TechRadar News

• Adobe Acrobat Studio announced
• New hubs for managing, understanding, and creating documents
• Platform fuses Acrobat Pro, Adobe Express, new specialized AI assistants

Adobe has unveiled its new Acrobat Studio, which aims to become the nerve center for productivity and creativity tasks - and a life-saver for anyone drowning in documents.

The platform fuses the full Acrobat Pro experience with extra AI tools, Adobe Express, and new spaces that the company says “transforms PDFs into conversational knowledge hubs that enable people to use customizable AI Assistants to unlock and share insights, answers and recommendations.”

That’s business-speak for saying Acrobat Studio’s AI should make it easier to understand document contents. Adobe’s Abhigyan Modi, senior vice president, Document Product Group, gave me a demo of the new tools. Here’s what you need to know…

What is Adobe Acrobat Studio and what’s new?

(Image credit: Adobe)

Adobe Acrobat Studio effectively attempts to solve some of the issues faced by those managing or accessing documents. Namely, file storage, collaborative or communication breakdown, content creation, and information overload.

On the launch of Adobe Acrobat Studio, Modi said: “We’re reinventing PDF for modern work, so whatever you need to get done, you can do that with Acrobat.”

Use-cases highlighted by Adobe include centralizing client insights, creating polished, on-brand proposals, grabbing key metrics for secure sharing, and reviewing resumes. Effectively, if it's a document, Acrobat Studio can probably do something with it.

Acrobat is already home to an AI Assistant, Firefly, and - in an interesting use of the technology - a contract explainer that helpfully summarizes jargon-heavy legal documents. Those constant updates are one of the reasons why I rank it as the best PDF editor around. But Acrobat Studio ramps that integration up to eleven.

• PDF Spaces

(Image credit: Adobe)

PDF Spaces is the headline addition. It’s also the area Modi told me he’s most excited about with this launch, keen to see how users benefit from them.

These are AI-driven hubs for up to 100 files (format support goes way beyond PDF). Upload a file, and PDF Spaces generates what Adobe dubs “an AI-powered workspace,” loading in suggested goals, actionable insights, citations.

It’s a space, Adobe says, where users can use AI to question, compare, and summarize information in documents. A “conversational knowledge hub,” if you like.

• Specialized assistants

(Image credit: Adobe)

One of PDF Spaces’ biggest strengths is that it expands on the familiar AI Assistant already found in Adobe Acrobat for more tailored responses.

Three specialized AI assistants are baked into the workspace, with the option to create a custom one. The Analyst, the Instructor, and the Entertainer each approach information differently in ways that should, in theory, be more helpful to users.

This is a core element, Modi explained, of Adobe’s focus on the needs of different users. Where the Entertainer toys with language and creativity, the Analyst studies and uncovers new thoughts; the Instructor makes complex topics accessible.

• Adobe Express integration

(Image credit: Adobe)

Adobe Express has been getting a lot of attention lately, with an expanded toolset and integration with a host of Creative Cloud apps. So, perhaps it was just a matter of time before it joined fully with Acrobat.

The popular, free online design tool is a core part of Acrobat Studio. With the full-fat Adobe Express Premium tools, users can create (or generate) professional templates, presentations, reports, and social media posts.

The Creative Cloud Pro plan combines over twenty Adobe apps into a single subscription, giving you access to Acrobat, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and more. The plan also includes 4000 monthly credits for Adobe Firefly's generative AI photo and video tools. View Deal

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• You can now interact with Excel cells in natural language with =COPILOT
• It doesn't interact with external data from the web... yet
• You can combine it with other Excel functions

Microsoft is rolling out a new Excel AI function directly into cells, so you can leverage generative AI and tap into even more information even more easily than you can strike up a simple formula in its spreadsheet software.

Copilot in Excel cells is rolling out to Microsoft 365 Copilot beta users in the Insider Program and Beta Channel to start off with, the tighter AI integration will be available on Windows (Version 2509+) and Mac (Version 16.101+) before it comes to the web version.

Working like a normal Microsoft Excel function, users can add prompts in quotes and optional cell ranges for even more context, leading results to automatically change when the source data changes.

Excel COPILOT function

"Just enter a natural language prompt in your spreadsheet, reference cell values as needed, and watch Copilot instantly generate AI-powered results," Partner Director Catherine Pidgeon explained in a blog post.

Besides using the AI tool to create new types of prompts or generate formulas that they might not have been able to do without expert knowledge, users can also combine the Excel COPILOT formula with other functions like IF, SWITCH, LAMBDA, or WRAPROWS.

Some examples of =COPILOT's use cases include summarizing customer feedback, categorizing data, integrating external knowledge and formatting.

In its most simple form, a function might look like "=COPILOT(prompt_part1, [context1])" – though context is optional.

Pidgeon noted the =COPILOT function only uses data it was trained on, so it cannot access new data from the web or company documents at this stage.

Being a beta product, there are still some improvements that Microsoft hopes to make to its Excel AI assistant, including more data sources beyond the LLM training and enabling date formatting per Excel’s date serial format rather than text-only, as is currently the case.

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Digital spend now takes up 35% of sustainability budgets, as businesses leverage IT to achieve environmental goals. The global digital sustainability market is projected to reach $34 billion by 2027, growing about three times faster than the overall technology market. This surge highlights increasing corporate commitment to sustainability, driven by regulatory pressures, rising energy costs and stakeholder expectation.

However, despite these positive trends, we shouldn’t ignore the impact of current technologies in play. Enterprise IT already accounts for 1% of all GHG output, and tech emissions are set to rise to 14% of global totals by 2040. Datacenter expansion and AI investment have seen emissions increase by 150% in three years. Scope 1 and 2 emissions grew by 1.4% since 2024, and gaps remain in Scope 3 reporting. It’s clear that good intentions have not yet translated into tangible reduction of carbon footprints.

To ensure meaningful progress towards net zero targets, businesses must reconcile rising digital demand with environmental responsibilities. Meeting ambitious climate goals will require a systemic transformation of operational strategies. Entrenched behaviors - such as repeating IT procurement practices - hinder progress towards ESG and business goals.

Achieving sustainability targets will require bold changes across the entire technology ecosystem - from IT infrastructure and digital operations to innovation and regulatory alignment.

Making sustainability a business priority

Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative driven by environmental, regulatory and market forces. Climate change remains a central issue on the global agenda. While some governments may not prioritize climate initiatives, international frameworks such as the United Nations’ COP, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement continue to push organizations for meaningful progress.

On the regulatory front, frameworks such as the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are raising the bar. New legislation will require detailed disclosures, including Scope 3 reporting – indirect emissions including those from digital infrastructure and IT supply chains. With technology a significant contributor to Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, staying ahead of these compliance mandates is crucial for effective risk management.

But regulation is only part of the picture. Sustainability in IT is increasingly tied to business performance. Organizations with strong ESG practices are outperforming peers in profitability and EBITDA metrics. Ultimately, digital transformation efforts that overlook sustainability are missing a key component for long-term value creation. Sustainable IT is central to competitiveness, growth and resilience.

A sustainable IT journey

Building a sustainable IT strategy goes far beyond adopting energy-efficient hardware or migrating to the cloud to cut Scope 2 emissions. It demands a holistic approach to technology sourcing, management and use across its entire lifecycle. To accelerate ESG priorities, organizations should:

1.Assess datacenter sustainability: Where growing data volumes are hosted has a major environmental impact. With cloud adoption more effective than upgrading on-premise infrastructure, prioritizing datacenters powered by renewables is vital. Businesses should seek facilities with strong Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratings - lower scores (closer to 1.0) indicate greater efficiency.

2.Scrutinize cloud providers: Sustainability performance varies significantly between cloud providers. While major hyperscalers have faced criticism over environmental practices, some smaller providers offer 100% renewable-powered services and employ energy-saving technologies like virtualization, containerization and AI-driven resource optimization. Opting for suppliers with robust sustainability credentials and able to provide accurate Scope 3 data will deliver immediate impact to decarbonizing supply chains.

3.Leverage Infrastructure-as-a-Service (Iaas): Adopting an IaaS model removes the burden of managing on-premise IT, transferring power and emissions responsibility to the provider. IaaS boosts agility and cost efficiency, while reducing IT estate, hardware refreshes, power costs and equipment waste.

4.Optimize end-user devices: End-user hardware accounts for a large share of IT-related emissions and electronic waste. Minimizing device count, extending hardware lifespan and exploring alternatives like Bring Your Own Device policies can reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

5.Enable remote work: IT is a key enabler of remote work, helping reduce emissions from commuting and office infrastructure. Virtual desktop infrastructure allows users to access powerful computing resources securely while significantly lowering energy consumption compared to traditional desktop setups.

Now is the time to step up

The path to business sustainability is well defined - the technologies, frameworks and partners to drive improvements are available. What’s needed now is momentum from organizations to drive meaningful change.

Sustainable IT is more than a reporting checkbox for regulatory compliance; it’s a critical pillar of long-term business success. Forward-thinking leaders are increasingly recognizing that doing ‘just enough’ is a risky strategy, which can result in poor technology investments and leave firms exposed as contexts change and competitors seize an advantage.

Embedding sustainability into corporate agendas is essential for driving growth, strengthening stakeholder confidence and meeting environmental commitments. Leaders should act now and make smarter IT choices to transform their operations for the better. Future success – for their business and the planet - depends on it.

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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

• Netflix renews Dept. Q for second season less than three months after season 1 wrapped
• Main characters are set to return
• Plot details are being kept under wraps

Almost three months after the release of its first season, Netflix has confirmed that Dept. Q season 2 is officially going ahead. Executive producer Rob Bullock of Left Bank Pictures said in a press statement: “We are going downstairs to Dept. Q for a second season. We at Left Bank Pictures nervously await what Scott has in store for his alter-ego Carl Morck, and the other enabling members of team do-lally. We salute Netflix’s courage to let them loose once again.”

Co-creator Scott Frank added: “I’m grateful to the folks at Netflix, as well as our shining cast and crew, for once more risking their careers to enable my folly.” Season 1 drew in 222 million hours of viewing worldwide on one of the best streaming services, spending six weeks in Netflix’s top 10 chart.

Thankfully, we’ve already got a fairly clear idea of where new episodes will head next, with Moira (Kate Dickie) telling Hardy (Jamie Sives) at the end of the first season that she has a brand-new case for him to look at. All of our other season 1 plotlines were neatly solved, so there’s a chance we could see some unexpected format shakeups down the line.

However, the promise of a new cold case isn’t quite enough for me on its own. If we want the 2026 streaming calendar to be truly exciting (assuming Netflix doesn’t do its old trick of waiting a million years to put out another series), why not coincide the release of Dept Q. season 2 with the HBO Max show that rivalled season 1 only a few months ago?

Netflix should pit Dept. Q season 2 against HBO Max giant The Pitt (pun intended)

What’s struck me most about the Dept Q. season 2 renewal news is how many fans (see the Reddit comment above as example) loved watching season 1 alongside medical drama The Pitt. Neither show is one where you can easily catch your breath, even though they are each polar opposites of each other (Dept. Q follows cold cases, The Pitt follows a shift in a manic ER department). Earlier in the year, we had the tail end of The Pitt season 1 overlap with the debut of Dept Q., and it turned out to be the best binge-worthy partnership we’ve had in ages.

So, what if Netflix and HBO Max do it again, whether that’s facing off as rivals or teaming up to give viewers exactly what they want? We already know The Pitt season 2 will definitely premiere in January 2026, picking up ten months after season 1 during a hectic fourth of July weekend. If Dept. Q got its skates on and released a new season in May 2026, we’d get the same delicious streaming crossover we had this year.

From the team’s press statements, it’s difficult to tell how far into the development process they are for the second season. On the one hand, Netflix is notorious for taking its time between seasons, as Stranger Things, Wednesday and Squid Game have all shown. However, Dept. Q has a much smaller production scale than any of the bigger IPs, hopefully meaning shooting wouldn’t take as long anyway.

But who knows? It’s all speculation at this point. We have no idea what’s waiting for Hardy in the basement, and the team could literally be taken anywhere. As Frank told Collider after season 1 was released, “This is based on a series of books. The second book in the series is quite good, so I’ve got a great idea for a second season. It is another cold case and also a current case, at the same time, that they’re looking into. So, I would do that. I don’t know that I would necessarily do nine episodes. I might just do six next time. We’ll see. But I do know what I want to do next. I do have the story in mind for the next season.”

As long as I can offset it with Dr. Robbie (Noah Wyle) crying in a slump on the floor in a Pittsburgh hospital, I’ll be one happy subscriber.

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• Peacemaker season 2 will explore the 11th Street Kids in more detail
• The group's various dynamics will be examined in depth
• Its cast has teased what fans can expect to see and hear in the HBO Max show's next entry

The cast of Peacemaker season 2 has tentatively revealed what's next for the 11th Street Kids after their world-saving exploits in the show's debut installment.

Ahead of the popular show's return, I sat down with Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and Steve Agee to learn more about their individual and collective character arcs in the HBO Max Original's sophomore entry. Full spoilers follow for Peacemaker season 1, so proceed with caution.

Leota Adebayo becomes the 11th Street Kids' figurative surrogate mom this season (Image credit: Jessica Miglio/Max)

Peacemaker's first season ended with the 11th Street Kids stopping an alien invasion. However, despite the strong albeit dysfunctional bonds they formed last season, the group – John Cena's Chris Smith/Peacemaker, Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt, Brooks' Leota Adebayo, Stroma's Adrian Chase/Vigilante, and Agee's John Economos – largely went their separate ways after thwarting the aforementioned hostile takeover.

Unsurprisingly, season 2 opens with each individual doing their own thing. Sure, there's the occasional check-in between certain characters but it's only when the plot progresses that the quintet are pulled back into each other's orbit. By and large, though, each person is dealing with their own issues and/or pursuing their own dreams in the DC Universe (DCU) TV show's second season.

For Adebayo, that means having the freedom to start her life anew without her mother – Amanda Waller, who was ousted as the director of ARGUS in last season's finale by her daughter blowing the whistle on Waller's nefarious schemes – dictating her every move. But, even as Adebayo navigates other personal problems and desires with her newfound sense of freedom, helping her friends is still her number one priority.

Jon Economos finds himself torn between his job and his friends this season (Image credit: Curtis Bonds Baker/Max)

"In a way, she's been imprisoned physically and mentally by her mom," Brooks said. "When she decides to rat our her mom, she finally breaks her mom's hold on her.

"We get to witness that transition and more of the optimistic person she is in season two," Brooks added. "Adebayo immediately gets to work making things happen [for herself], but that comes with sacrifices, as we'll see with her wife this season. But, even with those marital issues, she finds time to lift up the rest of the 11th Street Kids and become that encouraging voice as they deal with their struggles. She almost becomes this motherly figure to everyone else, which may be a reaction to what she never had with her own mom."

Such problems loom large over Smith and Harcourt's season 2 arcs, but Chase and Economos aren't immune from facing similar inter- and intra-personal issues. Indeed, whether it's the feelings of fraternal alienation Chase feels amid the regression of his friendship with Smith or Economos' split loyalties to his friends and job at ARGUS, the duo are similarly plagued by difficulties in the DCU Chapter One project's latest installment.

Adrian Chase looks to the rest of the gang for emotional support throughout season 2 (Image credit: Jessica Miglio/Max)

"He definitely looks to Peacemaker for that support," Stroma said, "So, his feelings are hurt when he's not being invited to things or only being called upon when he's needed. He needs to fill that void, and you'll see in episode one how Adrian's focus shifts to other members of the 11th Street Kids, because all he really wants is to have friends. After season one, he's nudged his way [into this group] and maybe thinks 'I've finally found my tribe'. When you see them having a big party on the roof [as Peacemaker season 2's red band trailer teased], it's everything he's ever wanted."

"Economos is a creature of habit," Agee admitted. "He's great at his job and being this tech guru. That's his routine and, for someone like him, it's really hard to up-end those patterns, which is why he's still at ARGUS at the start of this season.

"He's really reluctant to do some of the stuff that's asked of him, but he also doesn't want to lose his job because he can use it to help his friends and, without spoiling much, stay one step ahead of ARGUS. I think if you have him an ultimatum to choose his friends and keep them safe, or continue working for ARGUS, I think he'd pick the former. Having friends is new to him, but he really needs the 11th Street Kids, and I think that showed in season one and will do so again in season two."

Peacemaker season 2 premieres on August 21 in North and South America, and August 22 everywhere else. Before it does, read my ultimate guide on Peacemaker season 2 for more on its cast, plot, and trailers, plus my Peacemaker season 2 review to see what I thought of its first five episodes.

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The UK government just announced £187 million for the TechFirst initiative to embed digital and AI skills in classrooms and communities. It's a smart move that will pay dividends in the long run. But here's the problem — we can't wait 10 years for today's secondary school students to join the workforce.

Right now, businesses are grappling with AI disruption and cybersecurity threats that demand immediate attention. Our research shows that while 44% of professionals report their organizations have invested in AI, many employees lack adequate skills to use these tools effectively. That's a recipe for wasted investment and security vulnerabilities.

The gap becomes particularly dangerous when you consider how threats are evolving. Many office workers don't know that advanced AI can impersonate anyone's voice, putting companies at serious risk from social engineering attacks. At this point, nearly one in three security and IT professionals have no documented strategy for managing generative AI risks.

Starting in schools is absolutely the right foundation. But we need to build on that foundation with programs that reach everyone from recent graduates to senior executives.

Getting current workers up to speed

The TechFirst initiative includes four strands — youth, graduate, expert and local. That's encouraging because it acknowledges we need different approaches for different groups. But the real test will be how well these programs connect with each other and with what businesses are already doing.

Companies can't outsource digital skills development to government programs alone. They need to take ownership of getting their teams ready for an AI-powered workplace. This means practical training that goes further than basic digital literacy, addressing real security risks and productivity opportunities.

It’s far too common for organizations to rush to implement new AI tools without considering whether their people know how to use them appropriately. The result is often disappointing returns on technology investments and unnecessary exposure to cyber threats.

Making education relevant to work

To make an impact, skills programs must connect classroom learning with actual business challenges. Students need exposure to real workplace scenarios, not just theoretical concepts. This means tech companies should work directly with schools and universities to provide hands-on experience opportunities.

However, we also need to consider regional differences. Digital literacy levels vary significantly across the UK, and a program that works in London might not be right for smaller cities or rural areas. The TechFirst initiative's local strand recognizes this reality, but success will depend on strong partnerships between government, education and local businesses.

Industry networks can help tailor programs to what companies actually need. Too often, educational qualifications don't match up with workplace requirements because there's no ongoing dialogue between educators and employers.

Cultivating skills that last

As AI automates routine tasks, workers need to develop capabilities that complement rather than compete with technology. Critical thinking, complex problem-solving and the ability to work alongside AI systems are emerging as more valuable than the ability to memorize technical procedures.

This requires a different approach to professional development. Instead of occasional training courses, organizations need cultures where people continuously update their skills. The pace of change in AI and cybersecurity means what you learned six months ago might already be outdated.

Different people learn differently, too. Some thrive with online courses, others need hands-on projects or peer mentoring. The best upskilling programs offer multiple ways to build competence and confidence with new technologies.

Connecting the dots

Fragmentation is arguably the biggest risk with any large-scale skills initiative. Government programs, university courses and corporate training often operate independently, creating gaps and duplicated effort. Coordination between all these moving parts is a critical part of ensuring success.

This means sharing resources, aligning what gets taught and ensuring smooth transitions between different types of learning. A student who develops AI skills through TechYouth should be able to build on that foundation in university and then in their first job without starting from scratch each time.

Companies should also recognize their role in making these connections work. Hiring managers need to understand what different qualifications actually mean. Training departments should build on skills people already have rather than ignoring previous learning.

What success looks like

Getting this right means creating learning pathways that support people throughout their careers, not just at specific points. It means businesses that can confidently deploy new technologies because their teams understand both the opportunities and the risks.

Most importantly, it means a UK workforce that can compete globally in an increasingly digital economy. The £187 million TechFirst investment provides a strong starting point, but realizing its potential requires recognizing that skills development doesn't end when people leave school.

We need programs that work for 16-year-olds choosing their A-levels, 25-year-olds starting their careers, 40-year-olds managing teams and 55-year-olds adapting to new technologies. Only by addressing skills gaps across all these groups can we build the digitally resilient economy Britain needs.

Taking a comprehensive approach — supporting both future and current workers — can multiply the impact of this investment. With cyber threats evolving daily and AI capabilities advancing monthly, connecting these efforts across all age groups delivers much stronger returns.

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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

Back in 2020, the European Parliament published a briefing paper which set out “growing concern that the citizens, businesses and Member States of the European Union (EU) are gradually losing control over their data, over their capacity for innovation, and over their ability to shape and enforce legislation in the digital environment.”

At the heart of the matter is the domination that the likes of Amazon, Microsoft and Google have established over the European cloud computing market. One of the effects of their success is that the region now faces significant challenges in ensuring data is subject to the laws and governance structures of the country or region in which it is collected, stored or processed.

For organizations based in the EU hosting their data with providers based elsewhere, this raises serious questions about who ultimately has jurisdiction over that data and whether it can be governed by foreign legal frameworks beyond their control.

Let’s also be clear - the market-leading hyperscalers offer efficiency, scale and a whole host of other compelling advantages. They are all highly innovative, trusted providers that have transformed how businesses operate and have enabled extraordinary digital progress at speed and scale.

Thousands of European organizations rely on – and will continue to rely on – these brands for good reason. At the same time, however, it’s also vital that organizations understand that where they store their data, and under whose jurisdiction it falls, carries implications far beyond IT.

Whether viewed through a political, economic, or operational lens, data sovereignty matters. In some scenarios, it can shape access rights, trigger regulatory obligations or even expose organizations to geopolitical risk.

For example, laws in one country could compel a cloud provider to share data stored in another, an issue that’s been flagged in relation to executive powers and national security mandates at the disposal of foreign governments.

So, how is the landscape changing? Firstly, there are a number of promising European cloud initiatives, including regulatory developments, sovereign cloud frameworks and consortium-based models designed to create local alternatives to the all-in-one hyperscaler stack. However, these solutions are not without their challenges, with cost, fragmentation, scalability and adoption hurdles potentially standing in the way of an effective regional system.

For many organizations, a full switch isn’t viable due to issues such as existing investment commitments, operational complexity and the simple absence of mature, like-for-like alternatives that can match the scale and capabilities of established providers.

The US hyperscalers are also getting in on the act. This time last year, for instance, AWS announced plans to invest €7.8 billion in the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, an initiative which the company says reinforces its “commitment to offer customers the most advanced set of sovereignty controls, privacy safeguards, and security features available in the cloud.”

How this plays out remains to be seen, but whatever route organizations favor in the pursuit of data sovereignty, access to choice and autonomy over where their data is stored is likely to grow in importance as time passes.

The role of intelligent data management

For European organizations in this position, and there are many, the good news is that they don’t need to wait for systemic changes in the cloud landscape to start regaining control. Data sovereignty can be addressed today through the implementation of modern, vendor-neutral data management technologies, which enable them to visualize their entire data landscape and apply consistent policies across disparate storage environments.

Armed with a unified view of their data across cloud and on-premises environments, organizations can then make informed choices about what data to store, where to store it and how best to safeguard it.

The obvious starting point is visibility because, without knowing what data exists, where it resides and how it moves, businesses are flying blind. This is particularly significant and challenging in contemporary multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud environments, where data can be extremely fragmented, often with little consistency or oversight.

But by establishing a clear picture of all data assets, classifying them based on sensitivity and business value and ensuring local copies of critical data are always available, IT management can also enforce policies that align with governance and regulatory requirements.

In the end, this is not just a technology and geography issue; it goes much deeper to cover everything from business resilience and compliance to control and, ultimately, customer trust. Europe’s digital future will depend not only on where its data lives, but on who can access it, govern it and protect it.

As the European Parliament data sovereignty briefing concludes, “Building a secure pan-European data framework and adopting new standards and practices to provide trustworthy and controllable digital products and services would ensure a safer digital environment.”

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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

A succession of recent high‑profile breaches has shown that the UK remains vulnerable to ever‑more advanced cyber threats. This exposure is intensifying as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday business operations. AI tools have become essential for organizations seeking to deliver value and maintain competitiveness. Yet, its benefits also bring risks that far too many organizations have yet to fully mitigate.

CyberArk’s latest research identifies AI as a complex “triple threat”. It is being leveraged as an attack vector, utilized defensively, and—perhaps most worryingly—creating significant new security gaps. In light of this evolving threat landscape, organizations must position identity security at the heart of their AI strategies if they wish to build future resilience.

AI: Same threats, new problems

AI has raised the bar for traditional attack methods. Phishing, which remains the most common entry point for identity breaches, has evolved beyond poorly worded emails to sophisticated scams that use AI-generated deepfakes, cloned voices and authentic-looking messages.

Nearly 70% of UK organizations fell victim to successful phishing attacks last year, with more than a third reporting multiple incidents. This shows that even robust training and technical safeguards can be circumvented when attackers use AI to mimic trusted contacts and exploit human psychology.

It is no longer enough to assume that conventional perimeter defenses can stop such threats. Organizations must adapt by layering in stronger identity verification processes and building a culture where suspicious activity is flagged and investigated without hesitation.

Using AI in defense

While AI is strengthening attackers’ capabilities, it is also transforming how defenders operate. Nearly nine in ten UK organizations now use AI and large language models to monitor network behavior, identify emerging threats and automate repetitive tasks that previously consumed hours of manual effort. In many security operations centers, AI has become an essential force multiplier that allows small teams to handle a vast and growing workload.

Almost half of organizations expect AI to be the biggest driver of cybersecurity spending in the coming year. This reflects a growing recognition that human analysts alone cannot keep up with the scale and speed of modern attacks. However, AI-powered defense must be deployed responsibly.

Over-reliance without sufficient human oversight can lead to blind spots and false confidence. Security teams must ensure AI tools are trained on high-quality data, tested rigorously, and reviewed regularly to avoid drift or unexpected bias.

AI is broadening the scope of attacks

The third element of the triple threat is the rapid growth in machine identities and AI agents. As employees embrace new AI tools to boost productivity, the number of non-human accounts accessing critical data has surged, now outnumbering human users by a ratio of 100 to one.

Many of these machine identities have elevated privileges but operate with minimal governance. Weak credentials, shared secrets and inconsistent lifecycle management create opportunities for attackers to compromise systems with little resistance.

Shadow AI is compounding this challenge. Research indicates that over a third of employees admit to using unauthorized AI applications, often to automate tasks or generate content quickly. While the productivity gains are real, the security consequences are significant. Unapproved tools can process confidential data without proper safeguards, leaving organizations exposed to data leaks, regulatory non-compliance and reputational damage.

Addressing this risk

Addressing this risk requires more than technical controls alone. Organizations should establish clear policies on acceptable AI use, educate staff on the risks of bypassing security, and provide approved, secure alternatives that meet business needs without creating hidden vulnerabilities.

Positioning identity security at the heart of digital strategy Securing AI‑driven enterprises requires embedding identity security at every layer of an organization's digital strategy. That means ensuring real‑time visibility of all identities - human, machine or AI agent -applying least privilege consistently, and continuously monitoring for unusual access behavior that may signal a breach.

Forward‑facing organizations are already updating their access and identity management frameworks to meet AI’s distinct demands. This entails adopting just‑in‑time access for machine identities, monitoring privilege escalation, and treating all AI agents with the same scrutiny as human accounts.

AI offers tremendous value for organizations that embrace it responsibly, but without robust identity security, that value can swiftly become a liability. The businesses that thrive will be those recognizing that resilience isn’t optional- it’s the foundation for long‑term growth.

At a time where businesses and their adversaries are both empowered by AI, one principle stands firm: securing AI begins and ends with securing identity.

We list the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

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

Behind the polished responses of AI platforms lies a lesser-known truth: workers from emerging economies, such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia, were paid less than $2 per hour to sift through graphic and traumatic content to help train their safety systems. This labor practice has sparked global concern, lawsuits, and calls for ethical reform in the AI industry.

Artificial intelligence is the crown jewel of modern enterprise – a sector exceeding $500 billion, reshaping everything from banking to healthcare. However, the truth is that behind every chatbot, image generator, and recommendation engine are armies of human workers who perform tasks that AI can’t handle, including labeling data, filtering toxic content, and correcting machine errors.

Without them, the algorithms would collapse, and the irony is hard to miss. AI is at risk of becoming the digital frontier for labor malpractice and a new form of unethical conduct. If businesses and innovators don’t act, AI’s promise could unravel under the weight of its own contradictions.

The Invisible Labor Fueling AI’s Rise

It is tempting to believe that AI systems are self-sufficient, refining themselves through endless feedback loops of data and computation. The reality, however, is far more complex. AI systems don’t clean or train themselves. The scale of this hidden labor crisis is staggering. Major gig platforms employ millions to annotate data, correct model errors, and sift through violent or explicit content.

These gig workers are outsourced from countries in the Global South, such as Kenya, India, and the Philippines, who prop up the $8 billion industry that powers the AI revolution. These workers are often highly educated but take on these jobs because better opportunities are scarce. They sign up believing they will contribute to cutting-edge technology, only to find themselves trapped in digital piecework. Pay is low, mental health support is rare, and job security is virtually nonexistent.

Why haven’t businesses fixed this? Because it’s cheap and easy to ignore. However, it comes with growing risks. Consumers and regulators are already beginning to question the ethics of AI supply chains. The European Union’s AI Act and similar efforts globally are setting new expectations for transparency, fairness, and accountability. Companies that fail to address the human cost of AI could face reputational damage, regulatory fines, or worse – a collapse of trust in the systems they have built.

Web3 might be the overlooked fix AI desperately needs

The promise of Web3 – decentralization, transparency, and user empowerment - directly addresses many of the failings in AI’s hidden labor ecosystem. Yet these tools remain largely untapped by enterprise AI, which is clearly a missed opportunity.

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) offer a way to embed genuine transparency and fairness into AI’s supply chains. Unlike traditional gig platforms, where decisions about pay, task selection, or working conditions are made behind closed doors, DAOs make every decision transparent and visible.

Every vote cast, every rule change, and every payment to a contributor is stored on a public ledger, creating an auditable trail that cannot be altered after the fact. This means that anyone, from participants to external auditors, can trace who made the decisions on ‘what, when, and how’. Immutable payment records eliminate the disputes that plague opaque gig work, while public governance logs ensure that power isn’t concentrated in the hands of a few.

Real-world examples are beginning to show what’s possible. Some decentralized employment platforms enable independent workers to collectively manage their pay structures and benefits, with all transactions and decisions recorded on-chain for complete transparency.

Others apply similar principles to research and contributor projects, where rules around compensation and project selection are codified in smart contracts, leaving little room for hidden decisions or unfair practices.

These models exist and are effective, but the reality is that enterprise AI has shown little interest in adopting them so far.

The Limits and Urgency of Change

Many enterprise AI leaders cling to the idea that ethical supply chains are simply too expensive - an unfortunate cost that doesn’t fit the margins demanded by investors or customers. But this is a myth that Web3 technologies can finally dismantle.

Web3’s value isn’t limited to ethics; it offers efficiency gains that traditional systems struggle to match. Smart contracts automate payments and bonuses, reducing the need for large administrative teams and eliminating intermediaries that add cost without providing value. Immutable blockchain records mean payment disputes, task verifications, and contract enforcement happen with far less friction, saving time, legal costs, and operational headaches.

However, Web3 isn’t flawless. Decentralized systems can replicate biases if data or governance isn’t audited. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee explainability in AI decisions. And DAOs risk elitism if influence skews toward a wealthy few.

Clearly, the real risk is in doing nothing. The companies that lead on ethical AI supply chains will not only avoid the coming backlash but also earn the trust of their customers, regulators, and employees. Those who continue to look the other way will eventually find that the cost of cleaning up the mess is far higher than the cost of reforming now.

Web3 offers the clearest path to cleaning up AI’s hidden mess. But the window for voluntary reform is closing fast. Enterprises can either lead this change or be dragged into it when the backlash hits.

The choice won’t stay theirs for long.

We've listed the best employee management software and the best HR 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

There was a lot of discussion, planning, cost, and people management involved for all of those in the financial sector in bringing DORA into effect.

In January 2025, Rubrik Zero Lab’s research reported that the strains on businesses were not always obvious. In addition to costing nearly half (47%) of businesses over a Million Euros, 79% of employees reported an impact on mental health, and 58% of CISOs reported increased stress.

It was no secret, though; the work in preparing a business for DORA was always going to be significant. DORA’s five pillars of cybersecurity included ICT risk management, incident reporting, digital operational resilience testing, third-party risk management, and information sharing. A significant undertaking and expense for any business.

Integrating DORA

In the last six months, financial institutions have had to pivot from preparing for DORA to actively integrating its requirements into their daily operations. The initial months have seen a strong emphasis on solidifying ICT risk management frameworks, ensuring they are comprehensive, well-documented, and continuously monitored. The tasks involve mapping critical IT assets, identifying vulnerabilities, and establishing clear risk appetite statements.

A significant shift has been observed in incident reporting. Firms are currently facing the challenge of meeting strict requirements for classifying, notifying, and providing detailed reports on major ICT-related incidents to competent authorities within tight deadlines. These requirements have necessitated refining internal processes, improving monitoring tools, and establishing clear communication channels to ensure the timely and accurate flow of information.

Perhaps one of the most challenging areas has been digital operational resilience testing, particularly the highly prescriptive Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT). While many firms had planned for these tests, the post-go-live period has seen the initiation and execution of complex simulations that mimic real-world attacks. These tests are not just about finding vulnerabilities but assessing the institution's ability to withstand and recover from severe disruptions, pushing internal teams and third-party testers to their limits.

Last but not least, third-party risk management has moved from a siloed function to a central focus. DORA mandates that financial entities oversee the entire lifecycle of their reliance on critical ICT third-party providers, which includes meticulous due diligence, robust contractual arrangements, and ongoing monitoring of their third parties' resilience.

Many institutions have been reassessing their entire vendor landscape, identifying critical dependencies, and, in some cases, diversifying providers to mitigate concentration risk. The regulatory spotlight on critical third parties means firms are demanding greater transparency and assurance from their suppliers than ever before.

None more so, the breadth of the regulation has also meant financial institutions have seen DORA touch almost every aspect of their businesses - IT and cybersecurity, to legal, compliance, risk, and even business operations. The human element is having an impact on upskilling and training staff, expanding roles and responsibilities, and increasing workload.

Do you feel ready for when an attack does take place?

After the work is undertaken to help your organization fall in line with DORA or other cybersecurity standards or regulations, the practical question to ask yourself is: ‘Do I feel resilient enough to bounce back from an attack and maintain business continuity in the wake of an attack?’

• Putting the process in place helps, but have you road-tested it within your organization?
• Have you thought about every eventuality? Or at least pre-planned for those you can?
• What new risks can you identify now that you have assessed the gaps and resolved your security ecosystem?

Inevitably, it’s not a case of if an attack will take place, but when. Working through regulations supports your journey to cyber resilience, but if the honesty, the practice and the continual testing fail, then so will your defense system.

What does the future look like for DORA? And what does this mean on an international stage?

The first thing to realize is that DORA is one of many cybersecurity regulations that have come into place in recent months and years. Six months after implementation is very early, and as organizational frameworks mature, businesses will continue to invest, improve and adapt their work to maintain what is in place.

Costs, while substantial, are viewed not as mere compliance burdens but as strategic investments. The financial and reputational damage from a major cyber incident—potentially reaching into the hundreds of millions or even billions of euros in a severe scenario, not to mention regulatory fines—far outweighs the upfront investment in DORA compliance.

DORA's principles of robust ICT governance, rigorous testing, and vigilant third-party oversight will be critical for navigating the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. By deeply embedding these practices into their operational DNA, financial institutions can not only meet regulatory obligations but also fortify their defenses, ensuring business continuity and maintaining customer trust in an increasingly volatile digital age.

We list the best IT management tools.

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

• Sigma unveils an ultra-wide 12mm f/1.4 lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras
• It's available for Sony, Canon and Fujifilm cameras for £519 (US / AU pricing TBC)
• 200mm F2 telephoto prime also revealed, part of Sigma's pro Sports line

Good Lord, Sigma's lens making department is on a roll. Following its versatile 18-40mm F1.8 zoom and award-winning 300-600mm F4 telephoto monster, it has unveiled two high-quality primes; a 12mm F1.4 for APS-C cameras, plus a full-frame 200mm F2.

The 12mm lens is the fifth and widest in a line of f/1.4 primes for APS-C cameras, following 16mm, 23mm, 30mm and 56mm options. I've tested all of four of those existing f/1.4 primes with a Canon mirrorless camera, and they pack superb optical performance into a lightweight and super-compact form factor.

There's still a clear need for the new 12mm lens, though, with its equivalent 18mm focal length in full-frame terms filling a niche for astrophotography, especially with its super-bright f/1.4 aperture. The previous widest f/1.4 lens in the range has an equivalent 24mm focal length, which won't be wide enough for many keen astrophotographers.

Sigma has made the ultra-wide prime for Sony E, Canon RF and Fujifilm X-mount cameras and its list price is £519 (US and Australia pricing TBC). We don't yet know if it will be made for other lens mounts such as Nikon Z or L-mount, but judging from previous launches I would hedge my bets that it will.

The new ultra-wide prime isn't the only news from Sigma today. It has also unveiled the world's first 200mm lens with bright f/2 aperture, available for Sony E and L-mount cameras.

As part of Sigma's Sports line for pros, the 200mm F2 shares much of the same DNA as the 300-600mm super telephoto zoom; it features superb optics, a high-speed autofocus response, 6.5EV optical image stabilization using Sigma's OS2 algorithm, and a dust- and splash-resistant build. It costs £2,999 (again, US and Australia pricing TBC).

The sales start date for both lenses is set for September 4.

(Image credit: Sigma)Shoot for the stars

Sigma's new 12mm F/1.4 lens will no doubt appeal to astrophotographers that shoot with an APS-C mirrorless camera, such as the Sony A6700, Canon EOS R7 or Fujifilm X-T5. However, with its compact build, wide perspective, responsive autofocus and minimal focus breathing, it also fits the bill for a different kind of star – vlogging.

It weighs just 7.9oz / 225g and measures 2.7in / 68mm in length, making it a compact pairing with any compatible APS-C, plus it's dust- and splash-resistant, so there's no problem getting out in challenging terrain or cold nights.

For optical engineering, the 200mm F2 pro prime is arguably all the more impressive, being the brightest 200mm lens on the market. It's billed for telephoto portraits and indoor sports, especially given its bright f/2 aperture and the compression effect achieved by the telephoto focal length.

It's a weightier affair than the 12mm F/1.4, tipping the scales at 64.2oz / 1,820g and measuring 7.9in / 201mm in length. That's the price you pay for the bright f/2 aperture at such a telephoto focal length, versus a 70-200mm zoom lens with a maximum f/2.8 aperture.

Judging from my experience with previous Sigma lenses, I expect both of these latest unique optics to deliver high-quality images, which are otherwise not possible given the world-first features on offer, while many APS-C shooters could finally have the astrophotography lens they have been asking for. For further information, do check out the Sigma website.

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It's confession time. I've been procrastinating over upgrading to Windows 11 on my main PC, even though I fully intended to move to the newer operating system, away from Windows 10, this year. (Actually, the original plan was to switch early this year).

So yes - I've let things slide, at least when it comes to my main PC, anyway. In my defense, I did upgrade my secondary machine - a Microsoft Surface Pro laptop - to Windows 11. Technically, then, I have made the leap to Windows 11 - in a partial manner - and I've found the latest incarnation of Microsoft's desktop OS just fine on that 2-in-1. There are no complaints there (well, mostly, and I'll come back to the one niggle shortly).

And while I was fully planning to migrate to Windows 11 on my work computer (I call it that, but I game on this PC too) as mentioned, there are some good reasons why I've put that plan on ice - for now.

Yes, I've not changed my mind about upgrading to Windows 11, but only adjusted the timeframe involved, as Microsoft busily reminds all of us Windows 10 folks that we only have two months of support (and vital security updates) left (as Bleeping Computer noticed). This is the latest step in a campaign of nudges to get people shifted over - Microsoft has even sent out emails directly to Windows 10 users, urging upgrades to Windows 11 in the past.

So, what are my reasons for deciding against taking the plunge with the newer OS? Well, there are a few of them, so let's dive in and explore.

Freebie extension

The first reason - and my main one, really - is that a couple of months back, Microsoft switched tack and announced that there would be a free way to get extended updates for Windows 10.

In case you missed it entirely, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program was originally revealed for consumers with a $30 price tag (or equivalent in your currency). Then late in June, Microsoft brought forth a freebie option - well, in terms of the cash cost anyway: the new choice was to get extended support for a year if you sync your PC settings to OneDrive.

As I've said before, I don't think this is too big a deal for most people. It's not like you have to sync and store your personal data with Microsoft's cloud storage, just your settings. In my case, I do this anyway, so there's literally no cost for me to get an extra year of support. So, when this spin on the ESU was announced, it immediately took all the heat out of my (delayed) quest to upgrade my main machine to Windows 11.

And since then, I've only been thinking about why there's no rush at all now. While I didn't want to fork out actual money to stay on Windows 10, now I don't have to - and with effectively free extended support, I have until October 2026 to shift over to Windows 11. And frankly, there aren't really any pressing reasons to upgrade anyway…

(Image credit: Marjan Apostolovic / Shutterstock)Performance wrinkles

What's also become clearer to me as this year has progressed (with my upgrade heels dragging) is that Windows 11 is somewhat wonky in some elements of its performance. When using the operating system on my laptop, I've experienced sluggishness with File Explorer, which is pretty disappointing. This is likely the result of there being a lot of changes with work under the hood in Windows 11, and Microsoft has even admitted that the performance situation could be better - and it's working to improve this.

In fairness, on the whole, my experience with Windows 11 on my laptop - and my wife's PC, which also has the newer operating system - is that it's actually pretty snappy overall. Indeed, I'd say it's more responsive than Windows 10, but not by enough to have me rushing for that upgrade button.

Of course, performance levels on my other PCs don't guarantee that Windows 11 will feel just as snappy on my Windows 10 rig, either. That's the thing about upgrades: they can be unpredictable, and outcomes may vary on different hardware. And there are folks out there who are firing some considerable flak at Microsoft for Windows 11 being slower in general (not just File Explorer) - so that does leave a little room for doubt to creep in.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Bugs and stability

Then we come onto the bugs. The fact that Windows 11 24H2 has been very glitchy (and generally weird) in many respects doesn't instill confidence, and for me, this was also a major pause for thought (in the past, as well as now). Case in point: I've just written an article about a new reported bug in Windows 11, which is seemingly breaking SSDs, and while it's still to be confirmed, and we certainly shouldn't be jumping to conclusions that the most recent August update caused it, this appears to be the case.

Whether that's true or not, we shall see in time, but the fact is that it's still something for those running Windows 11 to worry about. (Think twice before embarking on any big installations, as I discussed this earlier.)

Which got me thinking: if I stay on Windows 10, as I'd already been leaning towards anyway, I'm going to receive nothing but plain security patches over the next year and a bit. Just fixes for vulnerabilities, and no tinkering with the operating system whatsoever - meaning less chance of breaking stuff.

The upshot is that Windows 10 is likely to run a lot more stably than Windows 11, which is going to be witnessing a steady stream of new features as this year turns into the next, and 2026 rolls onwards.

(Image credit: Shutterstock / lassedesignen)Risk averse

I'm risk-averse in general – and particularly with computers – so it just makes sense to stick with Windows 10, and not twist to install Windows 11, for the time being. It won't cost me anything to do so, I know how Windows 10 performs – and it runs just fine for me, it's not sluggish at all, even if it may not be quite as snappy as my wife's desktop PC on Windows 11 – and I know it'll be more reliable in terms of what will happen with updates.

Don't get me wrong, though: I will be upgrading to Windows 11 next year. Indeed, I might make the leap straight away if a tempting new feature does arrive for Windows 11 (not that there's anything in particular on the horizon yet). But for now, I'll play it safe with Windows 10, as that just seems like the best course of action on balance.

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September is only a few weeks away, and that means Hulu is gearing up to clear out a handful of movies for its new arrivals. But don't worry, there are only 18 movies and two documentaries set to get the chop, so it's safe to say that Hulu's collection of best TV shows is staying put.

Compared to other streaming services – that have a tendency to remove major blockbusters more frequently – Hulu is far more likely to remove lesser-known titles that aren't as popular as its star movies and shows. Next month month is no exception, but it's always worth checking them out as one of your favorite hidden gems could sneak in there – you never know.

Everything leaving Hulu in September 2025

Leaving on September 1

Unplugging (movie)

Leaving on September 2

Taurus (movie)

Leaving on September 7

Petite Maman (movie)
Racing Extinction (documentary)
The Cove (movie)

Leaving on September 9

Corsage (movie)
The Last Victim (movie)

Leaving on September 12

Fool's Paradise (movie)
Lost Girls (movie)
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (movie)

Leaving on September 17

Bad Axe (documentary)
Dakota (movie)
Somewhere in Queens (movie)

Leaving on September 22

The Almond and the Seahorse (movie)

Leaving on September 23

Dinner in America (movie)

Leaving on September 25

A Chiara (movie)
Private Property (movie)

Leaving on September 30

After Midnight (movie)
Charlotte (movie)
The Wheel (movie)

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• NVMe 2.3 sets new ground rules which could alter storage behavior across multiple environments
• Power monitoring shifts focus toward sustainability and careful control in both enterprise and consumer drives
• Energy capping functions might prevent system stress in older setups that struggle with power draw

The NVM Express group has confirmed the release of NVMe 2.3, a revision that introduces 11 updates across storage command sets and transport protocols.

The changes touch NVM, Zoned Namespace, Key Value, Local Memory, and Compute, while also extending refinements to PCIe, RDMA, and TCP.

Alongside this, the NVMe Management Interface advances to version 2.1, and NVMe Boot moves to version 1.3.

Shifts in power control and monitoring

NVM Express says the purpose of this upgrade is to make solid-state drives more reliable, flexible, and energy-conscious.

In terms of power management, the new Power Limit Config function allows administrators to cap energy draw from an NVMe device.

This can prevent strain in older servers or in setups where consumption needs to be tightly monitored.

In addition, a Self-Reported Drive Power feature lets storage devices reveal usage levels in real time or across longer intervals.

Such reporting may help in capacity planning, early fault detection, and in keeping overall consumption within sustainable levels.

These features may be useful, but their practical benefit will rest on whether manufacturers implement them consistently across both the largest SSD models and portable external SSD units aimed at consumers.

Security changes also appear in the specification. Sanitize Per Namespace makes it possible to erase a defined portion of the drive while leaving the rest intact.

This may help in environments where parts of a drive are being retired or reassigned while other data remains active.

Another addition, Configurable Device Personality, lets an SSD shift operating modes depending on requirements, such as favoring speed or conserving power.

This could reduce the complexity of managing storage arrays, yet questions remain about how often real-world deployments will need such tuning and whether vendors will expose this level of control to users outside enterprise settings.

Rapid Path Failure Recovery is another headline change. When the connection between the host and the storage subsystem falters, the system can now redirect commands through an alternate path instead of failing outright.

The goal is reduced downtime and fewer errors from repeated requests.

For organizations running large clusters or managing the best rugged SSD options in field conditions, this could mean greater resilience.

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If you were hoping for yet another New York Times game to satisfy your word-puzzling itch, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Pips, the latest addition to The New York Times' growing games corral, is a word-free, domino-filled exercise in entertainment and occasional frustration.

Pips, which was launched on Monday (August 18) online and iOS and Android, is a departure from the global phenomenon Wordle and its cousin games, Connections and Strands (as well as competitors like Quordle). It has no letters, no word jumbles, or even topic-driven associations.

The only playing pieces on Pip's tiny game board are five dominoes. Yes, just like the dominoes you played with as a kid, or are still using in real life with games like Tiles (no, not the same as NYT's own "Tiles" game). Pips, by the way, are the dots on a domino.

What's the point of Pips?Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

The object of the game is to place all your dominoes on the board by fulfilling certain on-board requirements. These are set out via color-coding, which indicates which Tiles are included in a condition, and small tags that define the condition (often a value) of dominos you can drop in one or more squares.

As you may recall, dominoes have values on them that range from zero (blank) to six pips. Each domino can have mismatched numbers or matching figures. It's these numbers and combos you'll need to pay close attention to as you try to work out each Pips logic puzzle.

This is the first New York Times game we can recall in recent times that allows for three levels of play per day – Easy, Medium, and Hard – and that lets you play all of them on the same day. As soon as you start playing, a timer starts.

Playing Pips

(Image credit: Future)

On the game board, you'll see labels like ">3" ("greater than three"), "<13" for ("less than 13"), or "=" (indicating all squares feature the same number). In each case, the pips on the tiles have to meet those conditions, either individually or collectively.

Satisfying those conditions takes some non-linear thinking. Conditional colors across multiple tile squares do not necessarily mean that you'll be using both squares on one domino to meet those conditions.

(Image credit: Future)

Sometimes you have to look for a condition or pair of conditions that can only be satisfied by one of the five tiles you've been given.

I started with the easy game and solved it in 31 seconds. Feeling pretty good about myself, I switched to Hard and found myself struggling for almost 10 minutes. Medium took me almost six minutes. Now, at least, I think I understand how to play the game and hope that I'll do better tomorrow.

Sharing your Pips

(Image credit: Future)

As with all other New York Times games, you can share your score with friends. Shares show the Pips game number, game level, a color code that I assume reflects your performance, and time. For 31 seconds, I got a green dot. For 5:56, I got a yellow, and for 9:26, I got a red dot.

Pips certainly works a different mental muscle than Wordle, but overall, it feels less succinct and maybe a little less fun. There's a glorious combination of erudition and simplicity to Wordle that I cherish. As a writer, I love word games like it, including Connections and Strands. I also think the gamification, results, and competitions that result from games like Wordle are more universally relatable.

I'm not even sure how you would write the daily guide for Pips. The level of complexity and thought might make each daily read a slog or worse, highly frustrating.

We all use words every day to communicate. We have a sense that our aptitude for the English language is some measure of our intelligence, and whether or not that's true, we love to dunk on each other when we get Wordle in two or even one try.

There's no obvious Pips equivalent of "Got it in 2!" and for that reason, this is no Wordle, but that might just be OK.

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• iOS 26 public beta 3 improves app opening times
• This makes using apps feel much quicker and snappier
• The adjustment does make apps’ content load any faster, though

The third public beta of Apple’s iOS 26 has just landed, and it comes with a few minor tweaks and adjustments for your iPhone. But there’s one change that has really caught my eye, and it’s made my iPhone feel so much faster in the process.

Once you’ve downloaded iOS 26 public beta 3, you’ll likely notice the change almost immediately: now, opening and closing apps feels much snappier than before, with apps springing to life on your screen as soon as you tap them. Instead of waiting for them to fill your screen, they’re there almost instantly. The video further down this page shows the speed in action.

In objective terms, there’s probably only a minor difference in app opening and closing times between iOS 18 and the third beta of iOS 26 – maybe just a few milliseconds. Yet in practice, you absolutely notice the change. I love how quickly it feels like I can dive into my apps without waiting for the animation to finish in iOS 26.

In times when I need to get started rapidly – like opening my camera app to capture a one-off moment, for example – the new animation is a real blessing. But those times are comparatively rare, and I’ve found the main benefit is simply the feeling of increased snappiness I now get with my iPhone. It’s a small change, but a meaningful one.

The slight drawback

iOS 26 beta 6 brings new animations when opening and closing apps pic.twitter.com/u2BiXZDVTgAugust 11, 2025

That said, it’s worth noting that you might not feel the benefits at all times. That’s because the change impacts how quickly an app’s container loads and fills your screen, but it doesn’t actually make that app’s content load any faster.

So, if an app is poorly optimized or takes a long time to show any content on-screen, the latest iOS 26 public beta likely won’t make it feel any faster. That means the improvements could vary, depending on which apps you use the most.

Still, if your apps are well-made and load their internal workings quickly, you’ll really start to feel the improvement when iOS 26 lands properly next month.

Updates like this show that small tweaks can sometimes make more of a difference than new features or big, showy changes. That’s certainly the case here, and the rapid app-loading animations might be one of my favorite adjustments found in iOS 26 so far.

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• OpenAI has no plans to phase out GPT‑4o in October
• The company reinstated GPT‑4o after backlash
• OpenAI promised advance notice before any deprecation of models

Rumors of ChatGPT‑4o's demise have been exaggerated, according to OpenAI. Despite some loud rumors bouncing around Reddit and other social media platforms, ChatGPT's developer has no plans to phase out the popular GPT‑4o model in October.

A now-deleted Reddit post claimed GPT-4o was on a deprecation countdown for the AI chatbot. But the company confirmed to TechRadar that there is no such plan in October or at any other time. Should it happen, OpenAI promised there will be a heads-up with plenty of warning. The company even adjusted its documentation to reflect that fact.

The brief frenzy around the rumor isn't too surprising after what happened with GPT-5's debut earlier this month. Though OpenAI framed the upgrade as the choice any user would prefer, not everyone fell in love at first prompt. Some users described GPT‑5 as colder or too formal compared to GPT‑4o, and with only GPT-5 available, a lot of ChatGPT users were very upset.

OpenAI heard the outcry and reinstated GPT‑4o a day later for paying subscribers. Still, with GPT‑5 in the spotlight and improvements coming in to give it more of the kind of personality many claim to desire, it was not an absurd assumption to see GPT-4o’s days as numbered. They may not even fully trust OpenAI's assurances that there is no imminent sunset scheduled for GPT‑4o, but if it's still around in November, they might relax a little at least.

Model attachment

This might all seem dramatic, but in some ways, OpenAI must be pleased at the anthropomorphizing of its chatbot. Getting people invested in using AI is a major goal for the developers, and this shows that while the AI may be mechanical, a lot of people start to treat it as something else.

Someday, GPT-4o and its successors will likely get phased out. That’s just how AI development works. But clearly, the method of that phasing matters a lot to some people. And letting 4o stick around a little longer gives people space to decide when or even if they want to upgrade.

But for now, GPT‑4o still has a place in the ChatGPT lineup, and OpenAI is keen to assure you that you’ll know when it’s time to say goodbye, and it won't be in October.

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• Report finds developers overwhelmingly believe AI can handle marketing tasks once thought secure from automation
• Stroyblok finds 90% of developers use AI tools frequently or constantly in their coding
• Heavy AI adoption in coding shapes perceptions that marketing work could also be absorbed

A growing number of developers now believe artificial intelligence is poised to absorb much of what marketing teams currently do, new research has claimed.

A survey conducted by CMS firm Storyblok across 200 senior developers found nearly three-quarters of respondents think AI could manage either “most” or “all” of their company’s marketing responsibilities.

Specifically, nearly a third (28.5%) said they could handle the entire function with AI, while almost half (45.5%) felt confident they could manage most of it.

Confidence gap between developers and marketers

The study also found 20% believe at least some marketing roles could be shifted over to AI, but a minority, 5%, said AI should play no role in replacing marketing.

When marketers were asked the same question in reverse, fewer expressed such certainty about doing the work of developers.

Only 18.5% said they could cover all of a developer’s job, while 32% believed they could manage most, and over a third admitted they could only do some.

Developers, by contrast, appear to view their growing reliance on automation as a transferable strength that makes other roles more vulnerable to displacement.

That outlook is shaped by how deeply AI has already permeated engineering, as the survey reports nearly 90% of developers use AI tools either frequently or constantly in their coding work.

The most common reason cited is “increasing efficiency,” chosen by 30%, followed closely by automating routine tasks at 23% and improving skillsets at 22%.

These tools are no longer seen as occasional aids but as everyday instruments for writing and testing code, debugging, and accelerating learning.

This growing familiarity with automation has also changed habits of problem-solving.

When encountering obstacles, over a third (34%) of developers say they now turn first to an AI tool, compared with only 20% who would consult a colleague.

That shift reveals more than just a preference for speed, it shows how trust in machine guidance is beginning to outweigh reliance on peer exchange.

Such dependence shapes perceptions of what might be achievable beyond engineering.

If AI is already capable of generating functional code, identifying bugs, and streamlining tasks once thought too complex to automate, then managing the repetitive, process-driven side of marketing may appear within easy reach.

“Developers are among the most exposed to the impact of technological developments, so gaining a deeper understanding of their personal workplace preferences, stresses, and productivity more broadly can help businesses determine how best to manage change, improve happiness, and productivity,” said Dominik Angerer, CEO and co-founder of Storyblok.

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• Millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency has been seized by the DoJ
• The wallet belongs to a suspected ransomware operator
• The ransomware, Zeppelin, is functionally extinct

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced a cryptocurrency wallet containing over $2.8 million has been seized following charges of conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse, computer fraud and abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering brought against the wallet's owner.

Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko is thought to have headed up the now defunct Zeppelin ransomware operation, which collapsed in 2022, to ‘ target and attack a wide range of individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, including in the United States,’ the statement confirmed.

Zeppelin was a ransomware-as-a-service tool which uses phishing as a point of contact, using double extortion methods to steal and encrypt data to then sell (or threaten to sell) on the dark web.

Luxury assets

Alongside the cryptocurrency, the DoJ also seized $70,000 in cash as well as a luxury vehicle, assets which are alleged to be involved in ransomware activity - mostly having been used to launder proceeds gained through ransom payments.

‘Those assets were laundered in various ways, including by using the cryptocurrency mixing service ChipMixer, which was taken down in a coordinated international operation in 2023. Antropenko also laundered cryptocurrency by exchanging cryptocurrency for cash and depositing the cash in structured cash deposits.’

Zeppelin has been used to victimize organisations in manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and finance industries - particularly those that rely on sensitive data.

The RaaS was introduced in 2019, and tactics evolved over the next few years, with actors using the tool to distribute malware. However, after sloppy updated versions were released in 2021, the tool became significantly less prominent.

By 2022, the service was essentially abandoned. Security researchers Unit221b developed a decryptor key after the tool was used to attack nonprofits, homeless shelters, and charity organisations.

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August is coming to an end and, therefore, so is the summer season. There's no denying that Hulu's summer schedules have been stacked with fresh movies and binge-worthy TV shows – and it's keeping the ball rolling with its first list of fall titles.

In September, you can catch the return of two of the best Hulu shows, the first being Only Murders in the Building season 5 where we'll see Renée Zellweger, Keegan-Michael Key, and Christoph Waltz join the show's star-studded line-up. Additionally, we're also excited for High Potential season 2, the crime comedy-drama starring Kaitlin Olson.

But these Hulu Originals are just the beginning of what we're expecting to be a busy month for one of the best streaming services, and its slew of new movies is just as thrilling. From dramas such as Dead Poet's Society (1989) and Call Me By Your Name (2017) to familiar favorites Mean Girls (2004) and School of Rock (2003), these are some highly-rated gems coming to Hulu in September 2025. Which ones will you be streaming first? Let me know in the comments below.

Everything new on Hulu in September 2025

Arriving on September 1

America's Next Top Model season 16 (TV show)
Amsterdam (movie)
The Bob's Burgers Movie (movie)
Breaking Up (movie)
Call Me By Your Name En Espanol (movie)
Call Me By Your Name (movie)
Clueless En Espanol (movie)
Clueless (movie)
Devil's Due (movie)
Donnie Darko (movie)
Evil Dead Rise En Espanol (movie)
Evil Dead Rise (movie)
Finding Forrester En Espanol (movie)
Finding Forrester (movie)
The 40 Year-Old Virgin (movie)
Gandhi En Espanol (movie)
Gandhi (movie)
How To Train Your Dragon (movie)
How To Train Your Dragon 2 (movie)
I Am Number Four (movie)
Invincible (movie)
Jennifer's Body (movie)
John Tucker Must Die (movie)
Juno (movie)
Just Married (movie)
Kingsman: The Secret Service (movie)
Mean Girls (movie)
The Meg En Espanol (movie)
The Meg (movie)
The Meg 2: The Trench En Espanol (movie)
The Meg 2: The Trench (movie)
Mrs. Doubtfire (movie)
Need For Speed (movie)
Never Let Me Go (movie)
Night At The Museum (movie)
Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian (movie)
Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (movie)
The Nun II En Espanol (movie)
The Nun II (movie)
Nosso Lar 2: Os Mensageiros (movie)
Pearl Harbor (movie)
Roll Bounce (movie)
See How They Run (movie)
She's The Man (movie)
Space Jam En Espanol (movie)
Space Jam (movie)
The School Of Rock En Espanol (movie)
The School Of Rock (movie)
Trap En Espanol (movie)
Trap (movie)
World War Z En Espanol (movie)
World War Z (movie)

Arriving on September 2

Betrayal season 3 (TV show)
Hannah Montana: The Movie (movie)
The New Boy (movie)

Arriving on September 3

Reminder season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on September 4

Blood & Myth (documentary)
Abducted in the Everglades (TV show)
Digital Addiction season 1 (TV show)
Digital Addiction Special (TV show)
I Survived . . . season 4 (TV show)
The Chef's Garden season 1 (TV show)
Rachael Ray's Meals in Minutes season 2 (TV show)
The First 48 season 27 (TV show)

Arriving on September 5

Memphis to the Mountain (TV show)
Ballpark Blast! by MLB and pocket.watch season 1 (TV show)
I love You, Beth Cooper (movie)
LOL Live with Brandi Denise (comedy special)
LOL Live with Malik B (comedy special)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (movie)
Parental Guidance (movie)
Sacramento (movie)
There's Something About Mary (movie)

Arriving on August 9

Only Murders in the Building season 5 (TV show)
Jeopardy season 42 (TV show)
Jeopardy seasons 20, 21, 27, 34, & 35 (TV show)
Wheel of Fortune season 43 (TV show)
Wheel of Fortune seasons 16-18, 28, 37-39 (TV show)
Sister Midnight (movie)
Uncle Drew (movie)

Arriving on September 10

Tempest (TV show)
Court Cam season 6 (TV show)
I Survived . . . season 5 (TV show)
Oceanfront Property Hunt season 1 (TV show)
Alone: An Inside Look (TV show)
Disappearance at Clifton Hill (movie)
Color Out of Space (movie)
The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (movie)
Paradise Hills (movie)
Settlers (movie)
The Square (movie)
Swallow (movie)
Werewolves Within (movie)
Would You Rather? (movie)
The Rental (movie)

Arriving on September 11

The Shallows (movie)
The Shallows En Espanol (movie)

Arriving on September 12

Himouto! Umaru-chan season 1 (TV show)
Insomniacs After School season 1 (TV show)
Dead Poets Society (movie)
Drumline (movie)
I Don't Understand You (movie)

Arriving on September 13

Tracker season 2 (TV show)
Botched Bariatrics season 1 (TV show)
Death by Fame season 3 (TV show)
Murder Under the Friday Night Lights season 4 (TV show)
The OceanGate Disaster season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on September 15

Futurama season 13 (TV show)

Arriving on September 16

Celebrity Weakest Link (TV show)
Name That Tune season 5 (TV show)
Jackdaw (movie)

Arriving on September 17

Dancing with the Stars season 34 (TV show)
High Potential season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on September 18

Reasonable Doubt season 3 (TV show)
Food Wars! The Second Plate season 1 (TV show)
I Survived . . . season 9 (TV show)
Alone (movie)
Fugitive Hunters Mexico (movie)

Arriving on September 19

Swiped (movie)

Arriving on September 21

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery (documentary)

Arriving on September 22

Into the Void: Life, Death and Heavy Metal (TV show)

Arriving on September 23

Valiant One (movie)

Arriving on September 24

Doc season 2 (TV show)
FX's The Lowdown (TV show)
Murder in a Small Town season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on September 25

99 to Beat (TV show)
The Floor season 4 (TV show)
The Golden Bachelor season 2 (TV show)
Shark Tank season 17 (TV show)
A Seance With... season 1 (TV show)
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy season 4 (TV show)
Bigfoot Captured season 1 (TV show)
Cryptid: The Swamp Beast season 1 (TV show)
Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive season 1 (TV show)
MonsterQuest Specials season 1 (TV show)
Ozark Law season 1 (TV show)
Zombie House Flipping season 7 (TV show)
I Survived . . . (TV show)
The Surfer (movie)

Arriving on September 26

Hell's Kitchen season 24 (TV show)
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 4 (TV show)
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior season 1 (TV show)
The Man in My Basement (movie)
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call En Espanol (movie)
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (movie)
Dragon Ball Z Battle of Gods (movie)

Arriving on September 27

Evil Lives Here: The Killer Speaks season 2 (TV show)
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune season 6 (TV show)

Arriving on September 29

Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? (TV show)
America's Funniest Home Videos season 36 (TV show)
Bob’s Burgers season 16 (TV show)
Krapopolis season 3 (TV show)
The Simpsons season 37 (TV show)
Universal Basic Guys season 2 (TV show)
Vermeil in Gold season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on September 30

Bloody Axe Wound (movie)
Chad Powers (TV show)

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