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Our Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review

(Image credit: Konami)

"Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a fantastic version of an absolute masterpiece, and one I’d wholly recommend to anyone. As a remake, it’s incredibly beholden to the original, to a point that is almost too faithful outside of minor tweaks to gameplay and a visual overhaul. That isn’t inherently a bad thing, but does mean it won’t have too much fresh to offer those returning to it." - Scott McRae, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.

While there's been no confirmation of a Metal Gear Solid 6 on the horizon, it seems unlikely that Japanese entertainment giant Konami would abandon one of its most beloved properties so easily.

While Konami released the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 in 2023, and is still working away on the imminent Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, the prospect of a Metal Gear Solid 6 is made more distant by the absence of franchise creator Hideo Kojima. The renowned auteur was very much the driving force behind the series but parted ways with Konami after the successful release of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain in 2015. Since then, Kojima has formed his own studio, Kojima Productions, which is responsible for Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

Those looking for a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid series may be in luck, however, as Kojima has announced that he's working on a new action-espionage game called Physint which he promises will be "the culmination of my work." While Physint certainly sounds exciting, Kojima doesn't own the rights to Metal Gear Solid, meaning that any official follow-up would need to come with Konami's blessing. We've scoured the internet to find indications of what (if anything) Konami might be up to on this front. Read on to find out more.

Metal Gear Solid 6: cut to the chase

• What is it? The unconfirmed sixth game in the Metal Gear Solid series
• When’s it out? TBC
• What can I play it on? TBC

Metal Gear Solid 6 - what we know

(Image credit: Konami)

Metal Gear is in a strange sort of limbo right now, at least in terms of new games in the mainline series. Hideo Kojima, now working at his own studio, has long since severed ties with Konami. However, Konami still owns the rights to the series. So far, Konami has only released one Kojima-free Metal Gear title: Metal Gear Survive.

Currently, we are awaiting the release of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, which releases August 28, 2025. This could be a testing bed of sorts for the series, and might potentially be used to justify a new addition to the Metal Gear Solid saga.

We imagine if Metal Gear Solid 6, or some new series entry, is on the way, then it will arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC at the very least.

Metal Gear Solid 6 - what we want to see

(Image credit: Konami)

Metal Gear Solid 6 may not have been confirmed by Konami, but here's what we would want to see in a new Metal Gear Solid game.

Return to the sandbox
Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain saw a marked shift in the Metal Gear Solid format. In a similar way to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the games took the essential elements of the Metal Gear formula and spun them anew within an open-world sandbox environment.

It was a big deal for a series known for enclosed areas to instead offer an open space over which you could gradually exert control. The change in philosophy rejuvenated the series and any sequel should continue that trend by iterating on the wealth of changes Metal Gear Solid 5 introduced.

More sci-fi
As much as I enjoyed Metal Gear Solid 5, I did find the trappings of the 1980s somewhat limiting, especially compared with the over-the-top sci-fi bombast of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. As much as I love the more understated and historical side of Metal Gear, I know I'm not alone in missing the awesome giant mech fights of Metal Gear Solid 4. Metal Gear has always been eerily prescient when it's looked toward the future, and I'd love to see more.

(Image credit: Konami)

Story
Metal Gear Solid 5 ended with the revelation that you hadn’t been playing as Big Boss, but as a man who had been brainwashed and surgically altered to think and look like he was Big Boss. It was a leftfield twist but also explains how Snake was able to kill Big Boss twice in the original Metal Gear games.

In the first Metal Gear, Snake kills the doppelganger (aka 'Venom' Snake) and in Metal Gear 2 he kills the real Big Boss.

There are many places where Metal Gear Solid 6 could pick up the story, but a likely candidate would be right after the events of Metal Gear Solid 5, potentially as Big Boss establishes Outer Heaven, his renegade state. This would give fans a chance to re-meet characters like Grey Fox and Dr Pettrovich, though from a new perspective. Alternatively, Konami could take a leaf out of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's book and focus on the future of Metal Gear and the long-term consequences of its characters' actions.

Unanswered questions
While Konami disputes it, many people feel Metal Gear Solid 5 is unfinished. The game’s final mission, Episode 51, was literally cut from the game, so there is little resolution when it comes to Eli, Big Boss’ clone. At one point he steals a mech from your base and disappears, but, thanks to the cut mission, you never end up giving chase. While The Phantom Pain’s collector’s edition revealed what would have happened in the cut mission, it would be great to play that final part and to see Eli, the boy soldier, become Liquid Snake, your nemesis throughout Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 4.

Hideo Kojima’s departure from Konami doesn’t have to spell the end for Metal Gear Solid. However, if the publisher wants to continue its most famous series for itself, then it better be ready to fill some rather large boots.

Metal Gear Solid 6 news

Metal Gear Solid movie gets a promising update
Producer Ari Arad spoke in an interview with Brian Crecente about the upcoming Metal Gear movie. On whether it’ll be the pinnacle of video game adaptations, he added, "I think everyone's going to be really excited and surprised. I think getting Metal Gear right will obviously be amazing because I think it's a lot more meditative than some of the other adaptations. Personally, I want it to be terrific."

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake announced
A new Metal Gear Solid project was announced at a PlayStation Showcase event last year. This is a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, and so far, we've seen a cinematic teaser trailer and an in-engine preview video. Hopefully, more details will follow, as for now, there's little information about just how extensive a remake it will be at launch. That said, it's clear that Konami is aiming for a high production-value reimagining, perhaps in the vein of Final Fantasy 7 Remake or the Resident Evil 4 remake.

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During last week’s Made by Google event, we got an early glimpse of what appeared to be a new Google Nest smart speaker (sitting discreetly on a table beside F1 driver Lando Norris). Now, three more devices appear to have leaked: a new version of the Nest Video Doorbell, and a pair of home security cameras. The details come courtesy of Android Headlines, which hasn’t disclosed the identity of its source, but has included several pictures that seem to be from marketing material to back up its claims.

Based on the specs provided so far, it sounds very much like Google is taking the fight to Amazon, competing with Echo speakers, and Ring doorbells and cameras.

We don’t have prices and release dates for the new Nest devices yet, but it seems unlikely that Google will be able to compete on cost alone. Amazon’s products are some of the cheapest smart home devices around, so Google is likely relying on the power of Gemini for Home to give it the edge. It might just do that, as Alexa+ continues to roll out at a glacial pace, but we'll have to get hands-on with both before we can compare the two directly.

On the subject of prices, Google is apparently renaming Nest Aware to Google Home Premium, with multiple paid tiers. These will presumably work in a similar way to Ring Home, with the most expensive option offering support for more devices, extra storage for videos, and additional AI-powered features. For more details on the different Ring payment plans that Google will be competing with, take a look at our complete guide to Ring Home subscriptions.

Personally I’m hoping for a package that bundles the best features of Google One AI Premium together with Google Home Premium for a lower price than the two separate services, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

Unlike Amazon, Google is also facing a serious problem with disillusioned users who claim that their smart home devices are no longer working as advertised, throwing up error messages or failing to recognize commands. In fact, there are so many complaints that a US law firm has announced that it has "begun investigating a possible class action".

The new Nest devices will have to be something really special to turn that around, so let's take a closer look.

Nest speaker with 360-degree audio

First, the speaker. Early details are scant – we already assumed that it would feature Google Gemini – but Android Headlines' mystery source has gleaned a few interesting snippets of information.

The new speaker will apparently offer some interesting AI-powered features, including one that will detect when you’re away and watch out for worrying sounds that suggest someone may be trying to break into your home. This would tie the speaker into your home security system, together with the doorbell and two security cams, so it makes sense that Google is apparently launching the trio together as AI-powered eyes and ears to guard your home.

We’ve not been told anything about the silicon responsible for all of this, but the new Nest speaker is presumably much more powerful than its predecessors, which were released before AI began wending its way into our homes, and therefore had much more modest processing requirements.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The only other titbits that have been revealed are that the new Nest speaker will offer 360-degree sound, and can be paired with a Google TV streamer. It sounds as though it sits somewhere in between the existing Nest Mini and Nest Audio, aiming to provide the best of both worlds with both a relatively compact design and respectable audio quality.

Its closest rival appears to be the 4th-generation Amazon Echo, but the Nest’s 360-degree sound and inclusion of Gemini for Home could give it two big advantages. Although the Echo sounds good, and can be paired with a Fire TV streamer, its speaker is front-firing and it’s yet to receive the promised upgrade to Alexa+.

Amazon has promised that its AI assistant will be coming to its existing smart speakers, but hasn’t said when, and I’m guessing that most processing will need to happen in the cloud due to the Echo’s less powerful processor, which could result in more latency than you’ll get with the new Google Nest speaker.

Doorbell with local storage (sort of)

Now let’s take a look at the new Nest doorbell. Based on its specifications, it sounds like Google will be competing directly with the current wired Ring Video Doorbell, but personally I think that’s a risky strategy.

Video doorbells have come a long way in the last few years, and although Ring might still be the biggest name, it’s facing stiff competition from rivals like Swann and Eufy, whose doorbells can store all your footage locally on an SD card without the need for a paid monthly plan (for more details, take a look at my guide to subscription-free video doorbells).

According to Android Headlines, the new Nest doorbell will have some local storage, but only as a backup option in case it loses internet connectivity. It will keep an hour of video for you, but won’t be an alternative to paid-for cloud storage.

The new Nest doorbell’s 2K resolution is another potentially limiting factor. Over the last year we’ve tested a couple of models that can record at 4K (namely the SwannBuddy4K and Lorex 4K Battery Doorbell), and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we see a 4K Ring doorbell in the next year or so. By releasing a 2K model in late 2025, Google is at risk of being left behind.

Philips, Eufy, and EZVIZ have all released excellent video doorbells that give you full functionality and local video storage without a subscription plan (Image credit: Future)

Judging from the leaked 3D render, it looks like Google’s new doorbell will only have one camera, which also surprises me. It’s now standard for video doorbells to have dual cameras for a greater vertical field of view, allowing them to capture visitors’ faces as well as packages left on your doorstep, with equal clarity. Without a bottom camera, the Nest model might not be able to ‘see’ parcels effectively, potentially leaving them vulnerable to porch pirates.

Then there's the price. The latest Ring Doorbell wired costs just $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89, whereas the most recent Nest Video Doorbell had a launch price of $179.99 / £249.99 / AU$329. It’s unlikely that Google will be dropping its prices to match Ring, so I can only surmise that it’s relying on Gemini to give the new Nest Video Doorbell the edge.

According to the leaked specs, the new Nest doorbell will offer features including Activity Zones, Garage Door Alerts, and Familiar Face Alerts – all of which will be familiar to current Nest doorbell owners – plus new intelligent alerts that will send you a notification when an animal, person, or vehicle is spotted. Other doorbells offer something similar, so the Nest doorbell’s success will depend on how fast and accurate these all are, and how well the software can avoid false positives.

Red is the new black?

For me, the new indoor and outdoor Nest security cameras sound much more tempting than the doorbell. Both of these are wired, though it’s possible that Google may release a battery-powered model at a later date.

Again, Google seems to be aiming to eat Ring’s lunch, and its new cams appear to be direct rivals to the plug-in versions of the Ring Indoor Camera and Outdoor Security Camera, but there are some significant differences.

The most obvious of these is their design. We’re fans of Nest’s affordable and functional cams here at TechRadar, and they regularly find a place in our roundup of the best home security cameras, but I have to admit that they’re not particularly easy on the eye. It’s definitely a case of function over form.

Ring cameras are functional, but not beautiful (Image credit: Future)

The new Nest cams have a friendlier look, with rounded bodies and mounts, and will reportedly be available in a range of colors - not just black and white - so you can pick something that will blend better with your decor (or stand out, in the case of the red model).

Commenters on the Google Home subreddit seem to generally agree that the red option is an eyesore, but personally I like it as a way to let people know they’re being recorded - like a big red 'rec' button in your living room. You might think otherwise, though.

Comment from r/googlehome

The only potential design downside for me is the lack of a physical privacy cover on the indoor cam. This would shield the lens and microphone when you want a moment to yourself, and is one of the features we appreciated when testing the latest Ring Indoor Camera.

Both of Google’s new cameras will record at 2K, whereas the equivalent Ring cameras are limited to 1080p, and you’ll get the same Gemini-powered alerts and notifications as you do with the new Nest doorbell too

Again, according to Android Headlines there’ll be a limited amount of local storage in case the camera loses Wi-Fi connectivity. If you’re looking for a cam that will store all your videos locally and give you full control over them, take a look at our guide to subscription-free home security cameras.

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Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence is still expected to land on mobile devices at some point, but we're yet to have an exact release date or even an updated release window. Fortunately, we do have news of upcoming betas, so there's still a decent amount of information to sink our teeth into.

With the most recent trailer having been showcased as part of Ubisoft Forward, there’s no better time to start looking into why The Division Resurgence should be one of your most anticipated upcoming games. Hopefully, we'll hear an update in the coming months, given that the beta is running in September.

Here’s everything we know about what could be one of the best Android games of recent years. From the latest news, to info on what to expect from the gameplay, let's dig into what's been said about The Division Resurgence so far.

The Division Resurgence - cut to the chase 

• What is it? A free-to-play, third-person shooter RPG mobile game
• When can I play it? TBC
• What can I play it on? Android and iOS
• Who’s making it? Ubisoft

The Division Resurgence platforms

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The Division Resurgence will be released exclusively on Android and iOS devices, shaking things up from the previous The Divison games which were released on console and PC, but offering a new story alongside its new platform. In addition, the game is entirely free to play on mobile devices. Should the release be as streamlined as we are anticipating, it could be a hell of a hit on mobile.

There’s currently nothing to suggest that the game will eventually come to PC or home console, but basing our assumption on how the game appears to be built exclusively for mobile devices right now, we believe that there are no plans for the game to ever leave its mobile exclusivity.

The Division Resurgence story and setting

The Division Resurgence promises a new storyline based on the previous two Division games while maintaining a familiar setting stripped from the first game. The Division Resurgence puts you in the position of becoming a member of the first wave of Strategic Homeland Division agents, amidst a virus outbreak in New York City.

New York will set the scene for the game, as you will need to defend the metropolitan area against waves of enemies and crime syndicates, alongside completing missions to help you explore the area.

There will be a variety of PVE missions on offer, both as part of the central campaign and as unique side missions to help you explore the world outside of your placement in New York. We are yet to learn about what these missions will specifically involve, but we do know that the post-apocalyptic setting is home to numerous hostile enemies you should expect to face during your time with the title.

The Division Resurgence gameplay

In terms of gameplay, we know a pretty limited amount about what to expect from The Division Resurgence as a whole. We’ve received a short, three-minute look at the in-game content, but aside from using a minimap to track a mission, a slight look at how combat plays, and a look at the new compact UI designed specifically for mobile play, there’s a lot to learn still.

Even though The Division Resurgence is set to arrive on a new platform for the franchise, you can expect the game to play in the same style as the previous Division games. Between tense combat and completing missions, you’ll be able to work your way through a skill tree, alongside exploring what the new classes offer and how you can utilize them during your time in Resurgence.

Each class or specialization has a unique skill tree, so whether you’re more of a vanguard or if you’d rather rely on explosives for a quick and easy takedown, you’ll need to focus on improving your own skills to help out teammates and progress through side missions, and the campaign.

In addition, the time it takes to complete central and side missions has been reduced, so you will be able to play in short bursts while on the go, ideal for any mobile gamer. Despite these missions being significantly shorter in completion time in comparison to The Division and The Division 2, that doesn’t mean they lack detail.

You should expect to have your skills put to the test in each mission, whether that’s through a grab-and-go mission or something more hands-on with the enemies. Looting and crafting have also been highlighted to be integral to the game, being the core mechanic when upgrading your weapons and your gear.

The Division Resurgence trailers

The most recent look we’ve had at The Division Resurgence is through a Tactical Action CGI Trailer which was shown as part of Ubisoft Forward Live in June 2023. Within this trailer, we see an animated rendition of the setting, characters, abilities, and combat we can expect to experience throughout the game. We also meet a few enemies and their coinciding attacks, before seeing what looks like a look at actual in-game footage followed by the release window of Fall 2023. This was later followed by a delay to Early 2024.

We’ve scattered a few additional trailers for The Division Resurgence throughout this article, but if you want to find out a little more for yourself, it’s worth looking at Ubisoft's official YouTube channel.

The Division Resurgence beta start date

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

There's an upcoming beta for The Division Resurgence, announced during Gamescom 2025. The game will go back into closed testing sometime in September 2025. You can hear this confirmed in the video below:

The Division Resurgence news

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The Division Resurgence delayed
Ubisoft released its first quarter 2024-2025 earnings report, revealing that The Division Resurgence has been delayed:

"Rainbow Six® Mobile and The Division® Resurgence are no loger expected in FY25 as the teams are taking the necessary time to ensure that these experiences deliver on expectations with optimized KPIs in the context of a demanding yet very large market."

The Division Resurgence gets a world introduction trailer
Six months after the release of its official reveal, The Division Resurgence world introduction trailer offers a more in-depth look at the world we will explore within the game. Similarly to the first The Division game, we are taken back to New York to embark on some high-risk high-reward missions in an attempt to save what remains of civilization. Between a cinematic introduction and in-game content,

The Division Resurgence receives official reveal trailer
The official reveal trailer for The Division Resurgence launched in 2022, offering the first look at what to expect from the mobile-only title. Transporting us back to New York, the original setting for the first Division game, we get to see the collapse of civilization and agents of the division stepping up to save what remains. A few different areas of what we expect to be the map are shown before the trailer comes to a close with no release date.

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• ChatGPT Projects now have their own separate memory
• It stops your projects interfering with the rest of ChatGPT
• Available now in the web interface and coming to iOS and Android in a few weeks

ChatGPT Projects are ways to keep all your work on a particular subject in one place. If you create a new project then you can group together chats, files you’ve uploaded, and custom instructions all in one place.

Say, for example, that you’re planning a trip to go kayaking in the Florida Keys. Instead of having all your conversations about the trip, discussions of routes, and places to say spread all over your ChatGPT chats list, you can group them altogether in a Project, so you can easily refer to them later.

Saved memories

OpenAI has just added a new feature that affects ChatGPT’s memory in relation to projects. So, if we use our Florida Keys tips as an example, it could be that one of your party is a vegetarian, so you can ask ChatGPT to remember within the project that it should always recommend restaurants that have good vegetarian options.

When you get back to your normal ChatGPT conversations, this memory wouldn’t be helpful, so now there’s a way to confine that memory to the project.

Starting a new project is easy – you just click on New Project in the left hand menu on the web interface.

When you open a new project click on ‘More options’ then change Memory from Default to Project-only and you’re good to go. ChatGPT will now draw context only from conversations already in the project and your previous saved memories from outside the project will have no effect on what’s inside the project.

You can activate Project-only memories when you open a new project. (Image credit: OpenAI)Islands of thought

There is one thing to check first though, for this to work, ChatGPT’s memory must be enabled in Settings. Go to Settings, then Personalization then Memory and make sure Reference Saved Memories is turned on.

Currently Project-only memory is only enabled for ChatGPT in the website and in the Windows app, but it’s coming to iOS and Android versions of the app in the coming weeks.

With Project-only memories, your projects can now become the tightly-focused and self-contained islands of thought they were always designed to be.

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• OneNote for Windows 10 loses support at the same time as the OS
• New OneNote on Windows app replaces it with new features
• Users can update by using the in-app migration ribbon

Microsoft has warned users its OneNote note-taking app is set to lose support for Windows 10 machines from October 14, 2025, and with this landmark comes an important software update.

From that deadline, Microsoft OneNote will be a read-only app, meaning notes can be viewed but not edited or synced.

No further updates, bug fixes or security patches will be provided in line with Windows 10 also losing support on October 14.

OneNote won’t be supported in Windows 10 from October 2025

“As we continue to invest in a more secure, modern, and capable note-taking experience, we’re consolidating our efforts into a single, more powerful OneNote on Windows app,” OneNote Product Manager Bola Soneye wrote in a blog post announcing the news.

By streamlining OneNote, Microsoft is promising faster delivery of new features, long-term support and a “foundation for future innovation in OneNote.”

To move from the classic Windows 10 version of OneNote to the new OneNote on Windows app, users must sync their notes and then use the in-app migration ribbon to ‘Move to the newest version of OneNote’.

The new app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for free, but users must sign in with work, school or personal accounts to unlock it.

The blog post also details specific processes for Enterprise and Education customers.

Looking ahead, Microsoft’s roadmap has plenty of entries for OneNote, including a whole host of Copilot-based improvements like summarization, Q&A, voice tools, image and video support and audio overviews.

The OneNote change is just part of a broader shift happening as Windows 10 makes room for Windows 11. Earlier in June 2025, Windows 11 adoption finally caught up with Windows 10 (via Statcounter), before surpassing it one month later.

Soneye concluded by urging OneNote users to migrate now rather than leaving it until the last minute to avoid disruptions.

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Annoyingly, The Gilded Age season 4 isn't going to be on our screens for an age (pun intended) yet. In fact, we don't actually have a release window at all, which isn't too surprising given that season 3 only wrapped a few weeks ago. However, the last few episodes told us a lot about what we can expect going forward, and all eyes are on George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha (Carrie Coon).

George’s life hung in the balance in the closing scene of season 3 episode 7. He’d previously won out against Clay (Patrick Page) and Mr. Sage (Peter McRobbie), getting the business back on track in spite of their rivalry. However, this came at a price. A courier soon visited George’s office, pulling a gun on his secretary before aiming it straight at George himself. The gun went off, the screen goes black and we had no idea whether he’s alive or died.

In episode 8, we find out that George was indeed shot, but managed to make a miraculous recovery. But once George is well enough, he promptly tells wife Bertha that he’s not even sure if he loves her or trusts her, leaving for New York without so much as an amicable thought between them. We've currently got no idea if George is even going to return for season 4, but we do know Bertha has to rebuild her life on her own, likely vicariously living through Gladys (Taissa Farmiga).

However, I don't think it's George or Bertha who deserve all the attention in The Gilded Age season 4, or should be the storyline that's going to change 19th century New York from the way that we know it. For me, a new era lies in Gladys herself, and it's her recent marriage and impending pregnancy that will have a lot to answer for.

Gladys' marriage and pregnancy will change The Gilded Age season 4 for good, mark my words

Taissa Farmiga as Gladys in The Gilded Age. (Image credit: HBO)

Gladys announces she is pregnant right in the episode's final moments, with George seemingly out of the picture. At its most basic level, the final moments of season 3 mean Bertha got everything she'd been working towards, but now has been left without a stable family unit of her own. Watching Gladys wed the Duke of Buckingham, and essentially become part of British aristocracy by proxy, was what she always wanted, but it's the consequences we need to be paying attention to.

Firstly, Glady's story is actually based on real life. She's loosely based on Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American socialite and member of the Vanderbilt family who married the 9th Duke of Marlborough during the real Gilded Age. However, theirs became known as a loveless marriage that was 'forced' on her by her mother, with their union thought of as being advantageous to everyone expect for Consuelo herself. Sound familiar?

On top of this, Gladys is who will bring us closest to creator Julian Fellowes' biggest global hit, Downton Abbey. We're still a way off time wise, with The Gilded Age still being the latter stage of the 1800s while Downton Abbey originally began in 1912, but if Gladys stayed with her Duke, had his baby and moved to England, the timelines cross over enough for her to have be middle aged when season 1 of Downton Abbey rolls around. If that doesn't smell like a spinoff, I don't know what does.

Regardless of which direction Gladys' story actually takes, it'll no doubt change the trajectory of The Gilded Age's future – and that's before we even considering how all of this affects Bertha. But who knows whether Gladys will realise she's living Bertha's dream and quit while she's ahead?

"I hope I don't have to play pregnant too long," Taissa Farmiga told Marie Claire. I don't want to have to wear a corset with a pregnancy belt. Let's just throw this out there – maybe Julian reads this. But also I'll do what I have to do!"

All three seasons of The Gilded Age are streaming on HBO Max in the US, NOW TV in the UK and Paramount+ in Australia.

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• Intel has a new 'Gamer Days 2025' promotion running until September 7th
• You get Battlefield 6 for free with certain CPUs or prebuilt PCs
• There are also some chunky discounts to be had with some CPUs

Intel's latest angle to try and shift more of its desktop processors is a promotion tied in with Battlefield 6.

Wccftech reports that Intel has kicked off its 'Gamer Days 2025' campaign – running through until September 7th – which involves some beefy discounts on some of its CPUs (as well as prebuilt PCs containing those processors). However, the big draw for many will be the free copy of Battlefield 6 that's bundled with this offer.

To pick out some examples from the current generation of Arrow Lake CPUs, the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 285K has been reduced by 12% on Amazon (so in the US it's $530 instead of $600 now), plus that Battlefield 6 freebie. The more mainstream Core Ultra 7 265K processor is the real attraction here, though, with a discount of 36% at Amazon currently (meaning a reduction from an MSRP of $399 down to $259).

This isn't just about Arrow Lake, though, as some previous-generation chips are also reduced. These include the Intel Core i5-14600K which is currently out of stock at Amazon in the US (but is down to $150 at Newegg after a discount code is applied, a seriously tempting proposition at that price level).

In total, there are almost 20 processors involved in this promotion on Amazon, and PC builders such as CyberPowerPC and Origin are in the mix when it comes to the prebuilt rigs included in the offer in the US (or there's the likes of Scan and Overclockers in the UK).

Analysis: heavy hitter of a freebie is needed

(Image credit: EA)

Battlefield 6 represents $70 of value in the US, so if you were intending to buy the game anyway, grabbing one of these CPUs with that outlay knocked off leaves them pretty cheap indeed in some cases.

The price cuts in themselves are nice, but it's the game offer that's doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, as we've already seen these kinds of discounts for Intel chips – even the current-gen models.

Or I should say especially the current-gen Arrow Lake CPUs, as these are rather lackluster in terms of their gaming performance, so Intel needs help getting some sales momentum behind them. That goes for past-gen chips, too, which have the shadow of previous stability issues still hanging over them – consumers aren’t going to forget that episode in a hurry.

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• Last week, the Fitbit app got a redesign with Dark Mode
• The much-requested feature has been a long time coming, as many competitor apps have been using this design for years
• Here's how to switch Dark Mode on and off using Settings

The Fitbit app is undergoing some big changes. To coincide with the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4 (you can read our early impressions in our Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on review) it's getting a personal AI health coach in the US and, as far as we're aware, UI changes as well.

However, before those changes come into effect, Google has given the Fitbit app a significant facelift already, with the launch of Dark Mode.

The Fitbit app, since its inception, has always been set against a bright off-white backdrop regardless whether the rest of your phone is in Dark Mode or not.

It's resisted change even though competitors for the crown of best fitness app, such as Apple Health and Garmin Connect, have been on dark backgrounds to make parsing through complex graphs and planning workouts easier on the eyes.

(Image credit: Garmin/Shutterstock)

In my opinion, it's crazy that despite the popularity of the best Fitbits, it's taken so long for the companion app to get a Dark Mode. It's a simple inversion that makes the experience of using the app so much better for most people.

However, if I was being completely cynical, it might have taken so long because Google simply didn't know what to do with Fitbit.

I've written plenty about Google's neglect of the brand while folding the best hardware features into its Pixel Watch series, but it seems as though after last year's app redesign, Dark Mode and this year's heavy investment into the AI health coach, Google's finally seeing a way for Fitbit to exist within Google's complex ecosystem going forward.

When I opened my Fitbit app this morning, Dark Mode was already enabled. However, in case yours hasn't switched over automatically or you're looking for manual adjustment, here's how to toggle Dark Mode on and off.

(Image credit: Future)

• Ensure your Fitbit app is updated to version 4.50. If not, navigate to Software Updates in your phone's settings
• In the Fitbit app, tap your profile image and go to Fitbit Settings
• In Settings, tap the new Theme option
• You can choose between System Default, Light or Dark options
• System Default will match Fitbit to your phone's theme, so if you use Dark Mode on your phone's operating system, Fitbit will switch automatically

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• Researchers find 9.3/10 flaw in Docker Desktop for Windows and macOS
• The bug allows threat actors to compromise underlying hosts and tamper with data
• A fix was quickly released, so users should patch now

Docker has patched a critical severity vulnerability in its Desktop app for Windows and macOS which could have allowed threat actors to fully take over vulnerable hosts, exfiltrate sensitive data, and more.

The vulnerability is described as a server-side request forgery (SSRF) and, according to the NVD, it “allows local running Linux containers to access the Docker Engine API via the configured Docker subnet.”

“A malicious container running on Docker Desktop could access the Docker Engine and launch additional containers without requiring the Docker socket to be mounted,” Docker said in a follow-up security advisory. “This could allow unauthorized access to user files on the host system. Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) does not mitigate this vulnerability.”

Not all systems are affected in the same way

The bug was discovered and reported by security researcher Felix Boulet. It is now tracked as CVE-2025-9074 and was given a severity rating of 9.3/10 (critical).

However, a separate researcher, Philippe Dugre, stressed that the risk is not the same on all platforms, noting it’s actually somewhat greater on Windows, compared to macOS.

This is due to the safeguards baked into the macOS operating system. Dugre managed to create a file in the user’s home directory on Windows, but not on macOS:

"On Windows, since the Docker Engine runs via WSL2, the attacker can mount as an administrator the entire filesystem, read any sensitive file, and ultimately overwrite a system DLL to escalate the attacker to administrator of the host system," Dugre explained.

"On MacOS, however, the Docker Desktop application still has a layer of isolation and trying to mount a user directory prompts the user for permission. By default, the docker application does not have access to the rest of the filesystem and does not run with administrative privileges, so the host is a lot safer than in the Windows case," he added.

Docker fixed it in Desktop version 4.44.3, so users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.

Via BleepingComputer

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In a new proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon [via The Hollywood Reporter], the company has been accused of “bait and switch" (a type of fraudulent activity) on Prime Video. This means they are allegedly misleading consumers into thinking they’ve purchased content when they’re only getting a license to watch, which can be revoked at any time if Amazon loses the rights to a title.

The potential lawsuit claims: "violations of California unfair competition, false advertising and consumer legal remedies laws. It seeks unspecified damages, including disgorgement of profits and punitive damages for allegedly intentionally malicious conduct." Filed in Washington federal court on August 22 2025, the proposal claims that Amazon is "misrepresenting the nature of movie and TV transactions during the purchase process".

In case that's not clear, let's take the unwatched digital version of Conclave I 'bought' on Prime Video so my parents didn't miss out on this year's Oscar hype as an example. I have a digital copy, but if Prime Video's licensing agreements were to change, so too could the version of Conclave I have access to. If Amazon were to no longer have the rights to the title, my parents would lose the movie.

As the complaint points out, “you receive a license to the video and you agree to our terms," meaning that what you actually get for parting with your money is written in the small print. But should Prime Video be allowed to tell subscribers that they've "bought" a movie, and what does this mean for us users in the long run?

Prime Video’s new class action lawsuit proves we need to invest in more physical media

Prime Video has a huge back catalog, but are we really buying it? (Image credit: Amazon)

Before we go any further, let's not forget that this isn't the first lawsuit of this kind Prime Video has had against it. In 2020, a separate lawsuit alleged "unfair competition and false advertising over the practice". While Amazon has not yet publicly commented on the new class action, it claimed in 2020 that using the word "buy" isn't deceptive to subscribers because consumers already understand that their purchases is subjective to license agreements. Five years later, and I'd say that likely isn't the case.

Back in 2023, a Californian legislature brought the problem to the forefront again. Gamers found that their access to The Crew would be stopped after Ubisoft shut down the game's servers, inspiring the 'Stop Killing Games' movement that took aim at publishers destroying previously-bought consumer titles.

However, it's changes to Californian legislature this year work to our new lawsuit's advantage. Essentially, a state law has barred the use of the word 'purchase' in a transaction unless "it offers unrestricted ownership of the product." Obviously, our Prime Video small print doesn't fit into this, and Amazon can hardly afford to lose such a huge profit share as California (if it was its own separate country, California would be the fourth largest economy in the world).

We don't yet know what any of this means for streamers with a Prime Video subscription on a wider level, but to me, it's an incredibly stark reminder that we need to keep investing in physical media as much as possible. Yes, it's more expensive than paying a flat fee every month for all the content you can possibly want. But it's like dating: if you become more intentional in what you invest in, the results are lifelong.

If you have physical copies of movies and TV shows that you love, you can never be parted from them, and it's the only way we can now guarantee the security of what we buy. Maybe it's time for the best streaming services to revert to the good old days of sending us discs in the post to watch and return when we're done with them, just like Netflix did in the late 2000s.

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Walk into most organizations today and ask what they're spending on SaaS. Odds are, no one can give you a confident answer. Not because they don't want to, it's because no one actually knows.

Ask a different question: who owns SaaS spend in your company? You'll likely hear three things: "Finance handles it," "That's IT's job," or "Honestly, it depends.”

And therein lies the real problem. While companies are dropping anywhere from $9,000 to $17,000 per employee annually on software, most organizations have zero clue what they're actually buying.

The explosion of software tools across every function, only exacerbated by AI, has quietly created a gap between what companies think they're managing and what they're actually managing. And that gap is getting more expensive by the month.

SaaS sprawl is worse than you think

Here's how it happens: your marketing team signs up for Canva Pro, your sales team gets Calendly, design jumps on Figma, and engineering grabs another GitHub license. Meanwhile, IT is already paying for Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft has calendar functionality, you've got design tools in your existing stack, and there's a company-wide GitHub Enterprise account sitting unused.

This isn't just wasteful spending. It's what we call SaaS sprawl, and it's quietly bleeding companies dry. Recent data shows organizations use an average of 112 SaaS applications, with large enterprises using up to 447 different tools. And I think this is actually underrepresented. When every department acts like its own startup, you end up with a technology Frankenstein that nobody can control or understand.

When you factor in that companies waste 30-50% of their SaaS budgets on unused licenses, and missed renewal dates can cost upwards of $200,000 per instance, it’s hard to understand why so many are not addressing this problem head on. When there's no centralized intake or contract visibility, things slip through. You renew tools no one's using. You pay above market rates because you don't benchmark. You get hit with surprise auto-renewals.

The AI acceleration problem

And, just when some companies thought they had SaaS sprawl under control, AI came along and hit the gas pedal. We're seeing the late 2010s SaaS explosion all over again, but this time it's powered by artificial intelligence.

We’re in the middle of a perfect storm. Leadership wants teams to be AI-enabled, to experiment, to learn. They're actively encouraging employees to test new tools and find ways to work more efficiently. Meanwhile, IT teams are desperately trying to control the sprawl that's already spiraling out of control.

Guess who wins? The credit card.

Employees are swiping corporate cards to try the latest AI writing tool, testing out OpenAI subscriptions, or spinning up Zapier automations without any security review or budget coordination. Each purchase seems small and reasonable. A $20 monthly subscription here, a $50 annual plan there. But multiply that across every department, every team, every curious employee, and you've got a massive problem.

The conflicting stories are everywhere. Leaders preach innovation and experimentation while finance teams watch budgets explode. IT departments create approval processes while employees find workarounds. Everyone wants to be AI-first, but nobody wants to be the one who says no to the next breakthrough tool.

Shadow IT: The innovation myth

Here's where things get interesting. Some people claim Shadow IT and now Shadow AI drives innovation. They're wrong. Anyone claiming Shadow IT drives innovation isn't actually fostering an innovative environment.

When 40% of IT spending happens outside formal oversight, that's not innovation. That's broken processes. Your procurement workflows are failing to meet company needs quickly enough, so people are going rogue.

Sure, it looks like innovation on the surface. Employees find new tools, solve problems quickly, and move fast. But here's what's really happening: you're diverting time, money, and focus from actual innovation and R&D investments that could drive the company forward.

Real innovation happens when teams can explore new ideas without bypassing controls. If the only way to get work done is to go around IT or procurement, that's not agility, it's dysfunction. And it's expensive.

The security nightmare we’re all ignoring

It’s not just pure budget that is the problem, Shadow IT and AI and SaaS Sprawl are all creating security holes that many are simply not addressing. Every unauthorized app is a potential entry point for bad actors. IBM found that one in three data breaches involved Shadow IT, with the average breach costing around $4.9 million.

When someone in engineering or marketing signs up for a random productivity tool using their work email, they're potentially exposing company data. No security review, no IT approval, no encryption standards. Just click, sign up, and hope for the best.

The compliance risks are equally terrifying. Use a non-GDPR-compliant tool for EU customer data? That's a potential fine. Healthcare company using a random file-sharing app? Hello, HIPAA violations. These types of risks are happening right now at companies that think they have things under control.

Where sprawl lives

Interestingly, SaaS sprawl doesn't always come from obscure tools. It often comes from the biggest names in tech. At Tropic, we’ve found that some of the most common drivers of tool overlap and Shadow IT include:

• Zoom, Microsoft, Slack, Google – Multiple collaboration tools per organization
• Figma, Canva, Adobe – Design tool overlap with no license governance
• Salesforce, Calendly, DocuSign – Sales tools stacked on top of each other
• GitHub, JetBrains, Atlassian – Dev tools used inconsistently across teams
• Dropbox, Apple, Amazon, OpenAI – Personal subscriptions tied to work email

No one sets out to buy the same tool twice. But without visibility, it happens all the time. Every new vendor means more contracts to track, more renewals to manage, more security reviews to conduct, and more relationships to maintain. The administrative overhead alone can eat up significant resources.

When spreadsheets become expensive

A lot of finance and IT teams are still trying to manage all this complexity with spreadsheets. That's like trying to navigate a modern city with a paper map from 1995. Even a 1% error rate on $50 million of spend can waste $500,000 annually.

Dig deeper and this isn’t just a tooling issue, it's an ownership issue. Procurement or finance thinks IT is managing it. IT assumes finance has the numbers. Finance is tracking spend, but not usage. Legal might only get involved post-signature. So, things fall through the cracks.

Let's talk ROI

Here's something most people don't talk about enough: every dollar saved on procurement and purchasing has an immediate impact on the bottom line. Unlike new sales revenue, a dollar saved can be pure profit.

Reducing SaaS spend by just 6% delivers the same profit lift as a 20% increase in top-line revenue. And that's before you factor in the benefits of reduced risk, stronger compliance, and faster purchasing cycles.

We've seen companies recover hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—just by tackling renewals earlier, consolidating tools, and validating usage.

What smart companies are doing instead

The fix isn't shutting down software purchases. Not only is that impossible, but you’d have a disgruntled workforce on your hands. It is, however, about enabling them with structure. The companies that are winning aren't locking down every software request. They're treating software spend like the strategic lever it is.

Here's what best-in-class companies are doing:

• Centralizing intake. Giving teams one place to request or renew software.
• Building a software inventory. Not just contracts, but owners, usage, and cost.
• Reviewing renewals 90–180 days out. Not two weeks before expiration. Get ahead of things to determine if you need other tools and create savings.
• Using benchmarking data. So, you don't overpay for tools that should cost less.
• Measuring utilization. If you bought 500 seats and only used 320, ask why.

None of this slows people down. In fact, it makes it easier for teams to get what they need, faster because the path is clear, the data is ready, and approvals don't sit in a black hole.

The time to act

Every month you wait is money walking out the door. Those auto-renewals are happening whether you're paying attention or not. The unused licenses are accumulating. The security risks are multiplying.

But don’t fear. You don't need to solve everything at once. Start with visibility. Figure out what you're actually buying. Identify the obvious waste. Cancel the subscriptions nobody is using.

Software isn't slowing down. And with AI in the mix, things are only getting more complex. This is your moment to get control, not by over-regulating, but by creating the visibility and structure your teams need to move fast, spend wisely, and innovate securely.

Your choice is simple: act now, or pay later. The meter is running either way. You don't need 200 tools to move fast. You need the right 20 and a way to manage them well.

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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

With data becoming a more valuable business asset than ever, informing decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling businesses to gain a competitive edge, hyper-personalization is transforming how businesses interact with customers. Taking data analysis to a new frontier through the deployment of AI at scale to identify hidden consumer patterns and preferences, hyper-personalization is fast becoming the new standard for businesses seeking to attract and retain customers.

However, with increased use of data comes more challenges and responsibilities. As more people become more digital savvy, they also become more conscious of their data and how it is used. This presents a necessary challenge for businesses: how to offer high-quality but ethical personalization offerings.

How hyper-personalization is delivering breakthrough value amid rapidly shifting market demands

Tailored offerings boost engagement, and foster customer loyalty, and as a result, hyper-personalization strategies are growing exponentially because of their high-value returns.

According to IBM, effective personalization programs can reduce customer acquisition costs by up to 50% as machine learning and advanced analytics can predict customer preferences and automate decision-making, with data and analytics turning raw information into meaningful insights that drive measurable performance.

Advanced AI systems further enhance these capabilities, supporting sophisticated personalization at scale and enabling continuous adaptation as new data becomes available.

These enhancements increase agility and business dynamism – a necessity for businesses operating in today's economic and geopolitical landscape. Hyper-personalization enables companies to make faster, smarter business decisions that align with rapidly changing market conditions.

By leveraging real-time data and advanced analytics, organizations can quickly identify and respond to emerging trends, customer preferences, and competitive threats, allowing them to adapt their strategies and operations in near real-time.

How businesses are approaching hyper-personalization

Having undergone a wide adoption, personalization strategies are offering businesses the ability to reshape everything from customer experience to product development, proving personalization to be one of the most strategic use cases of artificial intelligence.

Across industries, leading organizations are seizing the power of AI and advanced analytics and automation to deliver tailored experiences to remain competitive. Examples include product recommendations on online stores and streaming services based on previous search history. AI is also being utilized to humanize customer interactions in insurance, and tailoring treatment plans unique to patient biology in healthcare.

Tech native platforms, which have long leveraged the advantages of personalization, are accustomed to these strategies, but businesses across traditional industries – healthcare, manufacturing, retail, automotive – are increasingly investing in personalization to keep pace.

The legacy systems that defined these industries for decades are being succeeded by AI powered, data-integrated solutions – a testament to the growing recognition that these technologies provide actionable insights.

How businesses can navigate the complexities and opportunities of AI adoption at scale

Given the increasing circulation and use of data, as well as the commercial imperative to leverage detailed customer preference data, the scale up of hyper-personalization strategies is a complex process, calling for robust AI regulation and data privacy frameworks.

Strong data governance is inherent to a sustainable hyper-personalization scale-up, especially when attempting to elevate the AI profile within a business. This includes establishing clear policies on data collection, usage, and retention, as well as ensuring compliance with evolving privacy regulations such as GDPR, and implanting robust cybersecurity systems which mitigate data breaches.

Workforce transformation is also a critical consideration. There is a need to upskill and reframe workforce training to foster a culture of innovation that works in tandem with AI additions. Traditional sales and marketing roles are evolving and fundamentally changing at a rapid pace compared to operations that were commonplace only a decade ago. Now, there is greater emphasis placed on data analysis, ethical AI model development, and AI literacy.

Managing risk in AI adoption also emerges as intrinsic to a hyper-personalization scale-up. Adopting AI systems is only a start, but managing risk becomes the next focus, to mitigate algorithmic bias and false results. This involves regular auditing of AI models, monitoring for unintended consequences, and embedding ethical considerations into the AI lifecycle.

Businesses are operating on new terrain. Hyper-personalization has made reaching customers easier than ever – the real challenge now is how best to employ these tools to anticipate the needs of customers before they know themselves. There is a fine balance to strike here – companies need to invest money and manpower into the ethical growth of their AI and data strategies, or they risk eroding consumer trust.

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The rise of AI is reshaping business technology at an unprecedented pace. From IT to HR, finance to customer service, few departments remain untouched by the wave of automation and intelligence sweeping companies and industries today. However, with this surge in interest comes a growing challenge: distinguishing between truly transformative AI tools and those merely dressed up in buzzwords.

For CIOs and business leaders, the mandate has shifted from exploration to execution. Deploying the wrong AI solution doesn’t just stall progress; it burns time, budget, and internal credibility. The challenge now is clear: cut through the noise, ensure enterprise-grade security, and back only the AI that drives measurable impact.

Perception problems around AI

At a surface level, many AI solutions look the same: slick interfaces, automated responses, bold claims. But there is a distinct difference between basic AI bots and true agentic AI. Some AI products automate tasks only within rigid boundaries, while agentic AI is designed to think, act, and adapt with no intervention required.

The confusion often stems from how AI is marketed. Some platforms tout predictive insights but rely on limited or shallow data, resulting in misleading outputs. Others claim “full autonomy,” yet still depend heavily on human input. Most are wrappers for outdated automation, only a few are truly built to drive action, solve real problems, and evolve with your environment.

Similarly, many products only scratch the surface by simply passing user prompts to large language models (LLMs) through an API - what you might call a very thin layer of AI. They look impressive at first, but lack any meaningful depth.

This creates a perception problem. AI is either seen as a cure-all or dismissed as hype. In reality, the value lies between. Real improvements in productivity and efficiency come from using the right tools, not just any tools.

The shift from automation to autonomy

Although hype still surrounds AI, we’re also seeing real progress as it evolves from basic automation to true autonomy. In IT specifically, autonomous AI is starting to take on entire workflows from start to finish, including resolving low-level support tickets without any intervention from IT personnel, even though end users may still interact with the AI.

The depth of these solutions is critical. When AI systems layer orchestration, coordinate multiple processes, or use specialized agents for different tasks, they become much more than a simple interface to a language model. And when they can take informed action on real business systems, drawing on an organization’s unique data and historical context rather than merely offering recommendations, that’s when you see what can truly be considered a deep AI product.

The effect on an organization is threefold. For end users, it delivers a zero-time SLA experience: instant support, self-service resolution, and frictionless access to help anytime. This shift dramatically improves the digital employee experience (DEX), which is now a key driver of productivity and satisfaction in mature IT environments. For IT teams, it frees up hours each week, reduces backlog, and improves response times. For the organization, it cuts costs without compromising quality and enables scalable IT support without additional hiring. However, with this power comes responsibility. IT leaders must ensure these systems operate within clear guardrails, especially when interacting with sensitive data, employee devices, or live environments.

A central concept here is closed-loop AI. These systems are designed to ensure that inputs remain within the organization’s control. Unlike open models that may use your data to enhance results elsewhere, closed-loop systems are built with enterprise-grade governance in mind. This approach gives IT leaders greater confidence to adopt AI without compromising security or compliance.

Three warning signs of hype

To effectively evaluate AI tools, it’s important to look past the branding and focus on the core mechanics. Here are three common red flags:

Lack of specificity: If a product claims to “revolutionize business” but cannot point to a specific workflow or use case it improves, that is a concern.

No explainability: If you can’t trace how a decision was made, or what data was used to make it, that’s a sign of a black-box system. Trustworthy AI should be auditable and understandable, especially in high-stakes enterprise settings.

No real learning or depth: If the AI lacks any meaningful learning mechanism or only relies on a small, shallow set of data points, it’s unlikely to improve over time. True AI products get smarter by processing large, relevant datasets, whether through training robust models or continuously absorbing business context. Without this depth, you’re often looking at a thin layer that may impress in a demo but quickly fall short in the real world.

As more tools claim to offer autonomy, it’s more important than ever to understand what to look for in a reliable AI solution and what to avoid.

What to look for instead

Instead of getting distracted by flashy demos or inflated claims, decision-makers should evaluate AI tools based on three key pillars:

Relevance and integration: Is it trained on data that reflects your business context, and can it be customized to fit your company’s workflows, policies, and operational guidelines? Just as important, will it integrate with your existing tech stack or require major reengineering? AI works best when it adapts to how your organization already operates, not the other way around.

Transparency: Can you understand and control how it works?

Impact: Does it save time, reduce errors, or improve outcomes in measurable ways? Does it actually do the work? Are there any stats or data points that can show proven impact?

Ultimately, the strongest AI solutions build layers of capability, from orchestration to specialized agents to learning engines that can take real action, creating something far more valuable than tools that simply pass prompts to a language model. They don’t just mimic intelligence; they deliver tangible value by empowering teams to focus on strategic work, improving efficiency, and generating a clearly demonstrable return on investment.

The future Is functional, not flashy

The future of AI in enterprise technology will not be defined by the tools with the boldest announcements or the most dramatic demos. Instead, it will be shaped by smart, adaptable systems that take ownership of tasks from start to finish and operate independently within clearly defined parameters. These tools quietly improve everyday operations and deliver consistent results with minimal oversight.

AI on its own is no longer enough. To truly deliver value, it needs to be connected to real-time systems, historical data, and the operational context where it’s deployed. That’s what unlocks its full potential. When AI is paired with an on-the-ground agent and backed by rich historical insights, it can go beyond recommendations and solve problems autonomously. It’s the combination of real-time visibility, institutional memory, and intelligent execution that makes for a truly transformative solution.

For IT leaders, the goal is not to chase hype, but to make informed decisions by asking tough questions, demanding clarity from vendors, and staying focused on business outcomes.

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• Russia has already banned WhatsApp and Telegram
• Users flocked to Google Meet, which could also get banned
• WeChat-based Max platform will come pre-installed on an phones soon

Russia is considering banning Google Meet as part of a broader crackdown on foreign tech, according to The Moscow Times reporting.

Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal agency responsible for the country’s media, has already banned voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, and the country is set to expand restrictions even further.

With users seeking alternatives, Google Meet quickly became one of the most popular alternatives – one that Roskomnadzor is now also looking to ban.

Russia bans Google Meet

Google Meet recently faced widespread disruptions, with over 2,000 individual reports complaining about frozen calls, missing video/audio and unexpected shutdowns, however Roskomnadzor has publicly denied any involvement.

“People started experimenting with other platforms after blocking calls in WhatsApp and Telegram, apparently, overloads led to certain failures,” Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Andrei Svintsov said in a conversation with Abzats.

“Roskomnadzor has not taken any measures to restrict the operation of the Google Meet video conferencing service in Russia, the agency’s press told Interfax,” news agency Interfax wrote in a (translated) Telegram post.

The post also described Meta as “extremist,” linking WhatsApp with fraud, sabotage and terrorism. WhatsApp had over 97 million users in Russia in July 2025 according to Reuters.

“However, applications that can monitor our citizens, transfer information to Western special services, may well be blocked,” Svintsov added.

Industry analysts are expecting an imminent ban on Google Meet to tie in with Russia’s promotion of Max, a state-backed app set to be pre-installed on all new smartphones from September, based on China’s WeChat.

Max, which is still in a testing phase, has amassed around 18 million users already.

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• The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could support reverse wireless charging
• This would let you use them to wirelessly charge the likes of your AirPods or Apple Watch
• However, there are questions over whether Apple would be able to achieve this while still offering MagSafe

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a feature that Android phones have offered for years, as a leaker claims they could support reverse wireless charging.

This tip comes from Fixed Focus Digital – a source with a reasonable track record – via BGR, and if it pans out, then you’d be able to place your AirPods or Apple Watch on the back of your iPhone and use it as a wireless charging mat, draining the iPhone’s battery a little to charge these smaller devices.

This feature would also likely work with other iPhones, though it would almost certainly take a long time to juice one up, and significantly drain the iPhone 17 Pro you’re using as a charger in the process. Still, based on other implementations of reverse wireless charging, you'd probably be able to charge up non-Apple devices, too.

Reverse wireless charging is arguably a niche feature, but it’s one that many high-profile Android handsets – such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 series – offer already.

The MagSafe problem

A Magsafe-like Pixelsnap accessory on the Pixel 10 Pro (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Interestingly, though, the Google Pixel 10 series has actually ditched this feature in favor of MagSafe-like magnetic wireless charging. The company claimed the design of the magnets meant it wasn’t possible to offer both magnetic wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so it will be interesting to see whether Apple can achieve both on the iPhone 17 Pro series.

The fact that Google couldn’t manage this makes us a little skeptical of this rumor, but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of reverse wireless charging possibly coming to the iPhone 17 Pro, with a previous leak suggesting it could offer a charging power of 7.5W – which wouldn’t charge a phone up very fast, but is still almost double what some Android phones can manage.

However, both of these leaks simply say that Apple has tested reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro series, so even if they’re accurate, it’s possible Apple will choose not to equip the phones with this feature.

We should find out soon, though, as the iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in September, with one source pointing to September 9.

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• Best Streams: Paramount+ (US) and Sky Sports / ITV (UK)
• Use NordVPN to watch from anywhere

2025/26's Carabao Cup live streams see Newcastle bidding to defend the title that secured them their first domestic major trophy since 1955. Below we have all the information on how to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 from anywhere in the world with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and live streams on TV screens, laptops, tablets and mobiles.

Last season’s competition proved to be a memorable one as Eddie Howe led Newcastle to a deserved victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. The Magpies won the competition for the first time in their history, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy and securing their first piece of major silverware since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

The Toon Army will be hoping for another trip to Wembley but it won’t be easy to reach consecutive finals as there will be 91 other teams vying for glory. Last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool are the most successful club in the history of the competition, with 10 wins, and after a busy summer of recruitment they will be determined to reclaim the trophy they won in 2024.

Man City have also excelled in the competition, winning it eight times, while neighbors Man Utd have six wins to their name, the most recent coming in 2023. However, last season showed that it is not just the established names that can compete for honors as Tottenham and Crystal Palace both triumphed in cup competitions.

Here's where to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams online from anywhere.

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How to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams in the US

Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams are on Paramount+ in the US.

The Paramount+ Essential package costs $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year, while Paramount+ with Showtime (which allows you to stream over 40,000 movies and TV episodes without ads) costs $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year.

Carabao Cup soccer is available with both deals, and you can also watch EFL matches on the platform.

Specific games will also be live streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network which is a free to watch channel provided to US residents.

Outside the U.S. on holiday? Tap into your usual Carabao Cup stream using NordVPN.

How to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams in the UK

Carabao Cup live streams are shared between Sky Sports and ITV in the UK for the 2025/26 season.

Sky Sports will show all of the EFL Cup fixtures over the season. Sky Sports packages start from £22 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now, (formerly Now TV). Now sports passes start at £14.99.

ITV has the rights to broadcast 10 Carabao Cup matches this season for FREE. All you need is a valid TV license. You can also watch these matches online via the ITVX streaming service.

If you're travelling outside of the U.K. during the tournament you can access your Sky Sports or ITV stream using NordVPN.

Official Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcasters by regionAfrica

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

Residents of the following African countries can watch Carabao Cup live streams via Startimes Sports Life.

Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uguanda and Zambia.

Americas

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

• Canada

DAZN Canada has the rights to the Carabao Cup in Canada.

• Latin America

Residents of the following Latin American countries can watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams with a Disney+ subscription:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Europe

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

The Carabao Cup 2025/26 will be shown by various broadcasters and streaming services throughout Europe. You can check out specific information about your country below.

• Albania

Carabao Cup live streams in Estonia can be found on Digitalb.

• Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Carabao Cup live streams in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden can be found on Viaplay.

• Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia

You can watch the Carabao Cup 2025/26 on Arena Sport channels in this set of countries.

• France

There will be coverage of Carabao Cup 2025/26 in France on beIN Sports.

• Germany

In Germany, the Carabao Cup 2025/26 rights are owned by Sky.

• Greece

Greeks should head to Cosmote TV and Oglivy for the Carabao Cup 2025/26.

• Ukraine

Setanta Sports will show the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Ukraine.

Asia

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

• Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

The Carabao Cup 2025/26 rights for these countries are held by Setanta Sports.

• China

In China, the Carabao Cup 2025/26 will be shown by CSM.

• Chinese Taipei

• Hong Kong

TVB is the place to go for the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Hong Kong.

• India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

FanCode is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcaster for India plus Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

• Indonesia

Head to Reddentes in Indonesia for the rights to the Carabao Cup 2025/26.

• Japan

DAZN will show the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Japan.

• Malaysia

Reddentes is the home of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in the Malaysia.

• Singapore

Singtel and Mediacorp provide coverage of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Singapore.

• South Korea

Coverage of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in South Korea can be found at Coupang.

Oceania

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

• Australia

beIN Sports has the rights to the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Australia.

• New Zealand

beIN Sports is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 TV rights holder in New Zealand.

Middle East

Click to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼

BeIN Sports MENA is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcaster across the Middle East.

You can watch the Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams with a subscription to BeIN Sports in the following Middle East countries:

Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Carabao Cup 2nd Round Fixtures

(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

All times are in BST

Tuesday, 26 August

• Reading vs AFC Wimbledon, 7 pm
• Cambridge vs Charlton, 7.30 pm
• Wolves vs West Ham, 7.30 pm
• Accrington vs Doncaster,
• Barnsley vs Rotherham, 7.45 pm
• Birmingham vs Port Vale, 7.45 pm
• Bournemouth vs Brentford, 7.45 pm
• Bromley vs Wycombe, 7.45 pm
• Burnley vs Derby, 7.45 pm
• Cardiff vs Cheltenham, 7.45 pm
• Millwall vs Coventry, 7.45 pm
• Norwich vs Southampton, 7.45 pm
• Preston vs Wrexham, 7.45 pm
• Stoke vs Bradford, 7.45 pm
• Sunderland vs Huddersfield, 7.45 pm
• Swansea vs Plymouth, 7.45 pm
• Burton vs Lincoln,7.45 pm
• Wigan vs Stockport, 7.45 pm
• Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds, 8 pm

Wednesday, 27 August

• Everton vs Mansfield, 7.45 pm
• Fulham vs Bristol City, 7.45 pm
• Oxford vs Brighton, 7.45 pm
• Grimsby vs Manchester United, 8 pm (ITV)

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Our Nintendo Switch 2 review

(Image credit: Future)

TechRadar Gaming has now gotten our hands on Nintendo Switch 2, and we've been busy testing it since launch. You can read our final Nintendo Switch 2 review to see what we think of the new Nintendo console. At present, there's a brand new Donkey Kong game to dig into, and a new Pokémon game in October.

Upcoming Switch 2 games include a brand new Pokémon game, a sequel to a cult classic Kirby racing game, and even a Nintendo-exclusive FromSoftware game. Judging by this year's line-up, the new Nintendo console is off to a very strong start indeed.

And whether you managed to get ahold of a Nintendo Switch 2 yet, you'll be able to play a lot of these games on the original Nintendo Switch. Still, it's clear that Nintendo Switch 2 is the best place to play, with a whole host of Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives lined up over the next year or so, each looking like a true next-gen experience.

We've been busy playing Nintendo Switch 2, testing out the new Pro Controller, publishing a Mario Kart World review, and using our knowledge to compare the Switch vs Switch 2 specs. Over the last eight years, TechRadar Gaming has covered the full lifecycle of the Switch, and we're all very excited to apply our expertise to its successor into the next generation.

For now, here's every confirmed Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, so that you can see what you'll have the option of playing in the near future. As new release dates are unveiled, this page will be updated.

Upcoming Switch games 2025: this year’s biggest games

• Hollow Knight: Silksong - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC, Switch 2, Switch)
• Borderlands 4 - October 3, 2025 (Switch 2)
• Pokémon Legends Z-A - October 16, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Kirby Air Riders - November 20, 2025 (Switch 2)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)

Now, let's go deeper into some of the biggest games planned for Switch 2.

(Image credit: Gearbox)Borderlands 4

Greetings, Vault Hunter

Now onto Borderlands 4, which first launches in September for PS5, XSX|S, and PC. This one's a great example of how the newer console is able to play third-party titles in a way its predecessor simply couldn't. The Switch 2 version launches sometime in 2025, meaning that you'll be able to take your vault-hunting action on the go in handheld mode. Details are a little scarce at the moment regarding the game's story, though we do know there are four new playable characters to choose from.

Borderlands 4 launches October 3, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Nintendo)Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Friend or foe?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the long-awaited return of the 3D Metroid series. It's still set for 2025, and it'll release on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The gameplay revealed so far points to this being faithful to the original trilogy, with platforming, puzzles, and first-person shooting action. Samus has psychic abilities this time around, and players can use the new Joy-Con mouse functionality to aim.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch at some point in 2025. Once we hear a more precise release date, we'll update this section.

(Image credit: Nintendo)Drag x Drive

A flick of the wrist

Drag x Drive arrives August 14, 2025, and looks set to be the biggest proof of concept for the new mouse mode yet. Using both Joy-Con's in mouse mode, you'll drag across a surface to power your character. With a flick of the controller, you can line up shots in this high-octane sports title.

This one launches August 14, 2025 only for Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Nintendo)Pokémon Legends Z-A

Lumiose City awaits

Pokémon Legends Z-A takes players back to Lumiose City to take part in a program to make the place more suited to Pokémon and people living in harmony. There are dynamic battles, city-wide exploration, and three starter Pokémon in Totodile, Chikorita, and Tepig. Mega Evolution is back too, adding a new layer to combat, and giving Pokémon like Charizard and Lucario new forms.

Pokémon Legends Z-A will launch October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

(Image credit: FromSoftware)The Duskbloods

Bloodsworn

The Duskbloods was perhaps the biggest surprise announcement of the Switch 2 reveal event. It's a multiplayer online action game from the creators of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Crazier yet, it's only launching on Nintendo Switch 2, something that's very unexpected indeed. There's still a lot to learn about the game, but we do know that players will engage in PvPvE combat, taking on the role of "The Bloodsworn". These vampiric characters possess superhuman abilities, which can be used to hunt down and eliminate foes.

The Duskbloods is set for a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2. So far, a more precise date hasn't been given.

Nintendo Switch 2 games release schedule

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Now, onto the full Nintendo Switch 2 release schedule. The games below will release on Switch 2, and some on Switch as well. We'll indicate where this is the case, and will continue to update release dates as they're unveiled.

August

(Image credit: Nintendo)

August brings a new version of an excellent Kirby 3D platformer, as well as Drag x Drive, which uses the new mouse mode to exciting effect:

• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Switch 2 Edition) - August 27 (Switch 2
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Edition) - August 28 (Switch 2)
• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - August 29 (Switch 2)

September

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Players will be able to jump into Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 in September:

• Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2 Edition) - September 4 (Switch 2)
• Hollow Knight: Silksong - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC, Switch 2, Switch)
• Cronos: The New Dawn - September 5 (Switch 2)
• Dæmon X Machina: Titanic Scion - September 5 (Switch 2)
• NBA Bounce - September 26 (Switch 2)
• EA Sports FC 26 - September 26 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2 - September 26 (Switch 2)
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - September 30 (Switch 2, Switch)

October

(Image credit: Future / Sega)

Switch 2 players will get Persona 3: Reload in October. Here's what else is releasing:

• Borderlands 4 - October 3 (Switch 2)
• Just Dance 2026 Edition - October 14 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Pokémon Legends Z-A - October 16, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Plants Vs Zombies - October 23 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Persona 3 Reload - October 23 (Switch 2)
• Once Upon A KATAMARI - October 24, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)

November

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in November. Here's the full line-up:

• Yakuza Kiwami 1 + 2 - November 13 (Switch 2)
• Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero - November 14 (Switch 2)
• Kirby Air Riders - November 20, 2025 (Switch 2)

December

(Image credit: Square Enix)

December sees a brand new Octopath Traveler game releasing. Here's what we know so far:

• Octopath Traveler 0 - December 4, 2025 (Switch 2)

Rest of 2025 and TBC

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Finally, here's a list of Switch 2 games that have been announced, but either don't have more than a release year attached to them yet, or are much further out. For now, they're simply TBC, but once each game does receive a release date, this page will be updated.

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025 (Switch 2)
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Hades II - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Professor Layton and the New World Of Steam - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Reanimal - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Two Point Museum - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
• Witchbrook - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Yooka-Replaylee - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• Marvel Cosmic Invasion - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
• The Duskbloods - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
• Enter The Gungeon - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
• Splatoon Raiders - TBC (Switch 2)
• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - TBC (Switch 2)
• Human: Fall Flat 2 - TBC (Switch 2)
• My Time at Evershine - TBC (Switch 2)
• PowerWash Simulator 2 - TBC (Switch 2)
• 007 First Light - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
• Pokémon Champions - TBC 2026 (Switch 2, iOS, Android)
• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)

New Switch 2 games FAQ

(Image credit: Nintendo)What games are coming out for Switch 2?

There are many games coming out for Switch 2 over the next year or so. The biggest ones are Kirby Air Riders on November 20, and then Metroid Prime 4 at some point in 2025. We'll also get Pokémon Legends: Z-A in October, as well as Hades 2 as a console exclusive.

Is the Switch 2 better than Switch 1?

The Switch 2 has better specs than Switch 1, with a larger screen, the capacity to output games at up to a 4K resolution, and support for 120 frames per second modes. We'll have to wait for launch to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, though for now, it's looking like Switch 2 could be a much better console than Switch 1, with better third-party game support and an improved Pro-Controller featuring back paddles.

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• The Garmin Fenix 8 has just received a huge free update
• The upgrade includes Running Economy, a triathlon coach, and more
• It also adds a Smart Wake Alarm, which has been missing for a while

If you’ve got your eye on one of the best Garmin Watches, there’s no doubt that the Garmin Fenix 8 is an incredible choice. And despite being one of the best smartwatches around, the Fenix 8 isn’t resting on its laurels, as a new update has brought a significant array of changes and improvements to Garmin’s wearable.

The latest 17.28 software update has arrived, and with it comes a raft of new features. That includes one that arguably should have been present from the time the Fenix 8 was launched in August 2024.

The most notable addition could well be Running Economy. This analyzes your running technique, including stride length, pace and heart rate, plus a new feature called Step Speed Loss, which looks at how much velocity is lost with each footfall. That makes Running Economy a handy metric for understanding your running proficiency, although it does require a compatible heart rate monitor.

Elsewhere, Garmin has added several new features that can help runners and athletes across multiple disciplines. That includes the Garmin Triathlon Coach, Running Tolerance, Projected Race Time, Suggested Finish Line, and a lot more.

Features for free

(Image credit: Garmin)

When it comes to understanding your rest, recovery and sleep, the new Evening Report feature adds a new layer of analysis and insight to the Fenix 8. This report recaps your day and shows you anything that’s on the horizon for the immediate future, from workouts to calendar events.

There’s also a new Smart Wake Alarm, and this aims to rouse you from bed within a specific time window once you’re in a light sleep stage. Many rival smartwatches have this feature, and its long absence from the Fenix 8 has made it feel a touch behind the times. It’s something that this device really should have had from the get-go.

The Fenix 8 update is a massive one, but it’s also worth noting that it includes multisport workouts, custom focus modes, daily summary notifications in the Notification Center, and a whole lot more. The fact that it all arrives in a free software update makes it even more worthwhile.

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• Garmin Fenix 8 review: Rugged, expensive perfection
• I love my Garmin watch, but there's one health feature I've always wished it had
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• Gemini could come to Android Auto with precise location access
• The update would make Gemini more useful on the road
• Changes to the look of the colors on Android Auto have also been spotted

We know that Gemini is heading to Android Auto in the near future, and when the rollout does finally get underway it would seem that the AI assistant will bring a useful upgrade with it: access to your vehicle's precise location.

This tweak was spotted by the team at 9to5Google, hidden in the code of the latest beta version of the Android Auto app, v15.1. It looks as though users will be able to choose whether or not to share exact location details in the Android Auto settings.

The obvious benefits of giving Gemini full access to your location are of course navigating from A to B, and finding out about nearby places – if you need to stop for gas, for example, or want to find the best coffee shop in an area.

You can use Google Maps on Android Auto for these tasks without Gemini, but if you do need voice control and maybe a bit of extra AI assistance, then Gemini is going to be most helpful if it knows exactly where you are at all times.

The changing of the colors

How the updated colors (right) will look on Android Auto (Image credit: Android Authority)

Gemini is replacing Google Assistant across all of Google's apps and devices, and based on some hints dropped by Google executives at the Pixel 10 launch event, the AI bot should reach Android Auto before the year is out.

We've already seen a preview of how Gemini might look on vehicle dashboards, and to a large extent the Gemini AI is going to work exactly the same as it does on your phone, only on a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the folks at Android Authority have spotted something else in the latest Android Auto code: a less vibrant color palette that's not quite as saturated, with a primary color pulled from the selected wallpaper.

It's possible that we'll get the Gemini update and the revised color theme options at the same time, but we're going to have to wait to see exactly how they fit in with the current interface – and as soon as Google officially starts the rollout, we'll let you know.

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• Android Auto is about to get a big Gemini upgrade
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Wireless innovation has shaped our digital world. From Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to Z-Wave and Thread, we’ve watched protocols emerge to solve distinct connectivity problems. Now, a new technology is stepping in not to connect devices, but to give them spatial intelligence.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is quietly transforming how devices understand and interact with their environment. It’s not as flashy as 5G or as familiar as Wi-Fi, but its impact on secure access, real-time location tracking, and automation is profound and increasingly relevant for businesses.

What Is Ultra-Wideband?

UWB is a short-range, low-power wireless protocol that transmits data through very short pulses over a wide frequency band, typically 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. Its defining feature is time-of-flight (ToF) measurement, enabling devices to calculate exact distance and direction between each other with centimeter-level accuracy.

Where Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can tell you a device is nearby, UWB can tell you exactly where it is, how far away, and which direction it’s moving in real time.

RTLS 2.0: Why UWB Is a Breakthrough

Having spent years building and enabling Wi-Fi and BLE solutions used in enterprise RTLS deployments, I’ve seen some of their limitations first-hand. These technologies suffer from environmental noise, RF interference, signal distortion from multipath effects, meter-level error margins, and degraded performance in dense or metallic environments.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) solves these challenges by using precise time-of-flight (ToF) measurements rather than signal strength. This enables centimeter-level positioning accuracy (typically less than 30 cm), low-latency updates suitable for real-time automation, high reliability in cluttered or reflective environments, and energy efficiency suitable for mobile tags and long-duration deployments.

Why UWB Matters: Strategic Pilots Point to Real Business Impact

Across sectors, a growing number of businesses are no longer just testing UWB; they’re piloting solutions that point to long-term competitive advantage. In corporate campuses, UWB is enabling frictionless, intent-based access control that adapts to hybrid work models and improves security posture.

In healthcare, hospitals are trialing UWB for staff duress alerts, equipment tracking, and patient flow management, solving problems that legacy RTLS couldn’t address with precision. In manufacturing and logistics, early adopters like Siemens and Zebra are leveraging UWB not just for asset tracking but as a foundation for digital twins and automation triggers.

With enterprise infrastructure now supporting UWB through access points from Cisco and Juniper, businesses can deploy it as part of existing network upgrades. Emerging standards like Aliro, FiRa, and the Car Connectivity Consortium are reducing fragmentation, ensuring that today’s pilots evolve into interoperable, scalable deployments.

These pilots aren’t just proving technical feasibility; they’re defining how UWB will power the next generation of access, automation, and location-aware business systems. Today, UWB-based RTLS solutions are being actively adopted in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare environments by companies like Siemens and Zebra.

These systems provide real-time visibility into the location and movement of assets, materials, and personnel, enabling use cases such as digital twins, workflow optimization, inventory accuracy, and safety enforcement. In hospitals, UWB helps track medical equipment, monitor patient flow, and ensure staff safety. The shift from pilot programs to operational deployments underscores UWB’s growing maturity and proven value across industries.

Enterprise Access Points Now Shipping with UWB

Enterprise vendors like Cisco and Juniper have already integrated UWB radios into their commercial access points, enabling high-accuracy indoor location services for asset tracking, automation, and spatial intelligence. These platforms combine high-speed connectivity via Wi-Fi, basic proximity awareness via BLE, and precise spatial awareness via UWB.

This marks a significant shift toward unified enterprise infrastructure that supports both connectivity and advanced location-aware services.

UWB in the Smart Home: Invisible but Powerful

UWB brings the same benefits to smart homes that it’s bringing to factories and offices:

Hands-free presence detection: Lights turn on as you walk in. Doors unlock as you approach from the outside only. Devices respond based on where you are in the room.

Intent-based automation: UWB goes beyond occupancy; it understands movement, direction, and identity.

Secure, frictionless access: No need to pull out a phone or tap a card. UWB verifies your presence and position securely and invisibly.

The Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ecosystem is being shaped by major industry initiatives focused on interoperability, security, and widespread adoption across homes, vehicles, and commercial spaces. Aliro, part of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, is set to launch in 2025, defining secure and interoperable UWB access control for residential, hospitality, and commercial environments, integrating with Matter and other smart home protocols.

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) has developed a Digital Key specification, adopted by automakers like BMW and Hyundai, enabling UWB-based passive vehicle entry and digital key sharing, which is now influencing smart lock and property access solutions.

Meanwhile, the FiRa Consortium develops technical standards and certification programs to ensure UWB remains reliable, secure, and interoperable across access, automation, and tracking applications. FiRa supports both CCC and Aliro profiles under its testing and certification umbrella. Together, these efforts are transforming UWB into a trusted, scalable platform, moving beyond vendor-specific solutions.

At CES 2025, UWB-powered smart locks from brands like Ultraloq and Schlage showcased hands-free auto-unlocking, demonstrating the practical impact of these standards in real-world applications. By aligning technical specifications and fostering ecosystem-wide compatibility, Aliro, CCC, and FiRa are accelerating UWB’s role in smart environments, from homes and cars to commercial spaces, ensuring seamless and secure user experiences.

How UWB Complements, Not Replaces, Other Wireless Protocols

UWB doesn’t compete with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; it complements them. Each protocol plays a different role in the connected environment:

Wi-Fi provides high-bandwidth data connectivity, and UWB adds precise indoor positioning to the same access point.

Bluetooth (BLE) excels in device pairing and basic proximity with low power and ubiquity, while UWB provides centimeter-level ranging and directionality.

Thread/Z-Wave supports low-power mesh networking, great for automation, and UWB enables intent-based triggers and presence awareness.

NFC provides secure, intentional tap-based access; UWB enables the same level of security passively and hands-free.

The future is multi-protocol. UWB will often be embedded alongside BLE and Wi-Fi, silently enhancing the intelligence of connected experiences.

Why Consumers Won’t Ask for UWB - And That’s OK

UWB isn’t a protocol users will connect to or configure. It’s not trying to be the next Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Instead, it operates invisibly, delivering context, precision, and automation without user intervention.

We already see this with Apple’s AirTag, which uses Bluetooth for wide-area discovery and UWB for pinpoint precision when the user is nearby. That moment when your iPhone tells you to “turn left” or “go five feet forward” to find your keys? That’s UWB at work, providing directional awareness far beyond what Bluetooth can offer on its own.

Similar features are emerging in Samsung’s SmartTag+ and Google’s Find My Device network, leveraging UWB for object finding, room-level location, and even AR guidance. Yet the average user may not have any idea what UWB is, nor do they need to.

In fact, UWB is already embedded in hundreds of millions of smartphones and tracking tags, from iPhones and Pixel devices to select Galaxy models. Consumers benefit from its capabilities every day, without ever needing to know the acronym.

That’s UWB’s strength: It works quietly in the background, making environments more responsive, secure, and aware, without requiring attention, setup, or even awareness. Think:

- Smart locks that unlock as you approach

- Cars that know it’s you before you touch the door

- Lights that follow your movement room to room

- Devices that guide you to lost items with directional arrows

UWB may never become a consumer buzzword, and that’s exactly how it was designed to succeed.

The Bottom Line

UWB is the missing spatial layer in our increasingly intelligent environments. It delivers the precision and context that AI, automation, and access control systems require, but without asking users to do anything differently.

Whether you’re designing smart homes, connected cars, secure campuses, or dynamic retail spaces, UWB won’t be the feature customers ask for. But it will be the reason everything works better.

For forward-looking businesses UWB isn’t optional–It’s foundational.

We list the best IT asset management software.

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