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• Another OnePlus 13 Mini leak has just hinted at its camera offerings
• The rumored 6.31-inch phone is tipped to get two rear cameras
• A launch could be happening soon

While the OnePlus 13 and the OnePlus 13R have already broken cover, the expectation is that we might see one or two more models in this range eventually – and a new leak teases the camera setup heading to the rumored OnePlus 13 Mini.

This comes from well-established tipster Digital Chat Station (via GSMArena), who says that on the back of the OnePlus 13 Mini we're going to get a 50MP primary camera, together with a 50MP telephoto camera offering 2x optical zoom.

That contradicts an earlier report from the same source that pointed to a triple-lens rear camera setup for the OnePlus Mini 13: a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera.

Given the mixed messages, we're not totally convinced that the camera specs listed here will be those actually offered by the OnePlus 13 Mini – but the latter leak is presumably based on more recent supply chain reports.

A big year for OnePlus

The OnePlus 13 (Image credit: OnePlus)

We can't really talk about the OnePlus 13 Mini in terms of upgrades, because there's no direct predecessor to compare it to. The OnePlus launch schedule and product range can be difficult to predict, outside of the main flagship models.

That's even more the case now that Oppo and OnePlus are part of the same company. Some Oppo handsets are rebadged as OnePlus phones for international markets, while others aren't, so we're playing a guessing game at the moment with the OnePlus 13 Mini.

According to previous rumors, the OnePlus 13 Mini could be based on the Oppo Find X8 Mini, which has yet to be unveiled. There has been talk of a 6.31-inch display, so this handset wouldn't actually be all that mini after all.

What we do know for sure is that we've been impressed with the hardware offerings from OnePlus so far this year: check out our OnePlus 13 review and our OnePlus 13R review to find out what makes these handsets two of the best Android phones around.

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• Microsoft has partnered with US and UK stores for Xbox Series X and Series S repairs
• The partnerships are with uBreakiFix in the US and Currys in the UK
• The aim of these partnerships is to combat the rise of electronic waste

In a bid to cut down on electronic waste, Microsoft has formed a partnership with stores in the US and the UK to establish an official console repair service.

In the US, uBreakiFix by Asurion has become an Xbox Authorized Service Provider, covering in-warranty repairs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. That also includes recent revisions such as the Xbox Series X Digital Edition as well as the 2TB Galaxy Black model.

For repairs, you can either schedule an appointment online using uBreakiFix's store locator, or head into a local store to drop off your console directly. The store's website also notes that in-store repairs "can be completed in a few days," but do keep in mind that Xbox One console repairs will still need to go through Microsoft instead.

Over in the UK, it's hardware retailer Currys that has become an Xbox Authorized Service Provider. The official Currys announcement states: "Consumers will benefit from Currys’ tech expertise, regardless of where their Xbox console was purchased. Whether it’s through visiting one of Currys' stores, filled with expert colleagues, or getting their console booked in to be repaired at Europe’s largest tech repair center in Newark – this includes consoles both in warranty and out of warranty."

It adds that the company is committed to combating the rise of electronic waste, and repair services such as this should ensure players can keep gaming on their current consoles instead of having it be replaced by a separate unit entirely.

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• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might lack a digitizer, allowing for a slimmer design
• However, this would also require a redesign of the S Pen if Samsung's stylus is going to be supported
• The phone is shaping up to be similar to the Z Fold Special Edition, but with added S Pen support

Recent leaks have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have a lot in common with last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, including the same-size screens and the same 200MP main camera – but we’re now hearing about one area where the Z Fold 7 might have that previous foldable beat.

According to leaker @PandaFlashPro (via NotebookCheck), Samsung is working on an S Pen that will function without a digitizer in the display. A digitizer is a layer on the screen that registers stylus inputs, and removing it could allow the phone to be slimmer.

Indeed, removing the digitizer is exactly what Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which at just 10.6mm thick when folded and 4.9mm thick when unfolded is a fair bit slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, removing the digitizer from that phone also meant that Samsung had to remove S Pen support.

Designed To Work Without the Digitizer Display. https://t.co/TpggtPczCNFebruary 5, 2025

The ideal combination

If the company is working on a new kind of S Pen that doesn’t need a digitizer we could have the best of both worlds with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: a slim design (though no slimmer than the Z Fold Special Edition according to this source) and support for the S Pen stylus.

We would take this claim with a pinch of salt, both because the source doesn’t mention the Z Fold 7 by name here – meaning that this new S Pen design could be intended for another phone – and because they don’t have much of a track record yet. But this isn’t the first time we’ve heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have a new S Pen design and no digitizer, so it could well be accurate.

We certainly hope so, because if everything we’ve heard about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 so far does pan out then it could be quite an upgrade on the Z Fold 6 – a thinner phone with bigger screens, a better camera, and a more powerful chipset, yet perhaps with the same price tag.

We’ll likely find out in July, as that’s when we expect the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 to be unveiled.

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• Lenovo research predicts IT budgets will soon consist of 20% AI
• Investments in AI tech will rise 104% in 2025
• Hybrid, on-prem and AI PCs are “key”, report claims

New research by Lenovo has revealed AI spending could account for as much as a fifth (20%) of IT budgets this year, up from 13% in 2024.

The company's research claims IT decision-makers across EMEA reported higher satisfaction rates with their AI projects over the last 12 months, leading them to expect increases in their investments this year by as much as 104%.

Nearly all (94%) AI projects at least met expectations in the region, with nearly one in three (31%) exceeding them, putting EMEA ahead of North America, where only 16% of projects exceeded expectations.

Businesses are starting to see rewards from AI

Up until now, optimism hasn’t always been met with the same level of tangible success, but the fact businesses are now being able to see the results proves that AI wasn’t just a fad after all.

“The EMEA markets present a diverse landscape of AI adoption and it is clear that most organisations have moved past the hype phase of AI and have shifted focus from experimentation to full implementation," noted Lenovo’s President of EMEA for Infrastructure Solutions Group, Giovanni Di Filippo.

Looking ahead, companies are expecting to increase their generative AI focus from 12% to 44% over the next 12 months – a stark rise. One key area for increased spending includes developing and managing AI models (32%, up from 22% last year), proving enterprises and many other businesses are seeking to regain control over how they use AI at work.

However, time and time again we’re faced with the same challenges, and it’s clear that businesses haven’t overcome them yet.

Lenovo highlighted how poorly prepared data poses an obstacle for AI implementation, with 29% acknowledging they have data quality issues. Others states that the enforcement of their AI governance, risk and compliance (GRC) policies is limited (26%), with an alarming 22% of the surveyed businesses presenting no plans to establish AI GRC policies.

To address at least some of the concerns, Lenovo believes, “hybrid infrastructure is key.” Two-thirds (65%) of organizations across EMEA are already using on-prem or hybrid as their primary architecture, with 18% preferring public cloud.

AI PCs are also set to play a role in localizing AI capabilities, with 65% planning on using the devices soon. Separately, Canalys Principal Analyst Ishan Dutt predicts that AI PCs could account for 35% of the PC sector in 2025; previous predictions for the final quarter of 2024 had this at 20%, indicative of significant growth in the year to come.

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Even if rates fall, you'll still earn more interest with a high-yield savings account than a traditional one.

For some in the car industry, the uncertainty surrounding a US-border trade war is almost worse than the tariffs themselves. If the tariffs go through, the costs might get passed down to buyers.

Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You.'/>

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CBS News appears likely to settle a lawsuit brought by President Trump in a case that legal observers say it should win. The network is caught up in Trump's broader assault on the media and an owner intent on finalizing a sale.

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Botnet activity on connected devices is up 500% thanks to default passwords, outdated software, and inadequate security protections creating backdoors into enterprise networks. Now, even entry-level hackers with off-the-shelf tools are getting in on the act.

In November, researchers discovered a new and dangerous botnet, Matrix, made from open source and readily available solutions rather than custom code. While not highly sophisticated, this hack shows how bad actors with basic technical knowledge can make and sell botnets with the potential for widescale damage.

This is an escalating issue and something’s got to give. Stricter device regulations are on the way in 2025 but, until they’re enforced, it’s up to admins to step up. This demands immediate action on software patching, strong authentication, and unified device management.

Growing devices, growing botnets

It’s no coincidence that connected devices and botnets are growing at similar rates. In the past five years, consumers and enterprises have embraced devices in the smart home and office, resulting in a doubling of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). This number is expected to double again in the next decade to more than 40 billion worldwide.

This is a problem since not all devices are created equal. By scanning the internet for known software flaws or easy-to-break passwords – two common vulnerabilities in cheaper products – hackers can bend these machines to their will. With more devices, there are more botnet targets.

Once compromised, devices become unwitting recruits in massive botnet armies, allowing attackers to spread malware, launch devastating DDoS attacks, and infiltrate critical enterprise systems. Nokia recently reported IoT devices engaged in botnet-driven DDoS attacks are up 500% over the past 18 months and account for 40% of all DDoS traffic.

Matrix only ups the degree of difficulty. This latest arrival demonstrates how making a botnet isn’t as hard as one might think, opening up new avenues for individuals to execute broad, multi-faceted attacks on numerous endpoint vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. Even more concerning? The solution is for sale as commercial botnet-as-a-service, turning basic tech know-how into automated hacking weaponry. And with enterprise ecosystems now counting more endpoints than ever before, it’s clear that admins must redouble their cybersecurity efforts in the face of this escalating threat.

Three ways admins can fight back against botnets

First, and it should go without saying, change any default passwords. Generic credentials are often shared across entire fleets of the same device – meaning hackers might already have your login if it’s left unchanged. Regardless of whether you’re securing a camera, sensor, or industrial control, don’t do default. Strong, randomized passwords are non-negotiable and go a step further with two-factor authentication for added protection.

Next, strengthen your software. Half of last year’s enterprise vulnerabilities remain unpatched and outdated, making them perfect botnet targets. Automated patch management isn’t optional – it’s integral to security survival.

Finally, be proactive. Hackers are counting on admin complacency and weak backend safeguards. Prove them wrong. Contain breaches by segmenting networks, consolidate endpoint management with a unified console, and deploy AI monitoring to catch suspicious behavior.

A critical step here is developing an incident response plan. Many organizations discover botnet infections too late because they lack clear protocols for detection and response. Regular tabletop exercises and automated network monitoring (more on that below) can help teams identify weak points and practice responding to potential breaches before they occur. These basics separate minor hiccups from major incidents.

Be smart and proactive

It’s worth mentioning that various regulations are coming online to help stop botnets this year.

Europe, The United States, and The United Kingdom are taking aim at basic vulnerabilities in different ways. Europe’s Cyber Resilience Act, for example, will go a long way to closing device backdoors by banning default passwords and obligating manufacturers to provide software support throughout a product’s lifespan.

Across the Atlantic, expect to see a consumer tick of approval on connected devices that meet cybersecurity minimums. Let’s hope these concerted efforts across major markets will hit botnets where it hurts – easy to exploit vulnerabilities – and make us all a little safer.

In the meantime, the buck stops with admins, and it’s not easy in a landscape of growing devices, experimental hackers, and stretched IT teams. To close the gap, look for extra and smarter ways to oversee your ecosystem. Make your life easier with automation, maintain a real-time ecosystem inventory, and establish clear security baselines for new endpoints. You’ll find that relatively small changes to how you manage, authenticate, and protect devices can make a big difference to your overall security posture.

This isn’t to say to do away with endpoints – far from it. Connected devices are popular in enterprises big and small for a reason. They unlock operational data, deliver business insights, and achieve newfound efficiencies. The key is to onboard them consciously and carefully, slamming shut every potential backdoor while unleashing the full promise of tomorrow’s smart office.

We've compiled a list of the best endpoint protection software.

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

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review

The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is listed at $32.99 / £26.99 on the INIU website and is also available to purchase at Amazon. This price makes it a more costly alternative to the similar non-MagSafe Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand, but this is warranted due to its performance and flexible design.

As this isn't a magnetic charger (although phones do need to be MagSafe to charge on it), there's nothing to stop a phone from sliding off if knocked, but the design is otherwise pretty sturdy thanks to the charging stand's overall weight and square base.

The adjustable viewing angle is my favorite part of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger's design. The phone cradle pivots on the top with a range of 90 degrees, so my phone could be positioned vertically or laid back almost flat. The included USB-C power cable is only a meter long – this may be adequate for some, but I would have preferred a longer length, as it limited my placement options.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

At first, I was unimpressed with the charging speed of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as it took over three hours to charge an iPhone 13 Pro from 0% - 100%, a test I perform on all chargers I review to be able to make a solid comparison. As this was a questionably long time for a charger that claims to be "fast", I had a read of the small print and found that INIU recommends using a charging adapter of 18 watts or higher.

Personally, I feel that any charger requiring a wall adapter above a specific output to achieve anywhere near the charging speeds stated should include one in the box. The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger does not. Naturally, I have plenty of spare plugs about, but the average buyer may not; so it's worth bearing this in mind, as a further purchase may be needed to get the most out of this charger.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Once I'd repeated the test with a suitable plug, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger was able to fully charge the iPhone 13 Pro in 2 hours and 16 minutes, putting it in the same league as most of the MagSafe chargers I've tested so far. This also makes it much faster than the Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand that currently features in our list of the best wireless chargers. This result made me do a 360 on my opinion of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as this charging speed is good for the price.

Overall, this is a well-designed and versatile phone charging stand. The vast majority of the wireless chargers I test are compatible with iPhones only, so to test a charger that can charge a range of devices at a good speed with a sturdy and adjustable design has been refreshing. So if you're on the lookout for a decent and fairly priced phone charger that'll remain usable even if you switch your allegiance come upgrade time, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is a good shout.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Price & specs Should I buy the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger? Buy it if…

You want viewing flexibility
If you're anything like me and will more often than not continue to use your phone as it recharges, then an adjustable stand is a must. The viewing angle on this INIU charger is easy to alter, making it easy to consume content while it's juicing up.

You want a versatile charger
Whether you're rocking two phones, or want a simple charging solution located in a communal space, this INIU charger's compatibility with both iPhones and Androids means less cables and clutter.

Don't buy it if…

You're a die-hard iPhone user
As much as I like this charger, as an avid iPhone user, I much prefer the reassurance that a MagSafe charger provides. It provides a more secure hold, which is appreciated by someone as klutzy as me.

You don't want to feel tethered
Granted, this isn't the only charger that comes with a disappointingly short power cable, but the 3.3 ft / 1 m cable can limit placement options.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Also consider

Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand
If you're just looking for something cheap and cheerful, and aren't fussed about charging speeds or adjustable angles, then this Anker charger may just take your fancy. Like the I212, it's compatible with iPhones and Androids and can accommodate phones up to 5mm thick.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, leaders around the world are navigating the challenge of how to create clear and consistent regulations that balance innovation with safety. In September, representatives from technology companies, institutions, and researchers issued an open letter to European policymakers, warning that fragmented and inconsistent rules risk depriving the EU of two cornerstones of AI innovation: “open” and “multimodal” models. Open models are free and available to everyone to use, modify, and build on, which spreads social and economic opportunity. The latest multimodal models operate fluidly across text, images, and speech and will enable the next wave of breakthroughs in AI.

Multimodal AI represents a significant leap forward from traditional AI systems. Conventional AI typically focuses on one modality at a time, for example, a text-based chatbot processes only text, and a voice assistant like Siri primarily processes voice inputs. Multimodal AI systems process and respond across multiple formats simultaneously — integrating text, voice, images, and gestures to deliver more intuitive user experiences that feel more natural and human.

Transforming customer experience through multiple touchpoints

Multimodal AI is revolutionizing customer experience, offering transformative possibilities for how brands and customers interact. At their core, these systems have evolved how customers can engage with brands by offering unmatched flexibility in communication methods. They also boost efficiency by leveraging how humans naturally process information, letting users input data the fastest way they can, through speech, and delivering responses in formats that best suit their preferences or needs.

A customer may, for example, begin their interaction through voice commands while driving, seamlessly switch to text upon entering a quiet environment and receive visual confirmations throughout their journey. This adaptability creates a more natural and comfortable experience while maintaining conversational context across different modes of interaction.

With voice interfaces providing much-needed alternatives for individuals with visual impairments and text and visual outputs serving those with hearing difficulties, multimodal systems are helping to remove barriers and promote inclusivity, broadening access to everyday tasks and interactions with brands.

By synthesizing various forms of input, multimodal AI systems are building a more comprehensive understanding of user intent and context, resulting in more accurate and relevant responses. This deeper level of understanding significantly reduces friction in customer interactions and leads to improved overall satisfaction. Notably, multimodal AI’s ability to process multiple types of input also simultaneously leads to enhanced contextual intelligence.

In the retail sector, for instance, multimodal AI is revolutionizing online and in-store consumer experiences. Leading retailers are using the technology to help customers search for products more easily using a combination of voice queries and images. For example, shoppers can use smartphones to photograph a piece of furniture and then verbally specify modifications such as, “show me this in blue” or “find similar items at a lower price point.”

Smart mirrors with multimodal AI are another innovative retail application. They respond to voice commands and gestures, enable customers to “try on” clothes virtually in their reflections, requesting different sizes or colors, and receive product recommendations. These use cases demonstrate how powerful multimodal AI can be in blending the best of digital and physical retail applications.

Best practices for implementing multimodal AI

For organizations looking to implement multimodal AI solutions, several best practices should be considered:

Seamless Integration: The key to successful multimodal implementation lies in creating smooth transitions between different modes of interaction. Users should be able to switch between voice, text, and visual interfaces without disrupting their experience or losing context.

User-Centric Design: Organizations need to understand the preferences of their specific user base to deliver the best experience. This insight should guide the choice of modalities, ensuring the technology serves real user needs rather than being implemented for its own sake.

Contextual Data Utilization: Effective multimodal systems should leverage available contextual data, including location information, interaction history, and user preferences, to deliver more personalized experiences. However, this must be balanced with strong privacy protections, informed user consent, and transparent data collection and usage policies.

Accessibility First: Rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought, organizations should place it at the core of their multimodal AI strategy. This approach not only serves users with different abilities but often leads to better solutions for all users.

Continuous Improvement: The field of multimodal AI is rapidly evolving, making it essential for organizations to update and refine their systems regularly. This includes incorporating customer feedback, adapting to new technological capabilities, and maintaining robust security measures.

Leverage Third-Party Expertise: Partnering with an expert provider can help organizations navigate the complexities of multimodal AI implementation. These providers bring specialized expertise, ensuring seamless integration, responsible innovation, and adherence to regulatory standards. These collaborations can accelerate deployment while maximizing the technology’s impact on customer experiences.

Looking ahead: the future of CX

As generative AI (GenAI) continues to evolve, multimodal AI is unlocking new opportunities for brands to win customers, build loyalty, and drive higher engagement. Offering seamless and personalized experiences enables brands to attract new customers while strengthening relationships with existing ones, encouraging repeat business and increased spending. This technology enables brands to create more meaningful and impactful customer interactions across the entire customer journey.

For multimodal AI to thrive, technology leaders need to have confidence in consistent rules that balance safety with innovation. Europe has the opportunity to create a regulatory framework that addresses potential risks while unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology.

We've compiled a list of the best customer database software.

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

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