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The LG C3 and LG G3 TVs are getting an upgrade to their smart TV operating system, which is rolling out now – earlier than the 2025 window it was originally scheduled for. The 'webOS 24' update brings several new features that first appeared on LG's 2024 TVs (picture above).

The new software is appearing on some C3 and G3 TVs now, but as FlatpanelsHD notes, you don't need to panic if it hasn't appeared on your TV yet – it can take a few days to appear on all TVs. If you have a different LG TV from 2023, including the LG B3, you should still expect to get this update, but it seems as though the more premium OLED TVs are the lucky first few.

LG has committed to offering 5 years of upgrades to its webOS TVs, with the upgrades arriving one year behind the next version. The stated plan was for 2023 TVs to be given the upgrades that first appeared in 2024's TVs (including the LG C4) during 2025. LG's jumped the gun on that one, but I'm not complaining to any improvement to the best OLED TVs.

2022's TVs, including the LG C2, will receive an upgrade to 2023's software during 2025, following this same rule. It's always one step back.

Here are the four key new features of this update, according to LG:

1. Chromecast built-in: Now you can enjoy your mobile content on the big screen without additional devices.
2. Voice ID: Recognize your voice to automatically sign in and deliver personalized services.
3. Sports Portal: View your favorite sports team's game schedule, scores, and odds all at once.
4. Chatbot: Easily resolve issues through dialogue.

When we first tested this new version of webOS, we called out the Sports Portal and accessibility features (including the chatbot) as being among its best changes, so it's nice to see them coming to more sets.

The chatbot has felt like a work-in-progress, but the general principle of being able to just ask the TV why your picture doesn't look right and have it point you to the options that could fix it. That's instead of you being expected to know what menu to hunt through, which is clearly a good idea.

This is the first time we're seeing the fruits of LG's plans to consistently upgrades its sets, and it could definitely be something that helps put its models in our list of the best TVs, because it adds to their long-term value. Samsung has recently announced that its TVs will get seven years of updates (beating the five of LG), so LG's push to be first with this kind of promise has already helped improve things for buyers of other brands too.

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Watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online

After the first series' wild popularity Down Under, it was inevitable that we'd see more from John Ibrahim and the often violent Sydney nightlife scene. Read on for how to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online from anywhere with a VPN – and potentially for FREE.

Season 2 picks up 18 months after where the bloody end of the first run left off, and John Ibrahim (played by Lincoln Younes) is back in Sydney from his exile in Spain. What he finds is a very different King's Cross district to the one he departed.

That forces him to a new part of town with a new set of rules to learn if he wants to re-establish himself as the clubbing kingpin. Plus, to do so, he'll need to find away to topple he who wears the crown – Ray Kinnock played by Lost's and The Dropout's Naveen Andrews.

Below we have all the information you need on where to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online and stream every episode from anywhere. Together with details of where you might find free streams.

Can I watch Last King of the Cross season 2 for free?

Yes! New Zealanders get to watch every episode of Last King of the Cross for free thanks to the ThreeNow streaming service. Alternatively, you can claim seven days of Paramount Plus for free in Australia and Canada.

How to watch Last King of the Cross S2 online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll be unable to watch Last King of the Cross like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch Last King of the Cross from anywhere.

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Can I watch Last King of the Cross in the US?

Strangely, Last King of the Cross isn't available on the Paramount Plus platform in the US. In fact, no broadcaster or streaming service has picked up the show stateside.

If you're in the US and still want to watch Last King of the Cross, the only suggestion we can make would be to download a VPN and pick up a stream from another country.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online in Canada

Just like in the show's native Australia, the Paramount Plus platform is the place to watch Last King of the Cross in Canada.

North of the border, the Paramount Plus price is $6.99 per month after the service's free 7-day trial.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 in the UK

With the first series already available to stream in full, Sky TV will show episodes of Last King of the Cross season 2 on Tuesdays from Tuesday, October 15.

The eight instalments will go out at 2am and 9pm each week on its Sky Max channel. Subscribers can also stream episodes on their smartphone and online via the Sky Go app.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online in Australia

All episodes of Last King of the Cross season 2 are now available to stream on the Paramount Plus streaming service Down Under.

The Paramount Plus price is $10.99 per month or $97.99 if you want access for a whole year.

How to watch Last King of the Cross in New Zealand for FREE

ThreeNow is New Zealand's free ad-supported streaming service, and it has all episodes from season 1 and 2 of Last King of the Cross available to stream.

You do need to register to watch, but all that's required is your name and email address.

Last King of the Cross season 2 cast

• Lincoln Younes as John Ibrahim
• Tim Roth as Ezra Shipman
• Callan Mulvey as Detective Sergeant Brian Crellan
• Claude Jabbour as Sam Ibrahim
• Matt Nable as Anthony 'Big Tony' Stone
• Maria Tran as Madame Tien
• Tess Haubrich as Detective Liz Doyle
• Naveen Andrews as Ray Kinnock
• Luke Arnold as Dean Taylor
• Matuse as Benny

Ultimate Ears Miniroll: Two-minute review

Parties in 2024 are about to get a bit bassier with the new Ultimate Ears Miniroll, a small-form Bluetooth speaker that wants to find its way onto our list of the best party speaker by virtue of the fact that it’s much smaller than all of its rivals.

A revival of the UE Roll from 2015 and UE Roll 2 from a year later, this is now Ultimate Ear’s smallest speaker by a country mile (and also a good few inches). It sits alongside the sonically superior, but much less totable, Wonderboom 4, as well as UE’s more pricy alternatives. Yes, that’s right, it’s not just small but it’s affordable too.

You only have to pay $79 / £69 / AU$99 for the UE Miniroll so it undercuts most of the competition, although a few other major audio brands also have lightweight party speakers like this for roughly the same (or less).

‘Miniroll’ is a funny name – the new UE speaker is bigger than the Roll and Roll 2, and probably doesn’t have any link to the sponge treat manufactured by former chocolate company (and now faux-chocolate company) Cadbury’s.

(Image credit: Future)

But while Cadbury’s has sadly gone downhill in the eyes of many, Ultimate Ears has only improved on the formula of its older speakers. The sound offers loads of bass, marking a notable improvement in audio capabilities over the previous two Rolls. The use of a USB-C port and a longer battery life also make this a more tempting option for people who may consider buying older tech.

Some of the best features of the Roll are here too. I found the carry strap incredibly handy, as I could attach the Miniroll to bags, pieces of furniture or even body parts (well, my wrist) to make it easy to carry around. 

The speaker isn’t perfect though, as there’s no smartphone app to bring extra features or offer customization. There’s no equalizer either, something many rival party speakers offer, which will likely put off people who’d find the bass just a little 'too much'. I also wished there was a way to skip or rewind songs, as many other speakers offer, to stop me having to use my phone for these tasks.

Some may also find the max volume a little too low for ‘parties’, especially since bass doesn’t carry as well as treble, though I guess ‘intimate social gathering speaker’ doesn’t have the same ring as ‘party speaker’. I can see this being a great pick for hikers or picnickers who want some tunes, or group runners who blast music to get everyone through that pre-breakfast 5k, rather than for traditional house parties or gatherings.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in September 2024
• Costs $79 / £69 / AU$99

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll was unveiled and released in mid-September 2024, ready for an outdoor party speaker to be almost obsolete in the wintery northern hemisphere.

The price of the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is $79 / £69 / AU$99, so it’s the cheapest wireless speaker currently offered by UE, and is one of the more affordable options on the market. It also undercuts the two UE Roll models which went for $99 / £99 / AU$149.  The Wonderboom is the closest sibling in price at $99 / £89 / AU$149.

In fact, if you’re looking for a party speaker as compact as the Miniroll, the market’s not burgeoning with good-quality options. Your best alternative is the even cheaper (but not quite as chic, and a little older now) Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 (now available for $59 / £59 or around AU$85) followed by the JBL Clip 5, which sells for $79 / £59 / AU$89, so both are actually a bit cheaper in most regions.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Specs Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Can link up to other Minirolls
• No equalizer or app
• 12 hour battery life

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll struggles most in the features department because… well, there barely are any.

Unlike with some other UE speakers, the Miniroll doesn’t have a smartphone app, so it doesn’t let you utilize features of some of its rivals. There’s no equaliser, for example, or even different EQ presets for you to toggle between. You can’t change audio codec, fiddle with Bluetooth options or use a ‘find my speaker’ function.

There’s no outdoor mode either, which in other UE devices (it's the 'tree button' on the underside of the Wonderboom 4) strips bass in favor of treble to make the speaker easier to hear over distance. Of all the missing features this is the one I would have liked to see most – as with any bassy speaker, quality (and audibility) quickly drops off if you walk away from the Miniroll.

(Image credit: Future)

One thing you can do is connect the Miniroll to its siblings, in order to sync up multiple speakers. However unlike many other UE devices (but like the Wonderboom), you can only pair it to others of its make – ie, other Minirolls. So while your Boom, Megaboom, Everboom, Epicboom and Hyperbooms might all be having their own little party, the Minirolls will have to form their own shindig. According to UE the Miniroll can pair to an unlimited number of other Minirolls though, as long as your budget is equally infinite.

The battery life stretches to 12 hours on a single charge, which is longer than most parties I get invited to. Its a lasting power which positions the Miniroll as a handy device for people going on hikes or camping, as does its design.

Charging is done via USB-C, with a little port just above the strap.

• Features score: 3/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Small compact body
• Incredibly handy carry strap
• IP67 protected, survives up to 1.2m drop

The key selling point of the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is its design – it’s mini and feels lovely in your hand. A little pebble of a gadget, it weighs only slightly more than a smartphone at 279g, and measures 122 x 105 x 48 mm so it’s incredibly slender.

If you don’t trust measurements, trust me: it’s really easy to carry around whether it’s in the hand, strapped to a bag, inside said bag, or even slipped into a pocket (yes, it fits in my pockets, although that really muffles the audio).

Strapping it to a bag comes thanks to a rubbery strap, which is locked to the Miniroll at one end and is hooked and removable at the other. This gives you lots of versatility in how you attach the Miniroll to things, especially with a gap in the strap letting you hang it from objects. This was my preferred way of using the speaker, hanging it from doorknobs or cupboards – the multitude of ways to position the speaker is great for positioning it in rooms or attaching it to various rucksacks. Ultimate Ear's promotional material even shows someone attaching it to a dog.

Image 1 of 3

I could hang the Miniroll in my living room... (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

...or in my kitchen... (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

...or on my wine rack. (Image credit: Future)

One annoying element of the design comes into play here though, in combination with the speaker’s heavy bass (more on that later). Sometimes when on certain objects, the natural vibrations from the bass would cause the speaker to wobble, and it fell off boxes I put it on several times. Likewise when I hung it up, it’d sometimes shudder from the bass and start to sway – I can’t put it on my bedroom door because the bass makes it repeatedly knock into the wood panel. It’s an odd situation and I had to always think about where I placed the Miniroll.

On the top of the Miniroll are a volume up and volume down button, which should surprise no-one given that the buttons are a giant + and -. The edge of the speaker has the power button as well as the play/pause one, which can also be held to enable pairing with other Minirolls (more on that later). There’s no button to skip or restart tracks so you’ll have to rely on your phone for that.

If you’re worried about damage, the speaker is IP67 rated – that means it’s totally protected from dust particles and can be immersed in water for a depth of a meter for up to half an hour. It’s drop-proof but only up to 1.2 meters, which is something else to bear in mind when placing the speaker – my rucksack is higher than that off the floor and so are most of the tables I’d put it on.

As you can see from the pictures, I tested the pink Miniroll – Calming Pink, as UE calls it – and there’s also black (Gentle Black), blue (Majestic Blue) and white (Revive Gray).

• Design score: 4/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• (No need to) turn up the bass
• Volume not suitable for large parties
• Lack of equalizer limits appeal

I’ve referred to the Ultimate Ears Miniroll as a ‘party speaker’, but I should qualify that ‘party’ part of the phrase – this isn’t for big gatherings in Beverly Hills mansions or beach parties with hundreds of people. Think ‘D&D party’ size – this isn’t the loudest speaker in the world and it will best suit medium- to small-sized groups.

In my (very studious) tests, the Miniroll sounded decent at up to 5 meters distance, but when I got to 10m it was hard to hear parts of the song (partly from the volume, but partly from other sounds being more prominent). I found the Miniroll great for playing music in my bedroom, but unlike some other speakers I’ve tested, its sound didn’t carry through my entire (two-person) flat. If you’re going on a trip with this attached to your bag, you’d better keep your friends close if they want to hear music.

The UE Miniroll isn’t so quiet that it’s going to disappoint you, but you need to temper your expectations in keeping with its size – UE does have bigger speakers if you want to entertain a large number of listeners.

In terms of the audio itself, the Miniroll is a bassy little creature, and I was pretty surprised by just how much bass the thing eked out. I’ve already written about how it literally vibrates from what it’s putting out!

The bass is admittedly a little muddy, and the sheer nature of physics means it doesn’t carry that far (thanks, physics), but bass-heads near to the speaker will really pick up what it’s putting down.

As with any bass-heavy speaker, treble and mids suffer the consequences of this heavy lean, and both lack an extra ounce of detail – they also distort a little at higher volumes. However, balanced treble and audiophile-quality mids aren’t something it'd be truly fair to demand from party speakers at this price. It’s certainly not necessary for the Macarena.

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

• Form factor makes it appealing for portable music
• Some users might prefer other speakers

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll fits its niche really well: it’s cheaper and more portable than many other Bluetooth speakers, with a decent battery life, sufficient protection from life’s bumps and a really handy strap. With that in mind it’s hard to argue that the Miniroll isn’t good value – it’s much better for a certain type of user than other options in the market.

However, if you’re just looking for an affordable Bluetooth speaker for your house or garden, you can find options with better audio and a couple of extra features for a similar price. They just lose portability as a trade-off.

• Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll? Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Also consider How I tested the Ultimate Ears Miniroll

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for two weeks
• Tested at home and on some trips

I tested the Ultimate Ears Miniroll for over two weeks, during which time I used it alongside my Android smartphone.

Most of the testing was done at home but I also took it on a few day trips and picnics to see how well it works outdoors. Mostly I used the speaker for music streaming but I also tested it with spoken word podcasts a little bit as well.

I've been reviewing audio products at TechRadar for 5 years, including other Ultimate Ears products.

• First reviewed in October 2024

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Hackers have found a clever new way to abuse Rich Text Format (.RTF) files in phishing attacks, experts have warned.

Cybersecurity researchers Ironscales claim to have observed a “major spike” in these campaigns during 2024, and in the space of just one month (March 2024), the experts say they spotted, and stopped, 6,755 such attacks.

So what makes this attack so unique, and ultimately - successful? Three things, Ironscales says: the use of an outdated file format, attachment personalization, and URL obfuscation.

Attachment personalization

RTF files are quite uncommon these days, the researchers said, which means two things - victims are not that suspicious when they receive them in the email, and security solutions (especially traditional email security filters) don’t flag them as often.

So, when a threat actor sends a phishing email with an .RTF file attached, victims are somewhat more inclined to open it. Which led the researchers to the second point - attachment personalization. They say the criminals found a way to customize the file name in the email, to match the domain of the target recipient. Therefore, the attachment carries the name of the target company, boosting credibility.

Finally, URL obfuscation. In the .RTF file, the crooks would attach a link that “looks innocent enough”, and often appear to lead to a well-known site, such as microsoft.com. However, a clever use of the @ symbol allows them to redirect the victim to a malicious site, instead. The usual link in these files would look something like this: https://www.microsoft.com@malicious-site.com/invoice.pdf.

“In the world of URLs, anything before the @ is treated as a ‘username’ but can be written to look like a trusted domain,” the researchers explained. “The catch? The browser ignores everything before the @ and only cares about what comes after.”

In other words, if the victim is not carefully reading the entire link, they might think they’re visiting microsoft.com, but are instead being redirected elsewhere.

In conclusion, crooks are getting smarter, Ironscales argues, meaning organizations must do the same - or suffer the consequences.

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Microsoft has officially ended software support for the Surface Laptop Go, its affordable alternative to its expensive Surface family of products, and this means there will be no more official firmware or driver updates released.

The Surface Laptop Go was launched in October 2020. It had a starting price of $550, making it one of the most affordable laptops in Microsoft’s Surface range. It had a sleek, premium design and was well built, much like other costlier Surface models.

It did, however, draw criticism for its limited RAM and storage, lack of features, performance limitations, and base model limitations. Though it came with a mid-range 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, the base model had only 4GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, which these days is particularly low for a Windows laptop, and meant that customers needing to do more intensive tasks had to skip it.

Then there was the issue of the display’s resolution. At only 1536 x 1024 it was lower than many other laptops in its price range, which offered full HD displays. It lacked keyboard backlighting, too, not only in its base model but in the higher-tier models, too.  However, the main point of contention for critics was the base model’s RAM and eMMC storage. It is well known that eMMC storage is slower than SSD, and 4GB of RAM just isn’t enough to run Windows 10 (or Windows 11) smoothly. So, customers looking for better performance had to pay more for a higher end model.

Overall, it was a device that would only really benefit students and casual users looking to do basic light tasks like streaming, browsing the web or very basic office tasks - and now it might not even be able to do that.

Letting customers down

The Surface Laptop Go has only received four years of software support from Microsoft, and it was replaced by the second-gen Surface Laptop Go 2 in June 2022, bringing notable upgrades, including an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 processor. The third-gen model, the Surface Laptop Go 3, was released October 2023 with a 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor. Both models introduced several improvements to storage and power, while keeping the series’ focus on affordability and portability.

Still, anyone who bought the original Surface Laptop Go might feel a bit short-changed by support being dropped so soon. No matter how low the asking price of a laptop is, you should expect it to last a decent amount of time before you have to upgrade.

That being said, the end of support means that while the entry-level laptop won’t get any more official software and firmware updates, it doesn’t mean the device will stop working. You can still install the new Windows 11 update 24H2, and the original Surface Laptop will still receive critical security updates. That might be little comfort, however, for people who paid for the Surface Laptop Go in the hope that Microsoft would continue to release improvements and bug fixes for a long time, despite its budget price.

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This year’s Adobe Max event has seen the company greatly expand its AI offerings, with loads of new tools hitting Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign - all powered by Firefly.

Top tools coming to our current pick for the best photo editor around include an upgrade Remove tool, a space for design ideation, and a range of genAI tools now available to all.

And, since it’s Adobe Max-mas, the company has also announced a handful of extras for Illustrator and InDesign, too.

What’s new in Adobe Photoshop?

Photoshop was already no slouch in the artificial intelligence department, filled with tools that streamline editing workflows - so, we were intrigued to see the latest servings for Adobe users.

First up, a number of essential AI tools will see general availability for Photoshop desktop and web users. So, look out for Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Generate Similar, Generate Background, and Generate Image powered by Firefly Image 3 Model.

The Remove tool gets a serious update, too, and now features what Adobe dubbed “distraction removal technology”. Effectively, this will let users remove unwanted elements from an image in a single click.

The company has also announced a new Generative Workspace within Photoshop. This lets designers try out new ideas (or adapt existing ones) in a sandbox, where generations run in the background without disrupting the workflow. The space also includes generation history, to quickly view previous prompts and images.

One of the most exciting developments to come to Photoshop is the Adobe Substance 3D Viewer app. Now in beta, this tool merges 2D and 3D image design, so users can import models created in Adobe Substance 3D straight into Photoshop.

More AI tools are also on the way for Illustrator, including new Objects on Path and Generative Shape Fill, and InDesign, which now boasts Generative Expand, Text to Image, and integration with Adobe Express.

You can check out the latest beta tools from Adobe by clicking here.

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De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo: two-minute review

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is available to buy in the US, UK, and Australia. They have slightly different product names in each territory: in the US, the model code is EC9255M, and it’s called La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. In the UK and Australia, the model code is EC9255.M, and the full product name is La Specialista Arte Evo Compact Manual Bean to Cup coffee machine with Cold Brew in the UK, and La Specialista Arte Evo Cold Brew in Australia.

Specialista Arte Evo is listed at $699.95 / £549.99 / AU$699 on the official De'Longhi website. You can also purchase it from third-party retailers, including Amazon in the US and the UK, which offer discounts on occasion.

For a quality manual bean-to-cup coffee machine with cold brew capabilities, this is pretty good value, and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo should be considered alongside one of the best espresso machines.

A compact example of a manual bean-to-cup espresso machine, the Arte Evo has dimensions of 11.2 x 14.4 x 15.9 inches / 285 x 365 x 400mm, and is a pretty weighty 21.5 lbs / 9.3 kg. I did feel that it had the potential to move around despite this, so I always tended to have a steadying hand on the machine whenever I pushed the portafilter and tamper guide in to receive the ground coffee.

(Image credit: Future)

There is a helpful small storage compartment in the top of the machine, to the right of the hopper. The My Latte Art steam arm sits on the right of the coffee-making area and can be rotated out, so I could easily get the included metal milk jug under. Located on the back of the machine, the generous 56 fl oz / 1.7L water tank was easy to remove and replace.

One thing I missed with the Arte Evo, is that it doesn’t have changeable hoppers, so it can prove tricky if you like to switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. I can’t really complain about this considering the price though, as it’s mainly the more premium coffee machines that have this ability.

There are three temperature settings to choose from on this manual espresso machine, so it can be adjusted to suit whichever beverage is being made, and eight different bean-grinding settings to achieve the right intensity, and I found this useful for perfecting different coffee options.

(Image credit: Future)

The Arte Evo comes with two single-walled coffee filters in a single and double dose. The filters were unusually difficult to get out of the portafilter once pushed in. I had to use a taper-ended butter knife to remove the filter each time, so this isn’t the end of the world, but care will need to be taken when attempting to remove them.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo was delightfully straightforward to use. The setup process was quick and simple, and thanks to the helpful tips in the quick guide it was easy to determine the perfect grind coarseness, dosage, and techniques to create tasty cups of coffee.

I’m a huge fan of this coffee machine, and I’d recommend it as the best in this price bracket, but if you think you might want some different features or you prefer a different aesthetic, you could always take a look at our selection of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines to see if anything catches your eye.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: price and availability

• List price: $699 / £549 / AU$699
• Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The list price for the Specialista Arte Evo is $699.95 / £549.99 / AU$699 on the official De'Longhi website. It’s available from other third-party retailers too, including Amazon in the US and the UK, where the price is occasionally discounted.

This is pretty good value for a quality manual bean-to-cup coffee machine with cold brew capabilities, and while it may not have as many grind settings or auto-tamping as the reigning champion of our selection of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, the Sage Barista Express Impress, this compact De'Longhi espresso machine offers cold brew and is a whole lot cheaper.

• Value score: 5/5

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: specs De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: design and features

• Quick and easy setup
• Dishwasher safe accessories
• Smaller-than-average footprint for manual bean-to-cup machines

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is fairly compact as far as manual bean-to-cup espresso makers go, with dimensions of 11.2 x 14.4 x 15.9 inches / 285 x 365 x 400mm. It’s understandably a bit weighty at 21.5 lbs / 9.3 kg, but this is fine as it’s a product that’s not intended to be moved around. One thing I will say, though, is that it didn’t feel quite heavy enough for me to push the portafilter and tamper guide in to receive the ground coffee without a hand on the machine to hold it in place.

One small niggle is that there isn’t the option to have changeable hoppers, which can prove to be a pain if you’ve left the beans in for too long, or if you like to switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, for example. It’s only really more premium coffee machines that offer this, so I can’t complain much considering the price of the Arte Evo. If you only use the amount of beans needed to avoid leaving them sitting for too long, or only use one kind of bean, you shouldn’t have any problems.

(Image credit: Future)

To the right of the hopper, there is a small storage compartment that could fit the filter baskets and small cleaning utensils. At first, I believed that the UK model didn’t come with a tamping mat, as it is not obviously listed on the De'Longhi UK website, but it turned out to be hidden underneath the base fitment in the accessories box. I found it really helpful when tamping my coffee, with a circular indentation for the tamper to sit in, and a shaped area for the portafilter. This also fit the tamper slot after it was removed before attaching the portafilter to the machine, so it was easy to keep things neat and tidy through each stage.

The Arte Evo also comes with a small cup support, to give those mini espresso glasses a little boost. The removable water tank is easy to remove and replace. It has a 56 fl oz / 1.7 capacity, which is plenty for a few cups of java, while also remaining light enough to be maneuvered easily.

(Image credit: Future)

The layout of the grinder, extractor, and My Latte Art steam arm is fairly standard, but the steam arm is in close proximity to where the extraction area and small cup support sit in a bid to save some space. The steam arm rotates outwards, so I could easily get the included metal milk jug under.

Inside the removable drip tray sits a red plastic water level indicator that rises through the cup grille as the tray fills up so it can be emptied before it gets too full. Speaking of the drip tray, it’s really easy to remove for emptying and cleaning. It breaks down into three parts: the cup grille, the cup grille support, and the drip tray itself.

There are three drink presets to choose from, Espresso, Americano (Long Black in the UK and Australia), and Cold Brew. The My Latte Art steam arm was easy to maneuver and I was able to use it to create smooth microfoam, as well as using it to heat and add body to the milk when mocha and cappuccino making.

(Image credit: Future)

The Arte Evo has three temperature settings to choose from, so it can be adjusted to deliver the best results for whatever you’re making. It also has eight different bean-grinding settings to achieve the ideal intensity. I mostly used level five for americanos and espresso shots (which I of course used to make my beloved mochas), but I found that level six worked best for cold brews.

The My Latte Art steam arm was easy to maneuver, and thanks to the tips in the quick guide I easily created a smooth microfoam. I also used the steam arm to heat and add body to the milk for mocha making, which I did a lot of in my time with it, as it quickly became my favorite way to make coffee each day.

• Design score: 4.5/5

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: performance

• Simple to use
• Hassle-free
• Great results

Straight out of the box, the setup and coffee-making process was straightforward. The De'Longhi Quick Guide manual was easy to follow and made setting up this espresso machine a breeze. Plus, for those who are new to a manual bean-to-cup coffee machine, or you’re a visual learner, De'Longhi also has a useful how-to YouTube channel where you can see videos of their coffee machine setup processes.

After washing and drying the accessories and water tank, I put the drip tray back in place and filled the water tank before rinsing the included SoftBalls sachet under running water and dropping it into the tank. Each SoftBalls sachet lasts for three months and is designed to prevent limescale formation without affecting the quality of the coffee. After plugging the machine in and turning it on, I placed a glass bowl under the water spout before pressing okay to initiate a short rinse cycle. I then popped a filter basket into the portafilter before locking it into place, then hit okay again so that it rinsed through.

Some things to note here are that it’s tricky to get the filter baskets out of the portafilter: I had to use a taper-ended butter knife to prise them out, and in addition, it took a fair bit of elbow grease to get the portafilter to lock into place. Perhaps those stronger than me won’t have as much of an issue, but I found myself having to put my other hand on the machine to brace myself when inserting or removing the portafilter. The final part to be flushed through was the steam arm, which was just a case of placing it into the bowl and pushing the steam button on the machine.

(Image credit: Future)

Once the machine was all set, I experimented with the grind and dose levels until I was happy with the result. This De'Longhi machine comes with a really helpful dosing and tamping guide that simply screws onto the top of the portafilter, so it’s easy to give it a few taps to help the coffee grounds settle before pushing them down with the satisfyingly weighted tamper.

The quick start guide had a helpful little Infusion Temperature Profiles box out, explaining that different beans and roasting colors require specific temperatures, informing me that Robusta coffee beans prefer a lower temperature, and Arabica beans like a higher temperature. As I was using Arabica beans, I used the maximum temperature option (level three) and selected my drink using the right-hand dial, which for my first attempt was an espresso.

(Image credit: Future)

Following the instructions and tips helped me to make a pretty perfect espresso shot in a few minutes. There wasn’t quite as much crema as I’d anticipated, but other than that it was great. When trying out the steam wand on some semi-skimmed milk, I once again found the quick start guide super helpful with its additional barista tips, recommending that fresh cold milk is used and that the metal milk jug is cold. The visuals provided a little guidance, explaining where the nozzle should be placed to get the milk to froth, and these pointers helped me make some lovely foam for a cappuccino on my first attempt.

The Thermoblock heating system and active temperature control feature seemingly worked well during the brewing process, as the extracted coffee tasted spot-on every time. All three presets delivered satisfying and great-tasting results. I used the Espresso preset most frequently, combining it with steamed milk and hot chocolate powder, as I am quite partial to a mocha.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ll admit that cold brew coffee isn’t really my thing, so I roped in my very helpful editor to do a taste test for me. I ground a single dose of espresso, which the Arte Evo mixes with 3.7 fl oz /110ml of water; alternatively, I could have ground a double dose, which would then have been used to create a 6 fl oz / 180ml sized drink. In his opinion, the coffee tasted nice, wasn't overly bitter as you'd expect from a cold brew, but it was a little too diluted for his taste.

De'Longhi recommends a grind coarseness of between four and six for cold brew. Originally I aimed for the middle with level five, so I increased the coarseness to level six following the feedback from our team's resident cold brew fanatic. He confirmed that this tweak to the settings did indeed make it stronger and, although not perfect, it was more to his tastes.

Cleaning the machine was fairly straightforward. The drip tray and grill can be removed easily and are dishwasher safe. For thorough cleaning, it’s recommended to run a mixture of white vinegar and water through the water spout, portafilter, and steam arm.

• Performance score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo? Buy it if

You want to be your own barista
As the Specialista Arte Evo is easy to operate, and the quick start manual offers so many helpful tips, you’ll be brewing up all kinds of beverages for your family and friends in no time.

You don’t want to dedicate too much space
No manual bean-to-cup machine can be truly compact due to the nature of the espresso-making process. But De'Longhi has been mindful of how valuable countertop space is in our kitchens, which is reflected in the smaller-than-average footprint of this machine.

You want fancy coffee at home
With the La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine, you’ll have the freedom to make your own espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, cold brews, and more, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Don't buy it if

You don’t want to have to clean up after every cup
Whether you have your coffee black or white, there’s extra maintenance to consider when it comes to a manual bean-to-cup machine. The extracted ground coffee will need to be knocked out of the filter and rinsed, and any milk will need to be wiped off the steam arm straight away to stop it from solidifying (which it likes to do very quickly).

You want your coffee quick
The process of making a coffee with the Arte Evo isn’t particularly long when compared to similar machines, but compared to a standard instant coffee, it naturally takes longer due to the extra steps involved. It’s certainly worth the effort, though!

You don’t want to get into tweaking settings
Due to the different settings available, including dose adjustment, grinding levels, and water temperature, it may take time to perfect the settings to get the right brew for you.View Deal

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: also consider

Ninja Luxe Café
For those who want to take some of the guesswork out of their budding barista journey, the Ninja Luxe Café is a great beginner machine thanks to its grind coarseness guidance, weight-based dosage system, and automatic milk frother. It also has a slightly larger water tank, a removable hopper, and a digital display. Our reviewer was mightily impressed when they tested it out, awarding it four and a half stars. Check out the full review of the Ninja Luxe Café for further details.

De'Longhi Dinamica Plus
Undoubtedly more expensive, but the perfect alternative if you don’t want to take a hands-on approach to coffee making. It’s packed full of features, including a removable ergonomic thermal milk carafe that can be kept in the fridge to keep the milk fresh and cold. Interestingly, this machine is compatible with the De'Longhi link app, allowing you to perform some of its functions remotely. This too was awarded four and a half stars, with little in the way of negatives. Read the full De'Longhi Dinamica Plus review here.

How I tested the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

• I tested the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo over a few weeks
• I repeatedly made espresso and frothed milk four days a week
• I tested its variety of settings and features

I used the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine roughly three times a day, four days a week for several weeks, for the most part making mochas, cappuccinos, lattes, long blacks, and the odd cup of tea.

I evaluated how easy it was to put together, and how easy the setup process was. I made use of all of the features, paying close attention to the process, testing how easy the machine was to use, and the quality of the drinks produced. I tested all of the different coffee types available, and used all of the included accessories to see how they performed.

Finally, I investigated how easy it was to remove the washable parts of the machine and see how easy they were to clean.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed August 2024

Iranian threat actors are on the hunt for login credentials that can grant them access to organizations and personal systems of people in the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region, experts have warned.

A report from cybersecurity researchers Trend Micro claims a group called OilRig (AKA APT43, or Cobalt Gipsy) has been going after vulnerable servers that they can use to deploy web shells. These, in turn, allow them to run PowerShell and consequently - deploy malware on the servers.

The malware then abuses a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2024-30088 to escalate privileges and allow the crooks to exfiltrate sensitive information. This vulnerability, patched by Microsoft in June 2024, is described as a Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege flaw and has a base score of 7.0 (high).

Affiliation with ransomware players

The name of the malware used in these attacks is STEALHOOK. It essentially serves as an infostealer, since its goal is to exfiltrate data to a command & control (C2) server, operated by the attackers. What’s interesting about STEALHOOK is that it blends this information with legitimate one, and sends it out via an Exchange server.

BleepingComputer points out that OilRig is a state-sponsored actor, adding the group “remains highly active” in the Middle East region, and that it seems to be affiliated with FOX Kitten, another Iran-based APT group involved in ransomware attacks.

The majority of the targets work in the energy sector, Trend Micro concluded, warning that any disruption to the operation of these firms could impact the wider population greatly.

Despite there being evidence of abuse, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) is yet to place CVE-2024-30088 on its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

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We’ve known for months that Apple is working on a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset, but the actual price of the device has remained something of a mystery. Now, though, we might have a better idea of how much it’ll cost – and it’s hardly what you’d call cheap.

According to reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the cut-price Vision Pro headset – due to launch “as early as next year” – will cost “around $2,000" (or about £1,500 / AU$3,000). That will still put it comfortably at the top end of all the best virtual reality (VR) headsets, though, so it’s unlikely to ever be positioned as an affordable product.

Still, $2,000 is close to half the current asking price of the Vision Pro, which will set you back a mighty $3,499. While the price is not entirely unjustified – the Vision Pro has some of the best and most advanced tech inside any consumer VR headset on the market – it’s held the product back from being a true mainstream success.

But by bringing out a cheaper alternative to the regular Vision Pro, Apple will be able to offer a (somewhat) easier route into its 'spatial computing' ecosystem. The company saw success using this tactic with the HomePod and HomePod mini, although with such vast price differences between these speakers and Apple’s headset, being able to replicate that feat with the Vision Pro is far from guaranteed.

Redefining affordability

(Image credit: Future)

Going from $3,499 to $2,000 is still a massive drop in price, so how exactly will Apple make it happen? Gurman believes that the cheaper device will “probably use an inferior processor and cheaper materials” in order to drive the cost down. As well as that, Apple is also planning to drop the EyeSight feature that displays a user’s eyes on the outside of the headset.

With all these changes, Gurman says Apple “is expecting unit sales of the device to be at least double the level of the Vision Pro.” But considering the low sales figures of the current Vision Pro, Gurman adds “that’s not saying much.”

The lower-priced Vision Pro is just one of the future augmented reality (AR) devices that Apple is working on. Also in the pipeline is a second-generation Vision Pro, as well as Apple’s ultimate goal in this field, which is a pair of lightweight AR glasses similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

But given how the Vision Pro doesn’t seem to be flying off the shelves, it would make sense for Apple to focus its efforts on bringing the price down to encourage more people to give it a try.

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The Olympics and Paralympics are high stakes. The biggest sporting event in the world – major broadcasters reported more viewers in the first two days than the entirety of the previous event in Tokyo – and over 9.2 million tickets were sold.

The pressure was on for the athletes, who displayed incredible sporting prowess. It was also high stakes for the organizations protecting the event from cyber-attacks, all the way from individual event security teams up to the French Organizing Committee.

The event industry is a prime target for disruption. Threat actors knew the world was watching and that an attack could have huge impacts for the host country’s reputation and operation. This only served to increase the leverage of attackers, who could have had any one of a range of motivations:

· Geopolitical cyber-terrorism: what better way to shock the world or sap France’s morale than to disrupt the country’s spotlight moment?

· Financial gain: The large sums of money at stake made event organizers and associated parties a prime target for financially motivated cyber-crime like ransomware attacks or ticketing scams.

· Hacktivism: As witnessed by the high-profile attacks and stolen data during previous major sporting events, the Olympics provide a global stage for activist groups hoping to make a point.

Often described as a 'honeypot' for cybercriminals, attackers were acutely aware of the global stage that came with these tournaments. If an attack was successful and caused significant disruption, then there would be huge financial and reputational repercussions for host countries and the organizers hit by the breach.

The complex challenge of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is, by nature, a one-sided game: defenders need to protect everything, and attackers need to find just one weak point. The widespread adoption of AI is allowing adversaries to execute attacks faster and at a more sophisticated level, whilst the increased integration of tech and tech suppliers across sports means a larger potential network for bad actors to leverage. This is true across sectors, with 74% of security leaders sharing that AI-powered cyber threats are already having a significant impact on their organization.

Safeguarding events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games presents a multifaceted challenge. The concerns extend beyond threats directed at individual teams and encompass both physical and digital security measures in place. Additionally, there are vulnerabilities within the surrounding supply chain that must be addressed. Potential attackers may focus on critical infrastructure associated with the venues, including power and water systems, transportation networks, broadcasting services, mobile ticketing platforms, and even the financial resources supporting the event.

Targeted phishing campaigns and email scams tend to increase around these events too, whether people were attending in person or watching virtually. The ramifications of cyber disruption during a large-scale event cannot be overstated. A momentary lapse in access to power could bring TV broadcasts to a halt. CCTV outages could lead to dangerous overcrowding. The barrier between the cyber and physical worlds have long dissolved – cyber-attacks threaten human safety.

The financial incentive for adversaries also cannot be understated. The broadcast rights alone for the event were expected to be in the region of $3.3 billion. Criminals were aware of the colossal funds being spent to ensure the smooth running of the games and strived to take a cut by threatening the seamless running of the event.

Timing was also key. Every second counted, on and off the track. Events had to go ahead at whatever cost – you couldn't suddenly postpone the 100-meter final or cancel the opening ceremony. This was a dream for ransomware attackers, because if you didn't have enough time to restore your system, then your only option was to pay up.

The winning combination? Human and AI collaboration

The best way to protect sporting events like last week's is for security teams to pivot from a reactive to a proactive standpoint, with AI being a key defender on the pitch.

Cyber threats are sadly an inevitability. AI allows us to keep pace with the machine-speed of adversaries. Using AI proactively will ensure we're one step ahead of bad actors. AI pre-emptively identifies internal and external vulnerabilities, identifies gaps in security policy and process before an attack occurs, breaks down silos to investigate all threats (known and unknown) during an attack, and uplifts the human analyst beyond menial tasks to incident validation and recovery after an attack. Instead of asking already overworked security teams to keep track of thousands of potential issues, AI can simplify them down into just a few key actions that teams need to take to prevent catastrophe.

This method of defense means building a complete view of everything happening in the digital ecosystem of an event – something that would take months to do manually. It's critical to find and close weak points before they are exploited as well as ensuring security teams are well drilled: practicing attacks in realistic environments until the security teams are as well prepared as the athletes on the track.

Society expects organizations and events like last week's to be prepared for attacks and to keep everyone involved safe. This means protecting not just those attending the physical event, but analysing risks in your supply chain. We've already seen the risks of supplier-led cyber disruption with attacks on London hospitals over the summer. No matter how tight your own cybersecurity might be, it only takes one critical supplier to be breached to derail the whole sporting event. Vetting and shoring up suppliers, from payment providers to closed circuit cameras, has now become an essential part of due diligence that cannot be overlooked.

AI tools are essential in mapping environments and closing off risks. Security teams, working in partnership with AI, can cover enough ground to make sure they are proactively heading off threats wherever they surface.

Teamwork is as essential in the security team as it is on the pitch. In this instance, proactivity and readiness is indeed the best defense.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Indian health insurer Star Health says it has received an email containing a ransom of $68,000 following a "targeted malicious cyberattack". The attack allegedly resulted in the leak of personal data of up to 31 million Star Health policy holders and over 5.8 million insurance claims.

The health organization confirmed that the cyberattack resulted in "unauthorized and illegal access to certain data" including full names, postal addresses, phone numbers, medical reports, and insurance claims.

Since the attack, the company has suffered serious reputational damage and an 11% drop in shares, and has also launched legal action against Telegram, since Telegram chatbots were used to leak the information.

A mountain of information

The stolen data was reported to total a staggering 7.24 terabytes, although it is not yet confirmed exactly what information was taken. Health Star is said to have sought the assistance of Indian cybersecurity authorities in its investigation.

Although the hacker alleged that Chief Information Security Officer Amarjeet Khanuja was involved in the breach, the organization is yet to identify any wrongdoing - but the internal investigation is ongoing.

“We also want to categorically mention that our CISO has been duly co-operating in the investigation, and we have not arrived at any finding of wrongdoing by him till date. We request that his privacy be respected as we know that the threat actor is trying to create panic” the insurer commented.

Telegram have declined to comment on account details or permanently ban accounts linked to the hacker, an individual dubbed ‘xenZen’, despite "multiple notices issued in this regard", the Star has revealed.

As is always the case with compromised data, this leaves customers exposed to malicious actors, specifically in regards to the risk of identity theft. We've listed the best identity theft protections for anyone concerned about their data.

Via Reuters

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There was a lot of hype around the introduction of 5G in 2019, and the forecasts for what it would bring in terms of instant hyperconnectivity. While initial uptake was slow, rollout has continued steadily and the technology has matured in parallel, rising in value to meet expectations. Despite its rocky start, 5G is now lauded for bringing unparalleled speed, low latency and vast capacity to revolutionize every vertical sector, including transportation. Let’s look at that statement in more detail, specifically the advantages and opportunities available to transport hubs.

Stress free connectivity

A transport hub, like an airport or train station, is a complex network where various modes of transport come together and intersect. The busiest hubs in the world see upwards of 100 million people pass through each year. With numbers like that, it stands to reason that poor connectivity can result in high levels of stress – for passengers and staff alike. Low-speed connectivity can cause a cascade of negative effects, from delayed and missed connections and difficulties with communication, to security breaches and operations inefficiencies. Thankfully, with each new generation of mobile networks, it has become easier to tackle these challenges. Now, with the implementation of 5G, hubs finally have access to the reliable and high-speed connectivity they need for the effective operation of services, including passenger information systems, baggage tracking, security platforms and ticketing.

We’ve all seen workers on their laptops at airports. It’s very easy to spot an executive struggling to connect with their team by the look of stress on their face! 5G offers a solution for that particular stress. With 5G, remote work is enhanced through high-quality video conferencing, rapid file sharing, and online collaboration. Teams can work more effectively while waiting for their transport connection, without facing the limitations of slower networks. For these and other passengers, 5G opens the door to benefitting from a host of other on-site technology services. Most airports and some train stations now boast food and shopping apps that mean guests can pre-order food, drink and goods for collection on-the-go. This saves a lot of time for anyone concerned about making their gate time.

Intelligent transport systems

5G allows for greater use of Integrating Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), used at transport hubs to supercharge the collection, analysis and application of data. What this means for the passenger is an experience enhanced through near real-time scheduling information, whether that’s via on-site digital signage, the passenger’s mobile phone, apps or even AR technology. 5G is capable of utilizing AI software applications; combine this with traditional ML and it becomes possible to proactively manage and optimize passenger and cargo movements. Crowd density and passenger flow data can be collected, analyzed and mapped rapidly so that transportation authorities are better informed to make decisions and optimize traffic flow, thereby reducing passenger congestion.

Connected security

With greater control over traffic, a natural knock on is greater physical security for staff and passengers; that’s before you consider that rapid and smart alerts make it possible for security personnel to respond quicker to potential threats. 5G also allows medical staff and first responders to access real-time information during emergencies, including live video feeds, location tracking, and sensor data. This helps improve the coordination of response efforts, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

But its impact on safety goes beyond the physical. 5G offers more support to surveillance technologies, facial recognition, and biometric authentication systems, and enables tighter security from the moment a person enters the hub space. Additionally, with the aid of IoT devices, hubs can use connected video cameras to prevent luggage theft with passenger-luggage matching technology to ensure each bag leaves with its original owner.

A foundation for autonomous vehicles

One of the most significant transformations afforded by 5G is its role in the advancement of autonomous vehicles and drones. With better coverage than previous waves, 5G makes it safer and easier to manage connected cars and buses in congested and high-risk areas. Plus, its high-speed and low-latency connectivity allows transportation hubs to support the deployment of autonomous shuttles and delivery vehicles that rely on these elements. These vehicles can navigate complex environments more efficiently, reducing traffic bottlenecks and emissions. Similarly, 5G can enable the safe integration of drones for surveillance, security and logistics operations within transportation hubs.

The future of transportation hubs is undeniably intertwined with the potential of 5G, and embracing this transformative technology is vital for unlocking its full potential. How do I know this? I’ve seen how the use of 5G network solutions is driving indoor 5G connectivity for all kinds of large venues such as stadiums, business complexes—and of course, those sprawling centres of heavy demand: transportation hubs. Because of that, I have no doubt all the world’s major hubs will soon do too.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

The all-new show delves into Leroy Jethro Gibbs' backstory.

Fujifilm's new X-M5 is a dinky and stylish beginner mirrorless camera with a focus on video, delivering sharp 6K video recording in color-rich 10-bit. It also features 4K up to 60fps for cinematic half-speed effects, plus open gate video recording, which means the camera can take information from the full height and width of the 3:2 sensor, rather than being restricted to 16:9 or wider.

Open gate 6K video allows for a new 9:16 vertical video mode without you having to rotate the camera 90 degrees, with the new social media-focused mode cropping the central vertical portion of the frame at 1080p resolution, complete with handy preset recording times of 15, 30 or 60 seconds.

The X-M5 is also equipped with an improved wind filter and three internal directional mics, whereby you can employ any of those mics individually or together based on your video needs, with options for surround, front or back priority, or front and back priority. Alternatively, you can use an external mic for even better audio, connecting via the 3.5mm jack and securing it into the X-M5's hotshoe.

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

There are some well-considered design touches: the mic port has been positioned on the rear above where the screen sits, while the other ports are on the right-hand side of the camera rather than the left, which means they don't interfere with the flip-out touchscreen. As on the X-T50, you also get a film simulation dial for quickly switching between Fujifilm's legendary color profiles.

Price-wise, and indeed for a large part features-wise, the X-M5 matches and therefore sits alongside the photography-focused X-T30 II, and below the X-S20, as an excellent-value starter mirrorless camera for those who shoot more videos than photos. Yet with its tiny form-factor – this is the smallest X-series camera in 2024's lineup – the X-M5 is also a decent walkaround camera, say for street photography.

Given its low price, naturally there are compromises. The X-M5 does not feature in-body image stabilization, which you get in the pricier X-S20, and which is supremely helpful for smoothing out handheld videos.

That flip-out touchscreen is a lower 1.04m-dot resolution compared to those on other Fujifilm cameras, like the 1.84m-dot one on the X-S20, plus there's no viewfinder as on the X-T30 II, and so the X-M5 might not prove to be the easiest camera to use in bright light. Design-wise, the X-S20 is a better option for enthusiasts – it offers the best of the X-M5 and X-T30 II in one camera, and it has much better battery life plus image stabilization, although it costs a fair bit more.

In the few hours I had with the dinky X-M5 ahead of its launch I found that it's a highly capable little camera that's not for everyone, but for those starting out making videos it could be one of the most powerful tools available for the money.

Fujifilm X-M5: price and release date

• X-M5 body only: $799 / £799 / AU$1,449
• X-M5 with 15-45mm lens: $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
• On sale November 14

You'll be able to pick up the X-M5 with the 15-45mm kit lens for $899 / £899 / AU$1,649 when it goes on sale on November 14. If you don't need the lens, the X-M5 can be picked up body-only for a little less, at $799 / £799 / AU$1,449.

That price point matches the X-T30 II exactly, making the feature-rich X-M5 one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras available in 2024.

Fujifilm X-M5 specs Fujifilm X-M5: design and handling

• Tiny and lightweight
• No viewfinder
• Film simulation dial

Tipping the scales at just 12.52oz / 355g, the X-M5 is one of the lightest mirrorless cameras around, and it's properly dinky too. I actually found it a little too small at times, regularly knocking controls, unintentionally taking pictures and so on, but I can certainly see the appeal of its tiny proportions, especially as an everyday walkaround camera.

I was testing the X-M5 with the 15-45mm lens, which is available as a kit with the camera, and is a decent pairing physically. With the camera's modest-sized handgrip and such a tiny body, Fujifilm's larger lenses will feel like a bit of mismatch, and the sweet spot will be smaller zoom and prime lenses – I'd especially like to try the X-M5 with the XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens.

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The Fujifilm X-M5 is sporting the classic Fujifilm retro look with faux-leather finish, plus a top plate (available in black or silver – I had the all-black version) with shooting mode and Film Simulation dials. Like the X-T50, the most popular film simulations are present, plus three customizable slots for your other favorites. The dial cannot be changed to control something else.

The flip-out screen is unimpeded, unlike on so many other cameras. That's because Fujifilm has positioned the ports on the opposite, right-hand side of the camera. There's also a new position for the mic input, just above where the screen rests. It's a logical placement near the hotshoe, which is where you can secure an external mic, meaning your cable doesn't need to get in the way of camera controls or the screen either.

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That 3-inch touchscreen is the lowest-spec screen in Fujifilm's range of cameras, with just a 1.04m-dot resolution compared to the 1.62m-dot and 1.84m-dot screens of the X-T30 II and X-S20 respectively. Still, you get a revised user interface with handy short cuts to shooting modes such as the new vertical video mode.

The X-M5 is powered by Fujifilm's NP-W126S battery, which is the same battery as found in the X-T30 II and other models like the X-T50 and X100VI. Here you get a 440-shot battery life, which is an improvement on some other models, thanks in part to Fujiflm's latest X-Processor 5 engine, although battery life is reduced to more like 330 shots if you're not in Eco mode.

The key difference between the X-M5 and Fujifilm's other entry-level camera, the X-T30 II, is that the latter has a viewfinder, which can be very helpful for composing photos in bright light. I only used the X-M5 in cloudy weather, but I suspect that in bright light it could be a challenge to view the flip-out screen clearly.

Fujifilm X-M5: features and performance

• 60-minute video record time
• Three internal directional mics
• Less effective digital image stabilization only
• 8fps / 30fps for up to 173 JPEGs

The X-M5 packs a lot of power for such a small camera, but there are also compromises. For example, it can shoot up to 8fps continuous burst sequences (using the mechanical shutter) or 30fps (with the electronic shutter), but the X-S20 is able to squeeze out more frames.

Both cameras use the same processor, so I can only assume that the limited performance of the X-M5 – a still respectable 173 JPEGs or 25 raws in continuous high mode – is due to the fact that it records onto UHS-I SD memory cards, while the X-S20 is compatible with the faster UHS-II SD-type memory card. The X-M5 is no slouch by any means, but it's a shame that it isn't compatible with the latest SD cards.

Offloading those files onto a smartphone should be a breeze. You don't even need to mess around with unreliable Bluetooth connections and slow transfer speeds – the X-M5 offers high-speed file transfer to a smartphone via USB connection, with Fujifilm's XApp. There's also frame.io camera to cloud storage and sharing available for subscribers.

Fujifilm has equipped the X-M5 with its best autofocus system with its latest subject-detection algorithms, including animal eye AF and touch tracking autofocus for video. In fact, it's better than higher-end Fujifilm cameras right now, although some of those cameras, like the X-H2S, will be improved with this latest algorithm via a firmware update.

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For me, a major downside to the X-M5 is that it lacks in-body image stabilization. To be clear, I wouldn't expect such a feature in a beginner camera given that you won't find it at this price point anywhere else. It just feels like a video-focused camera can really benefit from it, and if I was getting serious about video I'd turn my attention to the X-S20 instead.

The X-M5 utilizes digital image stabilization (DIS) instead, should you need it, and you will for handheld videos. The X-S20 also features DIS, which incurs a 1.1x crop of the image area; however, that crop is much more severe in the X-M5 – at least 1.32x and up to 1.44x depending on the video modes and frame rates.

If you want steady video, say for handheld vlogs, your frame will be cropped. That means you need a seriously wide-angle lens to fit yourself in the shot, otherwise vlogging won't really be possible with DIS employed. Alternatively, you can buy a gimbal to stabilize footage and keep DIS switched off. However, adding a gimbal pushes the price up, perhaps to the point where you might as well have bought the X-S20.

Audio recording quality is impressive. The X-M5 features three directional mics (there are two on the X-S20 and X-T30 II) that can be isolated or used together – so for example you can have the mics picking up just your voice vlogging, or audio from in front of and behind the camera for the camera-person and subject conversing, or complete surround sound that captures the ambient sound too.

Fujifilm says the X-M5 has an improved wind filter – though I can't vouch for how this has been improved from my limited testing – plus 'steady state' noise reduction. There's a mic input too, should you need even better audio recording.

Fujifilm X-M5: image and video quality

• 26MP stills and 6K/30p video
• 10-bit color depth and wide range of bitrates for various qualities / file sizes
• New vertical video mode for social media

I only had my hands on a pre-production version of the X-M5, just for a few hours, and so it's not possible for me to comment with authority on image quality. The raw photo files weren't even readable by any photo editor at the time of testing, as is the case with most cameras ahead of their announcement.

However, I have tested the Fujifilm X-S20, which shares the exact same 26MP X-trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 5 engine, plus the same 6K video resolution and frame rates, meaning that I already have a good idea of what to expect from the X-M5 – superb-quality photos and videos.

There are two key differences between the X-S20 and X-M5. The X-S20 features in-body image stabilization for smoother handheld video clips, plus a higher maximum 360Mbps bitrate to the X-M5's 200Mbps, meaning its best-quality video is less compressed. The X-S20 also imposes just a 1.1x crop when using its digital image stabilizer, while the X-M5's crop is more severe at 1.32x and higher.

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The lack of in-body image stabilization will probably have the most noteworthy adverse impact on video quality, especially for those who shoot handheld vlogs. Digital image stabilization, which works with the lens' optical stabilization, is far less effective, and using it incurs that severe 1.32x crop, so you'll need to use a particularly wide lens with the camera for vlogging, or splash out on a gimbal. We'll share more reflections about video quality without IBIS in our in-depth review.

Fujifilm has introduced additional 8Mbps and 25Mbps low bitrates for those who want to work with super-small video files sizes and don't mind the additional compression that affects outright quality. These low bitrates are not proxies recorded alongside higher bitrate videos – you choose the bitrate you want and that's that. Low bitrates are handy if you need to work fast on location, and don't have the time or capacity to work with large file sizes. If your videos are only going to be viewed on phones, these low bitrates are an acceptable option.

Otherwise, there's not a lot to choose between the two cameras, which reflects well on the X-M5 because it's so much cheaper, at just 56% the cost of the X-S20. The X-S20 has loads more going for it regarding its build and handling, but the X-M5 offers excellent bang for buck in terms of video quality.

How I tested the Fujifilm X-M5

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

• Just a few hours
• Not a final firmware version
• A photo and video walk around central London

Following an in-depth briefing with Fujifilm, I spent a couple of hours using a pre-production version of the of the X-M5 around central London during the day, mainly taking street photos and short-form 9:16 videos using the new video mode.

As I was using a pre-production model I'm not able to comment on image quality, nor the outright performance of the camera; rather, this first-look review constitutes my first impressions, and a general feel for the handling of the camera. TechRadar's full review will be published soon.

First reviewed October 2024

Fujifilm has unveiled a new video-focused beginner mirrorless camera, the X-M5. It's positively tiny and very powerful, being Fujifilm's smallest and lightest X-series camera (in its current lineup), while packing video features ranging from 6K video in color-rich 10-bit to an all-new 9:16 vertical video mode.

As with the X-T50, you get Fujifilm's trending Film Simulations on tap, 20 of them in all, accessible through a dial on the top of the camera. And the retro aesthetic doesn't begin and end with the camera's dials – the faux leather finish is the classic Fujifilm look that many creators have come to love.

Starting at $799 / £799 / AU$1,449 body-only, the X-M5 joins the X-T30 II as the cheapest X-series camera available. It boasts better video features and Fujifilm's latest autofocus algorithms, with improved subject detection AF. However, the X-T30 II looks a better bet for photographers given that it has a viewfinder for composing shots.

All round, the X-M5 offers incredible bang for buck, so is it the perfect starter camera? I've already shared more thoughts in my X-M5 hands-on review, and my takeaway is that's while there much to love about the camera, it misses one key feature.

(Image credit: Fujifilm) If I had one wish

The X-M5 is a feature-rich camera, and you'll struggle to find a better hybrid camera for the money. In addition to 6K internal 10-bit video recording you get 4K video with cinematic 60fps plus slow-motion 240fps recording in 1080p resolution.

There are also a few firsts for Fujifilm. The X-M5 has triple internal mics that can be used individually or together in combinations, ideal for isolating a voice in front of and/or behind the camera (complete with 'steady state' noise reduction), plus wired USB file transfer from camera to phone for fast and reliable uploads. That high-resolution 6K video also provides enough detail for a new 9:16 vertical video mode (see picture, below) which records at 1080p resolution without you needed to rotate the camera, together with record-time presets for social.

These are all superb features for content creators, and the 26MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 engine combination is exactly the same as in the pricier Fujifilm X-S20. So surely the X-M5 is an outright hit? Well, not quite.

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

As a video-focused model, the X-M5 sits below the X-S20, and the two models actually share many of the same features, despite the big difference in price. While the X-M5 costs $799 / £799 / AU$1,449 or $899 / £899 / AU$1,649 with the 15-45mm kit lens, the X-S20 costs $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,349 (although it's currently 10% off).

So where do the two models differ? Mainly in design. I've unpacked this more in my hands-on review, but the one key feature that the X-M5 lacks is in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to smooth out handheld videos. No beginner camera has this feature, but the X-M5 is otherwise so capable that the absence of IBIS is noticeable. It has digital image stabilization instead, which is far less effective, plus it imposes a minimum 1.32x crop of the image area.

Of course there are other reasons why the X-S20 costs more. But if I was to add one feature to the X-M5, it would be IBIS. With that feature, it would feel like a complete video camera for beginners. Add its tiny form factor, paired with, say, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens, and it would also be a powerful walkaround camera for photography. Still, the X-M5 is a super-impressive addition to Fujifilm's retro range of mirrorless cameras, and it hits the shelves on November 14.

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Things are set to get emotional in Smallville for the final season of the popular superhero show.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of illegally firing an employee who used Slack, which the company uses internally, for pushing workplace reforms.

In the complaint, which was spotted by Reuters , the Cupertino giant also allegedly forced a worker to delete a social media post.

The case dates back to 2021, when #AppleToo co-organizer Janneke Parrish complained about being fired for sharing what Apple deemed confidential information.

Apple accused of wrongly firing workers

Parish believes that the real reason Apple had fired her was a result of her activism, which included advocating for permanent remote work, distributing a pay equity survey and highlighting incidents of racial and gender discrimination within the company.

The NLRB’s complaint highlights Apple’s policies that prevent employees from creating Slack channels without a manager’s approval.

However Parrish’s lawyer, Laurie Burgess, asserts that Apple extensively violated workers’ rights, noting, “We look forward to holding Apple accountable at trial for implementing facially unlawful rules and terminating employees for engaging in the core protected activity of calling out gender discrimination and other civil rights violations that permeated the workplace.”

If the iPhone maker does not settle with the NLRB, an initial hearing is scheduled for February 2025. Parrish is seeking financial losses stemming from her termination and for the company to change its policies.

“We are and have always been deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace," Apple said in a comment

"We take all concerns seriously and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised and, out of respect for the privacy of any individuals involved, we do not discuss specific employee matters… We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing.”

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“Passkeys,” the secure authentication mechanism built to replace passwords, are getting more portable and easier for organizations to implement thanks to new initiatives the FIDO Alliance announced on Monday.

Don't settle for less when you can still earn up to 5.30% APY with one of these savings accounts.

For all the benefits of the best AI image generators, many of us are worried about a torrent of misinformation and fakery. Meta, it seems, didn't get the memo – in a Threads post, it's just recommended that those of us who missed the recent return of the Northern Lights should just fake shots using Meta AI instead.

The Threads post, spotted by The Verge, is titled "POV: you missed the northern lights IRL, so you made your own with Meta AI" and includes AI-generated images of the phenomena over landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Las Vegas.

Meta has received a justifiable roasting for its tone-deaf post in the Threads comments. "Please sell Instagram to someone who cares about photography" noted one response, while NASA software engineer Kevin M. Gill remarked that fake images like Meta's "make our cultural intelligence worse".

It's possible that Meta's Threads post was just an errant social media post rather than a reflection of the company's broader view on how Meta AI's image generator should be used. And it could be argued that there's little wrong with generating images like Meta's examples, as long as creators are clear about their origin.

(Image credit: Meta)

The problem is that the tone of Meta's post suggests people should use AI to mislead their followers into thinking that they'd photographed a real event.

For many, that's crossing a line that could have more serious repercussions for news events that are more consequential than the Northern Lights.

But where is the line?

(Image credit: Future)

Is posting AI-generated photos of the Northern Lights any worse than using Photoshop's Sky Replacement tool (above)? Or editing your photos with Adobe's Generative Fill? These are the kinds of questions that generative AI tools are raising on a daily basis – and this Meta misstep is an example of how thin the line can be.

Many would argue that it ultimately comes down to transparency. The issue with Meta's post (which is still live) isn't the AI-generated Northern Lights images, but the suggestion that you could use them to simply fake witnessing a real news event.

Transparency and honesty around an image's origins are as much the responsibility of the tech companies as it is their users. That's why Google Photos is, according to Android Authority, testing new metadata that'll tell you whether or not an image is AI-generated.

Adobe has also made similar efforts with its Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which has been attempting to fight visual misinformation with its own metadata standard. Google recently announced that it will finally be using the CAI's guidelines to label AI images in Google Search results. But the sluggishness in adopting a standard leaves us in a limbo situation as AI image generators become ever-more powerful.

Let's hope the situation improves soon – in the meantime, it seems incumbent on social media users to be honest when posting fully AI-generated images. And certainly for tech giants to not encourage them to do the opposite.

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