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What's in a name, especially one as evocative as "Air"? To me, it means light, floating, a breeze, and the distinction matters. In the case of the iPad, it's always meant lighter than the original, or at least it did. But Apple's recent iPad releases have muddied the definition of 'Air' and now Apple's made one change to the latest iPad Air M3 (11-inch and 13-inch) that makes it clear that the "Air" distinction likely belongs elsewhere.

There isn't much difference between the iPad Air 2024 with the M2 chip and the new Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch and 13-inch models unveiled today aside from the more powerful M3 chip. That bit of Apple silicon imbues the iPad Air with overall faster performance and better intelligence features thanks to a super-charged Neural Processor that better supports the Cupertino tech giant's Apple Intelligence ambitions.

'There is, though, one easy-to-miss design change. On the back, right above the three Magic Keyboard smart connectors, is nothing. In this case, nothing is something because I've noticed the absence of two words, "iPad Air," that were on the back of the M2 iPad Air.

I don't know why Apple removed those words, and Apple is not telling us, but it's a notable change. Here's why.

A question of weight

The iPad Air branding on the rear of the iPad Air M2. (Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

It's been 15 years since Steve Jobs introduced us to the "post-PC" world and unveiled the first iPad. That remarkable and sturdy tablet weighed 1.5 pounds. At the time, we lauded it for its sveltness.

Two years later, Apple unveiled the first iPad Air, a skinny, 1-pound, glass and aluminum wonder. The product adopted the Air name from the original MacBook Air, an ultra-thin 3-pound laptop that, in a particularly theatrical flourish, Steve Jobs pulled from a manila envelope.

Since then, all 'Air' products have been dependably lighter and thinner than their base and even Pro counterparts. It's still that way on the MacBook side, but things have gotten fuzzier in the iPad space.

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Apple iPad Air M3 specs (Image credit: Apple)Image 2 of 3

Apple iPad Pro M4 specs (Image credit: Apple)Image 3 of 3

Apple 11th gen iPad specs (Image credit: Apple)

Since 2024, Apple's iPad Air has no longer been the thinnest or lightest iPad. That distinction goes to the M4 iPad Pro models. Introduced in 2024, the iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 13-inch use the new Tandem OLED screen technology. This sandwiches two OLED panels for better colors and deeper blacks, while also eliminating the need for a backlight, thereby making the 5.3-milimeter thickness possible. The 11-inch model weighs just under a pound (0.98 pounds), while the 13-inch Pro weighs 1.28 pounds.

Compare this to the new iPad Air with M3. The 11-inch model is 6.1 milimeters thick and weighs 1.01 pounds. The 13-inch iPad Air is the same 6.1 milimeters thick, and weighs 1.36 pounds. The iPad Air is still 0.9 milimeters thinner than the base iPad (which also got a refresh this week) and 17 grams heavier.

These are not vast differences, but it's also clear that until Apple brings the Tandem OLED technology to the iPad Air lineup, that tablet will still use an LCD-based Liquid Retina screen that requires a backlight, which naturally makes it thicker than the iPad Pro.

Will the real Air stand up?

There is nothing wrong with the previous or this new iPad Air lineup. The M3 I've previously experienced in the MacBook Air is an excellent chip and offers ample support for pro-level video and audio editing, AAA gaming, and, of course, Apple Intelligence.

What about it, though, makes it 'Air'-worthy? Without admitting it directly, Apple has given us a clue that maybe the 'Air' name means less than we thought. Taking the label off this new model is a none-too-subtle way of saying that the appellation doesn't mean what it used to.

Choosing which iPad is right for you will no longer be, "Obviously, I want the light and thin Air model." There are other, more nuanced reasons, like getting near-M4 power and a far more affordable price.

After all, the iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model. The new iPad Air M3 starts at just $599. It's not the thinnest or lightest iPad you can get anymore, but that balance of price, performance, and support for the Pencil Pro and that new Magic keyboard may be enough – at least until Apple is ready for the iPad Air to reclaim the thin and light crown.

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f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond: Two-minute review

There are typically two types of outdoor backpacks for photographers: those that follow a traditional photography backpack design and those that are based on hiking backpacks and feature a modular ICU (internal camera unit) design where you can customize the camera storage within the bag. The f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond is a high-end modular bag that fits into the latter camp and is designed specifically for outdoor photographers like me, for whom it's one of the best camera bags available.

The f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond has been available for a few years and is a newer, tougher version of the original Tilopa. It's a large bag with a 50-liter capacity, and this can be paired with large ICUs for carrying mostly camera gear alongside other items in the additional compartments, or with a smaller ICU for less photo gear and lots of outdoor kit including camping equipment for a one- or two-night wild camping trip.

This cavernous bag is built to an incredibly high standard and it's versatile too – as well as offering compatibility with f-stop ICUs, there are lots of pockets and compartments to store your essentials, including space for a three-liter hydration bladder and up to a 16-inch laptop. The bag also features an internal frame like traditional hiking backpacks alongside being made of tough waterproof material.

I've been an outdoors photographer for more years than I can count, exploring tough terrains in inclement weather, and the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond has been a reliable and versatile backpack throughout. It might cost a lot, but for me its decent value given the years of service.

(Image credit: James Abbott) f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond: price and availability

• Several kit options
• Available in three colors
• Available direct and from third parties

The f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond has been available for years directly from the f-stop website, Amazon and other online retailers. Pricing on the f-stop website is in US Dollars and Euros, with the bag coming in three colors: Anthracite Black, Cypress Green and Magma Red. You can purchase the pack/bag only, which is ideal if you already own f-stop ICUs, or in three bundles which include Essentials, Elite and Master. You can, alternatively, buy the pack/bag only and purchase the desired ICU separately.

The pack Only costs $399.99 / €399.99, while the Essentials bundle costs $499.99 / €499.99 and also includes a Pro Large ICU, Gatekeeper Straps and Large Rain Cover. Step up from Essentials to the Elite bundle ($579.99 / €579.99) and you'll also get a Shallow Small ICU, while the Master bundle costs $769.99 / €769.99 and further adds a Slope Medium ICU, Large Accessory Pouch and Packing Cell Kit.

Mindshift Backlight 26L: specs f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond: design

• Extremely comfortable
• Built for the outdoors
• Modular design

The f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond is a modular backpack so you can change the ICUs depending on your photography needs. There are also lots of additional accessories available including packing cells, straps and accessory pouches, so you can build the perfect bag system for you and your outdoor photographic adventures.

This is a large backpack – not the largest f-stop option available, but at 50 liters the Tilopa has a huge amount of storage space on offer. Just to give you an idea of its dimensions, the bag is 62.3 x 34.8 x 24.4cm / 24.5 x 13.7 x 11.1in with an empty weight of 4.2lb / 1.9kg.

That empty weight is as heavy as some traditional outdoor backpacks that are half the capacity of the Tilopa with fixed camera compartments, but obviously increases depending on what ICUs you're using; they don’t weigh much, but the Pro Large I tend to use weighs 1.71 lbs / 0.76 kgs.

When you consider the weight in this context, the Tilopa is lightweight given the capacity of the bag. The overall capacity is obviously fixed, but you can extend the amount of additional space for personal/outdoor items by using smaller ICUs. There are also pockets in the lid of the bag and on the sides with one able to accommodate a three-liter hydration bladder, complete with a guarded hole for the tube to maintain water resistance.

There's also a large front pocket on the bag with further compartments in the flap; this is quite large and can hold a wide range of items including a jacket. There's a slot to accommodate a 16-inch laptop in the padded rear-entry back panel as well as two larger pockets and four memory card slots that secure magnetically.

On the front of the bag, there are attachments for two walking poles or ice axes as well as the ability to carry a tripod on the front or sides of the bag. There are also pockets and netted straps on the waist belt and shoulder straps, while there are plenty of loops for attaching straps to carry items such as a tent outside of the bag.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The build quality of the bag is excellent and the proprietary DuraDiamond material is both extremely tough and also water-resistant. Tougher Hypalon material is used as reinforcement in a few areas where additional strength is required and the large and comfortable-to-use zippers feature weatherproofing to keep moisture out.

On the inside, the Tilopa features an aluminum frame like traditional hiking backpacks to add rigidity and comfort. This, I have to say helps to make the Tilopa incredibly comfortable to wear.

For the purposes of this test, I paired the Tilopa with the Pro Large ICU which provided enough storage for my standard kit; two full-frame camera bodies with 70-200mm f/4 and 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses attached, a third lens, square filters, shutter remotes and lens cleaning accessories. It could be reconfigured to carry more if lenses weren't attached to the camera bodies, but this is a setup that works perfectly for me.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The only negative with the Tilopa is that it doesn’t have a pouch/pocket that can carry a water bottle, like the side pouches on the smaller 37-liter f-stop Ajna. It's not the end of the world because you can put a bottle in the main front pocket, and one of the side pockets is designed to be used with a hydration bladder. You can also purchase the Mano Water Bottle Pouch separately and this will carry a 17 fl oz / 500ml bottle.

One of my favourite features of the bag, alongside the versatility of the ICUs and its comfort in use, is that you can access gear without fully removing the bag and putting it down on the ground. This is ideal when shooting in water or muddy locations. To do this, you simply remove the shoulder straps and rotate the Tilopa to your front with the waistbelt in use. This allows you to access your kit via the rear panel – perfect for outdoor photography.

Should I buy the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond?

(Image credit: James Abbott) Buy it if...

You'd like a modular backpack
Having a backpack that can accommodate several different modular units allows you to configure the bag to your needs on a day-by-day or trip-by-trip basis, so it's like having several backpacks in one.

You want a bag you don’t have to put down
Gear can be accessed without removing the Tilopa from your body, which is great when you're standing in mud, water or snow. DuraDiamond material can be easily wiped clean, but it's still a useful feature.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t require modularity
If you don’t require the ability to customize camera storage / utilize modular units, then the Tilopa may not be for you. Just know that the Small ICUs do allow for a great deal of non-photographic kit to be carried.

You'd like a smaller bag
With 50 liters of total storage, the Tilopa will be too large for some people. If you only need a medium-size backpack, the 37 Liter f-stop Ajna may be a better option.

How I tested the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond

• Long term review based on several years hands-on use
• All features tested
• Used in outdoor locations, including mountains and coast

I've owned the f-stop Tilopa for several years and use it either when I'm on a wild camping photography trip or when I need to carry more kit alongside outdoor gear. The Tilopa has been tested over an extended period where all of its strengths and weaknesses have been exposed, and it has been used in all weather conditions in the hills, mountains and at the coast. While the Tilopa would function perfectly in urban environments, I typically use lower-capacity backpacks in the city.

First reviewed March 2025

• Trend Micro says hackers are using Microsoft Teams to get closer to their victims
• Through social engineering, they obtain credentials to remote desktop solutions
• This access is then used to drop advanced backdoors

Hackers are using advanced social engineering tactics to try and get flawed old .DLL files onto people’s computers which, in turn, would allow them to drop backdoor malware.

A new report from cybersecurity researchers Trend Micro claims the new attack starts on Microsoft Teams, where the crooks use impersonation to get close to the victims and trick them into providing a certain set of credentials. Through Quick Assist, or similar remote desktop tools, they gain access to the devices, where they sideload flawed .DLL files using OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe, a legitimate OneDrive update tool.

These .DLL files then allow them to drop BackConnect, a type of remote access tool (RAT) that establishes a reverse connection from an infected device to an attacker's server, bypassing firewall restrictions. This allows attackers to maintain persistent access, execute commands, and exfiltrate data while evading traditional security measures.

Commercial cloud solutions

BackConnect is apparently hosted, and distributed, using commercial cloud storage tools.

Trend Micro says the attacks started in October 2024, and have mostly focused on North America, where it observed 21 breaches - 17 in the US, five in Canada and the UK, and 18 in Europe. The researchers didn’t say if the attacks were successful, or which industries they targeted most.

Since most of the tools used in this campaign are legitimate (Teams, OneDriveStandaloneUpdater, Quick Assist), traditional antivirus or malware protection services will not suffice. Instead, businesses must educate their employees to spot social engineering attacks and report them in a timely fashion. Businesses could also enforce the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and limit access to remote desktop tools.

Finally, they should audit cloud storage configurations to prevent unauthorized access, and monitor network traffic for suspicious connections, especially those going to known malicious C2 servers.

Via Infosecurity Magazine

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Split Fiction is an explosive co-op game with a kaleidoscope of mechanics. If you’ve played either of Hazelight Studios’ previous multiplayer masterpieces, then you’ll know what I mean by this – there’s a level where you literally have to navigate your way through one of those colorful rotating toys, but for those of you who have not (go play them now) I'm more so referring to the various game types it has managed to pack into it, from platforming and puzzling to action-adventure role-playing game and racing (and that’s only a small flavor of what you’ll find).

Indeed, the studio is waving the co-op flag high and I’m all for it as it’s great to see such an under-served area of gaming getting the attention it deserves.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: March 6, 2025

Stepping into the incredibly imaginative minds of two writers who get trapped in a simulation of their own fictionalized sci-fi and fantasy worlds is an ingenious premise for a multiplayer, multi-genre game. It’s a lot different to two criminals trying to escape a prison like in A Way Out or a married couple that gets turned into their child’s toys in It Takes Two, making it feel like a completely fresh take on the co-op adventure gaming genre that Hazelight is repping.

I could’ve easily spent more hours wandering around the virtual imaginations of the game’s two main characters (Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

In Split Fiction, you can choose to play as either a decisive sci-fi lover called Mio Hudson (voiced by Kaja Chan) or an emphatic fantasy fan known as Zoe Foster (voiced by Elsie Bennett). Each character has unique abilities – for example, Mio gets to use her dragon to glide in one level as Zoe uses her dragon’s tail to climb up obstacles.

While I played as Mio, who I think has the more exciting abilities, a lot of care has been taken to make sure whichever character you play as you get a chance to experience a new mechanic that’s introduced throughout the gameplay – whether that’s being the one to tilt the screen to help your partner navigate across a series of obstacles or move objects to create new pathways.

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios )

The game's nemesis is the CEO of Radar Publishing, who Mio and Zoe discover is trying to steal their ideas without their consent. However, before you get to inevitably challenge him, you and your co-op partner will have to face a series of bosses, including a rogue AI robot, an evil cat, and a Hydra of Lerna-type mythical dragon beast, just to name a few, as you move through glitches to escape the idea stealing machine. Each battle is different and requires a combination of maneuvers to get past, which you’re introduced to as you proceed through each level, such as timed jumps, shapeshifting, dodges, target shooting, and more.

Any gamers recognize this sword?! (Image credit: Hazelight Studios) A multiverse game

Despite the back and forth between different sci-fi and fantasy styles, neither style suffers from a dev overload with each level being crafted in absolutely stunning detail. Sure, Hazelight has clearly invested more time and resources into Split Fiction this time as it’s noticeably more polished, but that also means it has less of that rustic indie dev charm that you might find with their previous two games or from titles like Campo Santo’s Firewatch or Moon Studio’s Ori and the Blind Forest.

I'd say it's almost certainly needed for a game with this much ambition, though, and you’ll see why when you get to the final chapter. It’s a AAA game from a passionate indie studio, what more could we ask for?

Best bit

(Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

Split Fiction has taken the best bits of It Takes Two and A Way Out, and made a varied co-op adventure with a dynamic storyline. The final level ties into the title in a way that made for a crescendo of a finale that will forever stay with me.

One aspect I love is how Hazelight's passion for playing games is beautifully integrated into its homages to the mechanics that make great games alongside a huge amount of pop culture references and easter eggs. For example, throughout the game you’ll wallrun and grapple in a similar fashion to Star Wars: Jedi Survivor.

Other times you’ll find yourself in a side-scroller with a simple black and white colorway that’s reminiscent of Limbo or a 2D platformer that will give you those nostalgic Mega Man and Sonic vibes or a dance battle with a monkey that has a section where you play the retro mobile game Snake – there’s even a level where you have to use portals, which is absolutely a nod to the best co-op game ever made: Portal.

Split Fiction is already a co-op icon (Image credit: Hazelight Studios)

This additional consideration becomes a fun activity to spot in itself and provides some of the most enjoyable moments in the game. I loved guessing which movies a section of the game was referencing. Some are more obvious than others, like the cutscene that sees you change into your next character style in true Sailor Moon fashion or the bit of dialogue where one of the bosses says something about, “You think darkness is your ally?”, which felt like a nod to The Dark Knight Rises, while others are less subtle like the level where you’re lowered by your teammate down an air vent having to dodge lasers that had me feeling like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. It feels like the developers had a lot of fun weaving these references into the game and they sure make for brilliant sections.

Side note: keep your eye out for the fun little things the devs have had fun including, my personal fav was the revolving doors that would stop if you rushed and tried to push them a nice touch that anyone who’s ever been inpatient in one would have experienced.

My favorite part of the game, though, is the chaotic multiverse final level. This completely blew my mind and is a testament to the creative genius of Hazelight Studios. It’s like nothing I’ve ever played before, mixing different level’s skins with gaming elements in a way I’ve never seen done before.

Is that tree Groot? (Image credit: Hazelight Studios ) Bringing new players together

What I love most about this is that a game like this has really wide appeal – I’m not just talking about veteran gamers who will get a kick out of all the old game references but also those that the closest they’ve ever gotten to a game is something like Tetris. When It Takes Two came out, I noticed people that I never would have thought to play video games, raving about the experience they’d just had, and to me that’s what makes this even more special.

You don’t have to be a serious gamer to enjoy this entertaining adventure. It’s so varied and mixed that I don’t doubt it will be played many times again and again. Split Fiction is another great success in a co-op arena Hazelight is beginning to dominate.

Should you play Split Fiction?

Well, this was unexpected... (Image credit: Hazelight Studios) Play it if…

You love gaming with a buddy
It's an easy one but an important one: Split Fiction is best enjoyed with a pal. However, don’t worry if you don’t have someone in your household, because you can play Split Fiction both locally and online with Friends Pass. Hazelight Studios has also added crossplay options for even more frictionless pairing.

You want a genre-bending game
You’ll go from platforming and puzzles to top-down RPG, racing, rhythm battles, and more. This is primarily an action-adventure platformer, but there are so many mini-games within it that it’ll keep you on your toes. Split Fiction manages to incorporate all this while still following a linear storyline.

You enjoy high-quality graphics
Split Fiction is truly gorgeous. Given that the two main styles are fantasy and sci-fi, it’s mesmerizing to navigate through each level but the mini-games are even more different as some completely abandon the two main styles to bring you a new whacky, weird, and wonderful game look.

Don’t play it if…

You’re looking for challenging puzzles

Compared to It Takes Two, the puzzles weren’t as challenging in Split Fiction. This does mean that you and your buddy will likely not get stuck on any level, so don’t expect anything like the Water Temple conundrum in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to keep you scratching your head.

You’re not an adaptive gamer
The camera perspectives change at the drop of a hat in Split Fiction as you enter new mini-games and levels, making some of the transitions a bit jarring. If you’re familiar with the game references, you’ll likely intuitively know what to do but if you’re not familiar with these then I expect there will be a sight learning curve for some.

Who else loved SSX 3? (Image credit: Hazelight Studios ) Accessibility features

Hazelight Studios has added plenty of features to make Split Fiction a very frictionless experience. The checkpointing is generous, with an option to jump between saved points. There are plenty of settings to modify the buttons, including key binding, camera rotation assistance, and reducing enemy damage. Unfortunately, you can't change the size of subtitles but you do get the option to add solid backgrounds to the text to boost its visibility.

Meanwhile, the voiceovers of the characters in Split Fiction have been recorded in seven different languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (simplified) and Japanese. There are also nine different language subtitles – German, French, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Japanese, Chinese (traditional and simplified), and Korean. Like It Takes Two, the game has an ESRB rating of teen for 13-year-olds and upwards, which makes it more widely accessible for different ages (unlike A Way Out, which has a mature rating due to its subject matter).

Tron anyone? (Image credit: Hazelight Studios ) How we reviewed

I played Split Fiction for around 19 hours on a PS5 Pro and still didn’t earn every trophy. Out of the 21 available, I only got three for completing all side stories, finishing the game, and feeding a dragon (although this was purely accidental as I had not seen all the trophies until after I finished). I don’t doubt that anyone taking more time could clock up even more hours on this game, making it great value for the completionists out there.

The graphics looked incredible on a Sky Glass TV and the audio was fully immersive on a Sonos surround sound setup made up of the Beam (Gen 2), two Era 100s, and the Sub Mini.

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The next game from EA's Hazelight Studios is full of puzzles and action, carrying a pair of players from one exciting set piece to the next.

Audioengine A2+ review

Designed for desktop use, and living rooms where even bookshelf monitors claim too much space, this compact Bluetooth speaker package from Audioengine punches above its weight when it comes to versatility and design. But can the A2+ also hit the right notes when it comes to musicality?

I fostered a pair, eager to find out if pint-sized speakers really can deliver a reassuringly big sound to match the best stereo speakers.

The Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are tailored for near-field listening. Measuring a mere 152 x 101 x 134mm, these titchy enclosures offer a wealth of connectivity, including Bluetooth aptX-HD, USB, and analogue stereo input/outputs via RCA phonos and 3.5mm minijack. They lack a digital audio input though.

Available in a choice of matte (blue or black), and gloss finishes (red or white), build quality is excellent. My glossy red review set oozed premium appeal, their reflective glossy finish contrasting beautifully with the black drivers.

The cabinets themselves have decent heft. Made from MDF, they stand just slightly taller than a Snickers bar and should be easy to accommodate on untidy desks, or even as part of a minimalist Hi-Fi setup.

The left speaker is the active model, with connectivity, built-in amplification and volume control, while the right is its passive partner. The power supply is separate from the active enclosure, thankfully the brick isn’t too large.

Each cabinet houses a 70mm aramid fibre woofer and 19mm silk dome tweeter, with venting at the base to enhance low-frequency performance.

Unsurprisingly, given their size, these speakers are not volume monsters. The system is rated at 15W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, with a peak power output of 30W per channel.

When it comes to system configuration, there’s the option of USB audio, stereo RCA inputs, and a 3.5mm minijack input. There’s also a subwoofer output should you want to add extra bass, in the form of Audioengine’s S6 subwoofer.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite this versatility, I expect most buyers will probably do the majority of their listening via Bluetooth. Here, aptX HD ensures high-resolution wireless audio streaming (when connected to an aptX HD compatible smartphone), though there's no Wi-Fi, unlike most of the best wireless speakers. My system was ready to connect as soon as it powered up.

Also included in the box are 2m of connecting speaker wire, a minijack audio cable, plus a USB lead to connect your PC. All of this, plus the speakers, comes packed in microfiber cloth bags for protection. There’s no remote control included (although you probably don’t need one).

Setup is nice and straightforward: just connect the passive right speaker to the powered left with the included speaker cable, connect the power brick, and you’re good to go.

It’s worth noting that the A2+ is not a smart system; there’s no voice assistance from the likes of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

(Image credit: Future)

Straight from the box, the A2+ are an enjoyable listen, not least because they’re capable of true stereo imaging, something of a rarity in the predominantly one-box Bluetooth speaker market. Tracks like Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Seventeen showcase this well, with the choppy guitar riff anchored on the left and percussion neatly spread across the stage. Their spatial presentation is coherent and involving.

Clarity and detail are also good; the A2+ reward hi-res audio sources, finding subtle nuance in Pearl Jam’s Present Tense (24-bit/48kHz) and Radiohead’s sonically layered Burn the Witch (24-bit/48kHz). They definitely have a knack for detail retrieval.

Given their compact size, low frequency performance is understandably limited. Chase and Status’ thumping Baddadan lacks the visceral low-end thump associated with this drum and bass belter. If you want more slam, you’ll need to add that subwoofer.

The mid-range is the sweet spot here. From Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing, where the interplay between tweeter and woofer handles intricate riffs effortlessly, to the soaring piano of In This Moment’s Into the Light, the A2+ system proves adept across genres – those treble highs always as clear as crystal.

I’d hesitate to call the A2+ speakers musical, though. I never felt myself carried away by its beats, and I was always aware sounds were emanating from the two shiny enclosures, rather than hanging in the air before me. That said, what the A2+ offers is precise and performative.

Loren Allred’s pleading vocals in Never Enough, from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, manages to elicit an emotional tingle, exactly as it should.

While 15W per channel is perfect for desktop use (Audioengine optimistically quotes 60W peak power output), these speakers struggle to serve larger rooms. They’re also quite directional, sounding sharpest when aimed squarely at eye/ear level, so position accordingly.

(Image credit: Future) Audioengine A2+ review: Price & release date

• £255 / $269 / AU$449
• Launched August 2024

The Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are available now for £255 or $269 (US), which undercuts many of their main rivals, including the likes of the Kanto Ren, which are around twice the price.

The S6 subwoofer (£299 / $299) pushes up the system price quite considerably, though, and you certainly can find other Bluetooth stereo speakers for a similar price or cheaper, including from the likes of Edifier and Majority.

Audioengine A2+ review: Specs Should you buy the Audioengine A2+? Buy them if…

You want big sound from small speakers
You’ll have no problem sitting them either side of a PC monitor, and they’ll look great in situ too. It’s worth springing for the bespoke stands from Audioengine, which help angle the drivers upwards.View Deal

You want multiple connectivity options
Bluetooth aptX HD is the big draw, but there are plenty of other options, including USB for direct connection to a PC or laptop, and analog stereo for a turntable (if it has a built-in phono stage) or DAP (digital audio player).View Deal

You want premium design and build
There’s nothing cheap looking about the A2+. The design is stylish and the quality of finish is high.View Deal

Don't buy them if…

You want big bass out of the box
One inevitable consequence of the A2+’s diminutive design is a lack of bass. It’s not that they sound thin, it’s just that they can’t drop deep. For desktop use this shouldn’t be an issue, but for open space listening, adding a subwoofer makes sense.View Deal

You want advanced wireless features
The inability to connect more than one wireless device at a time could prove an issue for households with multiple users, and there's no Wi-Fi streaming.View Deal

Audioengine A2+ review: Also consider

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2
Perennial favourites, these compact Ruark desktop speakers are known for both their clarity and overall musicality. They go surprisingly low, thanks to a canny bass reflex design, but can be augmented with an additional subwoofer if required. Bluetooth aptX is available for streaming, and there’s both analogue and digital audio inputs for local source devices. Read our full Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 review for more.View Deal

Kanto YU4 Active Bluetooth speakers
Slightly larger than rivals, these well specified compact speakers are another strong compact hi-fi option. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, there’s a pair of optical digital audio inputs, as well as analogue phono (with ground) and a 3.5mm Aux minijack. The driver complement comprises silk dome tweeters and Kevlar mid-range woofers, and if the bass reflex cabinet design doesn’t go low enough for you, there’s also a subwoofer output.View Deal

How I tested the Audioengine A2+

Over the course of a week, I evaluated the Audioengine A2+ in various settings, focusing on near-field desktop use. Material was streamed via aptX HD Bluetooth and played through a wired high-resolution music player. Tracks ranged from classic rock to EDM and orchestral pieces, allowing me to assess tonal balance, clarity, and stereo imaging.

Speaker width was dictated by the supplied speaker cable which links the two enclosures, which were positioned at head height (or thereabouts) for optimal performance.

• First reviewed: March 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

A new pureLiFi and Solace Power system aims to boost 5G and other fixed wireless connections.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 has been delayed two weeks
• The upcoming season will now be released on April 3 instead of March 20
• Activision says it's "taking the time to deliver a great experience"

Activision has announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 have been delayed by two weeks.

The news comes from a post on the official Call of Duty X / Twitter account, where it was confirmed that Season 3 will now launch on April 3 instead of March 20.

"Season 03 is a big moment for Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 6, and we’re taking the time to deliver a great experience starting on April 3," the post reads.

With Season 3 delayed by two weeks, this means that Season 2 could receive some sort of extension in the meantime, giving players more time to complete the current battle pass.

Season 03 is a big moment for Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 6, and we’re taking the time to deliver a great experience starting on April 3. More to come following Call of Duty: Warzone’s 5th anniversary next week… pic.twitter.com/TmPJnoYBZSMarch 3, 2025

Activision also said that more details about the upcoming season will be revealed during Warzone's 5th anniversary next week on March 10.

Fans have speculated that Verdansk, the original Call of Duty: Warzone map from 2020, will make a return and be a highlight of the upcoming update to celebrate the game's 5th anniversary.

Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 2: Reloaded launched on February 20 and currently features an ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle collaboration, complete with a themed map called Grind Ooze, as well as Operator skins designed after the four iconic brothers.

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The 11-inch and 13-inch tablets have the same look as before but with a minor boost in performance. The new iPads ship on March 12.

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When it comes to cybersecurity, most people think that creating strong, unique passwords is enough. A password gives access to a single account, or potentially several if you re-use passwords, which can make you vulnerable to attacks. But your email address is actually more valuable than your passwords. It's basically your digital passport. You wouldn't share your passport details every time you speak to someone or make a purchase in real life, so why would you share your digital passport everywhere online? If it falls into the wrong hands, the stakes are extremely high.

In 2024, the global average cost of a business data breach was $4.88 million. Identity fraud is on the rise and data breaches occur regularly, so we need to start protecting our email addresses to protect ourselves online.

The risk of using one email address

Your email address isn't just for communication, it's your digital identity. It's an incredibly valuable piece of personal information that can be used, sold and abused by companies, governments and scammers. Thanks to this data, spammers have been able to personalize phishing emails well enough to avoid sophisticated spam detection by Google and Microsoft.

When you give your email address to sign up to public WiFi, or to create a new account, that single piece of information can be used to create a detailed profile about you. It's attached to everything you do online, from online shopping to banking, from posting on forums to contacting healthcare professionals. By themselves, individual accounts contain some sensitive information about you, but your email address connects them all. In the hands of a bad actor, it's the key to a gold mine of personal data.

If, like most people, you only use one email address for all your online accounts, you're creating a huge potential risk. If you only use one email address for all your accounts, you will also find it harder to change it if (or when) it's exposed in a breach.

So many of your accounts will be associated with this email address that even if you realize that you've been affected by a data breach, it's not easy to fix. It means updating your account details on potentially hundreds of websites, a labor-intensive task that most people aren't willing to take on. This gargantuan task is reflected in our recent survey: 66% of Brits said they’d rather lose their passport than their email address.

What happens when your email address – your digital passport – is exposed?

If your email address is published online, you become a target for bad actors online. The two main ways that this can happen are through data breaches and data brokers.

Data breaches occur when businesses fall prey to cyberattacks or even just through mistakes, such as Ticketmaster, Microsoft, and Google experienced in 2024. Hackers downloaded and published troves of information, with more than 1 billion records being stolen. If hackers acquire your email address, they can target you with phishing scams, sending emails to convince you to give away sensitive information to help them to access your accounts.

Your email address can also be uncovered by data brokers. Data brokers trade in personal information as a commodity, selling it for marketing and advertising purposes. They combine data points such as your internet history, public records, and purchases. This data is incredibly easy to find online because it's all connected to your email address, and with enough of it, data brokers can sell a detailed profile of you to businesses for a profit. If you're affected, you'll likely find your inbox bombarded with spam from marketers and potentially scammers. You might also find hackers using your data to guess your passwords, access your accounts, and lock you out. Even governments can purchase this data to spy on their citizens using warrantless surveillance.

Anyone can fall victim to data scraping and breaches. Proton's recent study looked into politicians that had fallen victim to data breaches. 68% of MPs in the UK had their details compromised on the dark web – a national security issue waiting to happen.

A lesser-known solution – hiding your email address

The best way of protecting yourself online is not sharing any information in the first place – what companies don't have can't be used against you. But that's not realistic. So the best way to protect your real identity is to hide your digital identity.

Email aliases let you hide your identity from online services. An alias is a randomly generated email address that you can share with online service providers to mask your real email address, shielding it while still letting you receive emails. Despite being easy to create and manage, they're still underutilized.

For example, you can create an alias such as newsletters.perplexed753@passmail.net – a specific alias for receiving a newsletter. Without any identifying information, such as your name, it can't be traced back to you. Even if that business is breached, your personal identity won't be affected. You can create a unique alias for each account, covering your tracks online and protecting your privacy.

Without your email address, data brokers and scammers can't create an online profile for you. Your alias is only tied to one account, and since it doesn't contain any identifiable information, it reduces the amount of information you share online.

If one of your aliases is compromised in a data breach or begins receiving spam emails, you can simply deactivate it. Only one of your accounts is affected and you can create a different alias for that service. The inconvenience and risk associated with your real email address being leaked is eliminated. You can create as many aliases as you like to make sure that any risk is spread across multiple disposable addresses. Instead of a huge task to reset your email address, it becomes a thirty second fix.

Email aliases don't just allow you to receive emails — but send them too. If you want to create an account on a forum but don't want to use your personal email address, your aliases help you communicate with total privacy. You can create email aliases to help you manage a small business using your business domain or even just organize your inbox.

Email aliases are an easy, low-effort tool to combat cybercrime and protect our personal data. As navigating the internet becomes more risky, we need to rethink the way we freely give our personal email addresses to every online service provider. Instead, we should approach sharing your personal email address the same way as sharing your passport — with great caution. This shift in mindset will make it harder for bad actors to flourish online and help you take control of your privacy.

We've featured the best secure email provider.

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: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Canadian and Chinese officials say they were already helping reduce fentanyl smuggling. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said fentanyl crossing the northern border is "near zero."

(Image credit: Katherine KY Cheng)

• Threat actors seen abusing AWS misconfigurations to gain access to the instances
• They would use the instances to create new SES and WorkMail services
• The emails would bypass email security, while keeping the attackers hidden

Misconfigured Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments are being abused to run phishing campaigns that can bypass email filters and land right into people’s inboxes, experts have claimed.

Cybersecurity researchers from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 recently spotted a group tracked as TGR-UNK-0011 engaging in this type of attack.

The group, which Unit 42 says significantly overlaps with a separate group called JavaGhost, has been active since 2019. However, the group was initially focused on defacing websites, and only pivoted to phishing in 2022, when they started seeking out financial gain.

JavaGhost

The attacks start with the group obtaining people’s AWS access keys. This gives them access to Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) and WorkMail services.

"JavaGhost obtained exposed long-term access keys associated with identity and access management (IAM) users that allowed them to gain initial access to an AWS environment via the command-line interface (CLI)," the researchers said. "Between 2022-24, the group evolved their tactics to more advanced defense evasion techniques that attempt to obfuscate identities in the CloudTrail logs. This tactic has historically been exploited by Scattered Spider."

After confirming the access, the attackers would create a temporary account and access the console. Then, they would use SES and WorkMail to set up their phishing infrastructure, and would set up SMTP credentials to send the phishing emails.

"Throughout the time frame of the attacks, JavaGhost creates various IAM users, some they use during their attacks and others that they never use," the researchers explained. "The unused IAM users seem to serve as long-term persistence mechanisms."

Since the emails would be coming from a known, and legitimate entity, they would bypass email protections and reach their target’s inboxes. They would also sound more credible, since the two parties most likely communicated in the past, as well.

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The Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC and Mac have finally been revealed. In general, you'll need to know the minimum and recommended specs to work out whether your setup can run the game, and how different levels of ray-tracing can be achieved in-game.

From what we've seen so far, Assassin's Creed Shadows looks to be a bold new step for the long-running action franchise. There are dual protagonists this time around, and even dynamic systems that will affect combat and stealth. We're still waiting to get ahold of the game, but it has a chance of ranking highly on our list of the best Assassin's Creed games from what we've seen so far.

Here's everything you need to know about the Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC and Mac, including a breakdown of what you'll need for each level of ray-tracing in-game. We'll also explain whether AC: Shadows can run on Steam Deck, and some key info on everything from GPU requirements to the resolutions and frame rates that you'll be targeting.

Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Here are the Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC, broken up by the kind of Ray Tracing you want to achieve:

Now, we have the PC requirements for Assassin's Creed Shadows with Standard Ray Tracing switched on:

For those who want to go for extensive Ray Tracing, you'll need the following setup:

Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for Mac

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Now for the Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements from Mac, which will allow players using Apple silicon to get in on the fun.

Now, here's the requirements for those wanting to target Selective Ray Tracing on Mac:

Finally, here are the Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for achieving Standard Ray Tracing on Mac:

Can you play Assassin's Creed Shadows on the Steam Deck?

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Unfortunately, Assassin's Creed Shadows won't be playable on the Steam Deck at launch. This was revealed in a Q&A posted to the game's official website:

"At launch, the game will not be compatible with Steam Deck, due to the fact it is below our minimum specs for PC." said Pierre F, Technology Director of Assassin's Creed Shadows.

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The push to ban TikTok was always disingenuous in the United States. Don’t get me wrong – the app’s spyware concerns are well-founded. However, banning one app while ignoring scores of other state-owned, questionable software and hardware is like plugging a leaky dam while water gushes through dozens of other cracks. It’s not a long-term solution to a deep-rooted problem.

For me, as a connected device user and maker of more than two decades, the social media ban (and rapid about-face) raises a bigger, overlooked security concern: the vast network of Chinese-manufactured smart devices in homes and businesses. While TikTok’s data collection makes headlines, the Internet of Things (IoT) captures far more intimate data about our daily lives.

As lawmakers now attempt to find American buyers for co-ownership of TikTok, I’m left asking myself: If this app requires home-grown investment and steering for security, shouldn’t the same apply to the millions of Chinese-made IoT devices?

We know about this threat

Chinese-connected devices have been making headlines for years. First, they’re cheap, which means they’re hackable. Tens of thousands of customers found this out the hard way when Hikvision, a state-owned surveillance camera manufacturer, left users exposed through unpatched software vulnerabilities and default passwords that leaked online.

Further, these devices aren’t just weak – they’re black boxes. Ownership is often unknown or state-linked, so what happens with device data is anyone’s best guess. Additionally, there’s no telling what these devices could do. The hardware, software, and platform are made in China. With full network access, rogue devices could monitor network traffic, inject malicious code, and create distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

What we can say for certain is that these devices – from robot vacuums to video doorbells – collect more intimate, real-time data than any social media app. This includes constant audio, video, and location data. Think about it: social media only sees what you choose to share, while these devices witness your unfiltered life. They come with eyes and ears – cameras and microphones – that can track daily routines, lifestyle, and, well, you.

While TikTok operates in the virtual realm of social media content, IoT senses and actuates with the real world around it. Connected cars with cameras can drive around and discover all kinds of infrastructure, even using sensors like WiFi to discover networks and digital mechanisms. This is just the tip of the surveillance iceberg.

More dangerous than TikTok

The TikTok ban and ownership decision opens up a digital can of worms. It’s just not true to say this app is a national security risk if countless other devices aren’t given the same distinction. This is especially so if the threat from connected devices is actually worse than one app.

Consider, for example, that devices directly connect to cloud platforms – again, determined by the devicemaker – with some even counting facial recognition. Not to mention, TikTok is usually tied to a mobile device, which adds an extra security layer via iOS or Android. Devices don’t have this. How is this not a security and geopolitical risk, again?

The truth is that TikTok’s ban and buyout is based on political posturing rather than consumer safety. For this reason, it’s highly unlikely governments will start divvying up ownership and operation of every dodgy company in Chinese IoT. There’s not enough political will and, ultimately, these devices do a lot of good for economies when onboarded – keyword – safely.

Of course, regulators are trying to encourage device security baselines in Europe (Cyber Resilience Act) and The United States (Cyber Trust Mark) regarding default passwords and patching guarantees. But they can’t and won’t move for outright bans or buyouts. After all, IoT offers excellent efficiency and management insights, and Chinese devices often deliver the best bang for buck. So, what can we do?

Protect yourself, your networks, and your data

Protecting yourself from this threat starts by weighing up the pros and cons of technology from this part of the world. There’s a real chance you’ll pay the price for discounted devices in the form of security backdoors and data loss. So, keep the overall bottom-line impact in mind.

If you decide to bite the bullet, ensure multiple security failsafes. Configure your devices with peer-to-peer communication and end-to-end encryption. Also, store them under your own lock and key at the edge. This way, they’re on their own segmented network closer to home with less latency and fewer intermediary servers.

For the record, I don’t think governments should get involved with the ownership of these companies. Nonetheless, it’s a worthwhile thought exercise with geopolitics moving at breakneck speed and devices entering our most private spaces. Regulations are the right move for the moment and let’s hope our lawmakers keep a close eye on this sector.

Whatever happens next, both consumers and companies need to move with the landscape. Between tariffs and TikTok, nothing is off the table, so be careful not to put your data in the line of fire.

We've featured the best privacy tool and anonymous browser.

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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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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, March 4 (game #632).

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 #633) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• BITE
• ONION
• SOFT
• KICK
• PICKLE
• SKIRT
• ALLERGY
• RELIEF
• PAINT
• DODGE
• EDGE
• CLIP
• BORDER
• FILE
• MELODRAMA
• FRINGE

NYT Connections today (game #633) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: On the outside
• GREEN: Cuticle activities
• BLUE: Things to make you blub 
• PURPLE: Add a rhyme with “wall” to make a game

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 #633) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: PERIPHERY 
• GREEN: THINGS PEOPLE DO TO FINGERNAILS
• BLUE: WHAT MIGHT BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES 
• PURPLE: __BALL RECREATIONAL SPORTS 

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

NYT Connections today (game #633) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #633, are…

• YELLOW: PERIPHERY BORDER, EDGE, FRINGE, SKIRT
• GREEN: THINGS PEOPLE DO TO FINGERNAILS BITE, CLIP, FILE, PAINT
• BLUE: WHAT MIGHT BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES ALLERGY, MELODRAMA, ONION, RELIEF
• PURPLE: __BALL RECREATIONAL SPORTS DODGE, KICK, PICKLE, SOFT

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

I’m annoyed with today’s Connections because I made a mistake with an answer that is technically also correct.

PAINT could have fitted into __BALL RECREATIONAL SPORTS as well as THINGS PEOPLE DO TO FINGERNAILS. The injustice! It’s not as if I tried to put PICKLE and ONION in a group together – I thought about it, though.

Paintball doesn't involve an actual ball as such, so I guess that justifies its exclusion. But what’s doubly annoying at missing out on an error-free clean run is that this was one of those rare puzzles where I actually understood what all the categories were, for a change.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, 4 March, game #632)

• YELLOW: ADJECTIVES FOR NICE SKIN DEWY, FRESH, GLOWING, SMOOTH
• GREEN: MESS OF HAIR MAT, MOP, TANGLE, THATCH
• BLUE: DICKENS CHARACTERS BUCKET, PIP, SCROOGE, TWIST
• PURPLE: ___CHAIN DAISY, FOOD, MOUNTAIN, SUPPLY

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.