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It's the game of the week as the AFC East champs face an in-form Detroit.

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Comments by Secretary of State Antony Blinken this weekend were the first time a U.S. official has acknowledged contact with the Syrian rebel group that drove Bashar al-Assad from power.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)

This Audio-Technica microphone is now $20 off and is perfect for content creators, podcasters and at-home recording.

• Bixby could catch up to Google Gemini in 2025
• The upgrade may arrive alongside One UI 7
• The new Bixby is already available in China

Amidst the rapid rise of ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, you might have forgotten all about Samsung's Bixby – but a revamp is coming for the AI assistant, and it could be available worldwide at the same time as the Samsung Galaxy S25.

A new report in South Korean outlet ET News (via @Jukanlosreve) says that Bixby will come with Large Language Model (LLM) support at the start of next year, matching the generative AI chatbots we've already mentioned.

This Bixby upgrade has actually already been quietly pushed out – but only in China. Based on this new report, it looks as though the rest of the world will be getting access to the new version, most probably in January.

That's when the Galaxy S25 series is rumored to be launching, and it's also when we're expecting One UI 7 (based on Android 15) to be pushed out to the masses. The One UI 7 software update is currently in beta testing.

'The biggest selling point'

The biggest selling point of Galaxy S25 series: the new Bixby returns!December 15, 2024

Samsung has of course already pushed out plenty of Galaxy AI features on its phones this year – including Sketch to Image and the Circle to Search feature. Google Gemini is also available on Samsung handsets as well.

But with LLM support added to Bixby, Samsung phones will get even more powerful, with more comprehensive answers and image generation capabilities. Another well-known tipster, @UniverseIce, says it will be "the biggest selling point" of the Galaxy S25.

Google has already given its own Google Assistant an LLM upgrade in the form of Google Gemini – and it'll be interesting to see how much competition Bixby gives Gemini when it comes to built-in options on the best Android phones.

We'll be sure to bring you all the details of the new and improved Bixby when it arrives – maybe in a month or so from now. In the meantime, Apple continues to push out its own Apple Intelligence features through iOS updates.

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• Chinese firm develops new compact radiation detection chip
• The chip measures just 15mm x 15mm x 3mm and consumes 1 milliwatt in operation
• The chip could be planted in phones and drones for every

Amid escalating efforts to boost its national semiconductor self-reliance, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a state-owned nuclear enterprise, has revealed the development of a groundbreaking radiation detection chip.

According to CNNC’s official statement on its WeChat channel, the chip can monitor radiation doses across a wide range of environments and adapt to multiple settings including nuclear workplaces, personnel monitoring, and environmental safety inspections.

This chip measures dose rates from 100 nanoSievert (nSv) per hour to 10 milliSievert (mSv) per hour, allowing it to cover various use cases, from monitoring natural background radiation (typically 60–200 nSv/h) to more specific industrial scenarios.

Versatile applications and high-sensitivity

The chip can also detect radiation energies between 50 kiloelectron volts (keV) and 2 mega-electron volts (MeV). This range covers both X-rays and gamma rays, making it useful for industries such as healthcare, nuclear energy, and environmental monitoring.

The chip measures only 15mm x 15mm x 3mm and its energy consumption to operate is just 1 milliwatt. Despite its miniature form, the chip offers sensitivity comparable to traditional Geiger-Muller counters, which are widely used for environmental radiation measurement.

The company announced mass production of the chip has now begun, marking a significant milestone in China's technological push in radiation sensing applications.

This achievement is seen as part of the broader strategy to overcome trade and technology restrictions imposed by the United States, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

Speaking to Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, during his visit to the southeastern high-tech hub of Hefei, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “High-tech development cannot be begged for; we must accelerate the realisation of high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement.”

CNNC envisions broader applications beyond industrial use, stating that the chip can be integrated into consumer devices such as smartphones and drones. This could enable smart devices to offer real-time radiation detection, opening up new possibilities for consumer and environmental safety applications.

The development of this chip involved the full cycle of semiconductor production, including chip design, tape-out, packaging, and testing. The mass production was outsourced to "authorized factories," though details about these partners were not disclosed.

Via SCMP

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Oppo Find X8: Two-minute review

Oppo is back! The new Find X8 series is the company's return to form, at least in regions like the UK and Europe, where patent disputes and the like led to a two-year absence for the company. No longer.

The Find X8 line is Oppo's latest flagship phone family; it promises the best smartphone hardware the company can muster, paired with its latest Android-based ColorOS user experience.

While the Oppo Find X8 Pro is the headline-grabbing entry now topping the company's current smartphone portfolio, it launches alongside the more modest – but still unquestionably potent – standard Oppo Find X8. Despite a true global rollout for the X8 Pro, however, the base X8 is proving a little harder to come by outside of key Asia Pacific markets, at the time of writing.

If you can get your hands on one, though, you'll be pleased you did, as hardware-wise, it sports the same exceptional MediaTek chipset as the X8 Pro, the same cutting-edge silicon-carbon battery tech, the same rapid 80W charging, and a like-minded flagship-class display and camera setup.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

There are some great details throughout the experience served up by the Find X8: a physical alert slider, newfound compatibility with an ecosystem of magnetic accessories, and hardier IP69-certified protection against water compared to your average high-end handset, to name a few key features. This is also one of the first and only Android phones that supports wireless file transfers directly with iPhones, AirDrop-style (at the time of writing).

Depending on your conscience, Oppo's clear 'appreciation' for Apple's famed smartphones runs unapologetically deep within the Find X8. Beyond the new MagSafe-like upgrade, ColorOS 15's Live Alerts capsule looks to be a direct lift of the iPhone's Dynamic Island, and you'll find wallpapers that look as though they came straight out of iOS.

Provided that doesn't put you off (or you see it as a bonus), the Find X8 otherwise presents itself as an incredibly well-rounded smartphone brimming with style, features, power, and camera prowess that should have similarly-priced rivals worried.

Oppo Find X8 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Priced from equivalent to $980 / £770 / AU$1,520
• On sale from November 21, 2024
• Limited international availability compared to rivals

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the Oppo Find X8 is that in spite of its clean design and promising hardware and feature set, you'll struggle to find the phone on sale outside of Oppo's retail channels across the Asia Pacific region. You'll readily find the X8 on sale in markets like China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, but if you're anywhere else, you'll have to consider importing.

In the likes of the UK, Europe, and Australia, it's only the pricier Find X8 Pro that's available, while Oppo's presence in the US is outright non-existent.

Using the Find X8 Pro's UK pricing and the standard X8's Indian pricing for guidance, the more modest of Oppo's latest duo starts at equivalent to $980 / £770 / AU$1,520 for the 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model. Internationally, there's also a 16GB / 512GB variant, which based on Indian pricing is about 12.5% more expensive.

Pricing places it in line with the non-Pro iPhone 16, Pixel 9, and base Galaxy S24, which considering the hardware on offer, makes it a compelling alternative.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Specs Oppo Find X8 review: Design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Straight sides, flat display
• Physical alert slider
• IP68/69-certified against dust and water

The Find X8 Pro is all pillowed glass and rounded metal, which stands in stark contrast to the standard X8. At certain angles, you'd be forgiven for mixing up the Star Grey Find X8 (pictured) with an iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro rendered in Natural Titanium. There's definite aesthetic overlap, with both phones sporting flat displays and straight sides, plus just enough rounding along the edges to ensure they don't feel too sharp in the hand.

The X8 stands out with its prominent 'Cosmos Ring' circular camera module, which gives the impression of four cameras on the phone's back (one simply houses autofocus sensors), so as to better tie-in with the quad-camera-toting X8 Pro's design.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Tolerances are tight (the phone boasts symmetrical 1.45mm bezels around the display), and the metal buttons along the right side of the frame have the perfect amount of give and click. The phone's available colorways are tasteful in their execution; I particularly liked the Shell Pink finish.

Not only does the Find X8 look and feel like a beautifully crafted piece of kit, but it's got some tricks up its sleeve too. For one, it continues Oppo's use of the three-step physical alert slider we were initially introduced to on OnePlus phones; this lets you toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent sound profiles.

The X8 range is also the first to support the new Oppo Mag accessory line, which allows the MagSafe-style attachment of new magnetic accessories, like a 50W AirVOOC wireless charger and a 5,000mAh power bank; both are enabled by way of a new Oppo Mag case (sold separately). Original? No. Convenient? Yes.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Durability-wise, the promise of not only IP68, but IP69 certification, means the X8 is built to withstand more than your average smartphone. When it comes to water ingress, it can handle up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes, as well as pressurized jets of water up to 80ºC.

Add to that Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and back (creator Corning's newest mid-range toughened smartphone glass), and "Swiss SGS and Military Grade certification, tested to whole-phone drop resistance and MGJB 150.18A MIL-STD impact standards," to quote Oppo's press release, and despite its premium finish and good looks, the Find X8 is also built to be a tough nut to crack.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Display

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Similar viewing experience across Find X8 range
• Great colors, contrast and detail
• LTPS, rather than LTPO means less dynamic refresh rate

It's nice that, beyond size, you're not really getting an inferior viewing experience by opting for the more modest Find X8 over the Pro model. Unlike Apple – who maintains a 60Hz refresh rate cap on its non-Pro iPhones – the Find X8 packs in similar ProXDR AMOLED tech as on the full-fat X8 Pro.

An impressively high 460ppi (pixels per inch) means the X8 delivers sharper visuals than the Pro model, outstanding panel-wide brightness of 1,600nits, and a whopping peak brightness of 4,500nits. Paired with the vibrancy and contrast afforded by OLED tech, not to mention Dolby Vision support, this is a great display on which to enjoy HDR content, and it copes well against bright conditions.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

From a practical standpoint, Oppo's Splash Touch helps iron out erroneous screen taps, whether your fingers are wet or you're using the Find X8 in the rain, while the in-display optical fingerprint sensor is pleasingly responsive, if a little too close to the bottom bezel, from a comfort standpoint.

As far as customizing the X8's viewing experience goes, be sure to enable 'High' resolution mode to leverage the panel's native pixel count; otherwise, everything is rendered in Full HD+ out of the box. You also have the option to force 120Hz at all times (or lock things down to 60Hz), but I found that the Find X8's Auto mode wasn't afraid of prioritizing super-smooth 120Hz visuals most of the time anyway, stepping down for apps like Spotify, Instagram, and some games.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The phone's display settings include three preset color space profiles, as well as a fine-grain color temperature control. There's also automated (TÜV Rheinland-certified) eye comfort adjustment (which includes 3,840Hz PWM dimming below 70nits, beating out equivalent tech from the likes of the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 series), as well as image resolution and color upscaling, as part of Oppo's 'O1 Ultra Vision Engine'.

The only real fly in the ointment, display-wise, is the use of LTPS tech, in place of the more advanced LTPO panel used by the X8 Pro. The main effect of this is less dynamic refresh rate adjustment; moving in steps between 60Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz, where the Pro model can scale more gradually between 1Hz to 120Hz, which is designed to help improve battery performance.

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 5 years of OS & 6 years security updates
• Launches with ColorOS 15 atop Android 15
• AirDrop-like wireless file transfer support with iPhones

The company's latest ColorOS 15 (running atop Android 15) is arguably one of the snappiest user experiences around, thanks to some smart behind-the-scenes technical refinements; not to mention it's brimming with neat tricks that you won't find anywhere else.

'Share with iPhone,' as the name suggests, adds AirDrop-like wireless file transfers with the latest and best iPhones; something we haven't seen from any other Android phone maker to date. The feature is also set to become more seamless, with NameDrop-style proximity-based initiation coming in a future software update.

Speaking of updates, Oppo is promising five years of OS and six years of security update support across the Find X8 series, which, while not industry-leading, is decent, and helps up the Find X8's long-term value too.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Oppo's Theme Store is there to help redress ColorOS, with system-wide themes, as well as more granular alterations; including new fonts and wallpapers (some are paid). There's also deeper control over the look and feel of everything, from app opening speed to whether a swipe down on the home screen grants access to quick settings and notifications, a global search bar or The Shelf: a dedicated widget dashboard, cribbed from OnePlus' user experience.

The company's desire to emulate Apple's famed smartphones is a little too heavy-handed in places, though. While undeniably useful and elegant, the Live Alerts capsule is a carbon copy of the Dynamic Island introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro line, and even the default wallpapers look as though the development team copied iOS 14's homework.

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Google's Gemini is the AI assistant of choice on the Find X8 series, however, Oppo offers up its own AI tool set too; with a focus on productivity and image manipulation.

Provided you're happy to use Oppo's own Documents and Notes apps, the inbuilt AI Assistant serves up one of the most comprehensive skill sets of its kind and, in testing, the results generally impressed.

You have a suite of options, like formatting rough notes, cleaning up rambling prose, refining the tone of your copy (similarly to Samsung's Galaxy AI), continuing or expanding upon your existing copy, and the option to make it more succinct too. It's not foolproof but it's a great starting point that's only going to improve with time.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Dive into the native Photos app and you'll find the AI Editor, which can upscale images, do a competent job when tasked with object removal, and has a handy reflection removal feature (which has its uses but could be better). Perhaps most impressive of all, the AI Editor also has an unblur option to rival that of the best Pixel phones.

Just note that, depending on the feature, you will need to be comfortable with off-device cloud processing.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

We've also been seeing an uptick in AI image-generation tools on smartphones from the likes of Xiaomi, Google, and, most recently, Apple, with the arrival of Apple Intelligence. The Oppo Find X8 features the company's AI Studio app.

Arguably a more locked-down experience than the text-to-image generation of Google's Pixel Studio, for example, Oppo's AI Studio gives you a range of pre-defined portrait or scene scenarios to remix your images with, using AI. The former requires you to upload a photo of a person (or persons) from your camera roll, before spitting out four results at a time, while the latter simply dresses any image you give it in the trappings defined by the prompt.

It takes a few minutes to process each request and your usage is limited by an in-app currency called 'Stars'. You accrue more Stars through actions like consecutive daily logins but right now, at least, Oppo isn't charging an additional subscription or the like for any of its devices' AI functionality.

There are some fun and interesting options in there, and the results generally hit their mark. It serves as a great way to introduce people to the concept of AI image generation and the fact that it's siloed from the rest of the phone's AI-based tools feels like a considered move too, but I suspect this is just the beginning for Oppo's AI efforts.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Camera

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 50MP main, ultra-wide & 3x telephoto cameras
• 32MP front-facing camera
• Hasselblad image tuning and exclusive features

Across both the Find X8 and X8 Pro, you're getting the same 50MP ultra-wide and 3x telephoto (with a compact triple-prism design and optical image stabilization, or OIS) cameras, as well as the same Sony-made 32MP front-facer. Beyond the absence of a 6x telephoto, the standard X8 also uses a smaller primary 50MP Sony LYT700 sensor, in place of the larger LYT808 leading the Pro model's camera array.

Even with the technical downgrade, the Find X8 still proves to be an impressively competent and versatile camera phone in its own right.

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Oppo knows how to make exceptional camera phones, most notably with last year's Oppo Find X7 Ultra; one of the best camera phones of the moment. The company's partnership with famed camera brand Hasselblad continues on the Find X8's HyperTone system too; with custom image processing, portrait mode tuning, and the brand's signature ultra-wide X-Pan capture mode.

There's a consistency across the rear sensors that grants confidence when shooting with the Find X8, which isn't guaranteed from certain rival devices. Low noise, impressive low light performance and solid dynamic range (even from the ultra-wide), mean you're unlikely to find fault with stills captured in most conventional shooting scenarios.

White balance did sometimes wobble, but colors were otherwise faithfully captured; with nice skin tones and excellent subject separation in portrait shooting (you can also adjust the virtual aperture after capture, to alter the amount of bokeh on display).

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The ultra-wide takes over when capturing macro shots, while the AI Telescope Zoom feature activates between 10x and 60x, filling in the holes in image data competently, especially in well-lit scenes. The only confusing aspect of the X8's zoom is that the interface still gives you a 6x magnification button, even though results are simply cropped; unlike on the X8 Pro, with its 6x secondary telephoto sensor.

The 32MP selfie snapper is functional, with that HyperTone Image Engine doing a lot of the heavy lifting for what is otherwise an uneventful sensor. Front-facing Portrait mode does, at least, demonstrate the same great image segmentation around a subject's hair and clothing, for example.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Oppo augments the photography experience with extras like Lighting Snap; its take on an advanced 7fps burst mode, where every shot captured when you hold down the shutter button gets run through the full HyperTone imaging pipeline, delivering far less blur than you'd get from the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra under the same conditions.

If you're looking for a phone that captures good video, the Find X8 also boasts great 4K 60fps recording in Dolby Vision across all of the phone's sensors (including the selfie snapper).

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset
• Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM + RAM Expansion up to 12GB
• Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage (outside of China)

The production timeline of the Oppo Find X8 series meant that both phones were ready for market before Qualcomm's newest flagship mobile chipset – the Snapdragon 8 Elite – was ready to be integrated into the phones' development cycle. Instead, Oppo opted for MediaTek's latest Dimensity 9400 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of fast storage, and the results are pretty stellar.

In artificial benchmarking, the Find X8 proves to be one of the highest-performing entrants I've ever tested, across the likes of Geekbench 6 and GFX Bench. Real-world multitasking and gaming performance are understandably excellent too, with titles like Zenless Zone Zero defaulting to 'high' graphical settings. That said, the phone's comfortable being pushed much further.

Although the official numbers state that TSMC's second-gen 3nm process grants the Dimensity 9400 35% faster CPU performance and 40% greater CPU efficiency, 42% faster GPU performance and 44% greater GPU efficiency, and 35% greater AI efficiency, the tangible benefits are that the Oppo Find X8 is equipped to handle anything and everything today's mobile experience asks of the average smartphone with aplomb, whilst also being incredibly well future-proofed.

Oppo reportedly worked with MediaTek on its Trinity Engine to better optimize how the chipmaker's hardware interfaced with its devices' user experience and features.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

What's more, a revised cooling system, which includes a new thermal gel between a reworked graphene sheet and vapor chamber, means sustained performance – especially when gaming – is superb. In a 30-minute session against an otherwise similarly-specced Snapdragon 8 Elite device I had to hand, the Find X8 delivered the more consistent performance, with less heat build-up and fewer stumbles.

While hard to test for, Oppo also promises that the X8's triple antenna design has optimized for high-performance gaming over WiFi.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Oppo Find X8 review: Battery

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• 5,630mAh battery
• 80W wired + 50W wireless charging
• The latest silicon-carbon battery technology

From a technical standpoint, the Find X8's battery is pretty state-of-the-art. Switching from traditional lithium-polymer to silicon-carbon (or Si-C) has allowed Oppo to install a significantly more dense power plant than would otherwise be possible within the phone's dimensions. The result is a whopping 5,630mAh cell in what remains an impressively unobtrusive sub-200g device.

With a battery capacity larger than the likes of the mighty Galaxy S24 Ultra's – well on its way to Asus ROG Phone levels of capaciousness – a consistent peak screen-on time of 7 hours provides more than a day's use without breaking a sweat, even if that is less than expected, going by the sheer amount of power the battery promises to hold.

Where Oppo's phones stand apart from usual suspects, like Apple, Google, and Samsung, is with fast charging. The Find X8 can refill from zero to 65%, charge in 30 minutes flat, and fully replenish in under 55 minutes, thanks to support for the included 80W 'SuperVOOC 2.0' charger; that's almost twice the wattage of the next-fastest charging phone from that aforementioned trio (at 45W).

What's more, the X8 supports up to 50W wireless charging with a compatible charger too.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Oppo Find X8? Buy it if...

You want an Android that behaves like an iPhone
Oppo isn't being all that subtle about some of the inspiration behind the Find X8's design and features, but at least it's an incredibly good imitation, with bonus functionality you don't get from Apple's phones.

You want an understated gaming phone
Top-tier performance that doesn't buckle under pressure (or extended use) makes the Find X8 a pretty great phone for gaming, even if it lacks some of the features and trappings associated with this particular smartphone sub-category.

Don't buy it if...

You aren't willing to import it
For as good a phone as the Find X8 is, it's hard to come by, outside of a select run of Asia-Pacific markets, so unless you're willing to import, you'll likely go for a more accessible device in your region.

You want that secondary telephoto sensor
The Find X8 has a great camera that relies on AI to grant a zoom range beyond its physical means, but the X8 Pro gets that fourth telephoto sensor for superior optical zoom.

Oppo Find X8 review: Also consider

Apple iPhone 16
The Find X8 takes a lot of cues from Apple's iPhones, but the newest iPhone 16 comes in a broader range of colors, supports a far larger accessory ecosystem and is more widely-available, globally; with a similar price and similar performance.

Google Pixel 9
Google's latest 'non-Pro' entry packs a brighter display, protected behind tougher Gorilla Glass, whilst also offering up a cleaner user experience with longer software support.

How I tested the Oppo Find X8

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

• Review test period = Three weeks
• Testing included = Everyday usage, web browsing, social media browsing, video streaming, gaming, photography
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFX Bench, native Android stats

I used the Oppo Find X8 as my main device for almost a month. It was my main camera, my means of checking social media, and my go-to phone for gaming for the duration of the review period.

I used a gamut of industry-standard benchmarking apps to test qualities like CPU and GPU performance, while also keeping tabs on battery drain (with timed tests for things like streaming Netflix and gaming at a fixed brightness), and screen-on time too.

I used the included in-box charger as the sole means of recharging the phone, and tried all the AI-supported features that Oppo has added here, plus all the key features found within the wider ColorOS user experience.

As a reviewer with 13 years of experience, and having reviewed Oppo phones for years, I felt confident assessing and scoring the Oppo Find X8 relative to other phones out right now, and in the context of the wider smartphone market.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

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• Deepfake selfies can now bypass traditional verification systems
• Fraudsters are exploiting AI for synthetic identity creation
• Organizations must adopt advanced behavior-based detection methods

The latest Global Identity Fraud Report by AU10TIX reveals a new wave in identity fraud, largely driven by the industrialization of AI-based attacks.

With millions of transactions analyzed from July through September 2024, the report reveals how digital platforms across sectors, particularly social media, payments, and crypto, are facing unprecedented challenges.

Fraud tactics have evolved from simple document forgeries to sophisticated synthetic identities, deepfake images, and automated bots that can bypass conventional verification systems.

Election-driven surge in social media bot attacks

Social media platforms experienced a dramatic escalation in automated bot attacks in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election. The report reveals that social media attacks accounted for 28% of all fraud attempts in Q3 2024, a notable jump from only 3% in Q1.

These attacks focus on disinformation and the manipulation of public opinion on a large scale. AU10TIX says these bot-driven disinformation campaigns employ advanced Generative AI (GenAI) elements to avoid detection, an innovation that has enabled attackers to scale their operations while evading traditional verification systems.

The GenAI-powered attacks began escalating in March 2024 and peaked in September and are believed to influence public perception by spreading false narratives and inflammatory content.

One of the most striking discoveries in the report involves the emergence of 100% deepfake synthetic selfies - hyper-realistic images created to mimic authentic facial features with the intention of bypassing verification systems.

Traditionally, selfies were considered a reliable method for biometric authentication, as the technology needed to convincingly fake a facial image was beyond the reach of most fraudsters.

AU10TIX highlights these synthetic selfies pose a unique challenge to traditional KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. The shift suggests that moving forward, organizations relying solely on facial matching technology may need to re-evaluate and bolster their detection methods.

Furthermore, fraudsters are increasingly using AI to generate variations of synthetic identities with the help of “image template” attacks. These involve manipulating a single ID template to create multiple unique identities, complete with randomized photo elements, document numbers, and other personal identifiers, allowing attackers to quickly create fraudulent accounts across platforms by leveraging AI to scale synthetic identity creation.

In the payment sector, the fraud rate saw a decline in Q3, from 52% in Q2 to 39%. AU10TIX credits this progress to increased regulatory oversight and law enforcement interventions. However, despite the reduction in direct attacks, the payments industry remains the most frequently targeted sector with many fraudsters, deterred by heightened security, redirecting their efforts toward the crypto market, which accounted for 31% of all attacks in Q3.

AU10TIX recommends that organizations move beyond traditional document-based verification methods. One critical recommendation is adopting behaviour-based detection systems that go deeper than standard identity checks. By analyzing patterns in user behaviour such as login routines, traffic sources, and other unique behavioural cues, companies can identify anomalies that indicate potentially fraudulent activity.

“Fraudsters are evolving faster than ever, leveraging AI to scale and execute their attacks, especially in the social media and payments sectors,” said Dan Yerushalmi, CEO of AU10TIX.

“While companies are using AI to bolster security, criminals are weaponizing the same technology to create synthetic selfies and fake documents, making detection almost impossible."

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VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: 30-second review Specs

Capacity: 828Wh
Battery type: LiFePO4
AC Continuous output: 1000W Pure Sine Wave
AC Peak Output: 2000W
AC Outlets: 3 x 1000W (Peak 2000W)
Solar Input recharge: 300W
AC Imput charge: 700W
Ports: USB-A: 3 x 12W, 1 x 18W, USB-C 2 x 100W, DC 2 x 120W
Dimensions: 393.7 × 279.4 × 269.24 mm (15.5x11x10.6 inch)
Weight: 16.96kg (37.4 lbs)

The FlashSpeed 1000 is a great-looking portable power station, finished in matte black and grey, with large carry handles, a decent cable storage system, and a range of inputs/outputs, all neatly arranged on the front. There’s also a large light panel on the back, which is useful for camping or if your car breaks down and you need some powerful illumination.

The rugged design of this portable power station gives the impression that it has a much larger capacity and maximum power output than it actually has. That capacity comes in at 828Wh, and the maximum output is again relatively low at the 1kW mark. Why this is surprising is because recently, when looking at power stations of this size, you'd expect a bit more headroom; however, all things considered, the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1000 is extremely well priced for what's on offer.

What it does provide is a solid power supply, and during testing, it impressed when powering a variety of devices, from camping kettles and heaters to laptops, cameras, lighting gear, and 3D printers, and being used as backup power in the home. Out in the field, the design of the Flash Speed 1000 came into its own, with its large carry handles making it relatively easy to move around despite its weight. The large size also proved useful, providing a flat surface area to place equipment and even made a handy seat when needed. The build quality is extremely robust, reassuring you that it can take a good knock or two. Whether you're using it in daily life or out in the field for work, it should stand up to whatever use you put it to.

Before diving into the standard uses of the FlashSpeed 1000, it’s worth highlighting the jumper option. This is an interesting addition, although you’ll need the optional jumper cable adapter to use it. Essentially, it enables you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car without the need to hook up to another vehicle. If you live in colder conditions, then a feature like this is going to be a great option.

In use, it performed well, although the maximum output of 1,000Wh was a little limiting, meaning that running either a small 1kW heater or a kettle required switching off other appliances. However, the 2,000 W surge protection does provide some buffer, especially for the kettle. For more standard uses, such as charging and running most devices, the FlashSpeed 1000 excelled.

While the FlashSpeed 1000 incorporates all the latest technology, its size and internal capacity differ from much of the market, being larger and heavier with a smaller capacity than you might expect. However, it also features more AC ports, and with the option to add a large expansion battery and a solar panel, this kit becomes one of the largest capacity and most affordable power stations available. Despite its relative size compared to some of the other best portable power stations we've reviewed, it offers superb value when fully equipped.

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Price & availability

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The standard price for the FlashSpeed 1000 is $999/£999, although it's often heavily discounted to around half that price, which makes it an exceptionally good deal. Not only that, but when coupled with the expansion battery and the 400 W solar panel for just under $2000 / £2000, it becomes a great all-round solution.

When it comes to availability, it can be purchased directly through the VTO Man website as well as major online retailers such as Amazon.

• Score: 5/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Design & build

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The first thing that strikes you about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that it's slightly larger than most portable power stations of this capacity. However, this is in part due to the number of ports, including three AC on the front of the unit. These include three power input options, three 12 V, six USB, and those three AC sockets (similar to those you would find at home), and two additional, less common ports for a jumper cable to start your car (Diesel or Petrol) and the expansion battery link socket.

This jumper cable feature helps differentiate the FlashSpeed from other portable power stations on the market and makes it a great option for those in the van-life culture or anyone needing a truly heavyweight, powerful portable power station for use in the field. It's particularly suitable for mechanics or anyone working in garages on cars, both for the jumper feature and also for connecting tools.

While the size and design might be slightly larger and heavier than other portable power stations of similar capacity, the size and shape are perfectly adapted to the workplace, especially the large flat surface on top and a handy built-in compartment so you can safely store all the cables needed for the power station and connecting to mains/expansion battery or solar.

In terms of portability, the design thankfully includes two large carry handles, which are needed due to the 17 kg weight. Adding the expansion battery further increases the weight, so it's good to see a trolley accessory is available, and through the test is something we wished we had. Another positive aspect of the design, alongside the carry handles and cable compartment, is the large flat top and solid build, which firstly allows tools to be rested easily on top or otherwise enables the power station to double quite nicely as a makeshift seat when needed.

Another feature we really like about the design of the FlashSpeed 1000 is that all the ports and connectors are located on the front of the unit. This ensures that nothing is hidden around the sides, such as the mains AC input. If installed in a workshop or van, this means you don’t need to pull the unit out each time you want to plug it in to charge. The only thing that is hidden on the back of the unit is the lamp, which isn't an issue.

The design and build of this portable power station are good and solid, and there are small hidden design features that add to the reassurance of quality for this power station, such as the large vents on either side and internal fans that occasionally kick in to ensure plenty of airflow.

• Design: 4/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As previously mentioned, the full capacity of the FlashSpeed 1000 is 828 Wh, which, considering its nearly 17 kg weight, isn’t a great deal. However, it does have the option to add an expansion battery, which itself has a capacity of 1,548 Wh, boosting the total capacity to a considerable 2,376 Wh.

When it comes to output, the main battery can deliver 1,000 W of continuous power, and this remains the same with or without the expansion battery. A common feature is the surge protection, which is up to 2000W, which just gives you some flexibility with appliances that often have power spikes when they first start up.

Through AC power (or mains power), you can achieve a 700 W input, enabling you to charge the main battery from 0 in 70 minutes (although you should never allow the battery to fully discharge). There’s also the option of 300 W solar power input, which, on a bright sunny day and in ideal conditions, would allow the battery to fully recharge in about six hours. Alternatively, you can use DC input charging at 200 W per hour, taking 7–8 hours for a full recharge—though this could potentially drain your car battery.

One of the highlights of the system is the use of LIFEPO4 batteries, which are incredibly safe and offer up to 3,000 full life cycles with approximately 80% capacity retention.

Another common portable power station feature is the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) function. If your house experiences a power outage, then this power station can be connected between your main power source and your devices to ensure no power loss. For example, you could position the power station between your fridge and the mains to ensure the fridge stays powered during an outage.

An interesting additional feature of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the jumper cable connector, which allows you to jumpstart your petrol or diesel car. To use this function, you’ll need an adapter, which is relatively inexpensive and available through the VTO Man website. Once connected, you simply attach the jumper cables to your car battery and start the car as you would when connecting to another vehicle’s battery.

When it comes to ports, you have three AC outlets: 110 V / 1,000 W in the US or 230 V / 1,000 W elsewhere. These are pure sine wave outputs. Then there are three DC outlets: two 12 V / 10 A DC5521 ports and one 12 V / 10 A car charger-style port. Next to these are four USB Type-A outlets—three offering 5 V / 2.4 A and one supporting 18 W. There are also two USB Type-C outlets, both of which support 100 W quick charging (200 W in total).

• Features: 4/5

VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The FlashSpeed 1000 is an interesting portable power station because, on the surface, its capacity of 828 Wh combined with a 1,000 W maximum output, physical size, and weight don’t initially make it stand out as a great option. However, as you start to become familiar with how this portable power station works, you begin to realise why its design is slightly different and how it managed to prove itself over the course of the testing.

Firstly, looking at the design of the power station. It is built to last, with two large carry handles, a cable storage compartment, and a design that, while slightly bulky and heavy, makes it relatively easy to move around. On-site, the design provides plenty of space to place tools and equipment on top or even to use it as an impromptu seat. It feels strong and robust enough to support the weight of most people.

Another benefit is that all the ports are located on the front of the unit, making it easy to plug in both power inputs and outputs without having to fuss with pulling it out of a van or moving other equipment to access the back. For example, charging via a mains AC port or a solar panel is straightforward and doesn’t require repositioning the power station.

During testing, we coupled the FlashSpeed 1000 with the expansion battery, which essentially trippled the capacity. At this point, it transformed from a single large unit to a double, quite bulky unit, but one that was far more useful in the field, with enough power to run all your gear.

When used with a range of devices such as kettles, heaters, camera equipment, lights, and laptops, the FlashSpeed 1000 was more than capable of keeping up with power demands. However, when it came to the kettle and heater—both rated at just under 1,000 W—it became clear that all other devices needed to be switched off or unplugged before operating these appliances individually. It’s impossible to run both the heater and the kettle simultaneously without exceeding the surge protection limit.

For more general use or when running just one high-demand appliance, the FlashSpeed 1000 performed exceptionally well. While the fans kicked into action during periods of high load, they remained relatively quiet during most day-to-day usage.

The arrangement of sockets and plugs is generally well thought out, with one notable issue: the MacBook Pro's transformer plugs. The height of these adapters was just a few millimetres too tall to fit comfortably between the socket and the surface the power station was placed on. To resolve this, we had to position the power station near the edge of a surface so the transformer could hang free.

Otherwise, for all other devices, the Flash Speed 1000 was ideal. Charging the unit was mostly done through the AC input (700 W), which charged the power station extremely quickly. During testing, we didn’t let the unit drop below 20%, and it consistently charged to full in under an hour. Alongside the main and expansion batteries, we also tested the 400 W solar panel. Plugging it into the solar input (maximum 300 W), we achieved about 150 W on a bright sunny day in late autumn/early winter in the UK. While this didn’t allow for a full charge in a day, it did top up the battery by about 20% over several hours.

One of the standout features of the FlashSpeed 1000 is the small LED display on the front, which shows the remaining capacity, power draw, and the type of connector being used. For example, plugging a MacBook Pro into the AC port shows exactly how much power it’s drawing and identifies the connector. If you switch to a USB port, the display updates accordingly. This simple but effective display makes it easy to monitor usage.

Unlike some premium models, the Flash Speed 1000 doesn’t feature a wireless app or additional advanced features. However, its simple, solid design and ease of use, makes it a great power source for a very reasonable price.

Test Scores:

Sony NP-F100: 14 full charges.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro battery: 9 full charges.
GoPro Hero 12 Black battery: 70 full charges.
MacBook Pro M1 Max: 7 full charges.
BambuLabs X1 Carbon: 2 hours 50 minutes of runtime.
Prusa MK4: 5 hours 52 minutes of runtime.

To run the first set of tests, the FlashSpeed was charged to 100%, and the battery or device was connected with a fully depleted battery and charged. The % usage was then divided by 100 to give a final result, where the % drop was low, two or three full discharges and recharges were carried out.

The 3D printers were set on a single 10-hour print and timed until the power ran out.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the VTOMAN Flashspeed 1000?

Through the test, we used the FlashSpeed 1000 for a variety of purposes, from acting as a UPS for powering the TV and lounge lighting at home to running 3D printers in the workshop and finally providing power in the field for laptops and cameras. In all cases, the Flash Speed 1000 proved to be more than capable of handling the tasks required.

While there are some trade-offs, such as its size and weight relative to its capacity, what you get is a very good and robust portable power station. It may lack some of the frills of more premium brands, but as a power station that prioritises performance, it does exceptionally well—especially when you factor in the available accessories.

What we really liked about the FlashSpeed 1000 is that you can purchase the base unit, which essentially functions as an inverter with a reasonably sized capacity battery, and then expand it to a much larger capacity battery when your budget allows. The ability to plug in solar panels and create a complete power station ecosystem is particularly appealing, especially when considering that its price is significantly lower than many of its rivals. When comparing capacity with competitors, most do not offer the same level of expandability or the ability to handle high input volumes, whether through AC or solar, for fast recharging.

So, while the FlashSpeed 1000 may initially seem like a large, bulky, and slightly underpowered portable power station, its practicality becomes apparent in real-world use. Yes, it is large and heavy, and its 1,000 W maximum output is slightly limited, but what it does offer is a substantial amount of capacity that is delivered safely and quietly.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Buy it if...

You want a simple-to-use portable power station

One of the great things about this portable power station is how simple it is to use. All ports are located on the front, making them easily accessible for both charging and output. The large screen on the front provides easy-to-read feedback about the charge level and power output.

You like the ability to expand the power

While the 828 watt-hour capacity will be more than sufficient for most field power demands, the ability to boost this by over 1,500 watt-hours makes it extremely appealing.

Don't buy it if...

You have high-demand devices

While 1,000 W is more than enough for charging many devices, such as camera gear and laptops, more demanding appliances like heaters and kettles generally require something with a higher wattage output.

You want app connectivity

Sometimes it’s handy to operate your portable power station remotely, especially if you're working on-site and unable to access the unit to switch the power on or off. In such circumstances, having app connectivity is essential.

For more outdoor essentials, we tested the best rugged phones.