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It is no secret that copyright-protected creative works (including newspaper articles, novels, music and images) are being used to train generative AI models. The issues are complex, but the battle lines are clearly drawn. Creatives are lobbying governments to protect their rights, in what many see as an existential threat to the future of creativity itself. The widely publicized Statement on AI Training, with over 30,000 signatories including high-profile writers, actors, and academics has brought growing public attention to the perspective of creators on the topic.

On the other side, AI companies are pushing for maximum freedoms to allow algorithms to train on existing material to ‘turbo-charge’ innovation. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella likened AI training to learning a topic from a textbook, arguing that companies should be given free rights over data to train their models. Like many countries, the UK government is in the spotlight as it works to see how it can reconcile the conflicting interests of groups that want to shape the legislation governing this rapidly developing area.

What is the current UK position?

To date the UK has taken a light touch approach to the intellectual property issues surrounding artificial intelligence. For instance, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA), drafted well over thirty years ago, is still the primary source of legislation for this area. The CDPA gives rights to owners of copyright to prevent original creative works being copied, distributed, or performed without permission. Although the CDPA has been amended over the years, it has not yet been updated to account for the AI age. This means that as it stands, unauthorized copying of protected works is not allowed for the purposes of training AI models for commercial purposes. This is in contrast to the EU position, where copying is allowed for commercial purposes unless the rights holder has opted out, and the US, where AI developers can seek to rely on the “fair use” exemption.

In practice, enforcing this restriction in an AI context is challenging. For a start, it is hard to know if any particular work is being used without access to the training data set used for each system. Even if it is established that the copyright-protected works were used in the context of training an AI model, a rights holder still must establish that copying of that work has occurred in the jurisdiction. To have a chance of success in such proceedings, it is essential for legal practitioners to properly understand the technology underlying the allegedly infringing AI model. Although training data is necessarily copied initially (e.g. into RAM), in most cases once it has been fed in, the AI model does not store a copy of the raw data. Instead, the AI’s neural network evolves in response to the training data. Without access to records, it is challenging to establish the identity of the data set (and any protected works) used in training, although in some cases tell-tale features in the output may provide clues.

Both of these issues of copying and jurisdiction are in dispute in Getty v Stability AI, where Getty has asserted that Stability AI has infringed their IP rights, both through the alleged use of its images as training data, and the generated image outputs that bear the Getty watermark. The trial is due to take place in June 2025 and it will be interesting to see how these issues are addressed by the UK Court.

Across the pond, similar cases are pending, including the parallel US proceedings in the Getty case. The New York Times has brought a claim against OpenAI in the New York District Courts, including a demand for the destruction of AI models that have used its content as training data. The outcome of these cases could drastically impact the relationship between AI companies and news outlets with respect to copyright.

How might UK policy change?

It is expected that the UK government will address some of the contentious topics surrounding AI in the soon to be published Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Action Plan. This is likely to propose changes to the CDPA to address the use of copyright-protected works to train AI models. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has indicated in a recent statement that the Action Plan will include rights for publishers to maintain control over, and be paid for, content that is used for training. These changes are long awaited. The issue of content creators’ rights was debated in Parliament in 2021 following a private member’s bill initiated by Labour MP Kevin Brennan. This bill proposed rights to remuneration for creators and a transparency obligation that would provide authors with the right to be informed about how their works are being used.

The Brennan bill was inspired by the EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market adopted in April 2019 and, in particular, the provision on authors’ contracts specifying that authors are entitled to receive appropriate remuneration where they have transferred exclusive rights for the exploitation of their works. Although the Brennan bill was not progressed, the government committed to examining the question of how to secure revenue for creators and the issue was considered as part of an AI and IP consultation.

The previous government’s response to the consultation, published in June 2022, stated that a new copyright and database exception would be introduced to allow text and data mining for any purpose, including for training AI models. Creators were not to be given a right to opt-out but would enjoy certain safeguards, allowing them the right to remuneration, for example, via subscriptions allowing lawful access to their works through a platform of their choice. The Prime Minister’s comments indicate that this remains the direction of travel for legislation in the UK.

Given the uncertainty surrounding content-holders’ rights at this stage, some major rights-holders are pre-empting legislative change by opting to enter into licensing agreements with AI companies. For example, the Financial Times in the UK, Axel Springer in Germany, and Conde Nast in the US have entered into commercial agreements with OpenAI, each reportedly worth tens of millions of pounds per year. These deals see OpenAI given access to the publications’ content, paying a flat fee for historic content plus an ongoing annual fee for new content. This trend has emerged over the past year, and it is expected that other media outlets may follow suit.

What are the implications of potential reform for both copyright owners and AI innovators?

Any changes proposed to this area of law will be significant for the UK IP landscape. So far, copyright law has evolved slowly in response to changing technology. Legislators have preferred to implement incremental changes to the existing law, although many legal practitioners have been calling for more holistic changes. The reforms needed to address the challenges raised by AI may well trigger such changes and it will be interesting to see how the upcoming AI Opportunities Action Plan addresses the issue.

In addition to copyright reforms, the EU recently enacted the EU AI Act, which governs amongst other things transparency and reporting requirements in relation to AI models. This legislation is the first of its kind in the world. Post-Brexit, stakeholders will be interested to see whether or not the UK will diverge from the EU position and signal a different direction for UK AI and copyright law. Either way, the Action Plan will bring some much welcomed clarity in this fast-developing area.

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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

Demand for skilled IT professionals has been lagging behind supply for some time in the UK, but when it comes to having the right cyber defences in place, this can be make or break for businesses. In a new report, GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in malicious cyber activity and will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of cyberattacks – including ransomware – in the near term.

As the NCSC urges organizations and individuals to implement protective measures, business leaders are under pressure to improve their cybersecurity postures, and fast. Finding cybersecurity professionals with the right skillset to fill these roles is challenging. However, with demand outpacing the supply of trained talent. And if we’re able to plug the skills gap in the near term – are UK businesses set up to succeed?

Why cybersecurity needs to be top priority

Cybersecurity is, of course, a global issue. With attacks impacting such a big number of businesses, it is unsurprising that the Kyndryl Readiness Report highlights a significant readiness gap in the UK’s IT infrastructure.

Although many UK business leaders feel confident about their IT capabilities, only 39% believe their infrastructure is prepared to manage future risks. The aging infrastructure, with nearly half of critical components reaching end-of-life, not only falls short in supporting emerging technologies but also poses cybersecurity risks. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, outdated systems become prime targets, with security vulnerabilities escalating.

In the report, cybersecurity emerges as the top concern among UK executives, with 70% expressing concern about cyber-attacks and less than a third (33%) confident in their current cybersecurity readiness. Legacy systems, which many UK firms still rely on, complicate the deployment of advanced security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable. The rapid rise of AI-driven threats, coupled with end-of-life infrastructure, exacerbates security challenges, making cybersecurity a crucial area for improvement.

How the UK skills gap is compounding the security issue

The report underscores a critical skills gap across the UK’s tech sector, which is another hinderance to infrastructure readiness. Over 40% of business leaders cite a shortage of IT talent, particularly in AI, Machine Learning and Automation and 20% cite a shortage in cybersecurity and data policy as a barrier to digital transformation. This skills deficit impedes the adoption of modern technologies and prevents organizations from fully utilizing emerging cyber defense mechanisms. As tech advances outpace training programs, closing this gap becomes essential for the UK’s IT resilience and security.

Raising the bar on cyber defense

The cybersecurity landscape in the UK is rapidly evolving, with new threats like AI-driven attacks and the increasing frequency of ransomware adding urgency to the need for robust cyber defences. Yet, the challenge extends beyond technology alone. A lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals, outdated infrastructure, and the complexity of integrating modern defense tools all put UK businesses at risk.

To bridge the readiness gap, business leaders need to prioritize investment in both infrastructure and workforce development. This means not only upgrading outdated systems but also building a culture of continuous learning and upskilling in cybersecurity and IT. Collaboration with educational institutions, investment in AI and threat detection tools, and a proactive stance on legacy system replacement will be essential to staying ahead of threats.

Ultimately, achieving cybersecurity resilience requires a holistic approach—one that combines technology, talent, and forward-thinking strategy. By addressing these interwoven challenges, UK businesses can strengthen their defenses and prepare for the future of digital security.

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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

• Researchers found over 300,000 files of personally identifiable information
• The files are attributed to AI chatbot startup WotNot
• It took over to months for the information to be closed after initial disclosure

A huge Google Cloud storage bucket containing 346,381 files, attributed to AI startup ‘WotNot’, has been found unprotected online, experts have warned.

The exposed files, found by researchers at CyberNews, contained a ‘treasure trove’ of personal information, including passports, medical records, and CVs, which of course include full names, contact information, and addresses.

The storage bucket was accessible to anyone without needing authorization, and was left open for over two months after initial disclosure notifications were sent.

The risk of outsourcing

WotNot provides AI chatbots to businesses, offering a ‘personalized experience’ which is ‘available 24/7, responds instantly, and totally reliable’. The startup boasts 3,000 customers, and offers its services to ‘any vertical’, like Insurance, Finance, Healthcare, SaaS, and Banking. High profile customers include the University of California, Chenening, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals.

Using third party vendors for systems and resources is incredibly common, but businesses are left at risk if their vendors are compromised. AI services especially are interconnected, so are more likely to bring an uncontrolled flow of data - especially since customers are prompted to enter identifying information to the chatbots.

This incident, and the recent Blue Yonder ransomware attack, illustrate how important robust vetting and frequent cybersecurity assessments are when collaborating with third parties.

Data leaks containing personally identifiable information put both the customer and organization at risk.

“While WotNot’s scale may be modest, this leak presents a significant security and privacy threat and impact to affected individuals. The exposed personal documents provide threat actors a complete toolkit for identity theft, medical or job-related fraud, and various other scams,” Cybernews researchers said.

On a customer level, the risk of identity theft and social engineering attacks, since personal data can be used to design phishing attacks specific to the individual, or identification documents can be used to take out loans or commit fraud.

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Happy Thanksgiving weekend! Well, to our US readers, anyway. I hope you're enjoying plenty of food, downtime with family or friends (or by yourself if you need some peace and quiet!), and this year's Black Friday sales.

If you're feeling as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey from all of the food you've eaten, I suspect you'll be lounging about in front of the TV at some point, too. Luckily, no matter whether you live stateside or elsewhere, there's plenty to watch on the world's best streaming services this weekend. So, read on to see what's worth catching before the new working week starts. - Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Senna (Netflix)

One of the greatest, if not the greatest, F1 driver to ever live, the story of Ayrton Senna is one filled with record-breaking feats, showcases optimism and fearlessness in the face of adversity, and ends in tragedy. It's high time, then, that the three-time world champion's life was retold once more in epic and tear-jerking fashion.

Step forward Senna, a six-part Netflix series that dramatizes the Brazilian's life and career right up to his untimely death at the age of 34. At the time of writing, I don't know if Senna will manage to race onto our best Netflix shows list. If it recaptures the magic of the Sao Paulo-born driver's legacy and does as good a job of portraying him as Asif Kapdia's identically titled 2010 docufilm does, though, I'm confident it'll secure pole position in the drama section of that Netflix-based guide.

Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

• Watch Senna on Netflix

Beatles '64 (Disney Plus)

Here comes another Beatles documentary! And it's just in time for the weekend too, making it prime viewing for Disney Plus subscribers. David Tedeschi's Beatles '64 is set to take us back to the quartet's very first trip to the US, giving us an intimate backstage look at how the band captivated a whole nation and started one of the biggest fan frenzies in history: Beatlemania.

Using restored in 4K footage captured by US filmmaking brothers David and Albert Maysles alongside archival interviews, this new docufilm offers a new way to get a sense of the electricity that must have been in the air when they came together during the Liverpool band's first performances in the country. I have a feeling this is going straight into our best Disney Plus movies guide.

Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Beatles '64 on Disney Plus

The Agency (Paramount Plus)

I'm not sure what I'm going to do once The Day of the Jackal finishes, but it looks like I've found a perfect alternative with new Paramount Plus spy drama The Agency, an American remake of the French series Le Bureau des Legendes.

Michael Fassbender stars as Martian, a covert CIA agent ordered to leave his undercover life and return to London Station. When he reunites with his lover that he left behind, their romance is thrown into a dangerous game of intrigue and espionage that complicates his career, his real identity, and his mission.

On paper, The Agency sounds like it could be one of the best Paramount Plus shows going with its star-studded cast of Jodie Turner-Smith, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere, and Katherine Waterston. But one thing's for sure is that I can't wait to watch Fassbender in this action-packed odyssey.

Grace Morris, entertainment writer

• Watch The Agency on Paramount Plus

The Madness (Netflix)

What would you do if you found yourself framed for murder? Well, The Madness poses this very unnerving question when it arrives on Netflix this weekend. In this tense new thriller, Emmy winning actor Colman Domingo plays a media pundit who is accused of murdering someone after he stumbles across a dead body, and he must reunite with his estranged family amid all the chaos.

Thriller is one of my favorite genres for a reason, because it can incorporate so many gripping stories and themes. I can’t wait to watch The Madness unfold this weekend and follow the story of a man whose life has been turned upside down seemingly overnight. This one looks like the kind of show I’ll be eager to discuss with others, and I can’t wait to be glued to my TV.

Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch The Madness on Netflix

Sweethearts (Max)

I do love a rom-com, but a good one can sometimes be hard to find. However, one of November's final new Max movies Sweethearts looks like the charming teen comedy I've been waiting for all this time. Sweethearts is about two best friends and college freshmen, Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) and Ben (Nico Hiraga), who make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts over Thanksgiving break. This soon leads to a chaotic night out that puts their friendship to the test.

Sweethearts looks like it has everything I could want from a rom-com with drama, hijinks, repressed feelings, and even a possible friends-to-lovers trope. Yep, this definitely has potential to become one of the best Max movies.

Grace Morris, entertainment writer

• Watch Sweethearts on Max

It's In the Game (Prime Video)

A videogame can take on a life of its own outside of the display screen you see it in and that's exactly what happened to the EA sports series Madden NFL. But did you know that the biggest videogame series of all time almost didn't get made?

In the new Prime Video four-part docuseries It's In the Game, EA Sports studio will tell all about the 8-bit game's pixelated origins and how it came to be its touchdown of the century. What better time to release what could be the next best Prime Video show about Coach Madden, then during Thanksgiving weekend (for US readers, anyway)!

Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch It's In The Game on Prime Video

Our Little Secret (Netflix)

It’s the end of November, so Christmas movies are flooding the best streaming services. Over on Netflix there’s plenty to dive into, and I have a little secret of my own because I absolutely loved Lindsay Lohan’s festive movie from last year, Falling for Christmas, so I’m excited to see her back again! Come on, Christmas movies should be silly and fun, that’s what I argued when I spoke about how Red One isn't perfect but proves we need more action-packed Christmas movies. I’m all for movies that aren’t afraid to be a bit ridiculous, honestly.

In Our Little Secret, Lohan plays a woman who is spending her first Christmas with her boyfriend's family but discovers her ex is also part of the holiday festivities, so she decides to hide their romantic history. The always brilliant Kristin Chenoweth stars, too, and yeah, I’m ready for some silly festive fun with one of November's final new Netflix movies. Let’s go!

Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch Our Little Secret on Netflix

For more streaming recommendations, read our guides on the best Disney Plus shows, best Hulu shows, best Paramount Plus movies, and best Max movies.

• Canada accuses Google of abusing its dominant ads market position
• The result of a years-long investigation into the company
• Google could have to sell off two of its ad tech tools

Canada's Competition Bureau has confirmed plans to take legal action against Google for alleged anticompetitive business practices in the online advertising industry.

The Bureau accused the firm of locking market participants into using its own ad tech tools and abusing its dominant position to make it difficult for rival companies to compete.

The news is the result of an earlier investigation into the company's ad tech tools, which resulted in Canada's Competition Bureau getting its first related court order in 2021. Susequently, it expanded its investigation earlier this year.

Google now faced with anticompetitive lawsuit

Specifically, Google has been criticized for giving its own tools preferential access to ad inventory,

taking losses to undercut rivals, and dictating the terms on which its own publisher customers could transact with rival ad tech tools.

“Google's conduct has prevented rivals from being able to compete on the merits of what they have to offer, to the detriment of Canadian advertisers, publishers and consumers," stated Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition.

The complaint has now been handed over to the Competition Tribunal, and if it decides to proceed with the legal action, Google could have to sell off two of its ad tech tools, pay penalties and stop engaging in anticompetitive practices.

Google’s Dan Taylor, VP of Global Ads, says the complaint “ignores the intense competition where ad buyers and sellers have plenty of choice,” adding, “Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps fund their content, and enable businesses of all sizes to effectively reach new customers.”

Canada's investigation follows other related action by the US Department of Justice and the European Union. It's also not the first time Google has had a running with Canada – in 2016, it investigated the company's online search, search advertising and display advertising practices.

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• Local media reported hackers broke into Uganda bank's IT system and wired out $16.8 million
• Subsequent investigation uncovers a fraud scheme, with the "hacking" being a cover-up story
• Part of the money was recovered

An organized criminal group seems to have stolen millions of dollars from Uganda’s central bank, and then made up a story about the bank being hacked, to cover up their tracks.

A report from local media publication, The Monitor, notes how news recently broke of a Southeast Asian threat actor called Waste apparently broke into the bank’s IT infrastructure, and used the access to wire roughly $16.8 million (62 billion Ugandan shillings) out of the country.

The country’s finance minister, Henry Musasizi, even told the country’s parliament that the reports were true, after which global news wire agencies and media, such as Reuters, picked the story up.

Organized crime

"It is true our accounts were hacked into but not to the extent of what is being reported. When this happened, we instituted an audit and at the same time, an investigation," Musasizi apparently initally told Uganda's parliament.

"To avoid misrepresentation of facts, I wish to indulge the House that we be patient that when the audit is finalised, which is now at the tail-end, I come and report."

However, newer reports are saying that the investigation uncovered a larger scheme, possibly including insiders.

Apparently, a group created fake expenditures regarding waste management activities in Uganda, and sent the money out in two batches. One batch, some $7 million, was sent to a bank account in the UK. It was subsequently frozen and is now considered as recovered.

The other batch, $6 million, was sent to a bank in Japan, and has not been recovered because the fraudsters on the Japanese side “presented ‘solid and sufficient’ paperwork to prove that they undertook the said activities against which BoU effected payment of $6m.”

The masterminds of the scheme, according to a subsequent investigation conducted by a "renowned consultancy firm" are in the Ministry of Finance's Treasury department and Accountant General's office, "with possible involvement of Central Bank staff with top level clearance."

"The perpetrators then created a cover-up story of hacking of the Central Bank's IT infrastructure," the publication concludes.

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• Three Advantech access points carried 20 vulnerabilities due to shared firmware
• Six of the flaws are critical, with a severity score of 9.8
• They allow for remote code execution, denial of service, and more

Multiple Advantech access points have been found carrying almost two dozen vulnerabilities, some of which even enabled remote code execution (RCE) with root privileges, experts have warned.

A report from cybersecurity researchers at Nozomi Networks, who noted EKI-6333AC-2G, EKI-6333AC-2GD, and EKI-6333AC-1GPO access points had 20 vulnerabilities, due to shared firmware. Of those 20, six were deemed critical, with a severity score of 9.8.

The affected devices provide dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for industrial applications, such as EV manufacturing, or automated protection lines. They ensure real-time communication for thingslike rail-guided vehicles (RGVs), and as such play a major role in an industrial setting.

Severe impact

The report outlines two ways crooks could exploit these flaws: either through LAN/WAN, or over-the-air. With the former, attackers can send malicious requests to the device, given they have network access. With the latter, however, they only need to be close enough to leverage weaknesses in wireless protocols.

The impact can be quite severe, Nozomi further explained. Attackers could abuse the flaws to install backdoors and thus enable continuous access; they could cripple automation processes with denial-of-service (DoS) attacks; and they could use the access points for lateral movement throughout the target infrastructure, potentially deploying more malware or even ransomware.

"These vulnerabilities pose significant risks, allowing unauthenticated remote code execution with root privileges, thereby fully compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected devices," the researchers commented.

The flaws have since been fixed. For EKI-6333AC-2G and EKI-6333AC-2GD, make sure to patch to version 1.6.5, and for EKI-6333AC-1GPO, 1.2.2. Furthermore, researchers recommend users continuously monitor the devices and proactively manage any potential vulnerabilities, to safeguard their industrial IT infrastructure.

The full list of all the flaws, their CVEs, severity scores, and impact on vulnerable devices, can be found on this link.

Via The Hacker News

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• Nothing may treat us to three new phones by mid-2025
• It seems very likely the Nothing Phone 3 will be one of them
• One or two mid-range handsets could also be in the pipeline

Nothing has already told us that the Nothing Phone 3 is going to be landing in 2025 – and a new rumor suggests there are going to be another couple of Nothing handsets launching before the middle of 2025 rolls around.

According to well-known tipster Yogesh Brar, there are three handsets in "active development" at Nothing right now, and furthermore it's "likely" that they'll all break cover during the first half of next year.

So let's start with the Nothing Phone 3, as it seems the most obvious of the trio. We thought we would get the sequel to the Nothing Phone 2 this year, but in June the Nothing co-founder and CEO Carl Pei announced it would be pushed back to 2025.

The reason, as you might expect, was AI. Pei talked about a "redefined" smartphone experience with "AI interactions" that are "seamless and smart" – so it'll be interesting to see what the Nothing team comes up with next year.

What happens next?

There are 3 new phones from Nothing under active development right now.These Will likely cover H1 2025November 29, 2024

Aside from extra AI – and presumably speedier internal components – we haven't heard too much up to now about what the Nothing Phone 3 is going to be bringing with it. So what are the other two handsets Yogesh Brar is talking about?

Well, perhaps we can actually count the Nothing Phone 3 as two phones. A few days ago we saw a leaked benchmark for a mid-range Nothing handset, suggesting we might get both a Nothing Phone 3 and a Nothing Phone 3 Pro in the coming months.

Quite where that leaves a potential successor to the Nothing Phone 2a and the Nothing Phone 2a Plus remains to be seen – but it's a pretty safe bet that the third handset here is going to be a cheaper Nothing Phone 3a, or something along those lines.

There's always the chance Nothing could surprise us – with another glow-in-the-dark phone for example – but if you're a fan of the way this company puts together its smartphones, it seems you've got a lot to look forward to in 2025.

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• Casio recently unveiled a cross between a watch and a smart ring
• It's now officially launching outside Japan in other countries
• US pricing will be $120 / £105 (around AU$185)

Earlier in November, watchmaker Casio announced that it would be launching a clever ring that's designed to look like one of its classic timepieces, all to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. At first it seemed like the device would be limited to Japan, but Casio has now revealed that it will actually go on sale around the world.

The product, dubbed the CRW001-1, is a ring designed to look like a miniature Casio GMW-B5000 watch. It comes with a rounded design and link-style strap, complete with a digital clockface.

It can’t measure your body’s metrics and it’s hardly going to compete with any of the best smartwatches, but it can tell the time in two locations, set alarms, run a stopwatch, and it also comes with a small built-in LED light. As well as that, Casio says it’s “waterproof for daily use.”

The CRW001-1 has now gone on sale on Casio’s US website for $120, while you can get one for £105 in the UK. When the CRW001-1 originally appeared on Casio’s Japanese website, it was priced at 19,800 yen. Pre-orders aren’t yet open, but Casio says it’s expected to land in December.

Not the first ring watch

(Image credit: Casio)

The CRW001-1 only comes in one size – the equivalent of US ring size 10.5 – but you can get additional spacers to help it fit on smaller fingers. It’s made from stainless steel, and that helps it tip the scales at a relatively hefty 16 grams – significantly more than the 3-gram Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Casio’s CRW001-1 is not the first ring to mimic a digital watch. Last month, rival firm Timex launched the T80, a watch-ring hybrid that can tell the time (although it lacks some of the CRW001-1’s functionality). Before that, Casio brought out a series of watch-shaped rings in 2023, although these were merely ornamental and could not tell the time.

If you’re interested in the CRW001-1, keep an eye on Casio’s website for the full release date. It may not match the best smart rings for features, but it could be a fun little collectible timepiece regardless.

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• Workspace users can now use Google’s brand-new Gemini AI app
• You can use the mobile’s camera to upload pictures directly into the chatbot
• The app still lacks some functionality, like Workspace extensions

Keen to get its generative AI features onto more devices, Google has announced it is bringing the Gemini AI app to Android and iOS devices for Google Workspace users, meaning employees will now be able to interact with the service from their mobile devices.

Besides its core chatbot functionalities, Google Workspace users can also directly leverage the on-device camera to use images as input.

The move is welcome news for work and education customers, who have largely had to rely on PC-based applications up until now.

Google AI is going mobile

Google’s AI has been slowly infusing into the mobile experience for months, but its key productivity enhancements have been most prominent on the desktop, especially for Workspace customers.

With the app, users can do all the usual things, such as create presentation-ready visuals and summarize information which can then go on to be used in other Workspace apps, like Docs, Slides and Gmail.

Google confirmed: “All of this comes with the enterprise data protections Google Workspace customers are accustomed to.”

However, some of the features that are available to Workspace users on the web version of Gemini are not yet supported in the mobile app. Missing features include extensions for the Workspace apps, file uploads and Gems.

There is also a lack of continuity between the services on different platforms – the Android version doesn’t support Work Profiles, and the iOS app doesn’t integrate with the Google app for Workspace account authentication.

However, all of these improvements could come with time. What’s important now is that business and education account holders can now access more of Gemini’s features from their mobile, which is where many of us spend most of our time.

It’s available for Business Starter/Standard/Plus, Enterprise Starter/Standard/Plus, Frontline Starter/Standard, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Google Workspace for Nonprofits edition, and Education Fundamentals/Standard/Plus users with the Gemini Business/Enterprise/Education/Education Premium add-ons.

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• New Netflix Wrapped tool is like Spotify Wrapped for your streaming
• The unofficial tool is safe to use – and shows your favorite shows and movies
• You can also use it to discover your biggest binge-watching day

If you're waiting for Netflix to do its own Spotify Wrapped-style review of your TV year, we've got good news for you: Netflix Wrapped is here, but it's not made by Netflix.

Instead, the clever new tool has been created from Netflix data by video editing company Kapwing. Upload your viewing data (using the guide below) and it can reveal insightful stats like your 'most bingeful day' and total watch time.

Kapwing is a legitimate firm, and it's been doing its Netflix Wrapped thing for a couple of years now – and once again it's here to analyze your streaming year.

The Netflix Wrapped tool apparently doesn't store or collect your prized viewing data, with Kapwing stating "your data is not uploaded to our servers nor stored for any reason".

It's more a nifty promotional tool for the company's online video editing tool. Here's how to get your Netflix equivalent of Spotify Wrapped...

How to get Netflix Wrapped Image 1 of 3

The first step is to go to your Netflix viewing history (Image credit: Kapwing)Image 2 of 3

Then download your viewing history... (Image credit: Kapwing)Image 3 of 3

Finally, upload the file to Kapwing's unofficial Netflix Wrapped page (Image credit: Kapwing)

There are a couple of steps here. First, you need to get hold of your Netflix viewing data. To do that, you'll need your Netflix login – don't worry, you're not sharing it outside Netflix – and to head to the Netflix viewing activity page. You can then download your Netflix viewing data to your computer in the spreadsheet-friendly .csv format.

Got that? Now you need to pop across to the Unofficial Netflix Wrapped 2024 portal, which is on Kapwing's website. Upload your viewing data and Kapwing's computers will crunch the numbers – and that's when the fun begins.

The Wrapped analysis will tell you the headline stuff – how many minutes you've streamed, how many days that's equivalent to and so on – but it'll also dive deeper to tell you what shows you've watched and what movies you've streamed.

It'll point out big binges, such as the day you pretended to be sick and streamed an entire season of your favorite show, and it'll tell you what genre appears to be your go-to.

It's lots of fun: you can find out who your most-watched movie actor is, and which movie you watched has the highest audience rating. And it'll also tell you what the lowest-rated movie is, and that movie is Madame Web.

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• Workers are adopting AI keenly, but aren't always comfortable with it, study warns
• AI might not be so great at interpersonal and human interactions
• We’re already starting to see AI-powered improvements

New research has claimed although workers are enjoying getting to grips with artificial intelligence and seeing what it can do, they’re still unsure about handing over human-centric tasks.

The study of more than 4,000 employees by Freshworks found many prepared to use AI for routine work but reluctant to trust it with human interactions.

Despite its intentions to become an AI leader, the UK stood out as the least comfortable with delegating interpersonal tasks to the technology.

Workers are concerned about AI’s interpersonal skills

Customer service employees said they were reluctant to let AI speak directly with customers, noting that one-to-one interactions need the human touch and understanding that artificial intelligence cannot replace.

However, Freshworks’ survey paints a mixed picture of the state of AI in the UK, with employees increasingly embracing AI tools. A quarter said they use AI every day, with nearly double (46%) using it up to a few times per week.

Furthermore, half (52%) described themselves as knowledgeable or expert-level users of the tech, second only to German workers. Despite the hesitance surrounding human-AI interactions, the UK is indeed at the forefront of adoption across Europe, with 60% feeling confident about its use (compared with 45% in Germany and 42% in France.

There are some areas that workers believe AI cannot improve, though, such as resolving workplace conflicts, addressing employee concerns and brainstorming.

Artificial intelligence is getting better, though, with 53% citing improved understanding and 48% seeing noticeable value boosts.

Looking ahead, Freshworks found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK businesses are preparing to invest in employee upskilling for AI by 2025; half (52%) identified AI as a must-have skill when it comes to getting promotions.

On the whole, the study highlights continued enthusiasm, but we’re also starting to identify where AI can be at its most useful (and where it might not be so suitable).

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• A One UI 7 showcase has shown up on a Samsung site
• We're getting revamped icons and notifications
• Some of the One UI 7 apps are now available online

One UI 7, Samsung's take on Android 15, is scheduled to launch in full with the Samsung Galaxy S25 phones sometime in January – but we're getting a good look at the software, and some unauthorized app download availability, ahead of time.

As per tipster @chunvn8888, the official Samsung Spain website has apparently gone early with details of One UI 7. There's now a full showcase of the upcoming software online, highlighting key features and screen designs.

Some of the changes have been leaked already. We've got refreshed, modernized app icons, a revamped notification center that is more clearly separated from Quick Settings, and live updates on the lock screen (a little like the iPhone's Dynamic Island).

The Samsung Spain website (via Google Translate) describes One UI 7 as offering a "more sophisticated and intuitive" experience, which will "revolutionize the way you communicate and unleash your creativity to do it all".

More AI – new apps

Lmaoooo https://t.co/vMHAh2ST3x https://t.co/C3T2RzWPab pic.twitter.com/M2MZupp6nWNovember 29, 2024

There are of course updates to Galaxy AI coming with Samsung One UI 7. The Sketch to Image feature, which turns your scribblings into proper works of art with the help of AI, is getting more output options (including 3D cartoon and watercolor).

It also looks like we're going to get a new Portrait Studio feature, which again leverages AI, this time to turn your portraits into more artistic creations – you can choose from themes like comic, 3D cartoon, and sketch for the finished result.

In a separate leak, as reported by Neowin, some of the One UI 7 apps have already been found online and made available by tipster @GerwinvGiessen. It looks as though the Calendar, the Reminder, and the Voice Recorder apps are the ones available right now.

Expect these early versions of the apps to be buggy, and you install them at your own risk – but they do give us another early look at the 2025 update. The rumor is that a public beta could be launching any day now.

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• Leaked images of SIM card trays have revealed five likely S25 colors
• The shades include black, green, purple, blue, and white
• This leak lines up with previous Samsung Galaxy S25 color leaks

We now think we have a pretty good idea of what colors the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus will be available in, as following several previous color leaks we’ve now seen photos that reportedly show “original SIM card tray replacement parts” for these phones, complete with colors on the exterior edge.

These were shared by Roland Quandt – a leaker with a great track record – and he claims that the colors are “confirmed” by these SIM card trays. So while we’d always take leaks with a pinch of salt, there’s a high chance this one is accurate.

Either way, the colors in question are black, green, purple (or possibly more a pale blue), dark blue, and white.

Post by @rquandt030 View on Threads Lining up with earlier leaks

This largely tracks with previous leaks, which suggested the Samsung Galaxy S25 colors would include Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparking Blue, Sparkling Green, and Midnight Black.

Of those, the black and green leaked here are presumably Midnight Black and Sparkling Green respectively, while the dark blue (or just ‘blue’ as Quandt calls it) is probably Moon Night Blue, the shade he describes as white is likely Silver Shadow, and the color he interprets as purple is perhaps Sparking Blue – especially as a leaked photo of the Samsung Galaxy S25 in Sparking Blue matches this SIM card tray.

So we’re fairly confident that these are all genuine shades, and based on earlier leaks they might be joined by a few other colors that would be exclusive to Samsung’s online store, specifically Pink Gold, Blue/Gold, and Coral Red.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, meanwhile, will likely land in completely different colors, with leaks so far pointing to Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Silver shades, along with Samsung store-exclusive options of Titanium Blue/Black, Titanium Jade Green, and Titanium Pink Gold.

However, we’re less certain of the Galaxy S25 Ultra shades, or the Samsung store-exclusive Samsung Galaxy S25 colors, as those haven’t leaked quite as much so far.

Still, with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series reportedly landing on January 22, we should be able get an official look at all the color options quite soon.

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• Most businesses expect their employees to do work on personal mobile devices, report finds
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• Many firms don't have guidelines for mobile device use

When it comes to mobile cybersecurity, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are falling well short, a new report from CyberSmart has claimed.

The report found a significant majority (60%) expects their employees to use their personal mobile devices to carry out work tasks.

This is problematic for different reasons, but from a cybersecurity perspective, it’s problematic as businesses have no visibility into people’s personal devices, the apps they use, the websites they visit, or files they download, making securing the business network infinitely more difficult.

"Chronically underserviced"

To make matters even worse, employees are not being taught even the basics of cybersecurity, and no one is raising their awareness on the dangers lurking on the internet. In fact, almost two-thirds (60%) of staff members are not expected to carry out mobile security training, the report states.

“An organisation that allows employees to use personal mobile phones to carry out work without security training is massively increasing the chance of a security incident taking place across mobile devices,” CyberSmart noted.

Finally, many organizations (40%) have no guidelines whatsoever, on how their employees should (or should not) use their mobile devices.

“While these results are concerning, SMEs in the UK remain chronically underserviced by the cybersecurity industry” said Jamie Akhtar, Co-Founder and CEO at CyberSmart. “It is important to make the distinction that many of these organisations have limited resources and are already stretched thin making it difficult for them to invest in cybersecurity.”

Akhtar advises SMEs to “consistently focus” on cybersecurity training, IT policies, and fostering a more security-conscious culture, as that can result in a more secure workplace.

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• Intel’s B580 and B570 GPUs are rumored for a December 12 launch
• Team Blue will supposedly reveal them next week on December 3
• Price rumors hint at $250 MSRP, but don’t get carried away with that idea

Intel’s next-gen Battlemage GPUs are going to be out next month, according to the latest rumor, which gives us a specific release date for the first time – December 12.

VideoCardz claims that the Arc B580 (which has been widely leaked) and B570 desktop graphics cards are in the pipeline, and will be on sale at the same time reviews will apparently be aired, on the mentioned December 12 date.

We will get an announcement from Intel before that, on December 3, according to information VideoCardz has obtained – take all this with a teaspoon of seasoning, naturally.

Intel will supposedly have its own reference boards (or limited edition Arc products, as it calls them) for these GPUs, which will emerge first, and custom graphics cards from third-party partners are going to launch the day after (December 13). This slightly staggered approach to launch is not uncommon these days in the graphics card world.

Meanwhile, fresh buzz on the pricing of the Arc B580 has also emerged, with the usual early retailer listings popping up – some of which are around the $250 mark from US outlets.

(Image credit: Acer, Intel) Analysis: Maintain a keen sense of skepticism

Regarding the price leaks, these are notoriously flaky – and probably placeholder prices – so that part of the latest rumor dump must be regarded with even more caution than the release date-related spillage.

Assuming that the $250 rumor is close to ballpark for a moment, though, it’s coming in on the heavy side compared to the A580, which kicked off with an MSRP of $180 – and this has caused some fretting among some PC gamers out there.

However, what we have to remember is that the B580 is a beefier model, at least if the rumored spec is right, particularly as it’ll purportedly come with 12GB of VRAM (up from 8GB with its predecessor), and seemingly a much faster boost clock. So, in that light, a price increase doesn’t look quite so bad – but with the specs and pricing being just speculation at this point, we’ll reserve judgement for now.

What we really want from Intel, though, is for Battlemage to bring in some truly affordable (sub-$200) GPUs. Although of course they should be coming down the line (fingers crossed).

There’s certainly a whole pile of evidence suggesting there’ll be a December launch for next-gen Battlemage desktop graphics cards, mind you, and it’s looking more and more likely that we could witness a new generation of Arc GPUs as soon as next week.

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UK productivity has suffered in recent years, often described as ailing or in crisis, and the Labour government has made improving productivity levels central to its new agenda. The consequences of ‘ailing’ productivity for the UK is far-reaching, from lower wages, to job losses and reduced economic growth. All of which are placing a strain on businesses, individuals and communities alike.

The productivity puzzle is further complicated by the lingering impact of the seismic shifts the world of work went through during the pandemic. Recent trends have seen a desire for flexibility battle with corporate mandates on returning to the office. Amazon’s recent shift to a full time office mandate was met with uproar from employees, but bosses remain insistent that this is the best move for the business. And, they aren’t alone, in the UK, the finance industry is rumored to be eyeing a full time return to the office. Such mandates have sparked all sorts of criticism about employee morale and productivity.

The problem is clearly a complex one, but its solution is hardly likely to lie in employee effort alone. In fact, the key may potentially lie in an expected place - it may sit in the technology we all use everyday.

It can happen from anywhere

There is plenty of evidence that when done right, hybrid working doesn’t impact business productivity. In fact, many of the trends out there suggest that it is when technology fails employees that they feel disconnected, unmotivated, and unproductive.

This is hardly surprising when 93% of communication is nonverbal, from body language to facial expressions and tone of voice, we absorb a multitude of external signals every day that lead to deeper relationships, collaboration and improving overall productivity.

For businesses, it is effective use of technology that can help the divide between home and the office to disappear. Video conferencing solutions allow that allow all team members to be equally seen and heard, can help build a sense of connection and collaboration, even when team members are physically separated.

The AI behind the connection

Consider for a moment, the frequency of your meetings nowadays where the split between home and office can often leave remote participants relegated to a few tiny pixels on a screen, unable to participate in the in-room dynamics.

AI-powered framing tech solves this issue by automatically framing everyone in the space, brining them up close so that remote participants can see and understand everything that’s going on. It’s a minor change, but one that can transform morale and engagement.

It’s not just what you see, but what you hear too. Advanced audio technology is vital for establishing a focused and productive meeting atmosphere. Background noise is a common challenge in remote working, disrupting communication and distracting others. By filtering out unwelcome sounds, AI-driven noise cancellation enhances audio clarity, thereby boosting engagement, contributions, and, naturally, productivity.

Additionally, audio technology that resolves 'double talk' issues—allowing multiple speakers to be heard clearly during dynamic discussions—is crucial for supporting productivity in hybrid meetings.

Reimagining the workplace

Embracing a technologically advanced and truly hybrid approach to work can be the real different between a productive and unproductive team. These days, a traditional office spaces are increasingly seen as barriers to productivity. To thrive in this new era, organizations must embrace innovative approaches to work design and technology.

Philip Ross, a leading expert on workplace transformation, argues that we need to "unwork" our current practices. By questioning outdated assumptions and habits, we can create more flexible, efficient, and fulfilling work environments.

Technology, when used strategically, can be a powerful tool for boosting productivity. AI, automation, and collaboration tools can streamline tasks, enhance communication, and create a sense of community. However, it's essential to remember that technology is not a silver bullet. The human element remains crucial - business should see the two as intertwined not mutually exclusive.

A future of human-centric technology

A truly productive workplace is one where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered. By prioritizing human-centric design and investing in innovative office technology, employers can create a future where productivity and wellbeing thrive.

To achieve this vision, businesses must adopt a holistic approach to workplace transformation. This involves not only investing in technology but also encouraging a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By embracing the power of technology and human ingenuity, the UK can unlock its full potential and emerge as a global leader in productivity.

Building a competitive edge

People need to feel connected in order to do their best work. They like to feel confident in meetings and want authentic ways of communicating with each other. They want to add value; to be seen and heard.

This feeling of connection – boosted by technology that is inclusive of everyone in hybrid and office settings – will inspire a new age of productivity in businesses. And who knows, with the right investment in people through technology, we might be able to solve this productivity puzzle once and for all.

Working remotely? We list the best iOS productivity apps.

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

In December, Prime Video has a variety of content dropping throughout the month – and we're not just talking about TV shows and some of the best Prime Video movies. From Christmas specials, to live events, to docuseries, as we settle down for some quiet festive nights in, we'd be surprised if you didn't find something on December's schedule to enjoy.

Out of all the best streaming services, Prime Video has become known for its bountiful offerings each month that standout from the rest of the streaming pack. This month is no different. On December 1 alone, over 100 movies land on Prime Video and there's some real cult classics in the mix from Fatal Attraction to Total Recall joining our watchlist.

It's not just movies that you should be noting down in Prime Video's latest drop, but Christmas special Jack in Time for Christmas bringing many comedy stars, and Mr. Christmas himself Michael Bublé on December 3. Here's everything new on Prime Video in December 2024.

Everything new on Prime Video in December 2024

Arriving on December 1

All The Queen’s Men seasons 1-3 (TV show)
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations seasons 1-8 (TV show)
Babylon 5 seasons 1-5 (TV show)
Falcon Crest seasons 1-9 (TV show)
Hatfields & McCoys (TV show)
Knots Landing seasons 1-14 (TV show)
Nikita seasons 1-4 (TV show)
Nip/Tuck seasons 1-7 (TV show)
Sisters seasons 1-6 (TV show)
A Haunting in Venice (movie)
A Scanner Darkly (movie)
After Hours (movie)
Alexander the Great (movie)
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (movie)
Almost Famous (movie)
Amistad (movie)
An All Dogs Christmas Carol (movie)
An Inconvenient Truth (movie)
Anger Management (movie)
Back to School (movie)
Balls Out (movie)
Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice Ultimate Edition (movie)
Bio-Dome (movie)
Born to be Wild (movie)
Bulletproof Monk (movie)
Cadillac Man (movie)
Child’s Play (movie)
Chorus Line (movie)
Cop Land (movie)
Critters (movie)
Death on the Nile (movie)
Deep Cover (movie)
Dick (movie)
Duck You Sucker – A Fistful Of Dynamite (movie)
El Cantante (movie)
Fatal Attraction (movie)
Ghost Town (movie)
Green Room (movie)
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (movie)
Hansel and Gretel (movie)
Havoc (movie)
Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth (movie)
Hellraiser IV: Bloodline (movie)
Hellraiser VII: Deader (movie)
Hellraiser: Hellseeker (movie)
Hellraiser: Hellworld (movie)
Hellraiser: Inferno (movie)
Hercules (movie)
Hostile Witness (movie)
Hot Under The Collar (movie)
If Looks Could Kill (movie)
Imagine That (movie)
Jackie Chan’s First Strike (movie)
Joker (movie)
Justice League (movie)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (movie)
Last Vegas (movie)
Lawman (movie)
Lions for Lambs (movie)
Lost & Found (movie)
Major League (movie)
Mata Hari (movie)
Men at Work (movie)
Miami Blues (movie)
Monster Trucks (movie)
Mr. Nanny (movie)
Murder on The Orient Express (movie)
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (movie)
Once Upon A Time In The West (movie)
One Crazy Summer (movie)
Osmosis Jones (movie)
Out of Time (movie)
Overnight Delivery (movie)
Paycheck (movie)
Pet Sematary Two (movie)
Pocketful of Miracles (movie)
Rain Man (movie)
Red Dawn (movie)
Revolutionary Road (movie)
Road to Perdition (movie)
Sabrina (movie)
Shooter (movie)
Sicario (movie)
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (movie)
Soapdish (movie)
Stephen King’s Thinner (movie)
Stop-Loss (movie)
SubUrbia (movie)
Tank Girl (movie)
Teen Wolf (movie)
The 11th Hour (movie)
The Adventures of Pluto Nash (movie)
The Art of War (movie)
The Batman (movie)
The Battle of Britain (movie)
The Brady Bunch Movie (movie)
The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (movie)
The Golden Child (movie)
The Great Train Robbery (movie)
The Island of Dr. Moreau (movie)
The Land that Time Forgot (movie)
The Last Waltz (movie)
The Perfect Holiday (movie)
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (movie)
The Thomas Crown Affair (movie)
The Thomas Crown Affair (movie)
The Untouchables (movie)
The Warriors (movie)
The Witches (movie)
The Wood (movie)
Thelma & Louise (movie)
Total Recall (movie)
Twilight Zone: The Movie (movie)
Under Fire (movie)
Vision Quest (movie)
Walking Tall (movie)
With Honors (movie)
Witness (movie)

Arriving on December 2

Angry Birds Mystery Island Part 3 (TV show)
Jack in Time for Christmas (Christmas special)

Arriving on December 4

Pop Culture Jeopardy! (TV show)

Arriving on December 5

Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story (TV show)
The Red Virgin (movie)

Arriving on December 6

ONE Fight Night (live event)
The Sticky (movie)

Arriving on December 10

Secret Level (TV show)
The Bikeriders (movie)

Arriving on December 11

Knives Out (movie)

Arriving on December 13

Beau Is Afraid (movie)

Arriving on December 19

Beast Games (TV show)
The Creator (movie)

Arriving on December 23

ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chief’s Clothing (documentary)

Arriving on December 25

The Equalizer 2 (movie)

Arriving on December 27

Culpa Tuya (“Your Fault”) (movie)
When You Finish Saving the World (movie)

Arriving on December 31

A Quiet Place: Day One (movie)

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As we reflect on the recent launch of the iPhone 16 Pro, there is no doubt that Apple has delivered yet another technically impressive device, packed with iterative improvements in hardware and software. But the conversation around this latest release extends far beyond improved battery life, camera enhancements, and design tweaks—it is also about the transformative power of AI and its potential to redefine how consumers interact with their mobile devices.

With its promise of Apple Intelligence, the latest generation of iPhones has set the stage for what could be a pivotal shift in mobile technology. While AI has long been used behind the scenes in smartphones, quietly optimizing processes such as battery life, predictive maintenance, and app performance, we are now standing at the threshold of a new era—one in which AI will move from the background to the forefront of the mobile device user experience.

AI’s role in mobile devices today: optimization without awareness

Until now, AI has played a vital but largely invisible role in enhancing smart device performance, with AI-driven algorithms helping to manage power consumption and ensuring that consumers’ devices can last longer between charges. Smartphone cameras have long been using AI to recognize scenes and adjust settings automatically, or facilitate predictive text, which helps users streamline typing, autocorrect errors and anticipate common combinations of words. These features have all resulted in a better user experience and enhanced the value of phones and tablets, but they have not fundamentally changed how users interact with their devices.

In fact, most consumers are unaware of the significant role AI already plays in these background tasks. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about half of Americans are aware they are interacting with AI within their lives weekly, and only 27% understand that they are interacting with AI constantly or several times a day. That is precisely the challenge AI must overcome if it is to cross the transformative threshold. The true potential of AI lies not in passive optimizations, but in more active engagement with users, shaping the way they utilize their mobile devices in real time.

Imagine a mobile interface that intuitively understands your preferences, anticipates your needs, and adapts to your behavior in real time. This is the future we are moving toward—one where AI-driven interfaces offer a level of personalization and convenience that unlocks entirely new ways for us to communicate, create and experience.

Apple Intelligence, as integrated into the iPhone 16, promises to take this leap. While much of its functionality will roll out over the coming months, it is designed to enhance consumer experiences by predicting what users want to do next—whether it is suggesting apps based on recent activity or providing personalized content recommendations. Its potential is enormous, and though the iPhone 16 is grabbing a lot of recent headlines, exciting AI strides are being made across the industry.

Overcoming the barriers: technology, privacy, and trust

Of course, crossing this AI threshold does not come without challenges. To deliver transformative experiences, mobile devices must be equipped with powerful neural processing units (NPUs) and sophisticated software capable of supporting real-time AI interactions. And any disruptions in the global supply chain of the critical chipsets could have impede the progress of AI. The iPhone 16’s hardware, with its enhanced memory and upgraded processor, is laying the groundwork, but the real test will come when features like Apple Intelligence are fully operational.

Equally important is addressing the ethical and privacy concerns that come with AI-driven personalization. Consumers are increasingly wary of how their data is being used, and for AI to succeed, companies must prioritize transparency and security. Another study by Pew Research Center found that 71% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data. Apple's commitment to on-device processing, where sensitive data stays on the device, is a step in the right direction.

In the long term, for AI to become a fundamental part of the mobile user experience, companies must build trust by demonstrating that it can enhance security, efficiency, and convenience without compromising user privacy.

The potential of AI-driven mobile experiences

The iPhone 16 and its AI capabilities are just the beginning. What will truly differentiate future smart devices is how well they integrate AI into the user's daily life.

We are already seeing glimpses of this future in features such as Google’s Circle-to-Search on Pixel devices and Samsung’s AI-powered photo editor tools, which allow users to remove unwanted objects from photos with ease. Tools that boost productivity, such as call transcripts and live translations, are invaluable for busy people and those working in a multi-lingual setting. AI can also offer breakthrough aids for individuals with disabilities. For instance, cameras can give visual prompts to help visually impaired people take photos effortlessly.

We have also seen speculation about whether AI features could trigger the next supercycle of handset upgrades. According to IDC, “the buzz created by Gen AI smartphones, (is) expected to grow faster than any mobile innovation we have seen to date and forecast to capture 19% of the market with 234 million shipments this year." Some analysts predict that the integration of Apple Intelligence will drive early adopters to upgrade en masse, while others argue that economic factors may temper consumer enthusiasm. According to a Canalys report, in 2024 16% of global smartphone shipments will be AI enabled, growing to 64% by 2028 resulting in a staggering 63% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

It is important to note that while AI has the potential to transform mobile experiences, it may not be enough to convince the average consumer to spend $1,200 or more on a new device, especially if the benefits are not immediately tangible. The real question is whether AI can deliver enough value to justify the cost of upgrading, and that remains to be seen.

Conclusion: the future of AI in mobile devices

It will be up to consumers whether manufacturers are delivering on the promise of AI, but we are clearly on the cusp of something transformative. The challenge for smartphone makers is to deliver tangible, meaningful benefits to users while maintaining their trust and safeguarding their privacy. If they can deliver on these promises, the future of mobile technology looks brighter than ever.

We list the best AI tools.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Breach by SL Data Services has exposed 600,000 personal records
• Records include full names, addresses, and financial information
• The database was not password protected

A database belonging to SL Data Services containing hundreds of thousands of records has been discovered online to be publicly exposed and not password-protected or encrypted.

Over 640,000 records (713.1GB) PDF files were discovered by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who revealed this included vehicle records, court records, and property ownership reports. The documents were primarily labelled ‘background checks’, and included full names, addresses, email addresses, employment details, social media accounts, phone numbers, and criminal records.

It’s not clear how long the information was openly accessible, but after the responsible disclosure notice was sent, the information was restricted one week later. The database may belong to a third-party contractor, or directly by SL Data Services.

Background check information

Since the vast majority of the exposed information was from background checks, there is a very real possibility that these were conducted without the knowledge or consent of the individual whose information was exposed.

This leaves many people vulnerable, especially to social engineering attacks, as criminals could easily leverage sensitive information to trick victims, using information about family members, financial information, or employment records.

With such extensive personally identifiable information exposed, there’s also a risk of identity theft, exposing victims to serious financial loss.

There’s no indication yet that criminals accessed the open database or collected any sensitive information, but now that the information has been restricted, researchers will likely monitor the dark web to see if any of the data is listed for sale.

This isn’t the first data breach this year from a background check company, as National Public Data suffered one of the biggest data breaches ever back in August 2024, and is now facing a class action lawsuit for failing to protect personal records.

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