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• The AirPods Pro 3 are predicted to launch this year
• They could come with heart rate monitors
• It's been three years since the Apple AirPods Pro 2 launched

There have been a lot of conflicting reports around whether Apple would get around to launching the AirPods Pro 3 this year, but one of the more reliable reporters on the Apple beat says the wireless earbuds are indeed coming before the end of 2025.

That reporter is Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who says the AirPods Pro 3 will also come with a significant upgrade: built-in heart rate monitoring. The same tech has previously been integrated into the Powerbeats Pro 2 which launched in February.

With the Powerbeats Pro 2, LED optical sensors pulse at over 100 times per second, measuring heart rate via blood flow. Presumably the AirPods Pro 3 will work in a similar way, and feed the stats back to the Apple Health app.

Gurman also reiterates his previous assertion that Apple is working on a paid Health+ subscription option for users, which may include the services of an AI fitness coach. The idea is you would get personalized advice on diet, exercise, and more.

Three years later

The AirPods 4 launched in September 2024 (Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

We've been waiting a long time for the AirPods Pro 3 to arrive, considering the Apple AirPods Pro 2 made their debut back in September 2022. The wireless earbuds market has changed quite a bit in that time – and we've since had the Apple AirPods 4, of course.

Most of the leaks and rumors we've heard around these earbuds are concerned with when they'll actually see the light of day. There have been hints in iOS 26 that the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive in 2025, though one reliable source has suggested a 2026 launch.

It seems clear that Apple wants health tracking to be a primary focus of the AirPods Pro 3, besides getting high-quality audio into your ears, and we may see the wireless earbuds able to track other vital statistics besides your heart rate.

The wireless earbuds are one of several devices "in the pipeline" for Apple "as early as this fall", which is typically September, October, and November. We're also of course expecting the iPhone 17 and the Apple Watch 11 sometime next month.

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Trump threatens to send National Guard troops to Chicago, similarly to what he has done in the nation's capital. And, Trump and South Korean President Lee will meet today in Washington.

(Image credit: Scott Olson)

• A Microsoft designer imagined a new Copilot wearable without a display and HUD
• The Copilot Veja concept transmits information entirely through audio feedback
• Dual cameras give the wearable stereoscopic vision and potential depth awareness

Microsoft designer Braz de Pina has created an unofficial concept for a Copilot-powered wearable that reimagines what a successor to the Hololens headset could be.

Called the Copilot Veja, the device is not a headset but instead takes the form of ear-worn stems equipped with cameras, microphones, and buttons for interaction.

Although the name Veja comes from the Portuguese word for “see” (making the absence of any eye cameras appear especially odd), not having a heads up display was a deliberate decision. Most people already have screens in their pockets and on their wrists, and adding another was considered unnecessary by de Pina.

(Image credit: Braz de Pina )Audio-first

De Pina describes the Copilot Veja as a “fan-made concept”, designed around the idea of making Copilot portable, conversational, and practical without the need for a head-up display.

Instead of delivering information visually, the Veja uses audio as its main channel.

“I keep thinking about how AI has changed the course of the metaverse hype and the AR/VR universe. I know Meta is heavily investing in smart glasses and similar devices, not to mention all the exciting VR and AR headsets out there. But my question is: with capable agentic AI, do I really need to see what the AI tells me? Or is it enough to just hear it,” de Pina asked in a post on Instagram.

"In that case, glasses wouldn’t be necessary," he continued. "We’d simply be fixing one of AI’s flaws: the inability to read context in real time. An AI that can see what you see and provide instant feedback about your surroundings would allow for quick, natural communication. That’s what Copilot Veja is about.”

The ear stems are designed with comfort in mind. Each one carries a set of controls, including a power button, a volume knob, a Copilot button, and a camera trigger.

De Pina imagined the dual cameras working together to replicate stereoscopic vision, giving the AI the ability to analyze the world in depth while also allowing the user to capture content.

Although this isn't something that Microsoft would ever likely make, it's a great idea and one we'd love to see go beyond being a mere concept.

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ManageEngine OpManager is an enterprise-ready network monitoring solution trusted by over 1 million IT administrators worldwide. It provides comprehensive visibility into network health and performance across switches, routers, servers, and other critical infrastructure components. For organizations evaluating network monitoring options, OpManager deserves consideration alongside the solutions featured in our best network monitoring tools roundup.

TechRadar reviewers spend several weeks researching each major IT platform in the market, analyzing everything from feature depth to pricing structures. During our evaluation process, we found that while LogicMonitor remains our top pick for network monitoring in 2025 thanks to its AI-powered suite for day-to-day IT network automation, OpManager offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious enterprises.

OpManager's strength lies in its end-to-end approach to network infrastructure monitoring, supporting both traditional and hybrid environments including VMware, Hyper-V, and cloud-based networks. Its proactive alert system and real-time dashboards provide IT teams with the visibility needed to prevent outages and resolve issues quickly, making it a practical choice for organizations prioritizing network uptime and performance.

ManageEngine OpManager: Features

OpManager delivers a feature-rich monitoring platform that covers nearly 3,000 metrics across network devices, servers, and applications. It is particularly well-suited for mid-to-large enterprises managing complex hybrid infrastructures, offering solid core monitoring functions like device discovery, performance tracking, and alert management.

While OpManager includes essential capabilities like network topology mapping, bandwidth monitoring, and automated workflows, it notably lacks some advanced features found in competitors such as sophisticated machine learning integration and multi-threshold alerting. But given the competitive pricing at $245 for 10 devices, the feature set provides excellent value for organizations seeking comprehensive monitoring without premium-tier costs.

Real-time network monitoring

OpManager excels at continuous performance monitoring across routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, tracking availability and health metrics in real-time. The platform supports multiple monitoring protocols including SNMP, WMI, and CLI, ensuring compatibility with diverse network hardware. Users consistently praise the real-time dashboards for providing clear visibility into network performance without latency issues.

Automated device discovery

It automatically discovers network devices and builds topology maps, significantly reducing manual configuration time. OpManager can detect newly added devices in subnets and immediately begin monitoring them, though some users report challenges with older legacy devices requiring manual SNMP OID mapping. The discovery process supports hybrid environments including cloud and virtualized infrastructures.

Alerting and notifications

OpManager's multi-channel alerting system sends notifications via email, SMS, and SNMP traps when thresholds are breached. The platform allows customization of alert thresholds and escalation procedures, though users note limitations in setting multiple threshold levels for the same parameter. Real-time alerting capabilities help IT teams identify and address issues before they impact end users.

Performance analytics and reporting

ManageEngine generates comprehensive reports on network performance, bandwidth utilization, and device health trends. Built-in dashboards provide visual representations of network data, while customizable reports support compliance and capacity planning requirements. Most users appreciate the intuitive graphical interface and NOC dashboard building capabilities.

(Image credit: ManageEngine)ManageEngine OpManager: Ease of use

OpManager has a user-friendly interface that simplifies network monitoring for IT administrators of varying experience levels. The web-based console features intuitive navigation and customizable dashboards that allow users to quickly access critical network information. New users can typically navigate the basic monitoring functions within hours, though the extensive feature set may require several days to master fully. Plus a graphical approach to network topology mapping and performance visualization reduces the learning curve compared to command-line alternatives.

However, initial setup can be time-consuming, particularly when integrating legacy devices or complex hybrid environments. Some users report that adding older network equipment requires manual configuration and SNMP OID mapping, which demands deeper technical knowledge. The default report templates may also need customization to meet specific organizational requirements, occasionally requiring scripting or external tools for advanced reporting needs.

ManageEngine OpManager: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Standard Edition

$20.42/month

10 devices, basic monitoring, web-based console, email alerts

Professional Edition

$28.75/month

10 devices, advanced reporting, mobile app, workflow automation

Enterprise Edition

$38.52/month

25 devices, distributed monitoring, business views, enhanced security

OpManager's pricing structure offers competitive value compared to enterprise-grade alternatives, with transparent per-device licensing that includes unlimited interfaces, nodes, and sensors. This allows organizations to start small and scale up as monitoring needs grow, though the jump from Professional to Enterprise edition represents a significant price increase for advanced features.

While more affordable than premium solutions like LogicMonitor or Datadog, OpManager's pricing can become substantial for large-scale deployments, with the Enterprise edition reaching $11,545 for 250 devices. The inclusion of all monitoring capabilities within the base license helps avoid unexpected costs, making it easier to budget for network monitoring initiatives.

ManageEngine OpManager: Customer support

ManageEngine provides comprehensive support options through both Classic and Premium tiers, with Classic support included free with subscription licenses. Classic support offers email and chat assistance during regional business hours, with acknowledgment within 8 hours and access to product upgrades and online resources. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive for most technical issues, though response times can vary depending on case complexity and geographic region.

Premium support significantly enhances the experience with 24/7 multi-channel assistance including telephone support, single point of contact, and faster response times with acknowledgment within 3 hours. This tier includes additional services like health checks, custom product support, and online training sessions. However, Premium support requires additional investment beyond the base license cost, and some advanced customizations may still require professional services or partner assistance.

Phone support is available across multiple regions including the US (+1 877 834 4428), UK (0800 028 6590), and Australia (1800 631 268).

ManageEngine OpManager: Alternatives

OpManager occupies a solid middle-ground position in the network monitoring market, competing directly with solutions like Paessler PRTG, Auvik, and SolarWinds NPM. The platform is best suited for mid-to-large enterprises seeking comprehensive monitoring capabilities without the complexity or cost of premium alternatives like Datadog or LogicMonitor.

Key competitors include Auvik, which offers superior ease of use and cloud-native architecture, and Paessler PRTG, which provides more flexible sensor-based pricing and stronger customization options. Premium alternatives like LogicMonitor and Datadog offer more advanced AI/ML capabilities and extensive integrations but command significantly higher prices.

ManageEngine OpManager: Final verdict

ManageEngine OpManager delivers reliable network monitoring fundamentals at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for enterprises seeking comprehensive infrastructure visibility without premium costs. It excels in device coverage, real-time alerting, and hybrid network support, providing teams the essential tools needed to maintain network health and performance.

While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end competitors, OpManager's combination of functionality and affordability creates strong value for budget-conscious organizations. And its proven track record with over 1 million administrators worldwide demonstrates its viability as a long-term monitoring solution.

FAQs

What devices can OpManager monitor?

OpManager supports monitoring of switches, routers, firewalls, servers, wireless devices, load balancers, and virtualization platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer. The platform can monitor nearly 3,000 different metrics across these device types using protocols like SNMP, WMI, and CLI. It also supports cloud and hybrid network infrastructures, making it suitable for modern enterprise environments.

How does OpManager pricing compare to competitors?

OpManager offers competitive pricing starting at $245 for 10 devices annually, significantly less expensive than premium alternatives like LogicMonitor or Datadog. The per-device licensing model includes unlimited interfaces and sensors, providing predictable costs. However, large-scale deployments can become expensive, with Enterprise edition pricing reaching $11,545 for 250 devices.

What support options are available with OpManager?

ManageEngine provides Classic support free with subscription licenses, including email and chat during business hours with 8-hour acknowledgment times. Premium support offers 24/7 assistance, phone support, faster response times (3-hour acknowledgment), and additional services like health checks and custom support. Phone support is available globally across multiple time zones and languages.

Can OpManager integrate with other IT management tools?

OpManager supports integration with other ManageEngine products and third-party systems through APIs and standard protocols. The platform can send alerts to external systems via SNMP traps, email, and webhooks. However, the integration ecosystem is more limited compared to cloud-native competitors, and complex integrations may require custom development or professional services.

Is there a free trial available for OpManager?

Yes, ManageEngine offers a 30-day free trial of OpManager that includes full functionality for evaluation purposes. The trial allows organizations to test the platform with their actual network infrastructure before purchasing. Trial users receive evaluation support with 2-business-day acknowledgment times, though some advanced support features are reserved for paid customers.

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The event is likely slated for early September and should feature the iPhone 17 line, Apple Watch Series 11 and maybe more.

The third-party controller market shows no sign of slowing down, with innovative new models continuing to release at a rapid pace, promising more features and improved performance with each subsequent release.

Mobapad and GameSir are well-known in the space for their mid-range offerings, but both brands have recently released high-end pads that could vie for the best PC controller crown.

Both occupy the same price point, and both are compatible with multiple platforms (albeit with different consoles supported). They also offer similar levels of performance – but after testing both side-by-side, there’s one clear winner for me.

Design and features

(Image credit: Future)

The Huben 2 made a great first impression before I’d even seen it: its hard-shell case was sturdier and more premium than I was expecting, with its insides perfectly modeled to the contours of the controller, spare D-pad hat, and USB dongle. It also has a netted area to store the USB cable, complete with an integrated hook-and-loop fastener to keep it coiled in place.

The controller itself lives up to its high quality packaging. It looks very sleek and smart with its transparent faceplate revealing the brilliant white colorway of my review unit, which is nicely accented by the red sticks and face buttons.

All of its materials look and feel premium, and the overall build quality is excellent, with the moving parts being smooth to operate yet solidly fitted. The material behind the handles is textured to offer grip, although it’s a slight shame it’s still made from a hard plastic material.

The G7 Pro has a slightly smaller form than the Huben 2, so those with smaller hands might find it preferable to hold. Build quality is similar to that of Huben 2, although it’s perhaps not quite as sharp looking or as premium.

Nevertheless, it still feels very nice in the hand, and it has better grips, thanks to the soft-touch material on their undersides that provide more grip than the Huben 2’s. The texture and even the color are very similar on both pads, though.

There’s no included case for the G7 Pro, but it does come with a charging dock, which is made to a similarly high standard and fits the pad seamlessly, offering plenty of security while being easy to set and release. It’s also pleasingly slight, so it takes up minimal space.

Both controllers adopt the familiar Xbox controller style, although there are some differences in their features. The G7 Pro has a headset jack, the Huben 2 doesn’t. But the Huben 2 has four back buttons, while the G7 Pro only has two. However, the G7 Pro has a further two extra buttons nestled between the triggers and bumpers.

(Image credit: Future)

This is a choice location for them, as they’re very easy to use – easier than using back buttons. There’s also less chance of accidentally triggering them when gripping the pad, as I often did with the Huben 2’s back buttons.

What’s more, the two back buttons of the G7 Pro have an adjacent slider to disable them, which is far more convenient than having to use its accompanying software, as is the case with the Huben 2.

Speaking of which, the software for both gamepads offers plenty of customization options, beyond those accessible on-board. Both have mobile and Windows apps, although in the case of GameSir, its app for the latter system (GameSir Nexus) is far more capable than its app for the former.

The Mobapad mobile app, on the other hand, does feature plenty of tweaking potential to please serious tinkerers. As with Nexus, it allows buttons to be remapped and stick deadzones and curve profiles to be altered.

Other adjustments for motion controls and Turbo functions are also possible in both Nexus and the Moboapad app, although the latter offers slightly more depth. In reality, though, you won’t find many other software that offer as many customizations as these two.

Both are also easy to use, although it’s a shame the Huben 2 itself can’t be used to navigate the Mobapad app – even though it can be used to navigate your phone’s UI.

While both controllers have Bluetooth and USB dongles for multiple wireless connections, there are some differences in the platforms they support. Both work with PC and Android devices, but the Huben 2 has added iOS compatibility. And as for consoles, the G7 Pro is compatible with the Xbox Series X and Series S and the Xbox One, while the Huben 2 works with Switch.

Performance

(Image credit: Future)

In action, the Huben 2 really shines. The face buttons are clicky, lacking the heavily damped feel of many other controllers, but still just as tactile; they’re more akin to the clicks of the best gaming mice. They’re also very snappy and responsive as a result.

Even better is the D-pad: it feels very similar to the face buttons, and is just as quick and easy to use. Rapid, multiple inputs were a cinch in Tekken 8, while maintaining high levels of accuracy. There’s a small amount of dampening in each direction, which helps to make presses more controlled.

The default hat also helped in this regard. It adopts a very similar design to that of the latest Xbox controller, with its prominent middle dip and clearly squared-off segments, which provide plenty of feedback and stability.

The D-pad on the G7 Pro is, if anything, even easier and more clicky in its actuation than the Huben 2’s. However, it lacks any discernable dampening, which can result in less control over presses. I also found the hat too small and flat to provide sufficient grip, resulting in my thumb frequently falling off its left edge.

Both controllers have similar shoulder buttons, adopting the familiar shape and placement of those adorning the best Xbox controllers. I did find the bumpers of the Huben 2 a tad too high for my liking, but this is a minor gripe.

Both sets of triggers offer sufficient travel and feel, although those on the G7 Pro offer more resistance and have greater dampening. You might think this would make them easier to control than the Huben 2’s, but the latter’s more rounded shape compensates for their light actuation.

(Image credit: Future)

This is because a larger portion of your fingers is in contact with the physical buttons, which in turn allows you to control their depression more easily, at least in my experience. They’re also more comfortable as a result of this shape, allowing me to play with the Huben 2 for longer periods without fatigue.

I certainly welcomed this aspect when playing games requiring constant use of the triggers, such Assetto Corsa and titles requiring vehicle control. However, all of this isn’t to say that the triggers of the G7 Pro are poor, as they’re still perfectly enjoyable to use.

Each trigger also has its own travel lock switch next to it, allowing you to switch it from analog to digital modes, which is useful in the case of shooters where quick taps are required.

Both controllers also feature motion controls. The Huben 2’s work excellently on Switch: when I aimed bows in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, their tracking and precision rivalled that of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. I experienced no drop outs or lag, either.

Since the G7 Pro isn’t compatible with the console, its motion controls can only be used on PC as a substitute for the sticks or even mouse inputs (something the Huben 2 is capable of, too). While they’re accurate enough, few PC games were designed with these controls in mind, so they don’t work as seamlessly. This isn’t exactly the G7 Pro’s fault, but it does beg the question as to why it has gyro capabilities if it’s not compatible with the platform that makes best use of them.

When it comes to sticks, I prefer the smoother, softer material on the Huben 2’s, as well as their deeper indentations which offer more purchase, and overall feel more satisfying to use than the G7 Pro’s.

It’s not that their hall effect technology seems more accurate than the TMR sensors in the G7 Pro’s sticks, but they feel more responsive as well as being easier to wrangle, moving in precisely the way you want them to.

As for connectivity, both controllers worked with their respective devices without issue during my testing. Switching between devices is also easy, since both feature sliders on the rear for changing platforms, although it can take a few moments and press of the power button to connect to the new device.

Verdict

(Image credit: Future)

Both the Huben 2 and the G7 Pro are great controllers. They’re expensive – and there are plenty of great budget alternatives out there (including other models from the two brands) – but if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, neither is likely to disappoint.

However, I think the Huben 2 has the slight edge, feeling just that little more premium and satisfying to use, with the D-pad deserving special mention. A large part of your decision may come down to the specific platform support, but if you’re playing on PC, Android, or Switch – or all three – the Huben 2 is the superior choice as far as I’m concerned.

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At the International AIDS Society meeting this year, a young woman from South Africa spoke. She is the first Black woman from Africa to be potentially cured of HIV.

(Image credit: Image Point FR/NIH/NIAID/BSIP)

• Windows 11 has a Resume feature in test builds
• For now it's just for Spotify, but more developers will get on board in time
• If you're listening to a track on your Android phone, you can resume that playback on your Windows 11 PC seamlessly

Windows 11 is getting a new ability whereby the desktop operating system will allow you to resume what you were previously doing in an app on your Android phone.

This is only available in testing for now - in Windows 11 preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels - and while it will eventually come to a range of apps, to begin with it only works with Spotify.

As Microsoft explains in a blog post, the way the feature works is as follows: say you're listening to a playlist or podcast on Spotify on your smartphone, and you stop it, then head to your desktop PC.

When you fire up Windows 11, you'll see a ‘Resume alert’ pop up from your taskbar at the bottom of the screen, letting you know that you can continue your Spotify listening on the PC. Just click on that alert, and the Spotify app will be opened, continuing playback exactly where you left off on your Android smartphone.

Microsoft reminds us that we'll need to have the Spotify app installed on the PC and be logged into the same account as the one running on the smartphone, as you'd expect. If you haven't got Spotify installed in Windows 11, a button to install the software from the Microsoft Store will pop up - then you just have to log in to your Spotify account.

Also, you must have the Link to Windows app running on your smartphone, and have access to your mobile enabled on your Windows 11 PC, as per Microsoft's instructions in its blog post.

(Image credit: Microsoft)Analysis: A great addition - but Microsoft's really taken its time

This is essentially Microsoft's take on Apple's Handoff feature, and it looks to be a streamlined and useful ability that I'm keen to see debut on Windows 11. Its revelation is no surprise, though, seeing as Microsoft accidentally gave us a glimpse of the functionality in a pre-recorded Build session earlier this year, the video of which was swiftly edited to remove this. It worked pretty much exactly the same as we see in testing now (with Spotify also being used in this early demo).

The technical name for this trick is Cross Device Resume and hopefully a number of software developers will be getting on board with bringing in support for this - those who have apps available on both Windows 11 and Android, of course. Microsoft will doubtless be prodding some of the bigger names out there, and besides Spotify we've also heard that WhatsApp might be in line for this treatment.

Clearly, the Resume feature is going to try to push installations from the Microsoft Store as well, which won't hurt traffic there - something the company has been working on improving of late.

While resuming Android apps on Windows 11 is clearly a great feature, and one that it's good to see inbound, the main question here is why has it taken so long for Microsoft to implement this?

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An experiment with threadfin butterflyfish finds that these fish may experience pleasure while being cleaned by bluestreak cleaner wrasse — suggesting this capacity goes far back in animal evolution.

(Image credit: Reinhard Dirscherl)

• Some key details of the folding iPhone have leaked
• Expect four cameras, two colors, and Touch ID
• We'll probably see the handset launch in 2026

At this point it seems almost certain that Apple is going to bring out a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and we just got a few more details about what to expect from an Apple tipster who is usually more reliable than most.

That tipster is Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who says that the folding Apple phone is going to use Touch ID rather than Face ID. While all the current iPhones now use Face ID, the thinking is that the required sensors would add too much thickness to the foldable.

Apple is therefore going to go with Touch ID to keep the device as thin as possible, Gurman says, and there'll be no SIM card slot for the same reason – this is going to be eSIM only. Previous leaks have predicted the phone will be 4.8 mm thick when unfolded, compared to the 4.2 mm of the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

This latest report also states we're going to get four cameras on the folding iPhone: one on the outer screen, one on the inner screen, and two on the back (which will both be 48MP cameras, according to an earlier rumor).

Creasing up

The Apple iPhone 16 is about to get a successor (Image credit: Future)

If past reports are to be believed, one of the reasons a foldable iPhone has taken so long is because Apple is very keen to make the screen crease as invisible as possible, and it seems the company now has a display setup it's happy with.

As per Gurman, the folding iPhone is going to use what's known as an in-cell touchscreen, with an integrated display and digitizer layer. That would make the screen tech similar to what we have on the current iPhone models, ensuring a "less obvious" crease and improving touch accuracy.

Other tidbits from the report: the folding iPhone will be available in black or white, and will include Apple's own C2 modem chip that's expected to debut in the iPhone 17 (and which should lead to improved efficiency and battery life).

Gurman says the foldable iPhone will be a "game changer" for Apple, and his belief is that anyone who makes the switch to a folding iPhone won't want to go back. First though, we're got this year's iPhone 17 launch coming up next month.

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• A new phishing scheme successfully bypasses most security tools
• It abuses ads and Microsoft's Active Directory Federation Services tool
• It is designed to steal login credentials, so users should take care

Cybercriminals have found a clever way to make phishing sites look like legitimate login pages, successfully stealing Microsoft credentials, experts have warned.

Cybersecurity researchers at Push Security recently published an in-depth report on how the scam works, outlining how the attackers created fake login pages that mimicked authentic Microsoft 365 sign-in screens.

Then, instead of sending victims directly to the site, which would probably get flagged by security solutions and quickly blocked, they used a Microsoft feature called Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS). Companies normally use it to connect their internal systems to Microsoft services.

How to stay safe

By setting up their own Microsoft account, and configuring it with ADFS, Microsoft’s service is tricked to redirect users to the phishing site, while making the link look legitimate because it starts with something like ‘outlook.office.com’.

Furthermore, the phishing link was not being distributed by email, but rather - malvertising. Victims were searching for “Office 265” which was presumably a typo, and were then taken to an Office login page. The ad also used a fake travel blog - bluegraintours[.]com - as a middle step to hide the attack.

The way the entire campaign was set up made it particularly dangerous. With the link looking like it was coming from Microsoft, and it successfully bypassing many security tools checking for bad links - its success rate was probably higher compared to “traditional” phishing.

Furthermore, since it doesn’t rely on email, the usual email filters couldn’t catch it. Finally, the landing page could even bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA), which made it even more dangerous.

In order to prevent such scams from causing any real harm, IT teams should block ads, or at least monitor ad traffic, and watch for redirects from MIcrosoft login pages to unknown domains.

Finally, users should be careful when typing in search terms - a simple typo can lead to a fake ad that can result in device compromise and account takeover.

Via BleepingComputer

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At a summit meeting in Washington, D.C. on Monday, the U.S. and South Korean presidents will discuss modernizing their 71-year-old alliance and fleshing out a trade deal reached last month.

(Image credit: Ahn Young-joon)

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led recovery efforts as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, urges people to be prepared for future disasters.

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan)

It's a growing fitness trend. People say wearing a weighted vest when you exercise builds bones, strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. But does research back up these claims?

Dozens of immigration courts across the country have become epicenters of the Trump administration's efforts to increase the rate of immigration arrests.

(Image credit: Keren Carrión/NPR)

The city's school system looks almost nothing like it did 20 years ago. People in New Orleans have strong opinions about whether that's good or bad, but the data is hard to argue with.

(Image credit: Emily Kask for NPR)

Ashley Ludlow; her mother, Judy; and her sister, Whitney Peattie.'/>

Ashley Ludlow's mother passed away in the hospital in 2005. She had followed her mother's wishes and asked that she not be resuscitated. That decision weighed heavy on her until a nurse reassured her.

(Image credit: Family photo)

• Elipson launches Horus 6B bookshelf and Horus 11F active floorstander speakers
• 50W stereo amplification, aptX HD, USB Audio and HDMI ARC
• £399 (about $530 / AU$840) and £899 (about $1,200 / AU$1,880)

French luxury audio brand Elipson has announced two new active speakers in its Horus range: the Horus 6B Active BT bookshelf speaker and the Horus 11F Active BT floorstander.

Both sets of speakers have built-in 50W stereo amplification, a "sophisticated" bass reflex system, 130mm glass fiber-reinforced cellulose pulp bass/mid-range drivers, and 25mm silk dome neodymium tweeters, and they're available in three finishes: light wood / beige, walnut / dark gray, and black / carbon.

(Image credit: Elipson)Elipson Horus Active BT speakers: key specs and pricing

The Horus 6B Active speakers have a USB Audio connection for PC or Mac offering plug-and-play audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and they also have a moving magnet (MM) phono input for your turntable so you can connect it without also needing a pre-amp.

Both sets of speakers also have HDMI ARC for a TV, coaxial and optical inputs (24-bit/192kHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD.

Frequency response is 40Hz to 20,000Hz for the floorstanding Horus 11F Active BT and 55Hz to 22,000Hz for the bookshelf Horus 6B Active BT.

The bookshelf speakers are available now and the floorstanders will go on sale in early October 2025. The recommended retail price is £399 (about $530 / AU$840) for the Horus 6B Active BT and £899 (about $1,200 / AU$1,880) for the Horus 11F Active BT.

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We are at a tipping point for quantum computing, which is on the verge of becoming a reality. While its potential is tantalizing, it also represents an unprecedented threat to the traditional data security infrastructure and the cryptographic algorithms that protect it. Post-quantum cryptography – algorithms designed to be secure against classical and quantum computer attacks – is the response.

Quantum computers exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that classic computers cannot feasibly tackle. Quantum computers use the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in a way that uses qubits, which can exist in multiple states, as opposed to normal computers, which only use "zeros" and "ones". This creates an exponential scale, which is what gives them their computational power.

Of particular concern is their ability to crack widely used public key encryption algorithms such as RSA and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography). By the time a sufficiently powerful quantum computer becomes available, these encryption methods, which protect virtually all current digital communications, will be obsolete.

The date when cryptographically-relevant quantum computers will appear remains uncertain: estimates range from five to 10 years. However, the risk is immediate due to the "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks that are already taking place, especially for data with a longer lifetime.

If an organization retains sensitive data for the long term, such as financial information, personal data or even trade secrets, this represents a significant and growing risk.

What is at stake is nothing less than the most valuable digital assets: intellectual property, private and sensitive data, authentication systems and secure communications.

The financial, operational and reputational damage from such exposures could be catastrophic, and unavoidable without proactive measures.

What is post-quantum cryptography?

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by classical and quantum computers. These algorithms are based on mathematical problems that remain difficult to solve even for quantum computers.

In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published its first set of standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SPHINCS+ and FALCON. In March 2025, NIST selected a new algorithm, Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC), which will serve as a backup to the existing Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) algorithms recommended by FIPS 203 to protect against quantum attacks.

HQC is based on error-correcting codes, a concept that has been fundamental to information security for decades. Unlike ML-KEM, which relies on structured networks, HQC's unique mathematical basis offers a robust alternative that can help combat the potential threats posed by future quantum computers. This shift in mathematical approaches is crucial for maintaining the integrity of encrypted data.

The time for change is now

The time when currently encrypted data can be decrypted using quantum technology is closer than many people think. However, while most organizations are actively working on cyber resilience strategies, including their core IT infrastructure and components of the supply chain, the risk to quantum computing is not as widely considered.

Changing cryptography in a complex IT environment is not something that can be done overnight. It can take years, especially for large organizations with complex IT environments. Historical precedent shows that major cryptographic transitions typically take 5-10 years to complete.

Beginning the transition

To begin a transition to post-quantum cryptography, a number of steps must be followed:

1. Cryptographic inventory: Not all data is equally important, and not all data needs to be encrypted in the same way. It is therefore necessary to identify where cryptography should be used in the digital heritage. This should include the most sensitive data, applications, networks, identity systems, and third-party connections.

2. Risk assessment: Given the cost of post-quantum cryptography, it makes sense to prioritize protecting the most sensitive data rather than trying to protect everything. Evaluate your data in terms of its sensitivity and longevity. Information that must remain confidential for more than five years should receive immediate attention. For less sensitive data, standard encryption methods will suffice in keeping it secure.

3. Crypto-agility implementation: Being crypto-agile – having the ability to switch between different cryptographic algorithms in response to new threats – will be essential in the post-quantum era. Develop frameworks that allow you to quickly replace cryptographic algorithms without the need for extensive system redesign. Crypto-agility also requires employee training, so invest time and resources to bring your employees on this journey with you.

4. Prioritized migration: Start with your most sensitive systems and data, particularly those that protect intellectual property or personally identifiable information.

5. Supplier engagement: Confirm that all suppliers in your ecosystem are aligned with emerging standards to ensure end-to-end protection and agility.

In summary

By starting your post-quantum transition today, you can help protect your organization's most valuable data as we enter the quantum era. The alternative is to wait for quantum computers to break existing encryption – by then, it will be too late for data that has already been compromised. The future is quantum and the time to future-proof your data is now.

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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

• Surfshark has conducted a review of location-hungry social media apps, including X, Instagram, and Snapchat
• Of the 10 social media apps analyzed, X demands the most granular location data
• Data was collected in August 2025 from the Apple App Store

Think you’ve got your privacy covered? It could be time to give that a rethink, especially if you’re a regular user of X and other social media apps.

A study from leading VPN provider Surfshark has analyzed the default location permissions required by the top 10 social media apps in the Apple App Store and found that most of them are very data-hungry – if not stalker-y.

Elon Musk’s X and Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram, Threads, and Facebook especially know a lot about where you are… even if you’re using one of the best VPN apps.

Why do social media want your location data?

Your smartphone records two types of location data: precise and coarse.

Coarse data is a zoomed-out, low-resolution option that shares your general location in the world. The precise option relies on GPS, Bluetooth, and even IP addresses to determine your exact location based on nearby networks. It is the latter data that X and other networks are using, to varying degrees.

As Surfshark Chief Technology Officer, Donatas Budvytis, explains, precise location data falls under the most sensitive user data category because it can be linked to highly personal behavior and routines.

"This all can lead to building your profile, predicting behavior, or can be used for targeted manipulation and discrimination," said Budvytis.

(Image credit: Surfshark)

Location data might be helpful at times. For example, it adds some useful context to photos (and helps you find a specific image years later). It can also help you locate interesting sights and businesses nearby. Social networks, however, seem to be enjoying just a little bit too much of it.

Surfshark has discovered that while eight popular social networks collect precise location data, X is especially keen on it. Instagram, Threads, and Facebook all need a lot, as does Pinterest. Snapchat needs less; LinkedIn and YouTube require almost none.

Collecting user information in this way allows social networks to offer advertisers a better reach, ensuring targeted ads based on your location. They might even send you marketing outreach messages using this sort of data.

According to researchers, X and Pinterest may even use location data to track users. There is no clarity as to how this information is used or whether it is available to data brokers. In such a scenario, various information from other apps could be used in tandem to establish more specific and valuable data about your actions and interests.

Can’t you just use a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is security software that encrypts your internet connections, while spoofing your real IP address location. (Image credit: Getty Images)

VPNs are great for specific privacy uses, but when it comes to location data collected using GPS and other networks, a VPN is less effective.

Because the VPN encrypts your internet access and routes it via a secure VPN server, only your IP address can be obfuscated. Social networks that rely on GPS and proximity to other networks – perhaps railway stations, or city centre networks – can overlook the notion that your IP address is set to Berlin if your GPS says London.

While a VPN is definitely recommended for public Wi-Fi, it’s only going to prevent bad actors with access to the network. Elon Musk and co can still record your location.

So, can you stop X from tracking you?

All social media apps have settings that you can use to tweak what information is collected. So, while you might be okay sharing photos and (potentially embarrassing) thoughts and opinions, you can at least control some of these privacy options.

In the case of X, you can open Settings > Privacy and safety > Location information and disable all three options (tap the third, Explore settings, to toggle it off) to reduce the social network’s hunger for your activities.

Other apps should have similar options. You can, of course, also disable your phone’s GPS when it isn’t required, and review your phone’s location services settings.

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