TechRadar News

• The foldable iPhone is again rumored to have an under-display camera
• We're also hearing that it won't have Face ID
• Its screens could also be smaller than previously rumored

While the world learned to live with the iPhone’s notch, and matters improved when Apple switched to a Dynamic Island, ultimately, we’d wager that most people would prefer a smaller cut-out in the screen. Well, with the iPhone Fold – also known as the foldable iPhone – we might finally get that, and in fact, there might be no camera cut-out at all in one of the displays.

This is according to leaker yeux1122, posting on South Korean site Naver (via GSMArena). According to them, Apple’s current foldable iPhone prototype has a punch-hole camera on the cover screen and an under-display camera for the foldable screen.

Being under the display means it shouldn’t cause a visible interruption to the screen, and it’s something we’ve already seen on some phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, but never on an iPhone.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard talk of the foldable iPhone having an under-display camera, but hearing it again increases the likelihood that it will happen, and that could bode well for other iPhones too, as it might mean the days of a massive screen cut-out are numbered.

No Face ID to be found

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

That said, Face ID apparently won’t be under the display. In fact, according to this source, Face ID won’t be present at all, with the foldable iPhone instead said to have a Touch ID sensor on the side. This, too, is something we’ve heard before.

Beyond that, yeux1122 claims that the screen size on this prototype is slightly smaller than on the previous prototype. They don’t specify what size it is here, but a fairly recent leak pointed to a 7.74-inch foldable display and a 5.49-inch cover screen.

Apparently, though, the resolutions haven’t changed, despite a decrease in size, and yeux1122 adds that the foldable screen’s aspect ratio for this prototype is 14.6:1, while the cover screen’s is 14.1:1.

Of course, even if these details are correct, it’s possible that things will change again in future prototypes, as with Apple not expected to launch the foldable iPhone until late 2026 at the earliest, the company quite possibly hasn’t yet finalized the design.

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• The triple-lens Nubia Z70S Ultra features a 35mm main camera
• The optional Z70 Series Retro Kit effectively transforms the phone into a Leica-like compact camera
• The kit features a grip, physical controls, and lens filters

Camera kits for smartphones are becoming a thing. They're designed to transform your phone into a compact camera-like device that's easier to use for photography – to see what I'm talking about, check out my long-term Xiaomi 15 Ultra review, in which I unpack Xiaomi's Photography Kit.

Now Nubia has created its own take on the concept, with its Z70 Series Retro Kit. The kit is compatible with Nubia's flagship Z70 Ultra and Z70S Ultra phones, and of all the camera kits I've seen for phones I think it looks the part, even if it's cashing in on the Leica aesthetic.

The new Z70S Ultra is already a retro-styled smartphone (see below, without the kit), with a silver-effect top and faux leather finish, available in Classic Black or Antique Brown. The Retro Kit takes things up a notch.

I haven't used the Retro Kit yet, but adding it should transform the phone's handling into something akin to some of the best compact cameras like the Ricoh GR III, with the looks of a D-Lux 8.

The retro-styled Nubia Z70S Ultra phone, without the Retro Kit. (Image credit: Nubia) Looking the part

The Nubia Z70S Ultra features a triple-camera unit, with the main camera being a slightly tighter-than-normal 35mm lens, which is complemented by a 2x telephoto lens and an ultra-wide macro optic.

The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, features a large 6.85-inch AMOLED display, and packs a hefty 6,600mAh battery. Those are solid specs; but it's the phone's looks that set it apart.

As I mentioned, the Z70S Ultra version is already a retro-styled handset, but by adding the optional Retro Kit you get a compact camera-style control layout too.

There's the leather-style case with grip that should make even one-handed holding comfortable for photography, plus a tactile physical shutter that I would expect to give a lovely response for picture taking (see below).

Image 1 of 2

The physical shutter should provide tactile feedback, while the control dial will likely put manual control at your fingertips. (Image credit: Nubia)Image 2 of 2

Lens filters will come in the Retro Kit. (Image credit: Nubia)

Alongside the shutter button is a control dial that looks like it will offer various manual controls at your fingertips – the equivalent dial in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra photography kit can be used for manual exposure compensation.

Finally, it looks like the case accepts lens filters over the camera unit. It's not clear what filters will be available, but further creative control options might be possible depending on what filters you can buy.

The idea with these kits is that they can be added for times when you're taking a lot of pictures and videos, and then removed when you're using the phone for other things.

The Nubia Z70 Series Retro Kit looks like it could be one of the best examples yet – I hope to get my hands on it for a proper test soon.

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• A new report claims we won't see any AI Siri improvements at WWDC 2025
• One source claims Apple's AI strategy "is a crisis" while Bloomberg has seen internal data that shows Apple "remains years behind its competition"
• Apple is working internally on LLM Siri, which could bring the voice assistant up to speed with competitors

If you were excited about seeing Apple's AI-powered Siri at WWDC in June, think again. A new report claims we won't get a glimpse of any Apple Intelligence voice assistant improvements next month.

According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple's new Siri, which was previously expected to launch at the beginning of 2025, and instead was indefinitely delayed, will not be part of next month's WWDC keynote.

Instead, Apple is expected to focus on new Apple Intelligence features, such as a rumored Battery Intelligence, which will help extend your device's battery life through the power of AI.

It's claimed one senior member of Apple's AI team told Bloomberg, "This is a crisis," while another said Apple's AI strategy has been "sinking for a long time." Bloomberg says it has seen internal data which shows Apple "remains years behind its competition," despite an internal shakeup and a new approach to its Siri strategy.

While we're unlikely to see anything related to Siri, it could be the case of "good things come to those who wait," as this in-depth report from Gurman gives a deeper insight into Apple's new AI strategy and the powerful tool the company is working on.

A new AI model incoming?

According to Bloomberg, "Employees say Apple now has its AI offices in Zurich creating a new software architecture to replace the problematic Siri hybrid—a so-called monolithic model, entirely built on an LLM-based engine, that would eventually make Siri more believably conversational and better at synthesizing information."

That project is codenamed LLM Siri, and would be a major upgrade to the voice assistant compared to not only what we currently have on the best iPhones, but even in comparison to the initial promise Apple showcased at WWDC 2024.

It's claimed Apple is training this LLM with synthetic data that allows the company to train the AI "without feeding actual user information into the models."

At WWDC 2025, we can expect Apple to show improvements to Apple Intelligence, while "sources say the company, despite its hopes for LLM Siri, is also preparing to separate the Apple Intelligence brand from Siri in its marketing."

Personally, I'm still optimistic Apple will turn its recent AI shortcomings around. If that means waiting longer for LLM Siri and functionality that allows me to truly harness the power of AI on my iPhone, then I'm willing to wait. Apple, don't let me down.

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• Nintendo Switch 2 will only support VRR using its built-in display
• This was confirmed in a recent statement from Nintendo
• It follows confusion about VRR support in docked mode

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will only feature variable refresh rate (VRR) support on its built-in display.

This comes after the company quietly removed mentions of VRR support in docked mode from its US and Canada support websites. It was subsequently removed from the equivalent European support websites.

"The system also supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs," the website previously stated. This was updated to read: "The system also supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs."

We already know that VRR is supported on the console's built-in screen, but this change left some potential purchasers wondering whether the system would in fact support VRR when it's in the dock.

Nintendo has finally clarified the situation in a statement provided to NintendoLife. "Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only," the statement begins. "The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error."

This could be bad news if you've already got your hands on one of the best gaming TVs or monitors, many of which offer VRR support. The technology dynamically adjusts the screen's refresh rate to match the frame rate of your games, reducing tearing and giving an overall impression of smoothness.

It's supported by both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S and has become a popular option for gamers with supported displays. In a title like Assassin's Creed Shadows, for example, we've found that enabling VRR leads to a much more pleasant experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. Both UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are live now.

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• Business Systems House was breached in September
• It is a business partner of ADP, which serviced Broadcom at one point
• Now, sensitive Broadcom files seem to have emerged on the dark web

Customers of the global semiconductor giant Broadcom have had their sensitive data leaked on the dark web after a two-step supply chain attack. Apparently, a company called Business Systems House (BSH), a human capital management (HCM) services provider from the Middle East, suffered a ransomware attack in September 2024, in which a group known as El Dorado (later rebranded as BlackLock), stole its files.

This firm is a business partner of payroll company ADP which, in turn, worked with Broadcom. In fact, the chip giant was in the process of switching payroll providers when the incident happened, meaning it almost dodged that bullet.

However, in December 2024, the two firms discovered the stolen data on the internet. “Because the data taken by the criminal actor was in an unstructured format, definitively determining which employees were impacted and, for each employee, which data fields were disclosed, was a lengthy process for BSH/ADP, and this information was not made available to Broadcom until May 12, 2025,” it was explained.

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El Dorado or BlackLock

According to The Register, who first broke the story, the attackers made away with the following data:

• National ID numbers
• National health insurance ID numbers
• Health insurance policy/ID numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Dates of birth
• Salary details
• Employment termination date
• Personal email addresses
• Personal phone numbers
• Home addresses

Broadcom urged everyone to turn on MFA and any other security settings that their financial institutions provide. Furthermore, it warned users to monitor their financial records.

You’ll be forgiven for not knowing who El Dorado is. It is a relatively new ransomware operation, emerging in March 2024, and already rebranded to BlackLock. The files stolen from Broadcom were posted on the BlackLock leak site, as well. Allegedly, the group consists of Russian-speaking individuals.

Broadcom serves a diverse range of customers across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. Some of the biggest names include Apple, Samsung, Cisco, British Airways, and many others. ADP, The Register claims, is no worse, but so far, no one reported losing data.

Via The Register

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• The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could have the same rear cameras as its predecessor
• Reportedly only the selfie camera is getting an upgrade
• Previous leaks suggest the chipset won't be much better either

It almost seems like Samsung might have a cap on how many interesting phones it can launch in a year, because having added a new and intriguing model to the mix in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, we’re now hearing that the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE might be a lot less desirable.

According to GalaxyClub (via GSMArena), the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will have almost identical cameras to its predecessor, with the phone said to once again have a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.

The only camera that will apparently be improved is the front-facing one, with this said to be 12MP – up from 10MP on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

So it sounds like the cameras will barely be an upgrade at all, and while a 50MP main sensor isn’t bad, an 8MP telephoto has no business being on an upper mid-range phone in 2025. Though as the article notes, the Galaxy S25 FE will at least have the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge beat there, as that latter phone has no telephoto camera at all.

The chipset could disappoint too

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Image credit: Future)

This isn’t the only disappointing rumored aspect of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE though, as earlier reports point to it having either exactly the same Exynos 2400e chipset as the S24 FE, or more likely a slightly upgraded Exynos 2400 (without the ‘e’).

Either way, that would be a step down from what you’ll find in the rest of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, and even with the latter it wouldn’t be much of an upgrade on last year’s phone.

So it seems like there might not be much reason to buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE if you already have a Galaxy S24 FE, and even if you’re coming from something much lower end, it could be hard to justify this over the standard Samsung Galaxy S25 unless this new FE is substantially cheaper.

Whether it will be remains to be seen, but we’ll hopefully find out soon, as references to Samsung Galaxy S25 FE firmware have been spotted, suggesting that it might launch before too long. That said, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE didn’t land until September of last year, so if the S25 FE follows a similar pattern it could still be quite a few months away.

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• Evidence of a StandBy Mode for Android has been spotted
• It would be enabled on locked, charging phones
• The iPhone equivalent was introduced with iOS 17 in 2023

Android 16 could start to be pushed out to the masses within the next month, and signs of another imminent new feature have been spotted hidden in the platform code: a version of the iOS StandBy Mode for Google-powered phones.

This has been spotted by Android Authority, and concerns code hidden in the Android 16 beta and Google Play Services. The key reference is to casting content from "standby-friendly" devices, which strongly suggests phones and tablets in standby mode.

If you're not familiar with StandBy Mode on iOS, it shows a clock and other widgets on the iPhone screen when it's placed horizontally and being charged. Combine it with a MagSafe charger, and it essentially turns a locked iPhone into a smart display.

While the evidence for Google doing something similar with Android 16 is pretty slight right now, it would make sense for something like this to be introduced: it's a handy feature to have, as has been shown by third-party StandBy Mode options for Android.

Chargers and hubs

The Pixel 9 will be one of the first phones in line for Android 16 (Image credit: Future)

Another piece of the puzzle is the Qi2 charging standard, which will bring a MagSafe-like wireless charging experience to Android phones. Support for this is limited right now, but more Qi2-ready Android phones are expected within the next year.

It also looks as though Google is preparing to add a standby button to the Android interface, again as indicated by hidden code, and it looks as though the display setting will build on top of the existing Hub Mode available on the Google Pixel Tablet.

Plenty more features are expected in Android 16, based on what Google has already told us, what's now available in the beta software, and what's been spotted in leaks. We know the software will come with an updated look, and new security and battery features.

We're almost certainly going to hear more about Android 16 at the Google I/O 2025 event, which gets underway tomorrow, and will feature updates on AI, Android, Chrome, and more. You can get all the news from I/O right here on TechRadar, and watch along live.

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• Arcane fans might not have seen the last of Caitlyn and Vi on Netflix
• One of the show's co-creators has teased the possibility of their return in a sequel project
• The series' head writer also dropped some hints at where she'd like their story to go next

The creators of Arcane haven't ruled out the possibility of continuing Vi and Caitlyn's individual and/or collective stories in another Netflix project.

In comments made during an Arcane season 2 post-mortem panel that took place on May 10, but which was only published by Variety on Saturday (May 17), Christian Linke wouldn't be drawn on the future of the fan-favorite pair.

However, while Linke played down suggestions that Vi and Caitlyn would show up in one of Arcane's sequel projects, it teased the prospect that, while this chapter of their Runeterra-based journey was over, we may not have permanently waved them goodbye.

"Well, that’s a tough one [to answer]," Linke said in response to a fan query about Vi and Caitlyn's future. "I have to say no comment, because... you never know. That’s a s****y answer, but it’s in your favor."

Full spoilers immediately follow for Arcane season 2 episode 9.

Fans had long wondered if Caitlyn and Vi would get together in the Emmy-winning animated series (Image credit: Netflix/Riot Games/Fortiche)

Arcane only ended six months ago, and you can remind yourself what happened to Caitlyn in Vi by reading my Arcane season 2 ending explained piece.

If you don't have time to peruse that article, though, the short answer is Vi and Caitlyn – the gay couple dubbed 'CaitVi' by fans – got something of a happy ending in one of the best Netflix shows' final episode.

Okay, Vi's sister Jinx is presumed dead after she sacrificed herself to save her older sibling. And, for what it's worth, Link exclusively told me he could "neither confirm or deny" if Jinx actually survived events depicted in the show's last-ever chapter.

That moment aside, though, not only did Caitlyn and Vi live to fight another day following season 2 episode 9's life-threatening events, but also officially became a couple after originally expressing their love for each other in an earlier episode of the Netflix show's second and final season.

If season 2 episode 9 is the last time we see 'CaitVi', it would be a fitting end to their time in Netflix's adaptation of League of Legends (LoL), i.e., the incredibly popular video game that Arcane and its forthcoming follow-ups are based on. With so many other LoL champions expected to appear in other projects that Netflix is developing with animation studio Fortiche and LoL creator Riot Games, the chances of us being reunited with Vi and Caitlyn are currently slim.

Caitlyn and Vi's first kiss is the most captured scene in the history of Netflix's Moments feature (Image credit: Netflix)

Nonetheless, Amanda Overton, Arcane's head writer, expressed her wish to see the Piltover Enforcers' journeys continue on the world's best streaming service. And, while we shouldn't read anything into Overton's quotes, which you can read below, about their future post-Arcane, they're sure to excite fans who want to see more of their individual and shared history play out on the small screen.

"These characters are very young in the show," Overton remarked. "They’re like 20 or whatever. We haven’t seen Vi or Caitlyn become adults yet. The show was them becoming adults

I want Vi to get to see more of the world

Arcane writer Amanda Overton

"Now, they get to ask themselves, ‘Who am I when I don’t have anyone to protect? Because all they did [in] the entire show was try to protect someone besides themselves.

"Figuring out who Vi is and what she wants, and how she fits into being a cop, and who she decides to fight for and why –those are stories we have not yet explored at length," Overton added about one of Arcane's lead characters. "Is she a gumshoe investigator? Are they [Caitlyn and Vi] a crime-fighting duo? Do they go out to the wider world and encounter other champions? That would be dope and fun. I want Vi to get to see more of the world."

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AI is undoubtedly one of the biggest developments to hit technology and business operations over the years. Tie that together with IT automation and everything suddenly appears a lot more complicated for business owners.

‘Agentic AI’ is one of the latest innovations to emerge recently. Otherwise known as AI Testing Agents, they use tools to help software programs run smoothly for companies. They can both monitor and test application performances to help identify any issues and optimize them for better performance. Early stage examples of AI agents minus the testing element include Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant.

In the past couple of years, I've observed firsthand how Artificial Intelligence is transforming entire industries, enhancing customer interactions, and refining operational efficiencies. It is these experiences that have led me to appreciate the nuanced benefits and challenges that come with integrating AI into business processes. Here, I share my perspectives on several key areas where I believe AI is making a significant impact.

The Pros and Cons of Using Test AI Agents in Business

From my point of view, the introduction of test AI agents in businesses heralds a new era of efficiency and capability. These agents excel in managing the inherent variability of AI responses, ensuring consistent performance monitoring amidst changing outputs. Their ability to handle large volumes of data through automated processes is particularly beneficial in environments where manual testing proves impractical.

Moreover, their role in facilitating continuous improvement is undeniable, as they provide the necessary feedback for iterative enhancements. However, these benefits are not without their challenges. The complexity of testing probabilistic AI systems requires sophisticated, statistical approaches that can be resource-intensive. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI evolution sometimes outstrips the development of standardized testing protocols, leading to potential inconsistencies.

Despite these hurdles, I believe that the strategic implementation of test AI agents is crucial for businesses in aiming to leverage AI effectively.

Implementing Agentic AI into the Workplace

For businesses, introducing Agentic AI into the workplace is a transformative process that I've seen yield enormous benefits when it comes to both efficiency and decision-making. In my experience, the key to successful integration is to start with clear objectives and thoughtful planning. This ensures AI agents are seamlessly incorporated into existing workflows, augmenting rather than disrupting established processes. Technical setup, including robust data pipelines and system integration, is what forms the backbone of this implementation.

Pilot testing is also crucial as it allows for real-world evaluation and adjustments. Moreover, ongoing training and support are essential to help employees adapt to and effectively interact with new AI tools. Continuous performance monitoring and iterative improvements based on feedback also play a critical role in realizing the full potential of AI agents in the workplace.

Industries Benefitting Most from Agentic AI Technology

In my view, several industries are currently reaping significant benefits from Agentic AI technology. Customer service has been transformed by AI agents capable of handling large volumes of inquiries in real time, significantly enhancing consumer satisfaction. Healthcare is another sector where AI has made a profound impact, assisting with diagnostics and patient management to streamline operations.

In finance, AI agents contribute to high-frequency trading, risk assessment, and fraud detection, improving accuracy and operational speed. E-commerce platforms utilize AI to personalize shopping experiences and optimize logistics, which enhances efficiency and customer engagement. These advancements underscore the versatile applications of AI across different sectors, driving improvements that are both transformative and beneficial for companies globally.

The Difference Between Conversational and Functional AI Agents

From my many years of experience in software, the distinction between conversational and functional AI agents is pivotal in tailoring AI applications to meet specific organizational needs. Conversational AI agents are designed for natural language interaction, making them ideal for roles that require engaging with customers or users, such as in service bots or virtual assistants.

On the other hand, functional AI agents are focused on executing specific tasks efficiently—whether it's data processing, automated testing, or controlling machinery. It is this specialization in functionality that allows businesses to deploy AI solutions that enhance productivity and accuracy in targeted operations.

Each of these facets of AI implementation and utilization reflects the broad spectrum of AI's capabilities and the diverse ways in which it can be harnessed to improve business processes and customer experiences. As we continue to explore and expand the boundaries of what AI can achieve, I remain optimistic about AI Testing Agents and their potential to drive further innovation and efficiency for businesses across the globe.

We feature the best AI chatbot for 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

• 'Significant amount' of data stolen from Legal Aid Agency
• Up to 2.1 million records accessed, hacking group says
• Legal Aid online systems taken offline

The UK’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has revealed that a cyberattack on the Legal Aid system has led to the theft of a "significant amount" of data, including criminal records.

The MoJ was alerted to the attack on April 23 when data dating back as far as 2010 was accessed by the attackers.

Earlier this month, the MoJ said it was investigating a “security incident” and that payment information had potentially been accessed. The group responsible for the attack said they accessed 2.1 million pieces of data, but the MoJ has not confirmed this number.

‘Significant amount’ of data stolen

The MoJ said that the data accessed by the attackers “may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.”

Legal Aid Agency chief executive Jane Harbottle issued an apology for the breach, adding that the breach “will be shocking and upsetting for people”. The MoJ is working with the UK’s National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to secure systems, and the Information Commissioner has been notified.

The Legal Aid Agency is responsible for providing legal aid funding to over 2,000 providers. The amount administered in 2023/24 amounted to around £2.3 billion. The Agency’s online digital services have been taken offline as a result of the attack.

The MoJ has recommended that anyone who has applied for legal aid since 2010 to take steps to protect themselves, including increased vigilance against unknown phone calls and text messages, as well as updating or replacing weak or reused passwords.

"If you are in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone you should verify their identity independently before providing any information to them," the ministry said.

Outside of personal data, it is likely that information relating to the barristers, solicitors, and other organizations, including not-for-profit organizations, was accessed by the hackers during the attack.

“The recent cyber attack on the Legal Aid Agency is yet another example of the real-world impact from digital vulnerabilities. When criminal records and other sensitive personal data are exposed, it is not just a matter of IT failure, it’s a breach of trust, privacy and even safety in this case. Many of the individuals affected may already be in vulnerable situations and could now face the added stress of not knowing where their data will end up or how it might be used," said Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET.

“It highlights just how critical it is for public bodies and government agencies to invest in stronger cyber defences, quicker update times and better training as well as being transparent immediately when things go wrong. Delays in notifying victims or vague reassurances can often worsen the damage whether it’s a government agency or private company.”

Via BBC

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• "In response to EU regulatory pressure" Apple could be working to let users in Europe switch to third-party voice assistants over Siri
• The move comes amid indefinite delays to AI-powered Siri upgrades originally planned for March 31
• Executives are showing concern for the future of the company, as Apple falls behind competitors in the AI race

Apple is reportedly working on tweaking its iPhone operating system to allow European users to choose a third-party voice assistant as their default option over Siri.

The news comes via a bombshell Bloomberg Apple AI report by Mark Gurman and Drake Bennet, citing "a person with knowledge of the matter" and follows in the wake of Apple's public struggle to provide Siri with AI upgrades that were first revealed in June 2024.

It’s a situation that has already resulted in Apple pulling a range of AI-focused ads and "available now" claims from the Apple Intelligence webpage. These upgrades were originally supposed to launch in iOS 18.4 on March 31, but now appear to have been delayed with no firm release date.

This report also claims that Google Gemini is on track to be added in iOS 19 as a ChatGPT alternative, according to people with knowledge of the plan.

Alongside struggling to make Siri smarter, Apple is also now seemingly facing regulatory sanctions in the EU after already being fined for forcing users to use its own App Store.

Right now, if you ask Siri on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro or newer) something like "How does CRISPR DNA editing work?" the virtual assistant currently has no answer – except to ask users if they'd like ChatGPT to answer.

According to an Apple exec cited by Bloomberg, Apple's usual methodology is "we’re late, we have over a billion users, we’re going to grind it out, and we’re going to beat everyone", but that's not working this time around.

(Image credit: Apple) Where to now for Siri?

To back up its claims, Bloomberg’s report notes that Eddy Cue – Apple’s Senior Vice President for Services – is worried that "AI could do to Apple what the iPhone did to Nokia". Cue has recently been quoted during court testimony as saying it's possible the iPhone could be irrelevant 10 years from now, "as crazy as it sounds".

While it ultimately might not have a choice when it comes to changes in the EU, Apple would obviously prefer Siri to be able to compete with Gemini and ChatGPT head on, but at this point, it does not appear to have a clear path when it comes to closing the gap, with a senior member of Apple's AI team stating, “This is a crisis… It’s been sinking for a long time.”

While allowing users to ditch Siri for a third-party alternative would deal with the problem in the short term and could be a good thing for iPhone and Mac users, from Apple’s perspective it would also be an undesirable admittance of that current state of affairs.

(Image credit: Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

In his court testimony, Cue stated that for the first time in 22 years, Google searches on Apple devices fell last month. The provided reason was that users were turning away from search engines and towards AI tools for gathering information.

While Apple has a dedicated customer base that is going to continue to buy Apple devices almost no matter what, as AI becomes more integrated into people’s work and personal lives, it may be the deciding factor for less loyal users.

By comparison, Android devices have long allowed owners to switch to a different virtual assistant, something that’s continuing into the age of AI.

Apple has undeniably fallen behind when it comes to AI integration, but perhaps not disastrously so – and when it comes to such a world-changing technology, maybe that's not such a bad thing. Given how unreliable Google AI Overviews can be, it's certainly not an exact science.

Acknowledging that they need time to get Siri to a point where it can rival the others, and giving users further functionality in the meantime, seems like a win/win for Apple and its customers – if the iPhone maker can swallow its pride.

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The way security professionals and their businesses approach artificial intelligence is one of contrasts and contentions. We’re still in a state of flux as to whether AI will lead to true cyber safety, or leave us more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Optimists view AI as a gleaming opportunity to improve cybersecurity tools at a rate that helps us stay ahead of attackers. AI can strengthen defenses at unprecedented speeds and deliver automated threat intelligence that guides both immediate and long-term decision-making.

A more pessimistic view however presents AI as a weapon for adversaries to launch increasingly sophisticated new and dangerous threats on unprepared individuals and organizations.

In my view, our reality sits somewhere in between.

What it means to be AI-secure

There are always two sides to a coin. Where AI is considered, risks can arise both internally and externally. For instance, hackers use AI’s speed and scalability to launch widespread cyber attacks from outside the business, while any mishandling of AI technology within can hand valuable assets directly over to them.

A sound AI security strategy considers both sides.

AI’s efficacy in helping businesses automate the data collection process is a well known advantage. However, organizations must not forget that speed and efficiency do not surpass security as a priority. For example, automating data collection with AI still requires anonymization when sensitive information is included, and it must be controlled so only approved individuals can access it.

Here, zero-trust and multi-factor authentication can help ensure only the correct individuals within an organization can access it. This practice stems from the tide of mishandling, improper storage and data leaks - purposeful or otherwise.

Like with any new software, businesses must also consider the security of third-party AI services. Are you certain that the AI model you are using is truly secure? Here, diligence must come before investment - organizations can have the strongest internal defenses only to be let down by poor third-party security.

We saw a recent example of third-party security failure by UnitedHealth, when an attacker gained server access through Change Healthcare, a third-party affiliate. Breaching this side door meant UnitedHealth’s highly protected customer data could be accessed in a matter of days.

There’s also the need to continually train AI models with the latest information. Making decisions on out-of-date data opens the door for misguided defense strategies. Before businesses make any AI-based decisions, they must remember to account for the recency and relevancy of the data they are processing.

What features to look for in AI-secure security platforms

While the global battle for AI superiority rages, businesses must carefully consider which AI tools will bring them the most security. The best providers of AI-ready security tools and services have preempted the concerns laid out above, and innovated their services to limit errors in managing an AI-ready world. Microsoft Security Copilot is a great example approach to AI-security and a cyber safe outlook.

Here are four features to look out for:

1. Real-time monitoring

When it comes to identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring threats and repelling attacks, cyber teams rely on powerful platforms to do the heavy lifting; there simply isn’t enough time or resources to do this on a case-by-case basis. Through proprietary AI, businesses gain transparent, comprehensive views of internal and external activity, network traffic, user journeys and data access.

From here, intuitive machine learning can recognize anomalies from within and outside the organization, harnessing historical data to analyze minute-by-minute threat environments and predict when attacks might occur and in what form.

2. Immediate action

Even the hardest working security professional can’t be in two places at once. Microsoft Security Copilot, among other systems, accounts for this, leveraging AI to monitor the constant stream of business activity while also intelligently flagging real-time threats.

Naturally, as incident response becomes more automated - although human oversight remains crucial - security teams can receive threat data almost instantly, with less manually intensive requirements, freeing up resources to immediately respond.

For the past two decades, we have been one step behind cyber attackers; with real-time response, we level the playing field.

3. Automation to reduce time and error

While there is something to be said for automated processes reducing human error, especially from time and resource-poor cyber specialists, it’s my opinion that this risk will always exist. At least with this mindset, we’re not falling into the old adage of ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’. Microsoft Security Copilot and other systems, for all of their advantages, are only as robust and foolproof as the security specialist using them.

Does automation decrease the chance of human error? Definitely. Does it cure it altogether? Definitely not. We must enable powerful new systems to remove manual task intensity, but they must remain directed by boots-on-the-ground specialists.

4. System cohesion

Businesses use many different systems for vital day-to-day operations. Data migration between separate systems, failing to train and educate employees, and poor security integrity across the tech stack, all increase the attack surface and therefore the organization's vulnerability.

The tech giants hold a significant advantage here. Take Microsoft Security Copilot, which has been built to integrate into Microsoft’s existing suite of tools, such as Azure Cloud, Defender, and Office products. This level of ‘baked-in’ security reduces the attack surface. It’s a strategic advantage that cannot be underestimated, offering a greater degree of monitoring, control and transparency.

Becoming AI-secure is the first step

The best piece of advice I and many of my colleagues can provide is to adopt a constant, deliberate and thorough analysis of AI opportunities and challenges.

Is there a new capability from your chosen provider that can help plug a long-known vulnerability to a greater extent? Invest and move quickly.

Have attackers launched a new AI-based threat that challenges existing defenses? It’s time to quickly analyze current strategies and find ways to innovate in turn, relying on your network to formulate the best industry-wide approach.

An AI-secure organization is one that commits itself to proactive cyber safety. AI can be our greatest tool in the fight to come, but we must not forget that attackers are thinking the same.

We've compiled a list of the best endpoint protection 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

Sony recently launched one of its most-anticipated products of 2025 in the WH-1000XM6 headphones. The company’s previous efforts, namely the XM4 and XM5, have proven incredibly successful, so it’s unsurprising that Sony felt the need to continue the lineage.

Those previous models have actually proven to be so popular that both will remain on sale alongside their newly upgraded sibling.

I’ve been using the XM6 for about a week now to find out if they could dethrone my trusted Sonos Ace as my go-to over-ear cans. But, as you would have already guessed from the headline of this piece, they’ve fallen a bit short in that challenge for the top.

It’s got nothing to do with sound quality or noise cancellation, although I’ll touch on those features further down. Instead, it has everything to do with how they fit.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a fan of Sonos’ first attempt at producing a pair of headphones, predominantly because I find the Ace so darn comfortable, and that’s still true nearly a year after they launched in June 2024.

I’ve never worn the previous XM4 or the XM5 for prolonged periods, but having read my colleague Gerald Lynch's Sony WH-1000XM5 review, which praised the overall comfort level, I was expecting glorious things from the XM6.

According our new Sony WH-1000XM6 review, those expectations should have been met. For me, however, they've unfortunately missed the mark.

The different hinge designs of the Sony (left) and Sonos (right) headphones plays a big role in on-head comfort. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Perhaps I have a fussy head (hopefully not) or abnormally large ears (the shame) but, for me, the XM6 feel like they’re clamping down a little too much, at least when compared against the Sonos Ace. Sony has said it’s increased the clamping force of the new model compared to the XM5 to help aid with passive noise isolation, and it does indeed work on that front.

For my noggin, though, it’s just a little too forceful for comfort. They feel more akin to on-ear headphones when I wear them because the padding presses onto my ears a little too much. The Sonos Ace earcups, meanwhile, completely envelop my ears and feel much softer, and as a result feel way more comfortable.

I should add the realization that the Ace earcups envelop my ears more is an interesting one, because the openings are physically smaller than the Sony pair. I think the fact that the space inside the earcups of the Ace is deeper than on the XM6 is the reason for this peculiar phenomenon.

Despite weighing roughly 50g more than the Sony, I think the Sonos engineers have done a better job of distributing the weight of the Ace too. Again, I’m probably just being fussy, but it’s something I noticed as soon as I wore the XM6 for the first time and haven’t been able to shake.

In my opinion, one of the biggest factors to support my claim that the Sonos Ace feels more comfortable for me is the hinge mechanism used.

Both pairs feature hinges that integrate into the earcups, but the one on the Sonos Ace appears to have a greater range of flexibility, so it’s able to better conform to the shape of my head.

The Sony XM6 hinge integrated a folding mechanism for easier travel, but which I think limits its flexibility. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

In contrast, the hinge on the Sony XM6 has a more limited range and so can’t adjust to the shape of my head as freely. That said, Sony's said the XM6 are inspired by an older hinge design, inherited from the XM4, that allow them to better fold for traveling. The Sonos mechanism, meanwhile, doesn’t fold away as compactly, so that could have something to do with it.

Don’t get me wrong, that extra compactness is absolutely a great feature to have – although one that’s admittedly a little lost on me, as I don’t travel that much – but my head is probably just a little too limiting. Perhaps the hinge will loosen up over time and the XM6 will fit me better? We’ll see.

Mind you, the carry case for the XM6 is, hands down, a winner over the Sonos design in my view. Sony has implemented a magnetic fastener this time around and it works a treat. The zip on the case of my Sonos Ace broke within a few months, rendering it next to useless – a trait I've noticed many other Sonos Ace owners have come across. I hope other headphone manufacturers follow Sony’s design choice with new pairs in the future.

The magnetic fastener on the Sony case (left) is a major design win in my book. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) One person’s music is another person’s sound

I’ve learned in my years writing about speakers, headphones and other hi-fi components, sound quality can be subjective and that, ultimately, if you like what you hear, then that’s the product for you.

There are instances where it’s impossible to say something sounds good. But more often than not, I’ve found that I don’t necessarily appreciate how a particular product sounds despite someone else thinking it’s great, or vice versa.

It’s a similar story here, because while our Sony WH-1000XM6 review heaps praise upon their sonic capabilities, I’m a little less enthusiastic. Or at least, I don’t think the Sonos Ace should be completely disregarded if your budget can afford either pair.

As I’ve said, though, sound is a personal preference and I actually prefer the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless to either of these competitors for outright sound quality. However, comfort is still at the top of my wishlist, which is why I keep returning to the Sonos Ace. If I could get the Sennheiser sound in the Sonos body, it could just be my dream set of headphones.

I will admit the Sony headphones sound objectively better than the Sonos Ace. They’re more energetic, unearth a bit more detail and have tighter control over particularly tricky songs such as The Darkness’ I Believe in a Thing Called Love, resulting in a more cohesive listen.

While the Sonos Ace don’t sound bad in any sense of the word, I find myself having fun and bopping my head with the Ace in place when listening to dance music, which is my go-to genre – far more than when I’m listening to the same tracks on the XM6.

This could boil down to the fact that my ears don’t feel as constrained when using the Ace, resulting in a more 3D-like soundstage.

The Sonos Ace look and feel like a premium pair of headphones and the integrated hinge is excellent. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge) Silence is golden

Now, when it comes to ANC performance of headphones, I personally don’t notice much of a difference between many of the latest pairs from the top brands. That could be because I listen to music quite loudly (perhaps to my own future detriment) and can’t hear any ambient sounds over it, including colleagues sitting next to me in the office. So it’s hard for me to judge if the noise-canceling tech is working as promised or not.

However, going off the in-depth reviews on TechRadar and speaking with my colleagues, the consensus is the ANC performance of the Sonos Ace isn’t class-leading. The opposite is the case for the Sony XM6, which are “the real deal as far as ANC is concerned” according to our reviewer.

This, too, might well be a personal preference. The amount of external noise you want to be blocked out could be different to my preference. If I can hear a train announcer telling me what station is coming up next, it doesn’t particularly bother me. If anything, it’s proven to be helpful if I’m taking a journey for the first time and I’m not sure where I’m going.

If you do want total silence, however, then I have to give it the Sony XM6 – though you could also consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which have long been considered the class leader. The Sonos Ace are great, but ANC performance isn’t an area I can confidently defend them for.

Sony has redesigned the speaker driver for the XM6 headphones (left), which you can view when you take off the ear cushion. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

With both the Sonos and Sony pairs costing a not-insignificant amount of money – Sonos Ace retails for $449 / £449 / AU$699 and Sony XM6 come in at $449 / £400 / AU$699 – neither should be an impulse buy. If you’re looking to spend this kind of money on a new set of headphones, then I'd strongly recommend auditioning both pairs first if you’re able to.

While you’re at it, you should probably give the recently released Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 a listen too, along with the aforementioned Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. B&W’s premium over-ears have always been excellent where sound quality is concerned, but have often lacked in other areas such as ANC. That’s no longer the case with the Px7 S3, which have much-improved noise canceling capabilities. Combined with their gorgeous looks, they could be the ultimate pair in this price bracket.

The internal area of the ear cup of the Sonos Ace (right) is deeper compared to the XM6, which I find much more comfortable. (Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

Therein lies a positive to take away from all of this: we now have so many quality choices when choosing a pair of headphones, that it’s hard for even experts like me to give a definitive answer on which brand one-ups the other. And given just how personal our choices are (one of my colleagues prefers the XM6 to the Ace for fit, for example), deciding upon and choosing the right pair is something only you can do for yourself.

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• MSI EdgeXpert sounds impressive, but calling it a supercomputer might be stretching reality
• Desktop AI supercomputers are a trend, but their usefulness still lacks real-world validation
• MSI’s EdgeXpert could be ideal for developers needing local AI power without relying on the cloud

MSI is the latest entrant in the race to miniaturize AI infrastructure with its upcoming EdgeXpert MS-C931, a compact desktop system positioned as an AI supercomputer.

Following the launches of the Dell Pro Max with GB10 and the Asus Ascent GX10, MSI’s new machine is built on Nvidia’s DGX Spark platform and will be showcased at COMPUTEX 2025.

While the hardware sounds formidable, questions remain about whether this device truly lives up to the lofty label of a "desktop AI supercomputer", or if it’s simply a case of marketing overreach.

A powerful machine built on familiar ground

The EdgeXpert MS-C931 is powered by Nvidia’s GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, delivering up to 1,000 TOPS of AI performance (FP4), 128 GB of unified memory, and ConnectX-7 high-speed networking.

MSI says the system targets sectors like education, finance, and healthcare, where data privacy and low latency could justify on-premise hardware over cloud-based services.

Given its specs, the MS-C931 could rank among the most capable workstation PCs currently in development. Its high memory bandwidth and AI-focused compute also suggest it could be a top-tier PC for coding, especially for machine learning or large-scale simulation tasks.

However, the real value of this product depends less on its raw specs and more on how grounded MSI’s claims about its purpose truly are.

The phrase “desktop AI supercomputer” continues to be used liberally, and MSI’s adoption of it raises similar concerns to those previously leveled at Asus and Dell.

A supercomputer, by definition, implies massive parallel processing power, usually deployed across large-scale server racks. Shrinking that concept down to a single desktop machine, even with cutting-edge components, feels more like branding than technical accuracy.

MSI isn’t alone in this; Nvidia’s DGX Spark framework itself seems at least partially designed to enable this kind of positioning.

For all the talk of supporting top-tier AI tools and delivering enterprise-grade performance at the edge, there’s currently little evidence that these systems approach the breadth or scalability of true supercomputing infrastructure.

Even 1,000 TOPS, while impressive, must be understood in the context of what modern AI teams actually require to train or run LLMs.

While MSI may succeed in delivering a dense, high-performance system for localized inferencing and AI prototyping, the real-world utility of the MS-C931 is likely narrower than the “supercomputer” label implies.

Until these machines prove their value in practice, calling them desktop supercomputers feels more like aspirational branding than a reflection of what they truly deliver.

Via TechPowerUp

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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Dell Technologies World 2025.

We're on the ground in Las Vegas for this year's event, and are all set for an event which will be sure to be packed full of news and announcements.

The event starts tomorrow with a star-studded keynote from company founder and CEO Michael Dell, so check back then for all the updates as they happen.

Good morning from sunny Las Vegas!

TechRadar Pro is here and all set for Dell Technologies World 2025, which is set to kick off tomorrow, so check back then!

• Transparent Micro LED screen displays different content on either side simultaneously
• Ultra-thin 17.3-inch design blends futuristic aesthetics with real-world functionality
• Maker AUO hints at aviation, retail, and interior uses for dual display

Transparent screens on devices like smartphones and tablets have long been a staple of sci-fi films and TV shows because they look good, even if they aren’t always practical. Now, though, they’re starting to become a reality.

Taiwanese display manufacturer AUO (AU Optronics Corporation), which was formed in 2001 through the merger of Acer Display Technology and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation, has demonstrated a dual-sided transparent Micro LED display at Touch Taiwan 2025.

This first of its kind display is a thin 17.3-inch screen that offers a transparent experience on both sides, and can present different content depending on the viewing angle.

For use on planes and in homes and stores

The screen can show separate images or data on each side, and AUO suggests one possible use case would be in first-class airline cabins, where passengers and flight attendants can each see their own interfaces.

AUO’s demo included a translation interface, presenting seamless multilingual communication through the display itself. Commercial scenarios such as store windows, museum exhibits, and digital signage are also seen as natural fits for the technology.

The ultra-thin design, combined with transparent Micro LED technology, represents a shift from traditional display use toward something closer to ambient computing.

Unlike single-sided transparent OLEDs, which often struggle with brightness and image clarity in direct light, AUO’s Micro LED tech offers higher brightness and color performance - potentially overcoming many of those limitations.

AUO has not revealed when it expects the display to go into production, nor has it given any hint at pricing, although it’s fair to say the screens won’t be cheap.

A video posted on YouTube shows the screen in use at the 50-second mark.

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Even though reviews of Bad Thoughts haven't ranked highly enough to earn it a place on our best Netflix shows roundup, the streamer's new anthology series does come highly recommended from me.

I'm a huge fan of darkly funny stories and anthologies, and I do place Black Mirror season 7 into that category, even if many of the tales in Charlie Brooker's series are downright bleak with no comedic relief.

In Bad Thoughts, however, the disturbing nature of the stories is offset by some gross-out, cringe comedy and usually I'm not a huge fan of that, but it really worked for me here.

Check out the trailer for the six-part series, now playing on one of the best streaming services.

Why I love Netflix's Bad Thoughts

(Image credit: Netflix)

The series is Tom Segura’s first go at sketch comedy. It sees him play various different roles including an incompetent assassin, a country singer who kidnaps his fans, and a difficult customer at a coffee shop. You never quite know what you're going to get as you jump between episodes, and it's guaranteed to shock you.

And seriously it's very shocking. The first episode alone made me think "oh, this is how dark we're getting, okay!", and even though you can kind of predict what's coming, it still fills you with this nervous sense of dread. You'll also laugh too, which is a strange sensation indeed.

There's some really great guest stars in this series too including Jurassic Park’s Daniella Pineda, The Sopranos’ Robert Iler and Boardwalk Empire’s Shea Whigham, accompanying Segura on this totally wild adventure.

The show is rated R for "crude humor" and "injury detail" and seriously, you will cringe in places. This is definitely an adults-only show and covers some topics that are not family friendly at all, so be warned! I wouldn't be surprised if you watch some of this behind your eyes, quite honestly.

Segura has got the balance between humour and horrifying stuff right here, in my opinion. He plays on stereotypes, parodies things like action flicks, disaster movies, and A24 movies, and isn't afraid to just go there.

The same as any anthology series, some episodes are stronger than others and people will have their own thoughts about each one, whether that's positive or not.

Bad Thoughts has a 55% Rotten Tomatoes critical rating, not high enough to be considered 'Fresh' by the review aggregrate site's standards, so it's become this weekend's 'Marmite' watch. It's going to delight some people and completely disgust others, and perhaps that's enough to convince you to give it a go!

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• Titanium is tipped for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and tri-fold
• The foldable phones may launch at the same time
• It should mean lighter and more durable foldables

We might see both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and a new Samsung tri-fold phone this coming July, and the latest rumors from the supply chain are that both foldables might come with a titanium backplate that connects the hinge and display panels.

This comes from The Elec (via SamMobile), and should mean both a lighter and a tougher phone overall. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (launched in July 2024) uses a carbon fiber backplate, titanium was used in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (launched in October 2024).

There's definitely been a trend towards more titanium in smartphones in recent years, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – although that phone uses titanium in its frame rather than its backplate, as it doesn't have a hinge.

The material brings with it a number of appealing properties, including lightness and durability, but it is harder and more expensive to make than the alternatives. That might be reflected in the prices of Samsung's upcoming foldables.

Thinner and thinner

Titanium was previously used in the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (Image credit: Samsung)

Another tidbit from the report from The Elec is that Samsung might do away with the digitizer part of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 display that would enable it to support S Pen inputs – and which would enable the handset to be thinner than ever.

Thin phones are having a moment, with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge now unveiled, the iPhone 17 Air on the way from Apple later this year, and the Oppo Find N5 recently claiming the honor of being the thinnest foldable phone in the market. It sounds as though this is a trend that Samsung's next foldables will follow.

There have been lots of leaks and rumors along the way already with these phones. The tri-fold (which may be called the Galaxy G Fold) is expected to share the same hinges and speakers as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, for example.

The two phones could also be announced at the same time, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 – which will most probably be at some point during July, although the tri-fold model might not go on sale at the same time as the other two foldables.

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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 Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, May 18 (game #1210).

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 #1211) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* 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 #1211) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1211) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do 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 #1211 - 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 #1211) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• C

• H

• D

• W

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

Quordle today (game #1211) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1211, are…

• CLINK
• HANDY
• DITCH
• WAIVE

Sometimes Quordle feels as if you are performing a magic trick when the first word that pops into your head ends up being correct.

Of course, the reality is often that there is only one possible answer – as was the case for me today with CLINK – and the only magic taking place is that I have remembered it.

WAIVE was the only word I hesitated over, but I’ll put that down to my blindness around the letter V.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1211) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1211, are…

• STALE
• PALER
• SIGMA
• ANNEX

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNY
• Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE
• Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK
• Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE
• Quordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKER
• Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN
• Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY
• Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE
• Quordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATIN
• Quordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAIN
• Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITE
• Quordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVE
• Quordle #1198, Tuesday, 6 May: UNITE, SOGGY, FILET, PORCH
• Quordle #1197, Monday, 5 May: WREAK, COWER, STEAD, QUEUE
• Quordle #1196, Sunday, 4 May: PINCH, SMOKE, SCARY, CANNY
• Quordle #1195, Saturday, 3 May: PLUSH, VERGE, WROTE, CONDO
• Quordle #1194, Friday, 2 May: CAUSE, RISEN, MACAW, SMELT
• Quordle #1193, Thursday, 1 May: IDIOM, EXILE, SPOOF, DRAPE
• Quordle #1192, Wednesday, 30 April: BATON, TORSO, ANNEX, DROWN
• Quordle #1191, Tuesday, 29 April: HOVER, HENCE, OCTAL, COPSE

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 Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, May 18 (game #707).

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 #708) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• MELON
• BALL
• CHANCE
• BAWL
• SOUL
• BLUBBER
• FUNCTION
• FLUKE
• UTILITY
• TOW
• AVENUE
• BENEFIT
• FLIPPER
• RAILROAD
• GALA
• HEAL

NYT Connections today (game #708) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Big bash
• GREEN: Do not pass Go 
• BLUE: Parts of a marine mammal 
• PURPLE: Sound like body parts

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 #708) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: FUNDRAISING EVENT 
• GREEN: SPACES ON A MONOPOLY BOARD 
• BLUE: FEATURES OF A TOOTHED WHALE 
• PURPLE: HOMOPHONES OF PARTS OF THE FOOT 

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

NYT Connections today (game #708) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #708, are…

• YELLOW: FUNDRAISING EVENT BALL, BENEFIT, FUNCTION, GALA
• GREEN: SPACES ON A MONOPOLY BOARD AVENUE, CHANCE, RAILROAD, UTILITY
• BLUE: FEATURES OF A TOOTHED WHALE BLUBBER, FLIPPER, FLUKE, MELON
• PURPLE: HOMOPHONES OF PARTS OF THE FOOT BAWL, HEAL, SOUL, TOW

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

After getting FUNDRAISING EVENT quite quickly I struggled to move forward and started shuffling the 12 remaining words. First, I thought that there was a group where luck was the connection – but I couldn’t get beyond FLUKE and CHANCE.

Then I guessed that BLUBBER and FLIPPER must be part of a group to do with marine biology. Out of sheer luck I added FLUKE and BAWL and got “one away”, so swapped the latter for MELON – which I now know is the name given for the tissue found in the foreheads of toothed whales. Every day’s a school day.

I am of course kicking myself with my heel, sole and toes that I didn’t get the relatively straightforward HOMOPHONES OF PARTS OF THE FOOT.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, May 18, game #707)

• YELLOW: TASKS FOR A STUDENT ASSIGNMENT, DRILL, EXERCISE, LESSON
• GREEN: ENCOURAGING RESPONSES IN A GUESSING GAME ALMOST, CLOSE, NOT QUITE, WARM
• BLUE: UP FOR ANYTHING EASY, FLEXIBLE, GAME, OPEN
• PURPLE: WHAT "A" MIGHT MEAN AREA, ATHLETIC, EXCELLENT, ONE

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.