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Lots of the best parental control apps are packed with features but charge a high price for the privilege, but Kroha tries to be different by offering a wealth of features at a more palatable price.

On paper, then, that’s an attractive prospect, and it looks even better when you consider that Kroha offers some more innovative features on certain platforms.

There’s an option to protect young eyes from blue light spectrum colors and a mode where you can listen into your child’s device microphone, which is called Sound Around.

Kroha review: Plans and pricing

Before you get to the features, though, consider the pricing – because it’s very tempting. The one-year deal costs $22.99 and supports five devices, and if you pay $49.99 you get time-unlimited access to the app for five devices.

They’re both excellent prices that undercut virtually every rival, but that latter option is the best one if you’ve got a couple of kids and you want a parental control app you’ll use for a few years.

Alternatively, you can pay $5.99 for one month of access, but that’s poor value when compared to the other deals.

If you want to add thirty minutes or three hours of Sound Around access to your package, it costs $0.99 or $4.99 respectively. It also costs $4.49 if you want to add support for five more devices to your package. And while those extras do add cost, Kroha remains excellent value.

Kroha review: Features

That Sound Around feature, currently only available on Android, is one of the most interesting additions to the app, and it’s handy if you’re concerned for your child’s safety, if they’re not answering their phone or if you need to check their safety.

By pressing the Record button within the app, you’ll take a thirty-second recording of the sound around your child. By default, users get 20 recordings per month as part of their package.

That’s useful, and unique when it comes to parental control apps. It’s also not the only sound-related option available in Kroha. Parents can play a loud siren on the child’s phone – ideal if you’ve lost the device – and parents can remotely disable silent mode.

(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)

Kroha also allows parents to take screenshots of their child’s devices – and take photos using the front and back cameras on the device, too.

Elsewhere, Kroha allows parents to block or allow apps, create app categories and alter access for those blocks of apps, and set access and screen time limits for certain apps or categories. It’s an ideal way to allow access to safe, educational tools while limiting access to time-wasting games.

Similarly, websites can be blocked based on categories, and parents can also see children’s internet histories.

Kroha supports geofencing, real-time location tracking, and allows parents to see the photos stored on the child’s device, and parents can see children’s contacts, too.

Android users get YouTube histories and viewing statistics, and the intriguing Eye Protection mode, which warns children if the phone is too close to their eyes, switches to a soothing night mode to reduce blue light exposure and allows for app exclusions – so visual apps, like school video conferencing tools, aren’t affected.

(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)

Kroha monitors key messaging and social media apps, like WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and TikTok, as well as text messages. The feature set is completed by a comprehensive call history module and a “news feed” where parents can see how their child has used their app throughout the day, including time spent on particular apps.

There’s an awful lot available in Kroha, then, but we would warn parents whose children use iOS devices to check the feature lists before investing – because many more features are supported on Android than on iOS.

(Image credit: Parental Control Kroha)

And if you want a parental control app that concentrates on social media, then a tool like Bark is even more comprehensive.

Thankfully, Kroha is available with a five-day trial, so you’ll at least have the opportunity to check if the features you need are available on Apple’s platform before you spend any money.

It’s also worth mentioning Kroha Advanced, which is an app that works on desktop PCs or Mac OS. It introduces many of Kroha’s monitoring features to your desktop or laptop system – ideal if you want the benefits of Kroha without being glued to your smartphone.

Kroha review: Interface and in-use

Kroha’s set-up procedure is fine – very similar to many of its rivals. Once you’ve downloaded the app and told it whether it needs to function as a parent or child tool, you’ll have to run through the permissions required.

It gets a bit in-depth, requiring parents to delve into settings for app usage, notifications and battery optimization, though – these steps aren’t required on many rival tools and may confuse parents who are not familiar with smartphone settings menus.

And when you get Kroha working, the interface is adequate – it’s straightforward and easy enough to navigate, but tools like Bark and Qustodio are much more visually appealing and use visual cues in a much more pleasing way.

Kroha review: Support

Kroha’s support feels a bit barebones, too. There are plenty of helpful articles on Kroha’s website covering FAQs, features, troubleshooting, setup and subscriptions, but that’s about it.

There’s a support email address at the bottom of the Kroha website for more specific queries, but no web form, no indication of how long support will take, and no option to use more immediate types of support, like live chats or phone lines.

When compared to other apps, it’s a weaker offering.

Kroha review: The competition

Indeed, Qustodio, Bark and Kidslox are all far more comprehensive when it comes to support, with more methods of help available and a broader array of online articles. Bark has live chat and a forum, too.

All of those three apps look better than Kroha, too, and some go further in terms of features: Bark is much better for social media, Kidslox is stronger on location-based abilities, and Qustodio has better cross-platform abilities and more in-depth reporting.

Kroha review: Final verdict

This situation leaves Kroha in a tough spot. It’s got good app-blocking abilities, it monitors core social media tools and has geofencing, and it also has innovative features like Sound Around and the ability to access your children’s cameras.

It’s affordable, too, which is a key consideration for many parents who want parental control without breaking the bank.

The low price means weaknesses in other key areas, though. So while Kroha is a competent, affordable tool, its pricier rivals do offer more in terms of support and functionality.

• We've also highlighted the best parental control software

What's the next PS5 exclusive?

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Ghost of Yōtei is the next big PlayStation exclusive, releasing in October. It's a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but stars a brand new protagonist. We've now seen a story trailer that reveals main character Atsu, and the squad of villains she's going to be hunting. So far, it looks to be a very different game to its predecessor, with firearms making a big difference in combat. Hopefully, the game will also feature some PS5 Pro enhancements. If it does, it has a very good chance of landing on our best PS5 Pro games list.

Marvel's Wolverine may not have a release date or even a release window yet, but there are still plenty of juicy details floating around about the upcoming action-adventure game.

Developer Insomniac Games is known for Marvel's Spider-Man, as well as its sequels, Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. These games are all fantastic, gripping, and faithful realizations of the Spider-Man fantasy, and show that the studio has plenty of experience when it comes to crafting thoughtful adaptations of comic book greats. This suggests that Wolverine is in good hands and could turn out to join our lists of the best single-player games and the best story games when it eventually releases.

Like Marvel's Spider-Man, we're expecting Marvel's Wolverine to be an action-oriented, story-driven game with plenty of satisfying punch-ups and engrossing cutscenes. However, as creative director Brian Horton put it, Wolverine is set to have a more "mature tone." Given that James 'Logan' Howlett, the titular Wolverine, is known for his gritty adventures and dark demeanor, it makes sense that Insomniac would be aiming in this direction. Read on for more details as well as an in-depth analysis of the teaser trailer.

Marvel's Wolverine: cut to the chase

• What is it? A Wolverine game from the makers of Marvel's Spider-Man
• When does it come out? TBC
• What can I play it on? PS5
• Who is making it? Insomniac Games

Marvel's Wolverine - what we know so far

(Image credit: Insomniac Games)

We don't have a release date or even a release window for Marvel's Wolverine so far. However, it's clear that the game will be a PlayStation exclusive, in much the same vein as the Marvel's Spider-Man games. While it's been confirmed that Wolverine will be coming to the PS5, there's yet no indication that there will be a release for PS4 - a prospect that seems increasingly unlikely as the years roll by.

It's not impossible, however, that the game might eventually be released on PC; after all, Sony exclusives have a track record of eventually arriving on the platform. Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales are both available on PC, with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 having followed earlier this year. This suggests that Wolverine could wind up on PC sometime, too, but likely a little while after its initial launch on PS5.

Marvel's Wolverine trailer

Marvel's Wolverine was announced during Sony's PlayStation Showcase in September 2021, with a brief teaser trailer giving us our first look at Insomniac's take on Logan.

The teaser trailer shows a ruined dive bar, with injured men lying on the floor, before cutting to a back view of a man in a cowboy hat and checkered shirt drinking - his knuckles and surrounding area covered in blood. In the background, we see one of the injured men getting up and pulling out a knife. Sensing the assailant, the man at the bar - our hero - clenches his fist, revealing the iconic metallic claws.

The trailer may not give us a look at when it comes to combat or at Logan himself, but it does set the tone of Marvel's Wolverine. At first glance, it appears to be a more bloody, mature alternative to Insomniac Games' Spider-Man series. You can check out the trailer below:

So far, the reveal trailer is the only preview we currently have access to. In the meantime, we recommend keeping your eyes on PlayStation's official YouTube channel for any future updates.

Marvel's Wolverine story and setting predictions

(Image credit: Sony)

Though we don't yet have any concrete details as to what to expect from Marvel's Wolverine, the reveal trailer does offer several Easter eggs which provide some interesting hints.

Firstly, the trailer's setting seems to drop a big clue about when and where Marvel's Wolverine is set. Logan is drinking in the Princess Bar, located in Madripoor (which you may recognize from Marvel TV series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), which we can see from the bar sign and the Madripoor tourist poster.

In Marvel Comics Presents Volume 1 #1 (1988), Wolverine visits the Princess Bar while hunting down a crime lord called Roche. After wiping the bar floor with Roche's enforcers - who are trying to get protection money off the bar's owner O'Donnell - Wolverine becomes a regular of the bar, under the name "Patch", and even co-owned it for a time. The bar was essentially Logan's home away from home during a period when the X-Men were inactive. Is Insomniac Games hinting that this is the time when Marvel's Wolverine is set to take place? Will we see Logan taking on the criminal underworld? Both seem like distinct possibilities.

Another possible Easter egg is the Radio Lowtown 104.8 poster. Lowtown is a district in Madipoor, so Madipoor as a setting seems pretty likely. It's also possible that the number 104.8 could be a reference to Marvel Earth-1048, the universe in which Marvel’s Spider-Man is set. This seems to suggest that Insomniac's Spider-Man games and Wolverine take place in the same universe, meaning we could see potential crossovers in the future. This could be huge, allowing Insomniac to build an answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that isn't bogged down in endless sequels and story bloat.

The radio station isn't the only number that appears to reference a specific comic book. The license plate on the bar reads "HLK 181", which seems to reference The Incredible Hulk #18 - in which Wolverine makes an appearance. Does that mean we could see Hulk in Marvel's Wolverine? Again, we certainly hope so.

Marvel's Wolverine - what we'd like to see

(Image credit: Insomniac)

Embracing Wolverine's dark side
While Marvel's Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are critically acclaimed, they're all pretty family-friendly affairs. This isn't a criticism - after all, Spider-Man himself is, famously, a 'friendly neighborhood Spidey', known for his youthful antics and cheeky quips. A more light-hearted tone suits the character. However, Wolverine isn't all sunshine and rainbows. His backstory and characterization are, comparatively speaking, pretty dark. Wolverine stories are full of angst, betrayal, and, more often than not, bloody violence.

We're hoping that Insomniac explores this side of Logan in the Wolverine game, offering a more mature experience than Spider-Man did. We're not asking for gratuitous violence, but we do think a different tone is necessary. If you want to dig into Wolverine's backstory (depending on when this game is set), you can't shy away from the darker moments of Logan's past. Also, our hero would hardly be able to slash up enemies with his iconic claws without spilling at least a bit of blood. Without a bit of darkness, you'll only scratch the surface of his story - pun intended.

The appearance of other Marvel heroes...
We don't want them hogging the spotlight, but it would be nice to see Insomniac's take on some other Marvel heroes popping up in Wolverine as side characters. The specifics would really depend on the story Insomniac wants to tell, but we're hoping to see some of the X-Men make cameos, including Jean Grey, Professor X, or maybe even Rogue.

...and infamous villains
We currently don't know who will serve as the main adversary in Marvel's Wolverine, but there are plenty of infamous villains to choose from - and we imagine some could appear as smaller roles. We're hoping we could see Logan battling Sabertooth, Lady Deathstrike, or even Silver Samurai. Or, perhaps, we'll see him battling to bring down the Weapon X program that saw him subjected to the painful experiments that gave him his famous adamantium skeleton in the first place.

A Marvel Gaming Universe
Insomniac has done a great job of creating standalone products which have allowed us to meet all sorts of heroes and villains from across Marvel comics. However, now that the studio is stepping away from Spider-Man, it has a chance to flesh out a shared continuity that could offer many of the perks that the Marvel Cinematic Universe boasts, without the bloat. It's a tempting idea, and we'd love to see what the skilled storytellers at Insomniac would come up with if they decided to go down this route.

Marvel's Wolverine news

(Image credit: Sony)

Insomniac still can't confirm if Marvel's Wolverine will launch in 2025
Nearly four years after its initial announcement, we still have no idea when Marvel's Wolverine is launching, and Insomniac Games still can't confirm if it will be released in 2025.

A "full-size" game with a "mature tone"
According to Marvel's Wolverine's creative director, Brian Horton, James 'Logan' Howlett's standalone adventure on PS5 will be a full-size game with a "mature tone". Horton confirmed this in response to a fan on Twitter asking whether Wolverine on PS5 will be "big or a [smaller] 'Miles Morales' size game".

Directed by Spider-Man: Miles Morales creative leads
In a PlayStation Blog post, Insomniac Games revealed that Marvel's Wolverine is being directed by Brian Horton (creative director) and Cameron Christian (game director), who led the creative efforts on Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Respecting the DNA with a fresh take
Insomniac Games has said that, while it intends to honor the "DNA" of what makes Wolverine popular, the studio will be putting a fresh spin on Logan.

"In the vein of our Spider-Man games, our goal here is to not only respect the DNA of what makes the character so popular, but also look for opportunities to make it feel fresh and truly reflect the Insomniac spirit," Insomniac Games wrote in a PlayStation blog post. According to the developer, despite being in early development, Marvel's Wolverine boasts an "emotional narrative and cutting-edge gameplay". We hope the pun was intended.

Marvel's Wolverine FAQIs Marvel's Wolverine set in the Spider-Man universe?

Yes, Marvel's Wolverine is indeed in the Spider-Man universe. Marvel's Spider-Man 2's creative director Bryan Intihar confirmed this during an interview with Kinda Funny Games. When asked whether the two series share the same universe, he responded:

"They're all 1048."

This is a reference to Earth 1048, the universe that the Marvel Spider-Man games take place in. Here's hoping for a Spider-Man cameo in the upcoming Wolverine game then!

Is Marvel's Wolverine coming to Xbox?

Marvel's Wolverine is not planned for release on Xbox. Currently, only PS5 is listed, but like other Sony projects, we could see it come to PC later down the line. Unless Sony's first-party strategy changes drastically over the next few years, we'll never see Marvel's Wolverine release on Xbox platforms.

Will Marvel's Wolverine be PS5 Pro enhanced?

Marvel's Wolverine is yet to be confirmed as a PS5 Pro-enhanced title, but we're betting it'll join the list of PS5 Pro games when it launches. This is largely down do it being a first party title, which appear to be getting upgraded modes thanks to Sony's new console.

When was Marvel's Wolverine announced?

Marvel's Wolverine was announced during a PlayStation Showcase in September 2021. Interestingly, this was the same show that featured the reveal of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which ended up launching in October 2023.

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Companies that make the best parental control apps need to make a philosophical choice when producing software: do you want to assume trust and give children some leeway about their behavior, or is it better to try and protect kids by tracking everything?

The developers behind mSpy have clearly opted for the latter approach, with a slate of features that monitors keystrokes, locations, chats, calls, pictures and more.

This parental control method won’t work for everyone, especially for parents who want to maintain trust in their familial relationships. But if you are keen to take a closer look at your kids’ online behavior, is this the app for you?

mSpy review: Plans and pricing

If you’re a parent who wants to figure out how much mSpy actually costs, good luck: the app’s website makes it quite difficult to actually find this information.

The most affordable option is mSpy Premium. At the time of writing, it costs $11.19/£8.75 per month on Android and iOS if you pay for an annual package.

That price gives you support for one child device and a broad array of features, although some of those only work on Android and some require users to root or jailbreak phones to get them working.

The Family Kit offers support for three devices and delivers all of the features available in mSpy Premium at a price of around $33.25/£26 per month, although the price isn’t actually listed on mSpy’s website at the time of writing.

If your family use Android, the mSpy Extreme tier costs $23.99/£18.76 per month if you pay for a year of access. At this level, you get the full suite of features without any need for jailbreaking – and you get some extra functionality, like remote camera and microphone access, the ability to record calls and an anonymous Instagram viewer.

There’s also an Ultimate option for iOS-based families that costs around $39.64/£31 per month for single device support. It provides most of the features of the other tiers, although it misses out on keyword alerts, app blocking and remote camera and microphone access.

The pricing available on mSpy feels deliberately obscured, then, and those prices are also extremely high. Other parental apps don’t offer the keylogging and sheer detail of mSpy, but they offer lots of conventional parental access features at a fraction of the price.

mSpy review: Features

So, what can you actually do with mSpy? Unsurprisingly, many of the app’s features revolve around information gleaned from keylogging.

Parents can see text messages, images sent and received over SMS, and Facebook Messenger activity – alongside chats from apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Kik, Telegram, Tinder, Viber, Instagram, iMessage and more.

You’ll be able to get information about who has texted your children and who they’re texting, including contact numbers and names. Unsurprisingly, mSpy’s logging and reporting is always comprehensive – access the parent app and you’ll be confronted with a fearsome amount of information.

Parents can rely on mSpy’s keylogger to see every stroke that’s typed on the phone – so you can check deleted messages, URLs and more. It’s also possible to get alerts if your children type specific words.

And because much of this functionality runs in the background, hidden on the target device, your children may not even know they’re being monitored – or, at least, they won’t find it so intrusive.

The app allows parents to monitor call logs and emails, including attachments and the ability to see emails they’ve sent and received. Parents can see browser histories, see data about how often sites are visited, filter based on categories and check their bookmarks – and even see what Wi-Fi networks children are using.

(Image credit: mSpy)

That’s not all: mSpy allows parents to block apps, see what apps are installed, and view photos and videos stored on the device. A screen-recording feature is also available so parents can get visual snapshots of child phone activity – even with disappearing message features that are now popular on many apps.

Parents can view their children’s current location using mSpy’s GPS-based functionality, and also use geofencing to get alerts when children enter or leave places where you want them to visit – or want them to avoid.

And if you pay for the Extreme version, you can also access their camera and microphone, record calls, and anonymously view Instagram.

(Image credit: mSpy)

It has a comprehensive set of keylogger-based features, but bear in mind that mSpy’s Android app is far more powerful than the iOS app – if you want to monitor an Apple device, you’ll need to do some jailbreaking.

Rooting and jailbreaking is particularly concerning because it can, potentially, void your device warranty, prevent access to other apps and make devices more vulnerable to cybercrime.

(Image credit: mSpy)

Parents also need to bear in mind that mSpy’s concentration on logging means this app is lacking elsewhere

Its screen time management is basic, without the detail or granularity found in many other apps, and there’s no category-based website blocking or filtering – this is another area where the functionality is underwhelming.

(Image credit: mSpy)

Other apps also offer more in terms of location-based features, including the option to track children’s driving habits.

(Image credit: mSpy)mSpy review: Interface and in-use

Unsurprisingly, mSpy’s interface provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at your children’s device behavior. You can see everything, from message content and phone call logs to web histories and even the events in their calendar.

There are separate sections for browsing photos and videos, setting up keyword alerts, delving into the keylogger and viewing what apps your children have installed.

The interface is clean, well-organized and easy to use, with straightforward menus and good organization. Once you’re set up, it’s easy to get started.

It’s a great interface if you want to delve into the data, but other apps make things a little easier to see summaries of daily and weekly activity – mSpy keeps things granular and specific rather than providing top-level reports.

Suffice to say, though, that installation is not particularly easy. On an iOS without jailbreaking the feature set is restrictive, but jailbreaking is a fraught process that many parents may not want to attempt.

On Android, you’ll need to disable Google Play Protection to install the app and use most of its features, and parents need to root the phone to get access to every feature.

We’re pleased to see that mSpy provides installation guides for both platforms, but you get far more information if you pay extra for the Ultimate plan – a frustrating choice that feels particularly cynical.

There’s also an option to pay even more to get remote assistance with installation. But no matter what route you choose, mSpy setup is likely to be complicated, frustrating and potentially expensive.

mSpy review: Support

This is another area where mSpy seems to underperform. The FAQ section is underwhelming, with basic questions and short answers that don’t really answer questions. There’s a tiny chatbot that is hard to see.

On paper, mSpy offers phone and email support, but reports from users suggest that the help isn’t actually very helpful, with answers that are either out-of-date or incorrect.

It’s possible to pay extra for more in-depth support, but that option is expensive.

mSpy review: The competition

mSpy faces tough competition from parental control apps that concentrate on conventional features rather than surveillance and keylogging.

Bark, for instance, has better social media monitoring, Qustodio has superb scheduling and screen limiting options, and Mobicip excels in many of those areas, too. All of those tools also have better location-based functionality than mSpy.

They’re all cheaper, too – indeed, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a parental control app that’s as expensive as mSpy.

mSpy review: Final verdict

If you’re not concerned with ethical or moral questions around keylogging, then there’s no doubt that mSpy does a great job here – on Android, at least, it can monitor virtually everything that your child does using their device.

But for all of its keylogging prowess, it falls short in many of the more conventional areas of parental control and it’s very expensive.

If you want that extensive access and keylogging for your children, then mSpy may be worth the price to you – but we’d urge parents to look elsewhere for more affordable and well-rounded parental control.

• We've also featured the best parental control software

It's a good day to be a Prime Video user. Right now, almost 30 – yes, 30 – subscription add-ons have had their prices slashed ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025. So, if you've ever wanted to try out of the many bolt-on channels and/or best streaming services that are offered as part of your Amazon Prime package, now is as good a time as any to do so.

Apple TV+ is one I'd recommend checking out, too. Not only is it currently available for just $4.99 a month for the first two months if you bolt it onto your Prime Video subscription – that's a saving of 50%, FYI – but Apple's streaming platform is also home to some absolutely brilliant Movie and TV Originals.

Apple TV+ two-month subscription: was $9.99 per month now $4.99 at Prime Video
Stream Severance season 2, The Gorge, and Stick for just $4.99 per month, down from the usual $9.99. This represents a 50% saving on the usual monthly price, but note that the offer is only available for two months. View Deal

Ready to take advantage of this unmissable deal? Here are four of the best Apple TV+ shows (all of which hold 86% or higher critical ratings on Rotten Tomatoes) ready to stream as soon as you've added Apple TV+ to your Amazon Prime subscription.

Foundation

Seasons: 2
Age rating: TV-MA
Main cast: Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Laura Birn, Leah Harvey, Cassian Bilton, and Terrence Mann
RT critical score: 86%

Apple TV+ is home to some of the greatest sci-fi shows of the modern age, and this criminally underseen space opera is certainly among that number.

Based on Isaac Asimov's best-selling book series namesake, Foundation stars Harris as Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who believes his mathematical predictions can help the human race to avert a 30,000-year long crisis known as The Darkness. The novels follow Seldon's attempts, with protege Gaal Dornick (Llobell) in tow, to convince and later battle against the Galactic Empire, which is ruled by three clones of Emperor Cleon I – Dawn (Bilton), Day (Pace), and Dusk (Mann) – and rejects Seldon's warning-based works.

Foundation has been one of my favorite shows since it first aired in September 2021. Read my Foundation season 1 premiere review and Foundation season 2 review to find out why. Foundation season 3 will arrive on July 11, so now's the perfect time to binge its forebears and then read my Foundation season 3 review for more on its best instalment yet.

• Watch Foundation on Apple TV+

Severance

Seasons: 2
Age rating: TV-MA
Main cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, and Dichen Lachman
RT critical score: 96%

If you prefer your sci-fi to come with a huge helping of mystery and a seemingly infinite number of fan theories, Severance is the one for you.

Scott plays Mark Scout, a Severed Floor-based Lumon Industries employee who underwent the titular surgical procedure upon accepting the job. Essentially, the experiment separates a person's work life (this is called their 'innie') and personal life (their 'outie'), and neither persona has memories of what the other does. However, when one of Mark's fellow Severed employees uncovers some nefarious goings-on at Lumon, and a new hire also begins to question what the company's ambitions are, Mark and his cohorts embark of a quest to unravel the truth.

Saying anything else would spoil the workplace mystery-thriller's biggest surprises, so do what I did and go in as blind as you can (ie don't read anything apart from our Severance season 1 review and Severance season 2 review, or watch any trailers) before you stream it. You'll thank me later.

• Watch Severance on Apple TV+

Slow Horses

Seasons: 4
Age rating: TV-MA
Main cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, and Hugo Weaving
RT critical score: 98%

If Slow Horses was available on HBO in the US and/or BBC One in the UK, it would be one of the biggest shows around. Instead, this critically-acclaimed Apple TV Original continues to be hugely underappreciated by fans of small-screen entertainment.

Based on Mick Herron's 'Slough House' book series, it follows Oldman's Jackson Lamb, a grouchy, lazy, unkempt, and sarcastic individual who heads up a division at MI5 where screw-ups, such as Lowden's River Cartwright, are sent if they botch an important mission and/or fail their espionage-based training program.

Fans of spy-thriller stories will absolutely love Slow Horses for its eclectic cast of characters, meaty and electrifying narratives, quintessentially British humor, and stylish action sequences. Do me a favor and watch its first four seasons immediately. With Slow Horses season 5 set to premiere in September, and two more seasons already in the works, Lamb and company aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

• Watch Slow Horses on Apple TV+

Ted Lasso

Seasons: 3
Age rating: TV-MA
Main cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Brendan Hunt, Phil Dunster, and Nick Mohammed
RT critical score: 96%

The first Apple TV Original to become a worldwide hit, Ted Lasso is a sports comedy-drama that won the hearts and minds of soccer (and non-soccer) fans after it premiered in August 2020. In it, Sudeikis plays the titular character who stuns the soccer world when he becomes the new manager of relegation-threatened AFC Richmond.

A fan-favorite and multi-award-winning series that became a global phenomenon, Ted Lasso was the feel-good show we all needed amid the height of the pandemic. You'll laugh, cry, and cheer as the eponymous head coach makes his players, the soccer world, and viewers alike believe in his unorthodox management skills, the power of positivity, and fatherly demeanor.

Seasons 1 to 3 are available to stream right now, so be sure to read my Ted Lasso season 2 review and Ted Lasso season 3 review before you watch those installments. With Ted Lasso season 4 also in early development, there's no better time to watch this perfect hattrick of goal-den TV fare.

• Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+

Editor's Note: EA recently cancelled work on the new Black Panther game, and shuttered developer Cliffhanger Games. As such, it's not coming out, but you can still find info on everything announced on the game in this article.

A new Black Panther game is in the works over at Cliffhanger Games, a new outfit under the EA banner. After a couple of years of rumors swirling around the internet, EA finally announced its Black Panther game, alongside some details on what to expect. Since then, we've not heard much at all, and we've even seen a completely different game featuring Black Panther announced.

While information is admittedly light at the moment on the Black Panther game, we do know that it is being worked on by developers that previously led the Shadow of Mordor game series. With such pedigree behind it, Black Panther certainly has a great chance at landing among the best superhero games when it eventually launches.

It could be a while before we hear more on Black Panther, so while we wait, here's everything revealed about the game so far. This includes a look at what's been said about gameplay, and all of the latest news.

Black Panther - cut to the chase

• What is it? The untitled Black Panther game from EA
• When’s does it come out? TBC
• What can I play it on? TBC

Black Panther gameplay details revealed

So far, we've yet to see gameplay of the new Black Panther game from EA. There is some information buried in the announcement for the game, which describes it as an "original, third-person, single-player Black Panther game." While there's still plenty to learn about the gameplay, we do at least know that it will be third-person, and action-focused. Hopefully we hear more sooner rather than later.

One interesting tidbit from the blog post comes from project lead Kevin Stephens:

"We’re dedicated to delivering fans a definitive and authentic Black Panther experience, giving them more agency and control over their narrative than they have ever experienced in a story-driven video game."

From this, we're betting that Black Panther has story choices, or perhaps something akin to the nemesis system from the Shadow of Mordor games. More info followed in April of 2024, as part of a job listing that suggests the new Black Panther game will be open world (Eurogamer). The advert describes the role:

"Reporting to the Design Manager, the Sr. Technical Designer Sandbox will be instrumental in designing and populating encounters, systems, and gameplay within a dynamic and evolving open world,"

This all means that the game could still be in early development, though it does at least suggest that the team is currently designing it around an open-world system.

New Black Panther game setting

Could EA's Black Panther draw inspiration from the MCU? (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney)

What we do know about the new Black Panther game is that it is set in Wakanda. The in-game world of Wakanda is described as a "rich Super Hero sandbox." This could mean more of an open-world, or something slightly more constrained. The aforementioned blog post also outlines Cliffhanger Games' plans for Wakanda:

"As we begin this remarkable journey, we are excited to be working with Marvel Games to ensure that we craft every aspect of Wakanda, its technology, its heroes, and our own original story with the attention to detail and authenticity that the world of Black Panther deserves."

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• By using Nim, miscreants are able to bypass traditional AV measures
• They approach their victims on Telegram and invite them to a Zoom meeting
• The malware steals sensitive data and crypto tokens

North Koreans are targeting Mac users with brand new malware in an attempt to steal cryptocurrency and other sensitive data, experts have warned.

Security researchers from SentinelLabs discovered NimDoor, a unique backdoor malware written in a lesser-known programming language called Nim, which they attributed to North Korea state-sponsored adversaries engaged primarily in cryptocurrency theft, which is then used to fund both its state apparatus and its weapons program.

Nim is used, first and foremost, to evade detection. The backdoor also uses AppleScript for beaconing and asynchronous sleep timers, tricking traditional security measures and maintaining persistence.

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Alarming evolution

The attack usually starts on Telegram, where victims are approached by a seemingly trusted contact and invited to a fake Zoom meeting.

The link redirects the victim to a spoofed Zoom page that prompts them to install an update in order to participate in the call. Instead of the update, the victims are dropped the malicious payload, which steals all sorts of sensitive data, from browsing history, search activity, cookies, Telegram data, to Keychain passwords.

“This represents an alarming evolution in North Korean cyber capabilities, particularly because it specifically exploits the growing remote-working trend and Mac users' perceived lower vulnerability to such attacks,” the researchers explained.

North Korean state-sponsored threat actors are known for their campaigns targeting cryptocurrency and Web3 companies. Among the biggest and most dangerous groups is Lazarus, a threat actor that netted more than $3.4 billion, in different attacks between 2021 and 2025.

Among the biggest heists is the ByBit attack that happened in February 2025, when they stole approximately $1.5 billion in different tokens. Ronin Bridge was compromised in March 2022 for $600 million, while Poly Network lost roughly the same amount of money the year prior.

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Despite having been announced over five years ago, we barely know anything about BioShock 4, and have next to nothing that's been officially confirmed. This is a shame given it's one of the most interesting and highly acclaimed gaming series of all time - and it's been more than a decade since the last game was released.

We do know that 2K Games are publishing it and it's being developed by a studio called Cloud Chamber. Apart from that, we're clutching at straws in terms of where the game might be set, how it might play, what platforms it is going to release on, and so on.

It would be easy to say that we 'expect' to hear something soon, but given the nearly five-year gap since the announcement and now, and the fact that it really is one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming games that's known to be in development, we really do hope that we get something concrete soon.

However, while we wait for more info on BioShock 4, here's everything that's been revealed about the game so far, including some rumors about its development so far. Once new details come to light, this page will be updated.

BioShock 4: cut to the chase

• What is it? The fourth entry in 2K Games' retrofuturistic game series
• When can I play it? TBC
• What can I play it on? TBC (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC are likely)
• Who is making it? Cloud Chamber Studios (a 2K Games studio)

BioShock 4 - what we know so far

(Image credit: 2K)

While we're certainly excited for the next BioShock game, we don't actually know when we'll get our hands on it. In a tweet officially announcing a new BioShock game back in 2019, publisher 2K Games stated that work had begun on the next iteration of the BioShock franchise. Here, it confirmed that the game would be in development "for the next several years".

That may not have been the most welcome news, but it did give us an idea about what platforms BioShock 4 would eventually release on. Now that we're deep into the generation of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S - and, by extension, further away from the Xbox One and PS4, we would strongly predict that, given the ongoing wait for the game as well, BioShock 4 will be a current-gen exclusive and not cross-generational.

As spotted by GamesRadar (July 4, 2024), the studio's senior cinematic designer Jeff Spoonhower shared a bunch of open roles on LinkedIn, while also teasing what's to come.

"The BioShock team at 2K Cloud Chamber is ramping up!" the post reads. "We have many positions open across a variety of disciplines including art, animation, engineering, design, narrative, and production."

Given the breadth of roles being advertised here, it's difficult to say whether or not BioShock 4 is far along in its development or not. For now, we expect the game to be re-revealed at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later.

BioShock 4 gameplay predictions

(Image credit: 2K Games)

Now, when looking at or thinking about BioShock 4 gameplay and setting details we are diving head first into a lot of speculation and clutching at straws. However, there have been some clues that we could investigate (read: 'cling to') to try and inform ourselves a little on both factors.

First, to potential BioShock 4 gameplay. The original official 2K press release from 2019 (no longer live or available) did seem to indicate that it would be first-person again. 2K President David Ismailer said alongside that ”We can’t wait to see where its [BioShock's] powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.” This rather implies that the first-person nature is likely to continue.

BioShock 4 setting prediction

(Image credit: 2K Games)

The settings of BioShock games are always incredibly important aspects. Ever since players first locked eyes on the underground city of Rapture, BioShock games' settings have mesmerized, while also became a core part of each game's story and narrative.

In terms of possible BioShock 4 setting details, there was a lot of rumor floating around at the end of 2021 stating that the fourth game would take us back to a familiar time period. The crux of the rumors was that BioShock 4 would be set in the 1960s and in an Antarctic city called 'Borealis' - and that its story would connect the previous games in the series. While these claims did align with several publications' own sources at the time, there has been no official confirmation or word on them.

Going back a bit further in 2021, there was a strong belief that BioShock 4 would be going open-world due to details stated in some job ads at the time that all pointed toward the design of a bust, crowd-filled, expansive open-world setting. Again, there was and has been no official comment on that.

BioShock 4 developer

(Image credit: 2K Games)

As we know, the studio making BioShock 4 is Cloud Chamber - but who exactly is leading development and has their hands on the tiller?

Well, we know a few people involved - and we've addressed the Ken Levin-shaped question below too. Leading the studio is Kelley Gilmore, a veteran developer, formerly of Firaxis Games. However, with other folks involved who have experience with the BioShock series working on the game too, there is genuine "BioShock DNA" within the development team as Gilmore confirmed in an interview with our sister site GamesRadar+.

When was BioShock 4 announced?

Today, 2K announced the founding of Cloud Chamber, its newest development studio. This team of storytellers has begun work on the next iteration of the acclaimed @BioShock franchise, which will be in development for the next several years.Learn more: https://t.co/L5hMVADxvY pic.twitter.com/SPvVVZoFCQDecember 9, 2019

BioShock 4 was officially announced on December 9, 2019. You can see the announcement Tweet embedded above, which simply states that a new BioShock game is in development, and reveals the team working on it. This is the last official news we received on the game.

BioShock 4 latest news

(Image credit: 2K)

Leaked screenshot gives us our first real look at BioShock 4
A BioShock 4 screenshot has apparently leaked online, giving us what could be our first look at the game since its announcement. Read our full writeup here.

New job listings confirm development is ramping up
After almost five years since Bioshock 4 was announced to be in the works, its developer has officially confirmed it is now properly gearing up and is looking for additional members to join the team at 2K Cloud Chamber.

BioShock movie is in the works
After years of stories about Universal trying and failing to bring a BioShock movie to life, we do know that Netflix now has a live-action movie in the works. We know that Francis Lawrence (Slumberland) is the director and screenwriter Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049) is also involved. Beyond this, however, we know very little - especially about anything that would potentially tie it to BioShock 4 somehow.

Our guess is that there won't be much of a connection on the whole, with both BioShock 4 and the movie standing as separate entities.

Ghost of Tsushima narrative lead joins BioShock 4
Far Cry 4 and Ghost of Tsushima narrative lead Liz Albl announced on Twitter (opens in new tab) that she would be making the jump to 2K Games’ Cloud Chamber studio as part of the BioShock 4 story crew. This is the latest we've heard in terms of the game's development process.

More job listings suggest the next BioShock will be open-world
In a piece of juicy gossip supplied by a new round of job listings, it appears that Cloud Chamber will be taking BioShock in a different direction this time out, with the developer actively searching for someone "who can weave impactful, character-driven stories in an open world setting."

Another job listing also points to the upcoming BioShock implementing an "urban crowd system" with a "systemic tribal ecology" backed by a "sometimes hostile AI". It's said the person who ultimately gets the job will need to "push the envelope of what is possible with interactive crowd systems".

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Lots of the best parental control apps try to layer features over the top of conventional software tools, but Boomerang takes a slightly different approach by including its own safe browser, called SPIN.

Beyond that, this app promises 24/7 location tracking, message monitoring and a more positive approach to app control, although there are vast differences between the experience you get on Android when compared to iOS.

Boomerang review: Plans and pricing

Boomerang gets off to a good start with attractive pricing. There’s a 14-day free trial and, if you want to invest, the Family Pack costs $40 per year and includes licences for ten devices. If you want a single licence, it costs $20 per year per device.

That Family Pack is the best option, then, and if you want to purchase the easiest way to get started is to conduct an in-app purchase via Google Play or the App Store. But bear in mind that you may hit that ten-device limit quickly if you’re a large family with lots of devices.

Boomerang review: Features

We’d certainly recommend Google Play, though, because Boomerang is far more powerful on Android than on iOS.

On Android, for instance, you can control your children’s screen time limits and schedules, always allow them to use preferred apps, and inform your children about how much time you’ve got left. Apple’s OS misses out on all of those features – on an iPhone you can only give your children a time-out from Boomerang.

The situation continues to be this one-sided. On Android you can automatically block unfiltered web browsers, set daily timers for individual apps, block apps and schedule app usage – and none of that is available on Apple’s devices.

Call and text messaging safety is far more robust on Android, too: on Google’s platform you can see call logs, restrict calls and block numbers, view text message logs and set filters for specific words. You’ll get notified when inappropriate words are used or when children are texting with unauthorized contacts.

(Image credit: Boomerang)

On Android you’ll get notified if your child removes Boomerang protection, blocks access to device settings, tries to uninstall the app or change the date and time – and none of this is available on iOS.

On both platforms you’ll get to see your child’s web history and block certain websites, but Android’s reporting is much stronger thanks to detailed email summaries, daily reports, lists of installed apps and per-app usage reporting. Android is also the only platform where you can control installed apps and use a “find my device”-style feature on your children’s phones.

It’s not all bad for iOS users. The SPIN safe browser works on both platforms, and you can block specific websites on both, too.

Location tracking works across both platforms, you can access location histories and automatic location reporting, and parents can set up impressive geofenced radii on both, too. And no matter what platform you use, you’ll get access to a family messaging group, one-on-one chatting and activity reporting.

(Image credit: Boomerang)

Dive into Android, then, and far more is available. You get bedtime routine scheduling, daily app time limits, “encouraged apps” that are exempt from those rules, and the option to give kids a time out to pause their device usage.

Boomerang’s text message monitoring is extensive, with detailed logs and the option to collect all text content, and you can control who your child calls – and who can call them. You can pair family devices with your email address, so you don’t have to create new email accounts for your children, and you can block new app installs or allow for parental approval.

Elsewhere, Boomerang monitors YouTube history and searches on Android, and it’s one of the only parental control apps to use Samsung Knox security if you’re using Samsung devices.

The SPIN browser impresses, too: searches in browsers like Bing, Google and Yahoo are automatically filtered and the browser has strict built-in filtering. It doesn’t have a private browsing mode, those content filters can be customized, and its filter watches out for 20 different categories of potentially inappropriate content.

Less impressive is Boomerang’s social media functionality. It doesn’t natively monitor social media apps or emails in the same way as Bark, for instance. The app will pick up certain things by tracking messaging and typing, and you can add social media sites to its web filters – but it’s not as good as Bark or Qustodio here.

At least, because you’ve got control over what apps are installed, you can prevent your children from installing social media tools in the first place.

Boomerang review: Interface and in-use

It’s not unusual for the installation and setup of parental control apps to be a bit fiddly, and that’s certainly the case with Boomerang.

To get call and SMS monitoring, you’ll have to install Android apps on your children’s devices via the Boomerang website, rather than the Google Play Store. You may also have to delve into the settings on the device to allow for non-store installations.

Thankfully, the parent apps can just be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store, and it’s far easier. And when everything is set up, the interface is a mixed bag: the phone app is relatively slick, but the web dashboard is archaic and harder to use when compared to the web interfaces offered by most rivals.

Boomerang review: Support

Boomerang’s support is rudimentary. Users can submit a support ticket, but the website hasn’t got any indication of how long it’ll take to get a response.

Elsewhere, there’s a knowledge base and FAQ section online, and a forum that wasn’t particularly active at the time of writing. There’s a podcast and a blog, but that’s it for support.

Boomerang review: The competition

We’ve already mentioned Bark and Qustodio, and both rival apps do a better job with email and social media monitoring – but, negatively, both are a little more expensive than Boomerang, too.

Boomerang is stronger than the competition when it comes to geofencing and screen time management thanks to its granular controls in both areas.

Qustodio is better for iOS, with a more robust offering on that platform, and OurPact is also a better alternative for Apple’s platform.

Boomerang review: Final verdict

Boomerang has its negatives, then, especially when it comes to iOS support and monitoring of email and social media apps, but it’s much stronger with geofencing, filtering, scheduling and web browsers – especially thanks to the proprietary SPIN app.

This means Boomerang is ideal for Android-based families with children who don’t currently use email or social media. The price is pleasingly affordable, too.

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UI animations might have revealed the imminent release of a so-called "Galaxy G Fold" device with three screens.

• Microsoft has responded to rumors that Xbox head Phil Spencer will be retiring after the launch of the next Xbox console
• Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, insisted that "Phil is not retiring anytime soon"
• The rumors come amid mass layoffs at Microsoft

Amid mass layoffs at Microsoft, the company has insisted that Gaming CEO Phil Spencer won't be retiring "anytime soon".

Yesterday, the company announced that it would be making swift changes across its studios, which has resulted in massive job cuts that have seen at least 9,000 staff members affected, as well as many game cancellations, including Perfect Dark, Everwild, and the unannounced MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online studio.

Following the major layoffs, rumors also began circulating that the head of Xbox is also set to retire, with Call of Duty leaker GhostOfHope claiming that "Phil Spencer will be retiring from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after the launch of the next generation Xbox" and that Sarah Bond, current Xbox president, would take over the role.

However, Microsoft has now come forward and denied these claims, insisting that Spencer will remain in his role for, presumably, a good while.

In a statement to The Verge, Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, said, "Phil is not retiring anytime soon."

Whether this means Spencer won't be retiring imminently, the statement is quite vague in regards to the rumors. There's also no official word from Spencer himself on his future plans.

Meanwhile, Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw also took to X / Twitter to respond to the rumors, claiming they were made up.

The next Xbox console is reportedly slated to release in 2027 and is now "fully in production".

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Some of the best parental control apps try to concentrate on particular areas of expertise, like location tracking or social media monitoring – while others, like MMGuardian, try to do it all.

That’s an admirable aim, and MMGuardian’s list of features is certainly impressive: it monitors messaging and social media apps, it analyzes content for inappropriate messages using AI, and tracks your children’s location – while offering remote device management.

There’s no shortage of apps that offer it all, though, at least on paper – so let’s see if MMGuardian can stand up against big-name offerings from the likes of Norton, Bark and Qustodio.

Plans and pricing

MMGuardian’s most popular pricing tier is an annual family subscription, which costs $99.98/£78.53 for a year of coverage for up to five child device apps. It’s certainly a better option than the monthly subscription, which offers the same protection for $9.99/£7.85 per month.

If you only need to protect one child device, MMGuardian costs $4.99/£3.92 monthly or $49.98/£39.26 for a year of coverage.

It’s easy to see why that annual five-device plan is the most popular option. And if you’re unsure about whether MMGuardian is the right app for you, there’s a fourteen-day free trial.

That pricing aligns well with Bark’s Premium offering, which also costs £99/£78 annually. But Qustodio is a little cheaper – and so is Norton Family, too.

Features

MMGuardian makes a big deal about its web filtering, and it’s easy to see why. There are over 140 categories of inappropriate content to filter out, which is more than virtually any rival offers, and parents can use filters based on age ranges and also manually block or allow particular websites.

On Android, the web filtering works on browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Opera. It’s common for parental control apps to be a little more toothless on iOS, though, and that’s true here: on Apple devices, web filtering only works if you use MMGuardian’s own safe browser.

There are other areas where MMGuardian is just as comprehensive. You can access, monitor and read your child’s sent and received text messages and see the time, duration and number of their phone calls.

Additionally, MMGuardian offers message monitoring for popular services like WhatsApp, Instagram, Kik, Discord, Facebook Messenger, TikTok and Snapchat, so most of the big social media sites are covered.

You’ll get alerts if MMGuardian detects messages featuring inappropriate content, but it’s worth noting that this scanning and notifying is well-supported on Android but a bit patchy on iOS – it works on iMessage and WhatsApp, for instance, but not on Instagram or Snapchat.

(Image credit: MMGuardian)

MMGuardian can update parents on children’s locations periodically, with parents able to choose how often they get alerts, but this is a rare miss from MMGuardian – unusually, there’s no geofencing available in this app. That means you won’t get a notification when children enter or exit your chosen areas – like arriving at home or school, for instance.

MMGuardian’s screen time limiting has preset schedules for school nights or weekend nights, with the latter offering more leniency, and parents can create their own schedules. Individual apps can also be augmented with usage time limits.

If they contravene limits, they can still call or message parents, but there’s a missing feature here: MMGuardian doesn’t allow parents to define how much time their children are allowed to spend on their devices every day. That’s a very common feature for parental control apps, so it’s disappointing that it’s not available here.

If you want to easily see what your children have been up to, MMGuardian offers comprehensive activity reporting.

(Image credit: MMGuardian)

Delving into specific areas gives parents loads more data, so there’s no shortage of options for parents who want to monitor their children’s device usage.

Elsewhere, MMGuardian allows parents to lock and unlock child devices remotely and use a siren to help find a lost phone. Android users can also monitor YouTube viewing histories.

It’s also worth noting what’s missing, though. MMGuardian might be great at monitoring messages, but it doesn’t watch over emails – a big miss when it comes to content monitoring.

Also note, if you’re a parent who wants a particular level of control, that MMGuardian sells its own phones in conjunction with Samsung. The A15 and A35 devices are essentially Samsung phones with MMGuardian features layered over the top, and they include advanced GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, instant alerting and built-in protection to stop kids from tampering with the settings.

It’s the best way to get MMGuardian’s full suite of parental control abilities, although it does require quite an upfront cost on the devices – the A15 costs $229/£180 and the A35 is $339/£226.

Interface and in-use

It’s easy to get started with MMGuardian. Download the parents’ app, confirm that you’re the parent and create an account, and you’re good to go.

On child phones, it’s easy enough to link to parent apps – it just involves sending a link – and then it’s just a matter of accepting permissions and getting started.

The Android and iOS apps are easy to use, with settings stored in obvious places. And while there are fewer features available on iOS, that’s typical with parental control tools.

The web interface is just as easy to navigate, and it does a tremendous job of presenting parents with pertinent information.

The only downside here is the aesthetic: MMGuardian’s software is easy to use and well-designed, but it looks a bit archaic.

Support

MMGuardian’s website has an FAQ section with some articles and a glossary of teen slang, and there are installation videos to help Android and iOS users set up their software.

Beyond that, support functionality extends to a support email address that’s accessible on the website and a chatbot that directs questions back to MMGuardian. The chatbot says that MMGuardian usually responds within 24 hours.

It’s a solid support selection, but nothing special – competitors sometimes have phone support at particular product tiers, and many have more extensive article and FAQ sections on their websites.

The competition

MMGuardian tries to offer every kind of mainstream feature found in parental control apps – which means it faces lots of strong rivals.

Take Bark, for instance. It’s great for social media and AI-based content analysis and has a better interface than MMGuardian, but doesn’t provide complete web histories.

Bark and Qustodio both outpace MMGuardian for user interface, too, and Qustodio is a better option for screen time controls and for value.

Norton, similarly, is a cheaper option with a more attractive interface, but it’s weaker on social media and message monitoring.

Final verdict

MMGuardian, then, tries to do everything – and does a pretty good job. Its web filtering, message monitoring and screen time controls are excellent, the pricing is reasonable – even if others are cheaper – and it has comprehensive reporting and decent location tracking.

It doesn’t have geofencing, though, and it misses out on social media abilities and attractive UI when compared to rivals, some of which are cheaper. It’s also far stronger on Android than on iOS.

That said, MMGuardian is certainly a contender. If you’re not concerned about an attractive UI and you’re an Android-based family, compare MMGuardian’s features to Bark, Qustodio and Norton – and this may well be a winning app for you. 

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All of the best parental control apps focus on different features and take their own approach to protecting children – and for Kidslox, that means a significant concentration on location services.

Using this app, you’ll be able to see your kids’ locations, track their location history, and even view the routes they’ve taken. And beyond that, Kidslox offers screen time schedules, web filtering and app blocking.

On paper, then, that’s a solid selection of features, but can Kidslox compete with big names like Qustodio, OurPact and other strong competitors?

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Plans and pricing

Kidslox is available in two pricing tiers: Basic and Family. The Basic package costs $3.09/£2.39 per month if paid annually, and the Family option is $4.64/£3.59 per month with the same year-long deal.

As the name suggests, the Basic package is more limited – it works with one device, while you get support for ten on the Family option.

And while you get web filtering, location tracking, screen time limits, and app blocking using both pricing models, if you opt for the Basic service, you miss out on more advanced location abilities, alongside more innovative settings like remote screen view.

Features

Kidslox has one of the best location-tracking modules we’ve seen on any parental control app. As well as providing real-time tracking so you can see your child’s location on your map, you can view their location history over the past seven days – so you can see routes, where they stopped, and for how long.

Geofencing is supported with instant alerting when your child arrives or leaves your designated zones. The geofencing radius of 1,000 metres is generous, and you can easily edit zones you’ve already created.

By default, Kidslox sets a two-hour device limit on weekdays and a three-hour limit on weekends. Users can customize these limits as needed, with scheduling available for every day of the week. The limits are easy to adjust, and children can request more screen time directly from within their version of the app.

Screen time is even lightly gamified in Kidslox: parents can assign children chores and reward them with more time if they’re completed.

(Image credit: Kidslox)

Elsewhere, Kidslox offers bedtime lock scheduling, prevents notifications during nighttime hours, and the app supports up to five different screen time schedules.

The parent app offers easy options for locking apps immediately, and parents can also create a list of allowed apps for permanent access – a handy feature for educational software. Parents can also lock the device entirely if needed.

Web content is filtered through a blocklist with over four million URLs, and parents can easily add more sites to the list. Internet access can be locked entirely if needed, and children are not allowed to disable the safe search settings built into browsers like Bing and Google.

Kidslox also allows parents to see browsing histories and app usage – with the latter only available on Android. If the children’s device uses Android, parents can take a screenshot at any time and receive reports with periodic screenshots of the device.

This is a good range of features, but it’s worth taking a deeper dive into what features are only available in the Family version of the app.

(Image credit: Kidslox)

You only get alerts for inappropriate searches, nudity, new app installations and locations in the more expensive package, for instance. You’ll need to pay for the Family package to get the gamified time rewards, location histories, and the option to view your child’s search, YouTube and TikTok activity. That handy remote screen view option is only included in the pricier version, too.

It’s also worth noting what features are not available in either of the Kidslox pricing tiers. You can’t block websites by category or type – unlike other apps, which offer dozens of options. Instead, you’re limited to using the full Kidslox block list and adding your own sites individually.

Other apps keep data for longer – some of Kidslox’s histories are only available for seven days – and this app does not monitor text messages, calls or social media apps.

It would have been useful if differing screen time limits could be set for different apps. Additionally, there is no keylogging functionality available with this app.

(Image credit: Kidslox)Interface and in-use

This is one area where Kidslox excels. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store, use a handy code to pair it with the child app on the kids’ phones, give the app the necessary permissions, and you’re good to go.

GIFs during the setup process show you precisely what to do, which makes installation even easier.

Once that’s done, the impressive design continues. As well as being visually attractive, it’s very easy to use, with features laid out sensibly in a straightforward and intuitive layout.

Statistics are displayed clearly, too, and it’s very easy to see what changes you’re making. The same goes for the child’s app, too – everything is simple to understand.

Support

This is another area where Kidslox performs well. Its knowledge base and FAQ section are comprehensive and an excellent starting point for solving most problems. There are also videos available for solving various common issues.

Support is accessed by emailing Kidslox, and it’s also possible to fill out a web form and attach files if you prefer that approach.

Customer feedback indicates that Kidslox email support is highly responsive, too, with responses within a matter of hours.

There’s no live chat or phone support, though, so you’ll need to explore apps like Qustodio if you’d like that level of access. That said, at the time of writing, a message within the app was asking parents if they’d prefer to use phone support as it’s an option that Kidslox is considering – so that feature may be added in the future.

The competition

Bark is better than Kidslox when it comes to social media monitoring – indeed, Bark is one of the best options on the market for monitoring those kinds of apps.

And if you want to see how long your children have spent on specific websites, then you should investigate Qustodio.

Kidslox, though, competes well with its location abilities, it’s reasonable in other areas, and it’s easy to use. And it’s also a little cheaper than both of its rivals: the Family package is over $40 cheaper than Bark’s annual Premium plan, and Qustodio is pricier as well.

Final verdict

Kidslox is very strong when it comes to location features, and its monitoring, reporting and screen time abilities are all impressive – we like the option to reward your children for completing chores.

When it comes to web filtering and monitoring social media, calls and texts, though, Kidslox is weaker. It would be better if web filtering had categories. Beyond its screenshot abilities, this app can’t monitor social apps, calls, or texts at all. And the Basic package is just that – it misses out on many of the features that justify buying Kidslox in the first place.

It’s easy to set up and use, though, it’s strong when it comes to location abilities, and it’s cheaper than the competition. Kidslox is not ideal if you need to monitor social media or if you want better filtering, but for affordable location-based tracking, it’s good.

When will we see Ghost of Yōtei gameplay?

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Thanks to a recent PS blog post, we know that a Ghost of Yōtei gameplay presentation is coming in July. According to the developer: "You’ll get an extended look at new and evolved gameplay mechanics, including exploration, combat, and much more." We'll be sure to update this page once an exact date is specified.

Ghost of Yōtei has been revealed, in place of what many had expected to be 'Ghost of Tsushima 2'. It's set more than 300 years after the first Ghost game, and as such, isn't quite a direct sequel.

While it's still early days in terms of Ghost of Yōtei details, we do know that it's set to arrive on October 2, 2025, so hopefully we'll hear more sooner rather than later. The main question we need to be answered currently is whether Ghost of Yōtei will tie into its predecessor at all, and how gameplay has evolved with the introduction of firearms. Developer Sucker Punch has already given us a glimpse at gameplay, and some details on the game's new setting.

It's yet to be confirmed, but we expect to see Ghost of Yōtei make the most of the PS5 Pro as well, making Ghost of Yōtei one of the most highly anticipated upcoming games for 2025. Hopefully, it'll end up on our list of the best PS5 games by the end of the year.

Here's everything we know so far about Ghost of Yōtei so far, including a look at gameplay, as well as all of the latest news and rumors. As new info drops, this page will be updated.

Ghost of Yōtei: cut to the chase

• What is it? The next entry in the Ghost of Tsushima series
• When does it come out? October 2, 2025
• What can I play it on? PS5 (exclusively)
• Who's making it? Sucker Punch (Ghost of Tsushima, Infamous)

Ghost of Yōtei release date and platforms

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Ghost of Yōtei will launch on October 2, 2025 exclusively for PS5. The game won't be coming to older consoles, given that it has been developed from the ground up to run on the PlayStation 5. In terms of a PC release, nothing has been announced, but if we look at recent Sony releases, it'll likely follow the PS5 release at some point.

Ghost of Yōtei trailers

So far, we've only received two trailers for Ghost of Yōtei. The first was revealed during the Sony State of Play event on September 24, 2024. We see the new protagonist: Atsu, as they travel across gorgeous vistas, and take down enemies while wearing a Ghost mask. It's a mix of cinematics and gameplay and can be viewed above.

The most recent trailer followed the announcement of the Ghost of Yotei release date. It sets the scene for Atsu's journey, which sees her hunting down a group of foes called the Yōtei Six. Check it out above!

We'll likely hear more about Ghost of Yōtei in the coming months. To keep up to date with every trailer release for the game, be sure to check out the official PlayStation channel.

Ghost of Yōtei gameplay

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

We've only seen glimpses of Ghost of Yōtei gameplay in the trailers shown off so far. We see Atsu walking through some beautiful locales, a look at combat with katanas, smaller daggers, a spear and even a Kusarigama.

Thankfully, there are some more details on the PS Blog. Atsu will wear a Ghost mask throughout the game, suggesting that she is somehow following the steps of Jin Sakai. This means stealth gameplay, likely with tools, distraction devices, and new abilities. One key difference between Ghost of Yōtei and Ghost of Tsushima is the inclusion of firearms, which will be a core arm of Atsu's arsenal.

The open world can be explored at your leisure, with the ability to set up campfires wherever you'd like. The main six targets can be tackled in whatever order you'd like as well, and there's mention of additional bounty hunting to keep you busy, and your pockets well-lined with coin.

Shortly after the most recent State of Play event, Sucker Punch revealed that a Ghost of Yōtei presentation is planned for July. It promises an extended look at gameplay.

Ghost of Yōtei setting

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Sucker Punch is keeping the story of Ghost of Yōtei under wraps for now but we do know that it's set in 1603, more than 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. Players will explore the lands surrounding Mount Yōtei, a towering peak in the heart of Ezo, an area of Japan known as Hokkaido in the present day. The story will be based loosely on history, but is being described as an 'original story.'

Over on the game's official website, there's a brief tease as to the game's main story:

"300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, a new warrior – Atsu – rises from the ashes of her homestead.

Filled with fury and determination, Atsu will hunt down those responsible for the death of her family and exact her revenge. Every odd job and bounty will provide the coin she needs for her journey. But how she fights, survives, and evolves the legend of the Ghost, will be up to you."

Thanks to the most recent trailer for Ghost of Yōtei, we know that Atsu is hunting a group called the Yōtei Six. They're described as follows:

"Sixteen years ago in the heart of Ezo (called Hokkaido in present day), a gang of outlaws known as the Yōtei Six took everything from Atsu. They killed her family and left her for dead, pinned to a burning ginkgo tree outside her home. But Atsu survived. She learned to fight, to kill, and to hunt, and after years away she has returned to her home with a list of six names: The Snake, The Oni, The Kitsune, The Spider, The Dragon, and Lord Saito."

Ghost of Yōtei: FAQs

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)Is Ghost of Yotei PS5 only?

So far, Ghost of Yotei has only been revealed for PS5. This is due to it being a PlayStation Studios game, headed up by Sucker Punch. It looks as though the team is leaving the past-generation consoles behind, building the game for the PS5 specifically. Even so, we expect Ghost of Yotei to arrive on PC at some point after the initial launch, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Can you pre-order Ghost of Yōtei?

Pre-orders for Ghost of Yōtei went live on May 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET / 7 AM PT in the U.S., and 10:00 AM local time in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. You can get more info on the various editions of the game that are available over on the PS Blog.

Who is the Ghost of Yōtei protagonist?

Atsu is the protagonist of Ghost of Yōtei. She is a brand new character in the series, and at present, we know almost nothing about her. She's definitely connected to Jin Sakai in some way, given that she wears a similar Ghost mask, and looks to be following the same style of stealth/action from the first game.

Is Ghost of Yōtei PS5 Pro enhanced?

Ghost of Yōtei has not been confirmed as one of the PS5 Pro enhanced games. This is likely set to change, as we'd certainly expect a first-party PlayStation exclusive to make use of the PS5 Pro in some way. For now, it's not confirmed, but we're betting this changes at some point before launch, so could be a good reason to read our PS5 Pro review and see if it's worth picking up.

Is this Ghost of Tsushima 2?

Sort of. Ghost of Yotei is a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but given that it takes place hundreds of years later, and focuses on a new protagonist, it's still being treated as its own thing. This is likely why Sucker Punch went with the title of Ghost of Yotei, instead of Ghost of Tsushima 2.

Ghost of Yōtei news

Ghost of Yōtei gets a release date
Ghost of Yōtei will launch October 2, 2025 on PS5. This was revealed on April 23, alongside a brand new story trailer.

Ghost of Yōtei has been revealed
Sucker Punch has announced Ghost of Yotei, the next installment in the Ghost of Tsushima series. You'll play as Atsu, a new protagonist, in a story set more than 300 years after the events of the first game.

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• Cisco Talos warns of callback phishing scams on the rise
• Phishing emails come with PDF attachments, in which are phone numbers
• Threat actors are exploiting people's trust in phone calls

Security researchers from Cisco Talos have warned of an ongoing phishing campaign in which victims are tricked into calling the attackers on the phone.

In a new report, the researchers said that between early May and early June 2025, they observed threat actors spoofing major tech companies, such as Microsoft, Adobe, or Docusign.

Cisco Talos calls this type of scam “callback phishing” - in the phishing emails, they would notify the victims of a problem, or an incoming/pending transaction, then share a phone number they control, and invite the victim to dial in and address these issues. During the call, the attackers would masquerade as a legitimate customer representative and explain to the victim that in order to sort out their problem, they need to either disclose sensitive information, or install a piece of malware on their device.

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Callback phishing

“Attackers use direct voice communication to exploit the victim's trust in phone calls and the perception that phone communication is a secure way to interact with an organization,” the researchers explained.

“Additionally, the live interaction during a phone call enables attackers to manipulate the victim's emotions and responses by employing social engineering tactics. Callback phishing is, therefore, a social engineering technique rather than a traditional email threat.”

Most phone numbers used in these campaigns are VoIP ones, Cisco Talos further explained, stating that these are more difficult to trace.

The key information, including the attacker-controlled phone number, is shared via a .PDF file sent as an attachment. This is usually done to bypass traditional email security mechanisms and ensure the email lands in the inbox.

As an added layer of obfuscation, the attackers would sometimes add a QR code into the body of the PDF file, since most AV and email protection tools cannot scan that deep. Furthermore, QR codes are usually scanned via smartphone cameras, and mobile devices rarely have the same level of security as laptops or desktop computers do.

Via The Hacker News

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Lots of the best parental control apps pair a full set of features on Android with a much more limited offering on iOS, but OurPact tries to provide a far more comprehensive set of features on Apple devices.

With geofencing, scheduling, screen time allowances, encrypted screenshots and more available across both platforms, there’s plenty to like here – and, in theory, plenty of reasons why OurPact should be able to compete with rivals from across the parental control sector.

Plans and pricing

OurPact’s two paid options, Premium and Premium+, cost $6.99/£5.45 or $9.99/£7.78 per month if you pay annually.

Both tiers allow you to manage up to twenty devices, which is ample for all but the largest families. The more affordable tier, Premium, includes the app’s core features, like scheduling, app rules, screen time management and family location ability.

In the Premium version of OurPact you also get the option to set rules for messaging apps and website visits.

Premium+ includes all of those features alongside the ability to view a gallery of your children’s screenshots, instantly take screenshots of your child’s device, and automate those screenshots – and the option to filter those screenshots by specific content categories.

That pricing is reasonable: Qustodio and Bark are a little more expensive and MMGuardian is slightly cheaper if you purchase the annual products rather than pay every month, but all four products offer similar pricing.

OurPact offers a 14-day free trial if you want to try out its Premium and Premium+ features. There’s also a free version of the product, although it’s very limited: it includes one automated schedule and management of one device alongside the ability to block web browsers.

Qustodio’s free product is better, and Microsoft Family Safety is also more impressive than the free version of OurPact.

Features

The Screenshot feature in Premium+ is one of OurPact’s key innovations. It offers three differing ways to see what your kids are doing: periodic screenshots, on-demand screenshots and a gallery.

The periodic view delivers automated screenshots of your child’s device at a schedule you set, although bear in mind that your children need to start the OurPact Jr app’s recording feature themselves for this to work. Bark takes a different approach here, only delivering screenshots when it detects suspicious content.

The on-demand option allows parents to look at their kid’s behavior whenever necessary. And when navigating the gallery, parents can browse by device, data or by categories like drugs, violence, romance and many more.

OurPact’s web filter allows parents to block inappropriate content, and parents can also create custom lists of blocked sites and websites that are always allowed – ideal if you want to allow your kids to always access educational resources, for instance.

As well as this conventional filtering, OurPact enables parents to prevent kids from making in-app purchases and uninstalling apps, and it can also disable iOS features like Siri and AirDrop – and limit the data that is collected for advertising usage. On Android, parents can also disable airplane mode.

That filter works in conjunction with a feature that allows parents to disable browsers like Chrome and Safari.

(Image credit: OurPact)

OurPact has mediocre scheduling abilities, with customizable daily scheduling available alongside easy app blocking during specific periods – but other apps offer far more granularity in terms of time periods that can be chosen when building a new schedule.

Parents can reward children with more screen time within the app. Individual apps can be allowed permanent or scheduled access – but children can’t send a request for more screen time, which is an increasingly popular feature elsewhere in the market.

Children can also use their version of the OurPact app to track their screen time, and this is a manual process that helps them stay mindful of their device usage and take responsibility for their behavior.

OurPact is one of the only parental control apps that allows parents to block iMessage on iOS devices, and it’s also possible to block text messaging apps, too.

(Image credit: OurPact)

And, finally, there’s the location tracker – which has real-time tracking, geofencing with a generous 1,000m radius, and location history for all of your children. You’ll also get push notifications when children arrive or depart your safe or forbidden zones.

There’s no doubt that OurPact has a good range of features, especially on iOS – indeed, it’s unusual to find a parental control app where core functionality is shared across Apple’s platform and Android, with the latter usually far more versatile.

That said, it’s clear that OurPact misses out on some basic features too.

It doesn’t have clear, easy activity reporting, so it can be difficult to get an overview of your child’s recent device behavior – and this is something that’s extremely common with rival tools. And while we’re always pleased to see web filtering, it just has one filter to use for all adult content, while Qustodio offers more than 25 filters and MMGuardian delivers over 100.

While OurPact’s web filter does block adult content, those rival apps do a better job of blocking anything else that you might consider inappropriate, so it does a better job of giving parents control over what children see.

OurPact doesn’t have in-depth social media monitoring like Bark, and it doesn’t monitor messages in the same way as Bark or MMGuardian. If you’re a parent who would like that level of control, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Interface and in-use

To get started with OurPact, parents need to create an account – but once that’s done, things get a little more complicated.

On iOS child devices, parents need to disable the Find My iPhone feature for OurPact to work properly. On Android, USB debugging needs to be enabled. This is a little more technical than many other apps but, thankfully, OurPact provides clear instructions on how to get the job done.

When you’ve got the apps set up, OurPact is easier to use. The interface is intuitive on all platforms, with easy navigation even for beginners, and the OurPact Jr app for children makes it easy for them to see their screen time allowances and other important information.

The only complaint we’ve got is that OurPact looks a little bland and dated – but that’s a purely aesthetic issue that has no bearing on how the app functions day-to-day.

Support

OurPact’s Support page offers straightforward guides to setting up and using the app alongside a troubleshooting section for fixing common problems.

If you need to get in touch, there’s a web form that promises responses every day of the week, with reports suggesting that responses are both fast and helpful. OurPact promises a Live Chat feature, too, but reports elsewhere suggest that agents are rarely available – so it’s best to stick with email.

There’s also a Family Resource Page that provides links to helplines for families or children who may be experiencing distress.

It’s a reasonable support offering that matches many other apps, but Bark and Qustodio are notably better: Bark provides loads of help videos and Qustodio has its superb Care Plus package that’s included with its Complete product.

The competition

Indeed, it’s easy to see where OurPact’s key rivals are much better. With Bark, you get improved social media, message and email monitoring for a slightly cheaper price.

Qustodio, meanwhile, costs a little more, but it has better filtering and scheduling abilities. And MMGuardian delivers the best filtering around alongside more comprehensive messaging monitoring.

It’s also worth noting that all three of those apps offer top-level reporting abilities that make it easier to stay on top of child behavior, which isn’t available with OurPact.

Final verdict

It leaves OurPact looking a little meagre, especially when the price and competition are considered.

It may have reasonable screenshotting, app control and screen time abilities, but rivals are better in most of those areas – and, as we’ve seen, other apps also go far further with web filtering, social media monitoring and reporting. If you want a free product, Qustodio’s no-cost version is better than the OurPact equivalent, too.

And while OurPact may be strongest on iOS, rivals like Bark and Qustodio still have reasonable Apple offerings – even if they’re stronger on Android.

OurPact, then, is only worth serious consideration if you’re an Apple-based family – and, even then, weigh up the features first. For everyone else, look elsewhere for stronger alternatives.

From sleek conferencing setups and smart classrooms to complex control rooms, audiovisual (AV) systems have become an essential part of how we work and communicate. But behind the interfaces lies an often-overlooked risk – security. Many AV systems still run on outdated software and firmware, creating vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit with relative ease.

Because AV equipment is not always seen as ‘business critical’ and is sometimes managed separately from the core IT infrastructure, it is frequently assumed to be safe - isolated on its own network or low risk by nature. But this complacency is dangerous. Many devices operate on older versions of software packages which are not always updated even when new versions are released for the device. This creates vulnerabilities in the system.

Knowing the risks

While hybrid working has brought convenience it’s also increased risk. Remote access may speed up troubleshooting, but it also expands the attack surface. Social engineering attacks such as phishing can trick users into handing over access credentials, especially when awareness is low.

As cyber attackers become more sophisticated, they’re shifting their attention to overlooked entry points like AV infrastructure. A good example is YouTuber Jim Browning’s infiltration of a scam call center, where he used unsecured CCTV systems to monitor and expose criminals in real time. This highlights the potential for AV vulnerabilities to be exploited for intelligence gathering.

To counter these risks, organizations must adopt a more proactive approach. Simulated social engineering and phishing attacks can help assess user awareness and expose vulnerabilities in behavior. These simulations should be backed by ongoing training that equips staff to recognize manipulation tactics and understand the value of security hygiene.

In parallel, organizations that use third parties for remote support should be prioritize partners that undergo independent security audits such as ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus. These accreditations help ensure that strict controls are in place around remote access, including the use of secure management tools and clearly defined policies governing their use.

CVSS – a measured approach to risk

Not all AV vulnerabilities are created equal. That's where the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) comes in. CVSS helps IT and AV teams prioritize their response by evaluating the complexity of an attack, the scope of its potential impact, and its effect on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Vulnerabilities with CVSS scores above 7.5 should prompt swift mitigation. Those rated at the maximum 10 out of 10 require immediate action due to their high severity and low complexity of exploitation. That said, patching these vulnerabilities isn’t always straightforward. In complex, interconnected AV environments, patching updates can introduce compatibility issues that disrupt operations. Organizations should adopt a measured, risk-based approach, balancing the likelihood of exploitation against operational stability.

The severity of breaches also depends on the device and its role. Compromised management interfaces or control code could allow attackers to manipulate systems or access other network devices. Exploited cameras and microphones can lead to breaches of video or audio data, posing serious privacy risks and enabling unauthorized surveillance.

Strengthening AV security

To mitigate the risks posed by vulnerable AV systems, organizations should take a proactive and layered approach to security. This includes regularly updating device firmware and underlying software packages, which are often left outdated even when new versions are available. Strong password policies should be enforced, particularly on devices running webservers, with security practices aligned to standards like the OWASP Top 10.

Physical access to AV infrastructure must also be tightly controlled to prevent unauthorized LAN connections. Where legacy protocols like SCP, SFTP, FTP, or Telnet are still in use, these should be hardened or disabled wherever possible. Encrypting communication between devices using modern protocols such as TLS 1.3, and ensuring appropriate cipher suites are in place, helps safeguard data in transit. Similarly, encrypting data at rest, whether configuration files, control code or temporary data, adds another layer of protection, limiting the damage that can result from a breach.

Collaboration is key

Ultimately, security is a shared responsibility. While network teams play a central role in defending infrastructure, leaving all security decisions to them can be shortsighted. Many vulnerabilities stem from device-specific issues such as outdated firmware, default configurations, or poorly managed passwords that cannot always be mitigated by network controls alone. Even a well-configured device can present risks if it’s connected to a poorly segmented or insecure network.

AV professionals, IT leads, and vendors need to collaborate closely, sharing expertise and intelligence to identify vulnerabilities and address integration challenges. AV teams must take an active role by ensuring devices are updated and properly configured before deployment, clearly communicating potential risks and requirements to network teams, and following best practices such as implementing VLANs, restricting unnecessary traffic, and enabling secure management protocols.

By working together, organizations can build a layered defense that addresses risks at both the device and network levels; strengthening the overall security posture and reducing the likelihood of a breach.

AV systems may not be the first thing you think of when you hear ‘cybersecurity risk’ and that’s exactly the problem. From data leaks and surveillance breaches to unauthorized lateral movement across networks, the consequences of ignoring AV security are real. It’s time to treat AV like the critical infrastructure it has become.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

There’s no shortage of ambition around AI in UK businesses. It’s on board agendas, investor decks and product roadmaps. And yet, for all the buzz, not every organization is seeing meaningful value. According to our research, three out of four UK business leaders say they’re falling behind on AI.

It’s not due to a lack of vision. In fact, most businesses know exactly what AI could do – automate manual work, generate insights, scale faster. The challenge often comes down to execution.

Because success with AI isn’t about one tool, one use case or one budget cycle. It’s about the systems, behaviors and product choices that shape how work gets done. And when those foundations aren’t set up for speed, even the smartest AI strategy can stall.

From a product perspective, three recurring patterns emerge: infrastructure that hasn’t kept up, ways of working that resist change and tools that overcomplicate instead of enable. None of these are permanent blockers – but they need to be designed for, not worked around.

Turning legacy systems into launchpads

Most businesses aren’t dealing with broken systems – just ones that were built for a different time. And over years of growth and expansion, those systems can become more tangled than intentional.

45% of UK business leaders say legacy tech stacks are a major barrier to getting real value from AI – often because the systems beneath them can’t keep up. That’s where friction builds: data stored in different formats, tools that don’t integrate, teams working around the tech rather than with it. When AI enters the picture, those gaps matter. It doesn’t just need data – it needs data that moves.

The good news is that you don’t need to start from scratch. Strategic simplification – consolidating systems, integrating platforms, removing duplications – creates the breathing room AI needs to function. It’s about aligning what you already have to work harder, together.

That’s why businesses are moving towards platforms that unify core tools. We see the most progress when customers focus less on overhauling and more on unlocking single sources of truth. When systems are connected and data flows freely, AI becomes less of a bolt-on and more of a multiplier.

Designing change people want to be part of

Our research found that a third of UK business leaders experience pushback when updating legacy systems or introducing new processes. That hesitation is often labelled as resistance – but more often, it’s a call for clarity. People want to understand how AI fits into their day-to-day work.

When AI is introduced without context – or without input from the people expected to use it – it can feel more like disruption than progress. And that’s where adoption often falters.

The real shift happens when leaders approach change like a product rollout – with transparency and feedback built in. That means involving teams early, framing AI as an enabler and showing clear wins that matter to employees: time saved, tasks simplified, better decisions made faster. It also needs commitment from leadership to effective change management and AI empowerment.

Equally important is giving teams the confidence to experiment. AI is an evolving capability. Employees need to feel safe to test, question and shape how these tools work in practice.

It doesn’t always take a huge transformation programme to shift culture. In many teams, the change starts with solving a small, frustrating problem in a better way – and sharing how it’s done.

Keeping it simple enough to scale

Even with modern systems and engaged teams, there is one more barrier that can slow AI adoption: complexity. Not in the concept of AI itself, but in how it shows up in people’s work.

According to our research, 35% of UK business leaders say they’re struggling to bridge this skills gap and give their teams the confidence to use new AI tools effectively. And often, that comes down to how those tools are built – with technical users in mind, not everyday use.

They sit outside established workflows or feel disconnected from the work people are actually trying to do. In resource-conscious organizations, this kind of friction can stall adoption altogether.

Simplicity is all about reducing the time between intention and outcome. The more intuitive a tool is, the faster it delivers value. A well-designed AI system doesn’t just speed up tasks – it helps teams reach clarity faster, with less back-and-forth and fewer dependencies. It also scales better. Tools that are simple to use are easier to roll out, train, and maintain – especially across cross-functional teams.

Creating the right conditions for AI to deliver

UK businesses seeing value from AI aren’t rushing ahead. They’re creating conditions for progress.

That means designing processes that evolve, cultures that stay open to iteration and products that learn alongside the people actually using them. The fact is that AI doesn’t need a perfect environment. It just needs a responsive one – built to both implement change and sustain it.

What matters most isn’t scale on day one, but the ability to keep improving.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Watch Get Out, Companion or another scary flick.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, July 3 (game #487).

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #488) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… ... Let's have a picnic!

NYT Strands today (game #488) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• BARN
• LORE
• BUGS
• STAR
• TRACE
• SNORE

NYT Strands today (game #488) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #488) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 4th column

Last side: bottom, 4th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #488) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #488, are…

• BURGERS
• SALAD
• COLESLAW
• BRATS
• BEANS
• WATERMELON
• SPANGRAM: BARBECUE

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

I roared through today’s word search at rapid speed. Most likely because I’m hungry and I’d love a BURGER – not one from a BARBECUE, though. In my experience that’s a bad idea. But also because there was little to challenge us here beyond the twisty-turny WATERMELON.

It may be different in the United States, where people who don’t usually cook have more opportunities to practice burning meat, but in the UK a barbecue is a rare event that usually results in some form of drama caused by drinking in the sunshine alongside a long list of food hygiene infringements.

Again, most likely different in other parts of the world, but the traditional British barbecued burger is burnt to a crisp on the outside and raw, bordering on still frozen, on the inside – and served on a bun that is chemically closer to rubber than bread. Strangely, I don't feel hungry anymore.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, July 3, game #487)

• CHERRY
• COFFEE
• BUTTERSCOTCH
• BROWNIE
• PISTACHIO
• SPANGRAM: ICE CREAM

What is NYT Strands?

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, July 3 (game #753).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

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

NYT Connections today (game #754) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• DRAB
• BLOW
• MISS
• SPOKE
• TIRE
• DUCT
• WASTE
• FATIGUE
• EXHAUST
• RIM
• KHAKI
• HOSE
• LOSE
• PIPE
• HUB
• CAMO

NYT Connections today (game #754) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Circular car component
• GREEN: Army garments 
• BLUE: Let it flow
• PURPLE: A chance that slipped away

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #754) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A WHEEL 
• GREEN: MILITARY CLOTHING DESCRIPTORS 
• BLUE: USED IN VENTILATION 
• PURPLE: FAIL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF, AS AN OPPORTUNITY 

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

NYT Connections today (game #754) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #754, are…

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A WHEEL HUB, RIM, SPOKE, TIRE
• GREEN: MILITARY CLOTHING DESCRIPTORS CAMO, DRAB, FATIGUE, KHAKI
• BLUE: USED IN VENTILATION DUCT, EXHAUST, HOSE, PIPE
• PURPLE: FAIL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF, AS AN OPPORTUNITY BLOW, LOSE, MISS, WASTE

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

After a terrible streak it felt good to complete a round of Connections without making a mistake. 

I can only conclude that today’s edition was an unusually easy one; even the purple group would be at yellow-level on some days. 

My only pause for thought was over MILITARY CLOTHING DESCRIPTORS; CAMO, FATIGUE, and KHAKI all seemed common enough, but DRAB was a guess based on how dull army clothing is.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, July 3, game #753)

• YELLOW: CORRESPONDENCE CONTACT, DEALINGS, EXCHANGE, INTERACTION
• GREEN: AIRPORT BOARD INFO ARRIVAL, DESTINATION, FLIGHT, GATE
• BLUE: PRO ATHLETE DATA COLLEGE, NUMBER, POSITION, TEAM
• PURPLE: FARMERS' THINGS ALMANAC, INSURANCE, MARKET, TAN

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.