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A decades-long Russian-Ukrainian transit gas deal to Europe ended on Jan. 1. For now, the most acute effects are being felt in a region called Transnistria, on the eastern edge of Moldova.

(Image credit: Akos Stiller)

The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will both observe Thursday's national day of mourning in a Wall Street tradition dating back to 1865.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

Prosecutors said samples of the alleged nuclear material was weapons-grade, meaning enough of it would be suitable for use in a nuclear weapon.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Two-minute review

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are particularly excellent for runners, especially long-distance and trail runners. While it won’t quite last the full length of time needed for an Ultra marathon (what can?), they are among the best running headphones out there.

Like the best open earbuds, they allow you to hear your surroundings in a way that even the best wireless earbuds with good ambient / transparency modes can’t. They also are extremely lightweight, stable, and have a nice long battery life. Shokz has also added in air conduction tech to improve the sound quality, as bone conduction headphones typically lag in this area compared to more traditional options.

It’s no surprise, considering how bone conduction headphones work. At louder volumes, these types of headphones tend to create a vibrating sensation that can be unpleasant, even nauseating depending on one’s sensitivity. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 doesn’t create this sensation for the most part, with one exception that I’ll mention later.

headset, charging case, regular case, and accessories (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Before we get to that, we should take a look at the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2’s design. They fit the general mold of bone conduction headphones; there’s the portion containing the drivers that sit in front of the ear connected to the electronics via an over-the-ear loop. Both sides are connected by a wrap-around headband, while the whole thing is covered in silicon to provide some waterproofing. In this case, it’s IP55, surprisingly worse than the lower-tier Shokz OpenRun with their IP67 rating.

Where these headphones differ a little from the competition is the fact that, besides providing four colorways (black, silver, orange, and a Kipchoge-signature white and orange silver-and-orange), you can choose between ‘standard’ and ‘mini’ size headbands, whereas most bone conduction headphones come with a one-size-fits-all one.

This is a nice inclusion. In fact, I might have benefited from the smaller headband, as I could feel the headband move a little if I shook my head. Still, the fit was stable and neither the drivers or section that goes over or behind the ears moved at all. On top of that, it’s very lightweight at just around 30 grams, so you’ll barely feel them – unlike many in-ear buds that start to hurt after being stuck in the ear canals for a while.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

As far as controls go, I was a bit confused at first since two of them, used for power, pairing, and volume controls, sit under the right side behind the ear, while a third button sits on the driver section on the left side used for changing songs. It’s not a big deal (other than highlighting my mistake of not reading the manual right away), but I’m used to having all the controls on one side. Thankfully, they’re fairly responsive to the touch.

There’s one USB-C port on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, which might be why the IP rating is a little lower than expected here, even if it does have a silicon covering. On the brightside, using this port allows for faster charging compared to the old magnetic one, as five minutes plugged in will produce two and a half hours of battery life. Of course, it will take a full hour to charge up to 100% or twelve hours of use.

It’s also worth mentioning that the only form of connectivity here is its speedy Bluetooth 5.3. There’s no onboard storage or MP3 player: if that’s a consideration for you, you’ll want to check out our best waterproof headphones guide, many of which come with MP3 storage.

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(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The feature set on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a bit limited compared to wireless earbuds. Since these headphones are an open-ear design, there’s no active (or passive) noise cancellation. Any kind of fine-tuning involves mainly playing around with the equalization (EQ), which is available in the app, though you can press and hold the volume up and down buttons simultaneously during play to cycle through the various EQ options.

As far as the different EQ options go, there are six modes already on hand, along with a five-band EQ for a more personalized touch, which you can save as a new EQ mode. Of the ones already available, there’s a standard, vocal, bass boost, treble boost, classic, and volume boost.

The classic mode turns off the air conduction for a purer bone conduction experience, which also reintroduces that vibrating sensation when the volume is too high, something that I (and many) find uncomfortable. Luckily, it’s the only setting where I really experienced that phenomenon.

Multipoint connectivity is also available, though you have to turn it on in the app. While not a dealbreaker, be aware of the fact that there’s no on-ear detection, so music will continue to play when you take the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 off.

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The improvements in the newest generation of bone conduction headphones have been really heartening, namely that the audio quality is better than before and that I don’t experience those disconcerting vibrations at higher volumes (see my review of the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport for a similarly improved audio experience).

The audio quality has improved for two reasons. The first is the fact that the OpenRun Pro 2 uses the company’s 10th generation bone conduction technology. The second, and arguably more important, is that these headphones also use air conduction. In essence, these are hybrid headphones as opposed to just bone conduction headphones.

After having listened to all sorts of genres from Indie and Metal to Hip Hop and Folk, I can say that they’re allare enjoyable to listen to. The high-end is fairly present with plenty of clarity, though everything does feel just a tiny bit muted as if the headphones’ natural frequency range rolls off a bit with higher frequencies. The mids are full, almost a little too much, so that any audio I listen to has plenty of body. The bass is a bit pulled back, so bottom-heavy music won’t hit as hard.

Because the highs and lows are not as prominent as the mids, there is a very slight boxy quality to music. They sound very good for the form factor, but aren’t going to replace anyone’s earbuds as go-to listening devices outside of a run or the gym.

Since these are open earbuds, there is some leakage. However, it’s not all that noticeable unless you’re using them in a quiet setting. If you use them on the trail, other presumably headphone-less runners might catch a little bit of what you’re listening to, but only if they’re very close to you.

Lastly, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 can used to take and make calls. The call quality is pretty good with plenty of clarity, though the speaker’s voice will sound a little far away compared to speaking on a phone regularly.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Specifications Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $179.95 / £169.00 / AU$319.00
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

You can spend quite a bit less than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2’s asking price of $179.95 / £169.00 / AU$319.00 for a pair of bone conduction headphones. Shokz’ own more entry-priced OpenRun go for $129.95 / £129.95 / AU$219.00, for instance. And, of course, there are plenty of much cheaper, lesser-known options littering Amazon.

And there aren’t many options out there that go for more, either. Some of the ones that do are a bit more specialized, such as the watersports-friendly H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport, which go for $199.99 / £155.68 (about AU$310) and include 8GB of storage, an MP3 player, and a special feature to record playlists onto it, so you don’t need your phone.

Still, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are worth the price in my mind for the simple reason that they mix in air conduction tech with bone conduction for a better audio experience as well as to minimize the vibrating sensation that typically accompanies the use of bone conduction headphones.

As a value proposition, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 may not be an outstanding deal, but they’re worth the price.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Scorecard Should I buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2? Buy it if...

You care about audio quality

Getting good sound out of a bone conduction headset is not easy, yet Shokz has managed to do just that thanks to the inclusion of air conduction.View Deal

You’re a runner

The fit is stable and lightweight and the battery life is more than enough for anyone except Ultra marathon runners. It also has an IP55 rating to handle the elements.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want to take it in the water

Not all bone conduction headphones are good for swimming, such as this one. Shokz does have swimming-specific models to check out if you want something that’s more fully waterproof.View Deal

You’re limited on funds

These headphones are on the pricy side for bone conduction headphones. If you’re on a budget, you’re better off considering the slightly inferior non-Pro version.View Deal

Also consider

Shokz OpenRun

The Shokz OpenRun are fantastic for running, and are only slightly behind the OpenRun Pro 2 due to the fact that they employ a slightly older generation driver and don’t include air conduction so you’re still getting some vibration at higher volumes. Still, they sound good, are lightweight, and cost quite a bit less than their more expensive big brother.

Read our full Shokz OpenRun reviewView Deal

H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport is not cheap, but it’s worth it, especially for anyone also looking for headphones to use during swimming. After all, these are tailored to triathletes. They have a strong battery life, complete waterproofing, and onboard storage as well as a special Playlist+ feature that untethers you from your phone during a run or swim.

Read our full H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport reviewView Deal

How I tested

• Tested over a couple weeks
• Listened to different kinds of media
• Tested all the different features

I spent a couple weeks using the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 as my workout headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to get an idea of how they sound. I also tested the various features, most notably the EQ settings.

After testing, it’s clear that these are, per their namesake, flagship headphones for runners. They’re ideal because of the open-ear design from the bone and air conduction, they’re very lightweight, and have good battery life. Plus, they sound pretty good. Check out our guide to how bone conduction headphones work for more details on how headphones like these operate.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed December 2024

Several benchmark refinance rates ticked up this week, making it harder to find a lower rate on a home loan.

Managed services providers (MSPs) are third-party organizations capable of delivering a wide range of IT services, including cybersecurity, infrastructure management, cloud services, regulatory compliance, and more. Choosing to partner with MSPs can often be an advantage for organizations attempting to manage these same areas with in-house IT teams since MSPs offer specialized expertise, proven experience, and a business-first approach, often at a lower cost that building or maintaining internal IT resources.

MSPs are also capable of helping companies of all sizes and in various industries overcome many specific challenges. Let’s take a closer look at these challenges – and how MSPs deliver real-world benefits related to them.

Closing the talent gap

One of the first and most pressing issues is related to IT talent, and more specifically, attracting, managing, and retaining highly qualified technical employees. Today, the demand for skilled professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud services, or infrastructure management often outpaces supply. This is especially true for those companies competing with leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Google, or so many AI start-ups. Faced with these more exciting opportunities, prospective employees are less inclined to join what they perceive as conventional in-house IT teams.

MSPs help address this issue by giving businesses access to a pool of highly skilled IT professionals, without the need to hire, train, or manage them. MSPs are better equipped to bring an entire team of technical experts with specialized skills and knowledge and more capable of working in complex IT ecosystems.

Not only does this approach save companies the cost of recruiting and training, but it also ensures that their IT systems are managed by seasoned professionals. MSPs tend to work with a large portfolio of clients, so it’s more likely that their employees have “seen it all,” or at least have more experience with a wider range of challenges and solutions that than internal IT employees.

Advanced cybersecurity tools and expertise

Cybersecurity is another example where MSPs can deliver significant advantages. MSPs can specialize in modern, emerging cybersecurity products and services beyond baseline monitoring, firewalls, or other basic approaches many companies can only muster. They are often staffed with larger teams of experts who focus exclusively on the latest innovations in cybersecurity, including specific new tools, methodologies, or best practices. As a result, these teams tend to be more up to date on the latest threats and the best strategies to thwart them.

This isn’t a criticism of in-house IT staff. Yet those teams must often juggle many different IT responsibilities – including more mundane aspects such as maintenance, updates and patch management, network monitoring, and support – and simply can’t dedicate their full attention to cybersecurity. MSPs can dedicate full resources to threat monitoring and detection, behavioral analytics, identify security, and other innovations that many companies may not be able to afford, staff, or maintain on their own.

With so much experience amassed serving many different clients in many different industries, MSPs tend to have broad exposure to new cyber-threats, enabling them to quickly apply lessons learned and effective best practices to protect their customers. Such a proactive, specialized approach enhances any company’s security posture, reduces risk, and provides peace of mind – all without the burden of building a comparable in-house cybersecurity team.

Ensure business continuity with MSP-driven disaster recovery

Similar to cybersecurity, disaster recovery is a critical component to business continuity. Again, MSPs can play a pivotal role in planning the most effective recovery strategies, especially critical for companies in colocation or conventional data centers.

How do they do this? MSPs can provide valuable expertise in designing and implementing disaster recovery plans that factor advanced capabilities of data centers such as redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and high-speed connectivity. Their teams can monitor these systems on an ongoing basis and quickly execute various recovery protocols in the event of outages caused by natural disasters, hardware failures, or cyberattacks. Businesses benefit from minimal downtime, rapid data restoration, and compliance with industry regulations.

Driving growth with scalable IT solutions

Scalability is an important advantage in partnering with an MSP. In this case, MSPs can enable business growth by providing more flexible IT infrastructure and support tailored to the company’s evolving needs. As companies expand, MSPs can provide more resources, such as cloud services, storage, or bandwidth to meet the increased demand without requiring large upfront investments.

With MSPs handling IT scalability, businesses can focus on seizing new opportunities and driving revenue, all while maintaining operational agility and cost control. Beyond infrastructure, MSPs help optimize operations by implementing advanced technologies and automation, which helps free internal teams to focus on higher-value, more-strategic initiatives. This efficiency extends to sales and business growth, where more streamlined IT systems are more able to enhance customer experiences, improve productivity, and reduce downtime.

Simplify compliance with MSP guidance

Compliance with industry regulations is a complex yet essential requirement for many businesses, especially those handling sensitive data or operating in highly regulated industries. MSPs help organizations address these challenges by ensuring that their IT systems meet strict compliance standards.

MSPs can provide extensive experience implementing and maintaining security frameworks, conducting audits, and managing documentation required for regulatory compliance. This helps businesses avoid costly penalties and reduce the risk of non-compliance. Such a proactive approach helps make sure the systems are as compliant as possible as regulations evolve for further peace of mind.

MSPs: strategic partners for growth and innovation

Making the decision to partner with an MSP isn’t just about outsourcing IT. Instead, it’s about transforming elements in the IT ecosystem – and improving the overall business – with strategic guidance, scalability, and resilience. With MSPs as strategic partners, companies can confidently navigate today’s complex IT landscape and focus on driving growth and innovation.

We've compiled a list of the best IT management tool.

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

• Google Gemini may soon integrate with Android Auto
• Gemini could augment existing tools with natural conversational abilities
• Gemini might make Android Auto more useful during trips

Google is taking Gemini on the road with plans to integrate it into Android Auto, according to unpublished code found by Android Authority. While Google hasn’t officially announced this upgrade, The code revealed hints that Gemini’s integration is on the way, with several notable changes to the interface, including a Gemini Live icon and the option to “Ask Gemini” anything. Even though Gemini won't actually engage through the interface yet, it’s clear the groundwork is being laid out.

Gemini could do a lot for drivers beyond what Google Assistant currently offers, simply by being more conversational and employing AI analysis to issues. Imagine you’re running late to work and need to find the fastest route through traffic. Gemini could not only calculate the best path but also analyze traffic patterns to suggest whether taking a detour for coffee is a smart move. If you’re bored driving alone, Gemini might break the silence with trivia about nearby landmarks like an entertaining human navigator.

Meanwhile, the school run could see Gemini queuing kid-friendly audiobooks or suggesting games to play from the back seat. Or, if your road trip needs more than just directions, Gemini could provide a curated playlist tailored to the mood you want your journey to have, suggest scenic stops along the way, and even find the closest dog-friendly park for a quick stretch.

Gemini could also be genuinely useful in sticky situations with your vehicle. If your check engine light comes on, it might analyze diagnostic data from your car and explain what’s wrong in plain English, complete with recommendations for nearby repair shops.

AI Automotive

The Android Auto integration will also likely benefit from Gemini's earlier integration with Google Maps. Gemini offers suggestions for places to visit and smmarizes reviews through the Maps app already. That's why Android Auto's Gemini link will be able to offer travel ideas based on a conversation about what kind of place you want to travel to at the time.

The Ask Gemini option will also be helpful when you have specific questions about a location. Assuming it pulls from the same databases as Google Maps, you'll be able to ask about things like opening times, how people rated their visit and more.

The uncovered interface is only a facet of the whole, but it suggests that Google is ready to expand Gemini into everyone's cars. Will driving be more enjoyable with Gemini, or will it be another underused feature destined to gather digital dust? It's only a pitstop on Google’s journey to throw Gemini into every part of people's lives, but it could herald an acceleration in that effort.

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• Pay a monthly fee to rent the latest AI devices
• The program aims to make cutting-edge tech more accessible
• There are optional maintenance services as part of the subscription

Samsung has a new plan to put AI tech in your hands, though not via drone delivery. Instead, it’s launching the AI Subscription Club, a program that lets you rent the company’s latest AI-powered gadgets for a monthly fee. It’s like leasing a car, but instead of a luxury sedan, you get a Galaxy phone or even the AI companion robot, Ballie, which debuted at CES this year.

On paper, it sounds great. You get shiny new tech, Samsung gets a predictable cash flow, and everyone walks away happy. But will it catch on? That depends on a few things. First, there’s the question of pricing. If the subscription costs rival traditional financing plans or carrier upgrades, it might not feel like much of a deal. Second, there’s the whole “ownership vs. rental” mindset. Some people like knowing their gadgets are truly theirs, even if they’re a few years behind the latest trend.

Despite what “AI Subscription Club” might suggest, this isn’t about subscribing to software features, at least for now, as Galaxy AI tools remain free through the rest of the year. The hardware subscription model lets you rent devices like phones, tablets, and robots. Samsung promises this will make staying on the cutting edge more affordable and accessible while also guaranteeing them a steady revenue stream.

Subscribers who pay a monthly fee get access to some of Samsung’s hardware catalog. It's like leasing a car in some ways. For instance, you can upgrade to new models without selling old devices. If you have an itch for new tech but don't want to pay for it every year or so, it's a good deal. Plus, it comes with optional maintenance services, so if Ballie accidentally rolls off a table or your phone gets an unplanned bath, Samsung has you covered.

It's notable that Samsung is pursuing this business model after similar attempts, such as the failure of the Google Pixel Pass. Still, Samsung may see this as the best way to get people to try its more expensive tech, but who don't want to pay the high price for the new toys. Then, if they like it, they may be more willing to fork over the cash.

AI anticipation

Samsung isn’t starting from scratch here. The AI Subscription Club actually began last year as a rental program for home appliances in South Korea. Consumers could subscribe to AI-powered washing machines, refrigerators, and TVs, complete with maintenance services. Expanding this concept to mobile devices and AI gadgets is a natural next step, though it remains to be seen if the same appeal translates to smartphones and tablets.

The subscription model also raises an interesting question: are we moving toward a world where we stop owning our tech altogether? Between this and services like Google’s Chromebook rentals, it’s easy to imagine a future where everything—from our phones to our fridges—is “as-a-service.” For some, that’s exciting. For others, it’s a bit dystopian. Either way, it’s clear Samsung sees subscriptions as part of its future.

For now, the AI Subscription Club is sticking close to home, rolling out in South Korea first. Samsung hasn’t confirmed plans for a global launch, but it’s not hard to imagine this program popping up elsewhere if it gains traction. And with the Galaxy S25 series expected to debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event later this month, this could be Samsung’s way of keeping the buzz alive.

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Full spoilers follow for Creature Commandos episode 7.

The first season of Creature Commandos has ended – and, hot damn, its final episode was an emotional roller coaster.

As the dust settles on the DC Universe's (DCU) first-ever project, I imagine you've got a ton of questions about Creature Commandos episode 7, titled 'A Very Funny Monster'. So, from queries concerning the fates of certain characters and the post-credits scene to DC Comics Easter eggs and whether a second season is on the way, I'll endeavor to answer all your biggest questions about said finale.

Major spoilers immediately follow for the R-rated animated series' final chapter. Turn back now if you haven't seen it.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: does Nina really die?

RIP Nina, you were taken way too soon *sniff* (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

That's affirmative. Nina Mazursky is murdered by Princess Ilana Rostikov when Task Force M's mission to kill Pokolistan's monarch-in-waiting goes awry.

After infiltrating the Princess' headquarters, the titular team's remaining metahumans – The Bride, Doctor Phosphorus, Weasel, and Nina – eventually locate Ilana. She's taking her daily morning dip in a lake within the confines of her command post, which makes things difficult. Not only is the body of water surrounded by guards, but none of the Creature Commandos can swim or breathe underwater.

Well, except for Nina. The amphibious humanoid's abilities mean she's tailor-made to assassinate Ilana as she enjoys her swim. Despite her protestations that she's ill-equipped to kill anyone, Nina is convinced to murder Ilana by The Bride and Phosphorus. Armed with a serrated knife, a determined but reluctant Nina leaves to execute the group's plan.

Why, Ilana, why!? (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

She would've succeeded, too, if it wasn't for Weasel. Remembering how kind Ilana was to him during the series' premiere, not to mention the fact that Ilana looks like a grown-up version of the blonde kid that Weasel failed to save in Creature Commandos episode 4, he races out onto the water and cries out to warn Ilana. As The Bride and Phosphorus try to stop him, Ilana notices Weasel, realizes what's going on, and spots Nina rising from the deep to skewer her. A tussle ensues beneath the surface and, after Ilana overpowers Nina, she wrestles the knife from the latter's hand, stabs Nina multiple times in the abdomen, and leaves her lifeless body floating serenely on the lake.

It's an emotionally soul-crushing moment, especially from a thematic standpoint. As the group's moral compass, Nina's death is a turning point for the Creature Commandos. With nobody on the team roster to keep their fellow villains and antiheroes in check on future missions, I think we can expect more inhuman actions in the seasons to come (more on this later). Additionally, this chapter and Creature Commandos episode 3 proved DC Studios co-chief James Gunn isn't afraid to kill his darlings, which suggests shocking deaths will be part and parcel of future DCU movies and shows.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is Princess Ilana also dead?

Good riddance, Ilana (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Yep. She evaded death's clutches by murdering Nina (Ilana will say she did so in self-defense), but Ilana's death-defying escapade proves to be short-lived.

Not long after Nina's devastating death, Ilana is visited by The Bride. After a brief back-and-forth, The Bride reveals that she knows Ilana isn't as sweet and innocent as she looks or has made out to be. Indeed, one of the biggest questions fans have had throughout the Max series' first season is whether Ilana is good or evil, and it turns out she's the latter.

Well, that's one way to assassinate a princess... (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

The Bride tells Ilana (and viewers by proxy) that she knows the Amazonian sorceress known as Circe, aka one of three big references to Wonder Woman in Creature Commandos, was telling the truth about Ilana's desire to conquer the world. However, Ilana's plan for world domination fails. Her scheme, which included seducing the titular team's leader Rick Flag Sr and using Batman villain Clayface to impersonate metahuman expert Doctor MacPherson and counteract Circe's claims, falls apart when The Bride sees Ilana and Clayface meeting in person on a security camera monitor in episode 6. In short: The Bride does what Nina couldn't and kills Ilana.

The Bride, though, reveals she's not murdering Ilana to prevent World War III. She's doing it because Ilana killed Nina who, as The Bride finally and heart-breakingly confirms after seven episodes of constant denials, was "the only friend I ever had" and the only team member "with an ounce of kindness in her soul". An angry and desperate Ilana reaches for a handgun in the drawer of her office desk but, she is too slow to shoot and winds up being shot in the head by her immortal foe instead.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: what happens to Rick Flag and Eric Frankenstein?

Rick Flag Sr has had better days (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Don't worry, the pair who make up the DCU's first bromance are still alive. After his near-death experience at the hands of Clayface – he's getting his own DC Studios movie, by the way – in episode 5, Flag Sr wakes from his coma (albeit temporarily) to tell ARGUS chief Amanda Waller that she was wrong to trust Circe and MacPherson before he passes out. That brief conversation becomes the catalyst for this finale's blood-soaked events, so I'm convinced that Flag Sr won't be a happy chappy when he reawakens and finds out that Ilana and Nina have died.

Eric really cannot be killed, can he? (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

As for Eric Frankenstein, he lives to fight another day, too. It seemed he'd taken his last breath after falling from a tower at Ilana's headquarters and then being riddled with bullets by The Bride. Remember, Eric believes The Bride was made with the sole purpose of being his adoring wife. However, after murdering the pair's creator – Victor Frankenstein – because The Bride fell in love with him instead of Eric, he shatters any hopes of getting together with her. Nonetheless, Eric spends the next two centuries pursuing The Bride across the globe, which is why he ends up in Pokolistan and gets gunned down by her in the season 1 finale.

Yet, Eric survives their latest encounter. Episode 7's post-credits scene reveals he's being nursed back to health by another old Eastern European woman, which mirrors the Eric-centric flashbacks depicted in episode 5. Based on what he did to his former savior Bogdana in that chapter, I don't have high hopes for the survival of this second Good Samaritan...

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: who are the titular team's new members?

G.I. Robot, reporting for duty once more! (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

With Rick Flag Sr incapacitated and Nina shuffling off this mortal coil, the eponymous group of superpowered beings is short of a member or two. Luckily, DC Comics isn't lacking in the villain or antihero department, so there's a seemingly immeasurable amount of individuals who could join Task Force M's roster.

Gunn and this DCU Chapter One show's showrunner Dean Lorey don't leave us hanging on that front before Creature Commandos ends. After returning to Belle Rive penitentiary, The Bride is met by Waller's right-hand man John Economos. He informs her that Waller wants to retain their services, thanks to their successful mission to kill Ilana. Not only that, but she wants The Bride to lead the new-look team, who'll operate out of one of Belle Rive's abandoned wings, which are now converted into their HQ.

I, for one, am delighted we're getting more King Shark after 2021's The Suicide Squad (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Entering Task Force M's new facility, The Bride is greeted by the familiar faces of Phosphorus, Weasel, and – in a reveal that'll surely delight many fans – version 2.0 of G.I. Robot, who's been repaired following his apparent demise in episode 3. They aren't the only individuals who The Bride will lead. As the camera pans around the room, the vampiric Nosferata, The Suicide Squad's breakout star King Shark, and a Pharoah mummy-like character (I'm assuming this is King Tut, but please correct me if I'm wrong!) are also revealed to be part of Task Force M's new line-up.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is there a post-credits scene?

Yes, Creature Commandos episode 7 has a post-credits scene (Image credit: Max/DC Studios)

Yes. As mentioned in the Rick Flag Sr and Eric Frankenstein section above, episode 7 contains an end-credits scene that stars Eric. Scroll up to learn more about what it's about.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: is this the end of the show or will there be a season 2?

Don't worry, Creature Commandos isn't a 'one season and done' TV show (Image credit: Max)

There will be another installment! On Christmas Eve 2024, Max confirmed Creature Commandos season 2 was officially in development, so we can expect more adult animated monster mash-based storytelling in the future.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Gunn and fellow DC Studios co-head Peter Safran said: "We're thrilled to team up with Max for another season of Creature Commandos mayhem. From our spectacular first season of Peacemaker to the astonishing run of The Penguin to the record-breaking launch of Creature Commandos, Max has consistently delivered above industry expectations and beyond our wildest imaginings. Thank you, Casey [Bloys], Sarah [Aubrey], Pia [Chaozon Barlow], Sono [Mitchell], and the entire team for your tremendous support of DC Studios. We are proud to call Max home."

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: how does it reference DC heroes Green Arrow and Nightwing?

Two more DC heroes are referenced in Creature Commandos' season 1 finale (Image credit: DC Studios/Max)

Creature Commandos hasn't been shy about referencing myriad DC heroes throughout its initial seven-episode run. Its final episode is no different, with 'A Very Funny Monster' including Easter eggs concerning two other notable superheroes, though neither makes a cameo before season 1 ends.

The first of those suggests that a version of Green Arrow may be operating in the DCU. In a TV news segment seen midway through the season finale, the north Californian tech capital known as Star City is mentioned. This is the region that the Emerald Archer infamously watches over in DC Comics.

As for the other reference, the news anchor reporting on a mysterious fish-woman/sea creature being spotted around Star City (that'll be Nina, for anyone who may have forgotten) also mentions that animal control experts from Metropolis and Bludhaven had been drafted in to help catch Nina. The first city namedrop is a clear reference to Superman, who's already been alluded to in previous episodes. Bludhaven, meanwhile, is an obvious nod to Gotham City's sister town, which is protected by Nightwing, aka Dick Grayson, a former Robin. With a Dynamic Duo movie, starring the former Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, in development at DC Studios, this Easter egg may be planting the seeds for Nightwing's eventual debut in the DCU.

Creature Commandos season 1 ending explained: how does the Max series set up other DCU films and shows?

I'd be amazed if we don't see Circe again in the DCU's Paradise Lost TV series (Image credit: Max/DC Studios)

Creature Commandos doesn't purposefully set up future DCU projects, but some of its characters and unresolved plot threads will feature in new movies and shows set to arrive in 2025 and beyond.

For starters, Rick Flag Sr will have a small role in James Gunn's Superman movie, which flies into theaters on July 11. After that, he'll play an antagonist in Peacemaker season 2, with Flag Sr expected to be gunning for the titular antihero after he killed Flag Sr's son in The Suicide Squad. Flag Sr will be portrayed by Frank Grillo, who voiced the character in Creature Commandos.

Waller and Economos should also have bit parts in the forthcoming Superman film and may have major supporting roles in Peacemaker's sophomore outing, too. The pair will likely be the protagonists of the as-yet-untitled Amanda Waller TV series, too, which is still in early development.

As for other DCU Chapter One productions, Creature Commandos season 2 might resolve any story threads left dangling after its forebear's finale. One of the best Max shows' next season is also in its early stages, though, so it's hard to determine when it'll be released or what its story will be about. This season's references to Wonder Woman also suggest it's tentatively setting up events to come in Paradise Lost, a Game of Thrones-inspired series set on the Amazonian island of Themyscira. Again, this project is still years away from surfacing, so I can't say what impact Creature Commandos season 1 will have on Diana Prince, Circe, and other Themyscira-based individuals.

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GenAI is the most disruptive technology to hit society since the internet. Two years on from the launch of the most popular Large Language Model, ChatGPT, GenAI tools have fundamentally and forever changed the way we consume information, create content and interpret data.

Since then, the breakneck speed at which AI tools have emerged and evolved has meant that many businesses have found themselves on the back foot when it comes to the regulation, management and governance of GenAI.

This environment has allowed ‘Shadow AI’ to run rampant. According to Microsoft, 78% of knowledge workers regularly use their own AI tools to complete work, yet a huge 52% don't disclose this to employers. As a result, companies are exposed to a myriad of risks, including data breaches, compliance violations, and security threats.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, comprising of strong governance, clear communication, and versatile monitoring and management of AI tools, all without compromising on staff freedom and flexibility.

Trust is paramount, and goes both ways

Employees will use GenAI tools, whether their employer mandates it or not. In fact, blanket bans, or stringent restrictions on how it should be used, is only likely to exacerbate the challenge of ‘Shadow AI’. A recent study even showed that 46% of employees would refuse to give up AI tools, even if they were banned.

GenAI is an incredibly accessible technology which has the power to significantly enhance efficiencies and bridge skills gaps. These transformative tools are within arms reach of time-pressured staffers and employers cannot, without reasonable justification, tell them they’re not allowed to use it.

Thus, the first step for employers to strike the right balance between efficiency and authenticity is to establish the blueprints for how GenAI can, and should, be used within a business setting.

Comprehensive training is therefore essential to ensure employees know how to safely and ethically use AI tools.

This goes beyond technical know-how - it also includes educating staff on the potential risks associated with AI tools, such as privacy concerns, intellectual property issues, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.

Clearly explaining these risks will go a long way in getting staffers on board with those restrictions which may, at first, seem too severe.

Outline clear use cases

Defining clear use cases for AI within a given organization is also extremely important, not just for telling employees how they can’t use AI, but also how they can use it. A recent study actually found that a fifth of staff don’t use AI currently because they don’t know how to.

Thus, with the right training, awareness, and understanding of how AI tools can be used, they can avoid unnecessary experimentation that may expose their organization to risk, while also reaping the efficiency rewards that naturally come with AI.

Of course, clear guidelines should be set around what AI tools are acceptable for use. This may differ depending on departments and workflows, so it’s important that organizations adopt a flexible approach to AI governance.

Once use cases are defined, it's critical to measure AI’s performance precisely. This includes setting benchmarks for how AI tools are integrated into the daily workflow, tracking productivity improvements, and ensuring alignment with business goals. By establishing metrics to monitor success, businesses can better track the adoption of AI tools, ensuring that they are not only used effectively but that their usage aligns with organizational objectives.

Addressing BYO-AI

One of the main reasons Shadow AI festers, is that employees can bypass IT departments and implement their own solutions through unsanctioned AI tools. The decentralized, plug-and-play nature of many AI platforms allows employees to easily integrate AI into their daily work routines, leading to a proliferation of shadow tools that may not adhere to corporate policies or security standards.

The solution to this problem is through versatile API management. By implementing robust API management procedures, organizations can effectively manage how internal and external AI tools are integrated into their systems.

From a security perspective, API management enables businesses to regulate access to data, monitor interactions between systems, and ensure that AI applications are only interacting with the appropriate datasets in a controlled and secure manner.

However, it’s important to not cross the line into workplace surveillance by monitoring specific inputs and outputs from business sanctioned tools. This is only likely to force AI users back into the shadows.

A good middle ground is for sensitive alerts to be configured to prevent accidental leaks of confidential data. For example, AI tools can be set up to detect when personal data, financial details, or other proprietary information is being input or processed by AI models inappropriately. Real-time alerts provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring that breaches are identified and mitigated before they escalate into full-blown security incidents.

A well-executed API strategy makes it possible to provide employees with the freedom to use GenAI tools productively, while simultaneously safeguarding the originations' data and ensuring that AI usage complies with internal governance policies. This balance can drive innovation and productivity without compromising security or control.

Striking the right balance

By establishing strong governance with defined use cases, leveraging versatile API management for smooth integration, and continuously monitoring AI usage for compliance and security risks, organizations can strike the right balance between productivity and protection. This approach will allow businesses to embrace the power of AI while minimizing the risks of ‘Shadow AI’, ensuring that GenAI is used in ways that are secure, efficient, and compliant while allowing them to unlock crucial value and return on investment.

We've compiled a list of the best network monitoring tools.

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

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• Sony gave us a first look at the latest prototype of its NFL coaches headset.
• This announcement comes after the tech giant became the leagues' official technology partner.
• The NFL Commissioner unveiled the headset during Sony's 2025 CES keynote.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

Yes, Tom Brady showed up at Delta Air Line’s 2025 CES keynote, but before that, football and sports at large were making an impact at this year's show. In fact, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared at the Sony press conference, which tracks as the tech giant the NFL's official technology partner and the sport's official headphones supplier.

We’ve seen aspects of this partnership come to life, most recently with Sony’s Beyond Sports helping to power the alternative real-time telecast of The Simpsons football game on Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. That broadcast was made possible with Sony’s Hawkeye solution, which tracks players using sensors on the field but also various cameras.

When the partnership was announced, Sony teased us that a headset designed for NFL coaches was in the works, and we got our first look at it during Sony’s press conference. If you guessed it would feature Sony branding, you’re correct, and that tracks for being a corporate sponsor.

(Image credit: Sony)

We don’t have specs or any further details, but this is the latest prototype of the coaches' headset that Sony is developing for the NFL. It will feature active noise cancellation, something that Sony knows a thing or two about, considering the performance of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and there will be some extra connectivity here.

These will be connected to Verizon’s 5G network – the carrier is another partner of the NFL – though it’s unknown if they’ll also feature Bluetooth or other connectivity. There is a large boom microphone for clear pickup, even when on the sidelines, and there is also a receiver of some sort. Chances are as we approach the next NFL season, Sony will be ready to share a bit more.

It’s clear, though, that the partnership between the two brands is growing, as Sony and the NFL frequently work together to ensure replays, develop camera locations, expand Hawkeye to new stadiums, and much more. Indeed, we got a quick behind-the-scenes look at the camera setup and production areas at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, thanks to the companies' growing partnership.

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At CES 2025, it’s been all about the big-screen TVs. Several TV brands have confirmed new 100-inch-plus TVs including Hisense, Samsung, TCL and LG. While this isn’t Hisense or TCL’s first rodeo into the 100-inch TV world, Samsung announced a 115-inch version of its Samsung QN90F Neo QLED TV as part of its 2025 Neo QLED lineup. LG also revealed a 100-inch model of its QNED85 as part of its 2025 QNED TV lineup, throwing its hat in the 100-inch ring.

These brands, all responsible for making some of the best TVs on the market, have experience with larger screen sizes before, with CES 2024 and 2024 in general seeing a mass increase in 98-inch sized TVs. But CES 2025 is taking things a step further, breaking the 100-inch barrier.

Hisense also revealed a 116-inch, RGB mini-LED TV, called the 116-inch UXN, to add to its already stacked 100-inch TV lineup, including the 110-inch UXN, 100-inch U8K and more. It even announced a 136-inch MicroLED TV that it says will be consumer-ready, due for release in 2025, with a 163-inch version to follow.

While the demand for big screen TVs seems to be on the rise, it does beg the question – are these TVs going to become the go-to, big screen option for home theater fans, replacing projectors? Honestly, I don't think so. Not yet anyway.

It’s all about the money

Samsung goes big with a 115-inch model of the QN90F (pictured) - but what price will it be? (Image credit: Future)

While we don’t yet have confirmation on the pricing of the majority of the announced big-screen models, we can look at other, currently available models for an idea. The prime example is the Hisense 110-inch UXN. A mini-LED capable of 10,000 nits peak brightness (though based on my testing of it, it’s closer to 3,000 nits sustained peak brightness when measured on a 10% window), the 110UXN costs roughly $15,000 / £20,000, so is very much a premium TV.

For the cream of the crop of larger screen TVs, such as the 97-inch LG G4, you’ll be looking to pay $24,999 / £24,999. This is far beyond most people’s budgets and means larger TV screens sit out of reach.

For this, you could easily get one of the best 4K projectors, including the ultra-premium JVC DLA-NZ800, which costs $14,999 / £14,999, and a large screen, up to 150-inches, to go with it. Even dropping down to the still excellent Sony XW5000 (which I had experience with at my previous retail job) which costs $4,999 / £4,999, and adding a decent sized screen to this and you’re still way off the premium TVs above.

Even the LG CineBeam Q, one of the best ultra short throw (UST) projectors, can hit over 100-inch projection for under $1,000 / £1,000. So why would you opt for anything other than a projector at these 100-inch sizes?

Cheaper, big screen TVs – for and against

The Hisense L9H projector (left) vs the Hisense 100-inch U7K (right) (Image credit: Future)

OK, so above I picked some of the most extreme examples of big-screen TVs. The truth is there is a crop of 100-inch mini-LED TVs, one of the better panel types for bigger screens, out there for under $5,000 / £5,000 – some for as low as $2,000 / £2,000.

The Hisense U8K, one of 2023’s best mini-LED TVs, is one of those budget sets, retailing for around $3,999, but we’ve seen it as low as $2,599 during Black Friday before. For a mini-LED TV of this quality, which we praised for its detail, brightness and contrast, that’s a bargain at this size.

I even tested a 100-inch Hisense U7K against the Hisense L9H Laser TV (UST projector) to see which was better if you wanted a big home theater screen on a budget, and although I chose the L9H projector, the U7K mini-LED TV came very close and even bested the projector in some areas (namely during brighter viewing conditions).

Edge-lit, big screen TVs such as the Samsung CU8000 (pictured) can struggle with dark images. (Image credit: Future)

There’s also a score of cheap, big screen QLED and LED models from Hisense, TCL, Samsung and more, for as low as $1,299 / £1,299, which is significantly cheaper than what you would have to fork out for a decent projector and screen. Of course, it’s crucial to make sure these TVs have the right type of lighting – edge-lit TVs are best avoided, as I discovered testing a 75-inch budget Samsung.

However, the overall issue with these cheaper, big screen TVs, is they can have noticeable flaws. This could be poor backlight control, resulting in backlight blooming, and poor black uniformity (the ability to display dark tones evenly across the whole screen), something similarly priced projectors are unlikely to suffer from.

The other problem is, for how much you would spend on one of the ‘better’ affordable big screen TVs, such as the Hisense U8K or a more premium set, you could easily get a very good ultra short throw projector. The Hisense PX3-Pro, which costs around $3,499 / £2,499 and earned four-and-a-half out of five in our review, thanks to its excellent HDR picture quality and high versatility, is a prime example of this.

Final thoughts

While it appears that big screen TVs are indeed here and could be the future of home theater viewing, they ultimately aren’t going to replace projectors anytime soon. To get the very best quality from a large screen TV, you’d need to spend more than you would for a very good 4K or UST projector and an even larger screen (over 130 inches, say).

Don't get me wrong, some of the big-screen TVs we’ve seen here at TechRadar, myself included, are certainly impressive and rival the most elite of projectors. But until these big-screen TV prices reduce, they’re not going to dethrone the projector for those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck home theater.

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