TechRadar News

• Nvidia's RTX 5000 series GPU prices have dropped in Europe
• This price drop is due to the better exchange rate in Euro currency
• Restock may need to be met with a permanent buying scheme to stop scalpers

Nvidia's RTX 5000 series GPU lineup (notably the RTX 5090 and RTX 5090) provides some of the best PC gaming experiences today, despite many setbacks Team Green has faced since its launch. Fortunately, there's some good news regarding prices, but it’s perhaps not the news you might want to hear.

As reported by VideoCardz, Nvidia's RTX 5000 series GPU prices have been cut in Europe, thanks to the Euro currency's strengthening (meaning better exchange rates) - most importantly, the RTX 5090 now costs €2229 (previously €2329), while the RTX 5080 now costs €1119 (previously €1169).

These aren't significant price drops, and it’s a shame not to see similar price drops in the US and beyond - it's really only a result of the better exchange rate in Europe - but it's still good to see Nvidia responding like this considering the recent frustrations surrounding GPU pricing. However, the problem with the Founders Edition GPUs isn't just pricing, it's availability, and this price drop doesn't solve that issue - in fact, it could make matters a little worse.

It's no secret that Nvidia's GeForce RTX GPUs are always highly sought after: the Blackwell GPU lineup has faced several issues such as missing ROPs, but it doesn't seem to be enough to turn consumers away from the GPUs completely. With this in mind, if scalpers catch wind of any price drops (especially ones bigger than this) after a restock, scalping will likely be far worse - and it would take genuine buyers right back to square one of scrambling for a card at MSRP.

(Image credit: Nvidia) Nvidia needs to make its 'Verified Priority Access' a permanent scheme

Nvidia recently resumed its ‘Verified Priority Access’ scheme, which gives users a chance to buy one Founders Edition card - and I see no reason why it shouldn't be made permanent for all consumers.

I say this because the stipulations involved with the VPA scheme mean that only customers in the US (who had also made an Nvidia account on or before January 30) can receive a chance to buy the RTX 5090 or RTX 5080. Scalping, low availability, and price inflation (for board partner cards) aren't issues that are exclusive to the US - and I can say from my experience that it often feels nearly impossible to find a Founders Edition GPU once a new GPU lineup launches.

I believe the only solution to this issue is to implement this scheme as a permanent measure: I've seen strict measures from retailers like Scan UK during the RTX 3000 series launch, which had a limit of one per customer and in some cases one per household. I realize it would likely be difficult to make the Verified Priority Access scheme permanent, as it partly relies on account age - but introducing further measures such as a fixed limit per household could suffice.

That may sound incredibly aggressive, but at this current rate, I don't see any other methods Team Green could introduce to stop - or at the very least limit - scalping once stock is replenished...

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• A new Gamepad keyboard is available in the latest Windows 11 preview build
• It features "button accelerators" optimized for handheld gaming PCs
• The update should be arriving for everyone in the coming weeks

Microsoft is implementing a new virtual keyboard for use with the Xbox Wireless Controller, which will make Windows 11 easier to navigate, especially on handheld devices.

The new gamepad keyboard layout for Windows 11 is now available in the Windows 11 preview build (26100.3613) with a promised "gradual rollout" that will see the feature coming to every user in the following weeks.

In Microsoft's own words: "This change introduces the ability to use your Xbox controller to navigate and type." It includes the use of "button accelerators" (with some buttons used for inputs such as backspace and spacebar) and the "keyboard keys have been vertically aligned" for "better controller navigation patterns".

It's the "button accelerators" that appear to be the biggest shortcut, as well as the compact layout aimed at handheld players. LT (the left trigger) is mapped to a secondary symbols key (&123), with the capitalization key mapped to L3 (clicking the left stick), and the start button serving as the enter key.

The layout should sound familiar to those PC gamers who are used to SteamOS, which is available on the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED gaming handhelds. Valve's software is optimized for handheld use straight out of the box in a way that Windows 11 just hasn't been when implemented on some of the best gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go.

With the new Gamepad keyboard still yet to be fully released, some quality-of-life features are yet to be implemented. You're currently unable to log in to Windows 11 with an Xbox Wireless Controller, and the new keyboard doesn't appear to automatically pop up when entering text fields yet (via The Verge). However, it's a step forward in making Windows 11 a more palatable experience for gaming handhelds.

(Image credit: Acer) Anything to make Windows 11 better on handhelds

The biggest complaint about using Windows 11-based gaming handhelds has been the fact that the operating system is not designed for the hardware. We've seen this with launchers (such as Steam, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy, and Ubisoft Connect) being less-than-stellar with touchscreen controls, a keyboard that's sluggish to use, and text that can be too small to read, among other issues.

It was recently announced that SteamOS would start to be supported in non-Steam Deck handhelds instead of solely relying on Windows 11. SteamOS 3.7.0 promised a "beginning" to implementation, and we've seen promising things from the Lenovo Legion Go S, which forgoes Windows 11 for Valve's software instead. This handheld has the option for both operating systems, as well as the Ryzen Z2 Go chip, which outpaces the older custom RDNA 2 architecture in Valve's current handhelds.

As such, Microsoft will need to continue optimizing its latest operating system for the handheld market if it wants to keep competitive in this particular PC arms race. A better keyboard for controllers in Windows 11 is just the start, but a welcome one, and here's hoping future updates can continue to keep up.

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• Forcepoint observes new phishing campaign distributing virtual hard disk files
• The files bypass security protections to deploy the VenomRAT
• Victims end up losing sensitive data, so be on your guard

Criminals are now using virtual hard disk image files to host and distribute dangerous malware, researchers from Forcepoint are saying.

In an in-depth analysis, Forcepoint said it observed a phishing campaign, themed as a purchase order. In the attachment of the email is an archive which, when extracted, shows a hard disk Image file (.VHD).

When the victim opens the file, it mounts itself as a hard drive, and runs a batch script that includes a series of obfuscations including garbage characters, Base64 and AES encryption files. The .BAT file drops the Venom Remote Access Trojan (RAT) and spawns a PowerShell script that uses the Pastebin service to host C2 and exfiltrate stolen data.

Working around security solutions

Forcepoint’s Prashant Kumar said the threat actors opted for a VHD file to work around any email security, or endpoint protection solutions the target may have installed on their device.

“Threat actors always like to find new ways to deliver malware undetected to target large communities,” Kumar said. “I’ll cover a current technique threat actors use to bypass security measures, deliver malware, infect systems and exfiltrate data—all by using a virtual hard disk image file to host and distribute the VenomRAT malware.”

VenomRAT is a type of Trojan that allows cybercriminals to take full control of an infected system. Once installed, it enables attackers to execute commands remotely, steal sensitive information, and manipulate the victim's computer without their knowledge. It is commonly used for keylogging and extracting saved credentials from web browsers and applications.

This malware is also capable of capturing screenshots and activating webcams, employs various persistence mechanisms, and can deploy additional malware. Because of its powerful capabilities, VenomRAT is often distributed through phishing emails, malicious downloads, and exploit kits that target system vulnerabilities.

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• A recently published patent seems to show a solar powered DualSense Wireless Controller
• This could help address one of the controller's biggest flaws, its battery life
• As a patent, it's far from a guarantee of a new product, however

In the future PlayStation gamers might finally have a reason to go outside, at least if this new Sony patent is anything to go by.

As discovered by enthusiast blog Tech4gamers, a recently published patent from Sony breaks down what appears to be a solar powered DualSense Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5.

The patent, parts of which we have machine translated, describes a controller that houses photovoltaic systems. These, according to the patent, would be capable of generating electricity without the need for any kind of external battery or charger.

In theory a constant stream of solar power, stored within the controller's battery, would help prevent the controller from running dry when you want to play. This could address one of the biggest problems with the DualSense Wireless Controller, its abysmal battery life.

A new line of solar powered DualSense controllers would be welcome, though you should bear in mind that it is far from a concrete certainty at this stage. Large companies like Sony file patents for new ideas all the time and many don't end up being used in any products.

Elsewhere in the patent world, Nintendo recently updated a patent that seems to relate to an AI upscaling solution for Nintendo Switch 2. This might allow older titles to be played with cleaner image quality on the upcoming hybrid console.

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• Plex is drastically increasing its monthly, annual and lifetime prices
• It’s also going to start charging for its remote playback feature
• The move comes amid rising streaming prices across the board

If you use Plex to manage your home media library, get ready for some disappointing news: not only are all of its prices about to rise significantly, but the platform’s developer has also announced that you will no longer be able to remotely stream your media for free.

The changes were revealed in a blog post on the Plex website on March 19. There, Plex stated that the monthly price for Plex Pass will soon increase from $4.99 to $6.99, while the annual price will rise from $39.99 to $69.99. The most eye-watering step up was reserved for the Plex Lifetime Pass, which will more than double from $119.99 to $249.99.

The updated prices apply to both new and existing subscriptions, with the exception of the Plex Lifetime Pass – if you purchase that before the price rises are implemented on April 29, 2025, you’ll get to stay on the old $119.99 rate.

The incoming price hike has a lot of subscribers contemplating signing up to the Lifetime Pass, going by reactions on Reddit, with some users expressing signs of relief that they've already signed up for the lifetime subscription, while other say it's time to finally sign up before it doubles in price.

Comment from r/unRAID

Plex said that these increases will be implemented in order to “keep up with rising costs” and will allow the platform to “keep investing dedicated resources in developing new features, while supporting and growing your favorites”.

Drastic rises

(Image credit: Future)

Price rises weren’t the only unpleasant change announced in Plex’s blog post, as the platform also explained that changes were being made to remote media streaming.

Right now, you can stream your own media for free when you and your server are on separate networks. From April 29, though, you’ll need a paid subscription to either Plex Pass or to Plex’s new Remote Watch Pass. However, you will still be able to stream content on your local network for free.

The newly introduced Remote Watch Pass costs $1.99 a month or $19.99 a year and allows you to remotely stream content from any server that you have access to, and neither you nor the server owner needs to have a Plex Pass subscription for this to work.

The price rises mean that Plex has dropped its one-time mobile activation fee. Previously, paying this removed the one-minute playback limit on streaming to iOS or Android from a remote server.

With streaming prices rising across the board, including from companies like Netflix, it’s probably unsurprising that Plex has opted to charge its users more – even if it is the first price hike in a decade. Still, it’s never a welcome change when increasing costs are passed on to the consumer, especially when the increases are so drastic.

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• A new live-action Power Rangers TV show is in development at Disney+.
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to produce the show.
• The iconic 90s TV show is inspired by the Japanese franchise, Super Sentai.

It's morphin' time for the Power Rangers as a new live-action TV show about the colorful superheroes is officially in the works at Disney+.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to write, show run, and produce the live-action Power Rangers series, according to The Wrap.

The hugely popular Power Rangers franchise first launched with the 90s TV show Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, which was inspired by a Japanese children's show called Super Sentai.

Power Rangers then spawned into three live-action movies, video games such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind, and comic books. However, these projects weren't all a major success like its predecessor. The 2017 Power Rangers reboot movie was a flop, not only because of the "uninspired costumes," but because the film grossed only $142 million on a budget of around $100 million.

With showrunners from one of the best Disney+ shows onboard to create the Power Rangers series, it has promise to become a streaming success, especially since it "will reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans while delighting those who already know and love the world of Power Rangers."

What will the Power Rangers TV show be about?

Official details of the Power Rangers show are being kept under wraps for now, but the franchise is based around five teenagers who are chosen by an intergalactic wizard to "morph" into superheroes and defend the citizens of Angel Grove from bad guys.

A film version of the series titled Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie featured most of the original cast and was released in 1995. Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie came out two years later, but only a few cast members returned to reprise their roles.

The Wrap added that "the development of Power Rangers is part of Hasbro Entertainment’s ongoing strategy to elevate storytelling and produce series based on Hasbro’s most iconic brands alongside the industry’s best talent, studios and distribution platforms".

These other active projects include a re-imagining of Clue, a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series Forgotten Realms, an animated Magic: The Gathering series and a major, live-action film and television universe adapted from Magic: The Gathering, both in development at Netflix. There's also been gameshows based on Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble, which both aired on The CW this year.

If you're wanting to catch more of the best Disney+ shows and best Disney+ movies, now is the best time to sign up as the Disney+ and Hulu bundle is back down to its awesome Black Friday price of $2.99 a month.

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• The new GFX100RF is Fujifilm's first fixed lens medium-format camera
• It has a 102MP sensor, 35mm f/4 lens and premium rangefinder-style design
• Sales start early April (TBC), list price is $4,899 / £4,699 / AU$8,799

Compact cameras are all the rage right now, and while calling the new Fujifilm GFX100RF 'compact' is a bit of a stretch, its 102MP medium-format sensor is the biggest and highest-resolution for a camera of this kind. Premium is an understatement, plus the rangefinder-style camera looks the part too.

Fujifilm summed up the GFX100RF concept in a teaser video ahead of its launch, suggesting that the premium compact combines elements of the popular Fujifilm X100VI compact and the GFX100S II mirrorless camera.

This is the smallest and lightest Fujifilm medium-format camera yet and it includes a lens. It's similar in size to the X100VI but a fair bit deeper, in order to house the same 102MP sensor utilized by the GFX100S II, plus a fixed 35mm f/4 lens. That equates to a 28mm focal length in full-frame terms – ideal for everyday and street photography.

Then there's the top plate machined from a single 500g block of aluminum – a similar quality and process to the Sigma BF. Its feel and potential durability is a dream for camera lovers.

I'll unpack the handling of the camera shortly, but my brief hands-on with the GFX100RF at Fujifilm's House of Photography in London ahead of its announcement was enough time to convince me of the camera's quality.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF costs $4,899 / £4,699 / AU$8,799 and comes with a premium strap, square lens hood, adapter ring and a protective lens filter. While it may seem expensive, that price is lower than the smaller-format Leica Q3's; the camera that holds the position of top premium pick in our best compact cameras buying guide ( ....for now).

Image 1 of 3

Medium-format has never been this small. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 3

However, the depth of the camera and its fixed lens means you'll struggle squeezing it into a pocket. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 3

There are all-black or black / silver versions of the GFX100RF. (Image credit: Tim Coleman) The right format?

The new GFX100RF has X100-series looks, in a deeper body housing medium-format tech. I haven't taken any pictures with the new camera yet, but I have reviewed the GFX100S II and GFX100 II, and know just how good image quality is – though the new lens is unknown to me.

That sensor quality being paired with a fine-tuned fixed lens, and packed into a smaller-than-ever body (weighing just 735g, with battery and card), is seriously impressive. The concept actually makes a lot of sense, as do some unusual design touches.

With 102MP pixels to play with, an aspect ratio dial debuts, plus a lever for a digital crop – these take prominent positions on the top plate. Like the 61MP Leica Q3, the digital crop is really usable for the fixed lens, emulating 36mm, 50mm and 63mm focal lengths, at a reduced resolution for JPEGs.

Likewise, there's a wide choice of aspect ratios, including panoramic, with a handy 'Surround View' semi-transparent guide that marks the cropped out area. Shoot in raw & JPEG format, and the raw file keeps the full 102MP resolution.

Image 1 of 7

The GFX100RF is the first medium-format camera by Fujifilm with a silver top plate. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 7

It resembles an X100-series camera. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 7

Here's its new aspect ratio dial (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 7

And a neat stack of control; a crop lever, command dial and on/off switch. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 7

Here's the lens, which comes with a lens hood, adapter and protective filter to make the camera weather proof. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 7

The lens has dreamy handling (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 7

The premium quality of the top plate cannot be overstated. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Every control feels premium and built to last, including the shutter speed / ISO dial, aspect ratio and a stack that includes the crop lever, a command dial and on/off switch.

The lens feels great too, with its aperture ring and easy rotation. It features a leaf shutter which makes a handy 4-stop built-in ND filter possible, plus it has a positive impact on battery life: the GFX100RF uses the same unit as the X-T5 and other Fujifilm cameras, yet is rated for 820-shots.

Burst shooting tops out at 6fps for sequences up to 296 JPEGs or 40 raws – not bad for a 102MP camera – while the maximum video resolution is 4K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit, but is supported by an impressive range of video features. This is, however, a photographer's camera first.

Like the X100-series of cameras, the GFX100RF is only dust and splash-proof with the included adapter ring and protective filter attached. The 3.2-inch, 2.1m-dot tilt touchscreen is also the same type as found in the X100VI.

Other inherited components include the 5.76m-dot EVF from the GFX100S II. Personally I'm disappointed that Fujifilm didn't opt for the hybrid viewfinder used by the X100-series because I'm a big fan of the optical display.

Image 1 of 4

Twin SD UHS-II card slots (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 4

Mic input, headphone jack, USB-C charging and micro HDMI ports are hidden behind a single door. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 4

The 5.76m-dot EVF, just like in the GFX100S II (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 4

The tilt touchscreen is the same unit used by the X100VI. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

There's also no sensor based image stabilization (IBIS), just a digital IS for video. That, combined with the lens' relatively slow f/4 maximum aperture and limited light gathering capabilities are the biggest drawbacks that I can see from my quick hands-on – necessary compromises for the larger sensor format / compact lens size.

Overall, I'm super impressed by the Fujifilm GFX100RF and I can't wait to have a longer period of time with the camera to really get a feel for it. Has the Leica Q3 met its match? Possibly, though there are medium-format drawbacks. Stay tuned for my full review and verdict.

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• The Analogue 3D has been delayed until later this year
• The 4K-capable reimagining of the Nintendo 64 is expected to ship in July
• Pre-orders were originally meant to ship in Q1 2025

The Analogue 3D, a 4K-capable rendition of the Nintendo 64 from hardware manufacturer Analogue, has been delayed.

The console was expected to be shipped in Q1 2025. Now, the company is aiming for a July 2025 shipping window for those who have placed a pre-order. Quite a painful wait if you're one of many who purchased a unit ahead of time.

The Analogue 3D's FAQ page has been updated with the following statement: "Analogue 3D was originally available for pre-order at the end of 2024 scheduled to ship Q1 2025.

"Analogue 3D shipping is delayed (as of March 18th, 2025) and is now shipping by July 2025. We are working hard to get your 3D order in hands asap and appreciate your patience. If you have an open pre-order no action is needed."

Analogue also stresses that those interested in canceling their pre-order to receive a refund because of the delay are welcome to do so thanks to its "no questions asked, 100% refund policy for pre-orders."

In case you're unaware, the Analogue 3D - according to its store page - is a "reimagining of the N64." It's not an emulation unit, instead outputting original Nintendo 64 cartridges to 4K resolution. It's also completely region-free and supports wireless controllers via Bluetooth LE.

While the Analogue 3D is out of stock for now, I am hoping the company will offer additional stock post-launch. I know from experience that starting a retro game collection in 2025 can be a seriously expensive endeavor, especially when factoring in the need for a CRT TV (or alternatively, a bespoke HDMI upscaler for your console of choice) - not to mention finding space in your gaming setup for one.

By comparison, the Analogue 3D at the very least sounds like a convenient alternative by offering modern TV compatibility via HDMI and region-free cartridge support. It's got the makings of one of the best gaming consoles if it can deliver a quality retro experience. Hopefully, we'll be able to test one and deliver our verdict post-release.

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• A bug in recent updates for Windows 11 and 10 accidentally deleted Copilot
• Microsoft has swiftly fixed this and reinstated the Copilot app
• The company will doubtless be looking to forget this odd episode in the AI assistant’s history just as swiftly

Microsoft has rushed out a patch to put Copilot back into Windows 11 (and Windows 10), after the latest round of updates for its operating systems deleted the app for the AI assistant (for some users, anyway).

In what’s one of the more head-scratching bugs we’ve seen from Microsoft in the recent past – and it has some competition there, make no mistake – the key introduction for Windows 11 as far as AI is concerned was accidentally removed from some PCs.

Windows Latest noticed the fix has now landed, and observed that Microsoft updated its support documents for affected versions of Windows, which are Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2, and also Windows 10.

Microsoft tells us: “This issue has been fixed, and the affected devices are being returned to their original state.”

So, if the Copilot app has gone missing from your desktop, it will soon be returned to its rightful place, although it may take a little time for the cure to be pushed to all affected systems.

As Microsoft also notes, if you can’t wait, you can manually reinstall the Copilot application yourself. You’ll find it in the Microsoft Store (and once it’s installed again, you can also manually pin it back on the taskbar).

(Image credit: Shutterstock) Analysis: A predictably swift response to a bewildering bug

Windows Latest also observed that Microsoft kept this one rather under the radar, keeping its known issue updates (including the resolution) just to the respective support documents for Windows versions, rather than flagging this in the overarching Windows health dashboard.

That’s not surprising, though, and indeed the speedy fix is no surprise either. Let’s face it, this was a red-alert-level of embarrassment here – Microsoft is pushing hard to drive Copilot adoption, so ditching the AI app mistakenly from some Windows 11 devices was rather shooting itself in the foot, to say the least.

Clearly enough, it wasn’t a difficult fix, and at any rate, as Microsoft has pointed out, it wasn’t difficult to rectify the problem yourself simply by reinstalling the Copilot app manually.

As a final thought, here’s an interesting question to ponder: how many of the affected PCs that had Copilot removed even noticed the AI assistant was missing? If you never summon the Copilot app, you might not have even noticed the icon going missing from the taskbar. I’m betting a fair few people will have fallen into that category…

That said, it should be noted that as far as I’m aware, only a relatively small set of Windows 11 (and 10) users were hit by the vanishing Copilot bug in the first place, so the overall impact was likely to be limited, anyway. As mentioned, this is more of a PR embarrassment for Microsoft than anything else, but it’s certainly a weird error to have occurred.

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• Oracle reveals $5bn financial backing for UK
• Move hoped to help businesses and governments alike
• Investment in OCI will roll out over next five years

Oracle has revealed plans to invest $5 billion in the UK over the next few years as it looks to help the country become a leader in AI.

Set to roll out over the next five years, Oracle’s investment will look to meet the increasing demand for AI technology in the UK, expanding its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) footprint across the nation.

But it will also help boost the UK’s government bid to become a world leader in AI, allowing more businesses of all sizes to get the most out of the technology.

Oracle UK investment

"We're seeing huge demand globally, and that's no different in the UK,” Siobhan Wilson, senior vice president and country leader, Oracle UK, said at the company’s World Tour London event.

“It's no surprise how important AI investment is for the UK government,” she added, “it's really important for us to understand how AI adoption can help us be innovative in the country.”

"The investment will expand OCI’s footprint in the UK, and crucially help the UK government deliver on its vision for AI innovation and adoption. This investment into cloud infrastructure will enable more businesses in the UK to leverage Oracle’s comprehensive AI and cloud computing services.”

This will include sovereign AI, meaning customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers, as well as dedicated multicloud capabilities, and Oracle’s latest generative AI innovations.

"The UK is determined to lead the world in AI innovation, and today’s announcement from Oracle is a testament to our nation’s growing strength in this sector,” added Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP.

“This $5 billion investment will accelerate our AI ambitions, providing businesses and public services with cutting-edge cloud infrastructure to drive productivity, enhance security, and unlock new opportunities for growth – driving forward our Plan for Change.”

“By working with global tech leaders like Oracle, we’re cementing the UK’s position at the forefront of the AI revolution, creating high-skilled jobs, fueling innovation, and securing our place as a world-leading tech powerhouse."

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• We're a week away from new Canon vlogging cameras
• Canon is teasing two models for an unveiling on March 26
• One is the PowerShot V1, already available in Japan

Mark your calendars, Canon fans: the camera giant has posted a teaser on social media that shows not one but two new V series models, set to be unveiled in full on Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm CET (10am PT / 1pm ET / 5pm GMT, which is 4am AEST on March 27 in Australia).

The teaser comes with the caption "exciting things are coming" and promises that the new cameras are going to be "the perfect new additions to your kit bag". As part of the V series, they'll be aimed at vloggers and creators.

It's not too difficult to identify the camera on the left of the image, because we've seen it before: it's the Canon PowerShot V1, which has already launched in Japan. It features a 16-50mm F2.8-4.5 lens with 3.1x optical zoom, a new stabilized 22.3MP sensor, and support for 4K / 30p video or 4K / 60p with a 1.4x crop. It's like a bigger sibling to the trending PowerShot G7X Mark III.

What we don't know yet is the price outside of Japan. It's on sale for 148,500 Japanese Yen there, which works out as about $1,000 / £800 / AU$1,600 – but Canon is unlikely to use a straight currency conversion. We should get accurate global pricing next Wednesday.

One launch, two cameras

A post shared by Canon UK and Ireland (@canonuk)

A photo posted by on

The second camera, on the right, is more of a mystery – though not a complete surprise. There have been rumors that the PowerShot V1 wouldn't be the only V series model to launch this year, though to date we've not heard much about a second device.

According to Canon Rumors, this second model is set to be the Canon EOS R50 V – an entry-level mirrorless camera for vloggers that could retail for something in the region of $750 / £700 / AU$1,300.

As per the unconfirmed information Canon Rumors has, the suggestion is that the Canon EOS R50 V will come with a new lens of its own, and (as you can guess from the name) it'll be a video-centric take on the APS-C Canon EOS R50. We may see some refined ergonomics, though we don't have many other details.

All will be revealed next Wednesday, and we will of course bring you the news of the announcements as they're made. Given that the social media teaser mentions Canon's YouTube channel, it seems the launch will be livestreamed online too.

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• Lionsgate has released a new trailer for John Wick spin-off film Ballerina
• The latest footage implies Keanu Reeves' hitman won't just cameo in it
• The Ana de Armas-starring action film will be released in June

Lionsgate has released a new trailer for its forthcoming Ballerina movie, and it indicates that Keanu Reeves' John Wick will play a far bigger role in the story than we realized.

Ballerina is the second spin-off project set in the John Wick franchise and will gracefully spin its way into theaters in early June. And, with one of 2025's most anticipated new movies' release drawing ever closer, Lionsgate has whet our appetite for its arrival with another official trailer – one that surprisingly puts Reeves' hitman front and center.

Ballerina's first trailer had everyone asking the same question about Reeves' appearance. Now, its latest teaser confirms Wick will be sent after Ana de Armas' Eve Macarro, the film's protagonist whose on a one-woman crusade to track down and kill the individuals who murdered her family. Her quest for vengeance, though, threatens to up-end the established order of the hitman-criminal underworld, which is why Wick is enlisted to use his special talents to stop Macarro.

Reeves is a talented and beloved actor, while Wick is one of his most famous roles among cinephiles. It's no great surprise, then, that Lionsgate is leaning heavily on Wick's appearance in Ballerina to help get bums on seats.

As much as Ballerina's official trailer makes it seem like he'll have a big role to play in its story, though, there's nothing to say that he actually will.

The footage in said teaser could be part of a 10- to 15-minute segment that he shows up in. So, while Wick doesn't appear as if he'll just have a cameo role where he simply crosses paths with Macarro, I'd be amazed if Reeves is part of proceedings for anything longer than an extended sequence in Ballerina's middle act. After all, this is de Armas' movie, so Lionsgate won't want to overshadow Macarro in her own movie... right?

Is Ballerina a prequel movie? Where does it sit on the John Wick timeline?

Ballerina takes place alongside the third John Wick flick (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Ballerina's story actually runs parallel to events that take place in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

It's not a prequel in the traditional sense, then – i.e., one that precedes the action movie series' first film. However, it plays out before John Wick: Chapter 4, so it's technically a prequel to Reeves' most recent outing as the famous hitman.

Who is part of the Ballerina movie cast?

The Director is one of four people that John Wick fans will recognize in Ballerina (Image credit: Lionsgate)

De Armas and Reeves notwithstanding, there'll be a few familiar faces, plus some new ones, to look out for in Ballerina.

Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick reprise their roles as Winston Scott and Charon from the first four John Wick films. Ballerina will mark the final-ever role of Reddick's career, too, following his shock death in March 2023.

Joining the aforementioned quartet on the cast roster are Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus. Huston returns as The Director, aka the leader of the New York branch of the Ruska Roma crime enterprise, which trained Macarro to become an assassin when she was just a child. The Director is also Wick's adoptive mother, which is why she enlists his help to stop Macarro.

The Walking Dead alumnus Reedus, meanwhile, will play someone called Pine. It's unclear who Byrne and Moreno will play.

When will Ballerina be released in theaters?

Norman Reedus will play a mysterious character named Pine in Ballerina (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Ballerina will dance into cinemas on June 6 in the US and Australia. UK viewers can catch it in their local multiplex or independent theater a day later on June 7.

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• Oppo has announced the new Reno 13 series of midrange handsets
• The Reno 13 Pro sports a 3.5x telephoto camera and IP68 / IP69 water and dust resistance
• Oppo seems to suggest a combination of these new features with a new underwater photography mode

As our Oppo Reno 12 Pro review details, a telephoto lens is a rare and valuable addition for a midrange handset. The Oppo Reno 13 Pro comes equipped with a 3.5x telephoto camera, nearly doubling the optical zoom reach of its predecessor, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro.

As far as we’re aware, the Reno 13 Pro’s 3.5x snapper gives Oppo’s latest leading mid-ranger more optical zoom reach than any other phone of its price.

Telephoto cameras are becoming more common on midrange handsets: we recently saw the launch of the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, which respectively carry 2x and 3x telephoto cameras.

The 50MP 3.5x telephoto camera is joined by a 50MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide camera, in an arrangement that follows Oppo’s track record of taking – let’s call it inspiration – from a certain Cupertino-based phone maker.

Design lineage aside, the Oppo Reno 13 Pro is also rated to IP69, and Oppo says the phone is resistant to being submerged in fresh water as well as heated jets of water – it’s as waterproof as a phone can get right now.

With these two features – an upgraded camera system and the best possible water resistance – Oppo has done the natural thing and devised a way to make the most of both at the same time. The Reno 13 Pro comes with a new underwater camera mode that utilizes the volume rocker to operate the camera when submerged.

This new mode allows users to take photos with the volume-up button, and start and stop video with the volume-down button, which I must admit is a reasonably intuitive control scheme – even if the idea of hopping in the pool, phone in hand, does still freak me out a bit.

We’ve seen phones with IP69 water resistance before, but it’s very rare that a phone maker actively encourages its users to take a dip with their device – let alone for the sake of a photo shoot.

The Oppo Reno 13 Pro, and its two siblings the Oppo Reno 13 and Reno 13F, have not yet received a release date or pricing – we’ll update this article when the details are confirmed. For now, be sure to check out our guide to the best Oppo phones and let us know what you think about the Reno 13 Pro in the comments.

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• iPhone 18 rumors are already circulating
• Major rumored new features include a variable aperture camera, new camera sensor, and new display tech
• The iPhone 18 has not been confirmed by Apple, and we don't expect it until late 2026

Though we’re still in the era of the iPhone 16 and haven’t yet had confirmation of the iPhone 17 series, we’re already hearing plenty of rumors about the iPhone 18 series.

Indeed, it seems that Apple fans and analysts just can’t help looking ahead – and given that component orders and manufacturing decisions are made well ahead of time, some of these rumors could hold weight when we do finally get the next even-numbered iPhone generation.

Below, we’ve rounded up the five biggest rumors so far about the iPhone 18 series – keep in mind though that we expect some of these to only apply to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

A variable aperture camera

The iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

The iPhone 18 series could bring a variable aperture camera to Apple’s mobile platform for the first time, allowing users to physically control how much light the sensor is exposed to.

Current iPhones offer an approximation of aperture control by controlling shutter speed and processing the image with software, but a true variable aperture allows much more flexibility in light intake and depth of field.

As Pocket-Lint reports, notable Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo suggested in late 2024 that Apple is set to order in a large supply of variable aperture camera components, in time for production in 2026.

Variable aperture cameras are currently limited to select Android phones, like the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate and the discontinued Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Including one with the iPhone 18 would track with the renewed focus on hardware photography Apple demonstrated with the iPhone 16’s new Camera Control button.

A new Pro camera sensor

The iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Another iPhone 18 camera rumor concerns the adoption of a new sensor for the main camera of the two Pro models

According to noted leaker Jukanlosreve, Apple will use a new triple-layered Samsung sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera, utilizing a technology called "PD-TR Logic".

As MacRumors reports, this new sensor should have myriad benefits for the camera’s response time, dynamic range, and reducing noise in photos.

Under-display Face ID

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

All the way back in May 2024, industry analyst Ross Young suggested that Apple may start implementing under-display Face ID in 2026.

Young had previously predicted that the tech necessary to Face ID would be placed under the display of the iPhone 17 series, though this was later revised.

As mentioned, we’d expect the iPhone 18 series to arrive in 2026, so it tracks that the new Face ID tech would arrive with it. As with other new hardware features, it’s possible Apple could reserve under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

It’s not yet clear whether Apple will also place the selfie camera under the display, or just the infrared sensors that make Face ID work. As it stands now, very few phones have under-display cameras, though there are some high-profile examples, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

3nm chipsets

(Image credit: Apple)

Time to get a bit more technical. The latest rumors, as reported by WCCFTech, suggest that the A20 and A20 Pro chipsets that will likely power the iPhone 18 series will be based on the 3nm process, rather than the nascent 2nm process currently being pioneered by chipset manufacturing powerhouse TSMC.

What does that all mean? Well, processors are measured by the minimum size of individual transistors, which are now so small as to be measured in nanometers. As such, as the measurements get smaller, more processing power can fit into the same space. The likes of '3nm' and '2nm' are mostly marketing terms rather than relating to a specific size, but the move from 3nm to 2nm does imply in jump in performance.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro were the first commercially available phones to sport a 3nm chipset – but it seems like Apple may be in less of a rush to keep up with the 2nm process.

LTPO+ displays – like LTPO, but moreso

The iPhone 16 (Image credit: Future)

Back to Jukanlosreve for this one – the noted leaker and tipster suggested in late 2024 that the iPhone 18 Pro series would come fitted with LTPO+ display panels.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jukanlosreve highlighted that the new display tech could bring increased “speed” (we’re not sure if that means refresh rate or response time) and power efficiency.

Frustratingly, there’s no accompanying hint that the base iPhone 18 will get a high refresh rate LTPO screen – though this may have already been addressed by 2026, if the latest iPhone 17 rumors are to be believed.

Do you have any hopes for the iPhone 18 series yet? Or are you focused on the rumored iPhone 17 series? Let us know in the comments below.

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Even the next-door neighbor's dog knows not to click a link in an unsolicited email, but how many of us really understand how to use AI safely?

In short, shadow AI is the use of unapproved AI in an organization, similar to shadow IT which focuses on IT devices and services. Where employees might use a personal email address or laptop, shadow AI refers to the use of AI technology which hasn’t been approved for a business use case, particularly where it may constitute a risk to the business.

These risks include the leakage of sensitive or proprietary data, which is a common issue when employees upload documents to an AI service such as ChatGPT, for example, and its contents become available to users outside of the company. But it could also lead to serious data quality problems where incorrect information is retrieved from an unapproved AI source which may then lead to bad business decisions.

Generative AI is well known for its potential to hallucinate, giving plausible but ultimately incorrect information. Take Google’s AI summary as an example of search results getting things wrong. It might be obvious to the interested party with the contextual knowledge to recognize the summary may be wrong, but to the uninitiated, this won’t be the case.

Analysts at Datactics have seen on several occasions that a leading AI tool produces a fictitious LEI (legal entity identifier, required for regulatory reporting), and fictitious annual revenue figures for a corporate entity. The potential consequences of this kind of hallucination should be obvious, but because of the plausibility of the ‘bad data’, it is very easy for it to slip into the system and lead to further unexpected downstream problems, highlighting the need for robust data quality controls and data provenance.

There are technical, economic and cultural reasons for the rise of shadow AI, from cultural normalization and accessibility, pressure to perform, information overload and aggressive AI everywhere. There is very little resistance to these drivers, and most organizations don’t have very comprehensive AI governance in place, or AI awareness training.

What is AI governance, and doesn’t this solve the problem?

Part of the remit of AI governance is to address the problem of shadow AI. There’s a plethora of governance policy frameworks and tech platforms that can help with this, and perhaps it is this governance or risk mitigation that is partly to blame for slowing down the adoption of AI as businesses cautiously adopt third-party solutions.

But in the race between AI capability and AI governance, AI capability is accelerating, showing no signs of fatigue, and its benefits are obvious to end users. Meanwhile, by comparison, AI governance is still putting on its running shoes and users aren’t always clear on what does and does not constitute risk.

AI governance covers a broad spectrum, from the ad-hoc mandate of “please do not upload corporate or client information to ” to governance tools and strict policies prohibiting AI usage without prior approval. Many vendors now offer AI governance tools and frameworks to enable this, and the trick is to implement something that provides a high degree of protection without stifling innovation or productivity, depending on the size and type of the business.

How to address the problem of Shadow AI?

Using the dimensions of people, processes and technology, we can easily see a holistic way to address the issue of shadow AI that minimizes risks to organizations.

Many companies are now addressing the information leakage issue by implementing a technical architecture called RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), where a language model, either large or small, can be augmented with proprietary data in a way that keeps proprietary data securely within the organization, along with the added benefit of reducing AI hallucinations.

Specifically, to shadow AI, businesses can implement controls and detection, usually existing cybersecurity controls which can be easily extended, for example, firewall or proxy server controls or a single sign-on for third-party AI services. Furthermore, if these controls can be integrated with governance, then a much clearer picture of risk exposure can be achieved.

Perhaps most importantly, there needs to be greater cultural awareness of the risks of AI. In the same way that we have cyber security training for all staff, we need to strive for a reality where even the next-door neighbor's dog understands that AI is prevalent across a wide range of software and the potential risks. Understanding of the risks of divulging sensitive data to AI services and the possibility of hallucination and censorship in AI responses, and the importance of treating AI responses as data that informs an answer rather than taking the response as an infallible answer.

Data quality awareness is crucial. The information that goes into an AI model and the information that comes out must be validated and this understanding is something we need to adopt sooner rather than later.

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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

Here we are, folks. The final episode of Severance season 2 is almost upon us and, after waiting almost three years for the Apple TV Original to return, it's surreal to think its sophomore outing is almost over.

With the Apple TV+ series growing in popularity since season 2 debuted on January 17, I suspect you're already preparing to be seated as soon as its 10th and final chapter drops, too. Spoilers will circulate online soon after Severance's latest entry airs, so you'll want to watch it as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of someone ruining everything for you.

To that end, you'll want to know when season 2 episode 10 will be released. Below, I'll explain what date and time you can stream it in the US, UK, and Australia. That way, you'll know when you tune into Apple TV+ and catch it right away.

When will Severance season 2 episode 10 be available to stream in the US?

What'll happen to Helly R in Severance's season 2 finale? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The Severance season 2 finale will debut on Apple TV+, aka one of the world's best streaming services, at 9pm PT on Thursday, March 20. For those of you who live in the US Eastern time zone, that's 12am ET on Friday, March 21.

What is the release time for Severance season 2's final episode in the UK?

What will Harmony Cobel do in season 2 episode 10? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The final installment of season 2 will make its Apple TV+ debut in the UK at 4am GMT on Friday, March 21. That's because the clocks went forward in the US a few weeks ago, so the UK is one hour closer to the US Eastern and Pacific time zones.

Nevertheless, that means it'll be an early morning start for British fans who want to catch episode 10, titled 'Cold Harbor', before work. That might make you feel even more tired at the end of a long working week, but at least you won't have any big surprises ruined for you before you watch it on Friday evening!

When can I watch the Severance season 2 finale in Australia?

Will Gemma/Ms. Casey escape and/or be rescued in the season 2 finale? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Season 2 episode 10 of one of the best Apple TV+ shows is set to arrive in Australia at 3pm AEDT on Friday, March 21. Reckon you can leave work early to stream at home asap? If you do, don't tell anyone that I told you to do that...

What is the runtime for Severance season 2 episode 10?

Will we see Dylan and Irving in this season's 10th and final chapter? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

You'll want to set aside some time to watch 'Cold Harbor'. At 76 minutes, it'll be the longest episode in Severance's history – so, if you were expecting another entry around the 40 to 60-minute mark, you'll be in for something of a surprise!

When will the next episode of Severance launch on Apple TV+?

Is Seth Milchick going to rebel against Lumon as well? (Image credit: Apple TV_+)

The short answer is: not for a long time. As I've stated throughout this article, episode 10 is season 2's final installment. I imagine your 'innie' and 'outie' are saying "boo" and "hiss" to that.

But, fret not, because Severance season 3 is on the way. Apple hasn't officially renewed one of its flagship TV shows for a third season, but director/executive producer Ben Stiller has confirmed that work is underway on season 3's scripts. Dichen Lachman, who plays Gemma/Ms. Casey, exclusively told me that she doesn't know when filming on season 3 will begin, though. So, as I said at the start of this section, it could be a while before the incredibly successful sci-fi mystery thriller is back on our screens.

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• Oracle launches AI Agent Studio to help firms build or extend agents
• Users will be able to build new AI agents completely from scratch, or use one of 50+ existing Oracle options
• There will also be a choice of LLMs available

Oracle has become the latest tech giant to launch a platform for users to build and customize their own AI agents.

The company says its new AI Agent Studio will offer an easy way for organizations to create, manage and deploy AI agents across their business, tailored exactly how they need them to be.

Users will be able to build new AI agents completely from scratch, or extend pre-packagaed agents which can be evolved and customized.

Oracle AI Agent Studio

Part of the Oracle Fusion Cloud app suite, AI Agent Studio will be available at no extra cost to users, who will benefit from exactly the same tools Oracle uses to build its own in-house agents.

This includes Agent template libraries, which allow users to create agents with pre-built templates paired with natural language prompts, as well as Agent team orchestration, which lets users set up multiple agents to work alongside human workers on complex tasks through pre-configured templates

Any agents designed in AI Agent Studio will also integrate with Oracle Fusion Applications, the company says, meaning they can collaborate with third-party agents to complete even complex and multi-step processes.

There's also a choice of LLMs available, meaning users have access to a variety of options to address specific business needs - including LLMs specifically optimized for Oracle Fusion Applications, such as Llama and Cohere, or add other external industry-specific LLMs for specialized use cases.

“AI agents are the next phase of evolution in enterprise applications and just like with existing applications, business leaders need the flexibility to create specific functionality to address their unique and evolving business needs,” said Steve Miranda, executive vice president of applications, Oracle.

“Our AI Agent Studio builds on the 50+ AI agents we have already introduced and gives our customers and partners the flexibility to easily create and manage their own AI agents. With the agents already embedded in Fusion Applications and our new AI Agent Studio, customers will be able to further extend automation and ultimately, achieve more while spending less.”

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• UK hi-fi specialist Vertere launches its 'most refined turntable to date'
• DG X is the latest in Vertere's Dynamic Groove concept range
• The new DG X brings an 'improved interface for a seamless experience'

I know the London UK turntable specialist Vertere Acoustics from my time at TechRadar's sister publication, What Hi-Fi? (the DG-1 S/Magneto is a rare and special deck indeed) and today, March 20, the company is launching something new. It's called the DG X, and it is the latest in the firm's Dynamic Groove concept range.

Turntable tinkering – and indeed whole system compatibility – is part and parcel of the tangible vinyl experience, but Vertere can help if you'd like. The DG X can be purchased with or without a specially optimized new Groove Runner X (GRX) tonearm and Sabre Lite cartridge.

I'll get straight to pricing first. Deep breath, everyone: Vertere's DG X Sabre Lite package, including the DG X, Groove Runner tonearm, and Sabre Lite cartridge, is priced at £4,150 – so although US and Australian pricing is not yet official, that's around $5,390 or AU$8.499, before any additional shipping and duties.

Get into Vertere's groove – there's so much to love

In this iteration, you're getting Vertere's upgraded spindle thrust motor drive, precision machined bearings, and a sophisticated triple-layer "cast illuminated plinth structure," which aims to further eliminate unwanted resonance.

Its modular design also means it can be upgraded with newer cartridges and cables (and even tonearms) in time, so it can evolve just as your love of vinyl and ever-changing musical explorations evolve. Also, the detachable tonearm is assembled with secure transit screws, meaning you'll be able to transport it with (relative) confidence.

Vertere tells me the DG X is "the pinnacle of Vertere’s innovative expertise" thanks to its improved, easier-to-understand user interface – in fact, with the setup promising to take less than 15 minutes, the company is aiming squarely at the beginner vinyl enthusiast as well as the seasoned analog audiophile here.

How good is it under rigorous test conditions? We're working on it, so feel free to check back for a fully star-rated TechRadar review very soon.

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Financial debt, if left unchecked, can spiral out of control quickly. Simply making the minimum payments on a credit card or avoiding debt collectors doesn’t solve the root problem. Instead, interest continues to build, compounding the issue over time.

Similarly, in the world of IT management, a concept called “security debt” operates much the same way. Security debt refers to software flaws that remain unresolved for longer than a year. Much like financial debt, the longer these vulnerabilities go unaddressed, the more they accumulate, leaving businesses exposed to significant risk.

Research reveals 74% of organizations have some level of security debt, with half grappling with high-severity vulnerabilities – commonly referred to as ‘critical’ security debt. Despite these concerning statistics, organizations can take actionable steps to reduce their security debt.

Understanding the roots of security debt

To effectively reduce security debt, it’s important to first understand how it builds up. One major factor is a lack of prioritization, where organizations fail to focus on remediating the most critical vulnerabilities.

The age and size of applications also significantly contribute to security debt. Studies show a strong correlation between the age of an application and the likelihood that flaws will go unresolved. Nearly two fifths of all critical security debt are found in older applications (over 3.4 years old), meaning the older the application, the higher the chances of flaws accumulating.

Application size compounds the issue. As codebases grow, so does the volume of unresolved flaws. Large applications often carry the highest proportion of security debt, with 40% having unresolved flaws and 47% dealing with critical debt. While smaller or newer applications aren’t immune to security debt, older and larger monolithic systems typically present the greatest challenges.

Another contributing factor is the use of third-party, open source code. Vulnerabilities in third-party code are discovered on an ongoing basis, so unless these libraries are updated regularly, applications face an increasing risk. Additionally, the rise of generative AI in coding exacerbates the issue. Gartner predicts that by 2028, 75% of enterprise developers will use AI code assistants.

While AI-generated code isn’t inherently less secure than human-written code, it often carries risks. Many Large Language Models (LLMs) used to generate code are trained on insecure open-source projects, resulting in vulnerabilities if not properly vetted. An over-reliance on AI without proper oversight can accelerate the accumulation of security debt.

It’s also worth noting that security debt isn’t necessarily the result of poor decision-making or mismanagement. Time and resource constraints often force developers to make difficult choices about which flaws to address and which to defer.

Harnessing AI to combat security debt

Fortunately, advancements in AI tools provide development teams with powerful tools to reduce security debt. AI-driven solutions, particularly those trained on curated security datasets, excel at identifying and remediating vulnerabilities with high accuracy. These tools enable developers to address security risks more efficiently while ensuring data integrity and system security.

AI allows developers to “shift security left” in the software development lifecycle, identifying and resolving issues as they write code. This proactive approach minimizes the likelihood of costly vulnerabilities arising later in the development process, saving valuable time and resources. Additionally, by incorporating AI, organizations can better manage the growing volume of flaws, tackling both critical and less severe security debt.

Frequent code scanning remains essential, but without actionable remediation, it is not enough. AI bridges this gap by enabling continuous fixing alongside continuous scanning. By automating parts of the remediation process, AI helps teams overcome resource constraints and ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed before they become significant liabilities. Despite initial concerns about AI’s role in security, it is clear that using it responsibly is key to mitigating security debt effectively.

A future with AI

As AI continues to reshape the technological landscape, its impact on security is set to grow. With seven out of ten organizations already facing significant backlogs of security debt and vulnerabilities on the rise, development teams will need all the help they can get to stay ahead.

The future of software security will place greater emphasis on prevention. Rather than solely focusing on identifying and fixing flaws, the priority will be to prevent vulnerabilities from entering the codebase in the first place. AI has the potential to accelerate this shift by enabling scalable, secure fixes and supporting developers in tackling not only critical security debt but also the broader spectrum of unresolved flaws.

By working with AI responsibly and strategically, organizations can build a safer, more secure digital future while giving developers the tools they need to address security debt effectively.

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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

• Google Wallet now has a built-in payment system for kids
• Parents can monitor their child’s transactions and enforce limits
• The update is rolling out over the next few weeks

Allowing your kids access to your phone’s wallet can be a surefire way to quickly lose your savings, but there are also times when you might want to let them in, such as when they need to use a digital library card. So, what can you do to get it right?

Well, Google thinks it has a solution of sorts. It’s just announced a new feature for Google Wallet that grants kids access to limited funds while ensuring that parents are still in control. The feature is being rolled out to users in the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Poland “over the next few weeks,” Google says.

According to Google’s press release, parents and guardians can “allow their children to access digital payments on their Android device with appropriate supervision.” In practice, that means “kids can use Google Wallet to securely tap to pay in stores and keep supported passes like event tickets, library cards and gift cards in one convenient place.”

The update comes with built-in parental controls. “A child’s payment cards can only be added with parental consent,” Google says, “and parents will receive an email whenever their child makes a transaction. Parents can also easily track recent purchases, remove payment cards and turn off access to passes right in Family Link.”

Financial independence

(Image credit: Shutterstock / sdx15)

This isn’t the first time Google has implemented a kid-friendly payment system with parental controls included. In the company’s Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch, for example, children can tap to pay for items, while parents can monitor purchases and reward their youngsters when chores are completed.

Apple also has a similar feature built into Apple Cash. Parents or guardians can view a child’s recent card transactions, choose who they can send money to, receive notifications when a payment is made, lock the child’s Apple Cash account, and more.

Financial literacy is a great life skill for children to have, so it makes sense to allow them some degree of independence here, as Google and others are doing. The built-in controls should go some way to reassuring parents, although each family will need to work out an arrangement that works best for them.

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