Feed aggregator

When it comes to the best smartwatches of the moment, the discussion always includes the Apple Watch series – and the Apple Watch SE model, which we've had two of so far, is the least expensive way to get an Apple-made smartwatch wrapped around your wrist.

Our Apple Watch SE 2 review will tell you that we're very impressed with the latest model, which was unveiled on September 7, 2022. That's more than two years ago now, which makes us think that an Apple Watch SE 3 isn't going to be too far off at this point.

Apple hasn't said anything officially of course – it never does, until a product actually launches – but here we've gathered together everything we've heard so far about what the Apple Watch SE 3 will bring with it: rumors, leaks, best guesses, and what we want to see.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The 2025 Apple Watch SE
• When is it out? Probably September 2025
• How much will it cost? Around $249 / £259 / AU$399

Apple Watch SE 3: release date and pricing

(Image credit: Apple)

• A September 2025 release looks likely
• The existing model starts at $249 / £259 / AU$399

The original Apple Watch SE was launched in September 2019, with the second-gen model appearing in September 2022. That's a gap of three years, and if Apple sticks to the same scheduling for the third-generation model, then we're looking at a launch window sometime during September 2025 – which is fast approaching.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in January that Apple would unveil the Apple Watch SE 3 in the second half of 2025. That would mean a launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as the four expected iPhone 17 models of course.

When it comes to pricing, again there haven't been any rumors or leaks mentioning this particular detail, so we need to look at past pricing for some clues: the first Apple Watch SE started at $279 / £269 / AU$429, while the Apple Watch SE 2 started at $249 / £259 / AU$399, both for the smaller 40 mm sizes. Remember that pricing is from 2019 and 2022 respectively, however.

While Apple will want to keep the Apple Watch SE 3 affordable – it's the primary reason for the device existing, after all – there might be a slight price bump this time around. We would certainly welcome a small drop in price, as there was between the first and second Apple Watch SE models, but right now that seems less likely.

Apple Watch SE 3: leaks and rumors

The Apple Watch SE 2 (Image credit: TechRadar)

• We might get a plastic casing
• Improved health sensors are possible

There hasn't been an overwhelming flood of Apple Watch SE 3 leaks so far, but that doesn't mean Apple isn't working on a new watch: most of the Apple rumors we hear trend to be around iPhones and iPads, so perhaps there are smaller teams working on the Apple Watch models that are tighter in terms of information security.

Reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman has gone on record as saying that we will get an Apple Watch SE 3 during 2025 and that it's going to be a "fresh" upgrade with a "new look" – quite what that new look will involve, Gurman doesn't say. We're thinking thinner bezels and sleeker edges that are more like the Apple Watch 10 than the current Apple Watch SE 2 (which does now look rather dated).

In the background, there's always chatter about Apple introducing new sensors for its Apple Watch – for glucose monitoring, for example – so that's a possibility. However, real innovation in terms of health monitoring still seems some way off, based on what we've heard, and any notable upgrades would most likely go to the more expensive Apple Watch devices first.

Gurman has also predicted a more plastic, kid-friendly look for the Apple Watch SE 3, maybe to get parents to buy the new model for their children. We can almost certainly look forward to new colors, new watch faces, and perhaps new straps when the Apple Watch SE 3 makes its debut, and of course, watchOS 12 (the successor to watchOS 11) will be ready at the same time.

Apple Watch SE 3: what we want to see

The Apple Watch SE 2 (Image credit: TechRadar)

We'd expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to instantly become one of the best Apple Watches when it does make an appearance, but we also have some ideas about how Apple could make sure the Apple Watch SE 3 has broad appeal. Here's what's on our wishlist when it comes to the next model – let's see how many of them Apple manages to check off.

1. A serious drop in price

We've already said it's unlikely that the Apple Watch SE 3 will cost significantly less than its predecessor, but we can hope. There are some very inexpensive smartwatches competing with the Apple Watch at the moment, which is surely something Apple has noticed – and perhaps the rumored switch to a plastic shell will help bring production costs down.

2. Better health tracking

The Apple Watch SE series currently lacks some of the health tracking features you can find on the standard Apple Watch line: you don't get ECG, blood oxygen, or temperature sensing capabilities on the Apple Watch SE 2, for example. Here's hoping Apple manages to put some of these upgrades into the new model, while still keeping prices down.

3. An always-on screen

We don't really have too many gripes about the Apple Watch SE 2, but one of them was the lack of an always-on screen – something that's hugely useful for a smartwatch, even if it does affect battery life a little. We'd very much welcome this as a feature on the Apple Watch SE 3, which may require some kind of screen tech upgrade at the same time.

4. A smattering of AI

The wealth of Apple Intelligence features that have made their way to iPhones, iPads, and Macs in recent months are yet to find a place on any Apple Watch, and we're hoping that changes soon – AI assistance could be really helpful on such a small screen, with summaries for example, as long as Apple doesn't go overboard with the additions.

5. Better battery life

Yes, yes, yes... it's the same request every year, with every smartwatch. Hopefully, the engineers at Apple manage to figure out a way to eke more battery life out of the Apple Watch SE 3. Based on our testing, the current Apple Watch SE 2 manages to get around two days between charges, so we're hoping for something even better from the next model.

You might also like

• The best cheap smartwatches you can buy
• Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2: should you wait?
• Rumors around the Apple Watch Ultra 3

• Apple has settled a lawsuit over battery swelling in old Apple Watch models
• Owners of the Series 3, 2, 1, and the original Apple Watch
• The company denies wrongdoing, but you could still grab yourself $50

Apple has settled a lawsuit related to battery swelling in some of the oldest Apple Watch models. If you qualify, you could receive up to $50.

As spotted by TechCrunch, Apple has settled a class action lawsuit alleging that the company's earliest Apple Watches, the first-gen, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models, "experienced issues related to battery swell".

While Apple fervently denies the issue, the company has agreed to a payout to settle the claim and stop the case going any further. In a defiant statement, the company said: "Apple Watch is designed to be safe and reliable. This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase." It continued: "While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation."

All that remains is for potential settlement class members to make a claim for a payout, which could be up to $50. Here's how to find out if you're eligible, and what to do next.

Make your old Apple Watch pay

The Apple Watch Series 3 was first unveiled in 2017. (Image credit: Apple)

As per the settlement website, a $20 million fund has been set aside for "Settlement Class Members who are natural persons who reside in the United States who own or owned a Covered Watch for personal and/or household use and who are reflected in Apple’s records as having reported issues potentially related to battery swell in the United States."

If you owned a first-generation Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3, and Apple has recorded you having reported an issue with battery swelling, you should be eligible for payment.

In theory, if you fit this bill, you don't need to submit a claim, as you should be included automatically. If you think you're eligible you may want to confirm or update your payment info so you get the cash. For various statutory reasons, if you want to exclude yourself from the class you need to do so by February 24, 2025.

Payments should be between $20 and $50 - not enough to pay for one of the best Apple Watches you can buy right now, but sufficient for one of the best Apple Watch bands.

You may also like

• Three Apple Watch features you're probably not using, but should be – according to Apple's VP of Fitness Tech
• 'Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear' – company responds to class-action lawsuit over 'forever chemical' claims
• I've spent 10 years with Apple Watch, and after 10 minutes with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, I can't believe Samsung skipped this feature

Take advantage of the Fed's interest rate pause while you still can.

• Microsoft and Alphabet CEOs are among the latest investors in a London cricket team
• London Spirit seals £145m deal for 49% stake in franchise
• Bid led by Palo Alto Networks chairman Nikesh Arora

The CEOs of Alphabet and Microsoft are among several technology heads behind a record-breaking bid for a minority stake in a franchise of the UK's Hundred cricket competition.

Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai have joined a number of other cricket fans holding major roles at technology firms who have come together for a £145 million bid for a 49% in the London Spirit franchise.

The bid is the largest in this year's tender, and values the London Spirit, which plays its matches at the iconic Lord's cricket ground in the capital, at over £300 million.

London Spirit deal

Leading the bid, officially made by a consortium called the Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, is Nikesh Arora, the chief executive of security firm Palo Alto Networks, who heads up what the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of Lord's, called "11 high net-worth individuals".

Along with Nadella and Pichai, this includes Shantanu Narayen, chief executive of Adobe, Egon Durban, the chief executive of Silver Lake Management, and Satyan Gajwani, the co-founder of Major League Cricket and vice-chairman of Times Internet.

Nadella and Pichai are both huge fans of cricket, which enjoys a huge fan base in their home nation of India. Nadella in particular is known for sneaking cricket references into the background of online talks and addresses, and is also an investor in the new Major League Cricket competition, co-owning the Seattle Orcas team.

The group was only able to bid for a 49% stake due to the remainder being retained by the MCC. Each of the hosts for the eight teams were given a 51% stake in their franchise, which they can sell or keep, with the ECB then selling the remaining 49%.

Elsewhere in the auction, Indian-American IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, the founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions, also spent £80m for a stake in the Welsh Fire franchise.

India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, founder of the Reliance Group, snapped up the stake in the Oval Invincibles, London's other franchise in the competition.

Via Cricket.com

You might also like

• Microsoft is officially cutting support for Office apps on Windows 10
• Microsoft is changing the way logins work: here’s what that means for you
• We've rounded up the best Microsoft Office alternative choices around

• Three in five workers are already using some form of AI agents
• Most IT execs are keen to adopt even more agentic AI
• The same challenges are blocking a full rollout

As artificial intelligence begins to become more engrained into business operations, companies are looking to hand over more of their processes to the more autonomous side of the technology.

A report from Pega claims three in five (58%) workers are already using AI agents, with separate research from AI technology firm UiPath revealing nearly all (93%) of IT execs are very interested in agentic AI.

UiPath also found over two-thirds (69%) of IT execs are using or will use AI agents within the next six months – a figure not too dissimilar to Pega’s.

The next step of AI is agentic AI

We’ve already seen how artificial intelligence can save workers hours per week on mundane, repetitive tasks, and workers are excited to see AI agents automate these tasks, summarize meetings more efficiently, improve the oversight of business workflows and ultimately reduce the amount of time workers spending searching for job-related information.

However, while companies like Salesforce are bidding big on agentic AI, some key hurdles remain in place, and they’re the same challenges that businesses faced and continue to face with regular AI.

UiPath identified IT security issues (56%), the cost of implementation (37%) and integration with existing systems (35%) are concerns among IT executives, while Pega found a lack of confidence in AI’s ability to autonomously replace humans as a sticking point, be it AI’s work quality (33%), the lack of human intuition and emotional intelligence (32%) and untrustworthy AI-generated responses (30%).

“As AI systems become more autonomous, enterprises must strike a balance between autonomy and human oversight to prevent unintended consequences and guarantee that AI-driven actions align with ethical, compliance, and legal standards," noted Daniel Dines, CEO of UiPath.

Looking ahead, there is a clear need for better education and transparency to encourage agentic AI adoption, as well as careful consideration as to the balance between AI autonomy and human oversight.

With the right approach, 46% of Pega’s survey respondents believe AI will positively impact their jobs over the next five years.

“Organizations must meet employees where they are by integrating AI agents with actual workflows so they’re not just doing any work, but doing the right work," added Pega CTO Don Schuerman.

You might also like

• We’ve listed the best AI tools and best AI writers
• Check out our roundup of the best productivity tools
• AI agents are proving remarkably popular - but firms still face a host of challenges

• A durability test has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's Corning Gorilla Armor 2 screen might scratch more easily than first thought
• This could, however, mean that the phone is less likely to shatter when dropped
• These results are at odds with Corning's claims

The move to Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection is supposedly one of the biggest upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the new material sounding, on paper, like a big improvement on the original Gorilla Armor used by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, a new durability test suggests the reality might be a bit more complicated than that.

JerryRigEverything (via Phone Arena) has released a video testing the durability of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in various ways, and one interesting thing they found was that the phone's screen started getting scratched at level six of the Mohs scale of hardness (a system used to measure scratch resistance).

That’s in line with a lot of other high-end phones, but it’s a step down from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which in the same test didn’t start getting scratches until level seven. So, in other words, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen is seemingly easier to scratch than its predecessor’s.

A shatter-resistant compromise

So, what’s going on here? While JerryRigEverything doesn’t have a definitive answer, they posit that perhaps the glass was too brittle on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. After all, increasing scratch resistance will typically mean making the glass harder, which can also make it more likely to shatter when dropped.

So, Corning and Samsung might have decided that this is a better balance – sacrificing some scratch resistance for improved drop resistance.

That said, while Corning itself states that drop resistance has been improved compared to the original Gorilla Armor, it also says that “Gorilla Armor 2 maintained its exceptional scratch resistance.”

So, it’s possible that, for whatever reason, JerryRigEverything’s results will prove to be outliers. But even if the glass on the Galaxy S25 Ultra really is more prone to scratching, we’d argue it’s probably a fair trade if that means it’s less likely to smash.

What do you value more in a smartphone: strong scratch resistance or strong drop resistance? Let us know in the comments.

You might also like

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review: the ultimate Android
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs: all the key specs for every model
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cameras: every sensor and lens

• A fairly reliable leaker has hinted at the next State of Play date
• The next PlayStation presentation could air around Valentine's Day
• Updates for upcoming PS5 games like Ghost of Yotei seem likely

A PlayStation State of Play presentation could be happening this month per a reliable leaker, which would line up with previous years.

The rumor comes from NateTheHate on X / Twitter (via VGC), a fairly reliable source who has revealed accurate information about PlayStation and Nintendo products in the past. In a reply to another user asking about a specific date for the State of Play presentation, he responds: "What does your heart tell you?" That strongly suggests a live date of on or around February 14 (Valentine's Day).

Now, it's possible that Nate could just be guesstimating here. A State of Play for February 2025 is a fairly safe bet, given Sony has run these presentations towards the start of the last two years. We also know that Sony has at least two big PS5 games in the pipeline for this year - those being Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, both sequels to a pair of critically acclaimed titles.

A State of Play this month would also present a good opportunity for Insomniac Games to give a more thorough update on its upcoming Marvel's Wolverine game. The developer did share a small message about the game last week, stating it has to remain "very stoic until it’s time to pop the claws down the road." Could that time be this month? We'll need to wait and see.

It'd also be reasonable to expect an update on Tekken 8 season 2 - a massive patch for the fighting game that doesn't yet have a release date. While we currently don't know which characters are going to be added for the game's second year, Bandai Namco has not so subtly teased the return of Anna Williams in the original season 2 trailer.

In any case, keep your eyes glued to PlayStation's social channels this month, as that State of Play announcement could happen any day now.

You might also like...

• Forza Horizon 5 is heading to PS5 this year with full cross play support, and I couldn’t be happier
• BioWare has quietly laid off long-time Dragon Age devs as it downsizes the studio and turns its focus to Mass Effect 5
• The GTA 6 release date may have leaked, and it could be an important franchise anniversary

The next big advance in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis could be tiny pulses of electricity delivered to the vagus nerve.

(Image credit: SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOT/Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)

Morgiane at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Jan. 24, 2025, along with members of Opera Lafayette, OperaCréole and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.'/>

Morgiane, perhaps the oldest opera by a Black American, finally receives its full public performance, shedding light on the forgotten heyday of opera in New Orleans.

(Image credit: Camille Farrah Lenain for NPR)

This account can help you stick to your savings goals, even if rates fall.

When Cara Beth Rogers was studying abroad in college, her brother died in an accident. On the plane ride home, a stranger made her overwhelming grief a bit easier to bear.

(Image credit: Cara Beth Rogers)

Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong has become a fierce champion online for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

President Trump is accelerating the attacks on diversity-in-business programs. But DEI experts say this may be the wakeup call big companies need.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

To most people, words like algebra, algorithms, and computational mathematics may bring back memories of educational struggles. But behind these abstract concepts lies a powerful, life-saving tool: High-Performance Computing (HPC). HPC leverages advanced mathematics and enormous processing power to handle calculations that were once unimaginable, making it indispensable across a range of disciplines, including meteorology.

Without HPC, our ability to predict natural disasters would be vastly diminished. From issuing hurricane warnings that enable mass evacuations to forecasting floods before they reach populated areas, HPC allows meteorologists to transform data into actionable insights that save lives. In a world without HPC, many more lives would be lost to extreme weather.

Mathematics that saves lives

Natural disasters impact nearly every corner of the globe. In 2023, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria led to the highest death toll of any natural disaster that year. Economically, Hurricane Katrina remains one of the world’s most costly disasters, second only to the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 These catastrophic events underscore the importance of accurate and timely forecasting, a feat made possible by the power of HPC.

During my tenure at Red Oak Consulting and my time working within the Met Office, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of High-Performance Computing (HPC) in forecasting and predicting impending weather catastrophes with remarkable accuracy, which is only going to be more vital to society as we progress through the modern world.

Natural disasters on the rise

Climate change is transforming the world’s landscape, fueling extreme weather events that threaten to reshape entire regions. Rising global temperatures drive severe droughts, increase the intensity of storms, and intensify tropical cyclones. The oceans, warmed by climate change, provide ideal conditions for storms to form and strengthen, while rising sea levels and water-saturated air supercharge these events.

With rising sea levels blurring the boundaries between land and ocean, coastal areas that were once considered safe are now at risk of flooding. Climate change redraws the map of risk, leaving previously untouched regions vulnerable to natural disasters. As the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes, climate change is a key driver behind the increased frequency and severity of hurricanes, which last longer and reach higher intensities than ever before.

The devastating floods in Spain, which tragically claimed 200 lives, highlight the increasing risks climate change poses to weather patterns and water systems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, have intensified due to human-induced warming. Rising global temperatures accelerate and destabilize the hydrological cycle, resulting in extreme variations in water availability.

The phenomenon known as DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) played a major role, as residual summer heat from the Mediterranean clashed with polar air, creating convective clouds and torrential rains. Warmer sea surfaces and a moisture-laden atmosphere, both driven by climate change, amplify such events, making deadly flash floods more frequent and severe.

Why is HPC crucial to meteorology?

For decades, weather forecasting has relied on complex mathematical equations and vast amounts of data. However, until recently, the computing power needed to process these elements quickly and accurately was limited. HPC has now become a crucial tool, allowing meteorologists to model and forecast extreme weather events with unprecedented precision and speed, giving communities precious time to prepare for what lies ahead.

HPC processes vast datasets from satellites, ocean buoys, radar, aircraft, and ground stations, integrating them to create models that simulate various weather scenarios. These advanced models can predict hurricanes, cyclones, heatwaves, and flash floods by running billions of calculations that reveal how atmospheric conditions may develop. HPC enables these models to be run at an incredibly high resolution, pinpointing likely developments across specific regions and timeframes.

For example, in the case of an approaching hurricane, HPC can forecast its expected path, intensity, wind speeds, and rainfall distribution, allowing meteorologists to issue accurate, targeted warnings well in advance of impact. Without HPC, such precise predictions would be impossible, and communities would be left with much less time to prepare for incoming disasters.

HPC also enables real-time data assimilation, which means it can integrate the latest data into ongoing forecasts, updating predictions minute by minute as conditions change. This capability is particularly vital for rapidly shifting events, like thunderstorms and cyclones, which can be unpredictable and fast-moving. HPC’s speed and scale make it possible to refine forecasts down to highly specific locations, helping authorities make informed decisions on evacuations, shelter locations, and resource deployment.

Future-proofing with climate modelling

While weather forecasting predicts short-term conditions, climate modelling aims to simulate long-term changes, giving us insight into how rising temperatures, greenhouse gases, and other factors will shape our planet’s climate over decades or centuries. HPC is essential for this purpose, allowing scientists to simulate the complex, interconnected systems driving Earth’s climate and to explore possible future scenarios.

At its core, climate modelling is about understanding the intricate dynamics between atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and land-sea interactions. Models consider variables like greenhouse gas concentrations, solar radiation, cloud formation, and human activities, integrating them to project future climate conditions. Because Earth’s climate system has countless interdependent factors, climate models require immense computational power. HPC enables scientists to run these models and simulate climate interactions with unprecedented detail and accuracy.

HPC-powered climate models provide insights crucial for planning and policymaking. For instance, by running simulations based on different emissions levels, scientists can predict potential outcomes for global temperatures, sea levels, and weather patterns. This data helps inform government policies on climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness, empowering decision-makers to build defenses against the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, HPC enables ‘ensemble modelling’, where multiple simulations run in parallel with slight variations to account for uncertainties. This approach yields more reliable, probabilistic forecasts, offering a range of potential outcomes. Ensemble modelling is essential in climate science, as it provides a fuller picture of possible scenarios and equips policymakers with the information needed to make informed, adaptive decisions.

HPC and global aviation

A less visible yet equally vital area where HPC powers forecasting is in global aviation. The skies may seem vast and unpredictable, but behind every transatlantic flight and intercontinental journey lies a finely tuned network of meteorological support. Just two centers worldwide provide real-time aviation forecasts: the World Area Forecast Centers (WAFCs), operated by the UK Met Office and NOAA in the United States.

Tasked with delivering critical weather forecasts for safe flight planning, the WAFCs rely on HPC to generate up-to-the-minute insights that help pilots navigate potential hazards. The Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees these centers, which keep watch on everything from turbulence to icing conditions across global airspace. With HPC enabling rapid data processing, WAFCs can predict hazardous conditions well before a flight reaches them, allowing pilots to adjust routes and ensure passenger safety.

Imagine a transatlantic flight with hundreds of passengers on board, cruising at high altitude over the Atlantic. Without HPC, forecasters would struggle to track storm systems, turbulence, and potential icing hazards in real time. Thanks to HPC, WAFCs monitor vast stretches of atmosphere, predict weather events, and ensure that flight paths are optimized for safety and efficiency. This essential capability keeps global aviation moving smoothly and mitigates the risks posed by unforeseen weather conditions.

Preparing with precision

As the risk of natural disasters grows, high-performance computing stands as a frontline defense, transforming raw data into life-saving forecasts. HPC models simulate hurricanes, wildfires, and floods in astonishing detail, giving communities and emergency responders precise, real-time updates that guide preparations and minimize harm.

Beyond immediate crises, HPC powers long-term climate models that reveal how rising temperatures and sea levels will shape future risks. Cities use this information to strengthen defenses, plan resilient infrastructure, and adapt to an era of extreme weather. Enhanced by AI, HPC pushes the boundaries of early detection, identifying patterns that signal emerging threats and offering vital insights that help us act with precision.

So, the next time you check a weather forecast, remember the sophisticated systems working behind the scenes-powered by HPC, predicting natural disasters, and preparing us for whatever lies ahead.

We've compiled a list of the best cloud computing services.

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

The former president of the Spanish soccer federation goes on trial Monday accused of sexual assault for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup final in 2023.

(Image credit: Bernat Armangue)

Wondering how to safely do lymphatic drainage massage at home and whether it actually works? Here are the benefits, risks and techniques, according to a licensed specialist.

By now, even casual observers of the tech world are well aware of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s dazzling contribution to artificial intelligence. Its ability to generate coherent, on-point responses has upended online research and sparked endless speculation about AI’s growing role in our everyday lives.

A recent rising challenger, China’s opensource AI-powered chatbot, DeepSeek, has drawn its own intrigue, promising to run more efficiently and be better suited to non-English users than its American competitor.

Yet in the rush to assess its functionality, adoption, and potential geopolitical sway, one pressing question seems to have been sidelined: how do the environmental credentials of these ChatGPT and DeepSeek compare?

Where It All Began: A Look at ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s Origins

ChatGPT

ChatGPT’s meteoric rise began in late 2022, with OpenAI and Microsoft forming a high-profile alliance to scale it via Azure’s cloud services. Every iteration of the GPT architecture, however, comes at a steep environmental price. Training such a colossal model requires immense computing power, and the subsequent energy use has raised uncomfortable questions about its carbon footprint.

DeepSeek

While DeepSeek hasn’t yet become a household name to the extent ChatGPT has, it’s earning a reputation as a leaner, more multilingual competitor. It uses techniques like pruning (removing unnecessary parts of the model to reduce size and improve efficiency), model distillation (training a smaller "student" model to imitate a larger "teacher" model), and algorithmic streamlining (optimizing each step of the computation process to minimize wasted resources and improve overall performance) – all intended to cut down on resources and associated costs.

The theory goes that an AI needing fewer GPUs should, in principle, consume less energy overall. Yet details on its total environmental impact remain conspicuously thin, leaving observers to wonder if DeepSeek’s operational gains could truly deliver on the sustainability front.

Energy and Carbon Emissions

The most glaring environmental toll for both models lies in the power needed to train them. Early estimates suggest that rolling out ChatGPT’s latest language model, GPT4, demanded colossal GPU capacity for weeks on end.

DeepSeek, meanwhile, claims to require fewer high-end chips, potentially reducing its total electricity draw.

Data Centers and Energy Sources

Powering ChatGPT on Microsoft’s Azure platform has its upsides and downsides. Microsoft is working to become carbon-negative by 2030, underpinned by investments in green energy and carbon capture. Yet many of its data centers remain tethered to non-renewable energy grids, and the manufacture of sophisticated AI chips is itself resource-intensive.

DeepSeek appears to rely on Alibaba Cloud, China’s most prominent cloud provider, which has set similar targets for carbon neutrality. But China’s national grid continues to rely heavily on coal, meaning the actual environmental impact might be more significant unless DeepSeek is sited in locations rich in renewable infrastructure. That said, DeepSeek’s focus on efficiency might still make it less carbon-intensive overall.

Water Usage and Cooling

Running giant clusters of GPUs produces heat – lots of it. Data centres typically use vast amounts of water for cooling, especially in regions with high temperatures. Microsoft has come under fire for consuming billions of liters of water, some of which goes towards cooling the hardware behind AI operations.

Information on DeepSeek’s water footprint is scant. If Alibaba Cloud’s newer facilities use advanced cooling methods – such as immersion cooling (submerging servers in a thermally conductive liquid to dissipate heat more efficiently) – DeepSeek might fare better in terms of water usage. But with so little public data on its processes, it’s difficult to measure how it stacks up against ChatGPT on this front.

The Hidden Cost of E-Waste

The relentless pace of AI hardware development means GPUs and other accelerators can quickly become obsolete. ChatGPT’s operations, involving cutting-edge equipment, likely generate a rising tide of e-waste, though precise figures are elusive.

In principle, DeepSeek’s more frugal approach implies fewer chips, which could mean slower turnover and less waste. Still, this remains an educated guess until there’s more visibility into how DeepSeek’s hardware ecosystem is managed.

Where Do They Stand?

At first glance, OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft suggests ChatGPT might stand to benefit from a more environmentally conscious framework – provided that Microsoft’s grand sustainability promises translate into meaningful progress on the ground. DeepSeek, meanwhile, must grapple with a coal-reliant grid in China, yet its drive for efficiency could place it in a better position to curb overall energy consumption per operation.

That said, the U.S. is hardly a clean-energy haven either. While Microsoft has pledged to go carbon-negative by 2030, America remains one of the world’s largest consumers of fossil fuels, with coal still powering parts of its grid. Moreover, political shifts could slow progress: the resurgence of a "drill, baby, drill" mentality in Republican energy rhetoric suggests a renewed push for oil and gas, potentially undermining AI’s green ambitions.

Ultimately, AI is hurtling forward at breakneck speed, but the environmental ramifications lag far behind in public scrutiny. As these systems weave themselves ever deeper into our politics, economy, and daily interactions, the debate on their energy sources, water usage, and hardware footprints must become more transparent. If the world’s appetite for AI is unstoppable, then so too must be our commitment to holding its creators accountable for the planet’s long-term well-being. That responsibility extends not just to China and the U.S. and every nation where AI is trained, deployed, and powered.

We've created a comprehensive list of the best AI tools.

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

Boya Mini: one-minute review

Beginner content creators on a shoestring budget who are looking to up their audio quality will struggle to find better value than that offered by the Boya Mini wireless mic. For less than half the price of leading models like the DJI Mic Mini you get a reliable twin-mic kit, and while the 16-bit audio is admittedly modest, it's quality is perfectly acceptable for the likes of TikTok and Youtube Reels.

Naturally, for such a low price, there are a few compromises; build quality is so-so, there's no option for a 3.5mm connection (just USB-C or Lightning, which counts out most dedicated cameras), nor is there audio monitoring of any kind, or manual control over levels. This is a simple plug-and-go mic that, much like the Rode Wireless Micro, is designed for smartphones, laptops, or even the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – basically any USB-C device. And for such users, the Boya Mini's simplicity works a treat.

The mics are super-tiny and weigh just 5g, so they don't tug on clothing. The receiver is also tiny, which means it doesn't get in the way when connected to your phone's charging port. I've found the mics quick to connect and reliable time and again, while the audio quality for vlogging is perfectly acceptable, and certainly much better than a phone's built-in mic. The fact that noise reduction features is a nice bonus too. If you're looking for a no-frills, reliable and cheap wireless mic, the Boya Mini is an easy recommendation.

The Boya Mini is the tiniest wireless mic of them all (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Boya Mini: price and release date

• Prices start at $45 / £52.99 / AU$83 for kits with charging case
• Available in kits with USB-C and / or Lightning adaptors
• Available now, in black or white finishes

The Boya Mini's list price is $45 / £52.99 / AU$83 at Amazon for the twin mic kit with charging case and USB-C connector. The kit is also available with Lightning connector instead, or in some regions for $59.99 / £69.99 with both connectors; or you can save money by opting for just a single mic and receiver kit. Should you click through to the Boya website, then you get redirected to a discount site where the price is even lower.

The mics feature clip-on foam covers, and all the components fit inside the charging case, while a soft case is also included. For the money, you'll struggle to find a better-value wireless mic.

Here are all of the Boya Mini components included in the complete kit. In some regions, you can opt for a single mic and receiver, for about half the price. (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Boya Mini: specs

I like how the two mics fit in the charging case even when the foam covers are attached (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Boya Mini: Design

• World's smallest and lightest wireless mic, weighing just 5g
• Components are available in black or white finishes
• Tiny receiver, available in USB-C or Lightning versions

'Mini' is doing a slight disservice to the Boya Mini wireless mic kit – It's billed as the world's tiniest wireless microphone, measuring just 31 x 15 x 16.4mm. And given that it weighs just 5g, it might just be the lightest of its kind too.

Such miniscule proportions are handy in two ways; the mics are discreet, and nor do they tug on clothing. The mics are clip-on only, unlike pricier rivals that feature versatile through-clothing magnetic mounting. That means you need to find an edge in clothing, like a collar or pocket or button hole to attach the mic to.

The clip is metal, so if you source your own magnet you could fix the Boya Mini magnetically through clothing. The only reason I can think of why Boya didn't include magnets in the kit is that the mic and its clip are so small that it wouldn't be possible to securely fix it to clothing that way.

Build quality of the Boya Mini's components is so-so, and over the month or so testing the gear I've been conscious to treat it with care, especially the mic's clip, which is small enough to struggle to gain a secure hold on thicker clothing.

I was using the Rode Wireless Micro alongside the Boya Mini, and there's an obvious gulf in build quality – the pricier Rode model looks and feels the business.

As mentioned, you can buy the Boya Mini as a complete kit which comprises two transmitters (mics), a receiver (you choose which type you need – USB-C, Lightning or both) and a charging case.

Here's the Boya Mini alongside the Rode Wireless Micro (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The mics utilize clip-on foam covers to dampen audio that, handily, can remain in position on the mics and the components will still fit into the charging case. The Rode Wireless Micro comes with clip-on wind muffs, but these don't fit it in the case so, you'll have to find somewhere else to stow them when not in use. Boya has the practical advantage here.

Like the mics, the receiver is super-tiny. It attaches to your phone, laptop or tablet's charging port, and you'll barely notice it's there while filming. You need the receiver for the mics to work because, unlike the DJI Mic Mini, they don't feature Bluetooth connectivity.

If you're a wireless mic first-timer, you'll be up and running with mic'd audio in no time at all. Once you attach the receiver and select the video option in your camera app, you should get a prompt to select the wired mic option in the settings menu (rather than the phone's built-in mic) – that's my experience using a Pixel 8 Pro. Then you're good to go.

The whole process from unboxing to getting started is as easy as can be, and consistently reliable. It might be cheap, but it's certainly worth it.

Here you can see how small the receiver is connected to a Pixel 8 Pro, and the video settings menu where I selected the wired mic option to get sound from the mics instead of my phone's built-in mic (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Boya Mini: Performance

• Transmission range up to 100m
• 6 hours operating time, with an additional four charges from the charging case
• Three-level noise cancellation, plus a gimmicky Human Voice Enhancement mode

Despite its tiny size, battery life is practically on a par with bulkier, pricier alternatives. You get up to six hours record time per mic, and Boya says the charging case with its 260mAh battery provides additional charges that total 30 hours record time. That's enough juice for several days of moderate vlogging.

Transmission range is rated up to 100m in clear sight. I haven't personally tested the limits of the Boya Mini's transmission range, but I can vouch for the stability of the connection when vlogging. Note, you'll get interference at a much closer proximity than 100m if your device and the mic lose line of site, for example if you turn your back to the camera.

Where the Boya Mini most obviously comes up short as a cheap wireless mic is that audio bit-depth maxes out at 16-bit, and output is mono only. Splash out thrice the cash on a leading alternative, and you'll be getting richer 24-bit audio with the option for stereo output. Oh, and there's no low-cut filter, either, so low frequencies such as the hum of an air conditioner aren't filtered out.

I had the white version of the mic, but it's also available in black (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

No low-cut filter isn't a big deal, though – the Boya Mini features one-click noise cancellation, activated through the one physical button on the mic. There are three levels of strength, though honestly I didn't notice a huge difference in any of the settings. You'll know when noise cancellation is active because the blue light on the receiver that indicates an active connection turns green.

There's also Boya's version of voice enhancement, which sounds impressive but don't be fooled – it's a gimmick. Think of it as voice distortion – one setting makes your voice deep, one high-pitched, and one normal. It might be a fun feature to play with once or twice for the laughs, but that's the extent of it.

So what do I make of the audio quality of the Boya Mini? I think the maximum possible quality has been squeezed out of its humble hardware.

If you're a casual vlogger, and need clear and crisp vocals across a range of scenarios, you'll get that with the Boya Mini. It lacks the finesse of a 24-bit alternative, but it certainly is a mark-up from your smartphone's mic. In fact, I've been happy enough with the quality that I've mic'd up with the Boya Mini for a few videos that I've shot for TechRadar's TikTok channel.

It's also versatile in that you can use it easily with a camera like the Osmo Pocket 3 (especially given how small the receiver is), with a laptop for work calls, and yes, with your smartphone for shooting Youtube, TikTok and Instagram content.

I'd be remiss not to address the technically-minded, so here are a few of the mics audio specs: it has a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, a maximum 120db SPL, and a 80db signal-to-noise ratio. Those are solid specs for such a cheap device.

Should I buy the Boya Mini? Buy it if…

You want the cheapest possible wireless mic that's worth buying
It might be mega cheap, but the Boya Mini is also the real deal, with decent-quality audio and reliable performance.

You're a beginner smartphone content creator

The Boya Mini is primarily designed for use with smartphones, while its quality and automated audio features are sufficient for beginners.

You want a tiny wireless mic

Billed as the world's smallest and lightest wireless mic, the Boya Mini is positively tiny and discreet, and available in black or white version.

Don’t buy it if…

You'll eventually need a mic for cameras

The Boya Mini lacks a 3.5mm connector, meaning that you wont be able to use it with a dedicated camera, unlike the DJI Mic Mini.

You'll likely want audio-level monitoring and gain control

Its simple and therefore restricted in some ways – you can't easily monitor audio levels while recording for peace of mind, as you can with pricier alternatives like the DJI Mic 2.

You want the best possible audio quality

The Boya Mini punches above its weight, but it's not one for audiophiles, who will prefer the richer audio quality of pricier rivals.

Boya Mini: also consider

Rode Wireless Micro

Our favorite wireless mic primarily designed for smartphones is the Rode Wireless Micro. It's more than twice the price of the Boya Mini and has superior 24-bit audio quality, plus Intelligent Gain Assist for clear vocals, and impressive build quality. However, it doesn't include noise cancellation, and the mics themselves are a little bulkier.

Read our Rode Wireless Micro in-depth review

DJI Mic Mini
A premium and versatile alternative, the Mic Mini features 24-bit audio and Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can bypass the receiver altogether, plus a 3.5mm connector for use with cameras. You can also dial in audio levels manually using the receiver. However, the Mic Mini feels more designed for both phones and cameras, with a bulkier receiver better designed for cameras.

Read our DJI Mic Mini review

(Image credit: Tim Coleman) How I tested the Boya Mini

• I had the complete kit with charging case, plus USB-C and Lightning connectors
• I used it regularly for a variety of vlogs for over a month
• Tested alongside the rival Rode Wireless Micro
• Paired primarily with a Google Pixel 8 Pro

With its automated audio recording plus one-click noise reduction and voice enhancement features, there's not a lot to get your head around, and that's the beauty of simple wireless mics like the Boya Mini.

I had the complete kit with charging case, and found the kit to be completely reliable, with the receiver connecting securely to my Pixel 8 Pro phone. I drained the battery of the mic and recharged it through the charging case to test the battery life.

I tested audio quality in a range of scenarios, both indoors and outdoors, and in quiet and noisy environments. I ran comparison tests with the Rode Wireless Micro.

• First reviewed: January 2025
• Read more about how we test

When we hear the word “mobile,” the automatic assumption is that we’re talking about iPhones and iPads. However, "mobile" is an umbrella term that extends far beyond just phones and tablets.

Mobility use cases are enabled by infrastructure that affords users the freedom to stay connected while on the move. This ranges from handheld portable electronic and smart wearables to point-of-sale (POS) systems and Apple Vision Pro headsets. This means that most of the critical technologies used by businesses to operate and connect with customers are increasingly provided through mobile solutions.

Many organizations have yet to reach a level of maturity in their mobile programs to reflect the critical role devices play. Such assets can no longer be viewed solely as ‘niche’ by businesses. They are, in fact, ‘mission-critical’ devices that must be treated as first-class assets when developing both security and resilience strategies.

What is meant by ‘mission-critical use’

It’s safe to say that one of the biggest revolutions over the last 30 years, alongside developments like the internet, has been the introduction of mobile devices into the workplace.

What originally started as a “nice to have,” with only certain individuals having access to smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), has evolved to the point where mobiles are a necessity for any successful business.

As a result, we have seen new device form factors join the ‘mission critical’ category. These mobile devices are essential to the operation and running of an organization; if one of these devices fails, the entire business would likely grind to a halt.

Many of these devices are deployed in environments where they might be shared among multiple users or designated for specific functions rather than assigned to an individual.

Given the broad definition, there is a wide spectrum of devices that can count as ‘mission critical,’ each one serving a distinct need within a business. This includes tablets used in healthcare to monitor patient recovery or clinical therapy, as well as systems used in retail environments such as mobile credit card processors, as well as to process payments, manage inventory, or for time tracking on the sales floor.

Even an Apple Vision Pro headset can be considered ‘mission critical’ depending on the use case, with such devices being used in power stations to train technicians and optimize site operations.

Whilst these are three very different examples, each illustrates how vital mobile assets have become for organizations. If they were to fail, it could result in lost revenue for a small business, or, in more serious cases, put patients’ or workers’ lives at risk.

Challenges organizations face with managing ‘mission-critical use’ devices

Maintaining operational uptime on ‘mission-critical use’ devices is essential and this means making them both cyber resilient and operationally resilient.

Mobiles are now a common attack vector for cybercriminals, in part because they often exhibit the worst security standards. For example, 40% of mobile users are running a device with known vulnerabilities. Poor cybersecurity standards mean that the bar to exploit such an asset is extremely low, making it easier for cybercriminals to take them offline and halt the operations of victim organizations.

Businesses tend to focus all their efforts on meeting regulatory checkboxes for compliance, yet they often overlook specific security threats and vulnerabilities that might put the device at risk. It’s also frequently assumed that limited-access devices are safe by default, but this is rarely the case, particularly when work devices are used for personal reasons.

On the other hand, some businesses may have elements of strong cybersecurity but fail to implement practices strategically. For example, automated processes might update all devices with new patches at the same time. If the business doesn’t have backup systems in place, then it could face operational downtime while the update takes place.

Performance is king when it comes to mobile devices, and providing the best possible service to customers means frontline workers having the right tools performing reliably.

For example, you can’t have a mobile device used in a critical scenario run out of power because heavy cumbersome software is placing undo strain on the battery.

While these are two different issues, they stem from the same problem: businesses don’t fully understand how dependent they are on mobiles and lack awareness when examining the security of such devices.

While mobile devices used by workers on the frontline, such as POS systems, are obvious additions to the ‘mission critical’ category, the mobile devices of knowledge workers, are equally important. If an executive loses access to their smartphone, they can’t retrieve essential information or perform their job effectively. This is potentially as disastrous as a frontline system going down; however, it’s often overlooked by IT teams.

Organizations need to understand assess all the mobile devices that are used for work and recognize which ones are ‘mission critical.’ Only then can they start addressing the security challenges they face and make mobiles more resilient. Tackling the problem requires a structured and layered model.

Building resilience in ‘mission critical’ devices

The first stage in assessing an organization's ‘mission critical’ footprint involves a comprehensive asset inventory. This means understanding what assets are deployed, where they are, and what they’re accessing.

The inventory should include a mapping of where there are overlaps between devices and the applications that are also ‘mission critical.’ These are crucial aspects that organizations often overlook. Once a business has an understanding of their ‘mission critical’ assets, they can implement a backup plan for when they go down.

During this phase, it’s also crucial for organizations to know their suppliers, and to understand the control options available for the devices they’ve acquired. This will enable security teams to apply minimum security standards immediately as devices are unboxed, making good security hygiene just as important as application deployments.

Basic cyber hygiene practices, such as implementing Multi-Factor Authentication, enforcing rigorous patching processes, and requiring strong passwords, are essential for improving the security standards of ‘mission criticals’. The majority of breaches can be tied to failures in getting the basics right.

Following the ‘mission critical’ asset inventory, it is imperative to implement threat prevention, this includes Device Management to ensure that devices are monitored and security policies enforced. By implementing such capabilities, organizations can block malicious activity before it reaches the device, helping to maintain operational availability in devices.

Settings are equally important. Limiting non-essential notifications, restricting high-risk applications, and carefully managing access controls can enhance safety on ‘mission critical’ tools. The same approach applies to backup planning.

Finally, organizations should think about connectivity to workloads and backend applications that are operated off the device – for example, connection to a database or running an AI workload in the cloud. It’s important that all data in transit between devices and workloads is protected.

However, cybersecurity strategies and practices must also be aligned with uptime strategies. It’s a wasted effort improving cyber hygiene if a malfunctioning update causes downtime in all ‘mission-critical’ devices at the same time.

For ‘mission critical’ devices, broad updates or general alerts aren’t ideal. A tablet relied on by an airline pilot or surgeon should not receive disruptive updates during essential operations.

Organizations need to either establish a plan to schedule downtime aligned with business requirements or procure backup devices and implement a local protocol to enable immediate device swapping as needed.

Ultimately, mobile devices are now critical to the operations of every business. Therefore, IT teams need to treat them in the same way they would other critical assets. Businesses need to have a clear plan for how they manage ‘mission critical’ devices that ensures they are both secure and operationally resilient. For many, this means the time has come for mobile to assume a first class role in the enterprise, where its impact on business is understood and maintained.

We've listed the best Mobile Device Management solutions.

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

Muscle growth can be improved by more than just hitting the gym.