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Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Monday, August 18 (game #1302).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1303) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 2*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1303) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1303) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1303) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1303) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• K

• S

• C

• M

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

Quordle today (game #1303) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1303, are…

• KNAVE
• SMART
• CARRY
• MAMMA

My infatuation with the letter V paid off today, but it still hurt my brain trying to think of words containing N, A and E. 

I really should have gotten it sooner, as my favorite book is Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines – a wonderful, darkly comic tale of a young lad’s obsession with a bird of prey; a bit like me and the letter V.

Daily Sequence today (game #1303) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1303, are…

• SQUAT
• WHALE
• WISER
• CRANE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1302, Monday, 18 August: FIBER, TRADE, RAYON, TEASE
• Quordle #1301, Sunday, 17 August: FUNGI, AMITY, DRIER, CHECK
• Quordle #1300, Saturday, 16 August: OWING, QUAKE, SLIDE, ELITE
• Quordle #1299, Friday, 15 August: WHALE, PRISM, DRAKE, TEPEE
• Quordle #1298, Thursday, 14 August: LAPEL, IDIOM, RENEW, LIVER
• Quordle #1297, Wednesday, 13 August: CACTI, HOMER, EMAIL, ALBUM
• Quordle #1296, Tuesday, 12 August: SPOOL, TITLE, JAUNT, OVINE
• Quordle #1295, Monday, 11 August: ADULT, BROOM, PURER, CRUEL
• Quordle #1294, Sunday, 10 August: SCRUM, PIPER, TROLL, SPORE
• Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
• Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
• Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
• Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
• Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
• Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
• Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
• Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
• Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
• Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, August 18 (game #799).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #800) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• VERMOUTH
• PLYMOUTH
• CLASSIC
• DASHBOARD
• BLABBERMOUTH
• DARTMOUTH
• LITTLE
• PORT
• FLYWHEEL
• CHATTERBOX
• RUSHMORE
• MARSALA
• WINDBAG
• THE
• SHERRY
• PRATTLER

NYT Connections today (game #800) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: First with the gossip
• GREEN: Grapes with added spirit
• BLUE: Add a word that’s like a big stone 
• PURPLE: These begin with fast words

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #800) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: QUITE THE TALKER
• GREEN: FORTIFIED WINES 
• BLUE: ___ ROCK 
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH WAYS TO MOVE QUICKLY 

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

NYT Connections today (game #800) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #800, are…

• YELLOW: QUITE THE TALKER BLABBERMOUTH, CHATTERBOX, PRATTLER, WINDBAG
• GREEN: FORTIFIED WINES MARSALA, PORT, SHERRY, VERMOUTH
• BLUE: ___ ROCK CLASSIC, LITTLE, PLYMOUTH, THE
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH WAYS TO MOVE QUICKLY DARTMOUTH, DASHBOARD, FLYWHEEL, RUSHMORE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: Perfect

A great puzzle today, with just the right level of difficulty – which I believe is demonstrated by the fact that I got the four groups in difficulty order.

Being something of a BLABBERMOUTH, the Yellow group was an easy spot. Next, I flirted with joining PLYMOUTH, DARTMOUTH and RUSHMORE as they all sound like American colleges, but fortunately my knowledge of FORTIFIED WINES is better than higher education, so I abandoned this diversion.

Finally, I was able to spot ___ ROCK from the remaining eight tiles, mainly thanks to THE – which made no sense until I saw the link with CLASSIC. Ahh, the sweet smell of success.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, August 18, game #799)

• YELLOW: INDICATION CUE, NOD, PROMPT, SIGNAL
• GREEN: OPPORTUNITY BREAK, CHANCE, OPENING, SHOT
• BLUE: HOTEL AMENITIES BREAKFAST, PARKING, POOL, WI-FI
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "WATCH" DIGITAL, POCKET, STOP, WRIST

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

• Workday has been targeted in a data breach
• The breach was part of a campaign of social engineering attacks
• The campaign has also targeted Google, Dior, and Adidas

Popular HR platform Workday has revealed it was been hit by a data breach originating through a social engineering campaign.

“We want to let you know about a recent social engineering campaign targeting many large organizations, including Workday,” the company confirmed in a statement.

“In this campaign, threat actors contact employees by text or phone pretending to be from human resources or IT. Their goal is to trick employees into giving up account access or their personal information.”

Further phishing risks

Fortunately, Workday says so far there has been ‘no indication of access to customer tenants or the data within them’, and the firm has added extra safeguards to mitigate the risk of similar incidents in future.

The statement adds the information the threat actor obtained was ‘primarily commonly available business contact information, like names, email addresses, and phone numbers, potentially to further their social engineering scams.’

It seems that this breach could be part of a wave of security breaches that are targeting Salesforce CRM instances through phishing and social engineering attacks. These attacks have used these tactics to breach Google, Adidas, Dior, and more.

The hackers are likely to have used these phishing attacks to link malicious OAuth apps to the company’s Salesforce instance - then downloading and stealing databases before using the information to extort victims, BleepingComputer reports.

“As this type of breach is technically easier to perform yet still highly effective, we could see even more threat actors adopting these tactics” Senior Manager of Cyber and Head of SecOps at Immersive, Kevin Marriott told TechRadar Pro.

“CRM tooling is often a key target for threat actors as they typically store limited, but valuable information that threat actors can either use themselves or sell on, with databases full of information that is useful such as email addresses and other personal information.

“If this attack is indeed linked to the broader campaign targeting Salesforce instances, it highlights how threat actors such as ShinyHunters are focusing their efforts on SaaS platforms that hold valuable customer data from a variety of organisations.”

Users should make sure they stay vigilant online following the incident, and be skeptical of unsolicited incoming messages, especially those that demand urgent action or threaten with a disaster.

These are, and will continue to be, the biggest red flag in phishing attacks.

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• Sol Rodríguez has revealed which DCU project she wants to appear in next
• Rodríguez is one of many new actors viewers will see in Peacemaker season 2
• The character she plays has big ties to one of DC Comics' most popular heroes

Peacemaker season 2 actor Sol Rodríguez has expressed a wish to appear in one of the DC Universe's (DCU) most anticipated productions.

Speaking to TechRadar, Rodríguez, who plays ARGUS agent Sasha Bordeaux in the returning HBO Max show, said she would "really love" to feature in The Brave and The Bold (TB&TB). That's the current title of the DCU's Batman movie, which slow but important progress is being made on.

Bordeaux (right) is positioned as ARGUS' new high-ranking officers in Peacemaker season 2 (Image credit: Curtis Bonds Baker/HBO Max)

Without spoiling anything significant about Bordeaux's backstory in DC Comics, the character has big ties to The Caped Crusader. Created by Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough, she first appeared in the long-running Batman-led Detective Comics literary series in December 2000 and has been part of the wider DC Universe – the comics-based version, that is – ever since.

It might seem strange that Bordeaux makes her live-action debut in Peacemaker's sophomore season rather than a Batman-centric story.

Nevertheless, considering the John Cena-starring TV series and TB&TB are part of the DCU's larger storytelling tapestry, Bordeaux's appearance in the former doesn't mean she can't appear in the latter. After all, Justice Gang members Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner/Green Lantern appeared in James Gunn's Superman movie and will cameo in Peacemaker 2. Why can't Bordeaux do likewise in one of the best HBO Max shows' second installment and TB&TB?

The Brave and the Bold was announced as part of the DCU Chapter One line-up in January 2023 (Image credit: DC Studios)

The short answer is: she could, but only if Gunn says so. Indeed, while Rodríguez is extremely keen to see Bordeaux make the trip to Gotham City in the DCU Chapter One film, it's up to Gunn and his DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran whether she will.

When I asked if Gunn had spoken to her about Bordeaux's possible appearance in TB&TB, Rodríguez said: "No, he hasn't – yet. That last word is the key one that gives me hope, though. I hope she gets to go to Gotham and have some fun over there. I'd really love that with my whole being.

"I'm just focused on playing Sasha in Peacemaker [for now]," she continued. "I want to respect the fans so, when I got the part, I read everything about her [in the comics]. Then, when I saw the scripts, the essence [of the character] is still there, but I also feel like I brought my own thing [to the role] as well as what James had already written, so I hope everyone likes what I've done in this show."

Would you like to see Bordeaux show up in TB&TB? Let me know in the comments. And, before Peacemaker returns to our screens, read my dedicated guide to Peacemaker season 2 and then my Peacemaker season 2 review to see what I made of its first five episodes.

Peacemaker 2 arrives with a one-episode premiere on August 21 (North and South America) and August 22 (everywhere else).

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• NordVPN is killing its Meshnet feature, starting from December 1, 2025
• The provider has claimed the decision is due to a lack of usage
• NordVPN rolled out Meshnet in 2022 to give users a new, secure way to connect multiple devices

NordVPN has just announced it is killing one of its features due to a lack of usage.

Meshnet is set to be discontinued starting from December 1, meaning that all functionality associated with it will be removed.

Rated as TechRadar's best VPN, NordVPN, launched Meshnet in 2022 to give its users a new, secure way to connect multiple devices to securely share files, multiplayer gaming, or collaboratively remote working. A tool, however, that never quite picked up among the NordVPN community.

Saying goodbye to Meshnet

Meshnet lets you create a virtual network that up to 60 devices can join and use simultaneously to communicate with one another (Image credit: NordVPN)

"When we built Meshnet, our goal was to give users more control over their connections and networks. By offering it as a free add-on to NordVPN’s core service, we hoped it would become a valuable part of your online experience. But sometimes even good ideas don’t reach a wide enough audience," wrote NordVPN in an official announcement.

Discontinuing Meshnet, the provider explains, will free significant resources that the team would be able to use to focus on improving what most of NordVPN's users care about, namely faster speeds, stronger security, and smarter VPN features.

This is why starting from December, Meshnet and its functionalities will shut down for good. These include options like device linking, traffic routing through other devices, and personal mesh networks.

The provider ensures that the virtual private network (VPN) service will continue to work as usual, with the change affecting only Meshnet-linked features.

Finding a Meshnet alternative

If you're one of the few people who have been enjoying NordVPN's Meshnet, it is now a good time to look for alternatives.

The provider recommends that anyone who used Meshnet for secure file sharing switch to NordLocker instead. We also suggest looking into Proton Drive, as it comes with both free and paid plans.

If building your meshnet virtual tunnel for different purposes is what you're after, you should be happy to know that there are a few mesh networking solutions on the market you can switch to, such as Netmaker.

We approached NordVPN for other tips to support existing users with their transition, but are still waiting for a response at the time of publication.

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• AI with Gemini including voice activation, plus translation in real time
• The best battery life of any Galaxy Buds
• Buds 3 Pro looks and controls, including pinch and swipe gestures

It's not a leak, it's not a rumor and it's not another mishap: the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE (or Buds3 FE as Samsung likes to style it) are here.

This hasn't been an easy road: the buds were spotted on June 12, leaked on July 22, then actually launched prematurely by Samsung's Panama arm on August 7, but now they're officially officially here, as announced by Samsung.

So what's new? The first thing to note is actually something that's not new, and that's the Buds 3 FE's strong resemblance to the flagship Buds 3 Pro. And it's not just a pretty dress either: you also get the Buds 3 Pro's control functions, including pinch and swipe gestures (yes, you can swipe the blade to adjust volume).

Also, the Buds 3 FE are IP54-rated for dust, sweat and water resistance, which is a high rating for buds, and something I love to see.

Another thing I love to see? The longest quoted battery life of any Galaxy Buds to date, with up to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted listening in the earpieces (or 6 with ANC on), or 30 hours including case recharging (24 hours with ANC on).

On the subject of ANC, Samsung promises enhanced noise cancellation and call quality from the six-mic array, since one mic in each earpiece has been moved into the blade, closer to the mouth for clear voice pickup.

And although the buds still contain a solo dynamic driver under the hood – which also houses a Bluetooth 5.4 chipset with SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) plus AAC and SBC support – it's a little bigger this time around for more immersive audio.

Big Galaxy x Gemini smarts

(Image credit: Samsung)

But let's get granular: what about AI? Like their Pro siblings, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE feature Google Gemini including voice activation, plus translation piped into the buds in real time via the Samsung Interpreter app – all part of the Galaxy AI suite.

To clarify (in case you're yet to be acquainted with this particular kind of Samsung-meets-Google tech), that means you'll be able to access Google Gemini for conversational AI assistance, but with the Galaxy AI Interpreter app you'll also be able to use Real-Time Interpreter through the buds or Live Translate to translate phone calls while they're happening.

Of course, this is Samsung, so the Buds 3 FE will work seamlessly with your Samsung TV, tablet, PC or phone, with Auto Switch for easy-breezy device switching – and as you'd expect, the Find My earbuds feature is here, so you can get the buds to emit a 'beep' should you misplace one.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE are available in two finishes – black and gray – with a matte dual-tone finish.

We can't vouch for the sound just yet, but if these 'Fan Edition' buds live up to the hype in testing, our best earbuds buying guide may well have a fresh contender… watch this space.

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE will go on sale in the US on September 4 at Samsung.com, as well as selected retailers, priced at $149.99 – that's around £110 or AU$230, although official prices for these regions are yet to be confirmed.

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Superman and Star Wars actor Terence Stamp died aged 87 on August 17, 2025, leaving an illustrious legacy of a lifetime of movies behind him. If you’re asking me, the jewel in his crown is undoubtedly The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (known as the latter name for short), following two drag queens and a transgender woman traveling across the Australian desert in a tour bus to take their cabaret show to a remote town. Over 30 years after its release, it still holds a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 94%, and there’s a good reason why.

As Guy Pearce, Stamp’s co-star in Priscilla Queen of Desert, put it in his X/Twitter tribute following the news: "Farewell dear Tel. You were a true inspiration, both in and out of heels. We’ll always have Kings Canyon, Kings Road and F’ing ABBA. Wishing you well on your way ‘Ralph’!” Stamp indeed changed the game with his character Bernadette, still highly regarded as one of the most positive representations of transgender women in LGBTQ+ cinema.

“We talked long and hard about why he’d initially said no. It was fear,” director Stephan Elliot told The Guardian about the casting of the iconic movie. “And fair enough – you have got to remember we were coming out of the HIV/Aids mess. It was a taboo subject. I looked at the work that he’d done all the way through, like the Italian years when he worked with Fellini and Pasolini, and thought: this was a man who took chances. And I think he was at absolutely the right moment in his life where he was ready for another chance.”

But we’re only just scratching the surface of greatness here. You need to experience Priscilla Queen of the Desert in full to truly understand the magic behind what makes it so special, and luckily, it’s currently available to stream for $0 in the US. Not-so-luckily, it’s only free for the next two weeks, so this is your sign to run to Plex while you have the chance.

Why I recommend you watch Terence Stamp’s Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

It’s sad that death often makes us appreciate what we had after it’s gone, but frankly, I don’t think there’s any better way to honor Stamp’s sheer level of versatility as an actor than to watch Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . As Elliot revealed, Bernadette is a role many actors (including Stamp himself, briefly) would have passed up at the time, because any actor aligning themselves publicly with the LGBTQ+ community immediately risked their career.

While Elliot also stated Stamp complained Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was one of only two movies people wanted to talk to him about (the other being Superman), and would much rather have looked back on movies like 1967’s Far From the Madding Crowd, it’s easy to see why we couldn’t let this musical adventure go. It marks such a fundamental shift of the cultural dial while offering viewers an unfiltered dose of pure happiness and joy in something seldom celebrated (drag, that is). The movie also slotted perfectly into the 1990s wave of cool musical movies, with oddities like The Wedding Singer, Little Voice and Cats bravely following in the footsteps of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . Being different was finally something to not be ashamed of, and we’ve got people like Stamp to thank for that.

Full to the brim with zingers, effortless chemistry between Stamp, Pearce and Hugo Weaving, and triumph in the face of adversity, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert packs a punch from the moment you start watching. While everything that happens is completely out of the ordinary, it only ever feels natural, and that speaks to the quality of what’s happening in front of and behind the camera. Proud of its own flamboyance, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert strikes an impressive balance between confronting tense social situations and simply having fun, meaning you can just sit back, relax, and trust that you’re about to watch something special. If you don’t want to perform ‘Finally’ along with the penultimate scene, I don’t know what to say to you.

If you miss Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Plex, you'll also be able to catch it on Prime Video, Hoopla, The Roku Channel and MGM+ in the US. Those in the UK and Australia can also stream it on Prime Video.

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• 100-inch Elite art TV
• 2,000 nits of brightness, 400+ included artworks
• New 75 and 86-inch Art TVs also revealed

Skyworth has unveiled the world's biggest art TV, the 100-inch Canvas Elite Art TV, alongside a slightly smaller 86-inch model. Both models are bigger than Samsung's largest The Frame Pro art TV, which tops out at 85 inches.

The panel here uses Skyworth's proprietary OmniView Matte technology, a three-layer setup developed in association with BOE that, according to Skyworth, delivers OLED-level performance from mini-LED displays.

If 100 inches are too big, Skyworth also has multiple smaller models in its Art TV collections. (Image credit: Skyworth)Canvas Elite Art TV: key features

The display is a 4K mini-LED with over 1,000 local dimming zones, 2,000 nits of peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate. There are three HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K/120Hz gaming, and the TV includes two 10W speakers.

The Canvas Elite runs Google TV with Google Assistant voice control, Google Cast and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and it supports Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and HLG, Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos. The TV comes with the Art Time virtual art gallery and "400+" free artworks.

In addition to the 86-inch and 100-inch Canvas Elite models, Skyworth has also added a new 75-inch model to its Canvas Art range. That means the firm now has Art TVs of 55, 65, 75, 86 and 100 inches.

The 100-inch Canvas Elite TV has an MSRP of $4,999 and will launch at CEDIA Expo 2025 in September 2025.

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• Oracle has laid off over 300 workers from California and Washington
• Company layoffs have so far been low compared with other hyperscalers
• AI infrastructure spend is eating into staffing budgets

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings have confirmed Oracle has laid off over 300 workers in Washington and California.

The redundancies consist of 143 workers in Redwood City, California and a further 161 in Seattle, Washington, however further layoffs could also be taking place that are not covered by WARN filings.

A worker familiar with the matter told The Register the figures sound low, suggesting remote workers might not be accounted for – a way of obscuring the scale of layoffs that Microsoft has also been accused of.

Oracle lays off over 300 workers

"It feels like that happened here too, the reported numbers don't quite match up with what my network is saying," the worker said.

"My estimate would be low thousands worldwide... Supposedly this is just the start, too," they added.

Compared with other giants in this space, Oracle's reaction to economic uncertainties has been pretty reserved. Around 200 workers left in 2022, with some more leaving in separate sittings since then.

Compared with the tens of thousands who have lost their jobs at Amazon, Google and Microsoft, Oracle workers have therefore been pretty safe.

Looking ahead, The Register's source suggests thousands could lose their jobs worldwide with offices being closed and large cuts in India (around 10% of its local workforce).

Artificial intelligence has been blamed for ongoing tech layoffs, but instead of AI taking human jobs, companies are having to allocate more capital towards AI data center expansions, effectively cutting their staffing budgets.

In June, Oracle confirmed a revenue increase for fiscal 2025 of 8%. "Cloud Infrastructure growth rate is expected to increase from 50% in FY25 to over 70% in FY26," CEO Safra Catz noted.

TechRadar Pro has asked Oracle to share further context about its recent layoffs. Any update will be posted here.

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In recent years, we have seen significant growth in the number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down, with researchers estimating there could be 40 billion IoT devices by the end of 2030. Our daily lives now rely on connected devices like smart TVs, smartwatches and smart thermostats.

Meanwhile, businesses utilize the IoT for key operations such as managing supply chains, traffic flows and assessing equipment uptime. Users of IoT devices are now also benefiting from advancements in AI and sensing technologies, which provide them with enhanced performance, greater personalization, adaptability, remote control and real-time monitoring.

As we become increasingly dependent on these technologies to provide essential functions in our daily lives, we must recognize the risks that they can pose. Any AI-based IoT device could be exposed to information that is not reliable or accurate.

This is particularly concerning in safety-critical systems such as power grids or transportation networks, where a single faulty sensor or flawed algorithm could result in real-world consequences. While we continue to make IoT devices smarter and more autonomous with AI, we must also ensure we are making them safer too.

From digital risk to real-world disruption

As IoT devices are given the power to act, and not just collect data, the risks are no longer just digital. There are a number of ways that IoT devices can be at risk, such as communication problems, human error, or cyber-attacks. Depending on which sector the systems are deployed in, the effects could be catastrophic for health, the economy, or the environment. Furthermore, IoT systems are highly interconnected, which means faults can spread quickly from one system to another.

As the IoT becomes more integrated into our lives and affects the real-world, the boundaries between cyber and physical are gradually disappearing. It is crucial that we understand the different cybersecurity vulnerabilities of IoT systems, especially when they are operating safety-critical features for individuals or businesses. By identifying real-world scenarios and the potential consequences, we can then develop strategies to detect any anomalies and build more reliable systems.

Rising threats in the energy sector

One example of a sector where issues on IoT devices could result in severe consequences is in energy and power systems. Renewable energy usage is increasing, with the IEA reporting that globally there will be more than 5,500 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity between 2024 and 2030.

With increasing use of renewable energy sources, new solutions and technologies are being utilized, such as smart grids or microgrid paradigms. The IoT plays a crucial role in coordinating the use of resources, such as flexible loads, generators and batteries, to deliver the necessary amounts of power where and when needed.

However, the energy sector is a primary target for cyber-attacks, with notable incidents including the Stuxnet attack in 2010 or the attacks to the Ukraine grid in 2016, 2017 and 2022. In these cases, actors are looking to cause physical damage to infrastructure through so-called cyber-physical attacks, where they are specifically targeting physical assets to cause an impact in the real-world.

For example, by attempting to simultaneously take control of many devices such as smart meters and EV smart chargers, hackers could potentially destabilize the grid and cause widespread blackouts. While not the result of a cyberattack, the massive impact that blackouts can have was seen in April in the grid outages across Europe, where transport, ATMs, traffic lights and even communications systems couldn’t operate.

With cyberattacks on the energy sector being a pressing concern for governments, institutions and companies, there must be a focus on strategies to make the systems more secure and safer.

Protecting the IoT

Fortunately, there are measures that can be put in place to ensure IoT devices are secure, safe and resilient. Importantly, as attacks become more sophisticated, we should involve a range of multi-disciplinary skills, and not just rely on traditional Computer Scientists tools. Control Engineers can play a key role in designing and optimizing systems so that systems behave as intended.

The use of modeling and digital twins can help detect the presence of anomalies. This approach avoids having to retrofit IoT systems to solve issues after deployment. During this process, we should identify key vulnerabilities that IoT devices may have in their hardware components, software, and interconnectedness.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the entire flow of data within the control loop to assess the levels of accuracy and reliability at each stage. Ultimately, a holistic approach is necessary to consider every step of the IoT device from conception and design to deployment.

Creating safer systems

The IoT is at the forefront of a revolution, with AI offering advanced new capabilities. As we benefit from these innovations, we must also understand the potential risks and ensure that resilience and robustness are built in from the very beginning, to avoid any repercussions in the real-world. By utilizing different skills and leveraging Control Engineering, we can ensure that as we become more connected, our systems are protected.

We've listed the best product 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

• Season Dates: Friday, 8 August → 2/3 May 2026
• Best Streams: Sky Sports (UK) and CBS via Paramount Plus (US)
• Use NordVPN to watch from anywhere

Watch EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester aim to go straight back up, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham and Tom Brady's Birmingham back in the second tier. Below we have all the information on how to watch EFL Championship 2025/26 season from anywhere in the world with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and live streams on TV screens, laptops, tablets and mobiles.

Ipswich have kept plenty of their relegated Premier League squad in tact, including highly rated manager Kieran McKenna, with Sammie Szmodics a proven goalscorer at this level. Southampton have brought in Will Still as gaffer this term after he impressed in France with Reims and Lens. Marti Cifuentes has replaced Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Leicester dugout, and the Foxes have retained their best players, with the exception of Jamie Vardy.

Promoted sides Wrexham and Birmingham will fancy their chances. The Welsh side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have won three successive promotions from the fifth to the second tier, where they feature for the first time since 1981/82. Josh Windass and Lewis O'Brien are among their summer signings. Blues, part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady, have brought home former youth product Demarai Gray to feed Jay Stansfield up top after a 100-point 2024/25.

Elsewhere, Frank Lampard will hope to go one better with his Coventry City side that fell in the playoffs, Ruben Selles takes charge of Sheffield United, while Millwall could go well under the competitive gaffer Alex Neil.

Whatever happens, expect thrills and spills in arguably Europe's most competitive league in which anyone can beat anyone.

Here's where to watch EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams online from anywhere.

Game of the Week

Norwich vs Middlesbrough — Saturday, August 23, 3pm KO

Middlesbrough have made a flying start to the Championship under new manager Rob Edwards, collecting six points from their first two matches. They'll look to continue that momentum at Carrow Road, where attacks should come to the fore.

Streaming Options: Paramount Plus (US)

Use a VPN to watch any EFL Championship 2025/26 stream

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Use NordVPN to watch your usual EFL Championship 2025/26 free stream from abroad. We test all the providers and we rate Nord as the best VPN. There's 24/7 support available, a money-back guarantee and, best of all, there's currently over 70% off and an Amazon gift card included with this deal.View Deal

How to watch EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams in the US

CBS's streaming service Paramount Plus is the place to catch the EFL Championship 2025/26. Matches picked for international broadcast will be shown on Paramount Plus, CBS or Golazo.

Not yet a subscriber? Paramount Plus costs from $7.99 a month or $59.99 a year. And if you've never used the service before you can take advantage of a FREE 1-week trial.

The Paramount Plus app is available through Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, Android TV, Android phone and tablet, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Portal TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung TV, Vizio TV, LG TV, Roku, Xbox One and Series X, and Xfinity Flex.

If you're traveling abroad and struggling to connect to your Paramount Plus account, don't worry, a VPN will smooth out any issues. We recommend NordVPN – more details and a great discount above.

How to watch FREE EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams in the UK

The EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams will be shared between Sky Sports and ITVX the UK.

Sky Sports will be showing more than 1,000 of the 1,891 matches across the EFL (Championship, League One and League Two), Carabao Cup & Vertu Trophy this season, with every team of the 72 guaranteed to have 20 live games.

Sky Sports packages start from £20 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now (formerly Now TV). Now Sports memberships start at £14.99 for a day pass or £34.99 monthly if you are looking to catch all of the games.

This season, free-to-air ITVX will also be showing 20 live games, with 10 Carabao Cup ties and 10 games from across the EFL's three divisions, which includes the Championship.

All you need is a TV license to sign up and watch. The following are the first tranche of ITVX matches, all Championship fixtures with BST start times, unless otherwise stated.

• Sunday 13 September Southampton v Portsmouth 12pm
• Sunday 5 October Ipswich Town v Norwich City 12pm
• Sunday 23 November Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United 12pm
• Saturday 6 December Derby County v Leicester City 12.30pm

If you're traveling outside the UK then use a VPN to catch your Sky Go, Now or ITVX streams.

How to watch EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams in Canada

(Image credit: Other)

In Canada, DAZN has the rights to broadcast the EFL Championship 2025/26.

DAZN plans start at CA$24.99/month and you can also watch the Champions League and Europa League soccer, the Bundesliga, Nations League, rugby and tennis.

Traveling outside the Great White North during the season? Make sure to use a VPN so you don't miss any of the action.

How to watch EFL Championship 2025/26 live streams in Australia and New Zealand

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Australia and New Zealand, the EFL Championship 2025/26 is exclusive to beIN Sports, which offers new users a 7-day FREE trial.

You can add beIN Sports to most pre-existing TV packages, or you can sign up as a separate subscription. It costs AU/NZ$14.99 month or AU/NZ$149 if you pay for a year up front, once that week-long trial ends.

In addition to the EFL Championship, beIN Sports has the rights to loads of soccer and other sports, including La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Carabao Cup and a shed load of tennis and rugby.

Not in Australia or New Zealand right now? Remember you'll need a VPN like NordVPN to watch all the EFL Championship 2025/26 action as if you were back home.

When does the EFL Championship 2025/26 start?

The 2025/26 Championship kicks off on Friday, August 8. The campaign will run over 33 weekend rounds, nine midweek rounds, and four bank holiday rounds.

The final day of the season will be Saturday, 2 May 2026.

EFL Championship Fixture List Week 3

Saturday 23 August 2025

Charlton vs Leicester — 12:30 pm BST / 7:30 am ET

Hull vs Blackburn — 12:30 pm BST / 7:30 am ET

Swansea vs Watford — 12:30 pm BST / 7:30 am ET

Birmingham vs Oxford Utd — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Coventry vs QPR — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Norwich vs Middlesbrough — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Preston vs Ipswich — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Sheff Utd vs Millwall — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Southampton vs Stoke — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

West Brom vs Portsmouth — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Wrexham vs Sheffield Wed — 3:00 pm BST / 10:00 am ET

Can I watch EFL Championship 2025/26 on my mobile?

Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.

You can also stay up-to-date with all 2024/25 Premier League key moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@SkyBetChamp), Instagram (@efl), and YouTube (@theEFL).

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.

The modern software supply chain is operating under unprecedented pressure as new vulnerabilities emerge at a record pace. In 2024 alone, more than 33,000 new Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) have been reported – a record figure pushing security teams and developers to triage vulnerabilities at scale while trying to stay focused on their core vulnerabilities.

Yet, despite the high number of CVEs labelled “critical”, a closer look reveals that many of these threats aren’t nearly as severe in practice. In fact, recent research found that just 12% of these CVEs were flagged as “critical” by official sources truly warranted that designation.

This disconnect highlights a growing challenge for the cybersecurity industry. Although established CVE scoring systems like MITRE offer a useful baseline, they often fail to account for the unique context of each organization's environment. As a result, teams risk focusing on theoretical risks while genuine threats may be overlooked.

Take, for example, CVE-2024-45490 – a vulnerability in a widely used software tool that received a 9.8 CVSS Score. Although it received a “Critical” rating, further analysis and context revealed it is only applicable in 10% of cases. Exploiting this flaw would require a very specific and unlikely set of conditions for developers, making real-world exploitation extremely improbable.

To bring greater clarity to teams evaluating CVEs, security leaders should establish a checks and balances system of evaluating these threats with the necessary contextual analysis. This approach can help teams cut through the noise of low-risk vulnerabilities and ensure resources are directed toward their most pressing security problems.

Why context matters more than classification

A recent analysis of 140 high-profile CVEs revealed that 88% of Critical and 57% of High CVE scores were not as severe as the CVSS scoring would have you believe. Only 27 CVEs (15%) were found to be truly highly exploitable.

This highlights the importance of assessing the real-world context of CVEs. Without this information, misclassification can lead to alert fatigue, drain productivity and morale, and increase the risk of human error, which can cause more harm than the vulnerabilities themselves.

By factoring in aspects of the CVE like exploitability in their specific environment, exposure levels, and business impact, teams can make more informed decisions about which vulnerabilities demand immediate attention.

The toll on developers and security teams

The constant flood of security warnings and CVE disclosures makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish real threats from less urgent issues. Over time, this overwhelming volume of alerts can erode focus, leading to burnout, slower response times, and a greater likelihood of dangerous mistakes. As threat actors grow more sophisticated, the risk of critical issues slipping through the cracks only intensifies.

A major contributor to this fatigue is the prevalence of false positives. When security tools flag benign activity as malicious, analysts are still required to investigate these alerts to rule out real threats. Instead of focusing on building new features or improving existing products, developers are also often pulled away to respond to a barrage of other security notifications, many of which turn out to be inconsequential.

Ultimately, vulnerability fatigue not only hampers the effectiveness of security teams and developers alike but also puts organizations at greater risk of serious security incidents. To break this cycle, organizations need smarter, context-driven prioritization that empowers teams to focus on what truly matters.

A smarter way forward

The ever-growing list of CVEs demands a smarter, more strategic approach, one that goes beyond surface-level assessments. Context is king. By taking the time to understand how vulnerability applies to their unique environment, organizations can avoid unnecessary panic and instead zero in on risk.

Adopting a context-first mindset also facilitates better alignment between security leaders and business decision-makers. It supports a more measured, collaborative approach to risk that balances security with agility, resilience, and innovation.

In a world where every alert can feel like a fire drill, the ability to distinguish real threats from false alarms is more than a convenience. It’s a necessity.

We've listed the best firewalls for small business.

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

Murderbot season 2: key information

- Officially renewed in July
- Release date yet to be revealed
- No trailer released yet
- Main cast expected to return
- Season 2 may follow more than one of the book series
- Hope for future seasons

Murderbot season 2 is officially on the way, which is great news (and no surprise) given season 1's success.

The first ten episodes, based on the novels by Martha Wells, saw Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård) unlock his full potential and subsequently setting out on a path to discover who he truly is. Oh, while murdering anyone or anything that tries to kill the team he's assigned to protect.

It's a super hit for Apple TV+, scoring 96% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing, and vying for a spot in the best Apple TV+ shows. And given how season 1 left matters, there's plenty more to explore – and plenty more novels from Wells to seek inspiration.

Here's everything we know so far about Murderbot season 2 from release date prediction, expected cast, plot rumors and more.

Potential spoilers follow for Murderbot season 1.

Murderbot season 2 release date

A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)

A photo posted by on

A Murderbot season 2 release date is a little while away yet considering season 2 only wrapped on July 11. But, what we do know is that the sci-fi comedy thriller has been officially renewed.

Just a day before season 1's epic finale, Apple TV+ confirmed the show's renewal with head of programming, Matt Cherniss, saying: "Chris, Paul, Alexander and the entire 'Murderbot' team have delivered a brilliantly original, addictive, witty and vibrant adaptation that has captured the imagination of audiences everywhere.

"We can't wait to unveil what's next for Murderbot and, of course, 'Sanctuary Moon' in season two."

If I were to make a Murderbot season 2 release date prediction, I'd say since season 1 premiered in May 2025, we'll be looking at late 2026/early 2027 before we get to see what Murderbot gets up to next.

Murderbot season 2 trailer: is there one?

A Murderbot season 2 trailer isn't flying in just yet (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

There's no Murderbot season 2 trailer to share – and there won't be for a while. For season 1, the trailer came out, as is usually the case, just a month before the show premiered on Apple TV+.

So, I wouldn't expect a trailer until nearer to the release date that we don't yet have! I'll be sure to update here when it does though.

Murderbot season 2 predicted cast

The main cast are all expected to return (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Full spoilers follow for Murderbot season 1.

The Murderbot season 2 cast is most likely going to consist of the following main characters from season 1:

• Alexander Skarsgård as Murderbot
• Noma Dumezweni as Mensah
• David Dastmalchian as Gurathin
• Sabrina Wu as Pin-Lee
• Akshay Khanna as Ratthi
• Tamara Podemski as Bharadwaj
• Tattiawna Jones as Arada
• John Cho as Captain
• DeWanda Wise as Navigation Unit
• Clark Gregg as Lieutenant
• Jack McBrayer as Navigation Officer

It's seems incredibly likely that the stars of the TV show within a TV show 'Sanctuary Moon' will return, too, considering Matt Cherniss's statement after the season 2 renewal.

Murderbot season 2 potential plot synopsis and rumors

A new path for Murderbot? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Major spoilers follow for Murderbot season 1.

Murderbot season 1 was full of sci-fi adventure, weird laughs, bug blasting and plenty of binge-watching episodes of 'Sanctuary Moon'.

However when it comes to the plot for season 2, the show, much like its titular character, may start to form its own path.

Speaking to ComicBook, Murderbot's executive product David S. Goyer said: "The only difference between the books and next season is that the economics of making a TV show requires you to book series regulars.

"Now that we have done a season and have X amount of series regulars, most of those characters aren't in the second book. You might see a little bit of a remix of a couple of the books."

And so, while there's rumors of Murderbot season 2 picking up on the second novel of Martha Wells's series, Artificial Condition, and season 1 ending true to how the first book did, it might not be that linear.

If it does follow along with book two though, the official synopsis reads: "It has a dark past―one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself “Murderbot”. But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more.

"Teaming up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don’t want to know what the “A” stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue. What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks…"

What's next for Murderbot? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

The Murderbot season 1 finale set viewers up with a strong plot line to pick up on for episodes to come though.

Murderbot, after nearly dying and saving Mensah's life, wakes up with his memory wiped. With the team coming to save him and even Gurathin stepping up to help Murderbot recapture what he's lost, the future for Murderbot looks hopeful.

When they do gain Murderbot back, buying him from The Company, they let him be free. But, what will Murderbot do with this newfound freedom?

Armed with his autonomy and some serious killing skills, he boarded another ship. And while this may be the one mentioned in the book two synopsis, it's a plot kept firmly under wraps.

But, the season 1 finale was an incredibly thoughtful conclusion and after an intense battle in the penultimate episode, it stripped the pace back to let Murderbot feel all his feelings. And, I'm sure, there's plenty more of this to explore in Murderbot season 2.

Will Murderbot get more seasons on Apple TV+?

No news on future seasons of Murderbot, just yet (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

There's no news currently on what lies beyond Murderbot season 2, which is not all that surprising given it only got renewed for its second outing in July.

But, in conversation with ComicBook, Goyer did mention something that could possibly, hopefully, hint at more: "I would say there are five other books that Martha Wells has written, so there’s a lot more material. I don’t know if the show will last five, six seasons."

Sure, if Murderbot season 2 becomes more of a mashup of Wells's iconic series, that may limit how many seasons are left in the pipeline. But, with a stellar cast and unique premise behind it, there's perhaps space for at least a couple more seasons.

Time will tell and I imagine we won't hear much more about it until at least season 2 premieres. For now, I'll emulate Murderbot's enhanced senses and listen out for any news on the ground.

For more Apple TV+ coverage, read our guides on Ted Lasso season 4, Foundation season 3, Presumed Innocent season 2, and Silo season 3.

• SMÅ Printer simplifies printing with only three buttons and a single LED for status updates
• The top-feeding paper design saves desk space while holding up to 120 sheets reliably
• Maintenance is intuitive, allowing one-handed ink replacement without spills or awkward handling

Our printers have long been seen as bulky, frustrating gadgets that occupy too much desk space and often require complicated maintenance.

The SMÅ printer, designed by Jakob Höxtermann, challenges these assumptions with a design that emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and compactness.

Unlike many home and business printers that are built with glued components, the SMÅ uses screws to hold its parts together, making it easier to take apart and recycle at the end of its life.

Streamlined functionality - not for heavy duty printing

Traditional printers often overwhelm users with buttons, menus, and unclear indicators.

The SMÅ simplifies this with only three buttons: power, stop, and a setup option for occasional adjustments.

A single LED communicates the printer’s status using intuitive colors, allowing users to know instantly when everything is ready, when ink needs replacing, or when a paper jam occurs.

The design of this printer encourages reduced paper and ink usage, while its straightforward interface makes it easy to operate.

Remember the Panasonic SP-70 and SPV series with a vertical screen printer? The SMÅ printer recreates this vertical layout, which sets it apart visually and functionally from standard horizontal designs.

By feeding paper from the top, the SMÅ conserves valuable desk space while also offering storage for up to 120 sheets without the need for additional trays.

A transparent extension ensures that stacked paper remains stable, which is a subtle but practical feature often overlooked in other printers.

Maintenance is equally straightforward: replacing ink involves lifting the outer shell and sliding in a new cartridge with one hand, avoiding messy spills or awkward handling.

Visually, the SMÅ adopts a minimalist style with soft edges that blend naturally into contemporary home or office environments.

It does not dominate a desk or appear as an industrial tool, which can make it easier to integrate into spaces where aesthetics matter.

This printer pushes intuitiveness and can be set up with smartphones or PCs.

That said, this device does not include advanced features found in high-end business printers and will not cater to heavy-duty needs.

Via Yanko Design

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• Google unveils another huge AI spending spree - tech giant is splashing out $9 billion in Oklahoma

• Perplexity AI stunned the industry with an unsolicited $34.5 billion cash offer for Google Chrome
• Chrome browser remains a key part of Google’s AI tools and long-term LLM development strategy
• Perplexity’s own valuation is less than half of the amount it offered to acquire Chrome

Perplexity AI has attracted attention with an unsolicited $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser.

The proposal comes despite Chrome not being officially for sale, and its deep-set integration into Google’s broader AI strategy, not to mention its wider software platform.

Analysts view the bid as an ambitious move aimed at boosting publicity, given Chrome’s role in driving search traffic, supporting AI tools, and collecting user data essential for Google’s long-term machine learning and large language model (LLM) development.

Bid details and competitive implications

The proposed acquisition terms reportedly commit to keeping Chromium, the underlying browser code, open source, with Perplexity saying it would invest $3 billion over two years and maintain Chrome’s current default search engine.

The company claims these steps would protect user choice while potentially easing regulatory concerns.

However, the offer is below the $50 billion valuation that some industry figures, including DuckDuckGo’s CEO, believe Chrome might fetch if divestiture were ever mandated.

Regulatory context plays a huge role in this situation, as the US Justice Department has pursued a Chrome divestiture as part of remedies in a broader antitrust case against Google, which was found to hold an unlawful monopoly in search.

Federal Judge Amit Mehta is expected to issue a ruling on remedies soon, but experts suggest a sale order could face years of appeals.

Experts also claim that higher courts, including the D.C. Circuit and potentially the Supreme Court, tend to be skeptical of forced divestitures.

Perplexity’s own financial position is raising questions, mainly because the company was founded just three years ago.

It raised around $1 billion from backers such as Nvidia and SoftBank and was last valued at $14 billion.

It has not disclosed exactly how it would finance the acquisition, but says multiple unnamed funds have offered full financing.

The scale of the bid, more than twice its valuation, recalls Perplexity’s earlier high-profile but unrealized proposal to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations.

The bid also highlights shifting dynamics in how people interact with the web.

Browsers, once considered stable infrastructure, have regained strategic importance as more users turn to AI tools and chatbot interfaces for information.

By acquiring Chrome’s three billion users, Perplexity could potentially accelerate the adoption of its AI-driven browser, Comet, which is currently limited to waitlisted users and premium subscribers.

For now, it appears the bid is primarily a publicity stunt, and the likelihood of Google accepting the offer is very low, as Chrome remains integral to Google’s AI roadmap, including features like “Overviews” that provide AI-generated search summaries.

If Perplexity’s bid is mainly a visibility strategy, it may succeed in drawing attention to Comet, but it will likely not scratch Chrome’s dominance.

Via Reuters

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Most modern robot vacuums don't just vacuum your floors – they can also mop them for you. This type of robovac is sometimes referred to as a 'hybrid robot vacuum', and it's increasingly difficult to find bots that don't offer mopping these days.

But how much should you focus on the mopping part? How does it work, and is it actually any good? I review robot vacuums for a living, and I've tested out cheap bots with the very simplest mops, right up to the very best robot vacuums on the market, with complex wet cleaning setups. Here's everything you need to know about robot vacuum mops, and if they're worth your time.

How does the mopping work on a robot vacuum?

The exact setup varies by model, but essentially, there will be a mop pad (or two) that's fed water from a tank in the main part of the robot. The robot vacuum will pull the pad(s) across your floors to clean them.

Sometimes the pad might spin, vibrate, or press down to dislodge dirt. Some robovacs will vacuum at the same time as mopping – the idea being that it cuts down on overall cleaning time. Others can be set to mop after vacuuming, or just do one or the other.

If you opt for a more advanced dock type, it might refill the bot's onboard water tank for you, so you don't need to top it off yourself as frequently. It might also wash and dry your mop pads for you. However, with cheaper, more basic bots, you'll need to take care of all this yourself.

What kinds of mop are there?

Some robot vacuums can mop much better than others. Here's a quick rundown of the main mop types, and my experience of how well each one cleans.

D-shaped pad

This is one of the most common mop types. It consists of a fixed, D-shaped pad that can be cleaned and reused. The pad is fed with water from an onboard tank as it's dragged along the floor. On more advanced bots, this pad might vibrate or press down as it goes, to help dislodge dried-on dirt.

A fixed, D-shaped pad will do a decent wipe-down job (Image credit: Future)

In general, I've found this style of mop pad pretty effective. It'll do a good job of wiping down your floors and picking up any lingering dirt. However, the dragging pad doesn't offer much by way of scrubbing – and especially so if it doesn't press down or vibrate – and because the pad isn't getting cleaned as it goes, if you have a spillage on the floor, it might end up getting dragged about a bit.

Two spinning discs

Another common type of robovac mop. Two disc-shaped pads are attached to the base of the bot and spin to scrub away dirt. They're fed with water from an onboard tank as they clean.

Spinning circular pads tend to be better at scrubbing (Image credit: Future)

This is probably my favorite mop type. It's similar to a D-shaped pad, but the rotation means these mops are a little better at scrubbing; some can even handle dried-on stains.

The pads can be removed and popped into the washing machine for a deep clean. However, because they're not getting cleaned as they go, big spillages will likely end up getting spread around, and I wouldn't use this kind of mop to tackle sticky or smelly substances.

Rotating roller

This is a less common type of robot vacuum mop, consisting of a mop pad on a track, like a tank. Fresh water is applied as the pad rotates around, but where this mop style has the edge on other setups is that there's a scraper that siphons off dirty water and any general gunk that's been picked up, too.

(Image credit: Future)

Roller mops are relatively new to the market right now, but are getting more popular. I wonder if we'll start seeing a lot more of them before long.

I haven't had a chance to test out a bot with a roller mop yet, but my reviewers who have done so have been impressed. In our Eureka J20 review, our tester found it "did a fantastic job of cleaning up spills," although noted that it wasn't as successful with dried-on dirt, suggesting that, like most robovac mops, it's more of a wiper than a scrubber.

Just a wet wipe

It's rare to see, but some budget bots just have space to attach a wet wipe, which is then dragged across the floor. This is the least effective type of mop.

The pads have a smooth surface rather than a grippy one, and do very little by way of scrubbing. They also can't be washed or reused, so you're generating waste if you opt for this style of mop, and you'll need to factor in the ongoing cost of replacing the wipes.

Wet wipe style mops are more fiddly, and only provide a light wipe (Image credit: Future)

The most high-profile brand to use this approach is Switchbot with its mini robovacs. I've yet to test one of these models out myself, and opinions differ as to whether this kind of mopping is worth the effort at all.

Our SwitchBot K10+ Pro Mini Robot Vacuum reviewer called it "perfunctory at best" and commented that he couldn't see anyone bothering to purchase a new set of wet wipes once the provided pack ran out.

However, my teammate Cat Ellis finds the setup useful for everyday cleaning: "It definitely isn't a substitute for proper mopping, but I've found it very handy for keeping everyday dust under control on my dark floors (which show up every speck of dirt). I'm often surprised by just how much it manages to pick up in the hallway, even when I've vacuumed recently."

Is the mopping any good?

Generally, my experience is that robot vacuum mopping is good enough to be a significant effort-saver – especially if you have lots of hard flooring that requires regular mopping. They're great for everyday maintenance cleaning, but not good enough that you won't need to resort to manual cleaning occasionally.

Regardless of mop type, I wouldn't leave one to tackle a big spill (it'll get stuck on the mop cloth and end up being spread around the floor) or a dried-on stain (the bot won't scrub hard enough to clear it).

Will my carpets get wet?

Maybe – depends which model you go for. Mid-range robot vacuums and above can often detect when they're going over carpet, and lift their mop pads so they're not dragging. Some premium bots have magnetic mops that they'll drop off in the dock when tasked with vacuuming carpet.

Some bots have a thin, removable water tank, and the mopping is 'on' whenever it's attached (Image credit: Future)

However, cheaper, more basic robot vacuums will drag their damp mop pads over carpets if you don't remove them. On some, the water is automatically 'on' when the mop pad and/or water tank is attached, so you'll need to shut the bot in the room you need mopping so it doesn't try and give your carpets and rugs the same treatment.

Will the mops start to smell?

If you leave them damp and don't clean them, yes. More basic robot vacuums will need to have their mop pads removed to dry after mopping, and you'll also want to hand-wash them or run them through the washing machine fairly regularly to keep them fresh and hygienic.

More advanced robot vacuums have docks that will take care of some mop maintenance for you. For example, they might be able to wash the mop pads – sometimes with hot water, to cut through grease – and dry them off, too. That cuts down the amount of intervention required from you. You'll pay extra for these kinds of features, though.

More advanced docks can take care cleaning the mop pads for you (Image credit: Future)Can you use floor cleaner?

Sometimes, but generally no. Most hybrid robot vacuums recommend you just use water, although it's worth checking the manufacturer's instructions as to whether it's okay to mix in cleaning solution.

The most advanced bots will let you use cleaning fluid, but they'll stress that only their proprietary cleaner is allowed, and it's invariably very expensive. Some will have a cleaning fluid tank that sits alongside the water tanks in the dock, and dispenses fluid evenly as the bot's onboard tanks are refilled.

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• Floppy disks were officially deemed obsolete in 2010, yet persisted in surprising places for years
• Polymatt used CNC machining and PET film to craft a functioning magnetic storage disk
• Iron oxide coating allowed the handmade disk to store and retrieve basic magnetic data

Floppy disks, once a staple of personal and professional computing, have been phased out for over a decade - but while the technology was officially declared obsolete in 2010, some organizations kept using it surprisingly long.

The Japanese government only moved away from the format in 2024, while the German Navy followed suit the same year. In the United States, the last official use of 8-inch floppy disks for nuclear launch coordination ended in 2019, with San Franciso's government also finally cutting ties with floppies in 2024.

Against this backdrop of obsolescence, a YouTuber known as polymatt decided to recreate one from scratch, using modern tools and consumer-grade equipment.

Engineering a working floppy from the ground up

Polymatt began the project by carefully measuring and modeling the disk enclosure and internal components using Shapr3D and MakeraCAM software.

He then cut aluminum parts with a Carvera Air CNC machine, ensuring precise tolerances for the mechanical structure.

For the magnetic disk surface, he laser-cut PET film and coated it with a suspension of iron oxide powder, replicating the material properties needed for magnetic data storage.

After assembling the components, he managed to magnetize the disk and write to it.

While the data handling capabilities were basic, the fact that a functioning magnetic storage medium emerged from raw materials marked a notable technical achievement.

The process was not without difficulties, but persistence and methodical experimentation allowed him to complete the build.

Today, cloud storage services allow vast amounts of data to be accessed from anywhere, without the physical limitations of older media.

SSDs deliver high-speed and durable storage in compact formats, while an external SSD offers portable capacity far exceeding what was once possible with floppy disks.

A single modern SSD can store millions of times more data than the recreated floppy, with speeds that make the older medium seem impractically slow by comparison.

While polymatt’s recreation is unlikely to be used in practical applications, it demonstrates the enduring appeal of hands-on engineering projects.

Building a floppy disk in 2025 serves more as a tribute to a pivotal era in computing than as a viable alternative to current storage methods.

For those who once relied on them, the familiar clunk of a floppy drive reading data is part of a technological heritage that shaped modern computing.

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• A new report outlines changes to the Apple Watch 12
• We could get new sensors and an exterior redesign
• The wearable won't be launching until September 2026

It looks likely that the Apple Watch 11 will be unveiled sometime next month, if Apple sticks to its usual schedule, but a new report suggests that its 2026 successor is going to feature a pretty significant redesign.

This tip comes from a report in DigiTimes (via MacRumors), based on supply chain sources, although we don't get too much information about what it might involve – and this isn't a device that has changed much in terms of its looks through the years.

The article does mention an increased number of sensors, presumably for more accurate health and fitness tracking, or perhaps to add to the metrics that can be tracked. These additional sensors may form part of the redesign.

In the past we've heard rumors of an Apple Watch with a camera and an Apple Watch with a touch-sensitive glass frame, but these potential upgrades aren't specifically mentioned in the latest reporting from DigiTimes.

Battery boost

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Image credit: Future)

The new article also mentions improved power efficiency too, which hopefully means we can look forward to better battery life with the Apple Watch 12, and perhaps the Apple Watch Ultra 4 (the Apple Watch Ultra 3 should arrive this year).

In terms of this year's model, the report does say that the Apple Watch 11 will be getting some Apple Intelligence features. However, based on what we've seen of watchOS 26, it seems likely that these will mostly be managed on a connected iPhone.

Given what DigiTimes is predicting for 2026, it seems the Apple Watch 11 might be a more minor upgrade. The publication does have a mixed track record for Apple gadget predictions though, so bear that in mind.

We'll no doubt get plenty more leaks and rumors about the Apple Watch 12 over the course of the next year, but before that we've got the Apple Watch 11, which should appear alongside the iPhone 17 handsets at some point in September.

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• DaaS could be more effective than laptops for 95% of workers by 2027
• Hosted machines are twice as popular as they were in 2019
• DaaS spending could grow to $6bn by 2029

New Gartner research has suggested hosted PCs, otherwise known as Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS), are now cheaper to operate than on-prem business laptops.

By 2027, Gartner expects DaaS to be cost-effective for around 95% of the workforce, up from 40% in 2019, with more users set to use hosted machines as their main workspace as a result (20%, compared with 10% in 2019).

However, for the time being, most organizations only deploy DaaS to a minority of employees to assist with securing remote work. But a growing emphasis on cost, operational efficiency and sustainability could change this.

More companies are considering DaaS

Gartner predicts DaaS spending to grow from $4.3 billion in 2025 to $6.0 billion in 2029, thanks to the fact that the total cost of ownership has now dropped below laptops for many use cases, especially with thin clients.

"DaaS solutions allow remote workers, offshore workers, third-party employees, contractors, frontline workers and office workers to access virtual desktops hosted in the cloud," Gartner explained.

Microsoft was rated as a top leader, with strengths in digital workplace, cloud and AI, and products including Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 and Microsoft Dev Box.

For Microsoft in particular, Gartner estimates that 60% of its DaaS clients belong to mid-sized organizations (100-4,999 employees), with larger companies (5,000+ employees) accounting for 30% and just 10% coming from smaller orgs (up to 99 employees).

"Gartner rarely speaks to an organization that is planning to deploy a new on-premises VDI solution. Net-new deployments are almost exclusively using DaaS, and on-premises deployments are either migrating to DaaS or moving to a cloud control plane, except for a few land-locked use cases," the company concluded.

Looking ahead, businesses are now looking into the cost-efficiency benefits of DaaS with scaling opportunities further amplifying the potential savings.

However, as a relatively small portion of the overall PC market that's in its early stages with limited regulation, there raises some questions around vendor lock-in and licensing complexity, meaning that early adopters could have to put up with headaches until regulators weigh in.

Via The Register

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• DeepSeek delays R2 launch due to persistent technical difficulties with Huawei Ascend chips
• Nvidia H20 systems remain more reliable for AI training than domestic Ascend hardware
• Alibaba’s Qwen3 exploits DeepSeek’s delays, incorporating core algorithms while improving efficiency and flexibility

Chinese AI giant DeepSeek has apparently encountered unexpected delays in releasing its latest model, R2, after facing persistent technical difficulties with Huawei’s Ascend chips.

The company had been encouraged by Chinese authorities to adopt domestic processors instead of relying on Nvidia’s H20 systems, which are generally regarded as more mature and reliable.

Despite Huawei engineers being on-site to assist, DeepSeek could not complete a successful training run using Ascend chips - and as a result, the company relied on Nvidia hardware for training while using Ascend for inference tasks.

Technical challenges delay R2 development

The R2 launch, originally scheduled for May 2025, was postponed due to these technical obstacles and longer-than-expected data labeling for the updated training dataset.

DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the model’s progress, emphasizing the need for additional development time to produce a model capable of maintaining DeepSeek’s competitive edge.

Meanwhile, competitors like Alibaba’s Qwen3 were able to take advantage of this delay, as it has incorporated DeepSeek’s core training algorithms while improving efficiency and flexibility, showing how rapidly AI ecosystems can evolve even when a single startup struggles.

Beijing’s broader push for AI self-sufficiency has placed pressure on domestic firms to adopt local hardware.

In practice, however, this strategy has revealed gaps in stability, inter-chip connectivity, and software maturity between Huawei chips and Nvidia products.

Developers continue to play a crucial role in shaping the success of AI ecosystems - Nvidia has emphasized maintaining access to Chinese developers is strategically important, warning that restricting technology adoption could harm economic and national security interests.

Chinese AI companies, meanwhile, must balance government pressures with practical realities in developing and deploying LLMs.

Despite these setbacks, DeepSeek’s R2 model may still be released in the coming weeks.

The model is likely to face scrutiny regarding its performance relative to rivals trained on more mature hardware, offering a clear example of the tension between political ambitions, technical capability, and real-world AI deployment.

Via Arstechnica

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