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In tech terms, June and July have been particularly busy this year. While gamers have been sinking their teeth into the new Nintendo Switch 2, mobile fans have been served a run of excellent, exciting, and, crucially, affordable new smartphones to consider.

One of the lesser-talked-about affordable phone brands is Poco. The Xiaomi-owned subsidiary prioritizes performance above all else, offering powerful devices that typically undercut rivals in the budget and mid-range markets.

One of the marque’s latest offerings – the Poco F7 – strikes an impressive balance between price and performance, toting Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 silicon while still clocking it at under £389 in the UK.

Previously, the impressive value proposition of Poco’s F-series phones has meant that concessions – on aspects like camera quality and OS update support longevity – have been expected, and often accepted, by users.

Scan through the reviews of the Poco F7, however, and you’ll see that the team behind the phone has clearly made strides to produce a more holistically capable competitor. And that poses a problem for some particularly prominent rivals.

Better ig-Nord?

(Image credit: Future)

The fresh-faced OnePlus Nord 5 touched down in the second week of June, serving as the brand’s new top mid-ranger. During the process of testing it out for myself over the last few weeks, however, comparisons to the Poco F7 have kept popping up, and OnePlus' effort loses the battle nine times out of 10.

For starters, despite coming in at £399 in the UK (i.e. £10 more than the F7), the Nord 5 runs on the same chipset family as the Poco, but it uses the previous generation – the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. OnePlus has also paired that to conventional UFS 3.1 storage, whilst the Poco uses bleeding-edge UFS 4.1 tech (that's two generations newer in the smartphone space).

You also get a brighter display (in terms of both panel-wide and peak brightness output), superior IP68-grade protection against dust and water (the Nord 5 tops out at IP65), and a 25% larger battery (6500mAh, versus 5200mAh in most markets).

Poco has even extended its update support commitment to match that of OnePlus, with four years of OS releases and six years of security updates promised.

HyperOS 2.0 still needs work (Image credit: Tom Mundy / Future)

The main caveat here, which has the potential to put the ball back in the Nord 5's court, is the difference in user experience.

Xiaomi promised big things with the move from MIUI to HyperOS in 2024, and while there are some clear technical improvements to the company's Android-based user experience, the user-facing facets of HyperOS 2.0 – as found on the likes of the F7 – are still... lacking.

In contrast, OnePlus' latest OxygenOS 15, as featured on the latest and best OnePlus phones, is cleaner, more elegant, less bloated, more responsive, easier to use, and sports a more intuitive and dynamic suite of AI-backed features. And as that's the bit of the phone you interact with more than any other on a daily basis, that might be reason enough to pick the Nord 5 over the technically superior and more affordable F7.

Something better than Nothing?

(Image credit: Future)

Perhaps the highest profile launch in the first week of July was the release of the divisive Nothing Phone 3.

I say 'divisive' because what the company is calling its "first true flagship" immediately came under fire for its design, performance, and price.

While there's no question that the Phone 3's aesthetics are unorthodox, as the most subjective of those three aspects, I'm less inclined to say the Poco F7 boasts better or worse looks. In fact, its semi-transparent back is decidedly Nothing-like, as it happens.

Where the trouble for the Phone 3 really starts is with its choice of chipset, which – as you might be able to guess – is the same as the one powering the Poco F7: the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.

I have nothing against this particular silicon and Nothing itself has done an admirable job of extolling the virtues of the chip. But on a phone that costs £799 / $799 (Nothing's most expensive phone yet), people were expecting to see the chip of choice for almost every other 2025 Android flagship: Qualcomm's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite.

(Image credit: Tom Mundy / Future)

Cue the Poco F7 to rub salt in the wound. As well as hitting the market ahead of the Phone 3, packing in faster storage and a bigger battery with faster charging, you're getting a phone with the same chipset (and thus comparable performance) for less than half the price.

Admittedly, the extra money commanded by the Nothing Phone does – like the OnePlus – buy you access to one of the best smartphone user experiences on the market, in Nothing OS 3.0, not to mention superior cameras, a brighter screen and longer software support (7 years of OS & security updates) than the Poco. So, the divide isn't quite as chasmic as with the Nord.

In a three-way shootout between the Poco F7, Nord 5, and Phone 3, then, it ultimately falls to where your priorities lie. Is a slick user experience your top priority, or does more performance and a lower price tag more readily entice you? If the latter, I'm inclined to recommend the powerful and affordable Poco.

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• More details of the Galaxy S25 FE have emerged
• The screen and battery could get a boost
• We might see a launch sometime during September

We're still forming our early impressions of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, but more Samsung phones are on the way – and the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the subject of the latest leak to appear online.

According to a report from TechManiacs (via GSMArena), the Galaxy S25 FE will come with a Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) screen – essentially meaning it's able to adjust its refresh rate depending on what's on the display.

It's useful for reducing the refresh rate and improving battery life if an always-on display is enabled, for example, when the phone is locked: while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE supports an always-on display mode, it doesn't use LTPO technology, so on the new model the impact on battery shouldn't be as great.

You'll see LTPO screens on top-end phones such as the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25, and it's perhaps an indication that the Galaxy S25 FE will be a more premium offering than its predecessors have been.

Battery upgrade

(Image credit: Future)

The other key component upgrade mentioned by TechManiacs is the battery. The capacity is apparently being boosted from 4,700 mAh to 4,900 mAh, while the wired charging rate is set to go up from 25W to 45W.

These would all be welcome upgrades of course, though nothing is certain until Samsung makes this phone official. As with previous FE ('Fan Edition') phones, it's expected to sit somewhere between the flagship and the budget categories.

Other rumors have suggested that the Galaxy S25 FE screen will be thinner and have smaller bezels, while it could well be powered by an Exynos 2400 chip. In the camera department though, the rear cameras could be the same as those on the Galaxy S24 FE. This is all backed up by the latest leak as well.

It's still not clear when we might see the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE – although the indicators are that it's on the way. The Galaxy S24 FE was introduced in September 2024, so its successor may well show up in September 2025.

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• Seagate 36TB Exos M hard drive is large enough to store over 1,440 single-layer Blu-ray discs
• New model ships alongside refurbished versions at nearly the same price
• Designed for AI, cloud, and data-heavy workloads with lower power use

The Exos M ST36000NM003K is Seagate’s newest and largest SATA data center hard drive to date. It follows the 32TB model launched in late 2024, which itself came nearly a year after the company’s 30TB release.

We wrote about the 36TB version back in January 2025, and now it’s gone up for preorder at ServerPartDeals.com, priced at $799.99 (which equates to $22.22 per terabyte, if you’re wondering).

What’s intriguing is that, alongside the new drive, manufacturer-recertified and seller-refurbished models are also being offered at slightly lower prices.

Refurbished and recertified

The 3.5-inch drive runs at 7,200 RPM and uses the SATA 6Gb/s interface. It introduces a new areal density milestone of 3TB per platter, reaching high capacity without changing the form factor.

Seagate combines its latest Mozaic 3+ technology with 90% of components used in earlier models. Designed for cloud services, big data, and AI infrastructure, the Exos M offers higher capacity in the same physical footprint.

It claims to deliver three times the power efficiency per terabyte compared to traditional drives, helping lower data center operating costs.

Seagate says the Exos M uses more recycled materials and renewable energy than any of its past products.

Recertified and refurbished versions of the 36TB model are already available to preorder now, priced only slighter cheaper that the brand new version.

The manufacturer-recertified version is listed at $789.99 ($21.94 per TB), while the seller-refurbished model is available for $779.99 ($21.66 per TB).

That used units are being offered for preorder alongside the new models is interesting and possibly linked to testing or early returns.

Aside from availability shortages, I can’t imagine many people are going to rush to buy one of those models just to save $10-$20 per drive.

Each new unit comes with a 3-year warranty. That drops to two years for the recertified version and to just 90 days for the refurbished model.

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• FiiO launches new desktop speakers that are ideal for home studios
• The SP5s have independent amplification and 120W per speaker
• They'll be available to buy from August 2025 for $749 / £709

FiiO's latest desktop speakers aren't just for audiophiles: they're for music makers and other audio pros, too. That's because they come with some important features that ordinary home speakers lack.

The new SP5 active speakers are high-spec, high-powered bookshelf or desktop speakers, and if you work with audio the most important bits are on the back.

That's where the three-band EQ shelf switches are located, enabling you to cut certain frequencies to ensure the sound you get isn't colored by the environment your speakers are in.

For example, if you need to position your speakers near a wall or other highly reflective surface, you can drop the low and/or ultra-low frequencies so you're not working with an unrealistic idea of how much bass your listeners will get.

This is an ongoing issue for me – I don’t have room to spread out, so all my recording and mixing happens in a cramped corner where my speakers have to be much closer to a wall and a partition than I’d like.

Cutting out some of the low-end would improve the accuracy of what I hear, and might make me more popular with the neighbors, too.

FiiO SP5 active speakers: key features and pricing

(Image credit: FiiO)

The SP5 speakers have aux, RCA, XLR and USB-C inputs for analog and digital sources, and there's independent volume memory to retain custom level settings for each input.

Each speaker has its own dedicated 120W power supply to ensure consistent power delivery, reduce cross-channel interference and deliver what FiiO says is "a level of sonic stability typically reserved for component systems."

The four-channel amp puts out 60W into the 5.25-inch Rohacell woofer, which is made from the same material as the cones in some high-end speakers, and is designed to deliver tight, responsive bass and ultra-low distortion. And the rear cavity-enhanced tweeter gets 20W for smooth highs.

In addition to the previously mentioned three-band bass and treble adjustment for tuning the speakers to their environment, the companion iOS and Android app offers 10-band parametric EQ.

There's also Bluetooth including LDAC and aptX Adaptive, which means you can use these speakers for casual listening and for checking out how your songs will sound when they're streaming.

The new SP5 speakers will go on sale in August 2025 with a price of $749 / £709. That's converts to around €820 / AU$1,459.

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• Xfinity, a Comcast brand, has introduced a new feature dubbed Wi-Fi Motion
• It lets an Xfinity router and up to three Wi-Fi-connected devices create a motion detection system
• The feature isn't available to everyone, but some users already have potential privacy concerns

Having a router that doubles as a motion detector was not on our bingo card for 2025, and yet, here we are. Xfinity by Comcast has introduced Wi-Fi Motion, a feature that lets you turn your printer, your smart fridge, or your TV – among other things – into a motion detector. But is that really a good thing?

Given that we're constantly connected to the internet these days, many of us assume that our devices have some kind of baseline of knowledge about our daily lives and habits.

We've got some of the best smartwatches tracking our sleep, workouts, and heart rate. As another example, Microsoft's Recall, now in preview, will go through our files to make our lives easier. Meanwhile, AI assistants can already read our emails and summarize them for us. Privacy is a commodity that we're running out of at a rapid pace.

In a world like this, having motion detection features in our home, free of charge, doesn't sound so bad. But some users are worried about the potential downsides of Xfinity's Wi-Fi Motion – here's what you need to know.

How does Xfinity's Wi-Fi Motion work?

As Xfinity describes, Wi-Fi Motion connects your compatible Xfinity Gateway (either the XB8 or the Technicolor XB7 CGM4981COM) to up to three eligible, always-on, stationary devices. So, think of things like printers or smart fridges, rather than smartphones and tablets. The feature is in early access and is only available to select customers right now.

The feature is off by default, but once enabled, it turns your router and those three devices into a motion detection system. This creates an oval-shaped area of Wi-Fi coverage, and anything that disrupts those signals may be detected as motion. It's worth noting that the coverage extends from the router and toward each device separately, and the devices themselves don't provide motion detection between each other.

(Image credit: Xfinity)

Let's say that this web of Wi-Fi signals detects motion – what then? Xfinity lets you tweak what happens, but the long story short is that you'll get a notification (see below), indicating that motion has been detected. This tech works across various rooms and floors, but it cannot pinpoint where the motion took place, and it'll just tell you which device spotted it.

You can choose the type of motion you'll be notified about. For example, it's possible to ignore pets under 40 pounds, saving you from pointless pings each time your dog crosses the room.

However, as noted by Cybernews, Xfinity can't always tell the difference between a large pet and a small child. You can choose different sensitivity levels to minimize notifications, and you can also set up alerts to go off only during certain times of day.

On paper, this sounds neat – an extra security system for your home at no extra charge. However, some users are understandably concerned about privacy, too.

Why are some users concerned about privacy?

Constantly being tracked in your own home could make you feel uneasy, so for those of you who find this idea a little creepy, you're not alone. But these privacy concerns, shared periodically by users since Wi-Fi Motion was first announced, stem largely from Xfinity's own description of the feature.

While Comcast notes that Wi-Fi Motion "is not a home security service and is not professionally monitored," the company will still generate and store data related to motion detection in your home. Comcast may also freely, without notifying you first, share that data with third parties if requested as part of an investigation, proceeding, or a court order or subpoena.

(Image credit: Xfinity)

This implies that Comcast could tell law enforcement whether you were home at a certain time, and some users on the Hacker News forums were not huge fans of that. However, others point out that your ISP already has that sort of information thanks to internet usage and phone pings, even when not in use.

Beyond sharing data with third parties, motion detection could open the door to a whole new host of cybersecurity threats. If the data falls into the wrong hands, a lot of sensitive information could potentially leak out, including data on when you're home and when you're not.

The impact of Wi-Fi Motion is unclear at this time. If you're an Xfinity user, you can just skip the feature and easily avoid any potential risks.

Still, this new feature, while certainly innovative, invites a larger debate on privacy, when exactly enough is enough, and how much data we're all willing to share with third parties. It will definitely leave some people struggling to choose between extra home security and giving up a little bit more privacy, so we're interested to see how it develops from here.

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The Testaments: key information

- The show was commissioned by Hulu in September 2019

- The Handmaid’s Tale’s Bruce Miller will also be showrunner for The Testaments

- The show went into production in April 2025

- It is being developed by Hulu and MGM Television

- It will follow three main female characters, and will be set around 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale

- Ann Dowd (Aunt Lydia) will be reprising her role in the new series

- The other two main characters are Agnes, played by Chase Infiniti and Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday

- Elisabeth Moss will executive produce, but is unlikely to appear in the show

The Testaments is the next Margaret Atwood book to be adapted for the small screen. It's the sequel to one of the best Hulu shows The Handmaid's Tale, so will be a continuation of the story like the book it's based on.

Back in 2017, when a dystopian TV show that imagined what life would be like if American women had all their rights taken from them and were forced to live under a cruel dictatorship regime. Are we sliding closer to that being a reality, almost a decade later? It’s debatable.

What’s not up for discussion is that The Handmaid’s Tale – based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 book of the same name – became one of Hulu’s biggest ever hits, winning the first ever Emmy for the streamer, regularly pulling in millions of viewers in the UK on Amazon Prime Video and Channel 4, and making an even bigger star out of Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss.

But six series later, the story finally drew to a close at the end of May 2025, when the final loose ends of the story around June (Moss), her family and friends were tied up. The ending might have been surprising for some fans – it was left slightly ambiguous, as was the ending in the original novel – but it had to make way for the sequel of the book, 2019’s The Testaments, which is now being turned into a TV show by Handmaid’s Tale showrunner Bruce Miller.

As the show only went into production in early 2025, we wouldn’t expect The Testaments to be on screen until 2026 at the very earliest, but in the meantime, here’s everything we know about the follow up series, including the potential cast, the plotline, the potential release date and if a trailer has been released yet.

The Testaments: release date prediction

A post shared by Hulu (@hulu)

A photo posted by on

The bad news is there's likely to be a bit of a wait until we know when The Testaments will be released. The show only went into production in April 2025, and filming is expected to continue in Toronto, Canada until August 2025.

The cast did, however, post a picture of one of their table readings on the official Instagram account for The Testaments, confirming that production started on April 7, 2025 – but there have been no further updates since.

The Testaments: is there a trailer yet?

There's no teaser trailer for The Testaments yet. (Image credit: Disney)

No, not yet – as soon as even a teaser is released, we’ll post it here.

The Testaments: who is in the cast?

Ann Dowd (Aunt Lydia) will be reprising her role in The Testaments. (Image credit: Hulu)

There are three main characters in the series – as in the book – and the story will each be told through these three main voices.

The first is Aunt Lydia, who finally has had a change of heart about carrying out mass abuse on women under Gilead’s orders. Ann Dowd, the actor who played the cruel and sadistic Lydia in Handmaid’s Tale, will return to play the hateful character who has finally seen the light.

The two other main protagonists for The Testaments are Agnes, who is going to be played by Chase Infiniti (last seen in Presumed Innocent) and Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday (Blue Jean). Without giving too much away, we may already know who these girls are – they’ve just had their names changed.

Chase Infiniti – last seen in Presumed Innocent – will play Agnes, a character who Handmaid's Tale viewers will know of, but with a different name (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Other actors confirmed for roles in the series include Rowan Blanchard, who plays Shunammite, a pampered teen from a well-known Gilead family, whose “status affords her a certain level of respect and power amongst her peers”. Mattea Conforti will star as Becka, a girl who goes to school with Gilead’s elite. Also on the cast are Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien.

When Bruce Miller was writing The Handmaid’s Tale, he said he had a hotline to Atwood, who was writing The Testaments at the time, and who had a couple of requests of who could live and die in the show, to make the book work. She gave him a “no kill list” that included Lydia, and June’s daughters, Hannah and Holly.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: “She let me know as the creator of the world that things might be shifting a little under my feet. The show went past the book, The Handmaid’s Tale. So I was trying to come up with an ending that fit well and certainly I was playing with a lot of the things that she talked about doing in The Testaments.”

Elisabeth Moss will be executive producer on The Testaments, but it’s highly unlikely she’ll appear in the show, unless it’s in flashbacks. She may well possibly direct a couple of episodes, as she did in Handmaid's Tale.

The Testaments: plot

The Testaments will be based on Margaret Atwood's book of the same name. (Image credit: Hulu)

The action picks up about 15 years after the end of The Handmaid’s Tale, and the bad news is Gilead haven’t been defeated, and are back in power again. However, there’s a new generation willing to resist and fight the murderous and abusive regime.

Aunt Lydia talks about how she finally turned her back on the evil overlords, and reveals how she feels shame for her part in Gilead. But she’s now become a key player in the resistance against it, which is still fighting to put an end to the horrors of their rulers.

The other two young women we meet are Agnes and Daisy. Agnes lives in the tortuous confines of Gilead, while Agnes lives safely over the border in Canada with her “parents”. The story will bring together these three women, and as their “fates become intertwined as they uncover the secrets of Gilead and the resistance against its regime.”

The official synopsis adds of Agnes and her friends: "For these young women, growing up in Gilead is all they have ever known, having no tangible memories of the outside world prior to their indoctrination into this life… Facing the prospect of being married off and living a life of servitude, they will be forced to search for allies, both new and old, to help in their fight for freedom and the life they deserve."

For more Hulu TV coverage. read our guides on Daredevil: Born Again, X-Men 97 season 2, and Andor season 2.

• GitHub repositories host malware disguised as tools that gamers, and privacy-seekers are likely to download
• The fake VPN campaign drops malware straight into AppData and hides it from plain view
• Process injection through MSBuild.exe allows this malware to operate without triggering obvious alarms

Security experts have warned of an emerging new cyber threat involving fake VPN software hosted on GitHub.

A report from Cyfirma outlines how malware disguises itself as a “Free VPN for PC” and lures users into downloading what is, in fact, a sophisticated dropper for the Lumma Stealer.

The same malware also appeared under the name “Minecraft Skin Changer,” targeting gamers and casual users in search of free tools.

Sophisticated malware chain hides behind familiar software bait

Once executed, the dropper uses a multi-stage attack chain involving obfuscation, dynamic DLL loading, memory injection, and abuse of legitimate Windows tools like MSBuild.exe and aspnet_regiis.exe to maintain stealth and persistence.

The campaign's success hinges on its use of GitHub for distribution. The repository github[.]com/SAMAIOEC hosted password-protected ZIP files and detailed usage instructions, giving the malware an appearance of legitimacy.

Inside, the payload is obfuscated with French text and encoded in Base64.

“What begins with a deceptive free VPN download ends with a memory-injected Lumma Stealer operating through trusted system processes,” Cyfirma reports.

Upon execution, Launch.exe performs a sophisticated extraction process, decoding and altering a Base64-encoded string to drop a DLL file, msvcp110.dll, in the user’s AppData folder.

This particular DLL remains concealed. It is loaded dynamically during runtime and calls a function, GetGameData(), to invoke the last stage of the payload.

Reverse engineering the software is challenging because of anti-debugging strategies like IsDebuggerPresent() checks and control flow obfuscation.

This attack uses MITRE ATT&CK strategies like DLL side-loading, sandbox evasion, and in-memory execution.

How to stay safe

To stay protected from attacks like this, users should avoid unofficial software, especially anything promoted as a free VPN or game mod.

The risks increase when running unknown programs from repositories, even if they appear on reputable platforms.

Files downloaded from GitHub or similar platforms should never be trusted by default, particularly if they come as password-protected ZIP archives or include obscure installation steps.

Users should never run executables from unverified sources, no matter how useful the tool may seem.

Ensure that you activate extra protection by disabling the ability for executables to run from folders like AppData, which attackers often use to hide their payloads.

In addition, DLL files found in roaming or temporary folders should be flagged for further investigation.

Watch out for strange file activity on your computer, and monitor for MSBuild.exe and other tasks in the task manager or system tools that behave out of the ordinary to prevent early infections.

On a technical level, use best antivirus that offer behavior-based detection instead of relying solely on traditional scans, along with tools which provide DDoS protection and endpoint protection to cover a broader range of threats, including memory injection, stealthy process creation, and API abuse.

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• AV Access KVM docking station promises 8K gaming performance on a dual-monitor, dual-computer switch dock
• Eleven ports aim to consolidate your mess of hubs, docks, and splitters into one device
• 100 watts of charging power puts this dock in serious workstation territory, not just convenience

In a market crowded with accessories claiming to streamline your setup, AV Access has announced a new contender: the iDock B10.

The new KVM docking station is marketed as an all-in-one solution for dual-computer setups, offering support for two 8K monitors at 60Hz or ultra-high refresh rates up to 240Hz.

This level of resolution may not be essential for most users, but AV Access is targeting performance-conscious professionals and gamers who prioritize both speed and visual clarity.

Built for switching ease and intense workloads

This device offers more than the best USB hub and even some laptop docking stations by combining high-speed USB expansion, video output, and Ethernet connectivity with integrated KVM functionality.

The iDock B10 includes 11 ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, an SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

It also delivers 100W of power, enough to charge a high-performance laptop during extended use.

Its core function allows users to control both a laptop and a desktop with a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor, switching between them using either a front panel button or a wired remote.

“In today’s hybrid work environment, flexibility is essential, especially for professionals such as graphic designers, software developers, and gaming enthusiasts,” said Bill Liao, CTO of AV Access.

At $224.99, with a 10% launch discount, the iDock B10 isn’t cheap, but it attempts to replace what would typically require multiple devices.

For users who need a dual-monitor setup capable of shifting between two computers without signal dropouts or peripheral lag, the B10 could be a worthwhile investment.

However, the dual-8K support, equivalent to 66 million pixels, is still an extreme proposition, especially when most creative professionals work with 4K displays at best.

AV Access has also launched a 4K version, called the iDock M10, for MacBook users, and is offering summer discounts on other models such as the C10 and C20.

Via TechPowerUp

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Intel plans to launch its next-generation Xeon platform, codenamed Oak Stream, in 2026, which will include Diamond Rapids, a CPU built for servers and high-performance workloads.

Diamond Rapids will use Intel’s 18A process and Panther Cove cores, the same architecture coming to future consumer chips.

The top model includes four compute tiles, each with 48 performance cores, adding up to a total of 192 cores per socket.

New socket type

With support for single-, dual-, and quad-socket configurations, that means a single rack could host up to 768 cores. That kind of density also brings challenges, particularly with power. A fully configured rack could draw a whopping 2000W.

Intel says Diamond Rapids will use a new socket type, LGA 9324. It also supports modern standards like PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3, helping the processor connect to accelerators and fast storage.

Each CPU can support up to 16 channels of DDR5 memory and MRDIMM modules running at 12800MT/s.

There will also be a version with fewer compute tiles and a single I/O module, offering half the memory bandwidth and core count. That option may suit more power- or space-conscious deployments.

Intel is also pitching this as a CPU ready for inference workloads. While most AI processing still happens on GPUs, Diamond Rapids aims to improve CPU-based inference, especially for smaller models.

Native support for formats like FP8 and TF32 should help in that space.

The CPU will also support Intel APX and an upgraded AMX engine, two instruction sets meant to improve efficiency for modern server tasks. These upgrades hint at a future where CPUs may take on more AI workloads directly.

Diamond Rapids is expected to launch alongside Intel’s Jaguar Shores AI accelerator, part of its push to build a full AI-ready server platform.

Intel hasn’t announced pricing yet, and how it stacks up against competitors like AMD remains to be seen.

Via expreview

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• LPDDR6 standard finalized for mobile and AI first deployments
• Memory brings faster speed better efficiency and added security features
• Desktop systems expected to follow mobile and embedded device rollouts

The next generation of low-power memory is on its way. LPDDR6, recently announced by the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, is expected to begin appearing in products around 2026.

The group has officially published the JESD209-6 specification, which outlines improvements aimed at mobile devices, AI workloads, and other power-sensitive environments.

While workstations and desktop PCs will eventually benefit from the new standard, early adoption is focused elsewhere.

Targeting energy efficiency

LPDDR6 introduces a dual sub-channel architecture, with each sub-channel using 12 data lines and four command/address lines. This setup is designed to handle high-bandwidth tasks while staying efficient in compact system designs.

Static efficiency mode allows for smarter use of bank resources, and the memory can shift burst lengths between 32B and 64B on demand.

Energy efficiency is a clear priority of the new standard. LPDDR6 uses a lower voltage than its predecessor and introduces Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling for Low Power, which reduces voltage during slower operation.

It also includes a dynamic efficiency mode and refresh control methods meant to cut power usage in real time.

Security and reliability features have been updated as well. These include per-row activation tracking, on-die ECC, memory self-tests, and a carve-out mode for critical data. Such capabilities aim to support demanding AI workloads and mobile environments where system integrity matters.

“JEDEC is proud to introduce LPDDR6, the culmination of years of dedicated effort by members of the JC-42.6 Subcommittee for Low Power Memories,” said Mian Quddus, JEDEC’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. “By delivering a balance of power efficiency, robust security options and high performance, LPDDR6 is an ideal choice for next-generation mobile devices, AI and related applications to thrive in a power-conscious, high-performance world.”

The new standard is backed by the likes of Micron, Qualcomm, Samsung, SK Hynix, Synopsys, and others, all of whom have contributed in someway towards its development and standardization.

While the standard is ready, the hardware ecosystem will take time to catch up. Mobile and embedded platforms are expected to lead, while broader computing use will follow later.

“Beyond the mobile industry, Qualcomm Technologies envisions LPDDR6 as an essential technology poised to revolutionize computing, automotive, AI, and other sectors, paving the way for transformative advancements in years to come,” said Durga Malladi, SVP and GM of Edge Solutions at Qualcomm.

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• We have leaked prices for the Pixel 10
• They mostly match the Pixel 9 prices
• These phones could appear in August

If Google sticks to its expected schedule then we could see the Pixel 10 phones make their debut sometime next month, and a new leak has provided some pointers on how these flagship handsets might be priced when they do appear.

According to well-known tipster Roland Quandt, the Pixel 10 will start at €899, the Pixel 10 Pro at €1,099, the Pixel 10 Pro XL at €1,299, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold at €1,899, with larger capacities costing more in each case.

There's not much point giving you currency conversions for those figures, as they won't match the eventual prices, but the corresponding prices for last year's phones match up exactly – so it seems Google has managed to avoid any price hikes.

The only caveat is with the Pixel 10 Pro XL: the €1,299 leak is for 256GB of storage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL originally cost €1,199 for 128GB of storage, €1,299 for 256GB, €1,429 for 512GB, and €1,689 for 1TB, so the 128GB option may be dropped this time around.

The price is right?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

If Google does stick to last year's prices, that would be $799 / £799 / AU$1,349 for the Google Pixel 9, $999 / £999 / AU $1,699 for the Pixel 9 Pro, $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849 for the Pixel Pro XL, and $1,799 / £1,799 / AU $2,699 for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Of course, international tariffs, taxes, and exchange rates may apply, as always. We may see some variation from country to country, but based on these leaked prices in euros, Google is aiming to hit the same price points as last year.

Considering these Pixel 10 phones could be launching next month, we haven't seen too many rumors and leaks about what to expect. Performance upgrades are certain, though they may not be huge ones.

We've also seen some information about colors and storage options – and that leak does mention a 128GB version of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, by the way – as well as hints that camera upgrades could be in the offing too.

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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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, July 12 (game #762).

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 #763) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• ZIP
• CAB
• RAG
• ZING
• BUBBLY
• GLOSSY
• NUMBER
• ZINE
• EXPIRATION
• SLIGHT
• NAME
• ZIN
• KNOCK
• MAG
• CHARD
• BURN

NYT Connections today (game #763) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Mean comments
• GREEN: Plastic details 
• BLUE: Inky jargon 
• PURPLE: Beverage slang

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 #763) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: INSULT 
• GREEN: CREDIT CARD INFO 
• BLUE: SLANG FOR PRINTED MATTER 
• PURPLE: WINE NICKNAMES 

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

NYT Connections today (game #763) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #763, are…

• YELLOW: INSULT BURN, KNOCK, SLIGHT, ZING
• GREEN: CREDIT CARD INFO EXPIRATION, NAME, NUMBER, ZIP
• BLUE: SLANG FOR PRINTED MATTER GLOSSY, MAG, RAG, ZINE
• PURPLE: WINE NICKNAMES BUBBLY, CAB, CHARD, ZIN

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

I have spent the bulk of my adult life working for magazines and newspapers so SLANG FOR PRINTED MATTER leapt out from the grid immediately. Not that I’ve worked for many GLOSSY titles – I have generally stuck to the grubby, ink-on-your-fingers end of things.

I got CREDIT CARD INFO next. Although I was a bit confused by ZIP, I was just thinking that all four of these words seem like data, so it was the type of words rather than anything else. 

WINE NICKNAMES is a group I would not have got in 100 years. I can just about work out that CHARD must be Chardonay and BUBBLY is slang for Champagne, but I’m clueless on the other two. Fortunately, correctly guessing the yellow group of insults rescued me.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, July 12, game #762)

• YELLOW: ENDORSE BACK, CHAMPION, SECOND, SUPPORT
• GREEN: DETAILED ELABORATE, MINUTE, PARTICULAR, THOROUGH
• BLUE: ERA AGE, DAY, PERIOD, TIME
• PURPLE: IN THE NATO ALPHABET ECHO, KILO, UNIFORM, VICTOR

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.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands 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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, July 12 (game #496).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

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

NYT Strands today (game #497) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Completely fabricated

NYT Strands today (game #497) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• SAND
• AXEL
• KILO
• LOST
• NOTE
• RAIN

NYT Strands today (game #497) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #497) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: bottom, 3rd column

Last side: top, 4th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #497) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #497, are…

• LINEN
• WOOL
• SILK
• COTTON
• RAYON
• POLYESTER
• SPANGRAM: TEXTILES

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 3 hints

A real muddle through Strands for me today, with three hints needed to get things done and a head scratcher at the end before I finally saw that the word we were looking for was POLYESTER.

I really wasn’t on my game today. I even connected the letters of non-game word woollen and completely missed WOOL – feeling like a right fool when the hint gave me exactly that.

I guess if you get the puzzle done it’s all immaterial. I hope you found it easier.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, July 12, game #496)

• GLOVE
• PEANUTS
• HELMET
• PITCHER
• BULLPEN
• JAMBOTRON
• SPANGRAM: STADIUM

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, July 12 (game #1265).

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 #1266) - hint #1 - VowelsHow 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 #1266) - 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 #1266) - 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 #1266) - 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 #1266) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• K

• D

• R

• H

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

Quordle today (game #1266) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1266, are…

• KAYAK
• DECRY
• RUDDY
• HATER

Today felt like a Quordle muscle memory round, with every word only in my head because I’ve seen it before playing one of the daily Quordle games.

That said, it did take me quite a while to get to DECRY after eliminating every possible word and resisting the temptation to type decor even though I knew it was wrong.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1266) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1266, are…

• VIVID
• BRING
• SLOTH
• TRAMP

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE
• Quordle #1261, Tuesday, 8 July: PLIED, PRANK, GAWKY, OXIDE
• Quordle #1260, Monday, 7 July: DROLL, TRUCE, TWIRL, SINCE
• Quordle #1259, Sunday, 6 July: AMPLY, SPAWN, EXTOL, RIDGE
• Quordle #1258, Saturday, 5 July: HAVEN, SNAKE, DREAM, TORUS
• Quordle #1257, Friday, 4 July: FAVOR, SKUNK, GAWKY, FLUFF
• Quordle #1256, Thursday, 3 July: DANCE, EYING, GLAZE, EGRET
• Quordle #1255, Wednesday, 2 July: INANE, SCOUR, ELITE, ULCER
• Quordle #1254, Tuesday, 1 July: REBAR, YEARN, FORTH, CROWD
• Quordle #1253, Monday, 30 June: INGOT, INFER, TAPIR, CLUED
• Quordle #1252, Sunday, 29 June: MIRTH, APTLY, SCRUB, SMACK
• Quordle #1251, Saturday, 28 June: AWOKE, SMOKY, DEVIL, SWING
• Quordle #1250, Friday, 27 June: SPEAK, EAGLE, AVERT, SUING
• Quordle #1249, Thursday, 26 June: SLUMP, REBUS, GUAVA, MONEY
• Quordle #1248, Wednesday, 25 June: SOGGY, CLASH, MODEM, SQUAD
• Quordle #1247, Tuesday, 24 June: QUALM, SQUIB, AXIAL, FLACK

• AWS built custom Nvidia cooling after rejecting existing liquid solutions for scale
• IRHX fits into AWS racks without changes to existing infrastructure
• Amazon could extend this cooling approach to Graviton chips in the future

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced a proprietary cooling system built to handle the demands of Nvidia’s newest GPUs.

The In-Row Heat Exchanger, or IRHX, was developed in response to the growing power and heat requirements of hardware like the Nvidia GB200 NVL72.

AWS evaluated existing liquid cooling solutions but found they didn’t fit the company’s needs.

AWS Graviton next?

“They would take up too much data center floor space, would still require major modifications to data centers, or increase water usage substantially,” Dave Brown, VP Compute and ML Services at AWS, said in a presentation posted on YouTube, which you can see below.

“And while some of these solutions could work for lower volumes at other providers, they simply wouldn't be enough liquid cooling capacity to support our scale.”

The IRHX system consists of a pumping unit, a water distribution cabinet, and fan coils.

Liquid cools the chips through a cold plate co-designed by AWS and Nvidia, then cycles back through the IRHX, where it is cooled and released.

“With the IRHX we don’t need to design the data center around the rack,” Brown said.

The system supports AWS’s most powerful EC2 instance, the P6e UltraServer, which includes the GB200 NVL72. This rack-scale setup allows 72 Blackwell GPUs to work together as one unit.

Brown said the GB200 NVL72 “enables 72 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs to act as a single massive GPU.”

Amazon has previously built custom hardware, including chips and networking systems. The IRHX extends that strategy into cooling, allowing AWS to deploy new GPU racks without redesigning its facilities.

The company said the system fits existing rack dimensions and infrastructure, making it scalable across global data centers.

While IRHX is currently paired with Nvidia’s Blackwell-based systems, it is likely to be used with Amazon’s own Graviton chips if their cooling needs rise.

For now, the system is powering AI workloads that demand both scale and speed.

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• A big camera upgrade is tipped for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
• It could get a 200MP primary camera with a larger sensor
• The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January 2026

With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 launches out of the way, we can turn our attention to the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and what might be arriving in January – and an exciting new Galaxy S26 Ultra camera leak just emerged.

This is from well-known tipster Fixed Focus Digital (via GSMArena), who shares that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is in line for a top-end 200MP camera lens from Sony (though there's a small probability it may be kept until the Galaxy S27 Ultra, the leaker says).

Read through our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review and you'll see the current flagship also comes with a 200MP primary camera – but photo taking isn't just about megapixels. Apparently the new camera will have a larger sensor size, which should make a considerable difference to picture quality.

No doubt the Ultra model will be the most advanced (and the most expensive) of the Galaxy S26 phones that Samsung launches next year, most probably in January – if it sticks to the same schedule it's used so far in 2025.

Samsung vs Apple, again

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

We've not heard too much in the way of leaks and rumors around the Samsung Galaxy S26 series yet, but there's plenty of time to go. Regulatory filings have hinted that the Galaxy S26 Plus may be dropped next year, so there would just be three phones in total.

The super-thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge was introduced this year of course, and the thinking is that it may effectively take the place of the Galaxy S26 Plus in the lineup next year – perhaps to make picking a phone easier for consumers.

Apple is rumored to be doing something similar this year too. We think that the iPhone 17 Air (which is also apparently defined by how slim it is, front to back) is going to be the fourth phone in the 2025 iPhone range, replacing the iPhone 16 Plus – though nothing is certain until Apple makes it official.

The iPhone 17 handsets are due to turn up in September, putting a marker down for that Apple has to beat in January – particularly when it comes to the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.

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• Global PC shipments rose in Q2 2025, but the reason isn’t consumer confidence
• Windows 10’s looming end is forcing businesses into urgent PC upgrade cycles
• Consumer spending on personal devices has stalled, with upgrades likely delayed into 2026

The global PC market saw shipments rise in the second quarter of 2025, but the growth appears tied more to short-term business upgrades and software deadlines than to renewed consumer demand.

New figures from Canalys claim global shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstation PCs climbed 7.4% year-on-year to reach 67.6 million units.

Yet, the story behind this growth reveals a market shaped more by operating system lifecycles and trade policy than by buyer confidence.

Temporary drivers behind the surge

The analyst firm primarily believes the approaching Windows 10 end of life deadline in October 2025 is the main factor driving this surge.

“Despite global uncertainty, the Windows 10 end of support deadline this October is providing essential market stability, but is affecting consumer and commercial segments differently,” said Kieren Jessop, Research Manager at Canalys.

Business PC deployments have gained momentum, while consumer demand has stalled, as many individuals appear hesitant to spend amid wider economic volatility, pushing personal device upgrades into 2026.

That delay could later coincide with the retirement of many pandemic-era devices, setting up a potential consumer bump next year.

“The commercial refresh cycle is providing vital momentum for the market,” Jessop explained, pointing to a recent poll which found more than half of channel partners expect their PC business to grow in the second half of 2025, with nearly a third projecting growth over 10%.

This emphasis on business laptop and desktop upgrades, rather than organic consumer demand, suggests the gains may not be sustainable beyond the Windows 10 deadline.

The vendor landscape shows that Lenovo retained the top position with 17.0 million units shipped, up 15.2% from a year earlier.

HP followed with 14.1 million units, marking a modest 3.2% rise, while Dell saw a 3.0% decline.

Apple posted the strongest growth, up 21.3% to 6.4 million units, and Asus wasn’t far behind with an 18.4% increase.

A 9% rise in desktop shipments and a 7% increase in notebooks, including workstation PCs, also helped boost the market.

In addition to Windows 10 and the commercial refresh cycle, growing tension surrounding global trade policy, particularly involving US tariffs, is reshaping the PC supply chain.

“The Trump administration’s evolving tariff policies continue to reshape global PC supply chains while casting uncertainty over market recovery,” said Ben Yeh, Principal Analyst at Canalys.

Yeh warned that even though PCs remain exempt from tariffs for now, the situation is murky.

“What began as straightforward China avoidance has evolved into a complex regulatory maze.”

With the US-Vietnam trade agreement introducing new tariffs, 20% on Vietnamese goods and up to 40% on items deemed transhipped, manufacturers may find supply chain shifts are no longer a viable way to manage cost pressures.

Overall, while the numbers look strong, the underlying drivers of this growth are temporary and heavily dependent on a fixed software lifecycle and fragile trade agreements.

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It feels like trying to keep pace with everything happening in tech is more challenging than ever – which is why we put together this 'In Case You Missed It' round-up each and every week, to bring you right up to speed with everything that's been going on.

And this week has been particularly busy: Samsung launched new foldables and smartwatches, Amazon discounted a vast swathe of products for Prime Day, and Google pushed out even more AI updates for us to make use of.

All this and more happened in the space of seven days, and you can read through the highlights below. The TechRadar team will be back with another ICYMI in another seven days – with even more tech news for you to digest.

8. The Prime Day deals landed – and they’re still going

There are still Prime Day deals to be had (Image credit: Future)

The TechRadar staff have been writing up a huge pile of Prime Day deals to direct you to the best discounts on products that you should actually think about buying – saving you money on everything from phones and laptops to air fryers and streaming services.

We're in the latter stages of the Prime Day event now, but there are still some appealing deals to be had as Amazon clears out more of its stock: have a click and a browse through and see if there's anything that grabs your eye before the special offers run out.

• Read more: Prime Day ends today – we've picked the 150+ best deals to shop before it's too late

7. Google Gemini landed on smartwatches

(Image credit: Future)

Google has been busy pushing out fresh updates to its Gemini apps and services, and the AI is now set to replace Google Assistant on smartwatches, starting with the new Galaxy Watch 8. From there it'll expand to other Wear OS 6 watches across the coming months.

We've been promised improved notifications, real-time voice support, and responses that understand the context. Meanwhile, other Gemini upgrades that are also rolling out include an upgraded experience on foldable devices, and Circle to Search for mobile games.

• Read more: Google just announced 5 new Gemini features coming to Android, and it’s good news for fans of foldable smartphones

6. Apple backtracked on Liquid Glass for iOS 26

The look of iOS is changing (Image credit: Apple)

Apple is introducing a major redesign called Liquid Glass across all of its software platforms this year, with menus and buttons turning more rounded, translucent, and detailed. However, there have been some concerns from users around legibility.

With the latest iOS 26 development beta, Apple has addressed these concerns by noticeably dialling back the glass effect. Not everyone is happy with the revised look, but in our opinion it makes sense ahead of the full public release in September.

• Read more: Apple's Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 is cracking – here's why that’s a good thing

5. IKEA revealed two cheap Bluetooth speakers

IKEA's new Bluetooth speakers (Image credit: IKEA)

The home furnishing experts at IKEA have launched two new Bluetooth speakers that won't damage your bank balance too much, but will add a touch of style and sonic entertainment to any room: the Nattbadd and the Blomprakt (which is also a lamp).

Behind its retro, old-school radio stylings, the Nattbadd also offers Spotify Tap, so you can pause and resume listening with just a tap on the unit. We've got details on pricing, color options, and IKEA's wider commitment to the Matter smart home standard.

• Read more: IKEA launches two cheap Bluetooth speakers – including a retro throwback with a handy Spotify trick

4. GoPro teased its long-awaited Max 2 action cam

GoPro has teased its next 360-degree camera (Image credit: GoPro)

We've been waiting a long, long time for a successor to the GoPro Max (which launched all the way back in 2019), and there's now some official news: GoPro itself has posted a teaser for the GoPro Max 2, suggesting the device will be launching in the very near future.

The GoPro Max 2 will be a 360-degree action camera, like its predecessor, and will take on a growing number of competitors in the space, including DJI and Insta360. We still don't have an official launch date for you, but it shouldn't be long before there's more news.

• Read more: It's finally happening – GoPro Max 2 teaser shows the DJI and Insta360 rival is almost here after years in development hell

3. Samsung refreshed its Galaxy Watch lineup

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Image credit: Future)

TechRadar was in attendance at the big Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event this week, and as well as foldable phones (of which more in a moment), we saw the launch of two new Wear OS smartwatches for 2025: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

The Classic is arguably the more interesting of the pair, considering Samsung skipped this model last year, and it brings back the physical rotating bezel that makes such a difference when you're trying to work through the various functions and features on the watch.

• Read more: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a Galaxy Watch Ultra that's dressed to impress – hands-on

2. Google’s Veo 3 got an impressive new AI video trick

There are now more ways to get creative with Gemini (Image credit: Google)

Google's Veo 3 AI video generator continues to wow us, and its capabilities have been extended for those on Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra plans. It's now able to take a static image and turn it into a short video clip, with the details and directions you provide.

Based on the examples we've already seen of the feature in action, it's possible to get some great results with this new AI tool – a mini stadium concert happening in a cardboard box, and so on – and we've got instructions on how you can try it out for yourself.

• Read more: Google releases photo-to-video Gemini Veo 3 capabilities, and it might just blow your mind

1. Samsung treated us to new flagship foldables

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung has finally unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Flip 7, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE – and we've already been able to spend some hands-on time with the new foldables at the Galaxy Unpacked launch event.

We can only share our early impressions so far, but Samsung genuinely seems to have raised the bar for foldable phones with what it's managed to achieve here: the new devices are thinner, more stylish, and more powerful than the models they're replacing.

• Read more: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 captures the essence of Ultra in a ludicrously thin device, and I still can't believe it – hands-on

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Yellowjackets season 4: key information

- Officially renewed in May
- No release date just yet
- Main cast expected to return
- No official plot details
- Season 3 finale hints at future episodes
- Showrunners have plans for five seasons

Yellowjackets season 4 is on the way and no doubt fans are buzzing to hear that one of the best shows on Paramount Plus is returning. And thank goodness too, because that season 3 finale made us shocked, surprised and sad.

And it was that violently explosive finale that catapulted Yellowjackets to become Paramount's most-watched season finale ever with 3 million cross-platform viewers worldwide in its first seven days (as per The Hollywood Reporter).

A wonderful blend of survival thriller and coming-of-age drama, the show has followed two timelines for three seasons now – one in 1996 as a group of female high school soccer players are deserted in the wilderness after their plane crashes, and one, in the present day as they live with their memories and secrets. After all: "The past is never really the past".

With Yellowjackets season 4 officially coming, here's everything we can expect from release date speculation, predicted cast, plot rumors, and more.

Full spoilers follow for Yellowjackets seasons 1-3. Potential spoilers are also discussed for season 4.

Yellowjackets season 4 release date prediction

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There's no Yellowjackets season 4 release date yet, but we do know it's officially on the way. And that's thanks to a swift renewal a month after season 3 big cliffhanger finale.

In a statement by Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios (per Variety), he said: "Yellowjackets has become a cultural juggernaut, with season three shattering all previous records – we are thrilled to announce its renewal for a season four on Paramount+".

There's no word on when production will start, but with season 1 dropping in 2021, season 2 in 2023 and season 3 in 2025, I'd imagine we won't see season 4 until late 2026 or early 2027.

Yellowjackets season 4 trailer speculation

There's no Yellowjackets trailer to share just yet (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

With filming yet to commence on Yellowjackets season 4, there's no official trailer to share.

As is the case with most hit shows, the trailer will most likely drop in the weeks or months leading up to the show's release. I'll be sure to update here as soon as I hear more.

Yellowjackets season 4 predicted cast

I'd expect the main cast to return for season 4 (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Spoilers follow for Yellowjackets season 1 to 3.

Given what unfolded in season 3, here's the predictedYellowjackets season 4 cast we'd expect to return:

• Melanie Lynskey as Shauna
• Christina Ricci as Misty
• Tawny Cypress as Taissa
• Sophie Nélisse as young Shauna
• Sophie Thatcher as young Natalie
• Samantha Hanratty as young Misty
• Courtney Eaton as young Lottie
• Jasmin Savoy Brown as young Taissa
• Sarah Desjardins as Callie
• Liv Hewson as young Van
• Elijah Wood as Walter
• Hilary Swank as Melissa
• Nelson Franklin as Edwin
• Ashley Sutton as Hannah
• Joel McHale as Kodiak

There were four big deaths in season 3 and if you're yet to watch it and haven't seen the spoiler alerts, this is your time to head into the wilderness before you read this.

Lauren Ambros (Van), Steven Krueger (Coach Ben), Simone Kessell (Lottie) and Alexa Barajas (Mari) all met their ends in true Yellowjackets' deadly and violent fashion in season 3.

So, unless they make a haunting reappearance like Ella Purnell (Jackie) has in a few episodes in both season 2 and 3, then we may well have seen the last of them.

Yellowjackets season 4 story synopsis and rumors

What's next for the girls in Yellowjackets season 4? (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Full spoilers follow for Yellowjackets seasons 1-3.

With very little known about theYellowjackets season 4 plot, the best thing we can do is talk about where season 3 left viewers and if you've watched the season finale, you'll know it was a lot.

Shauna became the official Antler Queen, Natalie found the plane's transponder device that Misty tried to smash up back in season 1 – and it still worked(!), we still have no idea what Walter is up to, and unsurprisingly, given previous seasons, there was a fair amount of deaths. And that's putting it lightly.

As present-day Shauna found herself abandoned by both Callie and Jeff, after it was revealed that Callie accidentally killed Lottie, she finally read Melissa's letter. And then, she started to write her own recollection of what unfolded in the wilderness all those years ago.

But when Melanie Lynskey spoke to Variety, she expressed her hopes that this doesn't mark the end of her and Jeff's story: "I think Jeff trying to have a conversation with a completely unleashed Shauna would be really interesting. I think he's a bit excited by that aspect of her personality, but also very scared of it".

The two timelines of Yellowjackets continues (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

When it comes to season 4's plot though, Melanie said: "I have no idea. After this season, I have less of an idea. It could be anything. I could be killed off in episode 1 of season 4. I literally don't know".

As mentioned above, Natalie was successfully able to use the plane's black box that Misty had hidden away to reach out for help, hearing the response: "Yes, I can hear you". So, this seemingly marks the beginning of the rescue of the girls.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Lyle briefly addresses what's next for the girls: "As we said, they're not out of the woods yet, both literally and proverbially, but as a child of the '90s, we have not actually gotten to explore the '90s in a real way.

"And I think that putting them back home at some point in a '90s timeline and getting to fully immerse ourselves in that time period is something I'm really looking forward to."

Where to watch Yellowjackets?

Yellowjackets is available for Paramount Plus with Showtime subscribers (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Wondering how to watch Yellowjackets seasons 1, 2 and 3? All three seasons of Yellowjackets are available to stream for those with a Paramount Plus with Showtime subscription, one of the best streaming services right now.

Will Yellowjackets return after season 4?

A hopeful plan for five season of Yellowjackets (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

It seems the plan has always been for five seasons, so I'd be very surprised if it didn't return at least for one more season.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly back in 2023, co-creator Ashley Lyle said: "The original plan was about five seasons, and we feel like we're still on track for that".

Adding: "We don't really see this as being more than a five-season show. I think that there are shows that can go forever, but I think that when you're telling such a deeply serialized story and it's about these characters' lives, you want to reach a satisfying conclusion and not just drag things out forever".

While that was a couple of years ago, it's not clear whether plans have changed in the creator's minds, so we'll have to wait and see.

For more Paramount+-based coverage, read our guide to the best Paramount+ shows.

• Meta's Oakley glasses are up for preorder ahead of a July 22 launch
• The limited edition glasses will cost $499 / £499 / AU$789
• Cheaper Oakleys are set to arrive "later this Summer"

The wait is finally over. Meta’s Oakley smart glasses are finally available to preorder ahead of their July 22 launch, though there's a catch. Only its pricier limited edition HSTN are available for now; other designs are coming “later this summer” (that’s Northern Hemisphere summer for our Aussie readers, so later this month or August).

The Limited Edition Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced how-stuhn) is on preorder at Meta.com for $499 / £499 / AU$789. In exchange, you’ll get white-framed specs with PRIZM 24K polarized lenses, which are apparently well-suited to playing sports in bright conditions.

Beyond their capabilities as regular glasses, these smart glasses live up to that descriptor by boasting a camera which can capture 3K video (a higher resolution than the Meta Ray-Ban glasses), built-in open ear speakers for music and hearing what the Meta AI companion has to tell you (as well as microphones so the AI can hear you), and a battery that can last for up to 8 hours of regular use (again, better than their Ray-Ban sibling).

With their charging case, these specs can squeeze out up to an extra 48 hours of use.

Should you wait? Probably

(Image credit: Oakley / Meta)

Now, I haven’t tested these glasses for myself, yet, but I constantly use my Ray-Ban smart glasses and after my phone (and maybe my VR headset), they’re easily the best gadget I own.

And these Oakley specs are just Ray-Bans with a different design, a few technical upgrades, and unfortunately, a higher price.

Things should get a little better in the coming month or so when the other six Oakley smart glasses designs launch. For context, they are:

• Oakley Meta HSTN Desert with PRIZM Ruby Lenses
• Oakley Meta HSTN Black with PRIZM Polar Black Lenses
• Oakley Meta HSTN Shiny Brown with PRIZM Polar Deep-Water Lenses
• Oakley Meta HSTN Black with Transitions Amethyst Lenses
• Oakley Meta HSTN Clear with Transitions Grey Lenses

That’s because these specs are set to introduce a new lower starting price of $399 / £399 / $629. However, this would still be higher than the cheapest Ray-Bans at $299 / £299 / AU$449, and much like the Ray-Bans, I expect the Oakley specs will get pricier if you opt for snazzier lenses – the Ray-Bans instead cost you $329 / £329 / AU$489 for polarized and $379 / £379 / AU$539 for transition lenses.

If you’re an athlete, the Oakleys could be a worthwhile upgrade, especially with PRIZM lenses tuned to a sport you play.

(Image credit: Meta)

Those of you simply looking to get the best smart glasses tech, however, might want to wait and see what Meta showcases at Meta Connect in September, where it's expected to debut smart glasses with a screen.

Yes, they’re likely going to be very pricey, however they are also believed to offer a truly next-gen experience – so if you’re tempted to upgrade your Ray-Bans and budget isn’t a concern, you might want to hold off a little longer (or be prepared to buy Oakleys, and then yet another pair of Meta smart glasses).

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