18 months have passed since Max (soon to be rebranded to HBO Max) became the exclusive streaming home for A24 movies – well, in nations where one of the world's best streaming services has launched, anyway. Since that multi-year deal was signed in December 2023, over 100 A24-developed films have joined Max's back catalog.
You'll be able to add more to that growing list next month, too. July 2025 marks the official streaming debut for three more new movies from the acclaimed indie studio, including two that only arrived in theaters earlier this year.
However, based on their Rotten Tomatoes (RT) critics scores, there's only one that'll deserve a spot on our best Max movies list. To help you decide which film(s) are worth your time, I've ranked the forthcoming trio from worst to best. That way, you'll have a better idea of determining if some of July's new Max movies should be added to your watchlist.
3. OpusHBO Max release date: July 11
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Age rating: R
Main cast: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Melissa Chambers, Tony Hale, Young Mazino, and Amber Midthunder
Director: Mark Anthony Green
RT critics score: 40%
With a starry cast including the ever-excellent John Malkovich, The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, The Last of Us' Young Mazino, and Prey's Amber Midthunder, you might have expected Opus to be a must-watch.
Assembling a cast of talented actors will only get you so far, though, and Opus proves it. A cult-based thriller that's not dissimilar to another A24 flick in Midsommar, Opus struggles to match the psychological intensity, narrative mystery, and lashings of horror that of its 2016 genre cousin. Malkovich chews the scenery with a delightfully unhinged performance but, that aside, Opus is a largely forgettable movie.
2. Death of a UnicornHBO Max release date: July 25
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Age rating: R
Main cast: Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Will Poulter, Anthony Carrigan, Tea Leoni, and Richard E Grant
Director: Alex Scharfman
RT critics score: 54%
Another horror-fuelled A24 offering that, based on its own A-list cast, should have been better received than it was.
Like Opus, though, the messy nature of this satirical creature feature's plot drags it down. The never-aging Marvel actor Paul Rudd and Wednesday superstar Jenny Ortega ground proceedings with their convincing father-daughter dynamic, while Poulter and Grant bring classic British flair to their villainous roles. Those highlights aside, Death of a Unicorn is a tonal misfire that disappointingly skewers its potentially great narrative and thematic ideas.
1. On Becoming a Guinea FowlHBO Max release date: July 4
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
Age rating: PG-13
Main cast: Susan Chardy, Elisbath Chisela, Henry B.J. Phiri, Roy Chisha, Blessings Bhamjee, Chunju Bwalya, and Maggie Mulubwa
Director: Rungano Nyoni
RT critics score: 100%
Of the three new A24 films that'll join Max's movie library in July, I suspect that this hidden gem was the one that most readers wouldn't have expected to come out on top.
With its perfect RT critical rating, though, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is an unmissable dark comedy-drama that's not only Nyoni's first feature in eight years, but also cements the Zambian-Welsh filmmaker as one of the most talented of her generation. A universally appealing, beautifully shot, witty, and at-times uncomfortable movie whose exploration of death, self-deception, and communal misgivings is incredibly impactful.
You might also likeAmazon is requiring some corporate workers to relocate closer to their managers and teams, targeting cities like Seattle, Arlington and Washington DC (via Bloomberg).
Unlike other similar moves, which have been communicated via email, the ecommerce giant is believed to be sharing the message via one-on-one meetings and town halls with those likely to be affected.
The report notes thousands of employees could be forced to move from across various teams, however the company's famously vocal workers are understandably frustrated with the decision.
Amazon is asking workers to relocateAlthough relocating isn't always a problem for new starters, many mid-career workers are hesitant to move due to personal and financial challenges – a move would mean uprooting families, children switching schools and partners seeking other jobs.
Affected workers are said to have 30 days to decide, followed by a 60-day period to relocate or resign. It's also believed that those who refuse to relocate will not be receiving severance packages.
A company spokesperson said that Amazon's relocation trend has already been ongoing for more than a year, with CEO Andy Jassy previously claiming that in-person working boost ad-hoc interactions and, therefore, productivity.
Amazon now requires workers to come to the office five days per week, but that policy got delayed at the end of 2024 due to a lack of readiness – there simply weren't enough desks.
"We hear from the majority of our teammates that they love the energy from being located together, and whenever someone chooses to or is asked to relocate, we work with them to offer support based on their individual circumstances," a company spokesperson stated.
Some workers worry that the policy shift could be an effort to push workers away from the company – although thousands lost their jobs in 2022 and 2023, Amazon's layoffs in the years that followed have been relatively small (compared with other giants in the industry).
TechRadar Pro has reached out to Amazon for a comment, but we did not receive an immediate response.
You might also likeApple TV+ is known for some blockbuster-worthy original films, but so far in 2025 none of its new movies have managed to reach the same heights as its TV show releases.
We've only seen three new Apple TV+ original films released this year, none of which would be considered to be among the best Apple TV+ movies, as they all have low-scoring reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The worst-rated movie is adventure-action flick Fountain of Youth, which currently has a Rotten Tomatoes critical score of just 36%. The mystery drama Echo Valley fares better with a 52% rating, while romantic thriller The Gorge scores an only slightly better 63%.
Granted, audiences appear to give slightly more positive reviews than the critics (aside from Echo Valley; it seems we're all in agreement that it's a middle-of-the-road type movie), but none of the trio can hold a candle to the best Apple TV+ shows that have been released this year.
(Image credit: Apple TV+)Just to name a few, we've had the biggest Apple TV+ returning series of 2025 so far, Severance season 2, rack up an almost flawless 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics, while The Studio, Mythic Quest, Carême, Dope Thief and Your Friends and Neighbors have all received scores of above 80% from the critics on the review aggregate site.
Is this a sign that Apple TV+ can't quite make movies that match the success of its TV shows? Definitely not (and I'll get into why below). Instead, I think it's more of an indication that Apple Studios is better suited to making TV shows. After all, it's a young studio that's still finding its way among the established names of Hollywood.
What sets Apple TV+ shows apart from their movie counterparts? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)I'm not alone in naming Severance season 2 as one of my top TV shows of 2025. It's got intrigue, mystery, excellent pacing, satisfying reveals, phenomenal acting, stylish cinematography, and mesmerizing dance scenes (Milchick's boogie numbers are a highlight).
Since signing up for a rare Apple TV+ deal in April, I've continued to be hooked by new shows on the platform, from the satirical comedy series The Studio, which has a timely, smartly written script, to Jon Hamm's return to TV in the drama Your Friends and Neighbors.
Apple TV+ has a weighty TV catalog of gems that it's been adding to in 2025. Can I say the same for Apple TV+ Original movies? Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned three have come anywhere close to the series I've watched in terms of quality, and that's not because I've personally not been interested in the stories they tell.
(Image credit: Apple TV+)As a big National Treasure fan, I'd been looking forward to Guy Ricthie's treasure-hunting film Fountain of Youth – but like many others, I felt the story became too predictable, which took away much of the excitement. Not even the star power of Natalie Portman (Leon; V for Vendetta) or Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina; About Time) could help rescue it.
As for The Gorge, I will say that it had some playful scenes – like the one where Anya Taylor Joy (Queen's Gambit) and Miles Teller (Whiplash) act out their most popular characters – but the payoff was not at all what it should have been. Funnily enough, it was essentially the opposite with Echo Valley; the mystery thriller had an intriguing plot twist, but the film was let down by Sydney Sweeney's exaggerated performance.
Apple TV+ movies walked so its TV shows could run(Image credit: Apple TV)It wasn't always like this. When Apple Studios and Apple TV+ launched in 2019, they made a splash in the film industry by picking up the distribution rights of CODA: the first movie by a streaming service to ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Of course, an Oscar win can be taken with a pinch of salt, especially considering that the Academy has only recently started to insist that judges actually watch the nominations before casting a vote, but the coveted prize is still a good barometer of what's successful.
The win was a shock to the industry in 2022, mostly because rival streaming services that had been producing content for a lot longer had only ever received nominations. But it sent out a big signal to everyone that Apple TV+ had an eye for good stories, and crucially a big purse to get them.
It reportedly spent $22 million at the Sundance Film Festival to acquire CODA, and looked to replicate its success by pursuing similar projects that fit the bill for big theatrical runs, such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon and Argylle. Variety reports that those three films combined cost the company at least $700 million to make, but a source told the publication that only Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon were profitable.
(Image credit: Apple TV Plus/Paramount Pictures)Apple has similarly splurged on its TV productions, which undoubtedly helped them to win critical acclaim. Bloomberg reported that the first two seasons of The Morning Show cost an eye-watering $300 million to make, making them among the most expensive TV shows ever made – and Apple has its name behind a lot of those, including See, Foundation, Pachinko and most recently Severance season 2, each episode of which cost $20 million to make.
Apple's TV bets have paid off much more than its film projects, looking at the number of positive reviews each has received, and it seems that those movie misses have made big holes in the company's pockets that are starting to take their toll, because Apple has decided to pull back massively on its budgets.
According to anonymous claims reported in The New York Times earlier this year, Apple Studios will, going forward, only make one or two "event-size films a year, with big budgets and expansive theatrical releases".
The report added that Apple would set a limit of $80 million or less for the budgets of its films, which indicates to me that it's focusing on prestige TV over the box office – and that doesn't necessarily mean it's spending less, considering that some series rival the costs of big box office productions already.
Upcoming Apple TV+ movies to be excited about (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Apple)Apple TV+ still has a chance to turn its losing movie streak around with the upcoming release of the new F1 movie, though. It's arguably one of its biggest releases of 2025 and with it coming out in the summer (for those in the northern hemisphere at least), a lot is riding on this being a big pull for audiences.
With Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) in the director's chair, I don't doubt that this is going to be spectacle, especially considering the way it's been filmed. A lot of the scenes involving the fictional F1 team that includes Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris have been shot on real-life F1 racetracks, so the big-screen action is set to be thrilling.
I've also got my money on Spike Lee's new crime movie Highest 2 Lowest being a surefire hit on Apple TV+. Denzel Washington (Training Day) sounds like he's been perfectly cast in the lead role of a music mogul targeted by a ransom – anyone else getting Man on Fire vibes?
Both F1 and Highest 2 Lowest are getting theatrical releases before eventually streaming on Apple TV+, which is another sign that the studio is backing these two titles as its potential "event-sized" blockbuster winners of the year.
I wouldn't write off Apple TV+ movies just yet, then. Indeed, I'm hopeful that both films will be the redeeming movie releases I've been waiting for.
You might also likeAsk around, and most enthusiast photographers and creators are familiar with the accessory maker Peak Design, but newcomer Heipi? Nope.
Well, I have a welcome surprise – Heipi's carbon fiber 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S beats the Peak Design Travel Tripod in just about every regard, plus it's cheaper too. Three-Legged Thing's Punks Brian 2.0, however, provides stiffer competition for standard use – I explain why, below.
The W28S replaces the W28 – which I described as one of the most relevant and best travel tripods today in my in-depth review – delivering several refinements for a virtually complete and highly versatile three-legged support, in three ways.
Its 3-in-1 credentials cover regular tripod support for camera gear, the ability to support a phone instead via a clamp that's hidden in the integrated ball head, plus a generously-sized removable mini tripod, which is nestled inside the main legs, and which doubles up as a center column – the novelty of this feature hasn't worn off in this second-gen model.
Image 1 of 2You're not seeing double – this is the Heipi 3-in-1 tripod's main legs (right) and mini tripod that slots inside the main legs when not in use (left) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)Given that the main legs can tuck inside the mini tripod legs when you're done, there's no wasted space and the Heipi 3-in-1 is able to pack away more compact than most, plus it comes supplied with a snug-fit carry case.
There are limitations though. I'd hesitate to mount particularly large and heavy gear – although that's true of all travel tripods – and the Heipi tripod's maximum height is bettered elsewhere. Also, despite its 3-in-1 party tricks, there's no monopod built into one of the legs. Nor can you swap out the supplied ball head for a fluid head, which would provide smooth panning movements for video.
If none of the above are dealbreakers, though, then Heipi's latest travel tripod is the complete package, with some unique features.
It's carbon fiber build quality is top-drawer, while improved leg locks are easier to lock-off and unlock than before. Also, they lock-off with even distribution on the leg sections (rather than a clamping lock), which reduces lateral movement between sections.
The addition of a bubble-level in the base is a neat touch, even if you can't see it properly when the center column is tucked away.
Image 1 of 6(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 6(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 6(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 6(Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 6(Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 6(Image credit: Future)Heipi also offers handy extras for accessory-laden users, such as clamp arms, which easily screw into the mini tripod legs via a 3/8-inch screw. The arms Heipi supplied to me for this review can support accessories such as an external monitor, and can even work with Heipi's optional phone clamp, so you can support a camera and phone simultaneously.
I've been able to switch between using a phone and a mid-range mirrorless camera with moderate size lens, with ease. Panning movement? No problem, unlike the Peak Design which is locked off.
Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Future)Even the design of the mini tripod, which easily rests on a table top for vlogging and is impressively sturdy with a 11 lbs / 5kg max payload, has been improved. The last version felt like it sacrificed ease of use for versatility, because it was stiff to extend and put away compared to a regular center column.
Now the mini tripod slides up and down much more easily, and when fully removed it even offers multiple leg angles to work from for a variety of shooting angles, including close to the ground.
It can also be reversed and locked-off upside down in the main legs in order to shoot from lower angles. Put simply, the mini tripod is one of the most sophisticated of its kind.
With camera gear generally getting smaller and lighter, and many creators using their phones as much as 'proper' camera gear, the case for the travel tripod grows as the case for bulkier supports diminishes.
And of all the many travel tripods I've reviewed, the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S is the one I come back to most often – I reckon this is the best tripod for most people.
Image 1 of 5(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 5(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 5(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 5(Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 5(Image credit: Future)Is Heipi's travel tripod perfect? No. There were times that I wished it could work from a higher level than its 59in / 150cm maximum reach (with the center column fully raised).
However, given it packs away with a tighter diameter than most and to just 17.7in / 45cm in length, while it weighs just 3lbs / 1.35kg (with ball head included), I'm happy to sacrifice any extra reach.
And one party trick it lacks, which you can find in many alternatives, is the ability to remove one of its legs for used as a monopod.
If you can live with the few limitations mentioned above, then the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S will be the most versatile tripod you've ever used, complete with a high-quality and lightweight carbon fiber build, plus tiny pack-away proportions.
If you want a lightweight support for a variety of camera gear, Heipi would be my first recommendation.
You can discover more about the W28S's design and features in my W28 in-depth review, the two share much in common besides some of the design tweaks mentioned above.
Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S: key specsTotal weight
3.04lbs / 1.38kg (including ball head and mini tripod)
Max height
59.8in / 152cm (with center column fully raised, or 47in / 119cm without)
Legs sections
5
Packed length
17.7in / 45cm
Max capacity
Up to 44lbs / 20kg
Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28 price and availabilityThe Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S with ball head is available now, from $399 / £325 on the Heipi website and from $399 on Amazon US.
There are also optional accessories such as a QR plate, and a different type of ball head in a pricer bundle. Heipi also sells clamp arms, an add-on phone clamp, plus a hammock for stowing accessories or even a weight to increase stability.
Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28: Also considerPeak Design Travel Tripod
For the look and compact fold-away design, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is a leading alternative. However, Heipi's tripod is a compelling newcomer – its ball head has a panning motion, which Peak Design's tripod doesn't, plus the mini tripod and integrated phone clamp. Did I mention Heipi's is much cheaper, too?
Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review
3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 sits in top spot in our best travel tripod guide and with good reason; it's the most versatile tripod for regular use – being easier to use and make fine adjustments, and with a better max height. However, Heipi's tripod is versatile in a different way for users that switch between types of gear and uses cases. Both are excellent supports.
Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 review
You shoot with a variety of gear in a variety of ways
The phone clamp is a neat trick, while the tripod plate gives a secure hold for camera gear. The mini tripod impresses too.
You want a lighter-than-most tripod
I'm struggling to think of a tripod with a ball head that packs away as compactly as the Heipi 3-in-1. If you need a small package, this is the real deal.
You need a tall working height
It's maximum height of 59.8in / 152cm with the center column fully raised is bettered elsewhere.
You'd like an integrated monopod
It offers features no other tripods do, but what Heipi lacks is a built-in monopod. Perhaps that'll come with a future Heipi 4-in1?
I've had the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S for months and it has been my go-to camera gear support during this period.
It has ably supported beginner, mid-range and pro mirrorless cameras, although I've drawn a line at the larger sports-focused bodies and bulky telephoto lenses.
I've also used the phone clamp, attached a variety of smartphones the largest of which was an iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus tried out optional extras including clamp arms for an external monitor.
The mini tripod has had equally thorough testing as the main tripod legs. Generally I've used the gear in fair weather, but it has also withstood moderate rain and use on sandy beaches.
First reviewed June 2025
Traditional TV just hit a new low – for the first time in history, streaming services had a bigger audience than broadcast and cable channels combined. That's according to official US viewership numbers from May, and in a poetic twist of timing, Netflix has just announced its first-ever deal to broadcast traditional channels and live TV.
In a tie-up with French TV giant TF1 (as reported by The Financial Times), the streaming platform will host all five of its traditional channels – along with more than 30,000 hours of on-demand content. From summer next year, subscribers in France will be able to watch everything from prime-time dramas to The Voice, plus live sports, including the French national football team’s matches.
The deal marks a major shift in the streaming landscape. Netflix has long posed a disruptive threat to traditional television – now it’s going full circle and offering the medium a lifeline, hosting the very kind of live, linear programming that it helped to dethrone.
The move's timing is particularly exquisite, because May was also the first month on record where streaming became more popular than its traditional TV rivals...
Crossing the streamsAccording to Nielsen data, May was the first month ever where streaming was more popular than cable and broadcast combined in the US.
YouTube led the field (12.5%), followed by Netflix (7.5%). Nielsen's data has limitations – it only tracks US viewing on TV screens (smartphones, tablets and laptops aren't included). But it's still a milestone moment that reflects a wider trend: more people (especially younger audiences) are ditching scheduled programming entirely. Instead, they access on-demand content through smart TVs, tablets and smartphones.
(Image credit: Nielsen)As streaming eats up more screen time, traditional broadcasters are struggling to keep up. Fragmented audiences and falling ad revenues make it harder to sustain old business models. While some have launched their own streaming services, such as Britbox – a joint venture between ITV and BBC Studios – these rarely achieve global reach. Now, some networks are turning to their streaming rivals for traction.
TF1 is a perfect example. Its free-to-watch TF1+ streaming service serves a sizable domestic audience, but remains heavily reliant on advertising revenue. Netflix’s subscriber base in France – which reportedly passed 10 million in 2022 – offers a much bigger pool of potential viewers. For TF1, the upside of a partnership is clear.
Competitor to saviorFor Netflix, the deal brings fresh content to its platform. TF1 has a huge back-catalog, including popular dramas such as Brocéliande and reality shows like Koh-Lanta. Speaking to the The Financial Times, Greg Peters, co-chief executive of Netflix, said that many French viewers already think of “TV as Netflix”.
Describing TF1 as a “producer of great, premium content”, Peters highlighted the variety of shows that the tie-up will bring to the platform. In a competitive market, where Netflix needs to continue justifying its rising subscription costs, it’s a move which could help retain customers.
It isn't the first time the two companies have worked together. TF1 and Netflix previously collaborated on scripted co-productions such as Les Combattantes and Tout le bleu du ciel. But it is the first time Netflix will stream live, scheduled TV channels. That marks a major evolution in how streaming platforms and legacy broadcasters work together.
(Image credit: Netflix)It also reflects how streaming has reshaped TV itself – not just how we watch, but what gets made. Shows like Lucifer (above), Money Heist and Designated Survivor were all rescued by Netflix after being canceled by their original networks. In more ways than one, streaming has gone from TV’s competitor to its savior.
Whether this deal signals the start of a broader shift remains to be seen. Peters hinted that Netflix would see how things go with TF1 before rolling out similar partnerships elsewhere. But it’s a clear sign that the definition of ‘TV’ has changed forever. As streaming overtakes traditional channels, the lines between the two are blurrier than ever. And it’s Netflix that’s setting the boundaries.
You might also like...Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone is due to enter production next year, according to a leading analyst, which puts it on course for a release alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026.
Posting on X, Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed that Apple is anticipating relatively low sales of its foldable, on account of what he says will be its "premium pricing".
If Kuo is on the money, this would mean there’s not long to go before we get a glimpse of the company’s first attempt at a foldable device. Then, we’ll finally find out how it fares against the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The foldable iPhone has been rumored to come with an under-display camera, a near-invisible seam, a beautiful display, and impressive battery life. That all means it won’t come cheap – which Kuo appears to confirm – and that’s a key concern of mine.
The pricing barrier(Image credit: ConceptsiPhone)In the X post, Kuo noted that recent rumors have claimed Apple has ordered 15-20 million units of the device. Yet Kuo revealed that this is likely the figure for “the product’s 2-3 year lifecycle,” putting the sales estimates for each year significantly lower.
The importance of that is that Kuo says the lower yearly estimations all come down to the foldable’s “premium pricing.” As with the costly Vision Pro headset, the sky-high asking price of the foldable iPhone is going to put a lot of people off, including myself – while I’m dying to try out this new evolution in the iPhone line-up, I’m not willing to sell a kidney to get one.
How much are we talking here? We’ve previously seen reports that Apple could price the foldable iPhone anywhere between $2,100 and $2,500. For context, the most expensive iPhone right now – the iPhone 16 Pro Max – starts at $1,199, making the foldable iPhone roughly twice as expensive.
We won’t know for sure, of course, until the foldable iPhone actually launches. But with that date rapidly approaching, it could well be out of reach for the majority of Apple’s customers.
You might also likeWe've heard plenty of leaks and rumors around the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Watch 8 – and we may now know the date when these upcoming gadgets are getting their official unveiling, too.
According to well-known tipster @evleaks, the next Galaxy Unpacked – the name Samsung tends to give to its launch events – is going to be on Wednesday, July 9. Apparently, the show gets underway at 10am Eastern time in the US, which works out as 7am PT / 3pm BST, or midnight AEST on July 10 for those in Australia.
That date isn't much of a surprise, as last year's equivalent event – including reveals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Watch 7 – happened on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Nothing is certain until Samsung confirms it of course, but this tipster has a good record, and the date makes sense. It's likely that the event will be available to stream online somewhere, and we will of course be covering it live as well.
Here's what's comingThe next Galaxy Unpacked: 9 July 2025 @ 10AM EDTJune 18, 2025
We don't get any fresh details about what to expect in this particular leak, but we've heard plenty already. For example, the new foldables are expected to come with improved camera setups and a free Google AI subscription for six months.
Samsung itself has confirmed that the upcoming folding phones will be running One UI 8 out of the box, though it didn't specifically mention the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 names (which are pretty much a given at this point).
On top of those two flagship foldables, we might well see Samsung's tri-fold foldable in full for the first time – a device that's rumored to be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold. Samsung has already teased this device at other events, but we don't know much about its specs, or how much it will cost.
We should also get appearances from Samsung's 2025 smartwatch upgrades too, which are expected to be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It's possible the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 won't show up until next year.
You might also likeSecurity researchers have reported discovering what could be the mother of all data breaches - a set of 30 databases containing a total of 16 billion records.
These records were most likely generated by various cybercriminals (and possibly white hat hackers or researchers) using different infostealing malware, a new report from Cybernews claims.
The researchers note the databases differed in size - from “smaller” ones containing just millions of entries, to gigantic ones housing billions of records, with accounts from Google, Apple, to various VPN services, GitHub, Telegram, and more - and of the 30 discovered datasets, just one had been previously reported by the media, a “mysterious” database with 184 million records.
Scratching the surface“It barely scratches the top 20 of what the team discovered,” Cybernews explained. “Most worryingly, researchers claim new massive datasets emerge every few weeks, signaling how prevalent infostealer malware truly is.”
The databases were available to the wider internet only briefly, and were quickly locked down - however, it wasn’t possible to determine who the owners are.
It is probable that many of the information overlaps, making it virtually impossible to determine exactly how many people were affected. It’s also important to note that some 5.5 billion people have access to the internet today, meaning that many people have multiple compromised accounts.
Unprotected databases continue to be the most common cause of data leaks. For years, security researchers have been warning that many organizations do not understand the shared responsibility model of cloud services, and that they are required to safeguard and secure the data they generate.
On the other hand, cybercriminals are having a field day with these archives. They often contain more than enough of sensitive information to launch highly personalized, successful phishing campaigns, leading to identity theft, wire fraud, and even ransomware attacks.
You might also likePossible spoilers follow for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is less than a month away (at the time of publication) from landing in theaters.
With Marvel's next movie set to arrive on July 25, the comic book titan is not only ramping up its promotional campaign for said film, but it's also dropped some exciting new details about the group's next big-screen reboot and their future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here are the three biggest reveals that hit the internet yesterday (June 18).
1. Another villainous unveiled via a... pizza ad?Marvel fans haven't reacted well to Giganto's CGI recreation (Image credit: Marvel Studios)First Steps will primarily pit Marvel's First Family against the planet-devouring cosmic entity known as Galactus. He'll be voiced by The Office UK alumnus Ralph Ineson, for those who aren't aware.
There are other villains who'll appear throughout the MCU film, though. Julia Garner is set to play another antagonistic figure in The Silver Surfer, aka Galactus' Herald. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps' initial trailer teased the mysterious individual that John Malkovich will play. MCU devotees think he's playing a B-list villain Red Ghost. Oh, and there are rumors that another cast member in Paul Walter Hauser will portray another of the group's regular comic book foes in Mole Man.
Think four villains is more than enough? Think again. Revealed by the most unlikely of sources – a new First Steps tie-in ad for US fast-food chain Little Caesar's Pizza, no less – the monstrous creature known as Giganto will also appear in the forthcoming superhero film.
We already knew Giganto would be part of the parallel universe that The Fantastic Four inhabit before they cross over into the MCU (more on this shortly). Indeed, Giganto features on the cover a forthcoming First Steps prequel comic book that acts as an origins story for the titular team and how they acquired their superpowers.
I'd be amazed if this Giganto-starring scene is more than a footnote in, say, a longer sequence – in the movie's first act – that shows The Fantastic Four defeating various enemies and hailed as heroes by their universe's version of Earth. Nonetheless, I'm delighted to see the team's first-ever adversary feature in some capacity, even if Giganto's CGI recreation looks a little off.
2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps' ending will directly lead into Avengers: DoomsdayRobert Downey Jr will portray Doctor Victor von Doom in the MCU (Image credit: Marvel Studios)This reveal won't come as a shock to many MCU fans. After all, First Steps is one of two Marvel Phase 6 movies that'll land in theaters before Avengers: Doomsday does so in its revised December 2026 release slot. The other film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is currently slated to arrive in July 2026, but its launch could be delayed again if the joint Sony-Marvel venture's story needs to follow the events of Avengers: Doomsday.
But I digress. Speaking during Disney's CineEurope 2025 presentation, Marvel President Kevin Feige confirmed (per Deadline) that the next Avengers film will directly follow on from First Steps.
Thunderbolts' post-credits scene already gave us an idea that this would be the case. Nevertheless, I was pleased to directly hear it from Feige himself. Does that mean Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom will make a crowd-pleasing cameo before First Steps' main story ends or in one of its end credits scenes? Here's hoping!
3. A sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps might be in early developmentThe Fantastic Four could have a big impact on Earth-616 once they've settled into their new surroundings (Image credit: Marvel Studios)Announced at CineEurope 2025, Disney also revealed that a fourth Marvel movie has been added to its 2028 calendar. Currently, the untitled movie will launch in cinemas worldwide on December 15. If it does, it'll join three other MCU films that are set to arrive in February, May, and November of that year.
According to Variety, there are three possible candidates to fill that final 2028 slot – and one of them is reportedly a follow-up to the first Fantastic Four film, i.e. First Steps, that Marvel Studios has produced.
If a sequel is already in the works, it suggests Marvel is bullish about First Steps' chances of being a huge global hit. Of course, a second Fantastic Four MCU movie will depend on its critical reception and, more importantly, how much money it makes. However, given the group's enduring popularity, its starry cast, and the fact it'll set up events to come in the Downey Jr-led fifth Avengers flick, I'd be amazed if First Steps trips over itself and stumbles out of the gate.
With its first two films of 2025 failing to make a profit, Marvel could use a box office win. Equally, The Fantastic Four has plenty of untapped cinematic potential following the abject-to-lukewarm responses that the group's other film adaptations, which are available to stream on Disney+, received. I'm praying, then, that First Steps is a huge success and heralds a new golden age for Marvel's First Family on the silver screen.
For more details on one of my most anticipated new movies of the year, check out my definitive guide on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. And let me know in the comments if you'll be heading to theaters to watch it.
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This limited-time deal represents a saving of 60% compared to the normal monthly price for the Disney+ Standard with Ads plan. Taking advantage of this promotional offer will get you access to some of the best movies and shows around, including numerous offerings from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. But, be quick! It's only available between June 11 and June 30. This deal only offers for four months, too, so note that you'll automatically be enrolled on the Standard with Ads plan's usual £4.99 per month cost once your four-month window has expired. Unfortunately, this deal is not available for those outside of the UK. View Deal
NPR's Steve Inskeep asks Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, about U.S. policy on the conflict between Israel and Iran.
(Image credit: Tom Williams)
Nintendo has rolled out the first Nintendo Switch 2 update since the console was released, but there's not much to be excited about.
Version 20.1.5 is now live and available for the console and, as the patch notes detail, is a simple update with only one main feature.
The patch adds: "General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience," and that's it. Presumably, this means the update has improved performance.
Nintendo is always quite vague when it comes to Switch firmware updates, and it looks like it'll be no different with the Switch 2.
Like with the original Switch, the update should automatically download when the console is connected to the internet; otherwise, it can be manually installed via the System Settings menu.
The Switch 2 launches earlier this month, along with a day-one patch that was required for a number of the console's features, including backwards compatibility, Game Share, Switch Online, Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo eShop, and more.
If you're looking to get your hands on the new console, you can check out our live coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 restocks for the US and UK.
You might also like...Sony has released a new software update for the PlayStation 5 and PSVR 2, which introduces a new educational app.
Today, the company launched Climate Station, a free app for both consoles that raises awareness about climate change. It uses the latest gaming tech, including virtual reality, to allow users to view, interact with, and understand complex climate data to learn more about climate change.
This app is the latest project in Sony's commitment to the United Nations' Playing for the Planet Alliance campaign, which aims to bring gaming industry leaders together to work towards their sustainability goals.
"Whether you’re a curious explorer, a data detective, or just looking for something totally unique to dive into, this free app available today on PS5 and PSVR 2 is your gateway to understanding the forces shaping our world," said Dan Bardino Senior Director, Strategic Development and Operations, PlayStation Studios on PlayStation Blog.
Those with a 4K TV can view Climate Station with high-quality 4K visuals from the PlayStation 5, while PSVR 2 adds immersion by allowing users to view information in a first-person view.
The app tells the story of climate change through three acts: Weather Year, Observations, and Projections, and also offers an Explainer Library, which features 90 minutes of multi-media content for users to explore.
"Bringing climate awareness into the homes of millions through gaming will help build both knowledge and action to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste," said Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, United Nations Environment Programme, in a press release.
"The approach to adapt the science into a game format has been impressive. We look forward to seeing how players react to this new tool and also recognise the leadership of Sony Interactive Entertainment in bringing climate science to consoles across the planet."
You might also like...Conflict has sewn trauma in the western region of Colombia. Doctors Without Borders is working with local healers and health care professionals to come up with ways to help heal the psychic wounds.
(Image credit: Fernanda Pineda)
Officials said they were still assessing "extensive damage" at a major hospital in southern Israel after it was struck by an Iranian missile early Thursday.
(Image credit: Leo Correa)
It’s fair to say that the official reveal of the Fujifilm X-E5 has caused some consternation among fans of the brand. Starting at $1,699 / £1,299 body only, this compact mirrorless camera is a lot pricier than its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-E4, which cost just $850 / £799 when it arrived in 2021.
I’ll admit that it does seem a hefty sum to pay for a camera with no weather sealing and a dated, minuscule viewfinder. But as someone who reviews cameras day in, day out, I think the Fujifilm X-E5 represents pretty good value for money – at least on paper.
I’ve yet to actually get my hands on a Fujifilm X-E5 review sample (it’s coming though, so stay tuned for an in-depth review here very soon) but even from afar it’s clear that this camera is more expensive than the X-E4 for very justifiable reasons. And TechRadar's Cameras Editor Tim Coleman has his own take following a three day trip with the camera ahead of its launch – check out his X-E5 first thoughts.
First, the specs and features on offer in Fujifilm’s new camera far surpass those of the X-E4. To pick out the most obvious two upgrades: the X-E5 is built around a new-gen 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR back-illuminated sensor that offers almost twice the resolution of the X-E4’s 26.1MP sensor; and it now comes with in-body five-axis sensor shift image stabilization (IBIS).
These enhancements, particularly the IBIS, should result in big improvements to image detail and sharpness, especially for handheld shooting. It can now also record 6.2K video, while the X-E4 topped out at 4K.
More metal, more moneyThe X-E5's all-metal top plate is naturally going to drive up its asking price. Trust me, it's lovely. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)The X-E5 is also the first camera in the X-E series to come with an all-metal top plate. Machined from a single block of aluminium, I’m certain this will make the X-E5 feel tougher and more luxurious than its predecessor. Yes – even if it’s not technically weather-sealed – which I’ll admit is a bit of a disappointment, particularly as Fujifilm is selling the camera in a kit with a new XF23mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which IS weather resistant.
I’ll also say that the tiny viewfinder could really have used an update. Incredibly, it actually appears to be the very same 0.39-inch, 2.36-million dot one as seen on the very first X-E series camera, the Fujifilm X-E1, which launched 13 years ago. It’s functional, yes – but as a photographer who much prefers composing shots with my eye pressed up against a viewfinder rather than looking at a screen, the bigger, brighter and crisper the viewfinder the better.
The LCD screen also appears to be a downgrade from other recent models – it's a 1.04m-dot unit rather than the 1.84m-dot utir lized by the the X-T50 and X100VI.
When talking about the price of the X-E5, particularly in the US, we must also acknowledge the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs, which has led to a situation where non-US manufacturers are naturally going to raise prices on their products. It's no secret that the X-E5 costs $200 more than it otherwise would have.
The X-E5 is available in black or silver and in a more cost effective bundle with the new XF 23mm f/2.8 WR lens. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Even setting aside this tariff confusion, inflation has also bitten hard since 2021 – so it’s really not that surprising to see the X-E5 priced this way.
Finally, it seems that Fujifilm is set to keep the X-E4 in its current X Series line-up, if you can find it in stock, which means the company is still giving consumer the option to pick up an affordable rangefinder-style mirrorless camera if that’s what they need. While the X-E4 is certainly not without its drawbacks, it’s still a very serviceable interchangeable lens camera. It just now has a more advanced, better-constructed sibling for anyone who wants it.
Disagree with me and still think the X-E5 is far too pricey compared to its predecessor? Feel free to sound off in the comments below – but do remember to check back soon for a full and definitive review of Fujifilm's latest release.
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