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Anycubic may launch this gorgeous foldable portable 3D printer any day soon, and I can't wait to try it out

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 15:03
  • Anycubic foldable portable 3D printer supports five rotational axes
  • Comes with a dedicated filament storage solution that keeps materials organized
  • Control, monitor and adjust settings via a touchscreen interface

The world of 3D printing has seen its fair share of stylish and innovative designs in recent years, such as the Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Creality K2 Plus, but Anycubic’s foldable portable 3D printer still hopes to impress.

Unlike some of the best 3D printers, which are bulky and stationary, this model from Shenzhen Anycubic Technology Co., Ltd (via iF Design) folds down to just 75mm in height and features five rotational axes, allowing it to collapse neatly and be carried like a briefcase.

The multi-axis arms enable the print head to stop at any position, and it can print up to 460mm in height to suit projects of varying sizes.

Sleek design with practical features

Anycubic's printer features a modern light gray-silver color scheme, with a dark, square-shaped print bed likely made of glass or a coated material for adhesion and easy removal of prints.

Its extruder system features an active cooling fan to prevent filament jams, while a dedicated drawer-style filament spool holder is neatly tucked into a sliding compartment in the base, keeping the material organized and easily accessible.

In addition, the nozzle appears to be of standard size, compatible with various filament types, including PLA and PETG.

The printer includes a touchscreen interface, offering an intuitive way to navigate settings and monitor prints. Connectivity options include two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a micro-HDMI port, allowing users to load in print files.

Anycubic’s latest innovation could redefine what users expect from portable 3D printers, and has already won the iF Design Award 2025, but the company has offered no official launch date.

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Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for March 23, #385

CNET News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 15:00
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 385 for March 23.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for March 23, #181

CNET News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 15:00
Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 181, for March 23
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for March 23, #651

CNET News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 15:00
Hints and answers for Connections for March 23, #651.
Categories: Technology

I tested the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and it's the closest Android fans can get to an iPad Pro alternative

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 13:40
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: One-minute review

If you can count on Chinese tech brand Xiaomi to do one thing in its gadgets, it’s to load them up with top-end spec and then sell them for a relatively competitive price, and that’s exactly what it’s done with the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro.

This new mid-range slate is a relative rarity given Xiaomi’s focus on low-end tablets over mid-range ones (it doesn’t sell top-end ones to match the price of the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10). It follows the Pad 6 which was released in the west in 2023, and it comes amidst many other Android tab rivals all vying for a spot in our list of the best tablets, including the recent Honor Pad V9 and Oppo Pad 3 Pro. It’s this latter that competes closely with the Xiaomi, in terms of specs and price – more on that later.

As is often the case with Xiaomi’s gadgets, the brand has laden the Pad 7 Pro with top-tier specs. It has one of the most powerful chipsets on Android devices right now, plus a screen resolution and charging speed that aren’t currently available on any rival products right now.

So it’s spec-heavy but it has its issues too. There’s a fingerprint scanner built into the power button that proved quite unreliable, the battery drained pretty quickly during gaming, and the tablet could heat up quite a bit. I also found some of the AI features to be unreliable.

Given its display size, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro could be considered an Android-powered iPad Pro 11 rival. It's less powerful but costs less and has a better-looking display... and the Xiaomi's accessories are just as pricey as Apple's versions.

So if you've been considering buying a fairly powerful tablet but don't need the top-end trappings of an iPad Pro, or the price tag that comes with it, the Xiaomi is a solid option. However if you're not as picky a buyer, you'll find that the Xiaomi doesn't offer quite as much value for money as more affordable options that you'll find detailed below.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in Februay 2025
  • Starts at £449, but only on sale in limited regions
  • Accessories cost a pretty penny

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro was unveiled in February 2025 alongside a suite of other gadgets from the company including the Xiaomi 15 series of smartphones, the Xiaomi Buds 5, a new smartwatch and the base model Xiaomi Pad 7.

You can pick up the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro for £449 (around $581 / AU$900, though it’s not on sale in the US or Australia). That price will get you 8GB RAM and 256GB storage but I’d recommend you pay an extra £50 (around $70, AU$100) for the higher-spec 12GB RAM and 512GB model, which gets you a lot more power. Add that premium again and you can get a special matte glass model of the higher-spec tablet, which will provide a more premium design but the same internals.

At that price, this is a mid-range slate, designed not as an entry into the tablet world but for people who are looking for a series tab with a lot of power but not all the trimmings and trappings of a top-price premium alternative.

Price-wise it sits between the standard iPad and the iPad Air, or at about £100 more than the non-Pro Xiaomi Pad 7. We’ll get to a few competitors later but suffice to say, you can expect a fair amount if you’re paying this much for a tablet.

I’ll briefly touch on accessories too: these don’t come with the slate but you can buy them separately. There’s a keyboard stand for £119 and a Focus Keyboard £179, and these are imitations of Apple’s Keyboard Folio and Smart Keyboard respectively. The main difference with the latter is that it has a trackpad and lets you tilt the display over different angles. Then there’s the stylus, which costs £89, and a standard cover-stand that costs £45.

  • Value: 3 / 5
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: specs

Here are the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro's specs at a glance:

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: design

(Image credit: Future)
  • Lightweight and pretty thin
  • Three color options plus one matte alternative
  • Unreliable fingerprint scanner

You may find the look of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro familiar, and that’s because it boasts the same flat-edge unibody look that most slates have been using since the iPad Pro was introduced 7 years ago. Oh well: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, and it’s popular for a reason: the design is svelte and slender, easily slipping into a bag and looking good to use.

The exact measurements of the Pad 7 Pro are 251.22 x 173.42 x 6.18mm, so it’s pretty slim. It weighs 500g, according to Xiaomi.

When held landscape the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro has a USB-C charging port on the right edge, but no 3.5mm jack, I’m sorry to say. There’s a volume rocker and a power button, and the latter doubles as a fingerprint scanner, but it wasn’t the most reliable sensor. When attached to a keyboard, I found that the lip of the folio overshot the edge of the tablet, so I had to angle my finger just right to press my finger on the sensor.

(Image credit: Future)

The keyboard case adds quite a bit to the bulk of this otherwise-thin and portable tablet. However, its added protection is worth the extra size, in my eyes, as gadgets like this are prone to scratches and bumps.

You’ll want to add a case or keyboard if you plan to lay the slate flat on a table. That’s because the square camera bump on the back of the Pad is pretty pronounced, so it’ll wobble quite a bit if you don’t use the case to level it out.

You can buy the tablet in gray, blue or green, and the aforementioned matte glass version is also gray – I didn’t test this model, so can’t talk about what difference it makes.

Xiaomi’s website doesn’t list an IP rating for the Pad 7 Pro and I’d take that to mean that there isn’t significant protection against dust or water. Try to avoid getting the thing wet, or getting into a situation where fine particles could get into the ports (that includes sand, you beach-readers!).

  • Design: 4 / 5
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: display

(Image credit: Future)
  • 11.2-inch display and 3:2 aspect ratio
  • 2136 x 3200 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro has an 11.2-inch screen, making this a potential alternative to the smaller-sized iPad Pro which also has an 11-inch screen. Both have the same 3:2 aspect ratio, but the Xiaomi has more pixels.

Its resolution is 2136 x 3200, which Xiaomi classifies as 3.2K – enough for any movie, TV show or game you’d want to enjoy on the slate. In all my testing and research, I haven’t found a tablet with a higher resolution (and all Apple and Samsung options have fewer pixels), so if you want something really high-res, this is for you. It equals a 345 pixel-per-inch density.

(Image credit: Future)

The refresh rate is 144Hz, which only a handful of video games can hit, but by default the slate runs on an adaptive mode which changes the refresh rate depending on your task.

The max brightness is 800 nits, which is fairly luminous and it’ll make the colors in your chosen TV show pop more. However when I used the tablet in a coffee shop, I did struggle to see the screen due to glare from sunlight.

One other display feature to mention is that there’s official support for Dolby Vision here, a visual standard that’s used for movies if you stream from certain apps like Netflix.

  • Display: 5 / 5
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: software

(Image credit: Future)
  • Android 15 with HyperOS 2 laid over the top
  • AI features are hit-or-miss
  • Some bloatware

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro runs on Xiaomi’s version of Android, HyperOS 2, which runs on top of Android 15. I couldn’t find official confirmation from Xiaomi for how long it plans to support the tablet with software updates.

HyperOS, for better or worse, doesn’t change many layout or design features of Android. Android has been in iPadOS’ shadow as a tablet-oriented operating system and while it’s come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, with features like split-view apps and a redesigned user interface, there are still some annoyances, like how squished the quick settings menu is.

Instead, Xiaomi has jumped on the AI bandwagon by loading the Pad 7 Pro full of features that bear the ‘AI’ name – though some didn’t work right, and a few didn’t work at all. I could never find a way to enable the AI art feature, for instance, which lets you circle your own works in the Mi Canvas app to create AI-generated images.

Using my own photos, the AI: 1) thought movie posters on my wall were documents, and wouldn’t let me edit any part of the picture except the posters 2) provided completely incorrect transcripts when I asked it to recognize text and 3) failed to identify items I wanted removed from shots.

Plus, you need to create a Xiaomi account, sign in and install these features to use any of them, so they’re not available out of the box, and features are spread between separate menus in the Gallery app instead of being in one place.

(Image credit: Future)

Some AI features worked better, like the speech-to-text conversion from the recorder app, so it’s not all doom and gloom. I find AI features incredibly situational at the best of times, and didn’t use any of the Pad 7 Pro’s during day-to-day use, so their unreliable nature won’t affect your using the tablet if you don’t plan to utilize these tools. Notably, they only seem to work from the Pad 7 Pro’s pre-installed apps; I couldn’t use the AI writing tool on Google Docs, for example.

As with many Xiaomi devices there’s bloatware with apps like LinkedIn, WPS Office and Gemini pre-installed, but it’s not as dramatic as on many phones from the company.

A few features make the Pad 7 Pro useful as a working tool, like the ability to wirelessly connect it to a Windows or Mac PC as a screen extension (without downloading any extra apps on either) or to turn it into a working hub for other Xiaomi gadgets you own.

  • Software: 3 / 5
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: performance and cameras

(Image credit: Future)
  • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 provides lots of processing power
  • 8GB/12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage
  • 50MP rear camera and 32MP front-facing

Xiaomi has packed up the Pad 7 Pro with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a chipset that was designed as a slightly less powerful alternative to the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. So the Xiaomi Pad isn’t the most powerful slate on the market, not as long as Apple is offering desktop-class M2 and M4 chips in the iPad Air and iPad Pro, but it can still hold its head up high for most functions.

I tested a variety of games on the tablet and never saw serious stuttering or lagging, with titles able to run their highest graphics options if they were available. Perhaps for super-power-hungry tasks like video editing you might need a little more power, but for 99% of buyers, I’d say the 8s Gen 3 is enough. However when gaming, a common Snapdragon problem did arise: the slate could get pretty hot if I gamed for too long in one session. Take breaks!

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of speakers, there are four around the tablet. These provide Dolby Atmos audio for supported apps and Xiaomi has also included a Volume Boost feature that does exactly what you’d expect. However, movies and music only sound one step better than listening on a smartphone, and I found myself opting to use Bluetooth headphones when streaming movies.

The rear and front cameras of the Pad 7 Pro are both surprisingly high-res; you’re getting a 50MP camera on the back and a 32MP one on the front. There are a few photography modes (Portrait and Night on the rear camera), but you’re not getting nearly as many as on a smartphone.

A small LED mounted on the top bezel of the slate, just next to the front camera, lights up green when either camera is on; a bonus for privacy-conscious users.

  • Performance: 4 / 5
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro review: battery

(Image credit: Future)
  • 8,850mAh battery drains surprisingly fast
  • 67W charging powers up tab quickly
  • Battery health tech

Keeping the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro powered is a 8,850mAh battery, which is in the same ballpark as its competitors.

Xiaomi estimates that you can keep the tablet running for 19 hours of video playback with that battery, but while I didn’t personally watch Netflix for that long in my testing period, I did find the battery would drain a little quicker than I’d expect.

At least the tablet charges quickly: with 67W powering, this is one of the fastest-charging slates you’ll find on the market. Xiaomi’s says it should take about 80 minutes to power from empty to full and I’d concur.

If you worry about battery health, the slate also has two chips that Xiaomi designed for its smartphones; one helps extend the device’s battery life and the other ensures that fast charging doesn’t damage the battery capacity.

  • Battery: 3/5
Should you buy the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro? Buy it if…

You care about screen fidelity
If your tablet use case necessitates lots of on-screen pixels, then the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro's high-res display will be perfect for you.View Deal

You want power on a budget
It's not the cheapest tablet, and it's not the most powerful, but the Xiaomi is a lovely marriage between value and power.View Deal

You're not great at remembering to charge
Tablets often take ages to charge, which isn't great for those of us who constantly forget to plug in the slate. The Xiaomi's 67W powering helps a lot with that.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You want accessories on a budget
I was surprised to learn how expensive the Xiaomi's accessories are. If you're on a budget but want a stylus or keyboard, you might want to look elsewhere.View Deal

You're reliant on AI features
If you are buying a tablet for its AI-enabled features, then you might find the Xiaomi doesn't reach expectations.View Deal

Also consider

Not convinced by the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro? Here are a few other options to consider:

iPad Pro 11 (2024)
You get more with the iPad: more processing power, more storage and lots of Apple features. However it costs a lot more, doesn't have as high-res a display and charges a lot slower.

Read more about the iPad Pro (2024)

Oppo Pad 3 Pro
Oppo's Android tablet costs roughly the same as the Xiaomi, and its specs are very similar too. Slight differences distinguish the two, but nothing huge.

Read our full Oppo Pad 3 Pro review

How I tested the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro

I used the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro for three weeks before writing this review, alongside the keyboard folio which you see in some of the accompanying pictures. The model used was the higher-spec option.

My use cases involved streaming movies, TV shows and music across various apps, playing several games titles, writing articles for my job and reading news stories online.

I've been reviewing products for TechRadar since early 2019, covering everything from tablets and smartphones to headphones, fitness trackers, and electric scooters.

Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

First reviewed March 2025

Categories: Reviews

'2-inches gets you 30% more screen': HP is pitching 18-inch laptop as the best new thing in tech

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 13:31
  • HP ZBook Fury G1i is a powerful 18-inch mobile workstation
  • It's powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and next-gen Nvidia RTX graphics
  • There's also a 16-inch model available with same high-end specs and features

It’s a personal preference, but I’ve always liked laptops with bigger screens. That means 16-inches for me, but HP thinks 18-inch laptops are what professionals should be aiming for if they are looking to replace their desktop PCs and get a solid productivity boost.

Billed as the world’s most powerful 18-inch mobile workstation, the HP ZBook Fury G1i 18” still manages to fit into a 17-inch backpack.

That extra 2-inches gives you roughly 30% more space to work with, which can come in handy when handling complex datasets, editing high-resolution media, or working across multiple windows.

Three-fan cooling

HP is pitching the laptop at developers and data scientists who need to train and run LLMs directly on the machine.

The Fury G1i 18” runs on Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, up to the top-end Core Ultra 9 285HX, with peak speeds of 5.5GHz. These chips also include an NPU with up to 13 TOPS of AI performance. HP says the machine will support next-gen Nvidia RTX GPUs.

There’s support for up to 192GB of DDR5 memory and up to 16TB of PCIe Gen5 NVMe storage. Connectivity includes Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1, USB-A ports, an SD card slot, and Ethernet.

The 18-inch display has a WQXGA (2560x1600) resolution, coupled with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, trading pixel density for smoother motion. Thermal performance is handled by a redesigned three-fan cooling system, along with HP’s Vaporforce tech, allowing up to 200W TDP without throttling under sustained load.

Other features include a spill-resistant RGB-backlit keyboard, four Poly Studio speakers, dual-array microphones, and an optional IR camera for facial login.

The Fury G1i is also available in a 16-inch model for anyone who feels 18-inches is too big to lug around. Pricing and availability details for both models is expected shortly.

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Categories: Technology

Trump revokes classified access for Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and others

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 13:28

While mostly symbolic, the move to revoke security clearances for over a dozen former officials has been seen as a warning to President Trump's adversaries.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

Categories: News

Assassin's Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the most beautiful PC ports I've ever seen

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 12:30

After suffering with terrible PC ports for the past few months - many of which have no right to perform poorly considering their visuals - I can finally look at a brand-new title and genuinely stop in awe of it. There's only a handful of titles that have left me amazed by incredible environments and spectacle: CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 comes to mind instantly (at least, after the post-launch patches).

This time, it's Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows - and when I tell you that this is one of the best-looking games I've ever played on PC, I'm not bluffing. It's not to score points on Ubisoft's side with all the controversy surrounding the title, no sir; it's giving credit where credit is due, and Shadows does an absolutely stellar job with its visuals.

It certainly isn't all perfect though: the top-of-the-line Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 can struggle to push the frame rate beyond 60fps at 4K native max settings, but compared to what we've seen with recent PC ports, this is nowhere near as bad. Based on the current consensus, it seems as though the performance issues may be a result of forced RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) for the game's 'Hideout' area.

Essentially, this means you cannot fully disable ray tracing, which I suspect is the main factor behind the game's high hardware-demanding nature. However, my experience with it was completely different using the Asus TUF Nvidia RTX 4080 Super OC Edition - and I'm now eager to dive right back in.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams) The usual stutterfest of recent times is absent in Shadows, and I couldn't be happier

Using my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide monitor, playing Assassin's Creed Shadows at the 'Ultra High' graphics preset with native AA and DLSS Frame Generation enabled (as shown above), I managed an average of 74fps - and fortunately, the game's benchmark tool has a stutter counter which came back reading zero on all of my benchmarks.

Again, Shadows is an absolutely gorgeous game to look at, but that's when RTGI is fully turned on (not just in the Hideout) and it comes with a heavy performance cost. Unlike other PC ports though, the frame time was completely flat - so even when the frame rate would drop to a minimum of 60fps on my setup, it still felt like a smooth experience.

It's also worth noting that recent Nvidia drivers have been causing issues with performance and causing black screens - its most recent one includes official DLSS 4 support for AC Shadows, but I'm sticking with driver 572.47 until all is stable again. I'm not sure if other reports regarding performance (especially on low-end cards) are a result of driver issues or if the real-time RTGI is responsible, but I'm happy to say that either way, it's still a smooth playable experience with no major stutters.

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)

I've seen a similar thing with Indiana Jones: The Great Circle - in that case, lowering the resolution actually gave me slightly worse performance, which makes sense as the GPU was no longer under heavy load and the CPU bottleneck was evident. It's also another title that doesn't allow you to fully disable ray tracing, so I wonder if that's the same case with Shadows.

Fortunately, DLSS Frame Generation works great with this game. While some ghosting is still present (likely because I'm not using DLSS 4 Override), it's not noticeable unless you're really trying to look for it and there's no major input lag. It's another case where upscaling and AI are being used to polish game performance after the fact, I know - but when you're trying to run ray tracing at 4K maximum settings in any modern triple-A game, it's often needed - especially with Shadows, where upscaling is practically compulsory.

Assassin's Creed Shadows' RTGI visuals make the performance hit worth it

I must state again that Assassin's Creed Shadows is one of the best games in terms of its visuals, and it's really one of those titles that you need to see for yourself to believe it. Images won't do it any justice and the OLED screen just amplifies the experience entirely.

Games that fail to impress with their graphics (like Rise of the Ronin) still launch on PC with bad performance, mostly with awful frame time graphs: I've been calling it the stutterfest. I say this because even if Shadows needs some adjustments to push its performance up to a higher standard, it has every right to be as demanding as it is because the spectacle is worth it and outshines other PC ports while doing so.

It's evident why Ubisoft decided to leave last-gen consoles behind with Shadows, as I can guarantee that they would not have been able to handle it. This and games like Cyberpunk 2077 are the few titles I can look at as an actual generational leap for visual fidelity, and I can't wait to see it continue - hopefully with acceptable performance results for all.

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Categories: Technology

Framework's Desktop is selling like hot cakes; Ryzen Max+ 395, Max 383 batches are sold out with next shipment in Q3

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 12:02
  • Framework’s modular AI desktop keeps selling out due to huge demand
  • Powerful Ryzen AI Max chips offer impressive specs in a compact form
  • Preorders for batch 8 are open now, but you’ll need to wait for Q3 for shipping

As you probably know, we’re big fans of Framework’s modular laptops here at TechRadar Pro, so when the company announced its Framework Desktop - a mini PC that’s an affordable alternative to Apple’s Mac Studio - we were more than a little curious.

A modular, repairable desktop that challenges industry giants while keeping costs down? You have our attention Framework.

Clearly, we weren’t the only ones impressed by the diminutive Desktop, as the computer has sold out for the seventh time since it was made available for pre-order less than two months ago.

Batch 8 arriving Q3

Framework Desktop is available with a choice of two AMD Ryzen AI Max processors: the Max 385, with 8 cores, 16 threads, a 3.6GHz base clock, 5.0GHz boost, and 32MB L3 cache; or the more powerful AI Max+ 395, with 16 cores, 32 threads, a 3.0GHz base clock, 5.1GHz boost, and 64MB L3 cache.

Both include integrated GPUs - the 385 features 32 compute units at up to 2.8GHz, while the 395 bumps that to 40 units at 2.9GHz.

The 32GB Max 385 version is priced at $1,099, while the Max+ 395 with 64GB costs $1,599, and the 128GB version is $1,999.

If you want to buy one, you can - preorders can be secured with a $100 deposit - but you’ll have a bit of a wait on your hands, as Batch 8 is expected to ship in Q3 2025.

It seems like a safe bet it will sell out just like the previous batches, so you'll need to be quick if you want one.

In a new blog post, Nirav Patel, Framework’s founder and CEO, shared a deep dive into the Desktop’s Ryzen AI Max processor, discussing what makes it a killer choice for gaming, workstation, and AI workloads.

Although there were inevitably trade-offs, the engineering payoff appears to be worth it.

“What makes Ryzen AI Max especially interesting in the Framework Desktop is that we were able to unlock every bit of its power,” he explains.

“Because we use a desktop-style 6-heatpipe heatsink from Cooler Master and a 120mm fan, we can run it at its maximum sustained power of 120W along with 140W boost, while keeping the system quiet. We were also able to break out 2x USB4, 2x DisplayPort, HDMI, and all three PCIe x4 interfaces - two for M.2 SSDs and one as a x4 PCIe slot. All of this makes it great in the tiny Framework Desktop form factor, but also makes it excellent to drop the Mainboard into any standard Mini-ITX case. This is, after all, a standard PC! It’s just one that uses a one-of-a-kind, monstrous processor from AMD.”

Patel plans a future deep dive into the creation of the case, which should be interesting. It's partially built with recycled materials and has a customizable front panel, with spaces for 21 tiles so you can dress it up however you like.

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Categories: Technology

NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 11:30
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, March 22 (game #650).

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 #651) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

  • SMART
  • AIRPLANE
  • BACK
  • POCKET
  • GRAB
  • BUTTONS
  • STOP
  • FLY
  • FAIRY
  • ENTRANCE
  • BLACK
  • RIVET
  • MACK
  • WRIST
  • ABSORB
  • HOSPITAL
NYT Connections today (game #651) - hint #1 - group hints

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

  • YELLOW: Under a spell
  • GREEN: They help you fly but have another meaning too 
  • BLUE: You tell time with these
  • PURPLE: Clapping game lyrics

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 #651) - hint #2 - group answers

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

  • YELLOW: CAPTIVATE 
  • GREEN: THINGS WITH WINGS 
  • BLUE: WORDS THAT MODIFY "WATCH" 
  • PURPLE: WORDS REPEATED IN "MISS MARY MACK" 

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

NYT Connections today (game #651) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #651, are…

  • YELLOW: CAPTIVATE ABSORB, ENTRANCE, GRAB, RIVET
  • GREEN: THINGS WITH WINGS AIRPLANE, FAIRY, FLY, HOSPITAL
  • BLUE: WORDS THAT MODIFY "WATCH" POCKET, SMART, STOP, WRIST
  • PURPLE: WORDS REPEATED IN "MISS MARY MACK" BACK, BLACK, BUTTONS, MACK
  • My rating: Hard
  • My score: 2 mistakes

A day of double meanings. I was so locked on ENTRANCE being an opening to something that it didn’t occur to me that we were looking for the other definition, so I wasted a couple of mistakes trying to link it with FLY and BUTTONS. When that didn’t work I convinced myself we were looking for fasteners, so FLY again, BUTTONS, RIVET and in a trance of confusion MACK.

It had all started so well too. The second I saw SMART and WRIST I thought “watch”, although if we were playing a Jeopardy! version of Connections I would never have answered WORDS THAT MODIFY “WATCH”.

According to Wikipedia, Miss Mary Mack is the world’s best known clapping song, but I’ve never heard of it. Reading the rest of the lyrics, apparently Mary also enjoyed smoking her father’s pipe – and she was no doubt friends with a goose who drank wine and a monkey who chewed tobacco on the streetcar line.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, 22 March, game #650)
  • YELLOW: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TAMBOURINE, THEREMIN, TIMPANI, TROMBONE
  • GREEN: KNICKKNACK TCHOTCHKE, THINGAMAJIG, TRIFLE, TRINKET
  • BLUE: WORDS WITH THE PREFIX MEANING "THREE" TRIANGLE, TRIDENT, TRILLION, TRILOBITE
  • PURPLE: WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH "T" + LETTER TELEVISION, TOUCHDOWN, TRADEMARK, TUBERCULOSIS
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.

Categories: Technology

NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 11:30
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, March 22 (game #384).

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 #385) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… In stitches

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #2 - clue words

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

  • CONE
  • TONER
  • PLAID
  • LINE
  • BIND
  • BEAST
NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 6th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #385) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #385, are…

  • DARN
  • KNIT
  • CROCHET
  • EMBROIDER
  • MEND
  • BASTE
  • PATCH
  • SPANGRAM: NEEDLEWORK
  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: 1 hint

A relatively straightforward puzzle today that was easy to KNIT together and without any crazy words or strange patterns to tap out.

Being good at NEEDLEWORK is an incredibly useful thing to be. It can save money if you DARN socks or PATCH up clothes, it can bring you a sense of purpose and mindfulness. As someone with terrible hand co-ordination and patience I know I couldn’t do it, but I admire people who can.

My auntie spends her evenings knitting woolen animals as she watches the TV, part of a program that sends toys to children in Ukraine. As an individual she can do nothing to stop the conflict, but one woolly bunny at a time she feels she’s doing something to help.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 22 March, game #384)
  • CHUCKLE
  • HOWL
  • SHRIEK
  • GIGGLE
  • CACKLE
  • ROAR
  • LAUGH
  • SPANGRAM: CRACKING UP
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.

Categories: Technology

Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 11:30
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, March 22 (game #1153).

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 #1154) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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 #1154) - 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 3.

Quordle today (game #1154) - 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 #1154) - 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 2.

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 #1154) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• G

• G

• R

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1154, are…

  • ALLEY
  • GAMUT
  • GEESE
  • RADII

My last two guesses today were complete stabs in the dark. The only word I could think of that began R-A-D-I was Radio and that was impossible as the O had been ruled out. Radix and RADII were the only words that were accepted.

And I thought GEESE was tough… (It was, too.)

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1154) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1154, are…

  • GAMER
  • CHAOS
  • HOIST
  • VIRUS
Quordle answers: The past 20
  • Quordle #1153, Saturday 22 March: PICKY, BRACE, BOOZE, SURLY
  • Quordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISS
  • Quordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCH
  • Quordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNIC
  • Quordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINK
  • Quordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEER
  • Quordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANK
  • Quordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATE
  • Quordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE
  • Quordle #1144, Thursday 13 March: AMISS, METAL, TEARY, SHORT
  • Quordle #1143, Wednesday 12 March: AWASH, PUSHY, RALPH, PROOF
  • Quordle #1142, Tuesday 11 March: LINGO, JUICE, SHARP, REVEL
  • Quordle #1141, Monday 10 March: AVAIL, THESE, TITAN, GAUGE
  • Quordle #1140, Sunday 9 March: SKILL, IDEAL, WHERE, REHAB
  • Quordle #1139, Saturday 8 March: WATCH, LAPSE, WREST, HEFTY
  • Quordle #1138, Friday 7 March: GLEAN, SHINY, DECRY, MANGA
  • Quordle #1137, Thursday 6 March: TRICE, EIGHT, BELCH, RIPER
  • Quordle #1136, Wednesday 5 March: PLEAD, TWANG, MAJOR, RISKY
  • Quordle #1135, Tuesday 4 March: FLOWN, ETUDE, TOPAZ, JOKER
  • Quordle #1134, Monday 3 March: FRILL, KAYAK, REBAR, WORDY
Categories: Technology

Best Supplements to Reduce Cortisol: Experts Share If These Supplements Can Really Lower Stress

CNET News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 11:25
Cortisol supplements have been trending due to their claim to lower stress levels. Are they legit? We asked experts to find out.
Categories: Technology

Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 10:30
  • Battery life is reportedly a priority for the folding iPhone
  • Apple could also make use of a liquid metal hinge
  • The device isn't expected to appear until 2026 at the earliest

The more foldable iPhone rumors we come across, the more convinced we become that such a device is indeed going to see the light of day in the next year or two – and there are a couple of fresh leaks to report.

First up, well-known tipster Yeux1122 (via MacRumors) says that battery life is a priority for Apple when it comes to the folding iPhone. Apparently, DDI components – the key display chip technologies – will be improved to boost battery life as much as possible.

As foldable phones are essentially two phones stacked together, manufacturers try and ensure they're as thin as possible. That can have a negative impact on battery capacity and battery life, and it seems that's something Apple is trying to overcome.

This isn't the first time we've heard that battery life is important to Apple and its folding smartphone. Just a few days ago we heard about other tweaks Apple is making to the display technology to increase the time between recharges.

Liquid metal

Dongguan EonTec is poised to benefit significantly from the widespread adoption of liquid metal in the hinges of the upcoming foldable iPhone. According to recent industry research, Apple is focused on improving durability, enhancing screen flatness, and minimizing crease marks… https://t.co/KsGu49JXkPMarch 21, 2025

Our second leak comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is usually accurate when it comes to Apple predictions. He says Apple is thinking about using a liquid metal hinge in the construction of the folding iPhone, to improve durability and make the crease less visible.

The move, which would also improve the flatness of the main screen when it's unfolded, could be something that's followed by Android phone makers too, Kuo says – so stay up to date with our best foldable phones guide for any changes.

It speaks to the care with which Apple seems to be developing this device: earlier rumors have suggested one of the reasons that we've been waiting so long for a foldable iPhone is that Apple isn't happy with the current state of display creases.

With so much unofficial chatter around the folding iPhone now, it seems certain that it's something Apple is now working on. Most rumors point towards a launch sometime next year, though we should be prepared for a steep asking price.

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Categories: Technology

Consumers are warming up to AI assistants, survey finds - 1/3 of us would allow AI to make purchases

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 09:57
  • Data privacy concerns limit AI’s role in ecommerce, survey finds
  • AI-driven customer service still needs improvement
  • AI in ecommerce must prioritize solving real problems

An Omnisend survey of 1,026 US respondents reveals while AI-powered assistants are becoming more common, most shoppers still prefer making purchasing decisions themselves.

The study found about 34% of consumers would allow AI tools to make purchases on their behalf, but this means that 2/3 of shoppers wouldn’t, even if it meant securing a better deal. This reluctance highlights a gap between AI’s growing presence in ecommerce and the trust consumers place in it.

Despite their hesitation, consumers acknowledge AI’s ability to improve shopping experiences, with 38% finding personalized product recommendations helpful and 31% saying it speeds up the process.

AI’s growing role in shopping

However, concerns over data security shape consumer attitudes toward AI shopping assistants, with over half worrying about data mishandling and 28% expressing complete distrust in businesses' data practices.

Beyond data privacy concerns, doubts about AI’s effectiveness in shopping persist, with 39% of consumers abandoning purchases due to frustrating interactions like inaccurate recommendations and poor AI chatbot for business experiences.

Additionally, 40% of shoppers are frustrated by the lack of human support in AI-driven customer service, while 21% find AI recommendations unreliable, reinforcing the need for the best live chat software and a human presence.

Nearly half of the respondents favored enhanced service quality over automation, believing that AI should prioritize assisting with customer support over making aggressive sales recommendations and purchasing decisions.

"Consumers are open to AI enhancing their shopping experience, but there’s a big difference between receiving personalized recommendations and handing over full purchasing control,” said Greg Zakowicz, Sr. Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend.

“Large-scale adoption of AI-driven purchasing requires a fundamental shift in consumer behavior — and that’s not happening anytime soon," they said. "Shoppers want to know exactly what they’re buying, whether it’s a size, color, or brand. Trusting an AI to make those decisions autonomously is a tough sell."

Retailers must bridge the trust gap between AI technology and consumer expectations by prioritizing transparency through providing clear information on data processing and still allowing customers to retain some degree of control.

Leveraging the best email marketing service and best social media management tools can also help brands communicate AI’s benefits while ensuring a more personalized, consumer-friendly approach.

“AI is a tool that’s only as good as the problems it solves," said Zakowicz. "As companies race to integrate AI into their customers’ shopping experiences, they need to be more focused on its problem-solving qualities versus its potential. Providing poor experiences, whether by AI or a human, will result in lost sales.”

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Categories: Technology

Best Internet Providers in Reading, Pennsylvania

CNET News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 09:31
The home internet provider options in Reading are a bit sparse but we've still found some solid ISPs worth considering. Here are our top picks.
Categories: Technology

Whether on your desk or in a racing rig, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel will satisfy your craving for realistic racing

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 09:00
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: One-minute review

The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is an officially licensed, direct drive, 11Nm force feedback-enabled racing wheel that comes in variants compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. For this review, I've been testing the PlayStation model.

Designed for serious sim racing, it combines extreme analog fidelity with rock-solid build quality and easy-to-reach button placement compared to the previous model, the Logitech G923. In use, the experience is enhanced through mechanical feedback not just from your virtual wheels, but from your engine too, thanks to Logitech's Trueforce technology, absolutely transforming games like Gran Turismo 7 and EA Sports WRC.

The wheel is not compatible with every racing game, and while it does feature a G923 compatibility mode for slightly older games, it can still be a pain getting it to work properly with PC games like rFactor 2. What isn't a pain, however, is setting it up for console play, with supreme plug-and-play simplicity on PS5, boosted further by an excellent attachable desk clamp for those lacking a full sim rig.

With gorgeous build quality, noticeably quiet running, and thumb-risking force feedback strength, this is a recommended solution for a console sim racer, just as long as you've got pockets deep enough to at least get the Pro pedals with it.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Price and availability
  • List price: $999.99 / £999.99 / AU$1,799.95
  • A PC-only version is available for $749.99 / £799 (around AU$1,630)
  • Logitech offers regional discounts when bundled with related products

The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel has been available since September 21, 2022, costing a shade under $1,000 / £1,000, and that's just for the wheel alone. You'll need to pair it with the Pro Racing Pedals for about $350 / £350, plus you might need a sequential shifter and/or handbrake too (plus a frame to mount it all to) if you're really serious about sim racing. However, while all direct drive wheels are expensive, Logitech's force feedback here is noticeably stronger and has greater fidelity than, for instance, MOZA's PC-only, entry-level DD offering, which offers 5Nm for the base model.

Logitech's baby is also cheaper than Fanatec's flagship DD wheelbase, the Podium Wheel. You could also argue nobody really needs 25Nm of torque like Fanatec offers; 5Nm is plenty for a good racing feel, and the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel offers more than double that, at 11Nm, as well as advanced features like a quick-release system for changing wheel rims and a small built-in screen for adjusting wheel settings on the fly. So while it doesn't have the physical grunt of the best on the market, it's more than enough for what you'll need and the build quality and realistic feedback are worthy of the price, even if it would be more of a no-brainer if it were some £200 / $200 cheaper.

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Specs Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Design and features
  • New 'thumb sweep' button orientation
  • Two dials plus left digital thumbstick
  • Modular design for desk clamp

The wheel rim itself is not dissimilar to the outgoing G923 it replaces, however the button placement has been optimized. X and Triangle are a little bit of a stretch with your thumb tips when the wheel is held in the racing style 9 o'clock / 3 o'clock position, but L2 and R2 are easily reachable.

The share and menu buttons don't require your hands to leave the wheel to reach them, though they are tucked down further. They also flank the two dials, which are placed 90 degrees to each other, so one is best used with your left hand's fingers, while the other is best used with your right thumb. Both dials click in as additional 'push' buttons you can map in-game.

A particular standout feature is the removable logo plate at the bottom of the wheelbase, which can be replaced with the included desk clamp. Not all high-end sim racing wheels come with a desk clamp, but with the addition of two protruding flat-edged sections of plastic, the wheelbase grips any desk remarkably well.

(Image credit: Future)

So well, in fact, you can easily dial up the force feedback without any risk of it coming away and flapping about, destroying your desk and/or computer. It's very solid and an absolute joy to use with pedals under the desk, backed up against the wall so they don't skid as you fight against the loadcell brake pedal to get your car stopped for a hairpin.

In terms of comfort, the stitching on the rim does feel rough against your thumbs, especially when you've spent hours rallying with the force feedback strength turned up. Expect red palms and calluses if you're planning to fight the car through stages for hours. That aside, the wheel is a good size, feels like a premium product, and those magnetic shifters look, feel, and sound great.

You may be interested in getting a different rim (the wheel part you hold) at some point in the future because the included rim is a little plain compared to Fanatec's McLaren GT3 wheel, or Thrustmaster's Ferrari SF1000, for example, the latter of which features a large, full-color display in its center.

This Logitech wheel doesn't even have any lights on the rim itself, let alone a screen for data. It's just a high-quality steering wheel with great control layout and feel. Logitech does have more rims coming to take advantage of that quick-release system, but nothing obviously electronics-heavy has been shown yet.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Performance
  • Surprisingly quiet operation
  • Super smooth force feedback
  • Incredibly low latency

If you've used strong force feedback wheels in the past, you might be used to quite a lot of noise from the motor and the fans. However, neither phenomenon is exhibited here. There is a fan inside to keep the feedback motor cool, and naturally, that will be needed the longer you use it and the higher the strength is set. But it wasn't noticeable at any point of my playtest, and you're not blasted with weird-smelling air like you are with some other wheelbases, which is very welcome.

As for the force feedback itself, you don't get the 'cogging' feeling of a belt-driven system where the teeth connect unevenly with the belt; instead, you simply feel strong forces pulling against your hands. It's brilliantly done. Trundle down a straight and you'll feel the slight grain of the asphalt, drive down a muddy lane and you'll feel every bump. And hitting a high curb gives you a real kickback through your hands.

But perhaps the best use of the feedback tech is how it feels to rev your rally car on the startline of EA Sports WRC. You'll swear there's an engine under your palms. It's beautifully done.

(Image credit: Future)

But what also stands out is just how responsive it all is. Waggle the steering wheel and your on-screen hands match your movements incredibly quickly, looking like 1:1 movement in some situations, with just the merest hint of latency if you see-saw the wheel quickly while using a PC monitor.

It's among the best I've ever seen and feels ultra-responsive as a result. Logitech's Trueforce technology makes supported games feel remarkable just to feel the car in motion, even when you're not turning.

There really isn't much more the wheel could do to make you feel like you're in contact with a real road. It's superb. And if you find these environmental effects too bitty, there are smoothing options and most games even let you reduce or disable track effects. However you want your racing to feel, it can likely be done with this wheel.

Should I buy the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel? Buy it if...

You play serious racing games but prefer to do it on console
If you just want the absolute best-feeling console racing experience and balk at PC gaming's tendency towards tinkering, this is absolutely for you. It just works brilliantly.

You don't have a racing seat/frame so need to mount your wheel to a desk
The included desk clamp and base design is so good, that it arguably feels as good as a bucket seat frame rig if you're in a comfortable office chair.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
This is seriously expensive stuff and don't forget you need to buy the pedals too. Cheaper wheels do offer force feedback effects that push against your hands as you bump into cars etc. so you don't need to spend as much as the price of a real-life second-hand car.

You want to buy just one wheel for all your consoles
This wheel only comes in PlayStation/PC, Xbox/PC, or PC-only flavors. You can't just use a different rim for Xbox like you can with some other brands' PlayStation wheelbases, like Fanatec.

Also consider...

Not sure whether you should drop so much on a flagship wheel? Here’s how it compares to two cheaper, but still great alternatives.

Thrustmaster T598
This Thrustmaster wheel is compatible with PS5/PS4 and PC and is the current best entry point into direct drive sim racing on console. 5Nm is often said to be the sweet spot for force feedback strength, so while it isn't as strong as others on the market, the smooth, 'cogless' feel of this wheel provides a similar experience but at about half the price. It is comparatively plasticky, but if you want premium materials, you'll need to pay a premium price.

For more information, read our full Thrustmaster T598 review

Logitech G923
This is a great alternative for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 gamers because it's so much cheaper - and even comes with decent pedals - yet still features Logitech's TrueForce technology. It isn't Direct Drive, however, and the comparatively paltry 2.3Nm of force isn't going to jump out of your hands through brute strength, but even so you will enjoy a precise and dynamic sim racing experience without breaking the bank.

For more information, read our full Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel for PlayStation
  • 100% completed My First Gran Turismo and played several other racing sims on PS5
  • Moved over to PC to test rFactor 2, Dirt Rally 2.0, Project CARS 3 and more
  • Played with an at-desk clamp and monitor setup, and also a full racing seat frame with Viewsonic ultra-wide gaming monitor

I tested the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel for a week across several racing sims on PS5 and PC, including EA Sports WRC, F1 23 and F1 24, Dirt Rally 2.0, Gran Turismo 7, My First Gran Turismo, and rFactor 2, among others. Completing My First Gran Turismo from scratch to 100% was an absolute blast since you can feel everything the car is doing.

I mounted the wheel to a racing seat and played using a ViewSonic VP3881A 38-inch IPS WQHD+ ultrawide monitor for wonderfully immersive PC racing. I also mounted it to a desk and played on a 32-inch 4K Samsung R550UQP monitor using a launch model PS5, as well as with a Dell Nvidia RTX 2070-enabled gaming laptop.

I also tried playing less serious games like Disney Speedstorm (which didn't recognize the wheel at all on PS5) and the amazing New Star GP, which you can drive to some extent, but can't do the pit stops since the left stick isn't analog. But the most fun of all was undoubtedly EA Sports WRC on PS5, which feels like it was made specifically for this wheel.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

Categories: Reviews

Severance season 3: everything we know so far about the wildly popular Apple TV+ show's next chapter

TechRadar News - Sat, 03/22/2025 - 09:00
Severance season 3: key information

- Officially announced in mid-March
- No release date confirmed yet
- Director/producer Ben Stiller says script work is underway
- Gemma/Ms. Casey actor Dichen Lachman doesn't know when filming might begin
- Stiller hopes to reveal the plan for season 3 "very soon"
- Main cast expected to return
- No official story synopsis revealed
- Season 2 finale offers clues about its follow-up's plot
- Unclear if a fourth season will be made

Severance season 3 might be the first and last thing on fans' minds after the hugely popular Apple show's season 2 finale. On the one hand, I suspect we need a day or seven to process what went down in the series' last episode. On the other, we're all desperate to learn what'll happen next

Thankfully, the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series will return (read more about that in this article's release date speculation section). I can't say where the story goes from here but, darn it, if I'm not going to try and answer those questions anyway!

Below, you'll find the latest information and rumors on Severance's third season. That includes my thoughts on when it'll be released, its likely cast, story possibilities, and more. Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2, so ensure your 'outie' and 'innie' proceed with equal levels of caution.

Severance season 3 release date: what we know

Season 3 of Severance is available upon request. - Tim C. https://t.co/bNig41qs9t pic.twitter.com/cnctZIRDNFMarch 21, 2025

Severance season 3 hasn't entered full production yet, but Apple officially announced another season of Severance just hours after its forebear's finale.

Before Apple renewed it, director/executive producer Ben Stiller revealed work was underway on season 3's scripts. Considering it's the show that everyone's been talking about so far in 2025, I would've been stunned if it got canceled.

Even with season 3 being announced, there's no word on when filming may begin. Ahead of the season 2 finale, Dichen Lachman, who plays Gemma/Ms. Casey, provided a disappointing filming update on Severance season 3 by telling me she was "in the dark" over a possible start date.

When will we see Mark and Helly again? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

However, with the main cast and crew assembling for a post-season 2 finale event in LA on March 22, we may learn more very soon. Indeed, speaking on the New Heights podcast, Stiller suggested the plan for season 3 would be revealed in the near future, so here's hoping an official announcement and filming start date are confirmed shortly.

So, when might season 3 launch on one of the world's best streaming services? Stiller hopes that, unlike season 2, which was shot amid the pandemic and 2023 Hollywood strikes, it won't take three years to make. Even with the best intentions – i.e., everyone's calendars lining up perfectly, principal photography starting sometime in 2025, etc – though, I can't see it arriving until early to mid-2027.

Severance season 3 trailer: is there one?

"You won't find a trailer for season 3 here, Mister Milchick!" (Image credit: Apple TV+)

No. There won't be a trailer for Severance season 3 for a while yet. I'll update this section when one is released.

Severance season 3 cast: likely and rumored

Dichen Lachman will surely return as Gemma next season (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2.

Here's who I expect to see again in Severance season 3:

  • Adam Scott as Mark Scout/Mark S
  • Britt Lower as Helena Eagan/ Helly R
  • Zach Cherry as Dylan George/Dylan G
  • Tramell Tillman as Seth Milchick
  • Jen Tullock as Devon Scout-Hale
  • Dichen Lachman as Gemma Scout/Ms. Casey
  • Michael Chernus as Ricken Hale
  • John Turturro as Irving Bailiff
  • Christopher Walken as Burt Goodman
  • Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel
  • Karen Aldridge as Asal Reghabi
  • Michael Sibbery as Jame Eagan
  • Sydney Cole Alexander as Natalie Kalen
  • Robby Benson as Doctor Mauer
  • Merritt Wever as Gretchen George
  • Claudia Robinson as Felicia
  • Gwendoline Christie as Lorne
  • John Noble as Fields

Some of the above character's returns are dependent on where the story goes next. I'll discuss season 3's potential plot later, but everyone up to and including Doctor Mauer is likely to be back next season. The final quartet's appearances hinge on Severance's continuing exploration of the real world and Lumon Industries' Mammalians Nurturable and Optics & Design departments.

Mister Drummond died in the season 2 finale (Image credit: Apple TV+)

There is one season 2 character who won't be back for more and that's Ólafur Darri Ólafsson's Mr. Drummond. He was accidentally killed by Mark in season 2 episode 10.

Mark's 'outie' unexpectedly shot Drummond in the neck as they crossed the severed barrier in the elevator leading to Lumon's testing floor. He did so because Mark's 'innie' was holding Drummond hostage – at gunpoint, FYI – as they descended in the elevator. Unfortunately for Mark (and Drummond), the switchover between Mark's two personas causes the fatality. Unless Lumon has a way of bringing people back from the dead, Ólafsson's time on one of the best Apple TV+ shows is over.

Severance season 3 story speculation

Where will Helly and Mark go from here? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2.

Severance season 3's plot synopsis hasn't been revealed yet. Based on what happened in the season 2 finale, though, I can speculate on where things will go next.

For a full breakdown of what happened in last season's final episode, my Severance season 2 episode 10 ending explained piece answers many of your questions. From this point on, I'll guess where the story goes from here, so here's your final warning: full spoilers immediately follow for Severance season 2's finale. Potential season 3 spoilers are also discussed.

Will Gemma try to rescue Mark in season 3? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The biggest question on everyone's minds is what Helly and Mark S will do next. Rather than leave Lumon for good with Gemma, Mark's 'innie' decided to stay with Helly. The pair then ran off to an unknown location as a devastated Gemma watched through the exit door's tiny window.

Helly and Mark S can't leave the severed floor as their 'outies' – Helena Eagan, daughter of Lumon CEO Jame, and Mark Scout – would take over. Logic would dictate, then, that they'd find somewhere to hide. However, they're on Lumon's turf, so there's not really anywhere they can hide from the all-seeing, evil-minded biotech company.

If they're found and punished, they won't be the only ones who'll face disciplinary action. Dylan G, the other remaining member of the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) team, helped Helly and Mark S in the season 2 finale. He helped trap severed floor manager Seth Milchick in MDR's bathroom, so he's in line for some form of penalty, too.

Seth Milchick's time as severed floor manager could be over (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Milchick is similarly up for the proverbial chopping block. Almost everything that occurred in the season 2 finale, titled 'Cold Harbor', happened on his watch. This isn't the first time the MDR team has put a spanner in Lumon's works during Milchick's time as MDR's boss, either, so I think his time as their manager might be coming to an end.

Read our reviews of Severance's first two seasons

- Severance season 1 review
- Severance season 2 review

Outside of Lumon's walls, an emotionally crushed Gemma will likely seek out Mark's sister Devon, plus her husband Ricken, as they're the only family we know Gemma has.

If she reunites with them, she'll probably bump into former severed floor manager Harmony Cobel, too. The quartet could formulate a new plan to rescue Mark and/or find a way to permanently get the 'innies' out of Lumon, too. Could they enlist Asal Reghabi's help to reintegrate Gemma? It's certainly a possibility, especially if Cobel has any insight into what might make the procedure more successful and/or less painful.

What is Harmony Cobel's end goal in all of this? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

There are plenty of other important questions that need answering as well.

Will we see Irving Bailiff again? If so, will he ever be reunited with Burt after they parted ways in Severance season 2 episode 9? Could they be proverbial jokers in the pack in terms of bringing down Lumon if Gemma and co. ask them to return to their former employer?

Then there's Harmony Cobel herself. Season 2 episode 8 revealed four big things about her, including that she's the original creator of the severance procedure. Will she use that to her advantage to try to force Jame Eagan, Lumon's CEO, to step down? Would she replace him if he does? How would Helena Eagan react to this and/or everything that happened in last season's finale if Lumon removes Helly R from the severance floor and allows her 'outie' (that being Helena) to re-emerge?

Season 2's penultimate episode can't be the end of Irving's story, right? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

As for Lumon itself, there are numerous unsolved mysteries left to explore.

Read more of my season 2 exclusives

- Severance creator Dan Erickson reveals the funniest fan theory he's heard about the popular Apple TV+ show: 'I think that's ridiculous'
- 'They only told me': Severance actor Dichen Lachman reveals how long she's known about Cold Harbor's true purpose in the Apple TV+ show
- 'Everyone is going to be so torn': Severance star Dichen Lachman reacts to the popular Apple TV+ show's most 'intense' season 2 finale event

I imagine there'll be some that are left to viewer interpretation, but creator Dan Erickson, Stiller, and co. will need to provide answers to some of them. I wouldn't mind if some of those answers prove some big fan theories right, too. One of the five best Severance season 2 goat theories was proven correct in season 2 episode 10, after all.

So, what mysteries need to be solved? The most obvious one is why Lumon is conducting severance-based experiments and what its end goal is with them. There are plenty more, though, including the latest enigma surrounding Kier Eagan's Grand Agendum. What is it? Why have we never heard about it before? And how does it factor into Lumon's workplace-style cult?

Where can I watch Severance?

Please try to enjoy all episodes equally (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The only place you can stream Severance's first two seasons, comprising 19 episodes, is Apple TV+. It's an Apple TV Original, so it's exclusive to that streaming platform.

If you haven't seen it yet but want to catch up on one of the best shows of recent years, you can do so by signing up for an Apple TV+ account. Our Apple TV+ price guide reveals how much a subscription costs in your world region.

If you want to try before you buy, however, a seven-day Apple TV+ free trial is currently available, so you can binge-watch seasons 1 and 2 without paying a penny. Just make sure you cancel your subscription before your trial period ends!

Has Apple confirmed if Severance season 4 is on the way?

Nobody, not even Burt Goodman, knows if a fourth season will be made (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Nope. As I mentioned earlier, Severance season 3 hasn't even entered full production yet, so any talk of a fourth season is wishful thinking.

It's unclear if there'll be a fourth chapter, too. Speaking to TechRadar ahead of season 2's release, Erickson said he "has a sense" of how the show will end and how many seasons would be "ideal" to reach its conclusion. However, Erickson and the rest of the show's chief creative team want to be "flexible enough" to tell Severance's story across as many seasons as it'll take.

I'm sure Apple will want its most popular TV Original since Ted Lasso to run for as long as possible, too. Of course, nobody wants it to outstay its welcome, but Apple TV+ hasn't had many breakout hits. Ensuring shows like Severance stick around for a while and keep customers spending their cash on Apple TV+ subscriptions makes business sense for the tech giant. Don't be surprised, then, if more seasons are greenlit alongside or after Severance season 3.

For more Apple TV-based coverage, read our guides on Foundation season 3, Slow Horses season 5, Ted Lasso season 4, and Silo season 3.

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