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• James Cameron sat down with Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth on Bosworth's podcast to talk VR cinema
• Cameron says VR allows him to finally show his films the way they should be seen
• He teased the Quest 4, but Bosworth stopped Cameron revealing too much

James Cameron, the Hollywood director behind Titanic, The Terminator and Avatar – believes VR headsets are the future of cinema, based on his experience with next-gen Meta Quest headsets that he isn’t allowed to talk about.

And, Meta Quest 4 teasers aside, I think he’s got a point – but Meta needs to make some big changes before Cameron's vision can become a reality (and I’m not talking about its hardware).

In a sit-down interview with Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth on Bosworth’s Boz to the Future podcast, Cameron was keen to serve as VR cinema’s hype-man.

Cameron explained that VR headsets allow you to get all the benefits of a movie theatre – the curated, 3D, immersive experience – without the downsides – such as a “dim and dull” picture – resulting in an end product that much more closely matches the creator’s vision for the film.

“It was like the heavens parted, light shone down,” Cameron told Bosworth. “There was an angel choir singing. It's like, 'Ah'! This is how people can see the movie the way I created it to be seen!”

It seems that Cameron isn’t simply using a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S to enjoy his 3D movies either; instead he’s using some Quest prototypes that Andrew Bosworth wasn’t keen for him to talk more about.

While he couldn’t reveal much beyond the prototypes’ existence – which isn’t much considering that Meta very openly develops VR headset prototypes to inspire future designs (and even lets people try them from time to time at tech events) – we do know that the experience is apparently “at least as good as Dolby Laser Vision Cinema” according to Cameron.

It’s the “ne plus ultra” (read: ultimate) theater option according to the director, suggesting that Meta is focusing on visual performance with its prototypes, and therefore possibly making that the main upgrade for the Meta Quest 4 or Meta Quest Pro 2.

As with all leaks and rumors we can’t read too much into Cameron’s comments. Even with these prototypes Meta could focus on other upgrades instead of the display, or it could be designing for the Quest 5 or Quest Pro 3, but given that previous leaks have teased that upcoming Meta headsets will pack an OLED screen it feels safe to assume that visual upgrades are inbound.

That will certainly be no bad thing – in fact it would be a fantastic improvement to Meta’s headsets – but if Meta wants to capture the home cinema experience it shouldn’t just focus on its screens, it needs to focus on content too.

VR's 3D film problem

Apple Vision Pro has the easy 3D film access Meta Quest needs (Image credit: Walt Disney Company/Apple Inc.)

I’ve previously discussed how it’s an open secret that the simplest (and really the only) way to watch blockbuster 3D movies on a Quest headset involves some level of digital piracy.

3D movie files are difficult to acquire, and 3D movie rental services from the likes of Bigscreen aren’t currently available. And I’ve also complained how absurd this is because, as James Cameron points out, using your VR headset for cinema is superb, because it immerses you in your own portable, private theater.

So while the prospect of the Meta Quest 4 boasting high-end displays for visual excellency is enticing, I’m more concerned about how Meta will tackle its digital content library issue.

The simplest solution would be to form streaming deals like Apple did with Disney Plus. Disney’s service on the Vision Pro allows users to watch Disney’s 3D content library at no additional charge – though it frustratingly appears to be some kind of exclusivity deal, based on the fact the same benefits are yet to roll out to other headsets or the best AR smart glasses for entertainment.

Another option – which Cameron points to – is for Meta to make exclusive deals with creatives directly, so they create new 3D films just for Quest, although worthwhile films take time (and a lot of money) to produce, meaning that Meta’s 3D catalog can’t rely on fresh exclusives alone.

Offline films would be perfect for in-flight entertainment (Image credit: Meta / Lufthansa)

Hopefully this podcast is a sign that Meta is looking to tackle the 3D movies in VR problem from all sides – both hardware and software – as VR entertainment can be superb.

While it is more isolated than the usual home theater experience, the immersive quality or VR, combined with its ability to display your show or film of choice on a giant virtual screen, is a blast.

At the moment the big drawback is the lack of content – but here’s hoping that’s about to change.

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The new feature is designed to better secure your data.

The car rental giant said a hacking incident of a company it works with exposed personal information of its customers.

Ocala may have fewer internet providers, but CNET experts found top options worth considering for your needs.

Polaroid Flip: Two-minute review

Like many tech journalists and photographers of a certain vintage (aka born in the early 90s), I always remember there being a Polaroid at family parties when growing up. Later in my teenage years, when studying photography at university and trying my hardest to be cool, I bought a secondhand Polaroid Sun 600 on eBay, but finding decent film then was harder than it is now. Eventually, the cost superceded the cool, and I gave up.

Polaroid has come a long way since then, and has been revisiting its heritage with the aesthetic of newer releases. We had the Polaroid Go 2 in late 2023, similar in looks to the Polaroid 1000 Land Camera. In March this year, the brand refreshed its Now instant series with the Now 3 and Now 3+, cameras that I think share the character of the original OneStep SX-70.

I'm a Polaroid nerd, so I was excited to test the new Polaroid Flip before its official release. But given that the last camera I used was the flagship Polaroid I-2, in all its sharp lens, manual control glory, I was apprehensive about how a more affordable model could compete with the best instant camera for pros.

Polaroid's tagline for the Flip is that it's the camera for an analog life. For "instant photography over instant gratification." Presumably it means for people who appreciate physical prints over looking back through their phone camera roll. The Flip keeps things simple and easy-to-use; there are no filters or effects, and the main talking points include common instant camera features like double exposures and self-timers.

Despite lacking manual controls like the Polaroid I-2, the Flip feels like a camera that more advanced instant shooters can still appreciate and enjoy. A clever four-lens system is brilliantly effective at adapting to varying subject distances, meaning you get mostly sharp shots, even at dark parties.

And there are subtle but clever ways the camera uses 'scene analysis' to guide your images. A red viewfinder warning light alerts you to a shot being over- or underexposed, and an alert appears on the lid display when you get too close to a subject. Selfies are a tad tricky, though, and macro isn't a viable option given the camera's restricted minimum focusing distance.

Polaroid's signature tones shine with the Flip, though colors in my experience sometimes leaned unexpectedly toward green. Also, while the B&W i-Type film showed strong contrast on occasion, I found that highlights could easily blow out with Polaroid's most powerful adaptive flash yet.

It's always difficult to review Polaroid performance, because the expectations are so different from most other cameras. Part of the joy of analog lies in experimentation, and yet with Polaroid film being so expensive, you want to know that most of your shots will at least come out intended. Despite minor disappointments with the Flip, I loved the results overall. I think those willing to practice, learn and refine their shooting approach over time will too.

Polaroid Flip: price and availability

• Costs $199.99 / £199.99 (Australia pricing TBC)
• Early purchase for Polaroid members starts April 15
• On sale at Polaroid.com from April 29, retailers May 13

The Polaroid Flip is available from a few different dates depending on who you are. Polaroid members can purchase the camera on the official website starting April 15, and general access follows from April 29. It's destined for general camera retailers from May 13.

The Flip's price at release is $199.99 / £199.99. A year ago I would have thought this quite steep, but recent US tariffs and spiralling tech costs have made me reassess. Still, the Flip is at the serious end of instant cameras, at more than twice the price of the entry-level Instax Mini 12. It's more expensive than the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 model ($149.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.99) and the older, square-format Instax SQ40.

But then it sits below the Polaroid I-2 ($599 / £599 / AU$1,099) with its super-sharp lens and the hybrid Instax Wide Evo ($349.95.99 / £319.99 / AU$599) which has 20 film and lens effects and allows you to select what you print to save on film.

You're tied into using either Polaroid 600 or I-Type film with the Flip, and realistically this is more expensive per exposure than Instax. Prices vary a lot depending on what country you're in, and bundle packs can help to bring the cost down, but an 8-pack of I-Type costs roughly the same amount as 20 photos of Instax (Wide or Mini).

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(Image credit: Lauren Scott) Polaroid Flip: specs Polaroid Flip: design

• Heavier than the Polaroid I-2
• Flippable lid for lens protection
• Viewfinder LED and ‘lid’ display

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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Polaroid Flip is a boxy, chunky camera. That much is obvious when you get it out of the box. It weighs 200g more than the Polaroid Now+ and 85g more than the Polaroid I-2, as well as being deeper and taller. But that’s because the design is so different from anything else in the current lineup.

Rather than having a lens cap to cover a protruding lens or the front face exposed, Flip has a (you guessed it) flip-up lid. This lid pulls up smoothly and clicks into position at the top when you want to take a photo. When the lid is down, the camera automatically turns off, and the most important parts of the camera are well-protected.

I really like the design, which gives the camera a clean, modern silhouette and means you can pop it in a bag without fretting about dust getting in the lens grooves. And I still felt it was distinctly Polaroid. The Flip comes in a subtle matte black colorway or white with a pop of orange for more daring users.

I found the exterior of the white model prone to marks, but the plastic casing is easily wipable. And twice when I was out shooting, two people stopped to tell me that I had “a really cool-looking camera”. Street credibility points to me.

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According to the specs sheet, the Flip is made from four types of plastic, including acrylic and polycarbonate. These have all been chosen for properties that would make sense in a take-anywhere camera, and they keep the body as lightweight as possible but also strong and impact-resistant.

The build quality doesn’t feel brittle or cheap, the buttons are solid to press and flipping up the lid is super satisfying. That said, the handling is a bit awkward and I had to turn the camera around to get a good hold of the lid every time. It’s a two-hand job. You also get a strong rope strap in the box so you can wear the camera – comfortably, I might add – around your neck.

Controls are pared back, as is usual with Polaroid and most instant cameras. Two buttons at the back right let you toggle through settings such as flash, double exposure, self-timer, and exposure compensation. These show up as icons on the nifty LCD screen on top of the camera, and they’re easy to see even in bright sunshine. It took me a while to work out what button combo activated each mode, but the fold-out paper guide in the box – in itself another well-thought-out analog nod – gives you pointers.

There’s a USB-C power input on the right side of the camera for recharging, and an eject button on the left to open up the film door and pop in a pack. The big orange shutter button on the front is easy to find with your fingers and can be depressed slightly to focus and pressed fully to fire. The viewfinder itself is basic but easy to use, and I found that what you see through it matches closely with what’s printed, helping with composition.

(Image credit: Lauren Scott) Polaroid Flip: performance

• 4-lens system for different distances
• Sonar autofocus detects subject distance
• Adaptive flash for up to 4.5 meters away

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Despite there being no option to focus manually as with the Polaroid I-2, I found almost all of my shots with the Flip were critically sharp. The camera uses sonar waves to detect your subject distance, then selects the best lens from its four-lens system (0.65m, 0.85m, 1.2m, 2.5m). It’s very clever, and even in a party marquee, portraits came out crisp.

When half-pressing the shutter button to focus, you hear a noise when one of the four lenses has been selected. What’s clever is that an alert on the lid display will flash if you’re trying to shoot a subject that’s too close and out of the camera range.

Still, it’s worth noting that the Flip’s minimum focusing distance is around 0.4m, which isn’t quite far enough to get a sharp, frame-filling selfie. I could just about hold the camera far enough away at arm’s length to trial it but ended up with unwanted empty space around my head and shoulders. If you’re into your flora and fauna, there isn’t yet a macro filter or attachment for Polaroid to make true close-ups work.

Exposure was a mixed bag. Polaroids like light, and it's recommended that you keep the flash on for all shots except bright sunshine. This is meant to be the brightest flash of any Polaroid, and the strength adapts based on the subject distance for anything up to 4.5m away. I experienced this power, but not always in a good way, and often my outdoor shots were overexposed to the point of losing details, even on a cloudy day. As with the Polaroid Go 2, the flash gets activated by default when you flip up the lid, and a few times I forgot this.

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The tones you get from Polaroids have always felt distinctive, yet anecdotally the hues from my Flip shots felt a little richer and bolder than those from the I-2. On a warm spring day in the UK, the exposure of a pink blossom tree felt warm and well-saturated, while the vibe of a cooler sunset party was also captured effectively, if not tending towards more of a green hue than I’d have liked.

Of course, there’s no way to change the white balance in-camera. What you get is dictated by the film and the shooting environment. The B&W i-Type film I used showed great contrast, and I loved the amount of depth I could capture down a long, narrow street in my home city of Bath, UK. But again, it was easy to overexpose the bright Cotswold stone and lose that detail with the flash.

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You can’t control the Flip’s exposure settings manually. For inexperienced users or people who just want to point and shoot, this is probably a good thing. The Flip does the hard work of choosing the aperture and shutter for you, meaning fewer wasted shots if someone decides to grab the camera at a party. But if you’re a more advanced photographer, as I am, you may find Flip’s setting choices creatively limiting.

As far as battery duration and charging times go, I couldn’t find any official specs from Polaroid. When I first got the camera I left it plugged in overnight to ensure it was full of juice for the start of testing, and it still hadn’t passed the halfway mark when I’d finished three packs. I tended to shut the lid after every shot, though, so each user’s mileage may vary.

During testing, I loaded up my second pack of color I-Type film only to find it wasn’t ejecting from the camera after each exposure. Polaroid makes loading film into the Flip so quick and simple, and it's something I've done with other Polaroids hundreds of times. I want to suggest it was a camera and not a user error, but either way, it does highlight how much film and money you can waste should things not quite go to plan. That’s the same with many instant and film cameras and not a unique flaw to the Flip, of course.

The prints aren't quite as instant as Instax, and need a while (I found at least ten minutes) to settle away from the light to develop properly. For me, this is a great metaphor for Polaroid in general. Despite being designed for ease of use in terms of operation, the Flip still requires a bit of time to learn its ways, exposure tendencies and to hone your craft. Do that, and you'll be rewarded with sharp retro results more times than the Polaroids of the past.

Should I buy the Polaroid Flip? Buy it if...

You're after a cool-looking throwback
The Flip is reminiscent of popular vintage Polaroid cameras, including the One Step Flash. I'm not suggesting that you should pick style over substance, but I found this bright and chunky camera a great conversation starter.

You want to point and shoot, and that's it
In a busy world, it's nice not to have to think for a while. I found the Polaroid Flip enjoyable because of its ease of use. There are no gimmicks or filters, and I like that all you really have to decide is whether the flash is on or off.

Don't buy it if...

You want a small and subtle camera
Polaroid Flip's design is decidedly retro and bulky. Although it's not heavy to wear around your neck, it's equally not a camera that you can slip into a small bag or clutch. I'd look at the Polaroid Go or the Instax Mini if you're after proper portability.

You don't like square prints
You'll be limited by the roughly 8 x 8cm exposed area that Polaroid film gives you. If you want more options for composition with landscape and portrait framing, you might be better off with an option like the Instax Wide or Evo.

Also consider

Polaroid I-2
When I tested the I-2 I was so impressed with the image and build quality that I saved and bought my own. It costs more than double the Flip but offers an advanced experience with manual exposure control and sharper autofocus. Taking the same square, I-Type film, it gives instant photography for connoisseurs.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
If you're not fussed about the Polaroid brand or square prints but still want a retro vibe, I'd recommend the gorgeous-looking Mini Evo. It's a hybrid model, meaning it snaps digital prints and lets you choose whether to print them on instant film. That means less waste and cost, and the Mini Evo is more pocketable, too.

How I tested the Polaroid Flip

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

• Over a week, I took photos indoors and outdoors, day and night
• I tested based on decades of Polaroid experience
• I shot a double pack of colour I-Type and 8 exposures of B&W film

I tried my first Polaroid camera back in the nineties, and since then I've reviewed many instant cameras including the Polaroid I-2 in 2023. I had one of the first review samples of the Polaroid Flip and tested it for over a week before its official launch date. Needless to say, it was always in my bag or around my neck during that time.

I took it out on countryside dog walks in the sunny British springtime, on day trips in the Cotswolds, to an evening festival for my company's 40th anniversary and to brunch in the city. The idea was to try it in as many lighting conditions and real-life scenarios as possible.

I went through a double pack of Polaroid I-Type color film (16 exposures) and a pack of B&W Film, taking shots with and without the flash, using the self-timer and the exposure compensation option. The Polaroid app wasn't available for use with the Flip for most of my testing period (as the camera was under embargo) but I had a day to try the functionality and add notes to this review once it was.

First reviewed April 2025

The National Center for Environmental Health was hollowed out in the cuts of 10,000 federal health workers on April 1. That's the same day an assessment of people hurt in floods was set to begin.

(Image credit: Sean Rayford)

A Simple Favor introduced us to Emily (Blake Lively) in a deliciously dark comedy thriller. And now she's coming back for Another Simple Favor, and from the newly released trailer it looks like Prime Video may have another campy hit on its hands.

How many trailers will you see where a character proclaims that "I'd rather cut my balls off with a rusty knife than go to this wedding"?

I do hope he isn't the groom.

Another Simple Favor looks like it'll be tons of fun

Another Simple Favor reunites the team: Lively as Emily Nelson, Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, and Paul Feig in the director's chair. But this new Prime Video movie is going straight to streaming; the first film was also shown in theaters.

This time the action takes place in the beautiful Italian island of Capri, where Smothers is going to be maid of honor at Emily's extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman.

If you’re thinking that being asked to be maid of honor by someone you put in jail is a bit odd, Stephanie is thinking much the same. "I've got to figure out what she's up to," she says in the trailer. And if there's one thing we know about Emily, it's that where she goes, trouble tends to follow.

The original film attracted very mixed reviews, it has become something of a camp classic since it debuted on Prime Video, making it one of the best Prime Video movies. This new movie attracted similar reviews when it was shown at SXSW, which suggests that if you loved the first movie you're likely to love this one too.

Another Simple Favor will be streaming on Prime Video from May 1, 2025.

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• Orange 'O' Edition Mk II ANC headphones announced
• 40mm drivers, 50-hour battery life, customizable ANC and 10-band EQ
• $229 / £169 / about AU$352

Orange has announced new headphones, and I think it's missed a key trick again: even if they turn out to be the best headphones ever made, they don't look very Orange.

What I mean by that is that Orange is one of the most recognizable brands in audio thanks to a very consistent visual style. Whether it's a Thunderbird 50 guitar amplifier or the Orange Box bluetooth speaker, if its Orange it's orange.

But the new Orange 'O' Edition Mk II ANC headphones are not. And its previous headphones weren't either.

I think that's a shame, because Orange has generally been very faithful to its decades-long history of iconic, orange-colored amps.

Marshall has always absolutely nailed this, so for example its latest Bluetooth speakers look like little Marshall amps, and its Bluetooth headphones look like someone's stuck tiny Marshall speaker cabinets to your ears.

But to my eyes these new Orange headphones look like they might as well just be Sony headphones in a custom McLaren colorway. Marshall's stuff is cool because it evokes rock and roll in a way that indelibly tied to the design of guitar equipment – is that the vibe you get here?

(Image credit: Orange) Orange ‘O’ Edition MKII: key features and pricing

Looks aside, the specification here appears to be decent: 40mm close voice-coil drivers, ANC with three preset modes and in-app customization, a 10-band customizable EQ, and touch controls on the right headphone.

There's Bluetooth 5.2, an included 3.5mm aux cable for wired connections, and up to 50 hours of battery life – with a 15-minute rapid charge delivering a claimed seven hours of play time.

And the price is competitive, too: $229 / £169 / about AU$352. That puts it in line with the likes of the Sennheiser Accentum Plus or Sony ULT Wear headphones – good mid-range products, and there's definitely scope for more great-sounding players in this region among the best noise-cancelling headphones.

The Orange 'O' Edition Mk II ANC headphones are available to buy now.

I understand why these aren't bright orange in a world where headphones tend to be black or beige. But I still think it's a bit like Nike sneakers without the swoosh, Adidas without the stripes, Netflix without the tu-dum: the whole reason that Orange amps are orange was to make them stand out from their none-more-black rivals.

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• Apple rebrands ‘Search Ads’ to ‘Apple Ads’
• It says it’s because they’re now available beyond just search results
• Apple might also be looking to extend its ads into other services

Apple has rebranded its ‘Search Ads’ to ‘Apple Ads’ to mark the broader advertising options beyond search results as it looks to generate more income – and help advertisers generate more income – from more sources.

Initially only offered within the App Store’s search results, Apple now displays ads within the Today tab and under ‘You Might Also Like’ sections of specific app pages.

Apart from offering more clarity that ‘Apple Ads’ are no longer just search-specific, the name also takes a step in the direction of consistency across other services, for example ‘Apple Music’ and ‘Apple TV+.’

‘Apple Ads’ is the new name for Apple’s advertising business

As well as changing the name for simplicity and consistency purposes, it’s possible that Apple might also be looking to expand its ads businesses, hence the removal of ‘Search.’

For example, Apple might be planning to introduce ads across more services, including Apple Maps, to grow its revenue further.

All of this is just speculation, though, because Apple’s justification (via 9To5Mac) to participating developers was that its advertising placements have simply expanded since launching in 2016:

“When Apple Search Ads launched in 2016, we offered a single ad placement at the top of search results. Today, advertisers can run ads in multiple placements across the App Store, so we’ve decided to change our name.”

It’s not the first time we’ve reported on Apple looking to expand its ads business. Just over a year ago, it came to light that the Cupertino giant was possibly testing an AI-powered tool designed to optimize App Store ad campaigns.

It had also reportedly made hires in its TV-ad sales business – another indication that it could be expanding the business in a move similar to Netflix, which has a cheaper ad-supported subscription.

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It’s official: OnePlus is ditching the Alert Slider for an iPhone-style customizable button on the upcoming OnePlus 13T, and although that phone is set to release exclusively in China on April 24, its new shortcut key will surely be a permanent feature of future OnePlus phones globally.

The Alert Slider has been a defining feature of the best OnePlus phones, and long-time OnePlus fans will no doubt be sad to see it go, but OnePlus is adamant that its replacement – whatever it may be called on the OnePlus 13T – will ultimately improve the user experience.

Indeed, in his announcement about the upcoming switch, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau noted that the decision, while “not easy”, is “the right step forward” for the brand, and in an exclusive interview with TechRadar at OnePlus HQ in Guangdong, China, the company’s Senior Product Marketing Manager, Rudolf Xu, echoed Lau’s optimism.

“We want to give more freedom to our users, to [let them] customize [that button],” Xu explained. “And actually, this is not a removal of the Alert Slider. You’ve now got the freedom to switch between ring, vibrate, and silence – these things still work – but you’re also getting greater freedom to customize your commands.

“For example, [you can now] launch certain apps [using the new button]. So, it’s actually not a removal – it’s an evolution of the Alert Slider.”

Xu added that OnePlus has “also brought some dedicated features” to the user experience via the new shortcut key, though he's not yet at liberty to share what those are.

Apple introduced the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro (above) (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

It’s clear, then, that OnePlus doesn’t see the removal of the Alert Slider as a loss – according to the brand, users only stand to gain functionality from the switch to an Action button-style key. Mind you, that doesn’t mean the company’s decision to axe a longtime feature was an easy one.

In his aforementioned statement, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau admitted that “the Alert Slider has always been one of [his] favorite OnePlus features,” and that “when the team first came to [him] with a proposal to make a change to our Alert Slider, [he] was skeptical.

“But I knew that if we wanted to build something truly better, we had to take this leap,” Lau explained. “As iconic as it is, it is a huge piece of hardware just to switch sound profiles. That didn’t sit right with me.”

The OnePlus 13T in three shades (Image credit: OnePlus)

As for what OnePlus’ Alert Slider replacement looks like, the brand’s latest teaser video for the OnePlus 13T reveals a grain-of-rice-sized button that sits alone on the left-hand side of the device. Incidentally, Apple’s Action button sits in the same place, though it’s positioned above the iPhone’s volume buttons, where the OnePlus 13T’s volume buttons appear to be placed on the right-hand side of the phone, above the power button.

The video also reveals that the OnePlus 13T will feature two main rear cameras stacked vertically à la the iPhone 16, and OnePlus has confirmed (via a Weibo post) that the phone will have a 6.32-inch screen and a 6,000mAh-plus battery.

Rumored specs include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, a 50MP main camera, and a 50MP telephoto (with 2x optical zoom), which, if true, would make the OnePlus 13T an attractive compact alternative to the premium OnePlus 13. Here’s hoping it launches outside of China later this year (we've got our fingers crossed).

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• New tipoffs suggest Samsung's One UI 7 delay will be lifted on April 15
• Also, new images claim to show an early version of One UI 8 running on a Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Samsung has yet to finish rolling out One UI 7

Samsung has already caught a lot of flak for the generationally chaotic rollout of One UI 7, the company’s implementation of Android 15 for Samsung Galaxy phones – and a last-minute delay announced on April 14 hasn’t helped the situation.

However, a notable tipster has posited that this delay could be more of a bump in the road than a full-on halt, with the latest rumors suggesting the pause will be lifted on April 15 – that’s today at the time of writing.

This comes from Ice Universe, a prominent tipster who shared the suggestion in a seemingly deleted post to X (formerly Twitter), which was subsequently reported by Android Authority.

According to an April 15 post made by an unnamed Samsung solutions manager and forum moderator to Samsung’s Korean community forum, the update rollout was paused due to “some issues requiring maintenance”, but they also note that Samsung has “completed its inspection and will resume updates soon."

One UI 7 is the long-awaited Android 15-based update for Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. Though a pre-release version of the update can be found loaded on Samsung Galaxy S25 series phones, as well as the latest A-series models, One UI 7 is still considered unreleased as it has not yet completed its rollout to older handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S24.

It has taken so long for Samsung to implement One UI 7 – based on Android 15, which released back in September 2024 – that we previously reported on concerns that Android 16 could release before Samsung manages to issue the update.

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Though Samsung seems to have just about won the race against Android 16, another rumor has served to visualize just how far we are into the next development cycle.

Images shared by Smartprix claim to show a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 phone running an early alpha version of One UI 8, based on Android 16.

Besides a few minor visual tweaks to a handful of apps, the report suggests that One UI 8 is focused primarily on optimization.

The report adds that the fact that only a few apps have had any changes made suggests that One UI 8 is in very early stages of development.

Indeed, if the launch of One UI 7 marks a reset of Samsung’s yearly development cycle, we may not expect to see One UI 8 launched until 2026.

I’d personally be happy with a smaller, easier update next time around, if it means a quicker rollout than we’ve seen with One UI 7. Running older software can really take the wind out of the sails of even the best Samsung phones.

Let us know what you think of Samsung’s update antics in the comments below.

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Ultim8 by Supermouth: One minute review

The Ultim8 by Supermouth toothbrush makes a lot of bold claims. For example, it says it’s the “first reinvention of the toothbrush in nearly a century”, with its unique ‘8’ shape and patented bristles designed to conform to the contours of your teeth.

The SmartHub, which is sold separately, is designed to house, charge and clean the brush with UV light, drying the bristles, and preventing bacteria from adhering to it by keeping it in a sealed environment. A travel case is also sold separately.

It all sounds very innovative, and the brush itself is inordinately pretty and well-designed. The battery lasts ages, the unit itself looks a lot better than most electric toothbrushes, with its swooping curves reminiscent of a spacecraft, and the magnetic charger is a really neat touch, although it’s USB-A rather than USB-C.

However, redesigned brush heads, SmartHubs, and Supermouth’s bold claims aside, what we have here is essentially a sonic toothbrush with two modes, a pressure sensor, and a two-minute timer, priced at $99.99 (around £75 / AU$160) It’s perfectly functional, but it’s hardly breaking the mold when it comes to toothbrush design.

(Image credit: Future)

Perhaps my expectations are too high; after all, how much more advanced can toothbrushes get? At least this one isn’t trying to foist an AI app on me. It cleans well, and while I could stand to have the motor a bit stronger, the pressure sensor is nicely designed, flashing from blue to green to red depending on how hard you’re pressing, and the brush is comfortable to use day-to-day. Battery life isn’t given, but it still held charge after a full week of testing.

One of the issues I do have with the brush is that all the accessories don’t come as standard. To buy the SmartHub with the brush from Supermouth costs an extra $70 (around £55 / AU$110), and once you buy the toothbrush, you’re then locked into the proprietary 8-shape brush heads, costing $19.99 (around £15 / AU$30) for a pack of two.

The Ultim8 is also missing a few features we’re used to, such as more than two intensities, but as a standalone $100 sonic brush, I’d be more than happy with it. In the grand scheme of overpriced toothbrushes, $170 for a brush with a cool-looking cleaning and housing case also isn’t too bad, although it’s far from budget, and what initially looks like a good mid-range offering ends up feeling rather premium. Get the travel case and spare brush heads too, and you're pushing top-end prices.

However, during my testing, the brush cleaned well, held its charge and was extremely comfortable to use.

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Specifications Ultim8 by Supermouth: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $99.99 (around £75 / AU$160)
• Extras drive up cost
• Available from third-party sellers for inflated cost

The Ultim8 by Supermouth brush costs $99.99 (around £75 / AU$160) from the Ultim8 website, which is a perfectly reasonable price for a decent sonic brush. However, as previously mentioned above, the brush is part of the overall Supermouth ecosystem, which will loop you into buying the hub and proprietary brush heads for an additional premium.

Supermouth does ship internationally, but unlike many toothbrushes which can be found at third-party retailers for discounted prices, the system is the same price on Amazon US, and inflated to a hefty £345 on Amazon UK, at the time of writing.

• Value score: 3/5

Scorecard Ultim8 by Supermouth: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future) Buy it if...

You want a clean toothbrush

The SmartHub prevents bacteria collecting on the bristles with its UV cleaning and drying function.

You want a nice design

Both the toothbrush and the SmartHub look sleek and stylish.

You have sensitive teeth

The Ultim8’s eight-way soft bristles mean the brush is ideal for sensitive molars.

Don't buy it if...

You want power

Want a toothbrush that offers a more intense clean? You’re better off with a high-powered Philips Sonicare.

You’re on a budget

If you’re looking for a simple sonic brush with cheap replacement heads, look elsewhere.

Ultim8 by Supermouth: Also consider

Philips Sonicare 7100

The high-powered brush with a convenient charging case that takes up much less space than a hub.

Read our review

Mode Electric Toothbrush

The Ultim8 looks cool, but this wall-mounted sonic rocket looks cooler for our money.

Read our review

How I tested the Ultim8 by Supermouth

I used the Ultim8 Supermouth brush for a week of testing, stress-testing the pressure sensor and two-minute timer functions, and using the SmartHub for storage and cleaning.

A whistleblower who works at NLRB says that DOGE may have taken sensitive labor data. And, the Trump administration froze over $2 billion for Harvard after it rejected demands.

From Google's Pixel 9 and foldable phones like Motorola's Razr Plus to Samsung's Galaxy S25, these are the best Android phones that we tested and that you should buy.

• VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e brings back the free version of the hypervisor
• It was removed in February 2024 when VMware went subscription-only
• Broadcom has addressed customers’ concerns

VMware has resumed offering a free hypervisor once more, an announcement quietly included in the release notes for ESXi version 8.0 Update 3e has revealed.

The company had previously offered a popular free version of its hypervisor, but this was discontinued in February 2024 when VMware shifted fully to a subscription-based model, which meant the free version had to go.

However it now appears to be available once more as a free download from the Broadcom Support portal, which requires users to be signed in.

Broadcom offers free VMware hypervisor again

Broadcom hasn’t explained why it reversed its decision, but it could be a strategic decision to attract new customers.

The company got a lot of criticism when it changed its subscription models – CEO Hock Tan acknowledged widespread “unease” shortly after Broadcom’s VP for Cloud Platform addressed “questions and concerns.”

Moreover, VMware’s competitors, like Nutanix and Platform9, offer free community editions of their hypervisors, while open-source alternatives also offer a free option, potentially prompting Broadcom to reconsider its decision.

The company also recently reversed a licensing policy change, reducing the minimum license purchase back from 72 cores to 16 cores, thus making it cheaper for certain customers to access VMware services.

Apart from reintroducing a free version, VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e also addresses a number of critical bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Still, the company continues to face sharp criticism from customers, who have been unhappy with the licensing model shift to subscriptions, the product portfolio simplification and reported price increases.

All of this has happened amid the relocation of Broadcom’s headquarters to VMware’s Palo Alto campus, while VMware’s workforce has been reduced by around half from 38,000 to 16,000 under its Broadcom ownership (via Business Insider).

TechRadar Pro has asked Broadcom to share more context behind its decision to reinstate the free hypervisor, but we did not receive an immediate response.

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• Android 15 devices require at least 32GB of storage
• This is double the previous requirement
• They also require the ability to share emergency contacts with emergency services

If you’re reading this site then – as a tech fan – there’s a good chance your phone has 128GB of storage or more, but that’s not true of all handsets. In fact, some Android phones ship with just 16GB of storage. With Android 15 though, that's no longer allowed.

Digging into a GMS (Google Mobile Services) requirements document, Android Authority has found that Google has raised the minimum storage requirement from 16GB to 32GB for any devices that ship with or get updated to Android 15.

At least 75% of that storage must be allocated to the data partition, which is the area used for apps and files.

Many cheap phones – like the Galaxy A54 – already have more than 32GB (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd) A big boost for the cheapest phones

This should be of major benefit to the very cheapest Android phones, as 16GB simply isn’t enough in 2025 – especially when some of that is eaten up by the operating system itself. Arguably 32GB isn’t enough either, but it’s a step in the right direction.

That said, there are a couple of potential downsides. For one thing, as noted, existing 16GB devices won’t be able to get Android 15 – though we doubt many phones that shipped with just 16GB of storage would have been getting much in the way of Android updates anyway.

For another, this requirement could push manufacturers to increase the price of their cheapest phones. But it’s likely some people were buying 16GB phones without realizing how restrictive that would be, so at least this prevents that happening.

Along with the new 32GB requirement, Google has also made it a requirement that phones running Android 15 or later allow users to share their emergency contacts during emergency calls. Users have to opt into this but it’s a handy feature that would allow emergency services to update emergency contacts on what’s going on.

Technically, phone makers will still be able to avoid these requirements, but they’ll be locked out of GMS like the Google Play Store if they do, so we don’t imagine many will choose to do that.

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• The Switch-compatible version of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 can be pre-ordered now in the US
• It's available at Amazon for $69.99
• In the UK, just the Windows and Android-compatible model is available

Looking to buy a new controller in anticipation for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2? You may want to check out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, which has just had its pre-orders go live at Amazon US.

US shoppers can pre-order the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for $69.99 at Amazon, and the controller is due to ship between April 21 - 28 depending on your location and delivery options.

Pre-orders have also been available in the UK for a while; here, you can place an order down for an impressively affordable £49.99 at Amazon.

That's a good deal cheaper than its US counterpart. In the UK, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is slated to release on April 25. However, it's worth noting that this model is specifically the Windows and Android-compatible model. No Switch version in this region as of yet.

Pre-order the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is worth considering especially if the lack of Hall effect sticks on the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a factor of disappointment for you. By all accounts, this looks to be an improved version of the Ultimate, which is currently sits atop our best Nintendo Switch controllers guide.

UK pre-order price: Amazon - £49.99View Deal

While I've yet to personally test and review the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, it does seem like a straight upgrade over the original 8BitDo Ultimate which still sits as our 'best overall' entry in our best Nintendo Switch controllers buying guide.

According to the manufacturer, the Ultimate 2 boasts TMR thumbsticks which are essentially a Hall effect variant that offers even greater precision and longevity. We've also seen TMR sticks employed in the GameSir Tarantula Pro to great effect.

If you've already managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, then I highly recommend checking out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. While I thought the Switch 2 Pro Controller was a marked upgrade in my recent hands-on impressions, the Ultimate 2 is slightly cheaper ($69.99 as opposed to $74.99) and is confirmed to have drift-resistant sticks.

And of course, if you're sticking with the original Nintendo Switch, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 will be compatible with it as well as PCs and Android devices.

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• Metro 2033 was first released on March 16, 2010
• To celebrate the game's 15th anniversary, its 2014 remake is now free to keep on Steam
• The developers have also shared some small details on the next Metro game

Post-apocalyptic first-person shooter Metro 2033 originally released on March 16, 2010. The debut title from developer 4A Games, the game spawned multiple sequels and even a recent VR (virtual reality) spin-off in Metro Awakening.

Now, the studio has shared a new blog post to commemorate the game's 15th anniversary. "The legacy and success of Metro over the past decade and a half is something we at 4A Games are incredibly proud of," the post begins. It then reveals that long-time collaborator Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the Metro book series upon which the games are loosely based, will continue working closely with the studio on "our next Metro title."

"It is amazing to see the advancement from the pages of a novel, into a fully realized game, through ever-improving sequels, and now into a global franchise with million of players," it continues. The anniversary will be marked with "events, deals and celebratory content on the Metro social media channels" with fans encouraged to share their fondest memories and favorite moments with the hashtag #Metro15.

Originally founded in Ukraine, 4A Games is now headquartered in Silema, Malta - though retains a 150 strong team in Kyiv. In addition to a new Metro game, the studio is currently working on "a brand-new unannounced IP" and wants to assure fans that "work is continuing on both of our projects despite missile strikes, air-raid sirens, and terror still raining down on Ukraine."

"These circumstances are incredibly challenging, the situation remains dangerous and not within our control, but we are currently as safe as possible," the post reads. "We want to manage your expectations around the reveal of the next Metro title, it will be ready when it is ready, and we can’t wait for you to see it."

With this in mind, I wouldn't expect much more news about the upcoming game any time soon. Still, the post reveals that it will feature "an even darker story" with an emphasis on themes like "conflict, the struggle for power, the horrors of tyranny, and the price of freedom" for a "hard-hitting, political, anti-war" story.

If you head over to Steam right now, you are able to claim a free copy of Metro 2033 Redux, the 2014 remaster of Metro 2033, to keep which would be the perfect introduction to the franchise for newcomers. This offer is only available to until April 16, so I would act fast if you want to get your hands on it.

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• OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 13T will be announced on April 24
• This initial launch is just for China
• The company has also revealed the screen size and colors of the phone

The OnePlus 13T will be announced on April 24, the company has confirmed, although in typical OnePlus fashion you won’t have to wait until then to get an official look at the phone, as it has already been shown off.

A short teaser video posted to Chinese social media platform Weibo (via GSMArena) shows the front and back of the OnePlus 13T in full, complete with a flat back, curvy corners, and a choice of gray, pink, or black shades, as you can see below.

You can also see that there’s a new button on the side in place of the alert slider we’re used to on OnePlus phones, and the company has previously confirmed that it's a customizable key that sounds similar to the Action button on iPhones.

The OnePlus 13T (Image credit: OnePlus) A small screen and a big battery

In another post the company revealed that the 13T will have a 6.32-inch screen, and in an earlier teaser OnePlus said its battery would be at least 6,000mAh, which is especially impressive given that the OnePlus 13T sounds fairly compact by modern smartphone standards.

That’s all the official news we have, but leaks have suggested that the OnePlus 13T will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto (with 2x optical zoom), and possibly an ultra-wide camera, the specs of which haven’t yet been the subject of leaks or rumors.

So this is sounding like an impressive phone – if the price is right. We should have a clearer idea of how good the OnePlus 13T is very soon, although note that, as mentioned, the April 24 announcement is just for China.

Hopefully though we won’t be waiting too much longer for a global launch, as it sounds like a promising compact alternative to the OnePlus 13.

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