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Across the Gulf South, small Black-owned farms are finding ways to use climate-friendly practices to grow crops while also addressing long-standing injustices.

(Image credit: Leslie Gamboni)

Several important refinance rates have dropped. If you're hoping to refinance your home, keep an eye out for lower rates.

A couple of key mortgage rates are decreasing. Lower mortgage rates could bring positive news to the housing market in 2024.

Developer Konami has confirmed that a second Metal Gear Solid Master Collection is in the works, though it seems like it might take some additional time to arrive.

Speaking in the latest Metal Gear Production Hotline episode posted to YouTube, producer Noriaki Okamura responded to a fan question regarding a potential follow-up to the existing Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1.

"We should've picked easier questions," he joked. He explained that the question is a difficult one to answer as while they already had HD ports of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, there are no pre-existing ports "of the titles released after those".

"Some are in HD, but those would all be really big titles, and that comes with its own set of issues," Okamura continued, presumably referring to the potential difficulty of creating a port of the PlayStation 3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

Regarding a potential release date, he said that "it's going to be a little while until we can get a clear picture, but when we do, we'll let you know." Even so, he was careful to clarify that "of course, we called the first one Vol. 1, so we are making a Vol. 2, that much is for sure."

He also said that the team wanted to take a little more time to avoid some of the issues that faced Vol.1 at launch. You can watch the full Metal Gear Production Hotline below.

As for what exactly could be included with a potential Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, there are some obvious choices. Although it would undoubtedly be a huge amount of development work, making Metal Gear Solid 4 officially playable outside of the PS3 for the first time could be a huge benefit for newer series fans without access to older hardware.

Some of the smaller releases in the franchise could then make up the other titles included in the collection, such as Metal Gear Acid and Metal Gear Acid 2, in addition to Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

If you want to catch up on the the bulk of the Metal Gear Solid series so far before Vol. 2 arrives, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

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• Metal Gear Solid 3 remake - everything we know

AI integration in software development has already become widespread, with testing, quality assurance and security vulnerability detection, and promises major productivity boosts, new research has declared.

A new OutSystems survey of more than 550 software executives across various sectors has found three-quarters of software executives noted a 50% reduction in development time thanks to AI tools and automation.

“With AI, historically impossible transformation projects are not only possible but easier, cheaper, and faster to accomplish," OutSystems CEO Paulo Rosado commented.

There’s no escaping AI in software development

The research highlights AI is still somewhat of an emerging technology, with the majority (84%) of respondents stating their organizations first started to incorporate it into their software development lifecycles (SDLCs) between six months and five years ago.

Looking ahead, 71% say they’re planning to incorporate AI into application development and SDLC management workflows, highlighting a shift in the typical role and responsibilities of a developer.

“The developer’s role is shifting from code writer to code reviewer… as [LLMs] evolve, and trust in the resulting code improves, the developer’s role will be more akin to that of an orchestrator and acceptance tester of AI-generated outputs," noted Rodrigo Coutinho, OutSystems AI Project Manager.

However, companies continue to battle with regulatory and compliance challenges, leaving various areas currently untouched by AI. One in three respondents reported having a backlog of between 150 and 800 use cases for generative AI.

Other concerns, like the limited availability of skilled workers, difficulties integrating generative AI into existing tech stacks and workflows, and the fear that AI could replace human workers, are all present.

Michael Harper, MD at KPMG US, OutSystem’s research’s collaboratory partner for the research, summarized: “While there will be challenges, those with effective change management initiatives will reskill and upskill their workforces, leading to AI and jobs evolving in tandem.”

More from TechRadar Pro

• These are the best AI writers
• Need a better machine? These are the best laptops for programmers
• Nearly all UK businesses are ready for AI - but can they now take advantage?

Hundreds of thousands of power outages were reported in Louisiana and Mississippi early Thursday as residents in the region braced for possible flooding as Tropical Storm Francine moved inland.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

Despite the high price of the PS5 Pro, Sony's new mid-generation console could sell just as well as the PS4 Pro.

That's according to research firm Ampere Analysis (via VGC) that determined that the PS5 Pro sales will reach a similar level to the enhanced version of the PS4, and expects the console to sell up to 1.3 million units during its November 2024 launch window, compared to the PS4 Pro's 1.7 million in 2016.

"The price point of the PS5 Pro will inevitably cause a lot of commentary," said Piers Harding-Rolls, research director for games at Ampere Analysis. "The price point differential between the PS5 and PS5 Pro is between 40-50%, which is significantly more than the differential between the PS4 and PS4 Pro at launch.

"In the US, the PS4 Pro launched at $399 and the slim PS4 was $299 at the time, a 33% differential. Additionally, the slim PS4 had a retail price of $299 having dropped from the original PS4 launch price of $399."

(Image credit: Ampere Analysis)

Sony has confirmed that the PS5 Pro will cost $699.99 / £699.99 and around AU$1052.99, which represents a price gap of $200 / £200 / AU$253.99 between the Pro and the now-base version of the PS5. This will make it Sony's most expensive piece of gaming console hardware to date.

Harding-Rolls added that even though the PS5 Pro is costly, this won't stop PlayStation fans from buying the console, saying, "we expect the price point to soften demand with some consumers, but for PlayStation enthusiasts the pricing is less of a consideration."

The PS4 Pro's lifetime sales reached 14.5m units, around 12% of total PS4 sales and Harding-Rolls estimates a "similar dynamic for the PS5 Pro, with the expectation that it will sell-through around 13m units by 2029."

The PS5 Pro launches globally on November 7, 2024, with pre-orders set to begin on September 26.

You might also like...

• PS5 Pro specs: how powerful the new PlayStation 5 console is, and how it compares to the PS5
• PS5 Pro reveal analysis - 5 things we learned about the next PlayStation console
• PS6: when can we expect the PlayStation 6 and what do we want to see?

Don't sleep on these APYs. They may not be here tomorrow.

Until new luggage scanners come online at European airports, you’re going to have to go back to taking liquids out of your bags.

Rate cuts could be right around the corner, so now's the time to earn a competitive APY with one of these top savings accounts.

You know that old line, "Tell me what you eat and I'll tell you who you are"? If that's true, then Cristeta Comerford knows the last five presidents of the United States better than almost anyone.

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan)

In 2014, Susan Kahn was in the hospital with terminal cancer, unable to attend her daughter's high school graduation. So the hospital staff brought the celebration to her.

(Image credit: Janet Kahn-Scolaro)

Voting rights groups challenging the state congressional map want the Florida Supreme Court to reinstate a district that gave Black voters in one region the chance to elect their preferred candidate.

(Image credit: Brendan Farrington)

Looking for the best internet in Fort Worth? You get plenty of good options in Texas. Here's everything to know about price, speeds and availability.

Insta360 Flow Pro: Two-minute review

You'll likely know Insta360 for its diverse array of cameras, many of which you'll currently find on our shortlists of the best action cameras and best 360 cameras, but last year the company branched out into a new product category: gimbals.

The Insta360 Flow broke onto the scene with an impressive feature set, especially for the company's first attempt at a phone gimbal. Just over a year later and we have its successor; in the Insta360 Flow Pro. Not only does it address key limitations of the original, but it also sets itself apart from the competition by being the first gimbal to market with Apple DockKit support.

While there's a lot more to the Flow Pro than tighter Apple integration (despite the bias, this gimbal does still work with Android phones), it's hard to overstate just how much DockKit support expands the Pro's versatility; for the first time gaining the ability to track subjects in third-party apps. Everything from FaceTime to Zoom, WhatsApp, Filmic Pro and beyond, can now benefit from the Flow Pro's three-axis stabilization.

A near-identical design to its predecessor, the Flow Pro packs down impressively small and yet can be setup in seconds; thanks in-part to its magnetic mounting system. The gimbal's overly-stocky handle is one of its weaker design elements, but it does, at least, once again conceal a tripod and selfie stick; making it a more versatile self-contained offering than the likes of the Hohem iSteady M6, for example.

10-hours of run-time from an integrated 2,900mAh battery is respectably middle of the pack on paper, but proved more than ample for the gimbal-specific shots I wanted to capture during testing. What's more, the use of dual USB-C ports adds extra convenience, as it doubles as a power bank; not only extending shooting time, but also as a back-up, if you're ever caught short with low battery on your phone.

Between its slick design, holistic capture, organization and editing experience (provided by Insta360's companion app), and the wealth of additional functionality the Flow Pro delivers, it's hard to argue with this successor to the brand's debut gimbal.

DockKit support is a little limited in its implementation right now, but that's something Apple needs to work on, not Insta360. Otherwise, the Flow Pro is an incredibly competent smartphone gimbal that offers more value than its predecessor and serves as a more unique proposition compared to what else the market has to offer.

Insta360 Flow Pro review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

• Announced 6 July 2024
• $149 / £139 / AU$229 list price for standalone kit 
• $10 / £6 / AU$10 cheaper than the original Flow

Unveiled a little over a year on from the company's debut gimbal, the Flow Pro manages to offer greater functionality than its predecessor at a lower starting price of $149 / £139 / AU$229. It's admittedly not a lot lower (only $10 / £6 / AU$10), but a reduction is a reduction that amounts to more for less.

Insta360 also serves the Flow Pro up with a tripod bundle that – for a little extra – nabs you a threaded tripod accessory too. You can pick the Pro up (as well as its respective bundles) directly from Insta360's site or third-party retailers like Amazon for the same price.

The Flow Pro's most established rival – the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – launched in late 2022 for $159 / £145 / AU$239, but has since dropped to $139 / £125 / AU$204. The far more recently released Hohem iSteady V3 costs $149 / £129 / AU$219, while the updated Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI comes in at: $169 / £169 (it's not available in Australia at the time of writing, but based on the trajectory of previous models, will be soon) or $219 / £219 if you want the additional magnetic AI module, which provides more comparable tracking to the Flow Pro.

All in, the Flow Pro seems fairly priced at the middle of the pack with regards to features and value against the competition.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Insta360 Flow Pro review: Specs Insta360 Flow Pro review: Design

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

• Integrated tripod, selfie stick and cold shoe
• Tracking ring light is a great addition
• Handle is on the short side

Despite packing a near-identical design and similarly-sized 2,900mAh battery as its predecessor, Insta360 has managed to make the Flow Pro a fraction lighter (by three grams), clocking in at 366 grams, unladen.

Even with a phone attached (mine spent most of its time connected to a 187-gram iPhone 15 Pro), wrist fatigue was minimal for the lengths and styles of shot I was capturing. Unless you plan on capturing a Kubrickesque number of takes without a break, it shouldn't prove cumbersome in normal shooting scenarios.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

Included clamp magnetic mount (left) and MagSafe-compatible mount (right), sold separately.

Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)

The magnetic clamp mount launched as part of the original Insta360 Flow (pictured).

Attaching a phone is simple enough, with an included sprung clamp that grips your phone tightly and snaps on with impressively strong magnets to the head of the Flow Pro. Work has been done to the clamp's design in order to avoid it pressing the buttons located towards to center edges of most devices, but in practice erroneous presses seemed unavoidable, in spite of the thoughtful design.

The silver lining is a new MagSafe-compatible mount, which Insta360 launched alongside the Flow Pro. It works with any of the best iPhones that are MagSafe-compatible, as well as cases for other phones that also support the standard, and was my preferred mounting method. Just note that this isn't included with the Flow Pro, it doesn't allow the attachment of accessories like the Insta360 Spotlight (which snaps neatly onto the included clamp mount just fine), and it will set you back an additional $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$34.99.

The MagSafe-compatible mount for the Flow Pro costs extra but is worth it if you don't need to attach the Spotlight accessory. (Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

The Pro is clad in nicely-finished light gray plastic, with a smoky translucent spine to the gimbal's main arm (which Insta360 sells inserts for, should you wish to give your Flow Pro a more unique look), that also conceals a cold shoe; a rarity on most gimbals of this caliber that gives the Pro an edge; ideal for mounting accessories like a mic receiver. What's more, an integrated selfie stick (that although stiff to extend) allows for a more ergonomic angled grip on the handle, also providing up to 215mm of additional reach.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

The included tripod is convenient, if a little flimsy.

Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

If possible, pair the Flow Pro with a dedicated tripod, for maximum stability.

Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

The selfie stick is difficult to extend on a box-fresh Flow Pro, but undeniably useful.

At the other end of the handle is a concealed tripod, which pulls out and splits apart. Despite being more robust than the spindly legs of the equivalent system on the Hohem iSteady V3, you still need a stable, flat surface (and calm conditions, if you're shooting outside) to use it reliably; as it's not the most sturdy foundation.

The base also features a standard tripod thread, which when you consider that Insta360 also sells the Flow Pro as part of a tripod bundle, suggests that the company knows the built-in option should be considered a fallback.

Partially extending the Flow Pro's integrated tripod is the easiest way to improve the grip offered by its short handle, but it's not perfect. (Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

For everything that the Flow Pro's handle manages to contain (all of the gimbal's physical controls live there too), like the last model, it's on the short side; meaning you need to keep a really firm grip on what little purchase it does provide, in order to wield it securely. Extending but not separating the integrated tripod (see image above), or attaching separate tripod legs via the provided thread goes some way to help extend the handle, but neither augmentation really solves the problem completely, ergonomically speaking. The Flow Pro does at least come with a silicone handle cover (as seen in all the pictures in this review), which adds a notable amount of grip.

Controls consist of a trigger on the back of the handle, while on the front of the handle you'll find three buttons, a four-way joystick and a jog wheel. What isn't immediately obvious is that the black circular control panel is itself also a touch surface, and the most tactile way two switch between four of the gimbal's main modes.

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

Don't been fooled by the Flow Pro's seemingly minimalist control scheme, though. Practically every one of these physical elements works double or triple duty, based on the number of presses used or mode set. Learning how to navigate all of them effectively takes some getting used to, with the touchpad proving the least elegant and ergonomic.

On balance, the addition of a green LED ring just above the control panel that lets you know when tracking is engaged from almost any angle is an ingenious addition, which helps you know what's going on when shooting solo and unable to view your phone's screen.

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

For all the Flow Pro offers in addition to its fundamental gimbal components, it packs down impressively small, and can be collapsed or redeployed in sections, with a self-balancing setup that makes the process of being stowed to ready-for-action impressively quick and easy, and a far cry from higher-end offerings, meant for dedicated cameras used by professionals.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Insta360 Flow Pro review: Features

The new integrated NFC tag makes initial pairing and setup with an iPhone a cinch. (Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

• Unlike predecessor, supports 360-degree infinite pan
• 2,900mAh battery can double as a power bank
• First gimbal to market with Apple DockKit support for 200+ apps

Perhaps one of the bigger limitations of the original Insta360 Flow was its range of motion. With the Flow Pro, the horizontal pan motor has been redesigned to allow for continuous 360-degree rotation. You could theoretically rotate the Flow Pro clockwise or anti-clockwise as many times as you like, adding greater versatility to the kinds of shots capable; especially when capturing using automated tracking, timelapses or 360 photos.

The Insta360 app is where you can access the bulk of the Flow Pro's functionality, with ten dedicated shooting modes; ranging from simple photo and video capture, to Hoop Mode (specialized basketball game recording), timelapses and more. You can also drill down and – depending on the mode – access additional features like HDR capture or Apple ProRes recording, on iPhones that support it.

These capture modes work in tandem with the gimbal's six modes of stabilization:

• Auto – follows your pan and tilt movements, with automated adaptive sensitivity.
• Follow – follows your pan and tilt movements, with high sensitivity.
• Pan Follow – follows your pan movements, while keeping the tilt and roll axes locked.
• FPV  – follows movement on all three axes. Jog wheel now controls roll axis instead of zoom.
• Lock  – ignores movement through all three axes while trigger is held.
• Active Plus – brings increased sensitivity and responsiveness to Auto, Follow, Pan Follow and FPV modes, by pressing and then quickly pressing again but this time holding the trigger.
  

The Insta360 app also contains tutorials, its own album and an impressively powerful editor, with predefined themes to make cutting clips together as painless as possible. You do also have the option to edit manually, if you prefer, with the ability to add music, effects and more, all provided in-app. Insta360 has clearly worked hard to build a robust production pipeline for its products, and the result is impressive, even if it comes with a learning curve.

There's also the matter of the Flow Pro's currently-unique party piece: Apple DockKit support. Provided you're OK leaving the depth of the Insta360 app behind, DockKit delivers native face tracking across approximately 200 apps, with a list that continues to grow all the time. It's a truly impressive bonus that grants extra utility to the Flow Pro over its competition; making it a great tool for everything from video conferencing via Zoom, to motion-tracked footage while recording via the BlackMagic Camera app.

The Insta360 app is feature-packed (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

As is stands, DockKit tracking is only available when capturing video, which means you can't use it to frame a time-delayed photo, for example, but for the first of its kind, this new support means the Flow Pro is suddenly far more competent outside of its native app than any of its respective competitors.

To clarify, DockKit is an Apple-owned technology, meaning Android phones are left out in the cold when it comes to the same third-party support (and remain confined to the Insta360 app which, admittedly, isn't much of a hardship). Provided you have an iPhone 12 or newer – running iOS 17 or newer, you should be good to go for DockKit.

Pairing for DockKit support takes place by a new integrated NFC tag, right above the gimbal's main controls. When tapping your iPhone to it for the first time, you see an AirPods-like card pop up to initiate pairing, after which point the gimbal will forever whir into action when it's switched on while you're in a DockKit-supported app; a truly snappy and seamless setup which Android has no direct comparison for.

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

Beyond its fundamental function as a three-axis smartphone gimbal, even when powered off, the Flow Pro's design also means you're carrying around a selfie stick and a tripod too, not to mention the keen-eyed amongst you who spotted the gimbal's pair of USB-C ports; one near the physical controls, used for power in (i.e. charging the gimbal), and one hidden underneath the shorter tilt axis arm of the Flow Pro.

This second port is actually a power-out, meant to keep accessories like the aforementioned Insta360 Spotlight shining. However, it also allows for power bank-like functionality, meaning your phone can keep itself topped up from the Pro's 2,900mAh internal battery, be it as a means to extend shooting time, or simply for those times when you need to recharge your phone after a long day.

• Features score: 5 / 5

Insta360 Flow Pro review: Performance

• 2,900mAh 10-hour battery
• Control ergonomics could be better
• Control over tracking experience within DockKit remains limited

Besides the learning curve demanded by the multi-functional hardware controls, the Flow Pro's improved range of motion, compared to its predecessor and whisper-quiet brushless motors – on top of the Swiss Army Knife of additional functionality it already offers – render it an incredibly competent option, if you're in the market for a smartphone gimbal, right now.

Despite the cited two-hour reduction in battery longevity versus the original Flow, it took three days of real-world usage to see the battery percentage drop down below 75% charge, during my time with it, meaning most will find the Flow Pro's battery life wholly reliable on shoot days. Fast charging to storm past the current two-hour full recharge time would be one area of improvement Insta360 should consider going forward, but rivals are generally slower, while also falling short on use-time per charge.

There are also promised features that suggest the Flow Pro is actually going to continue to improve over time, with iOS' Cinematic Mode reportedly set to work with the Apple's DockKit protocol by the time iOS 18 rolls around.

Its ergonomics aren't perfect, with Hohem's iSteady V3 letting you pull the controls out of the gimbal completely for more comfortable and remote operation, while DJI managed to include rotation speed control within the OM 6's joystick (speed for the effect of the Flow Pro's joystick can only be altered in the Insta360 app).

As the video above highlights, the stability provided by the Flow Pro is a clear step-up from even the best iPhone's in-camera stabilization system, however, it doesn't iron the bounce of regular footfall completely. So, as numerous experienced gimbal users have suggested already, considered physicality to optimize the smoothness of final footage is still recommended (Google 'gimbal ninja walk' for more insight on this).

The test footage also highlights Insta360's Deep Track 3.0 technology, which does a stirling job of keeping tabs on people, pets or objects as set up, but is more likely to throw in the towel when tracking conditions become less than ideal, when shooting handheld (if tracking was lost while I used the gimbal freehand, rather than on a stable surface, object tracking would disable itself after losing the target for mere seconds, while it proved far more tenacious when set down on.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Insta360 Flow Pro? Buy it if...

You want the best gimbal for iPhone
The Insta360's first-to-market position as a gimbal with DockKit support grants it far more utility for iPhone users than its competitors.

You like to travel light
As well as acing its duties as a smartphone gimbal, the Insta360 Flow Pro's ability to double as a selfie stick, tripod and power bank, while also neatly collapsing down making it a perfect companion for travelers who want to up their shooting game.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best ergonomics
If you're looking for a gimbal to accompany you on long shoot days, the short handle and awkward touch controls mean this Flow Pro is far from the most comfortable gimbal out there.

You want the best gimbal for Android
While the Flow Pro is positioned as one of the best-placed gimbals for iPhone users right now, functionality for Android users is more in-line with the original Insta360 Flow and many other rival gimbals.

Insta360 Flow Pro review: Also consider

While it's easy to see the benefits of the Insta360 Flow Pro, there are identifiable shortcomings that rivals below address in one area or another.

How I tested the Insta360 Flow Pro

(Image credit: Future| Alex Walker-Todd)

• Review test period: three weeks
• Tested with: iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Insta360 app + various iOS apps w/ camera support
• Test conditions: Carried the Insta360 Flow Pro around with me and used it to shoot the test footage featured in this review, as well as additional unfeatured footage, plus use in apps like Facebook Messenger

Having picked the Insta360 Flow Pro up from TechRadar's offices, I immediately set about familiarizing myself with the hardware, how it collapses down and deploys, how the additional accessories Insta360 had sent as part of the review functioned (and how they differed from the in-box contents) and then started to film with it.

It took a decent amount of time to become au fait with the button combinations needed to quickly move to the modes and setup I typically preferred, but once learnt, it made from an impressively quick way to jump to elevated smartphone videography, quickly.

As well as filming when out and about, with the evidently strong battery longevity, I used the Flow Pro as an elaborate a desktop phone holder, using its DockKit talents to upgrade video calls with colleagues and friends, while also using it as a power bank when I couldn't find my phone charger on a couple of occasions.

As a reviewer with 13 years experience, and having reviewed numerous smartphones, alongside camera-centric smartphone accessories, I felt confident assessing and scoring the Insta360 Flow Pro in the context of the wider smartphone gimbal market in which it competes.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2024

Hanif Abdurraqib's writing has earned him a MacArthur "genius" grant. His most recent book, There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, landed a spot on Barack Obama's summer reading list. But those accolades don't matter to him as much as being a good friend and neighbor. Abdurraqib talks to Rachel about a youth spent unhoused and incarcerated, and the zen of making mixtapes.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

(Image credit: Megan Barnard)

The Tempur Cloud is Tempur-Pedic's answer to other "bed-in-a-box" mattress brands. It ships in a bag and is simple to set up, but is it worth a look? CNET experts put it to the test to find out.

Businesses are struggling with unpredictable cloud bills. Managing cloud computing expenses is a growing concern, especially with an increasing reliance on digital infrastructure.

According to Gartner, spending on public cloud services is expected to increase by 20% in 2024, and with most organizations spending more on cloud storage than they budget for, cloud costs could rapidly become an unmanageable expenditure for many.

So, how can organizations navigate these rising costs without compromising on the cloud services they need?

The hidden costs of the cloud are catching companies by surprise

The first step is identifying the hidden costs of the cloud and areas where overspending is occurring. Businesses have been ambushed by unexpected cloud costs with subscription models. This leads to inconsistent monthly costs. The advantages of the cloud, like scalable IT infrastructure, can be a double-edged sword when considering costs and waste. At the same time, many of the largest providers of cloud infrastructure applications and services are increasing storage and cloud hosting fees as inflation takes hold.

Also, with many businesses operating in a multi-cloud environment without a comprehensive tool to show costs from across the entire cloud platform, they can’t track resources such as a usage-level breakdown. It’s easy to over-provision resources in the cloud, leading to wasted spend. Costs often overrun, and without full visibility, companies fail to pinpoint the exact cause.

If businesses don’t have full visibility of their cloud usage, they’ll never know exactly where they are overspending or if they are paying for services they didn't know existed. It’s also much harder for organizations to experiment and innovate with the latest cloud technology if they don’t fully know what they are using in the first place.

Cloud cost management and cloud optimization can help to minimize expenses and maximize the value derived from cloud investments. It's crucial to identify a predictable cloud vendor who can help with optimizing workloads. Greater transparency across the cloud infrastructure is essential, as is investment into tools that can help provide much-needed visibility when monitoring costs and protecting the cloud.

Adopting a holistic approach to cloud management

In complex, hybrid cloud environments, businesses are often unsure where outsized cloud costs are coming from. They often find that they’re paying for outdated resources or unnecessary storage.

With a more holistic approach, businesses gain a greater understanding of their requirements and the associated costs. Not only does this eliminate waste, but it also helps organizations be more strategic about their requirements. But this approach is not solely concerned with cutting costs – it’s about aligning cloud expenses with an organization’s business objectives. The goal is to strike a balance between cost efficiency and maximizing the benefits of cloud technology for the overall business.

Tools of the trade

The need for scalable and budget-friendly cloud resources is unprecedented. However, businesses also need to invest in tools that help manage these resources and ensure the cloud is cost-efficient.

Understand your workloads, implement load balancing, and continuously review and adjust to reduce the cloud costs. Cloud spend tools that support cloud cost management across various cloud platforms give businesses a unified view of their spending and are the most beneficial to businesses.

Businesses should also look for tools that offer in-depth cost analysis and customizable reports to identify cost drivers, detect anomalies, and track spending trends over time. Reports in native tools, for instance, sometimes don’t track the resources level usage or user-level breakdown to identify who or what resource attributed to the cost overrun. Most public cloud platforms offer discounts if you pay in advance, but the cost overruns and limitations often neutralize the discounts you receive. Instead, to leverage cost saving opportunities, businesses should identify and invest in tools that can set budgets and cost forecasting capabilities, help anticipate future expenses and proactively plan.

How AI can help

A Wasabi report shows that 49% of CIOs expect AI and ML adoption to create challenges for the cloud due to AI and ML’s substantial use of data.

However, AI could also be a significant asset when considering cloud costs. There’s potential for the technology to bring greater financial governance to the cloud, namely through its ability to detect unexpected spikes or irregularities in cloud expenses by analyzing large amounts of data. AI could also play a crucial role in identifying cybersecurity threats and helping businesses keep up with the technology landscape.

Staying ahead of cloud costs

Access to scalable, budget friendly cloud resources is more important to businesses than ever before.

The rise of AI and ML has driven a new demand for cloud space, and research shows that IT leaders anticipate cloud costs will surpass budget allocations.

In this environment, adopting a holistic approach can help businesses keep an eye across the whole cloud landscape to quickly identify rising–and unnecessary–costs. Cloud spend tools, along with leveraging tech such as GenAI, will also play a significant role. Businesses can also foster a culture of cost awareness, which helps keep costs under control and ensures cloud investments deliver maximum value. Ultimately, cost management for cloud resources is an ongoing journey.

We list the best cloud storage management service.

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

In today’s hyper-competitive B2B landscape, the ability to identify and engage with the right prospects can be the determining factor in a sales team’s success. Traditional methods of prospecting—relying on outdated databases, navigating complex filters, and manually cross-referencing data—are not only time-consuming but also limited in scope and efficiency.

The advent of AI-powered B2B prospecting tools is transforming the way sales teams approach lead generation and pipeline building, offering a new paradigm in precision, speed, and scale.

An Information Gap That Hinders Growth

Historically, sales professionals have depended on legacy databases that cover only a fraction of the market, often providing access to just 20-30% of potential leads within any given sector. This limitation leaves a vast number of untapped opportunities, as sales teams frequently target the same prospects as their competitors, missing out on fresh leads that could drive significant growth.

This information gap is a critical challenge that many sales teams may not even realize exists. By continually fishing in the same small pond, businesses risk stagnation and missed opportunities for expansion and revenue generation.

AI-Powered Precision and Speed

AI-tools are addressing these challenges by leveraging advanced algorithms to parse vast amounts of data in mere milliseconds. These platforms are designed to identify key decision-makers across millions of companies and hundreds of millions of employee profiles globally, offering a level of specificity and speed previously unattainable in the sales industry.

Unlike traditional databases that require extensive manual searches and broad filter manipulation, AI-enabled systems allow users to pinpoint the exact companies and contacts they need, whether it’s niche specialists within a specific industry or leaders in emerging markets. This precision ensures that sales teams are reaching out to the right people, at the right time, with the right message, thus maximizing their chances of success.

Accelerating Sales Pipelines

One of the most significant advantages of AI-powered prospecting is its ability to deliver actionable data in seconds—a process that would typically take salespeople or sales enablement teams weeks or even months to complete manually. This efficiency accelerates the entire sales cycle, enabling teams to engage with prospects faster and more effectively, thereby shortening the time to value.

The impact of this speed and precision is already being felt by companies across various industries. Organizations that have embraced AI-driven prospecting tools are reporting significant increases in their pipeline generation and revenue growth, as they can now identify and engage with new leads that were previously overlooked.

Key Features That Drive Success

Beyond speed and precision, AI-powered prospecting platforms offer a range of advanced features that enhance the sales process. These tools seamlessly integrate with existing CRM systems, ensuring that sales teams can expand their reach without disrupting their established workflows. Additionally, machine learning algorithms continuously refine and improve the quality of data, ensuring that users have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

A particularly valuable feature is the ability to filter out contacts that are already in a sales team’s database. This functionality prevents wasted effort on duplicate outreach and allows teams to focus exclusively on new opportunities, thereby optimizing their resources and increasing their chances of closing deals.

Staying Competitive in a Crowded Market

In an increasingly crowded B2B market, having a competitive edge is essential. AI-powered tools provide that edge by equipping sales teams with the means to uncover opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed, all while simplifying the prospecting process. This technological advantage enables sales teams to pursue leads with confidence, spending less time on data gathering and more time on meaningful engagement with prospects.

The difference between success and failure in today’s market can be measured in minutes. By leveraging AI, sales teams are not just participating in the race but leading it. With unparalleled access to high-quality leads, businesses can close deals faster and more efficiently than ever before.

The Future of B2B Prospecting

As the B2B landscape continues to evolve, the importance of innovative AI tools in closing the information gap, improving lead quality, and accelerating the time-to-value will only grow. For sales teams looking to stay ahead of the competition, these AI-driven platforms offer a glimpse into the future—a world where precision, speed, and intelligence redefine how we think about prospecting.

In this new era, sales teams that embrace AI will find themselves at the forefront of industry innovation, equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern marketplace with unprecedented efficiency and success.

We list the best sales CRM.

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Canon has announced a new multi-purpose standard zoom lens for its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM.

At just 17.3oz / 490g, the 28-70mm F2.8 looks like a perfect fit with Canon's enthusiast-level cameras like the EOS R8 and EOS R6 Mark II. And with its constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range it's a compelling upgrade from Canon's kit lens for such cameras, the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, with the added benefit of a slightly longer reach.

The new standard zoom costs £1,249.99 (bear with us while we source US and Australia pricing), which is most of the way to the on-sale price of an EOS R8. Not cheap, but also not the priciest lens on offer from Canon for its mirrorless cameras.

(Image credit: Canon) Is this Canon's most compelling standard zoom lens yet?

Canon has other standard zoom lenses in its RF range already, but the RF 28-70mm F2.8 appears to strike a lovely balance between portability, a constant wide aperture and decent value.

The significantly cheaper 24-105mm F4-7.1 is another one of Canon's kit lenses. It's even lighter and has a longer reach, but doesn't offer the constant f/2.8 aperture of this new lens and is a step-down optically.

Then there's Canon's professional L-series lenses that are an altogether different proposition, all of which are considerably larger, heavier and most of which are much pricier.

Other L-series options, recognized by a signature red ring that Canon's other standard lenses lack, include the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM – arguably the closest alternative to the RF 28-70mm F2.8, with more reach but a smaller f/4 constant aperture, and it's 50% heavier.

Canon's RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and the gargantuan Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM are in another league price and features-wise to the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS SM, being designed for professionals who want the best performance and are willing to pay for it (and lug it around).

Still, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 boasts 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization, plus it's weather resistant, so it's hardly inferior. There's also a neat customizable focus/control ring, which changes its function depending on which focusing mode you have selected.

This new lens is clearly positioned as a step-up for enthusiasts who want an all-purpose zoom without being lugged down, and is a worthy addition to Canon's range of full-frame lenses. It could be the only upgrade lens you ever need.

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