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While it doesn't come as a surprise, the drama has been fully kicking off in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. Without giving too much away, episode 5 of the Starz show followed Julia (Hermione Corfield) losing her carefully assembled allies after the spilling of secrets, Henry's (Jeremy Irvine) little hope that he has left starting to slip away, and Ellen (Harriet Slater) and Brian (Jamie Roy) having a lovely time celebrating Beltane. Lucky for some.

We've still got no idea how, or if, the original Outlander cast are going to directly cross-over with Outlander: Blood of My Blood (though it is technically possible), and with another five episodes still to go, we can't rule anything out. But when I had a chance to ask Irvine and Corfield exactly what that might be, surprises are coming much sooner than we first thought.

Next week's episode 6 is going to be a particularly challenging one – both for us watching and when the cast initially filmed it. Outlander: Blood of My Blood fans should particularly keep an eye on on Julia, who's about to have "one of her biggest episodes."

Julia has her most challenging moment yet in Outlander: Blood of My Blood episode 6

The full cast of Outlander: Blood of My Blood. (Image credit: Starz)

"That was a big one for us. We both sort of hit rock bottom," Irvine tells me, gesturing to Corfield, "You really had a tough one."

"I did. She goes through a lot of that episode," she replies. Corfield had previously explained to Collider, “Episode 6, for me, was one of my biggest episodes, I would say. It's quite contained. That was a real acting exercise. After I finished that week of filming, because I think we just did it all in one week, because it's basically one massive scene, I got to the end of that week, and I went, ‘Oh, I feel like I've really left it all on the floor.’

"And I think that settled me into it. Because I think when you have something that's got a real rich acting exercise piece, then I think once you've done it, you feel such satisfaction and you're like, ‘Woohoo, I've done it.’”

Irvine continues in our conversation, "It's rare to see Hermione looking tired, but at the end of that week was a different story. The scenes that tough, they're often the ones that we enjoy the most. You get to do proper acting."

What on earth any of this means for the next episode of Outlander: Blood of My Blood remains to be seen. We've seen Henry and Julia both be pushed to the brink individually, but with their blossoming love built on such strong foundations (I'm still not over the love letters), it feels unlikely that the pair will split.

However, it's entirely possible. We know Claire (Caitriona Balfe) has already been born by this point in time, and that's prompted a slew of fan theories that may actually have some weight to them.

Popular theories currently include meeting Claire’s parents in Outlander season 8, which wrapped filming in September 2024, Julia’s baby (not Claire) being somebody we’ve already met in the main show, and Jamie’s dad Brian being more closely linked to the pair than we’ve been led to believe.

Will we see any of these in episode 6? Unlikely, but I bet Julia's unspoken challenges leads us directly into the drama of season 2.

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• Opposition against the controversial child sexual abuse (CSAM) scanning bill is growing ahead of a crucial meeting on September 12
• The Danish version of the so-called Chat Control bill could be adopted as early as October 2025 if an agreement is found
• Experts are concerned about the negative impact the bill will have on citizens' communications privacy and security

Opposition against the controversial child sexual abuse (CSAM) scanning bill is growing among EU state members, just days away from a crucial meeting.

On September 12, the EU Council is expected to share its final positions on the Danish version of the so-called Chat Control. The proposal, which has attracted strong criticism so far, aims to introduce new obligations for all messaging services operating in Europe to scan users' chats, even if they're encrypted.

Both the Czech Republic and Belgium have now reportedly passed from being undecided to opposing the proposed law, according to the latest data, with the latter deeming the bill as "a monster that invades your privacy and cannot be tamed." They add to Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland in criticising the proposal's mandatory detection and encryption provisions.

The list of supporters is still much longer, though, counting 15 member states at the time of writing. These include crucial countries like France, alongside Italy, Spain, Sweden, Lithuania, Cyprus, Latvia, and Ireland.

Crucially, French MEPs said they could "basically support" the draft, a source with knowledge of the matter told TechRadar. While Germany, another decisive vote to either block or back the bill, may be considering abstaining from taking a position. This is something that will weaken the Danish mandate, "even if the Presidency gets the required votes to pass," explains TechRadar's source.

What's at stake for European's encrypted communications?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First unveiled in 2022, the Chat Control proposal has never been so close to becoming law, with a vote set to take place on October 14, 2025, and the majority of EU member states currently being its supporters.

On a more practical level, this means that the EU could be scanning your chats by October 2025 – no matter if they are encrypted.

The major point of contention, in fact, is the provisions around encryption, which is the technology responsible for keeping our communications private and secure. The likes of WhatsApp, Signal, ProtonMail, and even the best VPN apps all use encryption to scramble the content of users' messages into an unreadable form and prevent unauthorized access.

If the Danish Chat Control text passes, all the multimedia files and URLs you sent via WhatsApp and similar services would have to be mandatorily scanned in the lookout for CSAM materials. Crucially, government and military accounts will be exempt from the scanning.

While the proposal mentions that cybersecurity and encryption should be "protected in a comprehensive way," a wealth of experts, including tech developers, cryptographers, and digital rights advocates, have been warning that, as it's intended, mandatory scanning cannot be done without weakening encryption protections. This will also make everyone de facto more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

At the time of writing, only seven countries remain undecided, namely Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Romania, and Slovenia.

If you're worried about this proposal and wish to put pressure on your country's MEPs, this website helps you do so within a few clicks.

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This week Apple teased the iPhone 17 launch, and Flipepr Devices disputed claims its tech is helping people steal cars.

To catch up on all this, and five more of the week's top tech news stories scroll down for the latest iteration of our weekly ICYMI recap.

Next week is IFA and we're sure to see some big announcements there (perhaps even from Samsung) so be sure to check back for next recap in seven days.

7. Could Eternals tease doom for Doomsday?

(Image credit: Disney/Marvel Studios)

Eternals was the 2021 Marvel movie that instantly flopped, with fans and critics alike criticizing its rushed character development over a shorter runtime. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, director Chloe Zhao claimed having unlimited money and resources was “actually quite dangerous,” adding it prepared her for upcoming November release, Hamnet.

But what if the same logic could be applied to Avengers: Doomsday? It’s the movie moment of the decade for the MCU, so of course the studio is throwing caution to the limitless wind, even if it doesn't make sense looking in from the outside. In dangerous entertainment times and seemingly no limits on what happens when making Doomsday, Zhao's comments should perhaps be heeded as a warning.

• Read more: Eternals’ director notes the ‘dangerous’ lack of limitations in Marvel movies

6. A new solar powered security cam debuted

(Image credit: Swann)

If you like the idea of having a smart security camera watching over your home, but you don’t like the thought of taking it down to charge, Swann has the solution. The Swann EVO Wireless Solar can keep running with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day, and is weather-resistant so you can mount it just about anywhere. There’s no need to pay a subscription fee either, because all your videos are stored locally on an SD card. Now that’s smart.

It’s not the cheapest home security camera around, but once you factor in the solar panel and absence of monthly membership fees to watch your videos, its price tag of $129.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95 looks very reasonable.

• Read more: Swann's new camera stays charged with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day

5. Samsung’s next Unpacked got a date

(Image credit: SAMSUNG)

We sometimes worry for the folks over at Samsung HQ. In 2025, the company has hosted separate launch events for the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Edge, and new Galaxy Z foldables, and it looks like we’re getting one more Galaxy showcase before the year is out.

Coinciding with IFA 2025 on September 4, Samsung’s next “Galaxy Event” will see “premium AI tablets” and “the newest member of the Galaxy S25 family” enter the fold. That almost certainly means the Galaxy Tab S11 series and the Galaxy S25 FE are just around the corner, and thanks to several leaks and rumors, we think we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from all three new devices.

• Read more: Samsung’s next big phone and tablet launch is on September 4

4. Flipper Devices responded to car theft claims

(Image credit: Flipper Zero)

Could a $200 device be the next big thing in car theft? One report discovered underground hacker networks are selling Flipper Zero software patches that can unlock all manner of cars – even major brands like Ford, Audi, and Volkswagen.

The "multi-tool device for geeks" is intended for security researchers to demonstrate vulnerabilities responsibly, but some bad actors are misusing the device to mess with Tesla charge ports, change traffic lights, and now seemingly hack into cars – though the silver lining is the reports says the exploit can only open a car, you can’t yet drive off with it.

Flipper Devices did reach out to us with a statement saying, “We are not aware of any officially confirmed cases of theft using a Flipper Zero.” and to dispute claims these hacks are even effective as the Flipper Zero lacks the “hardware to suppress the radio signals, which would be necessary to crack systems that properly utilize rolling codes” like a keyless entry system.

• Read more: New Flipper Zero craze sees car thieves use cheap hacking device

3. DJI launched a new mic

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

DJI unveiled the Mic 3, the latest premium release in the company’s popular wearable wireless microphone range. It comes just 18 months after the DJI Mic 2 and it will supplant its predecessor at the top of TechRadar’s best wireless microphone guide thanks to some meaningful design and performance updates.

Our Cameras Editor Timothy Coleman only recently bought the Mic 2 and loves it, so he was a little skeptical about the need for a new model. After receiving our review sample of the DJI Mic 3, though, it only took him a few seconds to see why people might want to upgrade, and he admits to having a tinge of regret about the timing of his purchase.

The two models both record 24-bit and 32-bit float audio, but the Mic 3 has a smaller, tidier design, better battery life and a raft of audio upgrades, including timecode support, two-level noise cancellation, and improved transmission range. Put simply, the DJI Mic 3 sets the bar for tiny wireless mics.

• Read more: The small and mighty DJI Mic 3 is a major improvement on its predecessor

2. Google told us what it isn’t making

(Image credit: Google)

We might have just been treated to six new Pixel devices – including four new phones – but if you were desperate for a flip foldable or a successor to the Pixel Tablet then you’ll need to keep waiting.

Google's Vice President of Devices and Services Shakil Barkat confirmed that there are no plans for a Google flip foldable to join the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Barkat also ruled out a smart ring, and says the Pixel tablet series is on pause until a "meaningful future" can be figured out for the product category.

The status on smart glasses, meanwhile, is "TBD".

• Read more: Google explains why it isn't making you a Pixel Flip phone

1. Apple set the iPhone 17 launch date

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

We’ve all been expecting an Apple event in September, and the Cupertino-based technology giant has just made it official by sending out invites for a special event on September 9, with the tagline, “Awe dropping”.

It’ll start at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST on September 9, 2025 (3am September 10 AEST) at Apple Park, and we’ll be covering it from the ground to break down all of the biggest announcements as they happen.

Judging by the rumors and what Apple has shown off at previous September special events, we’re expecting the iPhone 17 lineup – including the all-new, super-thin iPhone 17 Air – new Apple Watches, and even AirPods. So as always you won’t want to miss it!

• Read more: iPhone 17 launch date official as Apple sends out invites for ’Awe dropping’ event

Oukitel WP210: 30-second review

Having seen a few rugged phones, they typically fall into one of two categories: either being excessively bulky to achieve extended battery life, or lightweight with less longevity and features.

Curiously, the Oukitel WP210 strikes a sweet spot between these two positions, making it appealing to a few distinct user groups who might be drawn to its blend of ruggedness, performance, and sleek design.

At a weight of 311g and with a relatively slim 13.7mm profile, sized like a standard phone, this is a design that manages to hide its rugged credentials effectively. Yet it still manages to deliver its IP68 / IP69K / MIL-STD-810H ratings, enabling it to handle harsh environments and even submersion.

From an aesthetics angle, this is a rugged phone that isn’t trying to be a Sci-Fi prop or project a military resilience; its carbon-fibre accents, matte polycarbonate shell, and metal frame give it a modern industrial look.

Available in red, black and grey, for a rugged phone, this design is classy while being understated, which is something many business customers will like. It’s styled to appeal to both outdoor adventurers and business professionals - rugged, but not overbuilt.

It features a high-end MediaTek SoC, making apps and the interface slick and responsive. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but alas, no Micro SD card expansion beyond that capacity. The 6.7-inch OLED display delivers intense colours and brightness, while the rear camera cluster features the 108MP Samsung S5KHM6, capturing high-quality images and videos.

Having high-end features such as these comes at a cost, but in this design, the asking price from Oukitel is only $399.99 for US customers, which seems like a bargain.

While it might not be the best rugged phone I've tested, it's certainly one of the best value devices in its category.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Oukitel WP210: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $400/£311
• When is it out? Available globally
• Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer

Oukitel sells the WP210 directly, though not in all regions. Currently, US customers can get it directly for $399.99.

However, it isn’t shown on the UK, French or German sites. I'm also seeing it on Amazon.com for $499.99 and Amazon.co.uk for £351.49. Worldwide, it's available via Aliexpress, too.

The obvious competitors for the WP210 are the Ulefone Armour 30 Pro and its bigger brother, the WP300.

The Oukitel WP300 has a higher battery capacity, but less RAM, a less powerful SoC, and a lower-quality camera. And, it costs almost the same price. The selling point of the WP300 is its detachable second screen, which doubles as a watch.

The Ulefone Armor 30 Pro features a heavier design at 509g, offering more battery capacity and 16GB RAM, but it comes with a less powerful SoC and a lower-quality camera. If you need longer running, it's an alternative, but it doesn’t offer the same performance levels as the WP210.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: Specs

Item

Spec

CPU:

MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (Octa-core, up to 3.1GHz)

GPU:

Mali-G610 MC6

NPU:

MediaTek NPU 580

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

512GB

Screen:

6.7-inch AMOLED,120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5

Resolution:

1080×2412 pixels

SIM:

2x Nano SIM (no TF)

Weight:

311g

Dimensions:

163.6 × 77.85 × 13.7 mm

Rugged Spec:

IP68 IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), MIL-STD-810H Certification

Rear cameras:

108MP Samsung S5KHM6 + 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro + 0.3MP depth

Front camera:

32MP Sony IMX615

Networking:

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3

OS:

Android 15

Battery:

8800 mAh battery (Max 45W charge wired, 10W reverse)

Colours:

Red, Black, Grey

Oukitel WP210: design

• Solid construction
• No headphone jack
• Lacks TF card expansion

What’s great about this phone design is how relatively normal it feels to use. It’s a classic modern Android phone-sized device, slightly thicker than a standard smartphone.

The metal banding about the outside feels solid and secure, and Oukitel provide it out of the box with a solid plastic bumper already mounted.

From a button perspective, there is nothing to see here. It’s the standard layout, featuring a power and audio rocker on one side and a user-customizable button on the other. In this respect, it’s a design that most people could simply pick up and use, rather than needing to adapt.

One nice feature on a phone this affordable is that the fingerprint reader is embedded under the screen, rather than being located on the power button. This makes the phone much easier to use for left-handed users.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

There are a few oddities which aren’t normal, and one of these is that there is no headphone jack, sadly.

However, there is an IR blaster on the top edge, the usefulness of which is undermined by the fact that no corresponding app is provided for its use. I suspect this should have been in the Oukitel Toolbox, but it might work with third-party tools.

Unusually, the SIM tray is next to the USB-C port on the bottom edge, and not the left side. It can accept two Nano SIMs, but it does not have a MicroSD card slot in the tray.

That’s the single biggest disappointment for those who use extra storage, even if Oukitel did give the phone 512GB of space to cushion that blow.

Overall, the WP210 appears designed not to push anything too radical on the customers, and except for the missing MicroSD functionality, it hits all the key areas that most people are looking for in a rugged phone.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: hardware

• MediaTek Dimensity 7050
• 16000 mAh battery

The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 is a powerful mid-range system-on-chip (SoC) designed to deliver impressive performance and efficiency for smartphones. It features an octa-core CPU, combining high-performance Cortex-A78 cores with energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores, along with a Mali-G610 MP6 GPU for enhanced graphics capabilities.

When compared to other mid-range SoCs, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Dimensity 8200 holds its ground with competitive benchmark scores and efficient power consumption. While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 may have a slight edge in memory bandwidth and higher clock speeds, the Dimensity 8200 offers a balanced performance that caters to both everyday tasks and demanding applications .

Overall, the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 is a solid choice for those seeking a capable and efficient SoC in the mid-range smartphone market, and I’ve seen it previously in the Oukitel WP200 Pro, which, on specification, bears an uncanny resemblance to the WP210.

The WP210 appears to be an externally redesigned WP200 Pro, which, from an economic perspective, makes perfect sense. But the WP200 Pro cost $200 more when it was launched.

Another common feature of the WP200 Pro is the 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which is rated at 500 nits and features a 120Hz refresh rate.

This display technology offers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, enhancing the visual experience for users. Additionally, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and impacts. The high refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making it ideal for both everyday use and gaming. Overall, the OLED display on the WP210 combines durability with impressive visual quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rugged yet visually appealing smartphone.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The last feature I wish to talk about is the battery, which, by rugged phone standards, is on the modest end of the spectrum. 8800mAh is still about twice what a typical phone has, and as we’ll see later in the benchmarks, it provides decent longevity.

The charging capability is 45W using the included charger of that exact specification, and charging takes about 2.5 hours. It can reverse charge at up to 10W, although in the Oukitel marketing material, it's shown doing this using an addon that then wirelessly charges a tablet. Given that the tablet would undoubtedly have a USB-C port, that would be an idiotic thing to do, as it would further reduce the efficiency of the power transfer.

There isn’t any wireless charging in the phone, even if it looks like the designer made the underside of the phone intentionally flat for that purpose.

To summarise, the SoC is punchy, the screen is lovely, the battery is big enough for the job, and it charges reasonably quickly.

• Hardware score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: cameras

• 108MP, 2MP and 0.3MP sensors on the rear
• 32MP on the front
• Four cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The Oukitel WP210 has four cameras:

Rear camera: 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX , 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro, 0.3MP Galaxy Core GC032A
Front camera: 32MP Sony IMX615

This is the identical camera configuration as the WP200 Pro, with the main sensor being the 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX. This 1/1.67-inch format, 108 MP stacked imager boasts a 0.64 µm pixel pitch, ISOCELL 2.0 technology, and Nonacell Bayer RGB colour filters, according to Samsung.

With a whopping 108 megapixels, this sensor is capable of producing incredibly detailed images or can effectively pixel bin to achieve vibrant colours and HDR contrast. The results, especially in outdoor lighting, can be impressive; however, there are times when the focus system appears to target the wrong object in the shot.

One downside is the absence of optical zoom; instead, the digital zoom transitions can feel quite jarring. The rear camera also lacks wide or telephoto sensors, relying on a somewhat lacklustre 2 MP macro sensor and a 0.3 MP sensor for depth effects. Therefore, the main sensor shoulders the majority of the photographic responsibilities. On a positive note, Oukitel has included a comprehensive camera application that features a full PRO mode for manual controls, alongside options for timelapse, slow-motion, night views, and panoramas.

What I would avoid is a feature that the user-defined button offers, which is to switch into underwater mode. While this phone is rated for full submersion for a limited time period, it's only to a depth of 1.5M, and that could be difficult to control in the ocean or even a pool.

Under the right conditions, images taken are decent, though they might not stand out as extraordinary. But given the price point of this device, the main sensor is a practical choice that is better than some phones that use 50MP sensors.

On the front, the choice of a 32 MP Sony sensor for selfies might seem excessive, especially since it only records at 1080p. It raises questions about the need for such high resolution for 1080p video, but this sensor does manage to capture good-quality images for those who enjoy digital self-portraits.

It's worth noting that this phone lacks Widevine L1 video encryption, offering only L3. This limitation means that when streaming from primary services like Netflix or Disney+, you'll only have access to 480p resolution, even with a fast 5G connection.

In short, the cameras are probably better than one might have anticipated, but they lack the optical focus and stabilisations that premium phones offer these days.

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• Camera score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: performance

• Decent SoC
• GPU is game-friendly
• Big battery

Phone

Oukitel WP210

Ulefone Armor 30 Pro

SoC

Dimensity 8200

Dimensity 7300X

GPU

Mali-G610 MC6

Mali-G615 MC2

Mem

MediaTek NPU 580

MediaTek NPU 655

NPU

12GB/512GB

16GB/512GB

Weight

311g

509g

Battery

8800

12800

Geekbench

Single

1246

1030

Multi

3968

3269

OpenCL

4310

2509

Vulkan

4736

2502

GFX

Aztec Open Normal

73

36

Aztec Vulkan Norm.

57

42

Car Chase

60

36

Manhattan 3.1

114

61

PCMark

3.0 Score

13970

11282

Battery

22h 44m

26h 38m

Charge in 30 mins

%

26

42

Passmark

Score

16455

14377

CPU

8490

7142

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

Maxed Out

7238

Slingshot Ex. OGL

Maxed Out

5446

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

Maxed Out

3814

Wildlife

6023

3284

Nomad Lite

625

360

I chose the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro as the phone to compare with the WP210, because it's roughly the same price, has a similar profile and also has plenty of RAM and storage.

However, what the 30 Pro lacks is the Dimensity 8200. It uses the Dimensity 7300X instead, and the difference is striking in terms of performance. In many graphical tests, the WP210 is twice the speed of the Armor 30 Pro, and even in pure computing benchmarks, it has about a 20% edge.

Where the Armor 30 Pro is advantaged is with its battery capacity, which is 45% bigger.

However, the flip side of that win, and its increased longevity, is that it takes twice as long to charge the battery, and the battery life wasn’t 45% longer. When you also consider the weight difference, the WP210 is a much better option unless total running time is your only criterion.

Overall, the WP210 delivers the same excellent user experience as its WP200 Pro brother, with the exception that it has more storage and RAM. But the price difference between them makes the WP210 a better value, as it does in comparison to the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Oukitel WP210: Final verdict

There is plenty to like in the WP210, as it manages to magically provide a decent battery life and a punch processor without being the size and weight of a house brick.

Those aspects, along with the OLED screen and 108MP camera, should bring the WP210 plenty of attention, and the mid-range pricing should seal the deal.

I don’t understand why Oukitel left the SD card option from the card slot, or why this is a dramatically more powerful phone than the WP300, but these are mysteries that only the designers at Oukitel could answer.

Overall, for those who want a well-built mid-range rugged phone, you could do substantially worse than the WP210, which surprised this reviewer at numerous points.

It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who fancied the WP200 Pro but didn’t like the price, as it is roughly the same phone with less storage and RAM for a significant cost reduction.

If there is a question mark over this device, it’s the level of support that Oukitel is likely to provide throughout the product's life. My review phone came with Android 15 installed and a June security update, but it’s worth flagging the trade-off between upfront cost and lifecycle reliability. Only time will tell, but Oukitel is not known for timely Android version upgrades or regular security patches, and its customer service is also not a strong point.

These points are equally applicable to the majority of Chinese rugged phone makers; however, it's worth noting that two to three years is the typical life cycle of these products, and beyond that point, they are often no longer supported.

Should I buy a Oukitel WP210?Oukitel WP210 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Affordable for a phone with these specs

4/5

Design

Not much heavier than an ordinary phone, but rugged and well-featured

4/5

Hardware

Gorgeous OLED screen, 512GB of storage, but no TF expansion

4/5

Camera

Excellent main sensor, slightly undermined by a lack of anti-shake on video capture

4/5

Performance

GGreat performance and decent battery life

4/5

Overall

A practical and effective design that many will love

4/5

Buy it if...

You need an outdoor phone
The WP210 is a robust design that can withstand being dropped 1.5M and exposure to water. This makes it ideal for outdoor occupations, adventure vacations and those who are inherently clumsy.

You carry lots of data or apps
With 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, this phone is ideal for those who like to carry data and install numerous apps. However, there is no TF card expansion beyond that capacity.

Don't buy it if...

You want more than 512GB storage
Without a TF card (Micro SD card) expansion, you can’t expand the internal capacity of this phone beyond its default 512GB. You could connect an external SSD, if it takes less than the 10W of power output of the USB-C port, but that’s less than an ideal option.

You want WiFi 7
The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 used in the WP210 supports 5G comms and WiFi 6, but it doesn’t connect using multiple bands over WiFi 7. That would require the Dimensity 9200, a chip that isn’t in this phone.

Also Consider

Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro
Another practical, rugged design with an inbuilt camping light, night vision camera and about 25% more battery capacity than the A56. It’s also dramatically cheaper, but conversely, the cameras aren’t as good, and the SoC isn’t as powerful. For those needing a cheap, tough phone, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro might be a good choice.

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

Oukitel WP300
Another dial display phone, but with this one, the small second screen is detachable and becomes a smartwatch. It costs more than the WP210, but it has a bigger battery that gives it extended running time.

Read our full Oukitel WP300 review

For more ruggedized devices, we've reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

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(Image credit: Fran Ruchalski)

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 30.

If there’s any one word that describes the Macan EV, it’s refined. Porsche hit the ground running in 2019 with the release of its first modern electric, the Taycan – an expensive sports car that quickly proved legacy automakers could readily compete with Tesla on its own terms. That release also gave Porsche an advantage over other automakers in the then-burgeoning mainstream EV market, allowing them to refine their electric offering before other major car companies would even announce plans for electrification.

Conversely, the electric Macan arrived in early 2024 (late 2024 for Australians) to drastically different market conditions – interest in Tesla’s cars was feigning, particularly with challengers from China offering competitive products, with such market conditions carrying through to today. Indeed it feels like Porsche and similarly established automakers are now the ones playing defense, with Chinese rivals like Polestar, Xpeng and IM ready to snatch up the market of drivers excited about electrification now that the tech has progressed a bit, prices have come down and charging infrastructure is a bit further along.

These brands offer models that are competitively specced and priced to the Macan Electric… though they do all lack one key thing: they’re not Porsche.

Porsche Macan EV specs

Specs

Porsche Macan Electric

Country of manufacture

Germany

Price

Porsche Macan Electric: $78,000 / £68,500 / AU$128,400

Porsche Macan 4 Electric: $81,600 / £71,200 / AU$134,400

Porsche Macan 4S Electric: $88,000 / £76,900 / AU$149,300

Porsche Macan Turbo Electric: $109,500 / £96,900 / AU$184,400

Range

Porsche Macan Electric: 315mi (EPA) / 333mi – 398mi (WLTP) / 536km – 641km (WLTP)

Porsche Macan 4 Electric: 308mi (EPA) / 320mi – 380mi (WLTP) / 516km – 613km (WLTP)

Porsche Macan 4S Electric: 288mi (EPA) / 318mi – 376mi (WLTP) / 512km – 606km (WLTP)

Porsche Macan Turbo Electric: 288mi (EPA) / 321 mi – 233mi (WLTP) / 518km – 590km (WLTP)

Battery size

100kWh

Power / torque

Porsche Macan Electric: 250kW / 563Nm

Porsche Macan 4 Electric: 285kW / 650Nm

Porsche Macan 4S Electric: 330kW / 820Nm

Porsche Macan Turbo Electric: 470kW / 1,130Nm

Maximum charging capacity

11kW (AC) / 270kW (DC)

Quoted recharge speed (DC)

10% to 80% in around 21 minutes

Drivetrain

Porsche Macan Electric: RWD

Porsche Macan 4 / 4S / Turbo: AWD

Dimensions

4,784 x 1,938 x 1,623cm (L x W x H)

Boot capacity

540L / 1,348L including rear seating

The electric experience, refined

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

A big touchscreen, heads-up display and minimalist, digital-first user interface aren’t innovative things in the automotive industry anymore, not even for a luxury automaker like Porsche. Tech like this has simply become synonymous with EVs, and is now a bit of a heel when done poorly. This is why I’m so thrilled with the Porsche Macan EV – because it’s not just utilising all these things, it has mastered them.

The infotainment system in the Macan EV feels thoughtful. Text is rightly sized, icons aren’t too small for a fingerpress, and indeed there are enough physical controls (for things like air conditioning) for the car to properly be driven without ever needing to tap the screen.

The inbuilt navigation app is well-made and can be relied upon, though with the car’s well laid-out interface, it’s no hassle to connect your phone and fire up Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – though with the former, I found my phone would often be quite laggy when placed on the Macan’s wireless charging pad.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

One of the most impressive parts of the Macan’s dashboard is its concave instrument cluster. The screen behind the steering wheel is curved, giving it depth and ultimately making it look a lot better than similar digital clusters from other automakers. The screen can be adjusted to include up to three gauges, or it can simply be switched to portray a speed indication and a live map, giving you easy, glanceable directions on the road. It’s by far my favourite instrument cluster of any EV – or even any car – I’ve tested.

The heads-up display is the icing on the cake. In cruise control, the display will demonstrate the lines of distance you have between the car in front of you and yourself, which it will maintain like any other car with adaptive cruise. It’ll also visualise the lines it can currently see on the sides of the road – helpful for making sure lane assistance is enabled on a poorly-marked road.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Driving dynamics of the Porsche Macan are, as you’d expect, brilliant, with the car offering punchy acceleration and great road handling. It’s quite a big car and its turning circle suffers as a result, but it’s a brilliant vehicle regardless for comfortable travel in and out of town. It’s quite wide and has big 22-inch wheels, so if your idea of a Porsche is a low-to-the-ground track toy, I think you’ll be mostly disappointed with the electric Macan – though you won’t mind its exceptional handling, and with a lot of boot and rear seating space, it’d definitely be a comfortable car for holidaying.

Range and recharging speed are also a non-issue, with the gigantic 100kWh battery capable of facilitating a weekend-away’s worth of driving. A 270kW DC recharging capacity is also right for the price, though considering rivalling Chinese EVs in the luxury segment are besting this (or even EVs well below the luxury segment – the Xpeng G6 is half the Macan’s price and capable of 280kW) I’d note that this may seem unimpressive at some point in the near future. Not too near, though, as public DC chargers tend to max out at 350kW, and any greater capacities would require major infrastructure changes.

One last thing worthy of note. Thanks to having smaller motors, many electric cars are able to provide additional storage space under the bonnet. The Macan has a useful amount of under-bonnet space, but it outdoes other automakers by having a dedicated bonnet-open button on the keyfob. This gives the space actual utility, showing up other automakers that offer the space but lack an easy way to pop the hood. Cool!

But is it enough?

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

A starting cost of $78,000 / £68,500 / AU$128,400 is going to be unreachable for most people and will no doubt keep many buyers away from the Macan – though I think it's unlikely that Porsche will change this any time soon. Porsche has earned the right to price the Macan like this: every aspect of the car is luxurious – although there are aspects that some potential purchasers may think are a bit much.

Similar to the preceding Taycan, there are charging ports on both sides of the car with only one equipped for fast DC charging. These ports open with the most overdesigned doors I’ve ever seen – via rolling motors that slide the ports open and closed. I think this is just unnecessary, even for a luxury car: it adds mechanical complexity to open the doors, which could break one day. A pop-open door will do.

Additionally, some of the more expensive Macan trims feature a third touchscreen display positioned in front of the front passenger seat for its occupant. It’s a cool idea, I guess, to give your passenger control over stuff like music playback from a convenient screen in front of them, but I don’t really see the point, especially with music streaming apps able to play music in groups, with multiple phones controlling the current song – it just seems excessive.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Moving onto the unexpected, I encountered a critical operating system freeze when starting the car one morning. The infotainment system locked up on the Porsche logo and I couldn’t interact with it, and needed to manually reset it. I’ve encountered this with cars in the past and it’s never not annoying, but I was kind of shocked to have dealt with it in such an expensive car.

Apart from these things, I don’t really think there’s much to dislike about the Porsche Macan Electric. The company has worked really hard to polish this car to a point of undeniable quality.

Should you buy the Porsche Macan Electric?

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

It’s easy for me to recommend something as expensive as the Porsche Macan Electric, but obviously it’s not for everyone. It has an unrivaled level of quality, and among luxury electric SUVs, it very much deserves to be at the upper-end of the market. My colleague Leon Poultney went hands-on with the Macan electric a bit before me and argued that it would be a shame if Porsche scaled back its EV ambitions when cars like the Macan feel so mastered – and I very much agree: Porsche has nailed the assignment and I think it offers some really special cars in the electric space.

If you’re chasing a similar level of quality, I’d recommend to you both the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, Audi Q6 e-tron or the BMW iX. Generally speaking, these cars each compete with the Macan Electric while also undercutting it on price.

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• Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is likely to arrive soon with LTE capability
• Rather than use a third-party data plan, leaks indicate Garmin is expanding its inReach messenger service
• In-app code reportedly reveals four new subscription tiers

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro looks set to be coming soon. While it's hard to improve on a five-star, super-premium watch like the Garmin Fenix 8, the 'Pro' tag seems to indicate a feature that the standard models don't already have: LTE capability.

For the uninitiated, LTE connectivity allows users to connect a device to the internet or a satellite network using a data plan. On the best Apple Watches and best Android watches, this is commonly done by extending your phone's data plan to also include your smartwatch for an additional fee.

The smartwatch user can then use their watch like a 'mini phone' of sorts, exchanging messages, accessing internet services such as email, and even taking calls without a connected mobile phone nearby. It seems like Garmin wants to get in on this action.

However, new leaks via Gadgets & Wearables seemingly reveal it's not doing this using third-party networks like other smartwatches. Instead, it sounds as though Garmin's going to be expanding its pre-existing inReach service, a satellite messaging functionality accessible on dedicated Garmin devices such as the InReach Mini 2 pictured below, used to find weather information, communicate location, and send messages outside of the reach of a normal cellphone.

Rather than streaming music and accessing emails for convenience, the Fenix 8 Pro is likely to be positioned as the best Garmin watch to keep you connected while deep on the most remote trails, able to go places other watches can't – hence the 'Pro' moniker.

(Image credit: Garmin)InReach subscription tiers

Gadgets & Wearables found, in the Garmin Connect app, lines of code detailing four new inReach tier names: Enabled, Essential, Standard, and Premium.

While nothing has been announced, this is likely a new expansion of the inReach service, and rather than allow the Fenix 8 Pro to be tied to a plan from the likes of EE or Mint Mobile, Garmin will be keeping everything in-house.

The multiple subscription tiers do, at first glance, raise eyebrows: while you pay to connect a watch to a data plan, multiple tiers means that rather than pay a set price to unlock all the LTE-enabled features on the watch, you're again paying by tier, with features artificially locked behind yet another paywall.

The situation has echoes of the backlash to the Garmin Connect+ premium tier we experienced earlier this year, when hundreds of readers emailed in to voice their displeasure that Garmin was locking features behind a paywall in its fitness app.

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Now that summer is coming to an unfortunate end, it's time to start thinking about what you're going to be streaming during the beginning of the fall months, and Paramount+ is the place to go in September 2025.

Out of all the 127 new movies, the first one that caught my eye was Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic Arrival (2016), a personal favorite of mine. But it doesn't end there, and if you're a horror fan, hold on to your hats.

Not only are the first eight installments of the Friday the 13th franchise arriving on September 1, you can catch other exciting horror staples including The Woman in Black (2012) and Sleepy Hollow (1999). Alternatively, if horror isn't your thing but a good comedy movie is, you can always opt for the parody flick Scary Movie (2000) – a movie I can't wait to see return for its sixth chapter.

Everything new on Paramount+ in September 2025

Arriving on September 1

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (movie)
Addams Family Values (movie)
Afflicted (movie)
Along Came A Spider (movie)
Angel Heart (movie)
Approaching The Unknown (movie)
April Fool's Day (movie)
Area 51 (movie)
Arrival (movie)
Asylum (movie)
Below (movie)
Beneath (movie)
Blade (movie)
Blade II (movie)
Blade: Trinity (movie)
Body Cam (movie)
Brick Mansions (movie)
Burke & Hare (movie)
Cesar Chavez (movie)
Cloverfield (movie)
Cursed (movie)
Daybreakers (movie)
Disturbia (movie)
Dracula III: Legacy (movie)
Face/Off (movie)
Fatal Attraction (movie)
Frida (movie)
Friday the 13th (movie)
Friday the 13th Part II (movie)
Friday the 13th Part III (movie)
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (movie)
Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (movie)
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (movie)
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (movie)
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (movie)
From Dusk Till Dawn (movie)
From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (movie)
From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter (movie)
Galaxy Quest (movie)
Gattaca (movie)
Geostorm (movie)
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (movie)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (movie)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (movie)
Jacob's Ladder (movie)
John Carpenter's Escape From L.A. (movie)
Kiss The Girls (movie)
La Bamba (movie)
Labor Day (movie)
Life (movie)
Like Water for Chocolate (movie)
Loosies (movie)
Margaux (movie)
Mommie Dearest (movie)
Murder On The Orient Express (movie)
National Lampoon's Animal House (movie)
Nick of Time (movie)
Nobody's Fool (movie)
O (Othello) (movie)
Overlord (movie)
Patriot Games (movie)
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (movie)
Phantoms (movie)
Piñero (movie)
Quinceañera (movie)
Road to Perdition (movie)
Safe (movie)
Scary Movie (movie)
Scary Movie 2 (movie)
Scary Movie 3 (movie)
Scream 4 (movie)
Seven Psychopaths (movie)
Sleepy Hollow (movie)
Small Soldiers (movie)
Spell (movie)
Spontaneous (movie)
Student Bodies (movie)
Super 8 (movie)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (movie)
Sweet Dreams (movie)
Teaching Mrs. Tingle (movie)
The Addams Family (movie)
The Commuter (movie)
The Crow (movie)
The Crow: City of Angels (movie)
The Crow: Wicked Prayer (movie)
The Devil Inside (movie)
The Faculty (movie)
The Gift (movie)
The Grifters (movie)
The Haunting (movie)
The Hunter (movie)
The Island (movie)
The Last Exorcism Part II (movie)
The Longest Yard (movie)
The Loved Ones (movie)
The Mechanic (movie)
The Monster Squad (movie)
The Night Clerk (movie)
The Parallax View (movie)
The Reckoning (movie)
The Relic (movie)
The Ring (movie)
The Stepford Wives (movie)
The Sum of All Fears (movie)
The Terminal (movie)
The Uninvited (movie)
The Woman in Black (movie)
To Catch a Thief (movie)
Twisted (movie)
Universal Soldier (movie)
Up in Smoke (movie)
Vampire in Brooklyn (movie)
Venom (movie)
Vertical Limit (movie)
Virtuosity (movie)
Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000 (movie)
Wes Craven Presents: They (movie)
Winter Spring Summer or Fall (movie)
Witness (movie)
World War Z (movie)

Arriving on September 3

Wolves (movie)

Arriving on September 4

NCIS: Tony & Ziva (TV show)

Arriving on September 5

Old Henry (movie)
Superhero Movie (movie)

Arriving on September 7

2025 Video Music Awards (live event)

Arriving on September 8

The Wedding Banquet (movie)

Arriving on September 9

Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout (documentary)

Arriving on September 10

Personal Shopper (movie)
The Tiny Chef Show season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on September 12

The Reunion season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on September 14

Primetime Emmy Awards (live event)

Arriving on September 17

Air Disasters season 22 (TV show)
The Adventures of Paddington season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on September 21

Tulsa King season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on September 22

A GRAMMY Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September special (TV show)

Arriving on September 23

Bodyguard of Lies (documentary)

Arriving on September 24

Survivor season 49 (TV show)

Arriving on September 25

The Amazing Race season 38 (TV show)

Arriving on September 28

60 minutes season 58 (TV show)
48 hours season 38 (TV show)

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in Washington, D.C., delayed enforcing its decision, which is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

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• Qualcomm unveils Dragonwing Q-6690 with onboard RFID eliminating need for external modules
• Processor combines RFID, AI, and advanced wireless support for retail logistics and industry
• RAIN Alliance says integration could transform operations and create new connected markets

Qualcomm has announced a new enterprise mobile processor that integrates RFID directly onto the chip, something no other mobile CPU has offered previously.

The Dragonwing Q-6690 brings together RFID with built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband support.

The processor has been designed for use in devices across retail, logistics, and industrial environments, as Qualcomm says it can support rugged handhelds, point-of-sale systems, kiosks, and other commercial form factors.

Software-configurable packs

By embedding RFID directly, the processor does away with the need for separate RFID reader modules, resulting in slimmer devices.

“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” said Art Miller, vice president and head of retail at Qualcomm.

“We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”

Qualcomm views the new platform as a tool for contactless applications such as access control, asset tracking, product authentication, and real-time inventory management.

The platform offers software-configurable packs which will allow manufacturers to customize computing power, multimedia support, camera capabilities, and peripheral options for specific devices.

These packs will be upgradable over the air, doing away with the need to redesign hardware, which should help in reducing certification demands, as well as speeding up product launches, and extending device lifecycles.

For retailers, the new chip could be used for product tracking and store operations, while for industrial and logistics settings the integration could speed up and simplify processes that rely on RFID scanning.

A number of device makers, including Zebra, Honeywell, Urovo, HMD Secure, and CipherLab, say they plan to release products powered by the processor, with commercial availability expected in the coming months.

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Yellowstone Universe shows: Key Information

- There are currently 3 shows that have finished their run, and 5 planned series in the Yellowstone Universe

- Shows that have already aired are: Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923

- Future shows are: 1944, a Beth and Rip Wheeler drama, The Madison, Y: Marshals and 6666

- Paramount’s CEO told showrunner Taylor Sheridan: “We can just make this his [Sheridan’s] home for as long as he wants to tell stories.

The success of neo-Western Yellowstone has now become so mighty, that the Yellowstone Universe is now starting to rival that of DC Comics or Marvel; a host of sequels, spin-offs, prequels and other series to arrive over the next few years, all mined from the original IP.

The five-season show – fronted by Kevin Costner – kicked off on Paramount+ in 2018, and showrunner Taylor Sheridan evolved it into an even bigger pop-culture juggernaut when the first prequel series, 1883, launched in 2021.

Executive producer David Glasser told Variety at the time that there were big hopes for the Dutton Ranch franchise: “I think this universe as we’ve seen, with the success of 1883, it can grow and it can have other offshoots and build out a world around it. We’re going to keep our head down and keep making the content and hopefully audiences and our peers will recognize it the way they have been.

Keep ‘em coming, said David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, buoyed by the roaring cowboy-centred hits: “We can just make this his [Sheridan’s] home for as long as he wants to tell stories.” In July 2025, Paramount took the commitment even further, when it was announced that Sheridan and Paramount were launching 450,000-square-foot production studios in Fort Worth, Texas.

But with so many TV shows coming from the same original series, it can get confusing as to what is what. So here, in chronological order as to when they’re set, is every show in the Yellowstone Universe, including series that have already been broadcast – and everything we know about future shows due to launch soon:

1883

1883 is the earliest of the Yellowstone prequels (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

The prequel series – set in the same year of its title – tells the story of how the Duttons managed to establish their Yellowstone ranch and the show began Paramount+ on December 2021. It starred Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May and LaMonica Garrett, and had some pretty stellar guest spots too, including Tom Hanks, Billy Bob Thornton, Rita Wilson and even a cameo from the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan.

The action follows the post–Civil War generation of the Duttons as they leave Tennessee and make the journey to Fort Worth, Texas, and join a wagon train undertaking the arduous journey west to Oregon, before finally settling in Montana.

1883 was a limited, 10-part series that finished in February 2022. Paramount’s commission of further episodes was reversed as they decided to focus on a sequel instead, 1923. Sheridan told Deadline that he considered 1883 done and dusted as the series ended: “We wanted to make a ten-hour movie that ended, and that’s what we did.”

1923

1923 only ran for two seasons. (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Another sequel series, set 40 years after 1883, that focuses on the challenges faced by the Duttons – in this case, the spectacular duo of Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton and Harrison Ford as her husband, Jacob Dutton.

If you’ve even a passing interest in American history, you’ll know that it was a turbulent time and the shock waves of the Prohibition, a drought and the early stages of the Great Depression hit Montana just as badly as elsewhere in the country.

The cast of 1923 also boasted Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Jerome Flynn, Darren Mann and Isabel May, who once again reprised her role as narrator, Elsa Dutton.

In the end, 1923 ran for just two eight-episode seasons – and the exorbitant costs might have had something to do with this. Each episode was estimated to have cost $30-35 million to make, and Sheridan told Deadline: “I would argue that 1883 was the most expensive first season of a TV show ever made. This was much more expensive. Much more expensive.”

1944

1944 will feature the ancestors of 1923. (Image credit: Paramount Plus)

This new historical prequel will have the life-altering event of World War II at its centre, and will explore the Dutton’s family experiences during that era. But details on this series are extremely scant at the moment, and there’s only really been the confirmation of the series announced back in November 2023, when it was also announced that Yellowstone would be wrapping up.

As for plot and characters, In previous storylines, we’ve been told that Spencer Dutton fought in the first World War before 1923, meaning that it's possible that his son, John Dutton II, will fight in World War II. And we could possibly see a return from Spencer too. Actor Brandon Sklenar told Variety: “I know they're planning on doing 1944, and maybe we'll see Spencer in 1944. I would be interested in doing it. I love this character."

There's no release details as yet for this, but we'll update when we know more.

Yellowstone

The series that launched (almost) a thousand spin-offs. (Image credit: Paramount Network)

The original series that birthed the entire, hefty universe. Yellowstone – co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson – premiered in September 2018 on the Paramount Network, and ran for five seasons, until it ended for good in December 2024.

Kevin Costner was the star talent here, playing John Dutton III, Governor of Montana and owner of one of the biggest cattle ranches, Dutton Ranch, in America, and the audience took the tales of family, legacy and the and the clash between old and new ways of life in the American West to heart, and the show stealthily built up a huge fan base.

But Costner dropped a bombshell in June 2024, and announced he was leaving the series, saying on his Instagram account: “Thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love. I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue, season five or into the future.”

A post shared by Kevin Costner (@kevincostner)

A photo posted by on

But, on the show went, the season 5 premiere pulled in 12.1 million viewers, and Costner departed at the end of part one of season 5.

Beth and Rip Wheeler drama

The as-yet-unnamed series will likely be another hit with fans. (Image credit: Paramount Network)

Not called Dutton Ranch, as some first predicted – the title is still actually still TBA – but this series, set in the present day after the end of Yellowstone, will see Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser back in their legendary roles of Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Finn Little who plays Carter will also be returning.

Deadline has reported that the spin-off will pick up where season five ended, which saw (spoiler alert) Dutton being sold to the Broken Rock Reservation. It will be “led by Yellowstone characters, played by the same actors in the same present-day time frame; the new offshoot shares the most DNA with the mothership of any shows in the Yellowstone universe to date.”

Bloomberg says to expect a late 2025 launch sometime in September, October and November for this one, but the network is still yet to reveal an exact date.

The Madison

The Madison will feature a very wealthy family from New York in Montana. (Image credit: Paramount Network)

The Madison – previously titled 2024 – is a present day spin-off, which will follow the McIntosh family, originally from New York City, who live in the Madison River valley of central Montana.

It’s being fronted by by Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn, the mother of two daughters, one who marries into the wealthy McIntosh family, and also features the likes of:

• Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh
• Elle Chapman as Paige McIntosh
• Matthew Fox as Paul
• Beau Garrett as Abigail Reese
• Amiah Miller as Bridgette Reese
• Ben Schnetzer as Van
• Kevin Zegers as Cade
• Rebecca Spence as Liliana Weeks
• Alaina Pollack as Macy
• Danielle Vasinova as Kestrel

Filming began in September 2024 and wrapped by the end of the year, which means it won’t be long to wait until this one hits the screens, but there’s no exact date released yet. However, it's predicted for the end of 2025, or the beginning of 2026.

Deadline have also reported that The Madison has already been picked up for a second season, such is the faith that the network has in Sheridan.

Y: Marshals

Y: Marshals will focus on Yellowstone themes of family, loyalty and duty. (Image credit: Paramount)

Y: Marshals (apparently still a working title) is the spin-off with Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. With his days at the ranch behind him, Kayce joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana. Alongside themes of family, duty and loyalty – issues that run deep at the heart of every show in the Yellowstone universe – Dutton will find out, the logline promises, the “high psychological cost that comes with serving as the last line of defense in the region’s war on violence.”

Alongside Grimes, the only other cast member confirmed so far is Logan Marshall-Green (last seen as Adam in And Just Like That…) would join the cast alongside Grimes. He will play Pete Calvin, a military veteran whom Kayce befriended during his time in the Navy SEALs.

The 13-episode show will be broadcast on CBS, and is pencilled in for late 2025 or early 2026.

6666

6666 will feature a rival cattle ranch to Yellowstone. (Image credit: Paramount+)

Paramount announced back in February 2021 that 6666 (again, likely a working title) was currently in development, and slated to be broadcast on Paramount+.

“Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666,” the announcement explained of the concept behind the series. “Still operating as it did two centuries before, and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing… The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world class cowboys are born and made.”

The show will take place at the real 6666 (“Four Sixes”) ranch in Texas. It was featured in season 4 of Yellowstone, with Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) sent to work there, so while no cast have been confirmed as yet, it’s likely that it will be led by White and could potentially feature Jefferson White: as Jimmy Hurdstrom and Kathryn Kelly: as Emily, Jimmy’s girlfriend. But there’s no confirmation of the period this show will be set in – a historical era, or present day.

There’s also no release date as yet, but updated news announced that it will now be broadcast on Paramount Network first, and that the series will be executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.

• Prime Video customers can now access Peacock Premium Plus directly through their existing app
• The plan costs $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year
• Prime Video sometimes does great deals on its 'channels'

As of August 28, 2025, Prime Video subscribers can now access Peacock Premium Plus directly through the app. It's part of an expanded partnership with NBC Universal, and basically means we're getting more ad-free streaming goodness. In fact, for many of us, it's the ad-free streaming goodness we're missing from Prime Video itself, but let's not complain.

In its own words, the new add-on offers "thousands of hours of on-demand entertainment, news, and sports content." Think TV shows including Poker Face, Yellowstone, and The Office's new spinoff, The Paper – all in one place alongside Prime Video's movies and shows. Dreamy.

Currently, the cost of Peacock Premium Plus (whether a standalone subscription or included with Prime Video) is $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year. But given Prime Video often has some of the best streaming deals around on its channels, just like this new Peacock option will be, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a fantastic deal on this option in the near future.

Peacock ad-free streaming on Prime Video is worth keeping an eye on for bargain prices

I already need to sort out a full Peacock subscription ahead of new episodes of The Paper, and now I'm more likely to do so through my existing Prime Video account. Currently, the Amazon streamer has one of the best free trial windows out of its competitors (30 days), a huge variety of expanded add-ons ranging from MGM+ and Starz to Paramount+, and some of the best streaming deals on the market – and as recently as July, we say some great deals on this kinds of add-ons.

Thanks to the formerly separate Freevee app that's now been fully integrated, there's even more movies you can watch at no extra cost on Prime Vudeo (as long as you're okay with a few short ad breaks). With limitless binge-worthy opportunities at rock bottom prices, ad-free streaming via Peacock is only the cherry on the cake – and I'd bet good money on plan prices coming down too.

This isn't all Prime Video has planned for its NBC Universal merger, though. You'll be able to get the Peacock app on all Fire TV devices, Xfinity X1 and Xumo customers will have seamless access to Prime Video, and more hit Universal Pictures Home Entertainment releases will be available to buy and/or rent through the streamer.

Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins said in a statement, "At Amazon, we are always working to make customers’ lives better every day and these new agreements with Comcast NBCU are fantastic for millions of customers, who are looking for the fastest and easiest way to find all their entertainment and sports in one place.

"Adding Peacock to our growing list of subscriptions – while renewing our long-standing agreements for Fire TV, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, and Xfinity X1 – deepens an incredible working relationship with Comcast/NBCU, and we look forward to a future of mutual distribution that benefits our shared customers."

Frankly, I'm all for it. If you need me, I'm never getting up from my couch.

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The FBI is calling the attack at a Minnesota Catholic church an act of domestic terrorism driven by "hate-filled ideology." Extremism analysts say the picture may be more complex.

(Image credit: Scott Olson)

• Scientists hope Surya extracts insights from the Sun’s complex magnetic processes
• Researchers processed nine years of imagery from the Solar Dynamics Observatory
• Surya achieved a reported 16% improvement in flare classification accuracy

IBM and NASA have introduced Surya, the first open source foundation model for solar physics.

IBM says the AI model, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for the Sun, is trained to forecast solar activity such as flares and storms that can disrupt satellites, navigation systems, and power grids.

It has been made available through Hugging Face, GitHub, and IBM’s TerraTorch library, alongside a dataset collection called SuryaBench.

From Earth data to solar forecasts

The project comes as reliance on space-based technology expands, from aviation and communication to future deep space missions.

Predicting solar weather remains a difficult task, given that these events originate millions of miles away on a body whose physics are still only partly understood.

“We’ve been on this journey of pushing the limits of technology with NASA since 2023, delivering pioneering foundational AI models to gain an unprecedented understanding of our planet Earth,” said Juan Bernabé-Moreno, the IBM director in charge of the scientific collaboration with NASA.

“With Surya we have created the first foundation model to look the Sun in the eye and forecast its moods.”

This collaboration follows earlier work by IBM and NASA on AI-driven models for Earth and weather prediction, which led to the development of the Prithvi model that analyzed satellite data to aid studies of climate and atmospheric systems.

With Surya, they are attempting something similar for the Sun, turning years of high-resolution solar imagery from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory into a kind of digital twin.

Scientists hope the model will allow forecasts that go beyond whether a flare will happen.

Early reports suggest Surya can generate high-resolution visual predictions of flares up to two hours before they occur, doubling the lead time of traditional methods.

That would mean additional preparation time for astronauts and operators of critical infrastructure on Earth.

To build Surya, researchers processed nine years of imagery from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, which captures the Sun every 12 seconds at multiple wavelengths.

They employed a long-short vision transformer with spectral gating to manage the immense data load.

The model was trained not only to analyze current conditions but to infer what future observations would look like, testing its accuracy against real data.

“We want to give Earth the longest lead time possible,” said Andrés Muñoz-Jaramillo, a solar physicist at the Southwest Research Institute and a lead scientist on the project.

“Our hope is that the model has learned all the critical processes behind our star’s evolution through time so that we can extract actionable insights.”

Like other large language models and AI tools, Surya raises questions about whether its outputs should be treated as discovery or as augmentation of human expertise.

However, its backers emphasize automation and efficiency, pointing to a claimed 16% improvement in flare classification accuracy.

Still, forecasting remains far from certain, as the Sun’s activity involves many processes that remain poorly understood.

While Surya is described as a step toward better anticipation of solar threats, researchers are careful not to present it as a final answer.

Instead, they frame it as a bridge that may help scientists work with massive data more effectively.

As with any AI writer or LLM, its predictions are limited by the data it has been trained on and the assumptions built into its design.

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