two months ago (at the time of writing), I said it was already a contender for the best Android smartwatch of 2025. I loved the stainless steel, classic aesthetic and excellent battery life, but my biggest gripe was a style one: it was a big, heavy metal watch, and only came in one size.

As a sports watch, that's a major downside. One of the reasons the best Apple Watches are so popular is that they offer watch faces of different sizes, allowing people with smaller and larger wrists to find a watch that feels like it belongs on their arm.

Having reviewed fitness tech for many years, I know search terms like 'smallest Apple Watch' and 'best smartwatch for women' are popular on Google. Customers who don't want to wear big, chunky timepieces, whether that's due to aesthetics or comfort, are sadly limited in choice.

Thankfully, OnePlus listened to our complaints. In my OnePlus Watch 3 review, I wrote: "My main gripe is the watch’s size: at the time of writing the initial early review, I said I would have loved to see OnePlus bring out a second, smaller model for those with smaller wrists. Many people, including a lot of women, will find it’s just too big and heavy for daily wear.

"However, during my testing, OnePlus published the news there would be a second, smaller size along with LTE capabilities for future models, and my fears were dispelled."

(Image credit: OnePlus)

OnePlus had already revealed a smaller size was coming, but not when, nor did we have any other details about it. Would it have the same specs as the larger model? What about battery life? Would it still be a OnePLus Watch 3, or something closer to an Apple-style 'SE' model? For months, we had no answers to these burning questions.

Published today in an exclusive interview with TechRadar, Celina Shi – Chief Marketing Officer at OnePlus Europe – finally spilled the beans on the new watch's release date, and even provided an image – the picture above. At first glance, the 43mm looks a lot more Pixel Watch-y than the full-size 47mm Watch 3.

"In February this year, we launched our latest flagship wearable, the OnePlus Watch 3. It was highly popular due to its huge battery life, accurate GPS and health and wellbeing metrics," said Celina. "We're bringing a smaller iteration of this device that's perfect for those with smaller wrists – but don't underestimate it.

"It's packed with specs that rival the full-sized version, as well as exclusive monitoring features not found on any other device – and will be available in sleek Silver Steel!"

It sounds like it's getting at least one exclusive feature, although we don't know any more details on it. It'll also pack specifications that match the 47mm version of the watch.

The best part? It's launching on July 8, mere weeks away, along with a bevy of other OnePlus devices such as the OnePlus Nord 5, the OnePlus Buds 4 and the OnePlus Pad Lite.

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OnePlus is a formidable name in portable tech, although not necessarily one celebrated for its crystal-clear naming strategies.

It's hardly alone in that respect, given Apple's decision to skip straight to iOS 26 (from iOS 18) and Samsung seemingly set to bypass the Buds 2 FE to go straight to the Buds 3 FE, but anyway, 2025 is not looking any different for the Chinese tech giant.

Today (Monday, June 16) the company has exclusively revealed to TechRadar its five newest products: the OnePlus Nord 5 Series (comprising two smartphones: the OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus CE5), the OnePlus Buds 4, the OnePlus Pad Lite and a new, smaller OnePlus Watch 3 – it's got a 43mm dial.

Important things to note on the Buds 4? Firstly, there's no 'Nord' prefix, which typically denotes OnePlus' mid-range propositions. So while the incoming phones might sit within the brand's more affordable handsets, it's flagship territory where its earbuds are concerned.

All of the OnePlus newness…  (Image credit: OnePlus)OnePlus Buds 4: specs and everything we know so far

You'd be forgiven for experiencing a modicum of confusion when gazing upon OnePlus' current earbuds lineup – so allow me.

A quick look on the OnePlus website reveals a trio consisting of the newest OnePlus Buds Pro 3 (which launched in August 2024), the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro (which arrived in July 2024 and despite our best efforts, we never managed to source a set for review) and the January 2024-issue OnePlus Buds 3.

If you really want to get granular on their respective spec sheets or you're thinking of snapping up a deal on the outgoing model when the Buds 4 hit shelves (clever), our OnePlus Buds Pro 3 vs OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro explainer can help.

But this changes everything! OnePlus Buds 4 – so simple. So stylish. I don't have too much information on the design or colorway options, but the case echoes the design language of the Buds 3 Pro, rather than the Buds 3, which is a good thing since I found it much more secure.

OnePlus tells me the Buds 4 feature dual drivers and dual DACs (read: the kind of audio architecture that ought to promote much-better-than-average audio quality), LHDC 5.0 (a higher-resolution audio codec similar to LDAC in that it supports up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution) and OnePlus' 3D Audio software, which we really liked in the OnePlus Buds 3 because it'll even level up Spotify's lossy files, making them more immersive.

For gamers, the OnePlus Buds 4 also offer 47ms ultra-low latency in Game Mode and while I'm no avid gamer, the Buds Pro 3 included the perk and we liked it a lot, so it's good to see it included in non-Pro Buds.

(Image credit: OnePlus)

Anything missing here? Well, there's no mention yet of noise cancellation which, if that plays out, might be a deal-breaker for some buyers. Again, this is an early exclusive (we've no concrete information on pricing either) so there are plenty of details still to come, but it's worth mentioning.

Thus far, OnePlus has yet to really make a dent in our roundup of the best earbuds – but perhaps that's set to change. We'll be giving them a full-fat review, so watch this space…

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Whichever way you slice it, OnePlus is enjoying a fruitful 2025. Just a few months after the OnePlus 13 sailed onto our list of the best phones money can buy, the OnePlus Watch 3 became one of the best Android smartwatches around, and the newly announced OnePlus Pad 3 looks set to feature prominently in our guide to the best Android tablets.

All three of those products are flagships in their respective categories, but OnePlus is now gearing up for its annual swipe at the mid-range tech market.

In an exclusive interview with TechRadar, Celina Shi, Chief Marketing Officer at OnePlus Europe, revealed the names and details of five new mid-range OnePlus products heading to stores in July – specifically the OnePlus Nord 5, OnePlus Nord CE5, OnePlus Buds 4, OnePlus Pad Lite, and OnePlus Watch 3 43mm.

TechRadar: What do you see as the key USP of the OnePlus Nord series in 2025, in terms of both its place in the OnePlus portfolio and the wider mid-range smartphone market?

Celina Shi: The OnePlus Nord Series is our mid-range smartphone series designed to offer a balance of flagship features at an affordable price. It’s become much-loved by a significant number of our community who enjoy its fun and more playful tone. The OnePlus Nord Series is bolder in color and style than our flagship Series and offers a real opportunity for people to demonstrate their personal identity through the devices and its brand.

In July this year, I'm pleased to announce that OnePlus will launch two new devices in the OnePlus Nord series: the OnePlus Nord 5 and the OnePlus Nord CE5. The latest series is a performance powerhouse that offers endless endurance, allowing you to play and create all day and night.

The OnePlus Nord 5 (left) and OnePlus Nord CE5 (right) (Image credit: OnePlus)

TR: What, specifically, makes the OnePlus Nord 5 a “performance powerhouse”?

CS: The new OnePlus Nord 5 is what we're calling a double-punch – it has an exceptional camera and an exceptional chipset.

While you'll have to wait to find out about the camera, I can confirm that the OnePlus Nord 5 will include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, an unfairly high-spec chipset for the mid-range market.

The OnePlus Nord 5 is equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and an advanced 7,300mm² CryoFlex Liquid Cooling System, ensuring consistently smooth performance even under pressure.

The new OnePlus Nord 5 is what we're calling a double-punch – it has an exceptional camera and an exceptional chipset.

Celina Shi, OnePlus

For the gamers, OnePlus Nord 5 will also support Battlegrounds Mobile India at native 90 frames per second to 144fps with frame rate interpolation, meaning smooth gaming and less lag.

We've included all of these features as our core OnePlus Nord audience wants a fast and smooth experience, since they use their smartphones for creating, gaming, and multitasking. As these types of activities get more complex with more processing load, we've doubled down on our chipset to ensure we deliver the signature fast and smooth experience that we've become famous for.

TR: Both new Nord models feature a vertical camera array. Why the move back to this orientation on the flagship model this year?

CS: With any smartphone, there is always negotiation between aesthetic design and what's physically possible within those parameters. As tech components evolve, so too will our design to make the best-looking products that function optimally.

The camera module is vertical in the latest OnePlus Nord Series as this layout optimizes space within the device, allowing us to include a best-in-class chipset, battery, and screen within.

TR: And similarly, what can you tell us about the rear panel design?

CS: While I can't reveal specifics about the OnePlus Nord 5 Series materials just yet, I can say that it won't be in a metal frame this year.

Our design concept for all of our devices is grounded in consumer insight. Following a global survey conducted across Europe, North America, India, and China, we found that our target audience places strong emphasis on practicality in design.

The camera module is vertical in the latest OnePlus Nord Series as this layout optimizes space within the device.

Celina Shi, OnePlus

They consistently prefer styles that are brief, simple, and elegant. In response to this, in the OnePlus Nord Series this year, we are offering a Nordic-inspired design that reflects these values and resonates with our consumers globally.

With that in mind, I'll exclusively reveal to you one color each for the OnePlus Nord 5 and the OnePlus Nord CE, which will launch in Europe on July 8: the OnePlus Nord 5 will launch in Dry Ice, and the OnePlus Nord CE 5 in Marble Mist.

TR: Are you confident that users will embrace the new Plus Key and Plus Mind interface on the Nord 5 series?

CS: We're really excited about the new Plus Key, the extension of OnePlus' personalized AI experience. The Plus Key is not a removal of our Alert Slider, it's a natural evolution to allow it to be more capable, more intuitive to use, and now highly customizable. The Plus Key is a customizable button programmable for various actions like switching sound profiles, launching the camera, initiating translation, or starting recordings.

(Image credit: OnePlus)

The Plus Mind interface sits perfectly alongside our Plus Key and is the first step to building a truly personalized smartphone experience with AI. Users can simply press the Plus Key to recognize screen content and add it as a 'memory'. This includes actions like saving on-screen content, suggesting schedules to be added into a calendar, storing on-screen content into Mind Space, and searching with a conversational prompt via AI Search.

Beyond simple screen capture, AI Plus Mind leverages AI to analyze content contextually. For instance, it can extract schedule details from an image or text and add them directly to the user's calendar. AI Search, integrated with AI Plus Mind, supports natural language queries for easy retrieval of saved content.

TR: With mid-range smartphones improving in quality every year, how does OnePlus distinguish between mid-range and flagship in 2025?

CS: At OnePlus, our vision is to empower the world through better technology. We launched the OnePlus Nord series to make cutting-edge technology, including the OnePlus Fast & Smooth experience, accessible to more people. Therefore, when we look at the OnePlus Nord Series offering, we try to balance flagship technology with an affordable price.

But the identity of the OnePlus Nord Series is quite different to that of our flagship series. It's more playful, colourful, and bolder in style.

The OnePlus Nord 4 is still one of the best mid-range Android phones (Image credit: Future)

People who buy our OnePlus Nord Series are different to those buying flagships. For our flagship products, like the OnePlus 13 series, we target power users. These are tech enthusiasts that place high demands on their devices, and expect bleeding-edge hardware and frictionless, performance-focused software.

Our OnePlus Nord products are a way for us to take our flagship technology and make it more accessible to a wider range of users. These are value-aware consumers that expect a Fast & Smooth experience at a price point that allows more people to join our community.

At OnePlus, the flagship line and Nord line play equally important roles in our product and brand strategy. On one hand, we will continue building flagship devices that integrate the most advanced technologies to deliver cutting-edge experiences in the premium and ultra-premium tiers. In parallel, we are also committed to making the OnePlus experience and quality more accessible to more users with the Nord product line.

TR: Moving away from smartphones for a moment, what else is OnePlus planning to launch next month?

CS: This summer, on July 8, we are focusing on building our product portfolio across different categories and price segments. Alongside our OnePlus Nord Series devices, I'm pleased to announce that we will be launching three new products: a new wearable, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, our latest flagship headphones, the OnePlus Buds 4, and a new tablet, the OnePlus Pad Lite.

In February this year, we launched our latest flagship wearable, the OnePlus Watch 3. It was highly popular due to its huge battery life, accurate GPS, and health and wellbeing metrics.

We're bringing a smaller iteration of this device that's perfect for those with smaller wrists – but don't underestimate it! It's packed with specs that rival the full-sized version, as well as exclusive monitoring features not found on any other device – and will be available in sleek Silver Steel!

We are deepening our roots into broader consumer electronics sectors to become a premium 'Android Builder'.

Celina Shi, OnePlus

Hot off the heels of the OnePlus Pad 3 launch in June, we've found that a strong section of our Community is looking to OnePlus for an affordable tablet that works seamlessly with their other OnePlus devices. We're delighted to bring this to them this summer. The OnePlus Pad Lite will be available in Europe in Aero Blue.

For OnePlus Buds 4, you can expect a flagship sound experience, with Dual Drivers, Dual DACs, Hi-Res LHDC 5.0, and 3D Audio. For gamers, the OnePlus Buds 4 also offer 47ms ultra-low latency in Game Mode, ensuring audio syncs perfectly with on-screen action for a competitive edge.

As with all OnePlus products, style has been front and centre of the design process [for our new earbuds]. This year, the OnePlus Buds 4 are available in two colour options: Zen Green and Storm Gray.

The OnePlus Buds 4 in Storm Gray and Zen Green (Image credit: OnePlus)

TR: And lastly, looking ahead, what’s the overarching product strategy for OnePlus in 2025?

CS: Our journey started in 2014 with the release of our first smartphone, the OnePlus One, which shared great technology with the world and challenged the industry status quo. While our ambition remains to deliver exceptional value to our smartphone users, we are deepening our roots into broader consumer electronics sectors to become a premium 'Android Builder'. Today, we offer a broad portfolio of devices across four main categories: smartphone, tablet, audio, and wearables.

Through our ecosystem of devices, we want to elevate the digital life of our community with products that seamlessly connect and improve their lifestyle through better technology. We host Open Ears Forums for our community, where we get invaluable feedback from our users. In 2025, we have doubled down on that effort through regular community catch-ups through one-on-one sessions where we carefully listen and understand their needs.

On the product side, we will continue to enhance our hardware and software offering with features we've become famous for, like long battery life, [unique] design and [powerful] performance; but also integrate newer technologies, like upgraded OxygenOS, OpenCanvas, and AI, to ensure the OnePlus product experience across all categories and all devices is faster and smoother than ever.

So there you have it, folks – the OnePlus Nord 5 and OnePlus Nord CE5 will launch in the UK and Europe on July 8, along with the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, OnePlus Buds 4, and OnePlus Pad Lite. We’ll be getting all five new products in for testing over the coming weeks, so stay tuned to TechRadar for our full verdicts on OnePlus’ latest mid-range devices.

Which of the newly announced OnePlus products is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

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One of the biggest differences between being rich and poor is having people to do things for you. When a person moves from being poor to the middle class, they might get a cleaner or take their clothes to a dry cleaner; when they become rich, they might get a driver, a private chef – an entire entourage devoted to making their lives easier.

There’s growing excitement about the rise of AI-powered agents that act on behalf of consumers - not just during product discovery, but right through to purchase. Search-like queries on ChatGPT might only represent 1% of those on Google, but 1% of the colossal global search market is a huge number of searches, with potentially millions in revenue.

Originally conceived as digital concierges to simplify search, these agents are now making actual purchases, and they’re doing it without ever handing control back to the shopper.

Large payments players are laying the groundwork for AI-based commerce. Visa recently launched a Digital Credential Innovation Hub to explore new identity models for agent-based transactions, while Stripe confirmed it is developing secure transaction capabilities for AI agents. And just yesterday, Google revealed plans for an AI agentic checkout for shopping — a move that confirms this shift is no longer speculative, but imminent.

But beyond the optimistic headlines lies a more complicated picture. What happens when an AI agent makes a purchase for you? And more importantly, what can go wrong?

What’s Really Going On Behind the Scenes (Usually)

Let’s be clear: there’s no single “standard” for how agentic shopping works – the process is still evolving, and different platforms take different approaches. That said, here’s a common flow we’ve observed in early implementations.

When a consumer uses an AI agent to shop, the process is superficially simple, but technically intricate. First, the user saves their payment card details — including full PAN, CVV, expiry, billing, and delivery addresses — with their chosen AI platform.

Shoppers are unlikely to be buying very inexpensive items like a pizza or very expensive items like a new car. They probably won’t be using it for goods with a heavy visual emphasis, where part of the enjoyment is browsing until something hits you – clothing being the best example. They are likely, at first, to use agentic AI to help them decide between relatively expensive products that are difficult for non-experts to understand: let’s use a good pair of Bluetooth headphones as an example.

The agent, which could be powered by ChatGPT, Google, TikTok Shop, or Amazon’s AI initiatives, uses natural language to respond to a shopper’s request. Just like a shop clerk, it will ask questions to refine results: how much do you want to spend? Do you want over-ear or in-ear headphones? Are there any features like noise cancelling or waterproofing that you need? It can then refine results and present purchase options.

Once the shopper decides a payment process begins that will be mostly invisible to the shopper:

• The shopper stays in the AI interface and never visits the merchant’s site.
• A “Buy” command within the agent UI triggers the agent to autofill the checkout form on the merchant’s site.
• The merchant receives the full card details as if a human shopper were typing them.
• The agent submits the order, and confirmation is sent via both the agent and the merchant.

Critically, the merchant is unlikely to know that they’re dealing with an agent rather than a human. This introduces risks, because if anything goes wrong — an incorrect item, a delivery mix-up, or pricing error - the shopper must resolve it directly with the merchant, even though they never interacted with the merchant’s website themselves.

In other words: don’t talk to me – talk to my agent.

Known Risks (So Far)

There are several emerging pitfalls already evident:

Security vulnerabilities: In January 2025, Chinese AI platform DeepSeek was hacked, exposing users' stored credentials. The centralization of payment data in AI agents makes them lucrative targets.

Susceptibility to scams: Fraudsters may design sites specifically to trick agents into completing fake checkouts.

Ambiguity in liability: If an agent misplaces an order or inputs incorrect details, it’s unclear whether the AI provider or the consumer bears responsibility.

Poor compatibility:

• It may not support alternative payment types like PayPal, digital wallets or bank transfers (which account for roughly 45% of eCommerce volume in the EU).
• It can’t easily handle additional checkout steps (e.g. seat selection, delivery slots).
• Struggles with card declines, especially in international transactions, where decline rates can be anywhere from 5 to 30%.

In markets like the EU or Japan, legal requirements around Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) mean that consumers must approve each card transaction, making AI-led flows problematic or non-compliant.

The Bigger Picture: Are We Witnessing a Commerce Revolution?

Beyond the immediate risks and logistics, the rise of agents raises fundamental questions about the structure of digital commerce.

Will this model gain traction with consumers? It could fizzle like voice commerce and Amazon’s Dash buttons, which failed to take off due to trust and usability issues. Or it could explode, much like the rise of marketplaces or in-app mobile buying. The answer depends on how much value consumers place on convenience, and how well AI agents can overcome trust and control issues.

If AI agents become the preferred interface for eCommerce, the web as we know it may fragment. Why visit a merchant site at all, when your agent can do the work? This shift could drive the development of Model Context Protocols (MCPs) - AI-optimized data layers that replace websites altogether. Some merchants may respond by blocking known agent IPs or designing checkout flows that frustrate automated systems to force direct interaction. Industries like marketing would fundamentally change as it becomes more important to engage with AI agents than human beings.

Meanwhile, platforms like ChatGPT will need to find ways to monetize their newfound influence. That might mean charging merchants referral fees, sparking the emergence of a new SEO-for-AI ecosystem. But such monetization introduces new questions about trust: if your agent is taking commission from merchants, how unbiased are its recommendations?

As we stand on the edge of this transformation, one thing is certain: the infrastructure of digital payments is being rewritten. The question now is whether consumers - and merchants - are ready to follow their agents into this new era.

And I, for one, will be watching closely - either directly, or via my agent.

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

We’ve known that Cyberpunk 2077 is eventually coming to the Mac, and developers CD Projekt Red (CDPR) have been hard at work – and still are – at getting the title fit to run on any Apple Silicon-powered device. That means the massive AAA title, which has been frequently used to benchmark systems, will be able to run on the M1 chip or newer.

It was reconfirmed at WWDC 2025 – Apple’s week-long developer conference – that it would be arriving later this year, and back with the launch of the new Mac Studio, TechRadar saw a demo of it running on that super-powered computer.

Now, though, I had the chance to get another demo of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – a newer version of the in-development title – on a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip and 128GB of RAM.

It was on ‘Ultra’ settings with a buttery smooth and excellently rendered 120 frames per second. And yes, this performance is derived from Apple’s M4 Max chip – no discrete GPU required. Further, this was fully taking advantage of Apple's Metal 4, coming later this year, including MetalFX Frame Interpolation.

It looked fantastic and was responsive, but that had me thinking about the plans to launch this on any Apple Silicon Mac.

I was curious about performance on less powerful chips within Apple’s lineup, as the requirement for the title is expected to be Apple Silicon, meaning it should run base M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips as well as the more powerful creations.

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

I asked Pawel Sasko, Associate Game Director of CD Projekt Red, about what performance might look like on other Macs with different levels of performance from various chips, like even a MacBook Air.

He first explained that Cyberpunk 2077 is running on CDPR’s proprietary Red Engine Four, which is designed to be scalable. “It's trying to use everything that given platform provides,” Sasko explained and called out that the title is available on a variety of devices already, including the Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of its release on the Mac.

"Red engine is basically trying to check what hardware you have and squeeze out the max you can have,” he continued. Meaning that Cyberpunk 2077 will work to run and deliver the best performance based on the chip you have inside. Sasko couldn’t give a specific number yet based on the chip or a potential Mac SKU, but that’s because the game is still not finalized – CDPR is still working on it and polishing it.

Sasko even shared that they’ll work on optimizing performance until the very end, and recently CDPR figured out how to optimize cloth, also known as what a character is wearing, to make it look better.

Suffice to say, he shared that “We're trying to squeeze everything that given hardware gives us,” meaning it will run the best it possibly can on the Mac – which likely means that a more powerful chip, like an M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max, will deliver the best results.

And the good news is that we’re likely only a few months away from one of the biggest AAA titles arriving on the Mac – the CDPR team wouldn’t give an exact time frame, but Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will arrive in 2025.

I also got to see this demo of the title shortly after Apple unveiled macOS 26 Tahoe, which will introduce the Games app. Although CDPR hasn’t announced if it will be integrating with the new hub, it will work with the new ‘Game Overlay.’

This is a sidebar that can be brought to the top right-hand side of the screen, making it easy to enable game mode, adjust brightness or volume, and even switch controllers, as well as connect with friends. You can also opt to push your MacBook further with different energy modes.

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• Hostinger Reach promises powerful emails from a simple prompt, no tech skills required
• Built-in AI writes and designs professional emails in minutes, not hours
• Deliverability tools like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC come automatically configured with Hostinger domains

Hostinger, a company long recognized for its affordable web hosting services, has now entered the competitive field of email marketing.

With the launch of Hostinger Reach, the company has set its sights on established players like Mailchimp and Omnisend.

Email remains a highly active marketing channel, boasting a global user base of over 4.4 billion in 2024. Often praised for its return on investment, ranging from $36 to $45 per dollar spent, it’s clear success depends not just on tools, but on how they’re used.

A marketing platform baked into the ecosystem

Hostinger Reach is more than just a standalone app; it’s part of a broader ecosystem. Integrated tightly with Hostinger’s Website Builder, its key selling point lies in seamless syncing via hPanel.

The platform also offers built-in support for form synchronization and automatic domain configuration for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, aiming to improve email deliverability.

Hostinger says this should help users “land in inboxes, not spam”, though in practice, deliverability is influenced by many factors beyond DNS records.

At launch, the platform includes standard features such as contact management, campaign analytics, and compliance with GDPR and CAN-SPAM regulations.

It also introduces AI-powered tools for email creation and performance tracking, features typically found in top-tier email marketing software and social media marketing tools.

With AI assistance, Hostinger Reach claims users can go “from idea to inbox in minutes” simply by prompting the tool with a message theme.

The platform then generates a complete email, including layout suggestions and brand-aligned styling.

This could save significant time for solo entrepreneurs and small teams. However, skeptics may question whether AI-generated content can match the nuance and personalization seasoned marketers expect.

A free tier is available, allowing up to 200 monthly emails to 100 unique subscribers, sufficient for experimentation, but not for scaling.

Paid plans offer expanded capabilities, though pricing details remain unclear at this stage.

One notable limitation is the lack of deep third-party integration. While current Hostinger users benefit from smooth syncing with Website Builder forms, WordPress support is still “coming soon.”

This delay could be a drawback, especially given the widespread use of WordPress among small businesses.

Hostinger may offer one of the best web hosting services, but whether that reputation translates into a truly competitive email marketing platform remains to be seen.

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• AI-generated documents are replacing traditional forgeries and bypassing verification faster than ever imagined
• Synthetic identity fraud has surged 195% globally, with Europe and North America hardest hit
• Most fraud now happens after onboarding, using tricks like credential stuffing and device spoofing

Synthetic identity document fraud is now spreading at an alarming pace globally, driven almost entirely by the misuse of generative AI, experts have warned.

New data from Sumsub has claimed the creation of fake documents using AI grew by 195% worldwide between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.

The most dramatic spike was recorded in Europe, where synthetic ID fraud surged by 378%, followed by North America (311%) and the MENA region (258%).

Traditional forgery declines

This trend appears to be gaining ground on traditional document forgery, which has declined sharply in most regions, dropping by 82% in Africa and 50% in North America - with Europe the exception, where traditional forgeries increasing by 33%.

This shift suggests scammers are moving from conventional techniques to AI-generated identities, which can now be produced in seconds using largely unregulated tools.

The industries most affected by this trend include crypto, trading, transportation, fintech, and gambling, all sectors which often rely on rapid onboarding processes and may not yet have strong enough safeguards to detect synthetic documents before damage is done.

Compounding this vulnerability is the fact over three quarter (76%) of fraud now occurs after the onboarding stage, using methods such as device fingerprint spoofing, credential stuffing, and so-called “money muling.”

“The rise of AI-generated fraud is exposing critical flaws in traditional verification systems, and this data shows sophisticated fake documents are becoming a key tool in the fraudster’s arsenal,” said Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, Head of AI/ML at Sumsub.

“We expect companies like OpenAI to strengthen safeguards controlling the use of its programs to generate passports, IDs, and other personal documents.”

Parallel to this trend is a dramatic rise in deepfake-related fraud, where North America saw a staggering 1,100% increase in such cases, with Europe following at 900%.

Nations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Germany saw the highest individual surges, raising concerns about the future role of manipulated visual media in identity fraud schemes.

For individuals and organizations trying to protect themselves, relying solely on conventional KYC protocols may no longer be enough. Businesses are advised to use identity management software and multi-layered verification systems for stronger protection.

Consumers should also consider top-rated ID theft protection solutions, especially those that monitor for synthetic identity use. Using reputable people search tools can add an extra layer of safety when verifying unknown contacts or confirming someone’s legitimacy online.

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• Fake wallet apps ask for your 12-word phrase and quietly drain your crypto funds
• CRIL found over 20 Play Store apps built solely to steal users’ crypto credentials
• Malicious apps used WebView to fake real login pages from PancakeSwap and others

New research by Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) has uncovered a large-scale phishing campaign involving more than 20 Android applications listed on the Google Play Store.

These apps, which appeared to be legitimate cryptocurrency wallet tools, were created with a singular purpose: stealing users’ mnemonic phrases, the crucial 12-word keys that provide full access to crypto wallets.

Once compromised, victims risk losing their entire cryptocurrency holdings, with no possibility of recovery.

How the apps work and what makes them dangerous

Many of the malicious apps were built using the Median framework, which enables the rapid conversion of websites into Android applications.

Using this method, threat actors embedded phishing URLs directly into the app code or within privacy policy documents.

These links would then load deceptive login pages via a WebView, tricking users into entering their mnemonic phrases under the false belief they were interacting with trusted wallet services such as PancakeSwap, SushiSwap, Raydium, and Hyperliquid.

For example, a fraudulent PancakeSwap app used the URL hxxps://pancakefentfloyd[.]cz/api.php, which led to a phishing page mimicking the legitimate PancakeSwap interface.

Likewise, a fake Raydium app redirected users to hxxps://piwalletblog[.]blog to carry out a similar scam.

Despite variations in branding, these apps shared a common objective: extracting users’ private access keys.

CRIL's analysis revealed that the phishing infrastructure supporting these apps was extensive. The IP address 94.156.177[.]209, used to host these malicious pages, was linked to over 50 other phishing domains.

These domains imitate popular crypto platforms and are reused across multiple apps, indicating a centralized and well-resourced operation.

Some malicious apps were even published under developer accounts previously associated with legitimate software, such as gaming or streaming applications, further lowering user suspicion.

This tactic complicates detection, as even advanced mobile security tools may struggle to identify threats hidden behind familiar branding or developer profiles.

To protect against such attacks, CRIL advises users to download apps only from verified developers and avoid any that request sensitive information.

Using reputable Android antivirus or endpoint protection software, along with ensuring that Google Play Protect is enabled, adds an important, though not infallible, layer of defense.

Strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication should be standard practice, and biometric security features should be enabled when available.

Users should also avoid clicking on suspicious links received via SMS or email, and never enter sensitive information into mobile apps unless their legitimacy is certain.

Ultimately, no legitimate app should ever request a full mnemonic phrase through a login prompt. If that happens, it’s likely already too late.

Full list of the 22 fake apps to avoid

• 1. Pancake Swap
  Package: co.median.android.pkmxaj
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://pancakefentfloyd.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 2. Suiet Wallet
  Package: co.median.android.ljqjry
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://suietsiz.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 3. Hyperliquid
  Package: co.median.android.jroylx
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://hyperliqw.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 4. Raydium
  Package: co.median.android.yakmje
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://raydifloyd.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 5. Hyperliquid
  Package: co.median.android.aaxblp
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://hyperliqw.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 6. BullX Crypto
  Package: co.median.android.ozjwka
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://bullxni.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 7. OpenOcean Exchange
  Package: co.median.android.ozjjkx
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://openoceansi.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 8. Suiet Wallet
  Package: co.median.android.mpeaaw
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://suietsiz.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 9. Meteora Exchange
  Package: co.median.android.kbxqaj
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://meteorafloydoverdose.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 10. Raydium
  Package: co.median.android.epwzyq
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://raydifloyd.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 11. SushiSwap
  Package: co.median.android.pkezyz
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://sushijames.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 12. Raydium
  Package: co.median.android.pkzylr
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://raydifloyd.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 13. SushiSwap
  Package: co.median.android.brlljb
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://sushijames.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 14. Hyperliquid
  Package: co.median.android.djerqq
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://hyperliqw.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 15. Suiet Wallet
  Package: co.median.android.epeall
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://suietwz.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 16. BullX Crypto
  Package: co.median.android.braqdy
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://bullxni.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 17. Harvest Finance blog
  Package: co.median.android.ljmeob
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://harvestfin.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 18. Pancake Swap
  Package: co.median.android.djrdyk
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://pancakefentfloyd.cz/privatepolicy.html
• 19. Hyperliquid
  Package: co.median.android.epbdbn
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://hyperliqw.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 20. Suiet Wallet
  Package: co.median.android.noxmdz
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://suietwz.sbs/privatepolicy.html
• 21. Raydium
  Package: cryptoknowledge.rays
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://www.termsfeed.com/live/a4ec5c75-145c-47b3-8b10-d43164f83bfc
• 22. PancakeSwap
  Package: com.cryptoknowledge.quizzz
  Privacy Policy: hxxps://www.termsfeed.com/live/a4ec5c75-145c-47b3-8b10-d43164f83bfc

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• SoftBank and Intel plan low-power memory to rival South Korean HBM
• Saimemory aims for 2030 launch but faces major market delays
• Intel and SoftBank are already stretched across AI chips and tech investments

SoftBank and Intel are reportedly teaming up to develop a new type of AI-focused high-bandwidth memory that they hope will rival HBM products produced by South Korean tech giants Samsung and SK Hynix.

A report from Nikkei Asia, claims the pair are aiming to create stacked DRAM chips with a new wiring structure that cuts power consumption by half, compared to current HBM chips.

The initiative will be led by a new company called Saimemory, with a prototype expected within two years, and commercialization targeted before 2030.

Too little too late?

Despite the technical ambition, the timeline poses a serious challenge. Samsung and SK Hynix are already several product generations ahead and comfortably dominate the global HBM market. By the time Saimemory brings its alternative to market, the existing players are likely to have extended their lead further.

A SoftBank executive told Nikkei Asia that if the project is successful, “we want priority for the supply,” reflecting just how early-stage the effort remains.

The memory is intended for use in AI data centers, where energy consumption and high throughput are growing concerns. SoftBank hopes the new chips will support large-scale AI training more efficiently and at lower cost.

Stronger domestic supply chains could also reduce Japan’s reliance on Korean suppliers.

Nikkei Asia notes Japan once held over 70% of the global DRAM market but exited as South Korean and Taiwanese players rose. Elpida, Japan’s last DRAM manufacturer, went bankrupt in 2012 and was acquired by Micron, which itself is currently seeking a bigger slice of the $100 billion HBM pie.

SoftBank is the largest investor in Saimemory, with a 3 billion yen stake in the 10 billion yen project. Intel is contributing technology, while the University of Tokyo and other Japanese academic institutions are providing patents. Government support is also being considered.

Although this is a promising endeavor, both SoftBank and Intel have a lot on their plates right now. Intel is managing its foundry expansion, pushing AI chips, and trying to reclaim CPU market share. SoftBank is focused on growing Arm and expanding its AI investment portfolio.

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• Android 16 is causing problems for some Pixel devices
• Navigation buttons and gestures are freezing
• As yet Google hasn't said anything officially about the bugs

Android 16 was officially pushed out to Pixel owners last week, but reports are coming in of the software update causing some pretty major bugs on certain handsets, related to gestures and interface and navigation.

As noted by Android Headlines, the reports say certain navigation buttons and gestures don't respond as they should – meaning certain operations (like going back to the previous screen) take seconds to complete, or don't happen at all.

It's not difficult to find users having problems: on Reddit, we've got posts about unresponsive buttons on a Google Pixel 8, swiping up not doing anything on a Pixel 9 Pro XL, and multiple gestures not functioning on a Pixel 6.

Over on X (formerly Twitter), Artem Russakovskii from Android Police says the back gesture only works intermittently since updating to Android 16 – and there's a screen recording included so you can see what happens (or rather, doesn't happen).

Problems for some

Here's a demo of the back button randomly not working on Android 16.I grabbed a bug report and submitted it to Google engineering along with this reproduction screencast. Hopefully, they'll figure it out. pic.twitter.com/nEmifqQRvbJune 14, 2025

While there are numerous reports of issues online, these problems clearly aren't affecting everyone: since upgrading to Android 16 on my Google Pixel 9 phone, I haven't noticed any problems using the navigation gestures.

As yet, Google hasn't yet said anything officially about these problems. If you are affected, you can report the bug to Google. With so many users now complaining, no doubt this is going to get addressed sooner rather than later.

What makes these bugs particularly annoying is that they relate to a fundamental part of the user experience, and affect multiple apps and screens. Being able to get around your phone is a pretty fundamental part of using it.

Android 16 brings with it a number of useful upgrades, including a new Pixel VIPs feature for your favorite contacts, but we're still waiting for the big Material 3 Expressive revamp to arrive – which should be along later this year.

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Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, June 15 (game #1238).

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 #1239) - 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 #1239) - 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 #1239) - 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 #1239) - 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 #1239) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• R

• S

• D

• F

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

Quordle today (game #1239) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1239, are…

• RETRY
• SCALD
• DINGO
• FEIGN

There was one word that stopped me roaring home today and that was DINGO. Despite having all five letters I really struggled to find an actual word before finding the wild Australian dog.

RETRY took a little while too, until I accepted the possibility of a repeat letter – first E, then the correct choice of R. 

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1239) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1239, are…

• FIFTY
• ENNUI
• SIREN
• ROACH

Quordle answers: The past 20

• 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
• Quordle #1222, Friday, 30 May: RAJAH, CAUSE, BLACK, ETUDE
• Quordle #1221, Thursday, 29 May: CRIER, DRAPE, STRUT, NEIGH
• Quordle #1220, Wednesday, 28 May: HELLO, BEADY, VIGIL, PURER
• Quordle #1219, Tuesday, 27 May: TWEET, RANGE, POPPY, RADAR