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Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – MSI’s surprise new Steam Deck rival could be the handheld gaming device to get without costing a fortune

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 08:04
  • MSI has a new Claw 8 AI+ model ready to ship for consumers on July 15
  • The Polar Tempest Edition features a new snow-white color scheme, and an optional 2TB of storage
  • It will be available at $999 / around £990 / AU$1,890

MSI has quietly revealed a new model of its recent handheld on its main site, which features more powerful and beneficial specifications over the Nintendo Switch 2 - and it's coming shortly after the console's launch on June 5.

As highlighted by VideoCardz, the new MSI Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition features a new snow-white color scheme and an optional 2TB of storage available at $999 (around £990 / AU$1,890). It will reportedly ship to consumers on July 15.

The base model starts at $900 / £899 / AU$1,799, and provides fantastic performance across several games using Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor. It's also worth noting that battery life is key with the Claw 8 AI+; it uses an 80 WHr battery and can still yield high frame rates at only 17W power usage.

This could likely be significantly better than the Switch 2's 5220mAh battery, which should be roughly around 20 WHr. While the Claw 8 AI+ is undoubtedly the more expensive option, it's likely going to outperform the Switch 2 in every region in terms of hardware and game performance.

In a world of inflated GPU prices, consumers looking to dive into PC gaming could potentially be spending over $1,000 for hardware parts alone - and that's without mentioning the cost of a pre-built system - and MSI's handheld seems to be in a league of its own versus competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X.

The only issue is that the base model already seems scarce in terms of availability in the US, and there's a chance the same could happen to this new Polar Tempest Edition. Even worse, it could see a major price jump due to US tariffs.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) If US tariffs affect the MSI Claw 8 AI+ price, then I'll take back everything I've said

Without sugarcoating it, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a very expensive piece of hardware - and it's quite possibly the only reason I wouldn't recommend it for most gamers. It's potentially only going to get worse if US tariffs impact its price; the 90-day pause on tariffs is keeping things steady for now, but if this changes, I'll eat my words.

However, compared to buying parts for a desktop gaming PC, it's much cheaper, and its $450 (or more, depending on the configuration) higher cost over the Switch 2 is worth it considering the greater gaming performance capabilities. Traditionally, PC games are also cheaper to buy (especially since Nintendo revealed Switch 2 games could cost as much as $70), so if you want a large library, it could save you money in the long run (though, of course, you’ll be missing out on Nintendo’s first party exclusives, which could be a deal breaker).

The Switch 2 is using Nvidia's T239 chip, which will give users access to DLSS upscaling, but it's hard to see this being enough to power demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, let alone compete with other handheld gaming PCs.

I won't pretend that $900 / $899 / AU$1,799 isn't much, especially for most gamers on a budget, but if I had the choice of buying a Switch 2 or saving for an MSI Claw 8 AI+, I'm picking the latter.

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Categories: Technology

I suggest streaming these 3 movies with great Rotten Tomatoes ratings before they leave Prime Video

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 08:00

Prime Video has no shortage of notable films and shows, but not all of them are free with your subscription. Some of these movies sometimes even disappear without warning, so the best Prime Video movies might not even be safe.

It's hard to tell exactly what's leaving Prime Video because there isn't a dedicated filter that neatly lists expiring titles, including the best Prime Video shows. So, we've taken the time to comb through the library for the best movies you should watch before they leave the library.

Rotten Tomatoes ratings are one of the most 'objective' ways to determine a film's critical reception. If it has a 'Certified Fresh' rating, it generally means critics liked it, even if the score isn't 90 or above. Here are three 'Certified Fresh' movies on Rotten Tomatoes that you should watch before they leave Prime Video.

Forrest Gump (1994)
  • RT score: 75%
  • Directors: Robert Zemeckis
  • Age Rating: PG-13
  • Length: 2 hr 22 min
  • Leaving on: TBA

Forrest Gump only has a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it's a fan-favorite film that's got more cultural appeal than most. It follows the life of Forrest Gump and his romance with his childhood friend, Jenny.

Tom Hanks stars as the innocent yet simple Forrest Gump, who is bullied in his youth for a physical disability and below average intelligence. When his leg braces come off, folks realize he's an exceptionally fast runner, which helps him throughout his life in many situations like playing football, serving in the army, and running marathons. Thus, the iconic quote, "Run, Forest, run!".

Unlike the usual 'Leaving Prime in XX days' label, it only has a caption that reads 'Limited time offer. Terms apply'. These types of promotions are unpredictable and may disappear at any time between the next few days to the next few weeks. Since we can't go back in time to confirm when it became a limited-time offer, I'd suggest watching it ASAP!

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
  • RT score: 79%
  • Directors: Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
  • Age Rating: R
  • Length: 1 hr 26 min
  • Leaving on: May 16

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a comedy mockumentary musical directed, produced, and starring the members of the The Lonely Island comedy group: Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg. It stars the fictional rap star Connor Friel (played by Samberg) and follows his rise to fame, starting from his days as part of a rap group with his childhood friends to his lessons and struggles with stardom after his solo debut.

While it received positive reviews from critics, it never quite reached the same popularity with viewers. If you want to see where you stand on the matter, you can watch (and hopefully laugh at) Popstar before it leaves Prime Video.

A Royal Affair (2017)
  • RT score: 90%
  • Directors: Nikolaj Arcel
  • Age Rating: R
  • Length: 2 hr 17 min
  • Leaving on: May 12

A Royal Affair is what it sounds like – a story about the relationship between Caroline Matilda of Great Britain and German doctor Johann Friedrich Struensee, who is the royal physician to Christian VII of Denmark.

It not only follows the affair between the queen and the physician, but also the complications of politics within the Danish court. I'd especially recommend it for folks who enjoy dramatic romances and historical fiction.

It received two Silver Bears (second highest honor) at the Berlin International Film Festival and multiple nominations as an international film. Just a heads up: You'll probably have to read, unless you know Danish. A Royal Affair is dubbed in Danish with English subtitles.

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Categories: Technology

Outdated and unsecured IoT devices are a serious risk for UK businesses

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 08:00
  • IoT in the enterprise is a major liability, the UK government claims
  • Most organizations are running old and outdated software
  • They are also not adhering to security standards

Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the enterprise are a major security liability. This is according to a new report from the cybersecurity professionals NCC Group, on behalf of the UK’s government.

“The government is concerned about the security of these products as vulnerable devices can provide a route for hostile actors to attack the IT systems used by businesses,” the UK government said in an announcement for the report. “As part of the government’s work to address this issue and improve cyber resilience across the UK economy, the government commissioned NCC Group to conduct a vulnerability assessment of some commonly-used enterprise connected devices.”

The results have shown that UK businesses have plenty of reasons to be concerned. Apparently, NCC Group found a “number” of software and hardware vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution (RCE) attacks, granting threat actors full control of a device, over the network.

Outdated software

One of the bigger problems was outdated software. The report states that unpatched solutions were “prevalent across devices”, also stating that one of the analyzed devices ran a 15-year-old bootloader.

The UK government also said that in “most cases”, an attacker with physical access to a device would be able to fully compromise it, installing a persistent backdoor to be used in future attacks. The majority of the tested devices ran all of their processes as the highly privileged “root” user, which means there’s no access granulation and the consequences of a breach could be dire.

There is nothing particularly unique about these IoT devices, or the vulnerabilities they carried. The UK government said they were “generally insecure”, especially when it comes to configuration of services, applications, or features. It also warned that adherence to the NCSC’s Device Security Principles, and the ETSI EN 303 465 standard was “mixed”.

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Categories: Technology

Tariffs or No, Apple May Raise iPhone Prices This Year

CNET News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:46
The tech company could increase prices of its next flagship product line, as it introduces a thinner design and new features.
Categories: Technology

Most businesses can't fill cyber roles leaving huge gaps in defense

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:29
  • Cisco surveyed 8,000 security and business leaders for a new report
  • Most firms suffered an AI-powered attack last year
  • Filling cybersecurity roles seems to be a major challenge

Most businesses cannot fill vacant roles for cybersecurity professionals, leaving huge gaps in their defenses which threat actors can easily exploit. These are some of the findings echoed in the 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, a report recently published by networking giants Cisco.

The paper was drafted based on a double-blind survey of 8,000 private sector security and business leaders in 30 global markets. In it, Cisco said that almost nine in ten (86%) of the respondents identified the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a “major challenge”. Furthermore, it was said that more than half of the respondents reported having more than ten vacant positions.

The shortage of skilled staff is not a new issue - TechRadar Pro has been reporting on it for years now. Even three years ago, Harvey Nash Group claimed that there is a shortfall of 10,000 people a year in the UK’s cybersecurity talent pool, alone. To make matters worse, those who remain in the industry are overwhelmed with work and often burnt out, resulting in health problems, as well.

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Investing in AI

To address the problem, Cisco’s new paper argues that businesses should “invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness.”

“Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages,” the company concluded.

Artificial Intelligence seems to be the underlying theme of the entire paper. Cisco said the technology is both “revolutionizing security” and “escalating threat levels” adding that 86% of the respondents faced AI-related security incidents last year, and half (49%) were confident their employees are aware of the threat.

Finally, Cisco warned that just 4% of organizations worldwide can be considered “mature” when it comes to the level of readiness needed to effectively withstand today’s cybersecurity threats.

"As AI transforms the enterprise, we are dealing with an entirely new class of risks at unprecedented scale - putting even more pressure on our infrastructure and those who defend it," said Cisco Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel.

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Categories: Technology

I tested Sony’s 28-70mm f/2 GM lens and it’s the best standard zoom I’ve ever used

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:01
Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: two-minute review

Wisdom dictates there’s no such thing as an all-purpose lens. Yet in the FE 28-70mm F2 GM, Sony’s had a stellar go at making one. Pitched as a do-it-all solution for photographers who demand versatility without compromise, this is flagship glass that could replace a trio of primes in your kit bag.

Thanks to a constant f/2 maximum aperture, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM delivers the kind of results you’d expect from a prime lens, paired with the versatility of a standard zoom. The sweetener is that it’s packaged with dimensions that are easy enough to work with on a daily basis, more so than Canon's ungainly equivalent.

This isn’t a lightweight lens by consumer standards, but for G Master glass with fast optics, Sony’s done an impressive job of keeping measurements in check. The solid build and weather seals reflect its premium status, as does the way it handles, with tactile control rings and buttons.

In performance terms, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM hits the mark at every focal length. That maximum aperture gives it excellent low-light credentials, allowing you to shoot fast even in dim conditions. F/2 also unlocks beautifully smooth bokeh and striking subject isolation with a shallow depth of field. The lens is as effective for night-time street scenes as it is for 70mm portraits.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

It’s optically excellent too, with no discernible sacrifice in quality for the sake of flexibility. Central detail is consistently sharp across the zoom range, with only the tiniest hint of corner softness when shooting wide open. There’s no shortage of contrast either, with minimal evidence of vignetting or chromatic aberrations.

In-camera correction does address some barrel distortion at 28mm, but this is less impactful than if the lens went to 24mm like most standard zooms. That slight restriction on wide-angle coverage will give some users pause for thought. In practise, the f/2 aperture more than makes up for the slightly tighter focal length.

The only major omission is lens-based stabilization, even this isn’t felt in real-world conditions; with the ability to shoot at fast shutter speeds, paired with rapid, accurate autofocus, you won’t encounter issues with blurring.

In truth, there’s only one drawback to the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM and that’s the price. There’s no escaping that this lens is a serious investment. But when you consider that this is professional glass which delivers prime performance at several focal lengths, its value is self-evident.

If you want a new go-to lens that’s manageable on a full-frame mirrorless body and can handle everything from landscapes to weddings, this might just be the most complete standard zoom Sony has ever made.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM specs Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM specs

Type:

Standard zoom

Mount:

Sony E-mount

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

28-70mm

Max aperture:

f/2

Minimum focus:

0.38m

Filter size:

86mm

Dimensions:

92.9 x 139.8mm

Weight:

32.4oz / 918g

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: Design
  • Tidily packaged for such a fast zoom lens
  • Robust G Master build with weather seals
  • Tactile controls with zoom ring switches

Sony has managed to keep the FE 28-70mm F2 GM surprisingly compact for such a fast standard zoom. It’s by no means a lightweight lens at 32.4oz / 918g, but it’s only a fraction larger and heavier than the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. That’s quite a feat, given the optics required to achieve its f/2 maximum aperture. It’s also significantly more portable than the comparable Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM.

Paired with a full-frame body like the Sony A7S III, the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM balances well without feeling too front-heavy. It helps that the lens is fantastic to handle. You get a full complement of controls, including rings for zoom, focus and aperture. A pair of customizable focus hold buttons offer useful flexibility, together with the familiar AF/MF and aperture lock switches. Two additional switches let you further influence the shooting experience.

We’ve seen the aperture click switch on other Sony lenses. It’s a welcome one, letting you choose whether you’d like tactile feedback while moving through f-stops. More unusual is the torque switch, which gives you the option of tight or smooth zoom ring rotation. The former is helpful for preventing zoom creep, while the latter lets you change focal lengths with a light touch – something that videographers are likely to appreciate.

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 2 of 3

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

Given the price and the G Master badge, it’s no surprise that the FE 28-70mm F2 GM feels solid. This is a professional lens that’s built for the elements, with weather seals throughout. It’s all sturdy and purposeful, with a lovely weighting to the controls and no sense of compromise anywhere on the barrel.

It’s worth noting that the large front element requires equally large 86mm filters, which are more expensive than smaller standard thread sizes. That shouldn’t be a revelation: with a lens of this calibre, there’s an expectation that budget won’t be an issue.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: Performance
  • Fast f/2 maximum aperture at every focal length
  • Strong center sharpness across the zoom range
  • Four XD linear motors for rapid, accurate autofocus

When it comes to performance, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM is nothing less than superlative. Autofocus is rapid and reliable, as you’d expect with a quartet of XD linear motors at work. While its size might conjure expectations of a sluggish response, there’s not even a hint of hesitation as the lens hunts for a subject. It’s remarkably quiet, too.

That speed puts another string in the bow of the FE 28-70mm f/2. While a standard zoom wouldn’t be the traditional choice for capturing action, its autofocus capabilities, paired with the ability to use fast shutter speeds at its widest aperture setting, make it a real sporting performer. It had no trouble tracking subjects in motion, locking with laser accuracy.

That constant f/2 maximum aperture is what sets the FE 28-70mm apart from other standard zooms. It unlocks prime performance at every focal length. Whether you’re shooting a night-time street scene at 35mm or a portrait at 70mm, you get the full light-gathering, background-defocusing power of a wide aperture.

F/2 is one stop faster than f/2.8. That means you need half as much light to shoot at the same shutter speed with the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM as you would with the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. That makes a big difference in the real world, allowing you to shoot sharp and fast even in tricky conditions. Only with an f/1.4 prime would you get a meaningfully faster shooting experience.

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 2 of 3

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

The net result is a standard zoom that can replace several primes in your kit bag. And it can do so without optical compromise: bokeh and background blur at f/2 is exceptionally smooth, with beautiful subject isolation.

Taken all together, that recipe makes the FE 28-70mm F2 GM a uniquely versatile option. For wedding and event photographers who don’t want the hassle of switching lenses throughout the day, it’s a compelling proposition – as it is for any well-heeled photographer who covers a wide range of genres.

Arguably its only limitation besides the price is the slight loss of wide-angle coverage: its 28mm starting point is tighter than on a typical 24-70mm zoom. Whether that extra 4mm makes a difference will come down to how you shoot, but the constant f/2 maximum aperture is your pay-off. For most people, that number is probably the more useful of the two.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: sample images Image 1 of 5

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

A close look at images shot with the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM reveals that it really is a master of all trades. Central sharpness is consistently superb across the zoom range and the lens is able to render magnificent detail. Paired with a high-resolution full-frame sensor, you’ll have no trouble cropping in on stills.

Edge sharpness is also excellent. Only at the wide end does a touch of corner softness become visible. There’s some in-camera correction at play here, addressing minor barrel distortion at 28mm. You’ll need a keen eye to spot it, though. Sony has certainly made its life easier by not extending the zoom range to 24mm, where distortion would have been a more significant issue.

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

In fact, there’s little evidence of any major imperfections. Both vignetting and chromatic aberrations are kept under tight control, with no color fringing to speak of. Contrast is strong as well, with just a trace of ghosting and a few flare artifacts visible when shooting wide open into direct sunlight. Optically, it’s very hard to find fault with this G Master glass.

In short, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM gives an almost flawless demonstration at every focal length. Even the absence of lens-based stabilization doesn’t hold it back: at f/2, shutter speeds are more than fast enough to eliminate the risk of blur. If you’re willing to dig into your pockets, Sony will reward you with a standard zoom that excels in every respect.

Should you buy the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM? Buy it if...

You want a do-it-all zoom lens

Combining the optical performance of a prime lens with the versatility of a standard zoom, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM can cover everything from landscapes to portraits with aplomb, whether day or night.

You want quality at every focal length

Sony has made very few optical compromises here. Pin-sharp at the center across the zoom range, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM also displays little in the way of vignetting, aberrations or distortion.

You want a lens you can live with

Cleverly packaged and lovely to handle, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM pairs well with a full-frame Sony body. It’s manageable to walk around with, while the G Master build includes full weather seals.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget

This is flagship glass that’s priced to match. With a premium build, versatile reach and professional performance, you’re getting your money’s worth, but the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is still a major investment.

You need a 24-70mm lens

Most standard zooms start at 24mm. Sony’s sacrifices 4mm in favor of a constant f/2 maximum aperture. That’s a stellar trade-off, but if you need the wide-angle coverage, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You shoot at specific focal lengths

Much of the Sony zoom’s value lies in the versatility of its reach. If you only plan to shoot at specific focal lengths, such as 35mm and 50mm, you’ll get faster apertures for less from a pair of prime lenses.

How I tested the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM
  • Tested in-depth for seven days
  • Paired with a Sony A7S III body
  • Shot a range of test scenes

The FE 28-70mm F2 GM was only available on a short loan from Sony. That gave me a week to run the zoom through a series of in-depth tests. Given that it’s pitched as the kind of lens you’ll keep on your camera by default, that’s exactly how I lived with it. Paired with a Sony A7S III body, I picked it up every time I left the house.

That gave me a good impression of how easy the FE 28-70mm F2 GM would be to live and shoot with as a long-term standard zoom. Walking around with it allowed me to get a feel for its weight and handling, while shooting a range of scenes in different light conditions yielded a diverse catalog of stills. Covering everything from floral close-ups to abstract street scenes, the results gave me a good basis on which to assess its optical performance.

I’ve shot with several Sony lenses recently, including wide-angle primes and super telephotos, so I had a good benchmark for comparing the build quality. I also regularly shoot with both prime optics and standard zooms on my own Nikon camera, which means I know what to look for when it comes to both image quality and the physical shooting experience.

  • First reviewed May 2025
Categories: Reviews

Duolingo Is Bringing New 'Energy' to Language Learning

CNET News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:00
The free version of the Duolingo app is getting new mechanics that are meant to help you keep learning.
Categories: Technology

Catholics at Villanova University, where Pope Leo XIV once attended, celebrate Mass

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:45

Pope Leo XIV once attended Villanova University. Catholics packed the St. Thomas of Villanova church to celebrate Sunday Mass and the new pope.

Categories: News

Windows 11 gets more AI upgrades we didn’t ask for – as Copilot pops up on the desktop and Microsoft Store

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:40
  • Windows 11 is getting more Copilot functionality
  • An ‘Ask Copilot’ option is arriving for the right-click menu on the desktop
  • Copilot is also being deployed in the Microsoft Store to provide buying advice (in testing)

If you’re expecting to see more AI in Windows 11, well, you’d be bang on the money there, as it seems Copilot is creeping into another couple of places in Microsoft’s desktop OS.

Neowin noticed that the latest version of the Copilot app (1.25044.93.0) has planted a new choice to invoke Copilot when working with certain files on your Windows 11 desktop.

So, if you right-click on a compatible file, it’ll offer an ‘Ask Copilot’ option in the context menu (which contains common actions you might like to pursue with any given file).

If you select that Copilot choice, it’ll fire up the app for the AI assistant with relevant options available (for example, if it’s a document, you’ll get the ability to summarize it there and then).

You may have seen that Microsoft recently revealed it’s set to introduce AI actions to File Explorer (the app which displays the contents of the folders on your PC). So, this move appears to be happening now.

Elsewhere, Microsoft is also planning to bring Copilot into the Microsoft Store to advise those browsing through its various wares.

The move – which is still in testing, according to Windows Latest – consists of adding a Copilot button to product pages in the store.

Clicking on that button pops up a small dialog box allowing you to ‘Ask Copilot about this product’ with suggested questions you might want to use, and a ‘compare’ button that allows you to see how the app (or game) stacks up to a rival piece of software.

However, the catch is that this integration in the Microsoft Store is hardly seamless, as all the store does is just throw your query to the Copilot app.

Analysis: Clever or clutter?

(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)

With the latter change, the idea is to help spur sales in the Microsoft Store with Copilot, although the integration being so basic isn’t going to help there.

It doesn’t feel very advanced to ask for a comparison of two apps, and to then be simply presented with a query of the differences between them in the Copilot app. Yes, it’s still a convenience, but it feels clunkier than the way it works now – but perhaps Microsoft is thinking of improving it down the line. Remember, this is still in testing for now.

Furthermore, not that many folks ever tread the virtual aisles of the Microsoft Store anyway, and the bigger move here is the wider deployment of Copilot as a right-click, context-sensitive option in Windows 11.

With that concept – which wasn’t unexpected, given Microsoft previously announced that this is the course it’s taking – the problem is it’s going to be a love or hate thing.

Those people who use Copilot will appreciate the convenience of added ways in which to easily access the AI direct from files on the desktop. However, those who don’t care about Copilot aren’t going to want an extra line of space taken up in their right-click menu, and will just regard this as additional clutter.

That said, those haters have choices. Neowin points out that you can perform a Registry edit to remove this new functionality from the right-click menu, but I really wouldn’t recommend that. Not unless you’re tech-savvy, and you want to keep the Copilot app, but not this extra option. (And even then, I should warn that messing with the Registry could cause trouble with your system if not immediately, then potentially down the line).

Rather, if you’re getting fed up with the various tendrils of Copilot extending too far into the interface of Windows 11, just uninstall the Copilot app completely. That’ll remove the AI from your context-sensitive menus (and taskbar, and everywhere else). Just find the app in the Start menu, right click it and choose the uninstall option to banish Copilot. Of course, you won’t be able to use the app at all then, so that’s not a good road to travel for those who might want to occasionally fire up the AI.

Not everything is bad about AI in Windows 11 by any means, and I should note that there’s a smart ability inbound, namely additional powers to be able to find and change settings in the OS (something that was promised from the outset by Microsoft, but never delivered until now). I say delivered now, but this hasn’t gone into testing just yet, and it’s only for Copilot+ PCs sadly (as is the case for another really useful AI-related tweak, better Windows search).

So, that’s another rather unfortunate theme for some folks, as well as AI spreading across more of Windows 11 – all of the best functionality is reserved for Copilot+ PCs. This is because some features require the NPU they have on-board for processing AI workloads on the actual device, rather than via the cloud.

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Categories: Technology

Suits spin-off has been canceled even though the original was one of the most-streamed shows of all time

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:34

Suits LA, the West Coast-set spin-off from the hugely successful show Suits, won't be getting a second season. That makes it the second Suits spin-off to be canceled given that Pearson was canceled last year.

The original Suits was a huge success and introduced us to Meghan Markle, becoming the must-watched show of 2023 when it moved from broadcast TV to Netflix. It was the number one streaming show for 12 consecutive weeks. But Netflix chose not to buy this spin-off, so it wasn't exposed to the same huge potential audience as the original show.

Why Suits' spin-offs don't last

While The Hollywood Reporter shared the news of Suits LA's cancellation, it didn't go into the reasons why. But like its fellow spin-off Pearson, the reason is almost certainly poor viewing figures.

As TVLine reported last year, Pearson only averaged 513,000 viewers – half the viewership of Suits Season 9, and lower than all but one USA Network drama at the time (the exception was the final season of Mr Robot, which had 360,000 viewers on average). While 1.07 million people watched the pilot, the finale was watched by 490,000 people – just over half the audience for the Suits finale.

Pearson struggled to find viewers even though it got decent reviews. I suspect Suits LA struggled even more, because its reviews have often been terrible.

The show is currently sitting with just 39% from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and just 54% from the audience. As the AV Club put it: "There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Suits LA is a disaster. In every conceivable way, this offshoot fails to capture the original’s breezy allure."

The first and only season of Suits LA is currently streaming on Peacock in the US. While it's not currently streaming in the UK, those in Australia can catch it on 7plus.

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Categories: Technology

Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza, Edan Alexander

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:21

Alexander, a 21 year-old Israeli soldier raised in New Jersey, is the last remaining U.S. citizen captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and held in Gaza, who is believed to still be alive. The bodies of four other Americans are still held in Gaza, according to the U.S.

(Image credit: Menahem Kahana)

Categories: News

Pope Leo XIV asks journalists to use communication as a tool for peace

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:20

The remarks come just one day after calling for a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine.

(Image credit: Christopher Furlong)

Categories: News

Nintendo now says it can disable your Switch or potentially even your new Switch 2 if you don't follow its user agreement

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:11
  • Nintendo has updated its user agreement in both the US and the UK
  • In the US, it now states Nintendo could brick your console due to unauthorised use
  • In the UK, your digital software could be disabled

Nintendo has updated its user agreement, toughening its stance on those who pirate games, attempt to emulate titles, or otherwise modify their consoles.

The changes were announced in an email distributed to users in the US and applies to all existing and new Nintendo accounts. Game File reports that the agreement received a little over 100 edits.

Some of the most interesting edits include a massive expansion of a portion that used to state that players "are not allowed to lease, rent, sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble all or any portion of the Nintendo Account Services without Nintendo's written consent, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law."

Now, it says that: "Without limitation, you agree that you may not (a) publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, lease, rent, decompile, disassemble, distribute, offer for sale, or create derivative works of any portion of the Nintendo Account Services; (b) bypass, modify, decrypt, defeat, tamper with, or otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Nintendo Account Services, including through the use of any hardware or software that would cause the Nintendo Account Services to operate other than in accordance with its documentation and intended use; (c) obtain, install or use any unauthorized copies of Nintendo Account Services; or (d) exploit the Nintendo Account Services in any manner other than to use them in accordance with the applicable documentation and intended use, in each case, without Nintendo’s written consent or express authorization, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law."

Nintendo is effectively now spelling exactly what you're not allowed to do. Being forbidden to "bypass, modify, decrypt, defeat, tamper" with parts of the system completely rules out activities like installing your own homebrew apps. The fact that you are not able to "obtain, install or use any unauthorized copies of Nintendo Account Services" also more strongly emphasizes that any kind of software piracy is not allowed.

As for what could happen if you break these rules, the agreement now states that: "You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part."

This outlines Nintendo's ability to brick your device (render it "permanently unusable in whole") if you don't adhere to the agreement. The company could also potentially disable certain functions (render it unusable "in part") which might, for example, mean preventing cheaters from being able to access online services in games.

The agreement has also been updated in the UK, though the new wording is less drastic. Players in the region now accept that: "Any Digital Products registered to your Nintendo Account and any updates of such Digital Products are licensed only for personal and non-commercial use on a User Device."

"Digital Products must not be used for any other purpose. In particular, without NOE's written consent, you must neither lease nor rent Digital Products nor sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any portion of Digital Products other than as expressly permitted by applicable law," it continues. "Such unauthorised use of a Digital Product may result in the Digital Product becoming unusable."

These agreements currently apply to the Nintendo Switch, but, unless changed ahead of launch, would also presumably govern your use of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. With this in mind, it would be wise to read the new terms carefully and ensure that you don't end up

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Categories: Technology

Need help switching appliances from gas to electric? A 'coach' can help

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 06:08

Government incentives for climate-friendly upgrades are confusing to navigate, and it can be hard to find businesses that sell them. So a new industry is emerging to help: the decarbonization coach.

(Image credit: Ryan Kellman)

Categories: News

I Tried the First Full-Scale, AI-Powered Gym: Is It the Future of Fitness?

CNET News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:58
LA's Fred Fitness relies on AI to create training plans for its members. As a wellness expert, I tried it out to see how it compares to a regular gym.
Categories: Technology

I tested the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 and found it excellent for most home uses

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:52

I write this review a few days after the Spain and Portugal electricity blackouts, this showed how reliant our societies are on electric power. The blackouts, perhaps the worst in recent memory in some places lasted up to 23 hours. One of the biggest sale items at the time being portable power banks as people were desperate to keep small electronic devices powered.

However, even these small power banks only have around 10,000mAh and can only power devices that often use a form of USB charging. This leaves anything running on 240v mains electricity often without power such as fridges and freezers.

Having reviewed the best portable power stations from varying brands across the years, the noted mainstays of the industry was a copy and paste with few tweaks here and features there. Nearly all of them were of a large boxlike design often with a status screen, varying power in and outputs and maybe an app. Portable only in the sense that you could pick it up and cart it off elsewhere, but some of them were bulky and pushing north of 20kgs in weight.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is almost no different except in this package you get not just the portable power station, but also a portable solar panel as a combo, however both are available for purchase separately as the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station and Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel.

We start on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station part of the combo.

(Image credit: Future) Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Portable Power Station Packaging

Starting with the Explorer 2000 Power Station, I opened the cardboard box to be presented with an orange box and helpful pull-out handles, removing this gave us a nice orange box, the sort you would see on shop shelves to market the product to you.

The back of the box shows that this power station has a capacity of 2042Wh or 45.6Ah from its Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, its in and output rates and some basic specifications.

Opening this orange box gives us the accessories tray consisting of only the AC power cable and manual. I do want to point out I was very impressed with the orange box packaging using only sturdy corrugated cardboard with a felt liner, no plastics in this box whatsoever.

(Image credit: Future) The power station

Once the power station was removed from the box, I noted its dimensions being on average about the same size here and there as other power stations I had reviewed in the past.

A quick visual inspection, I noted that all the output ports are at the front, the sides have ventilation slots with the AC and DC input ports on the right side. The back was plain save, for an information label and the bottom had large, wide sturdy rubberized feet.

One notable feature was the large carry handle on the top, possibly one of the best ones I had seen on any portable power stations as these are heavy with the Jackery weighing in at 17.5kgs (38.6lbs). The handle can be stowed away when not in use.

(Image credit: Future)

We will start discussing the output ports, all of which can be found on the front of the Jackery. The on/off switch can be found to the left of the screen which after a short press powers the unit on.

On the other side of the screen is a “Light” button which illuminates the small light, the white round disc, to the light button’s right. This light can be used as an emergency light source, it can be cycled from steady on dim, bright and SOS mode.

Below the lights are the AC power sockets, in this model the UK type G socket. Other models featured in the past had three or four but this only has two. The inverter Jackery has provided is capable of providing a pure sine wave to closely mimic that of the grids alternating current. It has a maximum wattage output of 2200W but can support a brief surge peak of 4400W should it be necessary. The sockets can be turned on or off using the small button labelled “AC” to the right.

To the left of the sockets are a column of three USB power outputs, two USB-C and one USB-A. The top USB-C has a max draw of 30W, the middle USB-C 100W and the lower USB-A only 18W draw.

Above the USB outputs is the 12V DC output capable of a 10A draw. The USB and 12V DC outputs can be switched on and off by the small button to the right of the USB outputs.

Curiously, all the outputs have no covers such as the rubberized ones we often see on other power stations. This means that the Explorer 2000 has no IP rating. An odd choice for a product marketed for on-the-go power to be charged by solar so long as its dry.

(Image credit: Future)

In the upper center is a small status screen that shows all the useful information that you will need at glance.

In the center is the remaining battery percentage surrounded by a battery power indicator, to the left in the input wattage and time to full charge and to the right is the output, also in wattage and remaining time until the battery is fully discharged.

(Image credit: Future)

To the top left is the status symbols for WiFi, Bluetooth and different modes, to the top right is the AC power indicator for 110 or 240v and 50 or 60Hz AC. Bottom left is the method of charge symbols for mains, car or solar charging and lastly to the bottom right are the various fault symbols.

To the side of the Explorer 2000 are the input sockets of which there are only three and none of the have covers or any ingress protection. That said, I was glad to see that the mains input was via the standard IEC14 socket. The other two were the DC inputs which worried me as I had not seen these kinds of DC inputs on previous power stations from other brands.

(Image credit: Future) Using the product

I used the Explorer 2000 on a few tasks through the house, this included running a Ninja Double Stack air fryer which drew a max of 1600W cooking for about 25 minutes, the Explorer 2000 had no problem powering this going from 100% to 80%.

I then used it for my steam generator iron which drew a max 2100W, again the Explorer 2000 had no issues powering this along but I did hear the fan (for the first) kicking in. That said the fan is incredibly quiet, barely audible even, more so outside. My quick 45-minute ironing session took the battery from 80% down to 40%.

The handle made transporting the battery around the home easier than some of the others I have used in the past making it not feel too heavy.

(Image credit: Future) Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: The SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

Now moving onto the Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

Packaging

The Solar panels were shipped in a rather flat looking box covered in a glossy sleeve, removing this we came to the brown box containing the panels.

The panels were wrapped in bubble wrap and pulling it out was fairly easy as the handles are at the very top.

The only items in the box are the panels, cable and manual. I started with the cable as this is the main interface between the panels and the Explorer 2000.

(Image credit: Future)

To say I am a little disappointed with the cable wouldn’t be a stretch. Solar panels such as those large ones mounted on homes and even smaller flexible ones from other brands often use the industry standard MC4 connectors.

Not so here, the SolarSaga’s output is via a proprietary socket and plug and on the other end is another non industry standard socket and plug, the cable has two adapters so that you can use either the DC 8020 or DC 7909 plugs. The industry standard is often the XT60 plug seen on so many other power stations.

(Image credit: Future)

This means that you cannot use these panels on other power station brands or charge the Explorer 2000 with an aftermarket set of panels without the use of adapters. Furthermore, if you lose or damage the SolarSaga cable, you’re stuck. The UK, US and other international Jackery websites do not list the cable for separate purchase, so ensure that you look after it.

The only plus of the cable is that on the end towards the battery is a small box containing a USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

(Image credit: Future)

The panels themselves are non-ridged panels with a max peak output of 200W over 4 panels (50W per panel) with a Open Circuit voltage peak of 25V. The panels are kept together with a series of press studs on the corners and the legs are kept in place by Velcro pads. Once side of the panels has the main circuit bar were the cable plugs into.

Once fully unfurled and opened up the panels take a surprising amount of room, fully extended measures 235cm or 92.5inches. I found these panels a little fiddly to get up and running as the legs are only on the end panels leaving the two in the middle to sag a little

(Image credit: Future)

To assist with aligning the panels with the sun, Jackery have thoughtfully included a Sun angle indicator on one of the ends of the panels, all you have to do is align the panels until shadow dot is in the middle of the white circle.

Once all connected you simply leave, it, occasionally moving the panels as the day goes by to ensure that they are at the optimum angle and face to the sun. During the day I monitored the input from the panels into battery and saw an average of 165W during the day with peaks hitting 180W. Solar panels rarely, if ever, hit their advertised peak output so the amounts I saw were about right.

On a recent, sunny day I set the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 up, between 1015Hrs and 1815Hrs, some 8 hours’ worth of charging, occasionally turning and re-angling the panels, the Explorer 2000 v2 went from 29% to 70%. It wasn’t a perfect test by any means, as during the latter part of the day the shade from my garden fences cast shade on the panels.

During the solar charge test, the Explorer 2000 stated an estimate 9 to 10 hours of solar charging needed to reach 100%. Of note there are two DC sockets and the SolarSaga 200 only used one of them, the manual does state that two SolarSaga 200s can be paired to double the charge rate thereby halving the time to charge fully.

(Image credit: Future)

Once I set up the Jackery Explorer 2000, I delved into, you guessed it, the app. A quick app download, registration and I was in. Adding the battery to the app was a simple and quick affair.

On the home screen you are greeted by your Jackery products, on this occasion the Explorer 2000 and state of charge.

Tapping on the battery led me to the main status screen of the battery showing is state of charge, inputs, outputs, WiFi signal strength, temperature and some basic controls.

Tapping on the cog on the top right led to more in depth controls and settings and through this the product specifications.

(Image credit: Future)

Using the app, I did find it somewhat laggy. I would click on say the USB icon to switch on USB charging and it would take about 5 seconds before the icon lit up and my phone acknowledging charge. Sometimes I found I had to click back to leave the battery status page and then click back into the battery to see that it had done what I asked of it.

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Final Verdict

Another solid product by Jackery and if recent events are anything to go by, maybe having one of these at home isn’t a bad idea after all. An old saying comes to mind “I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.

High output and high storage mean that this is excellent for most home uses in an emergency or using off peak charging to use during the day.

The only cons are that the SolarSaga cable is proprietary and not available anywhere else and a somewhat at time slaggy app.

We've compiled a list of the best laptop power banks.

Categories: Reviews

As Trump aims to deport millions, one pathway to legal status got bigger

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:42

A Biden-era rule eases the path for workers to be sponsored for U.S. permanent residency, an attractive option for those in horse-racing looking for a competitive edge.

(Image credit: Lydia Schweickart for NPR)

Categories: News

The U.S. and China cut tariffs. And, what's expected from Trump's Middle East trip

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:40

The U.S. and China ease the trade war with a significant cut to recently imposed tariffs. And, President Trump's trip to the Middle East is expected to involve a lot of commerce and cultural exchanges.

(Image credit: Pedro Pardo)

Categories: News

First group of Afrikaners granted refugee status are on their way to the U.S.

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:39

The first group of white Afrikaner South Africans granted refugee status by Trump administration enroute to U.S. as most other refugee admissions still suspended.

(Image credit: Jerome Delay)

Categories: News

A big Bluetooth upgrade will soon boost your privacy and battery life on iPhone or Android – here's what's coming

TechRadar News - Mon, 05/12/2025 - 05:34
  • The Bluetooth 6.1 update has just been announced
  • It should improve device privacy and battery life
  • It might come to iPhones and Android devices as soon as this year

Your next phone could come with a new Bluetooth feature that could make it harder to track you and boost your battery life at the same time, in a double win for any of the best phones that incorporate it. And while we don’t know its exact release date, there’s a chance we could even see it this year.

The feature in question from the new Bluetooth 6.1 protocol is called Randomized RPA Updates, and it’s just been announced as part of the Bluetooth upgrade. In this instance, RPA stands for resolvable private address, and it’s this part that will have an impact on your privacy.

That’s because under Bluetooth 6.0, devices will change their identifier addresses on a set timer, and this predictable process makes them easier to track. With Bluetooth 6.1’s Randomized RPA Updates feature, those address changes will happen randomly, with an interval of between eight and 15 minutes (although this can be customized anywhere from every second to every hour). That eliminates the update pattern, making your device far harder to track and exploit.

This change also affects battery life, as the process can be handled by your phone’s Bluetooth chip rather than its CPU. Lower load on your device’s processor should translate to better efficiency, which in turn means slower battery drain.

When will we see these changes?

(Image credit: Brett Jordan / Pexels)

Bluetooth 6.1 has only just been revealed as part of the protocol's new bi-annual release schedule, but there’s a chance we might see it in new devices as soon as this year.

Apple, for example, has a decent record for adopting new technologies in its products, so there’s a possibility we could see Bluetooth 6.0 – or perhaps even Bluetooth 6.1 – in its iPhone 17 range.

Still, 2026 feels like a more likely date for Bluetooth 6.1 to debut in phones, both of the Apple and Android variety. Usually with new Bluetooth tech, it’s better not to expect it too soon.

When it does arrive, though, it should bring benefits to both your privacy and your phone’s battery life – and that’s a double bonus for us to look forward to.

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