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• Microsoft unveils a quantum chip with a Topological Core for stable and scalable qubits
• Majorana 1 features eight topological qubits, aiming for a million-qubit scale
• Breakthrough is comparable to how semiconductors revolutionized modern computing

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum chip built on a Topological Core architecture, marking a huge step forward in its quantum computing efforts.

The company says this new chip, which positions the tech giant alongside rivals Google and IBM in the race for large-scale quantum computing, will lead to devices capable of solving industrial-scale problems in years rather than decades.

The chip is based on a topoconductor, a newly-engineered material that can observe and control Majorana particles - a discovery Microsoft represents no less than a new state of matter, which it has used to create a more stable and scalable qubit in a breakthroughit compares to how semiconductors transformed modern computing.

A clear path for scaling

“We took a step back and said ‘OK, let’s invent the transistor for the quantum age. What properties does it need to have?’” said Chetan Nayak, Microsoft technical fellow. “And that’s really how we got here – it’s the particular combination, the quality and the important details in our new materials stack that have enabled a new kind of qubit and ultimately our entire architecture.”

Microsoft adds Majorana 1 offers a clear path to scaling quantum systems. For now, it has eight topological qubits on a single chip, marking the first step toward its goal of reaching one million qubits. Achieving this scale will be essential if quantum computing is to drive advancements in industries such as healthcare, environmental science, and manufacturing.

“Whatever you’re doing in the quantum space needs to have a path to a million qubits. If it doesn’t, you’re going to hit a wall before you get to the scale at which you can solve the really important problems that motivate us,” Nayak said. “We have actually worked out a path to a million.”

The chip is built using a materials stack made from indium arsenide and aluminum, designed and fabricated atom by atom. The Topological Core architecture resists errors at the hardware level, making it more stable than current approaches.

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A WIRED investigation goes inside the Telegram groups targeting women who joined “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” groups on Facebook with doxing, harassment, and sharing of nonconsensual intimate images.

Philip Shenon talks about the past seven popes, and how efforts to reform the Church with the Second Vatican Council led to power struggles and doctrinal debates that lasted for decades.

This move comes as Apple seeks to make Siri a more dynamic and intuitive virtual assistant.

Dan Bongino has been chosen as the FBI's second-in-command, a job that doesn't need Senate confirmation. Here's what to know about the Secret Service agent-turned-conservative media personality.

(Image credit: Calla Kessler)

• iOS 18.4 beta update adds a third row of apps in Apple CarPlay
• Not every infotainment system is compatible
• The update is welcome, but we still await news on CarPlay 2.0

Some Apple iPhone users are already experiencing some of the admittedly minor updates that the latest iOS 18.4 beta update brings with it, including smarter priority notifications using Apple Intelligence.

However, there has been a more subtle change to the Apple CarPlay experience, which has previously gone announced and has been only been discovered by some users by chance.

Upon plugging into a vehicle’s infotainment system, either wirelessly or via a cable, a Threads user (below) found that the Apple CarPlay app display now shows a third row of applications on the main screen, with three rows of four increasing the number of apps that can be displayed without having to swipe to reveal more.

Post by @jacecraftmiller View on Threads

Despite Apple CarPlay being introduced in March 2014, it has only really enjoyed numerous minor updates to how it looks, feels and performs, seemingly ignoring the fact that many modern vehicles now come with enormous infotainment displays.

The most recent update appears to address this issue, scaling up in a proportion to the screen size it is being displayed on.

That said, there is currently no news on the parameters required to enjoy the extra row of applications, only that it seems to work on those larger infotainment displays, particularly those with a portrait orientation.

CarPlay 2 can’t come soon enough

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple initially said that we would see an all-new version of its CarPlay system in 2024, but that suggested timeline has already elapsed and we are still waiting to see what comes next.

Far from simply being a way to mirror a handful of apps from your iPhone, Apple CarPlay 2 promises greater integration with all of the screens found in a modern vehicle, effectively taking over everything from the digital instrument cluster to the infotainment system.

Apple revealed that it was working with Porsche and Aston Martin on a brand-specific system that would stay true to the marques’ heritage and distinct design, but would effectively form the operating system upon which everything runs.

This would mean that applications and Apple’s user interface would be available from all of the digital touch points, including the digital instrument binnacles and passenger-facing touchscreens in the front and rear seats.

Porsche is arguably the only automotive manufacturer to harness the power of Apple’s Automaker toolkit and expand the Apple CarPlay offering within its vehicles so far.

Introducing more Apple functionality into its My Porsche app negates the need to exit Apple CarPlay to do things like change the radio station, heat for cool the cabin and check on vehicle state of charge and other settings.

But this is still some way off the levels of integration that Apple CarPlay 2 have previously promised, and this could be part of the problem.

In order to take over an entire dashboard, Apple has had to work with notoriously slow automotive manufacturing giants, effectively asking permission to access both vehicle and user data, which is likely something legacy automakers haven’t been particularly comfortable with.

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The virus has spread in areas with low vaccination rates, and most of those affected are minors.

• A new report suggests the iPhone 17 will not get Apple's new C1 modem
• The iPhone 17 Air is, however, tipped to get the new chip
• Apple may opt for a MediaTek modem for the four main iPhone 17 models

With each new generation of iPhone, we expect to see Apple fit its high-end flagship phones with its latest and greatest features – for example, we’re expecting the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to come equipped with updated video capabilities, a refreshed design, and a faster processor, as well as the most cutting-edge components within the phone itself.

However, a new rumor suggests that Apple will be skipping its latest self-designed internal component when it comes to the iPhone 17 family – if this rumor holds true, Apple’s next handsets won’t be getting its new C1 cellular modem.

This comes from a report from publication The Information (via PhoneArena) that suggests the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will use a MediaTek 5G chip for Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth, rather than the Qualcomm modem found in the iPhone 16 lineup.

The C1 modem was only recently revealed when Apple debuted the iPhone 16e, the first Apple device to sport Apple's new modem.

Apple debuted the new C1 modem in the recently-released iPhone 16e (Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, the report also suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will get the C1 chip, and that this inclusion will play a substantial role in allowing the iPhone 17 Air to be so much thinner than its full-sized siblings.

Apple has been seeking ways to reduce its reliance on external component manufacturers for the past few years, most prominently by developing its own chips and chipsets.

If Apple has a rival in the mobile chip space, it would surely be Qualcomm, which equips many of the best Android phones with its Snapdragon series chipsets. Its current flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, beat Apple’s own A18 Pro chipset in benchmarks when we first got to grips with it last year.

From this perspective, it makes sense that Apple would want to stop giving Qualcomm its business – though Apple is no stranger to buying components from rival firms, equipping the iPhone lineup with panels and numerous parts made by Samsung.

In any case, most users won’t notice much of a difference between one modem or the other – but limiting a major new hardware feature to a mid-range phone and an ultra-thin spinoff would be strange behavior from Apple. Plus, As 9to5Mac notes, the C1 chipset might not stick around for long – we’ve heard that Apple eventually plans to merge the function of the C1 with its main A series chipsets to create an integrated platform.

In any case, we don’t expect to hear official information about the iPhone 17 family until much later this year. Until then, the above is mostly based on rumors – be sure to check out our list of the best iPhones for a refresher on the top Apple handsets that are currently available.

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• More details of Samsung's tri-fold phone have leaked – and it could launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7
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Come on, AMD, where the hell are your budget X3D chips? Actually, scrap that - where are the Ryzen 3 series, or even the 5 series? I know those aren't exactly super-exciting top-tier product lines, brimming with insane Cinebench numbers or slightly higher frame rates than the competition in whatever the most popular game of the month is, but they're products that we seriously need as a community - if for no reason but the health of this beautiful PC-building hobby of ours.

What's worse is, by all accounts, (certainly for the 3 series) it's a segment that's been missing in the custom PC space since the rather excellent Ryzen 3 3300X way back in 2020. And with that, I'm talking about a full-fat design, complete with all of its PCIe lanes, and more. No G-series chips standing in pretending to be something it's not, aimed at eSports gamers.

Cheap as chips, as the British say. (Image credit: Future)

Without champions at the budget end of the spectrum - the Core i3s, the Ryzen 3s - the average cost of a good rig is only going to steadily increase. Not only does this effectively gatekeep our hobby, one that was once readily accessible to anyone looking to save a bit of cash, but it also encourages companies to push prices higher. Motherboards, RAM, SSDs, PSUs, cases, you name it. It introduces this weird, almost pseudo-elitism to it all. Sorry, you and your family don't have the financial clout to be PC gamers anymore. Perhaps you should try looking at becoming more socially mobile instead.

I get it; PCs are expensive things. As our transistor size shrinks, processors become increasingly difficult and more expensive to fabricate. But I got into this space because my house got struck by lightning when I was young. It fried a rig, and my dad decided to replace the damaged parts rather than buy a whole new system. It wasn't exactly easy, but it was cheaper, and soon enough he discovered he could build his own PCs and get better value for a pittance, and it was fun. I soon followed in his footsteps, and 25 years later here I am. Trying to do that today with the latest hardware, though? Not a chance. You'd have to buy, at minimum, a new motherboard and CPU combo for at least $500.

Stagflation Disaster

Inflation and stagnation haven't helped this whole situation either. Late last year, I wrote an article about this and the rising cost of PC gaming, and the numbers still hold true in 2025. In the last decade, we've seen general inflation climb by around 40%. Wherever you are in the Western world, on average, household income has increased by less than half that. That puts a major strain on budgets and further pushes building custom PCs outside of the reach of many many people. And that's before the US's general purpose and directed tariffs come into play later this year.

Over the years I've watched as builds have become more expensive. Yes, this is in part because the wider industry has introduced ridiculous RGB lighting, and cooling, and gaming chairs, and mechanical keyboards, and more advanced cases, but there's been a slow creep upward in terms of those core products too. Prices have continued upwards at a tedious but consistent rate, $20 here, $40 there, particularly for CPUs and motherboards, generation after generation.

In fact, it's such an accepted thing in our industry that we praise manufacturers when they keep the recommended retail pricing the same as last year's model. Or at least when they announce a product launching like that, only for it to increase by $200 at retail due to stock demand. The problem is, we don't go: "Hang on a minute, how do you have the ROI to manage that to begin with?" Instead, we go: "Awh, how kind? They understand the current inflationary pressures and are giving us a deal".

PC building is fun, but not every custom computer has to be a powerhouse machine. (Image credit: Maingear)

But I digress. We don't have a full-fat Ryzen 3 chip in the 9000 series, and it's not looking likely that we'll get one either. The cheapest Team Red CPU you can currently buy is $245, and that's the 9600X, with the 9600 nowhere in sight after six months. That's not helpful. We need processors that are cheaper, more accessible, and that don't trim back features to encourage you to buy upwards into a chip that you don't actually need.

I always thought it was graphics cards that were the major problem in this field, that the RTX 4060 cost way more than its GTX 660 counterpart back in the day - but ironically those prices have dropped with inflation, and Nvidia continues to support the low-end. Combine that with Intel, now aggressively pursuing that market as well with its Arc GPUs, and it almost feels like that graphics sector is sincerely masking a lot of those price hikes from other categories.

Just imagine it, though. A Ryzen 3 9300X. Four cores, eight threads, 3.5 GHz base clock, 5.0 GHz boost, 32MB of cache, and a 65W TDP, all for $150. Full compliment of 28 PCIe 5.0 lanes, compatibility with all the chipsets, heck, you could lop off the iGPU to save manufacturing costs if you really wanted. What a dream that would be - but one that sadly, remains just that: a dream.

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• Disney and Lucasfilm have finally released the first trailer for Andor season 2
• The critically-acclaimed series will return for its second and final season on April 22
• Its confident first teaser is packed with action, drama, humor, and even an apparent dance number

The first trailer for Andor season 2 has finally been released online – and it's an incredibly confident teaser that suggests we're in for a wild ride with the Star Wars show's second and final season.

Released today (February 24) on Star Wars' YouTube channel and social channels, the 90-second long teaser is absolutely packed with enthralling footage. Before I wax lyrical about everything it shows, though, just wrap your eyeballs around it below. Major spoilers follow for Andor's first season from this point on, so proceed at your own risk!

Aside from the self-congratulatory snippets from a variety of season 1 reviews (I'm not bitter that my Andor season 1 review isn't quoted in it, honest!), the trailer is stuffed with crowd-pleasing character reveals, and lots of explosive action and melodrama.

Indeed, we already knew that Ben Mendelsohn's Orson Krennic would be part of Andor season 2's cast – Mendelsohn previously playing the character in the Disney+ show's movie sequel – one that actually preceded the series' release – Star Wars: Rogue One. It wasn't a secret that Cassian Andor's (played by Diego Luna) android bestie K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk) would feature, either, but it's nonetheless pleasing to see both characters appear as part of season 2's first-look footage.

Cassian's journey continues. The second season of #Andor streams April 22, only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/lrUJDwlCG3February 24, 2025

There's plenty more to unpack from the teaser. There are a few shots of the Death Star being built, the titular individual carrying out numerous covert missions for the nascent Rebel Alliance, and more returning characters from season 1 including Adria Arjona's Bix Caleen, Forrest Whittaker's Saw Gerrera, Denise Gough's Dedra Meero, Kyle Soller's Syril Karn, Stellan Skarsgard's Luthen Rael, and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma. The latter's appearance is particularly interesting, too, as she seems to be enjoying and/or throwing a lavish party. Are we about to see the first musical or dance number in Lucasfilm's iconic galaxy far, far away? It would be a brave move on Disney and Lucasfilm's part but, hey, I wouldn't be against it!

There'll be plenty more information dropping about Andor season 2 in the weeks leading up to its confirmed April 22 debut. For now, here's its plot synopsis: "Season 2 carries [on] the story of Cassian Andor and the emerging rebel alliance over the climactic four years that lead to the discovery of The Death Star and the events of Rogue One... season two will see relationships intensify as the horizon of galactic war draws near. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound."

Want even more details on the hit show's return? My dedicated Andor season 2 guide is full of other intel (I definitely didn't enlist the aid of some Bothan spies to acquire it), including its confirmed cast, other story specifics, and why one of the best Disney+ shows won't be getting a third season.

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The State Department claimed a plan to buy thousands of armored Teslas was left over from the Biden administration. A document obtained by NPR shows the Biden plan was far smaller.

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan)

Leading cybersecurity company AMTSO has just unveiled its "first-ever" standards for VPN testing.

AMTSO, short for Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, is an NGO established in 2008 to improve the quality of anti-malware testing methods. On February 19, 2025, the experts published the VPN Performance Testing Guidelines to help enhance fair privacy and security for VPN assessments.

Regular security and privacy audits carried out by independent experts have become a common practice among the best VPN providers. Third-party audits are users' guarantee their VPN service does what it claims to be.

New VPN testing guidelines

The recent publication, developed by AMTSO's VPN working group, which includes VPN vendors and testers, is only the first in a series of VPN standard guidelines.

"This first release is an important milestone in our mission to provide testing guidance in the world of privacy and security," said John Hawes, COO of AMTSO. "By setting clear benchmarks, we enable fair comparisons and help users make informed choices when selecting a VPN provider."

AMTSO's VPN testing guidelines include key aspects that testers must check when assessing the software's performance.

These include launch on-boot and auto-connection testing to ensure VPNs activate automatically for maximum protection, kill switch tests to verify that no data leaks occur when the VPN connection drops, check whether VPNs effectively block DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks, and split tunneling testing.

Did you know?

TechRadar's top pick NordVPN has recently proved its no-logs claims with a successful independent audit. It's then official – NordVPN never stored users' data. This was the fifth third-party audit of its privacy policy since 2018.

According to AMTSO's guidelines, testers should also evaluate how VPN services perform under different network conditions while measuring how well VPNs maintain access to websites.

Virtual private network (VPN) apps have become crucial tools for many people worldwide who want to regain control over their online privacy. A VPN encrypts all users' connections to avoid third-party access and spoofs their IP address to keep their online activities anonymous.

IP spoofing is also why increasingly more people are using streaming VPN services to keep up with their favorite shows while traveling.

Even more notably, VPN usage is soaring for the same reason among citizens living under a restricted internet environment as a censorship-resistant tool. As per ProtonVPN's latest data, 119 countries saw VPN usage spiking throughout 2024.

All this interest in VPN solutions makes it even more crucial to follow a standardized process when assessing these services.

AMTSO is now inviting independent testers and VPN vendors to adopt these guidelines. "Moving forward, the AMTSO VPN Working Group will expand its focus to include malware testing within VPN environments and additional security feature evaluations."

• New benchmarks suggest the RTX 5070 is up to 20% faster than the RTX 4070
• It's set for launch on March 5, amid AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series launch preparation
• Reports suggest the RTX 5070 won't face the same stock issues as its Blackwell counterparts

Nvidia's RTX 5000 series GPU lineup launch is seemingly nearing completion - since the desktop RTX 5060 hasn't been officially announced - with the RTX 5070 slated for release on March 5. However, we may already have a bit of insight into what this midrange GPU could bring to the table.

As reported by Wccftech, benchmark leaks reveal that the RTX 5070 will have up to 20% better performance than its predecessor, the RTX 4070. This conflicts with Nvidia's claims at CES 2025 that the RTX 5070 would be equivalent to the RTX 4090 in performance - notably, the RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti's uplifts over previous-gen GPUs were not significant enough to fully corroborate Team Green's other claims.

The RTX 4070 is a significantly weaker GPU compared to the RTX 4090, so the claims of the RTX 5070's performance were far-fetched, to say the least (even considering DLSS 4's impressive Multi Frame Generation feature). In terms of the direct comparison to its predecessor though, the uplift (if legitimate) could be a reasonable one - Wccftech highlighted the RTX 5070 scoring 187,414 in a Vulkan (a graphics API used in most AAA games) benchmark versus the RTX 4070's 156,601 points.

Fortunately, reports suggest the RTX 5070 likely won't face the same stock and supply issues seen with the already-launched Blackwell GPUs. If prices aren't inflated and end up far above MSRP (as they did with the flagship RTX 5090), this could be a solid GPU upgrade - just don't expect RTX 4090 performance.

(Image credit: Nvidia) Is MFG a good reason for an upgrade?

The suggested generational performance uplift in Vulkan for the RTX 5070 sounds decent, but Team Green's Multi Frame Generation (MFG) has the potential to take this up a notch. I'm well aware of the criticism surrounding frame-generation software ("fake frames", I know) but since ghosting is significantly reduced with the new model, it's an addition that shouldn't be ignored.

DLSS 4's improvements for all RTX GPU users are enough for me to suggest sticking with your current GPU (if compatible) - DLSS 4's super-resolution performance mode in particular looks better if not equivalent to DLSS 3's quality mode in games, and you can still enjoy a steady frame rate.

If you already have an RTX 4000 series GPU (which has DLSS 3's regular Frame Generation, not MFG), you're likely better off sticking with it - it's also been revealed that some Blackwell GPUs are shipping with missing ROPs, an inconvenience I'd certainly want to avoid.

However, if you're still on an RTX 3000 series GPU, an upgrade to an RTX 5070 seems sensible enough based on these benchmark leaks. Its launch is right around the corner, and I'm hoping there aren't any major issues this time.

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• OpenAI has banned accounts using ChatGPT for malicious purposes
• Misinformation and surveillance campaigns were uncovered
• Threat actors are increasingly using AI for harm

OpenAI has confirmed it recently identified a set of accounts involved in malicious campaigns, and banned users responsible.

The banned accounts involved in the ‘Peer Review’ and ‘Sponsored Discontent’ campaigns likely originate from China, OpenAI said, and “appear to have used, or attempted to use, models built by OpenAI and another U.S. AI lab in connection with an apparent surveillance operation and to generate anti-American, Disrupting malicious uses of our models: an update February 2025 3 Spanish-language articles”.

AI has facilitated a rise in disinformation, and is a useful tool for threat actors to use to disrupt elections and undermine democracy in unstable or politically divided nations - and state-sponsored campaigns have used the technology to their advantage.

Surveillance and disinformation

The ‘Peer Review’ campaign used ChatGPT to generate “detailed descriptions, consistent with sales pitches, of a social media listening tool that they claimed to have used to feed real-time reports about protests in the West to the Chinese security services”, OpenAI confirmed.

As part of this surveillance campaign, the threat actors used the model to “edit and debug code and generate promotional materials” for suspected AI-powered social media listening tools - although OpenAI was unable to identify posts on social media following the campaign.

ChatGT accounts participating in the ‘Sponsored Discontent’ campaign, were used to generate comments in English and news articles in Spanish, consistent with ‘spamouflage’ behavior, primarily using anti-American rhetoric, probably to spark discontent in Latin America, namely Peru, Mexico, and Ecuador.

This isn’t the first time Chinese state-sponsored actors have been identified using ‘spamouflage’ tactics to spread disinformation. In late 2024, a Chinese influence campaign was discovered targeting US voters with thousands of AI generated images and videos, mostly low-quality and containing false information.

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On Monday morning, TV sets at the headquarters of the Department of Housing and Urban Development played the seemingly AI-generated video on loop, along with the words “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING.”

2024 was quietly a revolutionary year for TVs, because the best mini-LED TVs suddenly went from being a premium tech that dabbled in dropping to mid-range, to being tech that reached all the way from premium down to the budget end, with a really solid option for everyone.

In the US, we raved about the Hisense U8N and the TCL QM851G for delivering unbelievable bang for your buck. The Hisense U7N quickly staked a place as top-value mid-range TV, with some unbelievable deals available, despite packing great brightness and 4K 120Hz support to complete with the best gaming TVs.

In the UK, we raved about the TCL C855K and the TCL C805K, the latter of which is obscenely inexpensive for something that looks that good.

If anything, the aggressive pricing on these TVs creates the issue of them nearly crashing into each other – we gave the Hisense U6N a less effusive score than the U7N or U8N, but that was mostly because it cost far too close to the U7N while offering a notable step down in features.

But over time, the U6N has started dropping to some absolutely ridiculous prices, and there's a deal on the 75-inch model right now that is absolutely the budget giant-screen mini-LED I'd buy if I were in the market for one.

Today's best deal on the Hisense U6N

The Hisense U6N is an impressive mini-LED screen, delivering bright images that are great for sports, TV and movies in particular. Mini-LED's control of contrast means the picture quality holds up across the huge screen of this 75-inch TV, unlike more basic TV panels. You don't get 4K 120Hz gaming, and the picture weakens if you sit too far off-center, but when it comes to bang for your buck in a big-screen TV, this is the best you can get at the time of writing.

• In the UK? Get the Hisense U6N 75-inch for £799 at Amazon UKView Deal

It's funny to think that the first mini-LED TVs only launched in 2021 – making them far, far younger than the 11 years that the best OLED TVs have been a staple of the TV market – and yet they've already moved from launching as a high-end only option to covering the whole range of budgets… something OLED has never managed, and doesn't look likely to any time soon.

OLED has certain high costs around the reliability and complexity of the manufacturing process that haven't been fundamentally solved, and the price simply can't come down much further while these continue. Even new inkjet-printed methods – which are finally beginning to become real for OLED monitors – look unlikely to solve this for TVs in the near term.

TCL, which is leading on this technique, told me there will still be manufacturing reliability problems with larger screens that mean it won't be as cost-effective for TVs immediately, so we won't see it used for that yet – though we might in a few years.

As a result, the cheapest 77-inch OLED TV you can get is the LG B4 for $1,796 – which is more than $1,000 pricier than the Hisense U6N. Yet the U6N has far superior full-screen brightness (though less-good contrast, viewing angles or gaming features).

We tested the U6N's brightness and color accuracy, and it's amazingly accurate and consistent on colors out of the box, matching the more expensive Samsung QN85D. (Image credit: Future)

Mini-LED, however, offers all kinds of ways for manufacturers to be flexible on price. For a start, they can change exactly how mini those mini-LEDs are, and how many of them there are. They can change how many different dimming zones they work in. They can use a different LCD pixel panel to bring the price down. And the cost of the parts themselves comes down as they become more common.

The technology doesn't need the delicate manufacturing touch that OLED does, and advancements to the technology don't always need to cost much, if any, more than the last version of the tech – the next big thing in mini-LED TVs is RGB backlighting, and Samsung told me that it doesn't expect its version of the tech to cost more than current mini-LED tech (though we'll see what happens in practice).

The TVs from 2024 that are still around may get cheaper again by the time they get replaced by the 2025 models – and the 2025 models will likely be the same kind of price, but with bolder colors and even more impressive contrast at all budgets. I've especially got my eye on the Hisense QM7K, which looked beautiful at CES 2025, will have a mid-range price, and will go all the way up to 98 inches.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

I'm an OLED guy. I have an OLED TV at home that I recently upgraded, and that technology is where I find that the most interesting tech developments are happening – at least in terms of tech that's making it into fairly mainstream TVs.

But I do a lot of recommending of TVs for other people, and this is the year I found things really tipping in mini-LED's favor in most of my conversations. Not so much at the high end, but at the "You don't have to buy premium to get a seriously good experience, just look at these mid-range models" end. And then also at the low-end, where I find myself saying that you only need to spend a tiny bit more to get a big step up to a mini-LED set from a basic LED set, which will be a better long-term investment.

Mini-LED is only going to cement its place as the people's TV tech this year. A genuinely good 75-inch 4K TV for under $600? Hail to the king.

Get better posture, fewer back aches, and an ergonomic desk setup, thanks to these top laptop stands, mats, and risers.

• Intel unveils new Xeon 6 with P-core hardware
• New offerings promise increased performance and efficiency in data center and with AI
• Xeon 6 SoCs for network and edge also revealed

Intel has unveiled its latest range of data center hardware as it looks to keep pace with the likes of Nvidia and AMD.

The new Xeon 6 processors with P-cores provide a major boost in power and intelligence as Intel states its claim to stay at the top of the charts when it comes to AI processing and other crucial enterprise tasks.

But the new series isn't limited to the data center, with Intel promising improved performance across network and edge infrastructure alongside server and data center workloads.

Intel Xeon 6 with P-cores

“We are intensely focused on bringing cutting-edge leadership products to market that solve our customers’ greatest challenges and help drive the growth of their business,” said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, interim co-CEO of Intel and CEO of Intel Products.

“The Xeon 6 family delivers the industry’s best CPU for AI and groundbreaking features for networking, while simultaneously driving efficiency and bringing down the total cost of ownership.”

Designed for the data center, the new Intel Xeon 6700P/6500P series features the company's P-cores, offering what it says is the "perfect balance between performance and energy efficiency".

Offering up to 86 cores, Intel is promising an average of 1.4x improved performance on a number of enterprise workloads compared to the previous generation, and 1.5x better performance in AI inference on chip compared to AMD's 5th-Gen EPYC, whilst also using one-third fewer cores.

But this power also brings improved efficiency, allowing for much greater consolidation on five or even ten-year-old servers, with Intel saying the Xeon 6 with P-cores is an ideal option for businesses looking to refresh aging infrastructure to better deal with new AI tasks.

Describing the new offerings as the, "world's best CPU for AI", the Xeon P-core chips offer more bandwidth and cache, with up to 504MB low latency LLC and support for MRDIMM memory, alongside built-in AI accelerators and a comprehensive software suite across classical ML and small GenAI models.

(Image credit: Intel)

The Xeon 6 for network and edge is Intel's most-developed SoC, designed for a wide range of use cases, and again promising greater performance and efficiency than ever. The chip includes Intel vRAN Boost built-in, allowing for up to 2.4x the capacity for RAN networks, which could be vital as demand for such connections continues to increase.

The Xeon 6 will also be the first in the industry to feature a built-in media accelerator, with the Intel Media Transcode Accelator offering up to 14x performance per watt gain versus previous models.

Intel says both releases will be ideal for businesses looking to expand and evolve their AI-ready workforces and processes, allowing them to optimize workloads, reduce costs and build network which are flexible and scalable when needed.

The company says more than 500 designs are either available now or in progress, with top OEMs such as Dell, Samsung, Ericsson, HPE, Lenovo and many others already signed up.

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Specialized Vado SL2: One minute review

When I first jumped on the Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon, it instantly reminded me of my time with the Tenways CGO600 Pro. It had something to do with the form factor and sleek design but above all, it was the smooth ride and effortless power delivery that never left you wanting.

I used the Vado SL2 Carbon on a variety of different routes, including to travel between home and work, which itself includes city streets and rural roads. I found that it performed admirably and is most definitely worthy of consideration as one of the best e-bikes around.

It’s been a while since we reviewed the first iteration of this e-bike, the Vado SL, but suffice it to say, Specialized has made it better in almost every way. That includes the design, performance, and battery life.

Few e-bikes deliver this premium level of quality, but with great results comes a pretty hefty price tag. As a result, the Vado SL2 Carbon is only for elite commuters who have more money than they really know what to do with.

Specialized Vado SL2: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $6,500 USD, £5,500 UK / $9,900 AUS
• Available in black or red paint finishes

At $6,500 USD, £5,500 UK / $9,900 AUS, the Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon Equipped is, hands down, the most expensive e-bike I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. Second to it would be the Brompton Electric P Line Urban, which retails at $4,750 / £3,695 and is a positive steal in comparison. The Vado SL2 Carbon is available in either black or red paint finishes.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Specialized Vado SL2: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Carbon frame
• Non-detachable battery
• Excellent handlebar screen

The smooth and sleek design means you’ll look the part as you commute between home and work and back again. Compared to the previous iteration of this e-bike, Specialized has opted for a much smoother and streamlined aesthetic. I know I’m not alone in thinking this but they have absolutely nailed it. It shouts premium from every single angle.

The frame and other components are made of carbon, which results in one seriously light e-bike. Now I’m no weightlifter, but I had no problems lifting the whole thing with just one hand. At 17.9kg / 39.7 lbs you’ll be hard-pressed to find a lighter e-bike of the same size. Despite not being foldable and therefore not suitable for car trunks, the minimal weight will make it easy to throw up onto a bike rack.

The weight and ergonomic positioning of the seat and handlebars make for an effortless telepathic handling experience. With some e-bikes, it feels like you’re shifting a truck around but not so with the Vado SL2. Turning round corners and making quick adjustments is as easy as it could be. Overall, the e-bike delivers a surprising level of balance considering it has a heavy battery built into it. This isn’t the case for many e-bikes but during the more challenging inclines, I was even able to stand up and ride.

Thanks to Future Shock 3.2, Specialized has produced an e-bike that effortlessly cushions any uneven bike track or potholed road surface. Every ride is therefore super smooth, an ideal experience for commuters who want to turn up to work without feeling like they’ve done a workout.

I tested the EQ (equipped) version, which includes a range of extra features that are not available in the base package. These include a rear rack with lights, cage mounts, fenders, and a kickstand. I was glad to have these extra parts, especially while cycling through the British winter, which is known for being wet, muddy, and dark!

The e-bike also has one of the best handlebar screens that I’ve ever come across, with a well-designed interface that provides sufficient data, including speed, distance traveled, and battery life left. There is a Specialized app that takes this to a whole new level but I opted to stick with the e-bike’s built-in screen on account of not wanting to have to mount my phone each time I went for a ride.

• Design Score: 4.5/5

Specialized Vado SL2: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Smooth power delivery
• Responsive handling
• Effective shockproof technology

The Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon is a powerhouse of performance. Having tested the e-bike on a range of surfaces over a period of several weeks, I never found myself wanting. This is rarely the case when I’m testing e-bikes with either the torque, handling, or motor sensitivity falling short of what I want. Not so with the Vado SL2 Carbon.

Formidable power and high torque are delivered from Specialized’s bespoke SL 1.2 motor. As soon as I had clocked up my first kilometer of riding, I knew this was one special e-bike. I was particularly impressed with both the responsiveness and smooth power delivery that this bike provides. With no delay between turning the pedals and power delivery, I knew I could trust the SL2 to give me exactly what I needed when accelerating from a stationary position.

With the motor up and running, I loved how it smoothly went through the motions all the way up to top speed, even when traveling up medium inclines. As is the case with most e-bikes the SL2 struggled to provide the power required for steeper hills. I don’t mind getting the muscles burning at this stage but if this is a problem for you, then you might want to explore other options.

Due to the seriously lightweight carbon frame, I was a little concerned that handling was going to be twitchy and unreliable but all my concerns were unfounded. Rather, handling was beautifully telepathic thanks to the ergonomic layout of the handlebars and seat. If anything, the reduced weight meant strain on my arms was limited

The 12-speed rear derailleur provides a superb range of gears but was unfortunately a little clunky during gear changes. I was able to access all gears but moving between gears was slower than I would have expected for an e-bike at this price point. While we’re on the subject of things that could be improved, I found the effectiveness of the disc brakes meant I wasn’t able to stop as quickly as I would have expected.

More positively, I loved the Future Shock 3.2 technology, which effortlessly dealt with any uneven surfaces that I cycled on. This was particularly noticeable when traveling over pothole-laden roads around where I live.

I was also sure to test the e-bike at night to see how the lights performed. Both front and rear lights are powered by the battery but only the rear is integrated into the frame. Both provide adequate light levels to be seen by others but the front lacks the strength to light up country roads that don’t have street lighting. I therefore found myself requiring a secondary front light to do this for me.

Overall, the Vado SL2 Carbon is one of the highest-performing e-bikes I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. It’s powerful, smooth, and delivers fantastic handling.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Specialized Vado SL2: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Up to five hours range
• Specialized SL2-520
• Fully integrated

Specialized is strangely silent on how many miles or kilometres the e-bike will manage but it does commit to a range of five hours. This is likely to be at the lowest level of pedal assist, minimal rider weight, and no headwind.

During my test rides, I found that I achieved around 35 miles per full charge, which equated to around two and a half hours. These rides included a range of terrains and weather conditions that would have made the e-bike work harder than usual.

If range is likely to be a concern for you, then you could always buy a Specialized range extender battery, which is likely to give you an additional 1 hour of range. This is likely to be less in real-world tests and is nowhere near the same as buying a second battery. The extender does have the benefit of being super portable, though.

The battery is integrated within the frame, which means you’ll have to be able to charge it where you store the e-bike. This is far from ideal for me and I much prefer batteries that I can take indoors overnight.

• Battery life score: 3.5/5

Specialized Vado SL2: Scorecard Buy it if...

You want a seriously premium e-bike

With high-class components and excellent engineering, the Vado SL2 Carbon is almost everything you could ever want in an e-bike.

You have money to burn

If money is not much of an issue, then it’s hard to come up with many reasons why you wouldn’t buy one of the best options out there at the moment.

You want a quiet e-bike

The motor performs with minimal buzz and is ideal for people who want a quiet ride.

Don't buy it if...

You want a detachable battery

The Vado SL2 battery is built in so you’ll be limited to charging wherever you store your e-bike.

You need a portable e-bike

With no foldable mechanism, the Vado SL2 won’t fit in many cars and will take up a lot of space on a train.

Also consider

(Image credit: Engwe)

ENGWE MapFour N1 Air

The lightest 100 km range carbon e-bike around. A perfect e-bike solution for commuters.

Tenways CGO600 Pro

The magnetic torque sensor and carbon belt drive deliver smooth and seamless performance. Read our full review here.

How I tested the Specialized Vado SL2

As soon as the e-bike dropped onto my doorstep, I cracked straight on with getting it built. It didn’t take long, thanks to the way it was packaged and mostly pre-setup. With the rest of the setup completed, I proceeded to use the e-bike for all my rides across a six-week period. This included my daily 7-mile commute through the country, along heavily congested roads, and through city streets. My testing period was during the winter season so I was able to test the e-bike during a range of weather conditions, including rain and ice.

First reviewed: February 2025

• Chat logs from the Black Basta ransomware group were leaked on Telegram
• The leaker claims this is a response to the group attacking Russian banks
• The data contains valuable information on how the group operates

Internal chat logs detailing the inner workings of the Black Basta ransomware group were just leaked online.

An individual (or a group) with the alias ExploitWhispers has apparently pulled the information from Matrix, an open source, decentralized communication protocol used for secure and real-time messaging. Matrix is often used for encrypted chats, making it popular among cybersecurity professionals, privacy advocates, but also, unfortunately, cybercriminals.

ExploitWhispers first uploaded the archive to MEGA, but after it was pulled down, they set up a dedicated Telegram channel and leaked it there.

Targeting domestic banks

“A place to discuss the most important news about Black Basta, one of the largest groups of health workers in Russia, which recently hacked domestic banks,” the leakster said on Telegram. “With such matters, we can say that they crossed the border, so we are dedicated to revealing the truth and exploring the next steps of Black Basta. Here you can find information that you can trust, and read all the most important in one channel.”

Whoever ExploitWhispers is, they weren’t happy with what Black Basta was doing in recent times. They can either be a disgruntled member, or a security researcher.

In any case, Black Basta was allegedly targeting Russian banks, which didn’t sit well with them.

The leak covers chats between September 2023, and September 2024, and contains valuable information about the group’s internal structure.

An individual called Lapa is one of the admins. Cortes is a threat actor with links to the Qakbot group, YY is the main admin, and Trump is the key figure. There are some indications that Trump’s real name might be Oleg Nefedov.

It also shows the group’s phishing templates, emails, cryptocurrency addresses, data drops, victim credentials, and more.

Analyzing the data dump, BleepingComputer said the archive also contains 367 unique ZoomInfo links, which could indicate the number of companies targeted during this period.

Via BleepingComputer

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