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• Unidrive is going for something bigger than the UT2, a TechRadar favorite
• The UP6 has a 10GbE Ethernet Interface and two TB4 ports to deliver up to 8GBps speeds
• It is thought to be the first portable AI tablet NAS (because it has a touchscreen)

In September 2024, we reported how the UnifyDrive UT2 portable NAS device's RAID-configurable storage made it a strong, unique option for creatives against stationary alternatives.

Now, the company has announced the product's latest iteration, the UP6, at CES 2025 (via GlobeNewsWire), offering storage while also leveraging AI to act as a smart assistant for managing it on the go.

The UP6 offers up to 48TB of storage and supports instant file transfer and backup with one-click support for SD, TF, and CFe cards.

Intel Core Ultra processor's AI capabilities

At the heart of the UP6 is an Intel Core Ultra processor, enabling the use of AI features such as natural language search and facial recognition, in addition to handling large, encoded files.

It comes with a 10 GbE Ethernet interface and two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) ports, supporting rates of up to 8000 MB/s; that's a transfer of 1TB of data in about two minutes.

The device features a touchscreen HDR display and supports wireless access points for seamless collaboration in locations without internet access.

UnifyDrive claims the device’s AI models that power the NAS drive's search function run locally on the machine.

Bin Yuan, founder of UnifyDrive, noted, “the era of bulky, unattractive, slow, plastic NASes hidden in networking closets is over. The UP6 lets you bring your data with you, offering unmatched portability and power for the most demanding workflows — today and tomorrow.”

“The UT2 has exceeded our expectations as a portable NAS solution that transforms data management for modern lifestyles,” he added.

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Fox is using the Big Game to raise awareness of its free streaming service.

Subscribers can play the award-winning game on Jan. 21.

Ancient DNA reveals that during the Iron Age, women in ancient Celtic societies were at the center of their social networks — unlike previous eras of prehistory.

(Image credit: Miles Russell)

I don't trust you. I like you and I want to share my tech knowledge with you but when it comes to something like flying a drone, I simply won't trust that every random drone owner will follow basic flight safety rules.

But I'm not DJI, the world's number-one drone maker. Arguably the maker of the best drones in the world (its fliers top our best drones list and warrant their own best list), DJI made it clear this week that it fully trusts its drone customers to steer their drones clear of sensitive areas like prisons, airports, and national landmarks.

These so-called no-fly zones are currently GEO-coded into DJI drones, which means the flying cameras would automatically steer clear. They did in the US, at least. Last year, DJI switched those controls off in the European Union, and now it's followed suit in the U.S.

Flying blind

In a blog update posted this week, the company officially switched its "Restricted Zones (or No Fly Zones) to Enhanced Warning Zones. Instead of stopping the drones automatically from flying into an airport, you'll get a warning that you're flying into restricted airspace and, as DJI puts it, the company is, "placing control back in the hands of the drone operators, in line with regulatory principles of the operator bearing final responsibility."

DJI offers many reasons like the rise of a strong drone regulatory structure that didn't exist when DJI first started selling its quadrocopters in the US more than a decade ago. That's true, there are lots of rules, but they're somewhat inconsistent.

For a time, the FAA required everyone flying a drone of nearly any size (250 grams to 55lbs) to get a drone registration (somewhat less stringent than a license). The FAA rule was eventually struck down so that the majority of small prosumer drones no longer need any registration.

I was sorry about this change, because the light-touch registration process taught new fliers about the rules of the road (air). For instance, they could not fly above 400ft, so as not to interfere with aircraft, and they were not supposed to fly in certain zones that included airports.

I took these lessons seriously but also appreciated that DJI technology had my back and would stop me from flying where I shouldn't. The registration also provided a level of accountability. Your registration number was supposed to be affixed somewhere inside your drone so it if was found flying where it shouldn't be, the errant device could be traced back to the careless pilot.

With popularity comes responsibility

(Image credit: DJI)

The allure of a DJI drone is strong: who doesn't want to fly a drone? Few companies have their kind of track record across a single category. I've flown numerous DJI drones over the years and can't name a single dud.

In recent years, the drone maker has been on quite a tear. We got the new Avata 2, a fantastic FPV drone that puts you in the drone flight driver's seat to create incredible fly-through videos. There's the new 3-camera Mavic Pro 3, which might be the ultimate prosumer drone, and now the recently released entry-level DJI Flip that, when folded, looks unlike anything DJI has ever produced.

My point is that DJI has a drone for every taste and flying style. It appeals to an incredibly broad set of consumers. But not every buyer has flown a drone before or understands how to keep them from becoming unintentional weapons of minor destruction.

You think I'm exaggerating? Droves have been reported flying across the flight path of landing and departing commercial aircraft. Even more worrisome is what happened when a drone got in the way of one of the planes carrying life-saving water from a lake to the Los Angeles fires. LA had to ground those planes until they figured out what was going on.

I doubt that the drone pilot was trying to harm the plane or interfere with fire control efforts. They likely wanted the amazing video the drone could capture. But drones in amateurs hands do not belong in those situations, and yet I think DJI's decision will only make such situations that much more likely.

A looming no fly rule of its own

(Image credit: DJI)

When I think about DJI's decision, I have to consider its somewhat tenuous place in the US market. Despite its success, DJI has been the target of a potential US ban for more than a year. It was briefly included in a bill to limit some technology and goods, the Countering CCP Drones Act, because, as a Chinese company, there's concern that the Chinese government could use DJI tech to spy on US interests. While DJI managed to avoid a ban, the company still has to prove to the US government that its technology is not a national security risk.

DJI has fought these allegations from the start, but I almost feel like this new decision is a bit of passive aggression. Yes, DJI made the same change in the EU, but doing so now in the US, especially as we face a change of Executive administration, seems like an especially bad idea.

Unless the purpose was for DJI to say, "We had your back on basic drone safety. Now, see what it's like when we don't."

It's hard to imagine that the decision will curry favor here with US lawmakers. In the meantime, the software update went into effect on January 13, 2025, which means our skies are already a Wild West and less safe than they were last year. It's quite possible that we could soon have all manner of DJI drones buzzing airports, the Statue of Liberty, the US Capitol, and other precious locations.

I have no issue with licensed pros flying in these locales because they've cleared flights with officials. It's those other amateurs flying drones, with a 5-to-8-mile flight range, who will send them buzzing into your territories. We don't need to be swatting away DJI drones like so many flies.

I love DJI drones and I love you, dear drone enthusiast readers, but right now I'm struggling with trust on two fronts.

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As the push toward Windows 11 continues, Microsoft confirms that Windows 10 users will lose support for apps including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Parallels Desktop 20.2 introduce x86 Emulation on Apple Silicon
• It's still an early technology preview, but it could have huge ramifications
• Capable of running with Linux and Windows 10, it could help Apple make further inroads in enterprise markets

In 2020, Apple switched from Intel to its ARM-based Silicon and since then, running x86-based software on its hardware has been challenging.

To help this, Parallels, the virtual machine (VM) software for Mac users, has now released its latest version, Parallels Desktop 20.2, into public preview finally bringing x86 emulation to Apple Silicon.

The launch means developers can run, develop, and test 32-bit Windows apps in a native environment; especially useful for those working with legacy software yet to see ports to ARM-based systems.

A game changer?

By the company's own admission, however, the new version is very much a preview; boot times for Windows VMs range from two to seven minutes, depending on the hardware.

Even after booting, the responsiveness of the system lags, and creating a new virtual machine can take considerable time, up to 30 minutes for Windows and two hours for Linux.

Another major drawback is the lack of support for USB devices. This can be a problem for users who rely on external devices in their workflows, such as printers or scanners.

All virtual machines must run through Apple’s hypervisor and Parallels’ own can't be used, ruling out nested virtualization.

Furthermore, there's currently no sound in Intel-based VMs, and some Windows updates aren't working correctly. The emulator also only supports 64-bit VMs, though 32-bit applications remain compatible with them.

The current limitations makes it clear that this feature is not yet ready for mainstream use, but the potential is there, and I'm rooting for Parallels to iron out these issues so that it can once again become a powerful tool for enterprise users and developers using Macs in the Apple Silicon era.

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It was another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon.

(Image credit: Valerie Macon)

Lenovo's ThinkPad lineup has always been a significant grouping of offerings for business professionals. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 is no different. It targets professionals who need workstation-grade performance on the go.

The ThinkPad P16 is one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around - ideal for heavy computational and graphical work. Compared to the P16, I view the P16v Gen 2 as a ThinkPad P16 lite. But that's not any official branding; it's just my viewpoint. It's a slightly less powerful P16, but still very much enterprise-focused and workstation-esque.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Price and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 starts at $1,791.92 (pre-tax) and quickly scales up to well over $3,500 before any pre-installed software options if you want to max out the hardware offerings.

These and custom builds are available on Lenovo's website, and pre-built models are available in places like Amazon or other computer retailers.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Unboxing and First Impressions

The ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 laptop comes in the Lenovo packaging, a beefy yellow-tipped Lenovo charger (though you can also charge via USB-C, albeit slower), and other essential documentation. I was immediately reminded of the P16, though the P16v is a bit slimmer and lighter (4.89 lb vs. 6.5 lb).

Another thing that I noticed right away was the port offering and location. I'll discuss this more later, but right off the bat, I was surprised to see a full ethernet port and ports on the back; then again, though thin, this is a workstation. Lastly, I genuinely like the matte black finish on this laptop. It feels professional, and I like it for the same reasons. Though I love some sweet backpack colors, I will always choose black. I love some splashes of color from Apple these days, but I always prefer simple colors. It's clean, goes with everything, and it looks professional.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Design and Build Quality Specs

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 165H to Ultra 9 185H options
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Gen or RTX 3000 Ada Gen
Display: 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, 100% sRGB to 16" WQUXGA (3840 x 2400), IPS, 100%DCI-P3, 60Hz
Storage: 2x 2TB SSD M.2 drives
RAM: 8GB DDR5, upgradable to 96GB .

Unsurprisingly, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 is very similar to the ThinkPad P16 in design, much like the name. The P16v Gen 2 is slimmer and more portable than a ThinkPad P16. However, it still feels relatively robust and like any of the best mobile workstations I've tried, with actual portability in mind. Thanks to the real estate left behind due to the 16" screen, Lenovo could add a full numpad to the right of the entire keyboard, and better yet, it's comfortable to type on.

The port offering on this computer is excellent for the modern employee needing workstation-grade power. There is an SD Card Reader, an optional Smart Card reader, a full-size HDMI port, a USB-A Port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a full RJ45 Ethernet port. What's fascinating and pretty brilliant is that one of the Thunderbolt ports and the Ethernet port are on the back of the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2. This makes it super easy to plug into a Thunderbolt Docking station and/or that ethernet port, both of which you'd want running away from your desk or workspace exactly how they will when plugged into the back of your laptop.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: In use

I've had this laptop in my rotation for the last couple of weeks, and it has been a pretty good computer. It can easily handle my productivity suite of tasks, content creation and video editing, and photo editing. It can handle the 3D modeling software for my 3D printer and all of it at once. I really appreciate the ethernet port and Thunderbolt 4 port on the back, as I could have the not-so-flexible ethernet port run away from my computer when I needed to hardline into the internet at one of my job sites. Whenever I am at my desk, I can easily plug into the docking station I have set up running to my monitors and peripherals.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Another thing worth mentioning is the reliability and usability of the ThinkPad keyboards. While I never want to use the famous TouchPoint embedded within the keyboard, it's handy when I think about using it. On top of that, the typing experience is quite comfortable, even for all-day typing, as I do.

Lenovo has also chosen to utilize the space granted by the 16-inch screen to fit in a numpad. Some laptops, even with 16-inch screens, will just fit the exact size keyboard in the center of the allotted space. Lenovo chose to utilize that space fitting in a full-numberpad. For those who work with spreadsheets, phone numbers, or numbers in general, having a dedicated numpad makes data entry exponentially faster, and that's easy to do with the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, adding to the allure for the business professional.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2: Final verdict

The ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 delivers an exceptional balance of power, portability, and professional features. While it doesn’t quite match the raw performance of the P16, its lighter build and price point make it an excellent choice for professionals on the move who need a reliable machine.

For more workplace computing, we've tested the best business laptops.

More than 2,000 cases of Great Value chicken broth have been recalled in nine states.

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The Federal Trade Commission and two states accuse Deere of costing farmers time and money by unfairly limiting software access and forcing the use of only authorized dealers.

(Image credit: Seth Perlman)

As invasive green crabs wreak havoc on California's estuaries, a new study has found that a restored sea otter population might be the solution.

(Image credit: Lilian Carswell)

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Confirmation hearings for Cabinet members nominated by President-elect Trump are underway. The FBI conducts background checks focusing on "character and conduct" of the nominees. What's involved?

(Image credit: Stefani Reynolds)

• Micron is teaming up with Pure Storage for the 150TB DirectFlash module
• Micron's G8 QLC NAND has been qualified for production, alongside Kioxia
• This chip is used in Micron's own rival 60TB SSD

Pure Storage has announced an expanded collaboration with Micron which will see the American semiconductor company’s G9 QLC NAND integrated into the storage firm's future DirectFlash Module (DFM) solutions for use in hyperscale data centers.

This move builds on a decade of cooperation between the two companies, spanning seven generations of NAND integration which includes the Micron G8 QLC NAND, which has been qualified for production in Pure Storage’s 150TB DFM expected later in 2025 (Pure Storage has previously said it plans to ship 300TB DFMs by 2026).

Micron already uses this NAND chip in its own 60TB SSD.

Addressing performance and efficiency needs

DFM technology promises faster data transfer rates, low latency, and high reliability for data-intensive workloads. The module also reduces energy consumption compared to traditional HDD-based solutions, lowering both operating costs and carbon footprint. The use of NAND with higher areal density (bits per square millimeter) allows for greater storage capacity in smaller physical footprints, contributing to more efficient rack usage and scalability.

“Pure Storage’s collaboration with Micron is another example of our significant momentum bringing the benefits of all-flash storage technology to hyperscale environments," said Bill Cerreta, General Manager of Hyperscale at Pure Storage.

"With Micron’s advanced NAND technology, Pure Storage can further optimize storage scalability, performance, and energy efficiency for an industry with unparalleled requirements.”

Jeremy Werner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Micron’s Storage Business Unit, added, “Micron’s advanced NAND technologies, combined with Pure’s innovative storage solutions, enable data center operators to address the increasing performance, efficiency, and scalability needs for today’s hyperscale data centers, Built on trust and thriving on innovation, our collaboration with Pure Storage consistently offers cutting-edge storage solutions for hyperscale and enterprise environments.”

The announcement follows that of Japanese memory giant Kioxia, which, like Micron, has a longstanding relationship with Pure Storage. Last year, Kioxia reported it had begun sampling shipments of 2Tb QLC devices, featuring its eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology, which Pure Storage also uses in its all-flash storage products.

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After the devastation of the Los Angeles fires, officials are ready to rebuild. But defending against future fires requires thinking about more than buildings.

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The drone maker is removing restrictions that prevented its products from being allowed to fly over restricted areas, ceding control to drone pilots.

In an age of hybrid work environments, having a reliable docking station can significantly enhance productivity. The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Docking Station is designed for professionals who need multi-monitor support, excellent connectivity, and powerful charging options, all with DisplayLink baked in. That's what this Plugable dock has to offer.

It may be tailored to Mac, but with the design language and the use of DisplayLink, it can be used with any operating system. Having reviewed many of the best laptop docking stations, I have tried it with Windows, iPadOS, and MacOS. While the latter two have limitations on-screen usage, it's good to know that you are set to go with multiple displays in one way or another.

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Price and Availability

The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock is available for $200 directly from Plugable's website or Amazon and is backed by a two-year warranty with lifetime support from the Plugable team.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock is a very simple-looking dock overall. The packaging is simple, the labels are clear, and the inclusion of DisplayLink is prominent. What’s great, though, is that while this dock is relatively wide, it has clean lines, flat sides (not rounded or protruding), and is pretty thin. This makes it a perfect candidate to be mounted, in my opinion, and that’s precisely what I did.

The only thing that sets this apart from a simple plug-and-play is if you will use the DisplayLink feature. If you are not using this with a MacBook or only plan on using one monitor, you can run this dock as a plug-and-play solution. I run my desk this way about 70% of the time. The other 30% of the time, I add another monitor or swap out monitors to test at this desk. When I do that, I need to run the DisplayLink driver and software on my MacBook Pro, which is super easy to download and relatively lightweight.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Design and Build Quality Specs

Video Output: Dual 4K @ 60Hz via 2x HDMI or 2x DisplayPort.
Ports: 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, 2x USB-C, 4x USB 3.0, SD/microSD readers, Ethernet, 3.5mm jack.
Power Delivery: 100W charging for laptops.
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, ChromeOS (driver installation required for macOS).

The port arrangement on this dock is laid out with desk organization in mind. The front-facing quick-access ports are easily accessible, and the backports are nicely arranged and easy to work with, even when facing away from the desk. All the monitor connections and devices that generally stay connected (rather than get unplugged and plugged in frequently) are also neatly organized.

The USB-C on the side runs to the laptop cable tucked away so I can route it around my desk shelf or directly to my laptop. In my case, I used one of my new favorite accessories, the right-angle 40Gbps USB-C adapter, to help keep everything tucked away and tidy.

I could see this dock used at home and in traditional office workspaces. However, I would not want this to be a portable dock to take with me from place to place, as it is designed to stay on a desk or workstation.

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: In use

So far, my experience with this dock has been smooth sailing. It easily handles my monitor usage, and since it has both HDMI and DisplayPort, it has made running my vast array of monitors quite effortless -- no adapters necessary. The USB-A ports are great, and for some setups, that might be all you need; however, if you are working with large files or a lot of newer generation tech that is USB-C or even Thunderbolt, you may want to check out a different model of Plugable docks.

The best part of this dock is that it has built-in DisplayLink, allowing me to run multiple monitors on my otherwise limited MacBook Pro. It's annoying, but I'm thankful for companies like Plugable that put DisplayLink in their docks so that I can circumvent this limitation on my setup.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI or DisplayPort Dock: Final verdict

The Plugable USB-C Docking Station offers exceptional functionality for power users who demand high-resolution multi-monitor setups and robust connectivity. While its reliance on drivers and lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt may deter some, its performance and built-in DisplayLink make it a worthwhile investment for many.