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• Metal Eden officially launches on September 2 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S
• Reikon Game's new title is a sci-fi FPS featuring fast-paced combat combined with cybernetic parkour
• A new story trailer has also been released, and the game's free demo is still available

Reikon Games, the studio behind Ruiner, has announced that its next game, Metal Eden, will officially launch on September 2 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

From publisher Deep Silver, Metal Eden is an adrenaline-fueled sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS) featuring fast-paced combat combined with cybernetic parkour, that explores a world where humanity's consciousness has transcended the flesh, now residing within robots."

A brand new story trailer has also been released, showcasing the main character Aska, a Hyper Unit robot, who is sent on a suicide mission to rescue the citizens’ cores from the city of Moebius, once a hopeful new home for humanity, now turned into a deadly trap.

"Time to descend into the cryptic, atmospheric world of Metal Eden. It’s an invitation to embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Planet Moebius, where mankind’s remnants are trapped within decaying cores—and Aska may be the key to their survival," Reikon Games describes.

"Her hidden past begins to unfold as she confronts the devastating legacy of the Erosion Bomb and her own transformation from human to weapon."

The game also features eight unique missions where players will need to defeat the Internal Defence Corps in cybernetic warfare, confront engineers, and "uncover the mysteries of the project Eden."

Metal Eden was revealed in February as part of Sony's State of Play and was originally set for a May 6, 2025, release.

Although the game doesn't arrive for another month, a free demo is now available to play on all platforms, including Steam.

In TechRadar Gaming's Metal Eden preview earlier this year, hardware writer Dashiell Wood said the game is "an eclectic blend of everything that made Doom (2016) and Ghostrunner great, with bombastic action combat that challenges you to experiment with a varied arsenal of meaty futuristic weapons, and a fast-paced parkour system where you’ll be running off walls and gliding down neon-lit rails between fighting arenas."

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• Dashlane will soon end its free tier
• Users will have until September 16th to upgrade or switch providers
• Here is all the information on what to do next

September 16 is D-Day for Dashlane, and by D-Day, I mean the discontinuation of the password manager’s free plan.

Users will have to upgrade to a Dashlane paid plan, or switch over to a different free password manager.

The Dashlane free plan has long been the go-to for many who want a no frills credential manager that doesn’t break the bank - but users will now either have to pay up or switch providers.

Dashlane ditches free plan

Users who do decide to make the switch to a different provider can export all their stored passwords from Dashlane as a CSV file, and import that file into an alternative provider.

Just be sure to delete the unencrypted CSV file once you are finished using it or it could put all your passwords at risk.

To export passwords from Dashlane as a CSV file, take the following steps:

1. Open the Dashlane web app.
2. Navigate to ‘My Account’ and then click ‘Settings’
3. Click ‘Export Data’
4. Use the ‘Export to CSV’ button to export all your passwords into a ZIP file.
5. You may be prompted to enter your Master Password.
6. Use your choice of password manager to import the CSV file, and then delete it once complete.

For those looking to continue using Dashlane, the platform offers two options, Premium, or Friends & Family.

The Premium plan grants you access to unlimited password and passkey storage, phishing alerts, secure sharing, Dark Web Monitoring for leaked credentials, a VPN, and passwordless login for new users. All these features are available across an unlimited number of devices at $4.99 per month (billed annually).

The Friends & Family plan includes all of the above across 10 accounts, with the one caveat being that only the plan manager will have access to the VPN. This plan costs $7.49 per month (also billed annually).

Alternatively, there are a number of competitors who also offer free plans. NordPass’ free tier offers unlimited password storage but only allows one active session at a time. RoboForm also offers unlimited password storage but also throws in a two-factor authenticator app, password monitoring, and a cloud backup. Alternatively, Bitwarden offers a free tier across an unlimited number of devices and includes secure passkey management with the added promise of it always being free.

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The TechRadar team has seen plenty of wearables over the years, and if you asked us about the best Garmin watches on the market right now, the Garmin Venu 3 would certainly be involved. It's an impressive device for all kinds of reasons, but an even better model is on the way in the form of the Garmin Venu 4.

Garmin hasn't said anything officially about this smartwatch yet, but a few leaks and rumors have emerged suggesting it's on the way. The Venu 3 launched in August 2023, so the time is definitely right for Garmin to introduce a successor.

In June 2025, we saw the launch of the Garmin Venu X1, which was something of a surprise – but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 competitor doesn't appear to be the true successor to the Venu 3, despite the branding. Read on to find out everything we think we know so far about what the Garmin Venu 4 will bring with it.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? A flagship successor to the Venu 3
• When is it out? August/September 2025 looks likely
• How much will it cost? Around $450 / £450 / AU$749

Garmin Venu 4: Release date predictions and pricing

The Venu 3 launched in August 2023 (Image credit: Garmin)

• We're expecting a 2025 launch
• Mid-range pricing is likely

The leaks and rumors we've seen around the Venu 4 haven't specifically referred to a launch date or a price – but we can make some educated guesses on both counts, based on what Garmin has done in the past.

Garmin launched the Venu 3 in August 2023, while the Garmin Venu 2 broke cover back in April 2021 (there was also a Garmin Venu 2 Plus in January 2022, adding a mic). With a two-year gap between previous releases, the year 2025 and the month of August would be the clever guess for the Venu 4.

As for pricing, all we have is what we saw with the Venu 3: that watch originally went on sale for $450 / £450 / AU$749, so it's in the middle of the pack compared to other Garmin watches. It seems likely that the Venu 4 will take the same approach, sitting somewhere between the high-end Fenix models and the cheapest Forerunners.

Garmin Venu 4: Leaks and rumors

The Garmin Venu X1 (Image credit: Garmin)

• We've seen hints the Venu 4 is coming
• Screen and build upgrades could happen

Now we haven't been exactly inundated with Garmin Venu 4 leaks and rumors, so this section of our preview is going to be a little sparse. What we can tell you is that a mention of the Venu 4 watch has appeared on the Garmin Japan website – specifically, in a description of the Garmin golf app.

That tells us that the Garmin Venu 4 is almost certainly on the way, that you'll be able to use it to improve your golf game, and... not much else. Garmin has actually since removed the mention of the Venu 4 from the golf app documentation, so make of that what you will. Clearly, its existence was supposed to be a secret.

While it's not a leak per se, a report from Garmin Rumors does point out that out of all of Garmin's flagship smartwatches, the Venu is the one that's been waiting for a refresh the longest. The Garmin Fenix 8 was unveiled in August 2024, which gives us another indication that August 2025 could be the right time for the Venu 4.

We can also pick up some hints from the recently unveiled Garmin Venu X1, which shows how Garmin as a company is changing. It sports the biggest screen yet on a Garmin watch, and follows the recent Garmin trend of sacrificing battery life for display quality – perhaps hints at ways in which the Venu series may evolve.

Garmin Venu 4 What we want to see

Sensors on the Garmin Venu 3 (Image credit: Future)

As much as we like the Venu 3, it isn't quite a perfect smartwatch – and two years is a long time in the gadget industry. With that in mind, here are five improvements we're hoping to see when the Garmin Venu 4 eventually sees the light of day.

1. An improved design

The Venu X1 has already shown us what Garmin is capable of in terms of design refinements: it's noticeably thin and lightweight, and that's something we're hoping for with the Venu 4, perhaps with upgrades in terms of bezel style and overall durability.

We've seen titanium used in watches like the Venu X1 and the Forerunner 970, both launched in 2025, and the Venu 4 may well follow that trend. Given the two-year gap, we'd expect an upgrade on the Venu 3's 1.4-inch AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixel display too.

2. Upgraded sensors

We're always looking for new and improved sensors on smartwatches and fitness trackers, whether it's improved accuracy for measurements or entirely new categories of measurement – and this is something that the Venu 4 could well be able to deliver on.

The latest Garmin smartwatches to launch are still making use of the Elevate v5 sensor that the Venu 3 is fitted with, so you could argue it's time for an upgrade in this area – even if the Venu 3 is already one of the best models on the market for health and fitness insights.

3. More software features

In our Garmin Venu 3 review, we pointed out that the watch was missing out on some of the more detailed metrics and advanced features that are available on other Garmin models – so Garmin could implement these features on the Venu 4, if it wanted to.

Features such as Suggested Workouts and Training Readiness aren't found on the Venu 3, but could be transferred over to the Venu 4 from other watches, adding to the appeal. It would be a way for Garmin to increase the value of the Venu 4 relatively easily.

4. On-board mapping

One of the disappointments about the Garmin Venu 3 is that it doesn't have an integrating mapping or route navigation feature, which puts it behind other models in the Garmin range – no doubt very deliberately, so each series can remain distinct from each other.

While it might create some overlap with the more advanced Garmin smartwatches, integrated maps would be a welcome and useful addition. It's worth noting that certain Garmin watches were recently upgraded with Google Maps support, which is a good sign.

5. A cellular model

In recent years, Garmin has largely abandoned the idea of watches that can get online independently of a connected phone – no doubt making the calculation that the trade-off in terms of battery life and device price isn't going to be worth it for most users.

However, there's a lot to be said for a cellular watch option that can message, call, and update itself independently of any other gadget. It would help the Venu 4 stand out from the Garmin crowd, and mean it was better able to take on the best Apple Watches.

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The Department of Justice hired a former Jan. 6 defendant who was caught on tape urging rioters to "kill" police. The department calls him a "valued member" of the administration.

(Image credit: Department of Justice)

After his town hall this week wrapping with chants of "Vote him out!" Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood told Morning Edition he understands it is "cathartic" for constituents to voice their opinions.

(Image credit: Rebecca S. Gratz for The Washington Post)

Birth control is routine for many Americans and polls show it's popular across party lines. Now, the Trump administration is withholding funds that provide contraception for low income people.

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Buying something new can be thrilling in the moment, but will you still be glad you bought it after the fact? NPR readers share their top tips for mindful shopping to avoid regret and overspending.

(Image credit: Westend61)

Dimension 20's sold-out Madison Square Garden show in January of 2025. 
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In the past decade or so, actors and comedians have adopted D&D as a performance medium. Podcasts and web series have expanded into stadium tours – and fueled growing interest in the game more broadly.

(Image credit: Andrew Max Levy)

The NFL has banned the use of smelling salts during games, citing an FDA warning concerning the safety of the substance. Here's what experts say about the effects and the risks.

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Funding for FEMA's disaster survivor hotline lapsed the day after the Texas floods, federal records show. It took DHS Secretary Kristi Noem five days to approve more money.

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• Google's latest AI coding agent, Jules, is now generally available to all
• Jules offers a free tier and two paid options with higher limits
• Gemini 2.5 Pro produces high-quality code outputs

Google has announced the general availability of its latest AI coding agent, Jules.

Initially revealed in December 2024 as a Google Labs project, Jules has now launched as an offering to paying customers, but limited free access is also confirmed.

In a blog post announcing the launch, Google stated its decision to use Gemini 2.5 Pro would lead to "higher-quality code outputs."

Google makes Jules generally available

Designed for asynchronous operation, Jules can work in the background without user supervision, making it a considerable improvement over previous generative AI examples of coding assistants. Supporting multimodal inputs and outputs, Jules promises to write, test and improve code while simultaneously visualizing results for its users.

Google hopes its new AI agent will not only be a valuable tool for developers, but also website designers and enterprise workers who don't have sufficient coding experience.

During the beta phase, users already used Jules to submit hundreds of thousands of tasks, with more than 140,000 code improvements shared publicly.

Now that Google's confident Jules works, general availability lands with a new streamlined user interface, new capabilities based on user feedback and bug fixes.

Although the free plan gets the same Gemini 2.5 Pro backing as the higher-tier options, it's limited to 15 daily tasks and three concurrent tasks.

Pro ($124.99/month) adds support for up to 100 daily tasks and 15 concurrent tasks, as well as "higher access to the latest models, starting with Gemini 2.5 Pro," suggesting it is likely to get model improvements before the free tier.

Ultra ($199.99/month) gets priority access to those latest models, plus 300 daily tasks and 60 concurrent tasks.

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AI has become synonymous with business transformation, promising insights and efficiency. Yet for many CEOs, traditional AI tools remain frustratingly passive, surfacing insights but failing to take action. Today’s business leaders don’t need more dashboards; they need execution.

This gap often stems from a misunderstanding of AI's role. Tools like “co-pilots” transcribe, summarize, and recommend, but they still rely on humans to follow through. That missing “last mile” is where execution breaks down, costing companies time, revenue, and agility.

Understanding the AI Dichotomy

There's a widespread misconception about AI's role in modern business operations, and many CEOs don’t understand the difference. Traditional AI models, including generative AI (GenAI) and transcription services, rely on human intervention to move from insight to action.

They surface recommendations but require human oversight to execute, often causing operational stalls and insights that aren’t accounted for in decision-making. According to Gartner Research, 73% of insights captured by legacy AI tools never translate into executed actions, highlighting a tangible gap between data availability and operational execution.

Imagine a sales representative finishing a call where a potential customer expresses interest but mentions budget constraints. A traditional AI tool captures this interaction and generates a transcript, flagging the budget issue as a critical insight. However, it's up to the representative, assistant, or manager to manually review this flagged point, determine the next steps, update CRM records, and communicate that flagged point in their follow-ups.

This manual process introduces delays, allows for human errors, and increases the likelihood that the lead cools off or engages with a competitor in the meantime. Despite recognizing valuable data, the reactive nature of traditional AI means execution gaps persist, leaving executives puzzled when expected outcomes fail to materialize.

Misunderstandings Around Reactive and Proactive AI

The issue isn't just technological; it's conceptual. Organizations continue to misunderstand the distinct roles and capabilities of different AI categories though their operations. Traditional reactive AI solutions are often perceived as holistic operational fixes, setting unrealistic expectations and leading to implementation failures and skepticism regarding AI's overall efficacy in the first place.

The misunderstanding also encompasses risk and accountability.

Proactive agentic AI might raise concerns about automated errors or missteps. However, human leaders still hold the reins for overall strategy and are ultimately responsible for the outcomes. Agentic AI does not remove professional, human oversight; instead, it supports leaders by automating routine operational tasks, enabling teams to focus strategically and maximize on high-value opportunities.

The Proactive Shift: Introducing Agentic AI

Agentic AI is a monumental leap in how AI operates, shifting from simply offering insights to actively taking the reins and executing tasks autonomously within existing workflows. Rather than merely highlighting data trends, it triggers structured, automated actions directly from the surfaced insights. This is to guarantee that customer and market signals are promptly acted upon, ultimately boosting revenue outcomes.

There is a spectrum of Agentic AI abilities going from advanced automations to autonomous decision making. It is important to know how and where to employ this power in the right way that is secure.

This type of AI continuously captures structured, clean, first-party data from customer interactions, such as sales calls, emails, and meetings. It then automatically integrates this information into CRM systems, communication platforms, and operational workflows, leaving no insights to fall through the cracks. Unlike traditional AI that merely suggests actions, agentic AI independently completes these tasks, prompting a reduction in administrative overhead and operational friction.

The Cost of Administrative Overhead

Traditional AI's reactive approach exacerbates administrative burdens, inevitably impacting productivity and revenue potential. Boston Consulting Group reports that sales representatives spend up to 45% of their time on administrative tasks, such as CRM updates and manual follow-ups. This administrative overload limits their capacity to engage in revenue-generating activities and reduces overall sales effectiveness.

For CEOs and revenue leaders, execution speed directly correlates with revenue performance. Delays in responding to customer dissatisfaction, competitive shifts, or emerging market opportunities can lead to substantial financial setbacks. Even minor operational delays can mean the difference between growth and stagnation.

That execution gap is precisely what Agentic AI is built to resolve. Embedding directly into existing workflows and autonomously executing necessary tasks ensures immediate, structured responses to market signals. Instead of solely identifying churn risks, agentic AI proactively alerts customer success teams with clearly defined actions to prevent revenue loss.

Interoperability and Operational Agility Across the Enterprise

A major limitation of traditional AI tools is their siloed nature. Data outputs typically require manual intervention to distribute across departments, creating inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Agentic AI, in contrast, operationalizes intelligence by integrating across the enterprise's existing technology stack, enhancing transparency and consistency among sales, marketing, and customer success teams. This integration allows for interoperability while reducing delays associated with manual transfers and human-dependent workflows.

Operational agility has become a priority for CEOs who face rapidly shifting markets and fierce competition. While traditional AI provides important insights, it lacks the execution capacity to drive agile responses. Agentic AI meets this demand by automating real-time, responsive actions within core business processes.

Embracing Agentic AI: The Path Forward

Why is Agentic AI so important right now? Because understanding and embracing Agentic AI isn't just about gaining an edge; it's about finding and taking advantage of opportunities in today's fiercely competitive, resource-strained, and unpredictable markets. This goes beyond a simple tech improvement; it's a way to redefine how businesses turn intelligence into action, directly converting their strategic insights into real, immediate impact.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Network Solutions website builder delivers a no-frills approach to creating business websites. While it may not compete with the best website builders of 2025, it works for small businesses looking for simplicity. The platform clearly prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality.

Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders. We've found that while Network Solutions meets basic needs, it falls short of modern expectations. For users who need more robust features, Wix remains our pick for the best website builder in 2025.

Still, Network Solutions' website building tool works well for straightforward business sites. You won't find cutting-edge design tools here. But you will get reliable hosting, AI tools, decent performance, and 150+ user-friendly templates.

Network Solutions: 2-minute review

Network Solutions website builder targets small businesses wanting quick online presence. The platform delivers on its core promise: simple website creation without coding knowledge. However, it lacks the sophisticated features found in competitors like Wix or Squarespace.

Founded in 1979 as a technology consulting company, Network Solutions was the world's first domain registrar. The company expanded into website building to serve its small business customer base. Today, it competes in a crowded market with feature-rich no-code platforms like Wix, Webflow, and Bubble. Network Solutions holds its ground through simplicity and reliability, but it struggles to match its competitors' innovation.

What is Network Solutions?

Network Solutions started as a tech consultancy in 1979. The company became famous for managing internet domain names before opening to competition. Today, they offer web hosting, domain registration, and website building services.

Web.com acquired Network Solutions in 2011. More recently, they've decided to combine both website building products into a single solution. Their new website builder targets beginners who need simple sites. You get basic tools without overwhelming options. The platform suits small businesses, personal sites, and anyone wanting quick results without technical complexity.

Features

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides essential website building features without unnecessary complexity. The platform includes over 150 templates, drag-and-drop editing, and mobile responsiveness. You'll find basic SEO tools, SSL certificates, and integrated hosting. These features target small businesses needing professional-looking sites quickly.

The feature set works best for straightforward business websites. Restaurant owners, consultants, and service providers will find adequate tools. However, advanced users seeking sophisticated design options or extensive e-commerce capabilities may feel limited. The platform lacks advanced animations, complex layouts, or detailed customization options.

Network Solutions now also includes AI-powered tools like content writing and logo creation. These features help beginners overcome common obstacles. The AI writer generates website copy, while the logo builder creates basic brand graphics. These additions make the platform more accessible to complete novices.

The pricing justifies the feature set for budget-conscious users. Starting at $1.99 for the first month, it offers good value for basic needs. However, competitors provide more features at similar price points. You're paying for simplicity rather than comprehensive functionality.

Tools

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides essential website building tools designed for simplicity. It focuses on core functionality rather than extensive options. Each tool serves specific business needs but does not overwhelm beginners.

Drag-and-drop editor

Their visual editor lets you place elements anywhere on your pages. You can add text, images, videos, and forms without coding. The interface uses a section-based approach rather than true drag-and-drop. This keeps things simple but restricts design flexibility.

Template library

150+ professionally designed templates cover various industries. They provide starting points for different business types. All templates include mobile responsiveness, so they can adapt to any screen size automatically. However, switching templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch.

AI content creation

There's an AI writer that creates website copy based on your business details. Meanwhile an AI logo builder produces basic graphics using your brand preferences. These tools help overcome creative block for beginners.

SEO and marketing tools

Built-in SEO features include title tags, meta descriptions, and XML sitemaps. The platform also offers social media integration and email marketing capabilities. Additional marketing tools include paid ads management and link-in-bio creation for driving traffic to key pages.

E-commerce features

Basic online store functionality allows product sales through your website. You get shopping cart features and secure payment processing. However, the e-commerce tools remain limited compared to specialized platforms. This works for simple product catalogs but not complex online stores.

Ease of use

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions excels in simplicity. The drag-and-drop interface welcomes beginners without overwhelming them. You get 150+ templates sorted by industry, making it easy to find relevant designs.

Their builder uses a section-based approach rather than true drag-and-drop. This keeps things simple but limits design flexibility. We also found the AI tools quite helpful for newcomers. The AI Content Writer creates website copy based on your business details. And the AI Domain Generator suggests relevant domain names using your keywords.

The platform takes an all-in-one approach. You get hosting, domain, SSL, and professional email bundled together. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple services. However, switching templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch.

Pricing

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Website

$1.99/month

$16.99/month

Website + Marketing

$3.99/month

$21.99/month

eCommerce

$9.99/month

$29.99/month

Network Solutions offers competitive introductory pricing. The basic Website plan starts at just $1.99 monthly for the first year. This includes hosting, a free domain, SSL certificate, and professional email for three months. The Website + Marketing plan adds appointment scheduling, social media tools, and AI copywriting for $3.99 monthly.

The pricing jumps significantly at renewal. Your $1.99 plan becomes $16.99 monthly in year two. This represents a substantial increase that may surprise budget-conscious users. However, even renewal rates remain competitive compared to premium builders like Wix, which starts at $17/month.

Security

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides basic security features but charges for advanced protection. All plans include free SSL certificates, which encrypt data between your site and visitors. You also get Perfect Privacy to hide your personal information from WHOIS databases.

The company offers SiteLock Premium as an additional security service. This includes daily malware scans, automatic malware removal, and basic web application firewall protection. It also provides blacklist monitoring and a Content Delivery Network to speed up your site. However, these security features cost extra, unlike competitors who include comprehensive security in their base plans.

Support

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides multiple support channels with mixed results. You get 24/7 phone support and live chat, plus a comprehensive knowledge base. Phone support runs from 7 AM to midnight ET, seven days a week. Live chat operates Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 11 PM.

The quality varies significantly between support agents. Some users report helpful, patient staff who explain solutions clearly. Others encounter abrupt agents who seem reluctant to assist. This inconsistency makes support a gamble. The knowledge base offers hundreds of well-written articles with helpful screenshots. You can usually find answers quickly without contacting support.

Network Solutions includes one hour of expert design support with the basic plan. This helps beginners get started without struggling alone. The company also offers professional design services separately if you prefer hands-off website creation.

Alternatives

Network Solutions targets small businesses seeking simplicity over sophistication. It competes in the budget-friendly segment alongside Hostinger ($2.99/month) and Weebly. The platform works best for basic business sites, restaurants, and service providers who need quick online presence.

The main competitors include Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy. Wix offers more design flexibility and advanced features starting at $17 monthly. Squarespace provides premium templates and better design tools for creatives at $16 monthly. Shopify dominates e-commerce with specialized tools starting at $29 monthly. Network Solutions fits between basic builders and feature-rich platforms, offering reliability without complexity.

Network Solutions website builder: Summary

Network Solutions website builder delivers on its core promise: simple website creation for small businesses. You get reliable hosting, decent templates, and helpful AI tools at competitive introductory prices. The all-in-one approach eliminates service juggling, while customer support provides mixed but generally adequate assistance.

However, significant renewal price increases, limited design flexibility, and basic security features may disappoint users seeking advanced functionality. It's ideal for beginners wanting straightforward business sites without technical complexity.

FAQsCan I switch to a different template after building my site?

Unfortunately, you cannot easily switch templates in Network Solutions. Changing templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch. This means you should choose your template carefully from the start. Consider browsing all available templates before making your selection to avoid later regrets.

How does Network Solutions compare for SEO and marketing?

Network Solutions includes basic SEO tools like title tags, meta descriptions, and XML sitemaps in all plans. The Website + Marketing plan adds appointment scheduling, social media integration, and email marketing tools. The platform focuses on simplicity rather than advanced SEO features. For comprehensive marketing, you may need their professional digital marketing services, which cost extra.

What happens to my website if I don't renew at the higher price?

Network Solutions requires renewal at standard rates after your promotional period ends. If you don't renew, your website will eventually go offline and become inaccessible to visitors. The company typically provides grace periods and renewal notices before deactivation. However, pricing jumps from $1.99 to $16.99 monthly for the basic plan, so budget accordingly for year two.

Does Network Solutions include e-commerce features in all plans?

Ecommerce functionality requires the dedicated eCommerce plan at $9.99 monthly. The basic Website and Website + Marketing plans don't include online store capabilities. The eCommerce plan allows unlimited products and selling on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay. If you plan to sell products online, factor this higher cost into your budget.

Can I use my own domain name with Network Solutions?

You can absolutely use an existing domain name with Network Solutions website builder. All plans include a free domain for one year, but you can connect your existing domain instead. The setup process is straightforward through your account dashboard. If you prefer keeping your current domain registrar, Network Solutions supports domain connection from other providers.

BigCommerce is a leading ecommerce platform designed to help you create, launch, and grow your online store—no coding needed. Our team at Techradar has spent thousands of hours testing over 140 website builders, so we know what makes a platform stand out. For anyone wanting to weigh their options, don’t miss our expert guides to the best website builders and the best ecommerce platforms.

We’ve seen BigCommerce land high on both lists, offering rich commerce features for ambitious stores. Still, if pure website building is your focus, our top pick for 2025 is Wix. See our latest Wix review to find out why it’s the best all-round builder for most people.

Put simply: BigCommerce excels at advanced store management. But, it’s not the most user-friendly if you crave simple design tweaks or unlimited styling options.

BigCommerce: 2-minute review

BigCommerce is a heavyweight in the ecommerce world. Its platform blends flexible store management with built-in tools for SEO, multi-currency selling, product variants, and sales analytics. Over the years, BigCommerce has become a favorite for fast-growing brands who want more power and customization than entry-level platforms.

BigCommerce’s standout feature is its ability to manage multiple storefronts under a single account. This, plus its deep native features and lack of hidden fees, mean you get a lot of bang for your buck. However, its website editor feels more basic than the drag-and-drop wizards you’ll find elsewhere. If your priority is deep commerce tools, though, BigCommerce delivers where it counts.

What is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is an online store builder that lets anyone, even total beginners, launch a shop, list products, and sell to the world. As with most other tools in this category, you don’t need to know a line of code. The dashboard is straightforward: you add products, set up payments, and choose a design template. With guided setup and support at every step, you’re never lost.

But, BigCommerce isn’t only for beginners. As your business grows, you can add more advanced features: custom discounts, shipping rates, and even multiple stores, all managed from one place. If you want to focus on selling, BigCommerce handles the technical side for you. That means security, hosting, and updates happen automatically behind the scenes.

Features

(Image credit: BigCommerce)

With multiple storefronts, you can have different versions of your store for different customer segments or locations. For example, if you have an international presence, each country can have its own version of the store in its native language and currency. This makes it easier to target customers in specific countries and regions without them needing to search through multiple languages or convert currencies. It also allows you to keep track of customer data and sales more easily since everything is segmented by storefronts. 

BigCommerce enables you to create unique, seamless customer experiences that span multiple channels with its Headless Commerce feature. During our test, we were able to leverage external content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Adobe Experience Manager, while still leveraging the powerful API-driven B2B and B2C commerce capabilities of BigCommerce. This allows for greater flexibility when creating custom digital experiences for customers across all devices and channels. 

BigCommerce offers B2B and wholesale solutions that allow businesses to provide special pricing and discounts on large orders or special deals for select customers. This helps make it easier for you to expand your customer base and reach new markets without having to put extra effort or resources into managing different pricing models. 

With omnichannel capabilities, you can create a seamless experience across all channels (online, in-store, mobile). This includes providing customers with the ability to make purchases from any device or location, as well as offering them access to unique experiences both online and offline. Additionally, this feature makes it easy for customers who are shopping online or in-store to convert their purchase into an online order if they need further assistance or information before completing a purchase. 

International Commerce-as-a-Service (CaaS) feature allows you to easily expand your business into new markets with localized checkout flows and currencies. With this feature, you can accept payments from customers in different countries without having to manage multiple stores or currency conversions. This feature provides tools such as automated tax calculations and support for the localization of product listings across multiple markets. 

The Emerging Brands feature makes it easy for startups and entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground quickly and affordably. With this feature, you can easily create a custom store design with pre-built templates that are optimized for mobile devices. Additionally, the Emerging Brands feature provides access to advanced marketing tools such as automatic discounts, coupons, abandoned cart reminders, Google shopping ads integration, and more. 

For small businesses that need more control over their website and store design, BigCommerce offers a range of features tailored specifically for them. These include drag-and-drop page-building capabilities for creating custom layouts, access to third-party app integrations, powerful shipping tools, real-time analytics, customer segmentation capabilities, integrated email marketing solutions, and more.  

If you’re running a large enterprise business with multiple stores or sites around the world, BigCommerce offers an enterprise solution that is tailored specifically to your needs. This includes customizable templated designs, built-in scalability options, full API access, unlimited order management capabilities, advanced merchandising tools, dedicated account managers, and much more.   

Finally, if you already have an existing website or store on another platform like Shopify or Magento 2, BigCommerce offers its migration tool which allows you to easily transfer all of your existing data over quickly and painlessly so you can get up and running on BigCommerce right away.         

Tools

(Image credit: BigCommerce)

BigCommerce uses Google Cloud Platform infrastructure, Google AMP, and Akamai Image Manager to give your store blazing-fast speed. Customers don’t have to wait around for pages to load, plus you get unlimited customizability. Here are some of its best tools:

Product management

List unlimited products, create options and variants (like sizes or colors), and organize your catalog. Batch editing and flexible custom fields make managing large inventories easy.

Multi-storefront business

Run several storefronts — each with its own design, products, and checkout, using just one account. Perfect if you’re selling in different regions or to different audiences.

SEO and marketing

Built-in SEO tools help your shop rank on Google. You can edit page titles, descriptions, and URLs, plus take advantage of automatic image optimization and product review features. Marketing tools include coupon codes, gift certificates, and abandoned cart recovery.

International & multi-currency stores

Sell globally with automatic currency conversion, translation options, and support for the world’s top payment gateways. Real-time shipping quotes and tax calculations keep things running smoothly.

Reporting & analytics

From high-level dashboards to granular sales reports, BigCommerce’s analytics help you track growth and spot trends. Export data for more detailed analysis, or connect to third-party tools.

App marketplace

Add functionality with a range of integrations — think shipping, accounting, CRM, and more, by browsing the BigCommerce app store.

Ease of use

(Image credit: BigCommerce)

BigCommerce offers a strong suite of features that make it easy to build a website from scratch. The drag-and-drop builder makes it easy for users to customize their site without needing any coding skills.

The platform also offers plenty of features to help you manage your store once it's up and running. You can easily add products, manage orders, process payments, track inventory levels, and more. It even makes it easy to create custom discounts, coupons, loyalty programs, and other promotions to attract customers. All of this requires little setup time, but you may have to spend some time with the documentation for advanced user flows.

Pricing

(Image credit: BigCommerce)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Standard

$29/month

$29/month

Plus

$79/month

$79/month

Pro

$299/month

$299/month

Enterprise

Custom/Quote

Custom/Quote

BigCommerce offers four main pricing tiers: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. Each plan is billed annually and rates don’t jump on renewal, so what you start with is what you pay going forward. The Standard plan is tailored for new or smaller stores, while Plus and Pro unlock more advanced features and higher sales limits. The high-end Enterprise tier is custom-quoted for big brands needing extra support or customization.

There are no hidden fees, bandwidth charges, or transaction costs. Every plan includes unlimited products, staff accounts, and storage. As you move up tiers, you’ll get added features like advanced marketing tools, customer segmentation, product filtering, and custom SSL certificates. BigCommerce provides strong value for growth-focused stores, though its initial pricing is higher than freelance-friendly rivals.

Security

(Image credit: Epic Games)

BigCommerce puts security first with strong encryption, PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, and automatic SSL certificates for every store. All data exchanges (from credit card info to logins) are encrypted using the latest TLS standards, plus regular security audits help keep storefronts safe from evolving threats. Robust role-based access controls ensure staff only access what they need, while two-factor authentication protects your admin account from unauthorized changes.

The platform’s security credentials mean you’re protected from the biggest headaches. There are zero manual security patches or PCI checklists to worry about. If you need extra customer trust, you can add extended validation SSLs for more prominent browser indicators.

Support

(Image credit: BigCommerce)

Every BigCommerce customer gets 24/7 live support via chat, phone, or email. We’ve found the support team quick, knowledgeable, and proactive. There’s also an extensive self-help portal, packed with step-by-step articles, video tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.

Higher-tier plans unlock priority routing and access to ecommerce strategists, helpful for scaling businesses. But even Standard users can reach out at any hour to expect real solutions. If you prefer not to contact support directly, the searchable knowledge base often answers common questions in minutes.

A small caveat is the occasional wait times can occur during peak hours, though most users have positive experiences with both the expertise and the friendliness of the help team.

Alternatives

One of the most popular ecommerce website builders on the market is Shopify. It provides users with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help them build their online stores quickly and easily. With Shopify, you can choose from hundreds of professionally designed themes, and customize your store's look.

WooCommerce is another popular choice for businesses looking for an e-commerce website builder. Unlike many other platforms, WooCommerce is free and open-source software that lets users customize their store however they want. You can add products from any source (including third-party sites like eBay), manage inventory levels, set up taxes and shipping costs, accept payments via PayPal or credit cards, and more, all without any coding knowledge needed! 

Magento is another great option for businesses looking for an ecommerce website builder solution. The platform offers a wide range of features including customizable templates, product catalogs with advanced sorting options, multiple payment options including credit cards and PayPal integration, detailed analytics reports to track sales performance over time, SEO optimization tools to help increase visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs), customer loyalty programs, order management tools, and more.

Is BigCommerce right for you?

BigCommerce delivers serious ecommerce power and flexibility, especially for ambitious stores with an eye on global success. Some design limitations and higher entry costs keep it from being perfect, but it's easily one of the best options for growth-focused brands in 2025.

Also, BigCommerce offers an extensive range of features that can help you customize your website exactly how you want it. From drag-and-drop page builders to integrated ecommerce options, the possibilities are nearly endless. And, BigCommerce offers great customer service that is available 24/7. 

But the one downside to using BigCommerce is its cost. If you are on a budget, consider options with cheaper starting plans. 

FAQsIs BigCommerce suitable for beginners?

Yes, BigCommerce is user-friendly enough for beginners and provides guided setup, helpful tutorials, and 24/7 support. The dashboard is straightforward, so you can launch a store with no coding experience. As you grow, you’ll find more advanced tools available, but you aren’t forced to use them until you’re ready.

Does BigCommerce take a cut of my sales?

No, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees on any plan, even if you use third-party payment gateways. You’ll only pay standard payment processor fees set by your chosen provider, like PayPal or Stripe.

How does BigCommerce compare to Shopify and Wix?

BigCommerce holds its own against Shopify and Wix. Generally, BigCommerce is stronger for multi-store or international selling and has more built-in features, while Shopify offers the biggest app marketplace and Wix wins for easy design. Each has strengths, so your best pick depends on your priorities.

Can I try BigCommerce before buying?

BigCommerce offers a risk-free trial with instant access, no credit card required. This lets you test core features, templates, and tools before committing to a paid plan.

What happens if my store grows too quickly?

BigCommerce’s plans scale automatically as your sales rise. Higher tiers unlock more advanced features and higher sales caps. If you hit those limits or need custom solutions, the Enterprise plan offers limitless scalability, priority support, and dedicated account management.

• Also check out our complete list of the best small business website builders.

At London Tech Week we heard Kier Starmer make a commitment to the UK people that we would “become an AI maker, not an AI taker”. But how did this shift from an assumed frontrunner to an AI underdog happen?

Economic and geopolitical instability, including tariffs and ever-changing political alliances, has caused global technology leaders to realize that both their physical and digital infrastructure is best kept in-region. This allows them to protect themselves and not let innovation be hampered by outside forces. This has led to what we are seeing with Starmer’s comments - investment and commitment towards keeping AI systems developed and controlled within the UK.

Enterprises and governments are being shown that sovereign AI and data platforms are no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have. These are defined as open source-based systems where data and AI are governed together at the edge, on-prem, or in-country cloud. This feels new to many organizations as it requires more than just turning a dial to more or less cloud.

Where we stand today

Research shows that the UK is falling behind AI innovations, despite strong IT infrastructure and a robust workforce in place. Top enterprise leaders aren’t currently matching the government’s urgency or investment focus on AI and data. This disconnect is particularly stark in the banking sector, which was seen as the UK’s most likely AI growth engine only a year ago.

Sovereignty over AI and data must be mission-critical and applied quickly, for every economy and every enterprise within it. If we continue to hesitate, concerns are that the UK could lose its economic edge. In today’s world, if you can’t control your data and AI, you’ll struggle to stay ahead.

So what needs to be done to fix this growing problem and reposition the UK as an AI leader with a solid base to scale in-region?

1.An intention gap

When it comes to intent to build sovereign AI and data platforms, UK leaders are among the least committed across the globe, despite government-backed programs being critical infrastructure plays.

Needless to say, if national ambition isn’t matched by enterprise commitment, the UK risks losing its early advantage.

2.Seeing beyond the immediate, and building for it

Globally, it appears that success hinges on a strategic commitment to full data access, open source foundations, integrated AI tools, and hybrid infrastructure, as well as accelerating applications into an agentic state.

The fastest-moving economies aren’t siloed in their application; generative and agentic AI are transforming every industry. They’re building sovereign AI and data factories that are open source, flexible, and future-proof architectures. This means that their AI and data can adapt and deliver value across borders, partners, and time.

In countries leading the charge, enterprise leaders follow these core beliefs:

1.Deep integration of AI and data is critical.

2.Sovereignty isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity.

3.Sustainable success relies on controlling your AI and data platform.

The next three years will shape which economies control the future of data and, consequently, AI. Although trillions have been invested by UK enterprise and government to build one of the world’s most advanced AI ecosystems, without strategies tied to these three core principles, these assets won’t deliver ROI.

3. Sensing the urgency, and adapting to it

The UK is not alone in facing this crossroads - Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are also converting infrastructure into execution. However, the UK seems to be hesitating more than its counterparts. For every competitor, there is increased recognition that sovereign control over AI and data is now essential, a push that is needed.

This recognition is at the heart of reshaping enterprise priorities. As more leaders act, the foundations they’re choosing matter just as much as the strategy itself.

Closing remarks

The divide between early movers and those hesitating is already clear. Just 13% of enterprises have fully integrated AI and data operations, but they account for 21% of the total global ROI, signaling what’s possible when strategy and execution align at speed.

There’s a huge opportunity within this space, as the global AI and data economy is projected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2028. The UK still has a structural advantage with world-class infrastructure, talent, and public investment. All that’s left is action.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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Like it or not, cyberattacks are now a regular occurrence, and part of everyday life. However, despite this predictability, it still remains impossible to pinpoint exactly when and where they will occur. This means that businesses must remain vigilant, constantly on the lookout for any and all potential threats.

From the moment a company is created, it must be assumed that attacks will be coming. Just because it is new and unknown does not mean it is safe. Take DeepSeek for example, despite being the new kid on the block, as soon as its name hit the news, it was hit with a severe large-scale attack. However, this does not give established companies an excuse to drop their guard.

The past couple of months alone have seen some of the biggest names in retail fall victim, with large scale companies like M&S and Dior unable to properly defend against attacks. No matter how big the company, it is vital to employ a well-rounded cybersecurity strategy that provides security from the foundational stages of development through to the latest iteration.

Siloed teams are outdated

The key to weathering the storm of cyberattacks is a firm foundation. Cybersecurity principles must be embedded from the outset, ensuring a strong and secure beginning for any product or system development. These defenses must be continually built upon, monitored, tested and updated on a proactive basis to ensure any potential vulnerabilities are mitigated before they can become a threat.

Threats are constantly evolving, and the attack defended against today could be the one that breaks through tomorrow. Therefore it is imperative to keep any and all threat intelligence up to date, monitoring threats in real-time and continuously sharing the information business-wide.

Unfortunately, it is the dissemination of this information that can cause issues - especially when different teams are receiving information late, or not at all. This is often the case in organizations that employ a siloed approach, with individual teams working in isolation from each other.

This fragmented structure can not only impact an organization's ability to detect and respond to threats, but the capability to learn from them and share these insights with other teams. Without a formal structure in place to facilitate cross-team collaboration, teams may develop different processes in parallel, use different tools, and fail to communicate across functions when facing risks or as incidents unfold.

As a result, security controls are inconsistent, making it tough, if not impossible, to establish standard methods for sharing threat intelligence and incident response procedures.

Introducing collaboration

A centralized platform that unifies threat intelligence company-wide will strengthen security efforts across departments and ensure that teams operate as part of shared vision. Creating common goals and metrics encourages collaboration and establishes a clear sense of purpose. Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) enable organizations to adopt this approach, integrating across business systems and providing automated intelligence sharing.

TIPs act as the heart of an organization's cyber defenses, gathering information from across multiple sources, from public feeds, to industry reports, and distributing it across all teams. They are able to sift through the data and identify serious threats, advising teams where to focus their efforts to prioritize the most at-risk vulnerabilities.

Through the automation of processes such as data collection and by removing internal communication barriers, organizations can translate scattered, complex cyber‑threat information into coordinated action to protect critical assets faster and comprehensively. This will result in improved threat detection, quicker incident response times and a greater overall cyber resilience.

The hyper-orchestration approach

The hyper-orchestration approach builds upon these foundations of collaboration and collective defense, replacing siloed teams with a united threat intelligence network. Employing this structure from the formation of a business will allow organizations to avoid the formation of individual teams, and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities from the outset.

This collective defense approach coordinates threat intelligence and response activities to tackle specific security threats. Perhaps one of the most notable examples of collective defense in action is the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC), which collects, analyses and disseminates actionable threat information to its members.

These centers enable organizations to identify and mitigate risks and boost their cyber resilience. ISACs are made up of a comprehensive group of highly competent and professional organizations, with the National Council of ISACs currently comprising almost 30 sector-specific organizations, for example.

Recent research highlights the importance of this collective defense approach, with 90% of cybersecurity professionals believing collaboration and information sharing are very important or crucial for a strong cyber defense. Despite this, nearly three-quarters (70%) feel their organization needs to do more to improve threat intelligence sharing capabilities.

It is clear that a collective defense approach is growing more popular, with dedicated information sharing roles now recognised at the highest levels of government and regulation. The EU Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2), which came into force last October, is a clear example of this - focusing on the resilience of sectors that are under particular risk.

With clear importance being placed on collaboration in cybersecurity, organizations must take steps to incorporate this approach into their cyber security strategies from day one. Employing hyper orchestration and collective defense is key to enhancing cyber resilience and ensuring systems are secure through every stage of a business’ development.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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