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Commentary: I had to see it to truly believe it.

Commentary: Netflix's Untold documentary series has covered some wild stuff.

• Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 is out now
• This includes Android's big Material 3 Expressive redesign
• However, these changes won't roll out with the first version of Android 16

Hot on the heels of Google’s Android Show, the company has now rolled out its new look Android in beta form.

If you have a compatible handset (meaning a Pixel phone from the Google Pixel 6 onwards), you can now download Android QPR1 (quarterly platform release 1) Beta 1, the headline feature of which is the new Material 3 Expressive redesign.

This gives Android a whole new look, with major visual changes to the lock screen, the launcher, the quick settings screen, and notifications. And these aren’t just static visuals, as Material 3 Expressive also includes new motion effects.

Examples of Material 3 Expressive (Image credit: Google)More sizes, more tiles, and new effects

Beyond that, this beta also features various other changes, many of which have been dug up by 9to5Google. These include things like new grid size options for the home screen, a reduction in the size of the At a Glance widget, the option to add more quick settings tiles, and the ability to add various effects – such as animated weather effects – to any wallpaper.

So there’s quite a lot here, though the main thing you’ll likely notice is just how different everything looks to on Android 15.

If you’ve signed up for the Android 16 beta program and have a Pixel 6 or newer then you should automatically gain access to this beta. If not, you can opt in on the Android beta page.

That said, this being a beta it won’t be as stable as a finished release, so unless you’re desperate to try out Android’s new look, we’d suggest waiting.

Android 16 is expected to roll out in finished form in the second quarter of the year – so by the end of June, but the Material 3 Expressive redesign seen in this beta won’t land until the first QPR update, which should land later this year.

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• Google Health Connect will soon support Garmin
• Mi Fitness and Runna will also be supported from June
• A few other updates are coming to Google Health Connect for developers

Google I/O always kicks off with an opening keynote, but the developer conference features big software announcements across its various talks and events – and one such reveal at Google I/O 2025 is that Google’s Health Connect will soon be compatible with Runna, Mi Fitness, and Garmin.

Google Health Connect, which launched back in 2022, is Android’s Apple Health equivalent. It allows you to easily share health metrics and fitness data across devices and between apps, while privacy controls allow you to choose what data is and isn’t shared.

Starting in June, Mi Fitness (Xiaomi’s fitness wearable app), Runna (the excellent running coach app that Strava recently acquired) and Garmin will be able to share data with Health Connect, as revealed on its Android Stage, and spotted by Android Central.

Google Health Connect can interface with many apps (Image credit: Google)

That’s not the only change coming to Health Connect. As is the case with most I/O announcements, these are app developer-focused, but there are some features we wanted to highlight.

First, Health Connect will support new medical records APIs. Users will be able to directly enter details into apps to highlight their allergies and immunizations, and apps can be designed to interface with clinics and practices to use a person’s medical records as a source for information

History reads should allow apps to more easily spot health trends over time, to keep users better informed.

These features will require app updates before they can be implemented, and will in most cases require you to grant permission for your data to be shared, but they mark a solid upgrade to Google’s Health Connect services.

They should help us squeeze more usefulness out of the best smartwatches, best smart rings, and perhaps soon (thanks to Android XR) best smart glasses that many of us are now wearing so we can monitor our health a little better.

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Two staff members of Israel's embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot dead last night outside of a Jewish museum. And, House Republicans passed President Trump's bill.

(Image credit: ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

• Project Starline becomes Google Beam, and will be for enterprises only
• AI turns feed from six cameras into 3D video, while AI translates from supported languages
• We'll see the first HP hardware to support Google Beam at next month's InfoComm conference

After around four years of very few apparent developments, Google confirmed that its Project Starline is still going ahead at its annual developer conference, I/O, in 2025.

This time under the new and public-facing name of Beam, the concept revolves around life-like video calls that use advanced hardware, computer vision and machine learning to create 3D video conferencing experiences with no glasses or headsets needed.

Rather than gathering data from tens of cameras (it still uses six), Beam will use a state-of-the-art AI volumetric video model to convert 2D video into a realistic 3D feed.

Google's Project Starline becomes Beam

Besides six cameras, Google has confirmed that Beam will use a light field display for true depth and a sense of dimension. The AI merges the six video streams, tracking head movements and rendering the video call at 60fps. Beam can also support natural eye contact and subtle expression recognition to make the video call hyper realistic.

Being a flagship video conferencing tool, it should come as no surprise that this 3D holographic platform will get the same real-time speech translation that Meet gets, with the system able to maintain voice, tone and facial expressions for natural multilingual communication.

However, there's a big catch, and it's not the price (which is unconfirmed). It's that general consumers won't get to experience the tech unless they work for one of Google's enterprise clients. It'll launch to select customers later this year, with the first HP hardware devices being showcased at InfoComm next month.

For context, Logitech's Project Ghost, a similar pod-based system that aims to curb Zoom fatigue with a slightly less advanced 2D system, costs around $15,000-$20,000 per booth.

Google confirmed that Deloitte, Salesforce, Citadel, NEC, Hackensack Meridian Health, Duolingo and Recruit have all already registered their interest in Beam. Google Beam General Manager Andrew Nartker added: "We’re working with industry leading partners like Zoom and HP to bring Google Beam to enterprises."

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• The Ninja Luxe Café comes in two new colors: Trace Blue and Gunmetal Gray
• Trace Blue has proved particularly popular, and has already sold out
• They follow the launch of the updated Ninja Luxe Café Pro earlier this month

The Ninja Luxe Café is one of the best coffee makers we've tested in recent months, and it just got even better with two limited edition soft colorways to add a touch of class to your kitchen.

The Ninja Luxe Café is an unusual coffee maker, capable of making espresso, filter coffee, and cold-brew – and doing all three well (see our full Ninja Luxe Café review for more details). It was available in a sharp stainless steel finish when it launched last year, and now you can also pick it up in a subtle hue called Trace Blue, and a darker shade called Gunmetal Gray.

The two new colors are available in the US, but Trace Blue has proved particularly popular and is currently sold out in Ninja's online store, but Gunmetal Gray is still in stock, and you can register for email updates to be informed when Trace Blue is back.

(Image credit: SharkNinja)

These new shades follow a bigger trend for kitchen appliances in soft, muted colors rather than the usual black and silver. For example, Breville recently gave its best espresso machine, the Barista Touch Impress, a new look in shades of cream, navy, and olive green with brass accents.

Meanwhile, KitchenAid toned down its coffee makers with a creamy colorway called Porcelain White, and unveiled the Design Series Evergreen stand mixer with a matt green body and walnut wood bowl.

Tidy tamping

The designers at Ninja have been busy, and earlier this month the company unveiled a new version of the Luxe Café with a lever-operated tamping system that takes the effort and skill out of pressing ground coffee into the perfect puck.

The system also makes coffee-brewing tidier, because there's no need to move a portafilter full of loose grounds and risk spilling them on your kitchen counter.

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is available now from Ninja for $749.99 / £699.99 (about AU$1,200).

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• Spotify has launched a new feature in its search hub called Upcoming Releases
• Users can now view and pre-save upcoming albums from two lists based on their listening history and the most pre-saved albums globally
• Upcoming Releases also provides listeners with a space to access Countdown Pages, merch, and more

Spotify is really doing its bit to prove that it’s still the best music streaming service, and its freshly-launched Upcoming Releases hub does just that. The platform has just rolled out the new feature, creating an in-app space dedicated to keeping tabs on new album releases.

Yesterday Spotify announced the feature in a blog post and, as the name suggests, it will allow you to view and pre-save recommended soon-to-be-released albums based on your personal listening habits all from one place. Additionally, you’ll also be able to view the top 10 anticipated new releases based on the number of global pre-saves.

One of the better parts of the Upcoming Releases hub is that it’s very easy to find in the Spotify app. Head to the main search hub and scroll down to ‘Browse all’, and there you’ll find the brand new Upcoming Releases section next to your ‘Made For You’ hub. From there, you can pre-save upcoming albums hassle-free, and can quickly access album Countdown Pages to view the tracklist, listen to singles, check out merch, and watch clips.

(Image credit: Spotify)

Upcoming Releases marks a first for Spotify and significantly enhances the music streamer’s approach to giving fans more ways of staying in the loop with new music. Last year Spotify introduced Countdown Pages for artists which not only breathed new life into album release strategies, but gave fans a new way of engaging with the pre-release hype.

Now that Spotify has launched the Upcoming Releases hub powered by Countdown Pages, it could give the platform a leg-up for bringing you closer to new music - and I’m already warming up to it.

I like what I see, I like it a lot

Like any music obsessive, having my ear to the ground with new music releases is in my nature, however it can be quite the task when it comes to keeping tabs on new albums especially if you listen to a lot of different genres and artists like myself.

But Spotify’s Upcoming Releases hub could be the answer to all my new music questions, and I don’t think I’ve taken to a new feature this quickly since Daylists landed in 2023.

So far Upcoming Releases is limited to two different categories, ‘For you’ and ‘Top 10 countdowns’, which is the only downside to the new feature but I’m hoping this is intentional.

It would make sense for Spotify to start small and then build on the feature as users get used to it, so with that said I’d like to see Spotify add genre-specific recommendations for example ‘Most popular indie upcoming releases’, or even a section that groups soon-to-be-released albums from artists touring your local area.

I think there's a lot of room for this new feature to evolve, but it’s still early days and at the moment, I’m just excited to test the waters with it and see how often the recommendations are updated. Besides, it will save me bags of time scrolling through Metacritic’s list of new releases to find out who's bringing out new material.

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• Android TV 16 will bring a few nice changes to Google TV devices
• Eclipsa Audio support, auto viewing mode optimization, better streaming, and HDMI-CEC improvements
• No launch date as yet; different manufacturers will have different timelines

Getting a TV operating system update sometimes feels like going to a restaurant where the chef is a psychopath: your dish will come with the finest ingredients cooked to perfection but there'll be something unspeakable on top of your steak. The Android 16 update for Google TV seems a bit like that.

The update, coming to Google TV this year, will bring Android 16 to supported TVs and will include some really useful improvements. It'll also include what could be quite the irritant.

Android 16 TV apps will also be available for Android XR headsets (Image credit: Google)What to expect from the Google TV Android update

One of the most important new features is support for Eclipsa Audio, the much-anticipated rival to Dolby Atmos being promoted by Google and Samsung. It'll be coming to YouTube to begin with, and the firms hope it's going to be embraced by the wider industry as another immersive audio option.

Another useful new addition is the MediaQualityManager, which is designed to give streaming apps the ability to tweak your TV's settings. This is a system-wide equivalent to app-specific features such as Prime Video Calibrated Mode, which currently enables owners of some Sony Bravia TVs to automatically optimize their TV settings for the Prime Video show or movie they're about to watch – so it'll tweak the brightness, color temperature and motion smoothing.

Having it available in the operating system should mean more streaming apps offering a calibration option, and calibration being available on more TVs.

Google's Gemini AI assistant will be rolling out to Google TVs in the fall, enabling you to ask for movie recommendations or get information about things from your TV.

There's a visual refresh coming too, with the update delivering the latest iteration of Google's interface, called Material 3 Expressive. It's not a huge redesign but it's a clearer, more modern look.

Those are the top four, and Google says there will also be various improvements to media handling including playback speed, consistency and efficiency, and there will be improved HDMI-CEC reliability too. And it'll be bringing Google TV to Android XR, it's virtual/augmented reality platform, so app developers will be able to bring their apps to the platform effortlessly (although some, like Netflix, are likely to opt out).

The chocolate bar in the swimming pool of Android TV updates is the arrival of pop-up rating requests. You know those annoying "Rate this app" popups on your phone? Google is enabling app makers to bring them to your TV too.

There's no release date for Android TV 16 yet, and as ever with this kind of update some manufacturers are likely to roll it out more quickly than others.

As soon as we know likely launch dates we'll let you know. You can see the full list of features and changes on the Android developers website. (via FlatpanelsHD)

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• The first Skullcandy Crusher headphones made for the gym
• Sweat and water resistance, plus a nano-coating and silicone band
• Lots of bass promised, but no active noise cancellation

Skullcandy's new Crusher 540 Active headphones look like nearly perfect over-ears for the gym: they're sweat-resistant, they've got great battery life, and they promise to deliver pumping and motivational sound, too. But there's one big feature missing: active noise cancellation.

That's an odd choice for headphones when many gyms have a pretty loud soundtrack, and given the price tag – £169.99 / $199.99 (about AU$353) – that means the lack of ANC is all the more apparent; our list of the best headphones has options half the price that come with very good ANC.

That's a shame, because the rest of the specifications are very good.

He's got a serious face because his headphones don't have ANC (Image credit: Skullcandy)Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active headphones: key features

The key features here are focused more on comfort and longevity: the headphones are sweat and water resistant with a nano-coating and silicone TPU band to cope with even the heaviest workouts.

The ear cushions are made from a breathable fabric and have enhanced clamping so they'll stay in place. Skullcandy says the cups feature a "noise-isolating over-ear design" to reduce distractions even without ANC.

Sound-wise the big feature is Skullcandy's own Crusher technology, which enables you to drive the bass up to match the intensity of your activity, and there's built-in Tile finding so you won't lose them if you leave them in the locker room. Drivers are 40mm with dual bass drivers, and there's Bluetooth 5.0 with integrated controls on the headphones as well as full Skullcandy app integration – including the ability to dial back the bass if you prefer.

Battery life is 40 hours, with 10-minute rapid charging delivering four hours of playback from flat.

It all sounds great, but other great headphones at this price offer ANC, such as the Sony ULT Wear headphones or the Sennheiser Accentum Plus. It's true that Beats' gym-focused headphones, the Beats Solo 4, are a similar price and don't have ANC either – but we also slammed those for the omission.

There might be lots of people who don't want to use ANC in the gym, to keep more aware of their surroundings – but you'd want to use these headphones at other times, and wouldn't you want ANC when on public transport or in the office? There's a reason the best noise cancelling headphones are so popular.

Still, if the comfort and sound are good, these could be very popular – sweat-resistant over-ears aren't that common. The new Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active headphones are available worldwide from Skullcandy and the usual retailers.

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Sam Altman and Jony Ive called the announcement of io, an AI device startup purchased by OpenAI, an "extraordinary moment."

After watching the nine-minute video where the two "friends" talk about their future business endeavours in a busy San Francisco Café bustling with paid actors, I was left intrigued by the promise of "a new generation of technology that can make us our better selves," but confused by the lack of details.

Nine minutes later and anyone that watched the weird corporate romcom of Sam and Jony, has more questions than they have answers. We already knew Ive was working with Altman, yet the announcement that OpenAI is purchasing the startup for $6.5 billion makes it all feel that little bit more real.

OpenAI wants whatever io creates to be its magnum opus, and honestly, considering Ive's track record, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if it is. But still, I'm left more confused at the prospect of what it could be than what it won't be.

Following the reveal, the WSJ, Bloomberg, and other outlets published articles that give further insight into what io's first product could look like. I've read the piece, I've scoured past rumors and articles, and I've come up with five clues that give us an idea of what to expect from this upcoming ChatGPT-powered hardware.

Here are the top five clues that hint at what Sam and Jony could be working on.

1. An AI device like we've never seen before?

(Image credit: Humane)

It's hard to even fathom what a dedicated piece of AI hardware could look like if it's not similar to those that have come before it. Last year, we saw the market flooded with products like the Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1, which both failed to make an impact.

After the announcement of io, Ive spoke to Bloomberg, where he said Humane and Rabbit 'were very poor products,' he added, 'There has been an absence of new ways of thinking expressed in products.'

Following the announcement, Altman gave his OpenAI staff a preview of what's to come, and according to Bloomberg, 'The product will be capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life, will be unobtrusive, able to rest in one’s pocket or on one’s desk.'

I'm no genius, I definitely couldn't have come up with the concept of the iPhone, but to me this sounds like a Jony Ive-ification of a dedicated ChatGPT smart pin.

2. It won't be a wearable (in the traditional sense)

(Image credit: Google)

If io's first product can sit on your desk or get thrown in a pocket, then it's not going to be competing with the Apple Watches of the world. Instead, the duo told the WSJ its intent is to "wean users from screens."

It's also not a pair of glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and "Ive is skeptical about building something to wear on the body."

That doesn't really whittle it down, but it does continue to paint a picture similar to the form factor of the Humane AI Pin. I can't help but envision a small AI-powered device that can be placed anywhere, and is able to interact with a user in the same way we would interact with ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode or Gemini Live.

Another hint Altman and Ive gave the WSJ is that the product will be "capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life," and "unobtrusive.'"Again, painting the picture of a small smart pin that you can place anywhere.

3. It will sit alongside your iPhone and Mac

The io AI device "will be a third core device a person would put on a desk after a MacBook Pro and an iPhone", according to Ive and Altman, providing an experience that's not really been possible up until this point.

In the nine-minute conversation between the two, Altman explains how we currently interact with ChatGPT. He says, "I would need to reach down into my bag, get out my laptop, open it up, launch a browser, I'd start typing, and then explain that thing, then hit enter, then I would wait for a response. That is the limit of what a laptop can do, and I think this technology [ChatGPT] deserves much better."

Now, there's likely a lot of marketing speak here, but the duo seems convinced that whatever they are working on will redefine modern technology and give us the best way to interact with the capabilities of ChatGPT.

In February I wrote about this rumored device, and I said, "I’m not totally convinced of the idea of a dedicated AI device, but if OpenAI’s product connects via Bluetooth, adding some kind of bracelet or pin that directly interacts with ChatGPT and all its power on your smartphone, then this could be the next step in the evolution of smart wearables. I’d love to be able to quickly transcribe audio directly from a ChatGPT-powered pin, for example, and then read back the information on my iPhone. The device wouldn't need a screen in this scenario, because your smartphone ultimately functions as the user interface."

Three months later, and while this quote from Ive and Altman hints at a standalone device rather than one that connects to your smartphone, I think that idea of what the user experience could be is pretty spot on. Then again, as I said above, I'm not the inventor of the iPhone, I can barely understand why the clocks change twice a year.

4. It won't be a smartphone

(Image credit: Daniel Romero / Unsplash)

OpenAI plans to ship over 100 million units of this device that Altman hopes is the beginning of a "family of devices." He sees Ive's hardware credentials at Apple as a blueprint towards creating a successful new genre of product that captures the AI hardware market.

If the previous entries hadn't made it somewhat clear, this ChatGPT-powered device will not be a smartphone. Whether that means it won't be a smartphone, yet, and io could work on a device to compete with the iPhone and Android smartphones in the future, we don't know. But the first product that comes out of this company will not try to compete with Apple's best-selling device.

5. No one knows, and that's exciting

Listen, I know the marketing video was as cheesy as it comes. I know, we've been burned by tech companies time and time again. Heck, even Apple, with its fantastic track record, was unable to ship Apple Intelligence like it promised.

That said, there's something incredibly exciting about the promise of innovation. Obviously, just because Jony Ive is working on a product doesn't confirm a good one. I'll die on a hill saying the iPhone 5C sucked.

However, you've got one of the most powerful companies in the world, which is creating, love it or hate it, the most impressive software we've ever seen, and it's teaming up with the man who designed the biggest consumer tech innovation of the 21st century.

Whether io's product itself is a success or not is anyone's guess, but the prospect of a new way of interacting with technology and AI is something that's definitely got me interested.

io's first product is expected to launch in 2026, who knows how far AI will have come by then.

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• Coros has launched a new repair program for its fitness trackers
• You can send off your device and get a replacement within a week
• You won’t receive your original device, but a refurbished product instead

Coros wearables are popular with fitness fans, but when you’re mountain-biking or trail-running there’s always a chance you’ll end up damaging even the best running watch or fitness tracker – and Coros has just announced a new repair program to get your wearable fixed, fast.

The Coros Repair Service will offer repairs with the aim of getting you back in action as quickly as possible. To that end, Coros says “users can send in a damaged device, pay a nominal repair fee, and receive a refurbished replacement within a week.”

The repairs will cover a variety of issues that you might face with your wearable, including replacing broken displays, buttons, and digital dials. Battery replacements are also covered, Coros says.

The repair fees involved vary depending on the product being repaired and what needs fixing. The cheapest option is to get a replacement battery for the Pace 3 or Pace Pro smartwatches, which costs $59. The most expensive repair is for the screen, dial or button on the Vertix 2S, which will set you back $119.

How does the repair process work?

(Image credit: Future)

To get started with a repair you’ll need to go to coros.com/repairs, then fill out your device details and submit a request using the online form. You’ll then be sent an email with a prepaid return label, after which you’ll need to select your device on the Coros website, pay the repair fee, then ship the defective product to the company.

Coros says that once it has received your faulty device, it will send you a refurbished replacement, which comes with a one-year warranty. Interestingly, that means your original device will not be returned to you – it will instead be refurbished and be made available for other users to purchase. In its place, you’ll be given an already-repaired device from Coros’s refurbished stock.

Coros says it's taking this approach in order to get you up and running sooner than would be possible if your original device was repaired and sent back to you, which could take up to 30 days.

The company also says that shipping products in bulk to its repair factory is more affordable and sustainable than sending each device individually, which presumably would happen if you were to get your original device back.

So, this new repair program could be helpful if you want to get back in action as soon as possible. Any fitness tracker can break, but if minimizing downtime is important to you, Coros’s program might be worth considering.

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• 75% of UK public sector orgs use GenAI compared with 64% globally
• Defense, healthcare and security sectors use it the most
• Orgs are on the lookout for Chief Data and AI Officers

According to new research from Capgemini, Britain could actually be leading the AI adoption wave among European governments, with 75% of public sector organizations in the UK exploring or actively working with GenAI.

However, the same number of UK public sector orgs are also worried about generative AI's environmental impacts, with even more worried about data security and data sovereignty (78% each) and almost as many constrained by costs (68%).

Still, despite remaining apprehension, the UK is 11 percentage points ahead of the global average, where 64% of public sector organizations are exploring or using GenAI.

UK public sector is leading in GenAI adoption

Although the UK is currently ahead, it doesn't mean that the trend won't be challenged in the near future. As many as nine in 10 global public sector orgs plan to explore, pilot or implement agentic AI in the next two to three years.

With agentic AI marking the AI of tomorrow, Capgemini explored where today's AI, generative AI, is impacting most. Defense agencies (82%), healthcare (75%) and security sectors (70%) were among the highest adopters.

However, with such strict data privacy and security measures in place across the public sector, organizations are struggling to refine their own AI and are instead being forced to use off-the-shelf solutions. Only one-fifth (21%) say they have the necessary data to train and fine-tune AI models.

Moreover, just 12% feel very mature in activating data, and even fewer (7%) report maturity in data and AI skills. Capgemini Public Sector Global Industry Leader Marc Reinhardt summarized: "With rising citizen demands and stretched resources, public sector organizations recognize the ways in which AI can help them do more with less."

Looking ahead, 24% plan to appoint a Chief Data Officer and 41% plan to introduce a Chief AI Officer, on top of the 64% and 27% (respectively) that already have, bringing the number of public sector orgs with CDOs and CAIOs up to 88% and 68%.

Highlighting the importance of "the right data infrastructure," Reinhardt added: "Looking ahead, governments can be more agile and effective as AI augments the work of government employees to source information, conduct policy analysis, make decisions, and answer citizen queries."

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SysAid is a complete IT Service Management (ITSM) solution. It focuses on ticket management and service delivery for mid-sized teams. Its standout feature is the new SysAid Copilot. This tool uses generative AI to automate tasks like ticket categorization, prioritization, and assignment. The software balances strong features with easy setup, letting IT teams start quickly without much configuration.

The platform excels in IT management, covering incident and problem management, asset tracking, and knowledge base functions. During testing, we liked the customizable workflows. They let us automate complex processes with little effort. The self-service portal was also helpful. It allowed end users to solve common issues independently, which reduced our ticket volume.

While SysAid offers great core features, some areas need improvement. The user interface feels outdated in sections like the admin portal and workflow management. The built-in remote control features are limited compared to specialized remote access tools, leading many users to prefer third-party integrations. Still, SysAid's strong customer support and regular updates show their commitment to improvement.

SysAid's pricing is flexible, with options ranging from basic ticketing to full ITSM features. The platform suits organizations aiming to enhance IT service delivery without added complexity. The implementation process is straightforward, supported by helpful resources and an easy configuration that gets teams operational quickly. Overall, SysAid is a strong ITSM solution that offers a good mix of functionality, usability, and value.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Plans and pricing

SysAid has three main plans: Help Desk, ITSM, and Enterprise. Each plan fits different organizational needs and IT maturity levels.

The Help Desk plan is for small teams needing basic ticketing and asset management. The ITSM plan offers advanced IT service management features for mid-sized and mature organizations. The Enterprise plan is a complete package with no limits, ideal for larger teams or those needing full customization and advanced analytics.

Exact pricing is not publicly available. It varies based on the number of agents and the number of assets to manage, like workstations, servers, and mobile devices. You have to contact SysAid directly for a custom quote that meets your needs.

All plans come with cloud and on-premises annual licenses. A free trial is available so teams can test all features before deciding. Keep in mind that a one-time onboarding fee is not included in the plan pricing.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Features

SysAid offers a complete ITSM platform. It covers everything from ticket management to advanced IT automation and AI-driven service delivery. Our tests showed the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. Recent AI upgrades genuinely boost productivity instead of just following trends.

Ticket management

The ticket management system is at the heart of SysAid. It features flexible categorization, automated routing, and customizable SLA management. Both admins and end-users found the interface intuitive. Users can create custom fields and workflows tailored to their processes. The AI-powered ticket categorization and prioritization are especially helpful. They accurately assign incoming requests and suggest knowledge base articles, which cut down resolution times.

Asset management

SysAid's asset management offers clear visibility into hardware and software across the organization. It uses automated discovery and inventory tracking. We were impressed by how it maps relationships between assets and services. This creates a clear view of how infrastructure supports business functions. The software license management features help identify compliance risks and optimization chances. Integration with the service desk links assets to related incidents smoothly.

Automation and workflows

SysAid lets IT teams create complex workflows without needing programming skills. This cuts down on manual work for routine tasks. The visual workflow designer is user-friendly, allowing us to set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notification systems quickly. We appreciated the ability to trigger automated actions based on certain conditions. For example, software licenses can be auto-provisioned when approved, and tickets can escalate if SLAs are at risk.

Self-service portal

The customizable self-service portal helps end-users find solutions on their own. It features an easy-to-navigate knowledge base and a streamlined service catalog. We found it easy to configure with our branding, enhancing user experience and encouraging adoption. The integration with the knowledge base is effective. The system suggests relevant articles based on user queries, often solving issues before tickets are submitted.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Analytics

SysAid's reporting features give IT managers a clear view of key performance metrics. Users can customize dashboards and choose from pre-built report templates. Our evaluation showed that standard reports included vital metrics like ticket volume, resolution times, and SLA compliance. These reports offer solid insights into service desk performance. The option to schedule automated report delivery helps keep management updated without manual work.

While basic reporting meets needs, advanced analytics feel limited compared to dedicated BI tools. Although dashboard customization exists, it lacks some flexibility in visualization types and data manipulation that power users want.

Organizations needing detailed data analysis may have to export data to other tools. However, SysAid's recent updates indicate that enhancements in analytics are planned for the future.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Ease of use

SysAid has a user-friendly interface that's easy to adopt. The ticket management system helps with categorization, routing, and customization. The self-service portal is also very accessible. End-users can find solutions on their own, through a simple knowledge base and detailed service catalog. This really cuts down on ticket volume.

However, some parts of the interface, especially in the admin portal and workflow management, seem outdated and need updating.

Overall, the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. IT teams can start operations quickly without needing a lot of configuration. During our testing, we liked the visual workflow designer. It was very intuitive and let us set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notifications quickly.

Yet while the main features are easy to use, some user reviews mention bugs. These include things like login errors and situations where ticket creation freezes when switching tabs.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Support

SysAid's customer support is one of its best features. It offers several channels, including a helpful helpdesk, biweekly customer care chats, and thorough documentation. We found the support team to be very responsive and knowledgeable. They quickly addressed our questions and escalated complex issues to higher support tiers when needed.

The company also implements user feedback during product development. Many new features come from customer suggestions in the Feature Request Forum within the SysAid Community.

(Image credit: SysAid)SysAid: Security

SysAid uses strong security measures throughout its platform. It meets strict international standards with ISO and SOC2 Type 2 certifications. Their data centers are also SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliant. The platform protects data with AES-256 encryption for data at rest. It uses secure network protocols with SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Advanced authentication options include password complexity rules, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on with SAML 2.0.

For the AI-powered Copilot feature, SysAid takes extra security steps. They use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Services instead of consumer ChatGPT. This keeps all AI-related data in the customer’s SysAid database. They also use advanced PII removal tools to safeguard sensitive information.

SysAid: The Competition

The ITSM market has many strong alternatives to SysAid. ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, and Freshservice are the top competitors.

ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade solution with strong governance and compliance features. It suits highly regulated industries, but its complexity and higher cost may not fit smaller organizations.

Freshservice attracts those wanting automation and a customizable platform. However, some users find its reporting and analytics less effective compared to others.

Other notable options include ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, TOPdesk, and BMC Helix ITSM. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. SysAid provides a comprehensive ITSM solution at a competitive price. However, Jira Service Management may offer better integration with development tools. Freshservice is often praised for its modern interface and ease of use.

Ultimately, the choice depends on specific needs. Factors like scalability, integration capabilities, and pricing will play crucial roles in decision-making.

SysAid: Final Verdict

SysAid offers a complete ITSM solution that balances functionality, usability, and value. It excels in ticket management, asset tracking, and AI features that boost IT productivity.

We think the platform is ideal for mid-sized organizations. It helps improve IT service delivery without adding complexity. Plus, it has flexible deployment options and pricing that grow with the organization.

Still, some interface elements could use a refresh, and features like remote control have limits compared to dedicated tools. However, SysAid stands out with its excellent customer support, regular updates, and willingness to adapt based on user feedback.

We compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

• Renders of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic have been spotted
• They combine Classic and Ultra aesthetics
• The upcoming watch should arrive sometime in July

With just a couple of months to go until the expected launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, some freshly leaked renders of the Classic version of the smartwatch have emerged online, showing the return of the device's rotating bezel.

These renders come from well-known tipster @OnLeaks and SammyGuru, and are based on schematic information leaked from the supply chain. We get to see the watch from all angles, and it looks like a stylish, polished gadget.

This particular tipster has a strong track record when it comes to revealing device designs ahead of time, but bear in mind that this is still just a leak – we won't know the final design of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic until Samsung makes it official.

We didn't get a Classic model last year, but the upcoming watch looks to be combining elements from the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic from 2023 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which made its debut in 2024.

Rumored dimensions

It seems we're getting a slightly squircle-shaped frame, as on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, though here it looks to be a little more rounded. It might actually be that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic takes the place of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 this year.

Then there's that rotating bezel, which is always present on the Classic model, and which makes operating the watch easier. In recent years we've had Classic models every other year, so we're due another in 2025.

This same leak mentions a 1.5-inch display, and dimensions of "roughly" 46 x 46.5 x 14.2mm – which actually sound rather precise. The indications are that this will be the only size available when it comes to the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

If Samsung sticks to the same schedule it followed in 2024 we'll see this watch unveiled at an Unpacked launch event sometime in July, alongside the Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and perhaps the tri-fold Samsung Galaxy G Fold.

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Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management software platform that benefits organizations with complex setups.

When we first tried Flexera, we immediately noticed its powerful features for managing software licenses and hardware assets in complex environments. The platform has two main solutions: FlexNet Suite for on-premise and hybrid setups, and Flexera One for cloud-focused organizations. We found that they both excel at optimizing license usage and identifying cost-saving opportunities, leading to substantial ROI.

Flexera stands out for its visibility across the entire IT estate, covering everything from on-premises software to cloud applications. Its customizable dashboards clearly displayed our test environment's compliance status and spending patterns. The self-service portal and automation features could help IT teams streamline service delivery, freeing them to focus on strategic tasks instead of manual work.

Yet configuring Flexera properly requires significant expertise and time. The platform's complexity can hinder smaller organizations without dedicated resources. However, those that manage to navigate the initial setup will find powerful tools for license optimization, cloud cost management, and compliance tracking.

We had a positive experience with Flexera's reporting, which provided actionable insights into software usage and potential compliance risks. Its integration with major ITSM tools, like ServiceNow, enhances its utility in enterprise settings. Still, Flexera could use some improvements where SaaS management is concerned. For mid to large enterprises managing complex software portfolios, Flexera offers a compelling solution despite its initial complexity.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Plans and pricing

Flexera does not publicly share pricing; it operates on a custom quote model based on organization size and needs. During inquiries, we learned that pricing typically follows a subscription model.

Costs depend on factors like the number of endpoints managed, cloud environments monitored, and specific modules chosen. This enterprise-focused solution generally starts in the five-figure range annually, making it suitable mainly for mid to large organizations.

Customers can choose between FlexNet Suite for on-premise deployments or Flexera One for cloud environments. Modular pricing allows organizations to select only the components they need. While the initial investment is high, organizations managing large software portfolios might achieve ROI in 6-12 months through license optimization and cloud cost savings.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Features

Flexera offers a full suite of IT asset management tools for optimizing investments across on-premise, cloud, and SaaS environments. But here are the features that impressed us the best:

License optimization

Flexera's license management features give insights into software usage and compliance. The system spots unused or underused licenses, saving money on renewals. It reconciles actual usage with entitlements and creates clear compliance reports, which is very helpful during vendor audits.

Cloud cost management

Flexera One helps you see your cloud software costs across various providers. Its automated recommendations for rightsizing instances and cutting waste are especially helpful. They even offer clear savings estimates for finance teams. We could set budgets, track spending, and get alerts when we approached limits. These features provide governance that many organizations find hard to achieve.

Vulnerability intelligence

Flexera's vulnerability management integrates with its software inventory to identify security risks. We appreciate how it correlates known vulnerabilities with software inventory, prioritizing remediation based on risk levels and business impact. Integration with popular security tools and patch management systems creates a combined workflow for addressing vulnerabilities efficiently.

IT visibility dashboard

The customizable dashboards provide a unified view of assets, licenses, and cloud resources. We were able to configure role-specific views that delivered relevant insights to stakeholders, from technical details for IT admins to cost summaries for C-suite executives. The ability to drill down from high-level summaries to granular details makes it easy to investigate and understand relationships within the software estate.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Analytics

Flexera's reporting and analytics features stand out as a major highlight, providing actionable intelligence beyond basic inventory reports. We were impressed by its ability to generate detailed license compliance positions, identify optimization opportunities, and forecast future needs based on historical usage.

Pre-built report templates cover common use cases like compliance audits and budget planning. But the custom report builder allows IT teams to create tailored analyses for specific needs.

The analytics dashboard presents key metrics visually, making complex data accessible to various stakeholders. We liked the trend analysis features that help spot gradual changes in resource use and spending patterns.

Automated report distribution ensures decision-makers receive needed insights regularly, while export options can help you integrate this data into broader business intelligence initiatives.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Ease of use

Flexera has a sleek interface that organizes many features through easy navigation and customizable dashboards. At first, the extensive options can feel overwhelming. But during testing, we loved the contextual help and guided workflows for complex tasks, like reconciling license entitlements or optimizing cloud resources. Still, new users may need formal training to fully use the platform, as many advanced features aren't clear without guidance.

The platform combines power and accessibility, with role-based views for different user types. The self-service portal is easy to use, letting end-users request software without technical help, while automation cuts down manual tasks for admins. The mobile experience works for basic monitoring and approvals but does not offer the depth of the desktop interface, which is needed for advanced features.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Support

Flexera offers tiered support options. Standard support provides help during business hours. Premium support gives 24/7 coverage with quicker responses for critical issues.

During our research, we found the knowledge base to be quite comprehensive. It includes detailed documentation, implementation guides, and a library of video tutorials for common questions. Customer community forums allow users to share advice. Also, the professional services team offers specialized help and training for organizations needing extra support.

(Image credit: Flexera)Flexera: Security

Flexera demonstrates a strong commitment to security. It achieves this through SOC 2 Type II compliance, regular penetration testing, and solid data protection measures. There are comprehensive role-based access controls that let organizations define who can view and modify data. Detailed audit logs track user activities. The platform offers single sign-on integration with major identity providers. It also encrypts data in transit and at rest. These features provide essential security controls for managing sensitive IT asset information.

Flexera: The Competition

ServiceNow's IT Asset Management competes directly with Flexera. It offers similar features but is part of a larger IT service management platform. ServiceNow has better integration with ITSM processes. However, Flexera usually excels in software license optimization and cloud cost management.

Snow Software is another option. It has an easier entry point for mid-sized organizations but may not compete with Flexera's features for complex enterprises.

For those prioritizing cloud cost management over full ITAM, tools like CloudHealth by VMware or Apptio Cloudability are easier to implement. IBM's License Metric Tool (ILMT) is tailored for managing IBM software licenses. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Endpoint Configuration Manager offers basic software inventory for Windows environments. These alternatives suit organizations with specific needs that may find Flexera's broad approach too much.

Flexera: Final Verdict

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management tool that benefits organizations with complex setups. This includes on-premise, cloud, and SaaS deployments. Its approach to IT asset management is impressive, especially for license optimization and cloud cost management. While implementation can be complex, larger companies who are able to invest these resources will see significant returns.

We've compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

• Ricoh confirms GR IV is in development and 'autumn 2025' launch
• A variation with highlight diffusion filter will follow in 'winter 2025'
• The compacts will pack a newly designed lens, sensor and processor

Ricoh has announced the development of the Ricoh GR IV, the next generation of one of the best compact cameras. As a longtime GR IIIx user, I couldn't be more excited for what's in store.

We've been speculating for months if not years about when and if a GR IV would be unveiled. Along the way, leaks have given us false hope as further iterations of the GR III have been launched instead, such as the GR III HDF.

Now, finally, we know (roughly) when the GR IV will launch – a press release says we can expect the GR IV in "autumn 2025", while a niche highlight diffusion filter (HDF) version is set to follow in "winter 2025". There's no word yet on an 'x' iteration.

In the build-up to those launches the GR III will be discontinued, although production of the GR IIIx is set to continue for now.

I have already written about the upgrades I hope to see in the Ricoh GR IV, and now the press release has teased a few things that we can look forward to.

I loved the Ricoh GR IIIx concept so much that I personally forked out for one instead of upgrading to the latest iPhone, and I can't wait to see what improvements are made in the overdue next-gen model. (Image credit: Future)How big an upgrade will the Ricoh GR IV be?

Ricoh says the "GR IV inherits the basic GR-series concept, while also incorporating totally new components, including a newly designed lens, a new image sensor and a new imaging engine, to further upgrade image quality.

"It also features more advanced communications functions and is compatible with a new application designed for smart devices to improve operability and functionality."

Those improvements could indeed make the GR IV, in Ricoh's words, "the ultimate snapshot camera in the history of the GR series"; but as an actual user of the GR IIIx there are some less headline-worthy upgrades that I'd also like to see.

Image quality from the GR III series is already stellar, but I hope we see some design improvements, particularly better build quality, a built-in flash and, provided the truly compact dimensions remain, a tilt LCD screen.

Performance-wise, the GR IV needs better autofocus, and the mention of a new processor and sensor gives me hope that'll be the case.

Ricoh says GR IV prototypes will be showcased at the GR Space showrooms in Tokyo, Beijing, and Shanghai from May 31. That should give us further clues as to any design changes, including the new lens.

The Ricoh GR IV is a camera I've been looking forward to for a long time, and with premium compacts particularly popular right now it can't come soon enough, and is set to be one of 2025's most popular cameras.

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• Signal has a new option for its Windows 11 app to block Recall
• The developer had to fudge a way of preventing screenshots of the messaging app being taken
• Unfortunately this has side-effects such as interfering with screen reading tools, but Signal says Microsoft has left it no choice

Signal, a messaging app that majors in security and privacy (and has been in the limelight recently), has introduced a measure to defend content sent via the platform from the prying eyes of Microsoft’s Recall feature.

In case you forgot – unlikely, I know – Recall is the controversial feature for Copilot+ PCs that provides an AI-powered deep search in Windows 11. It does this by taking regular screen grabs of the activity on your PC, and you can see where the conflict comes in if the feature screenshots messages sent via a privacy-focused app like Signal.

As a counter to this, Signal announced in a blog post (picked up by The Verge) that it’s introducing a new ‘screen security’ setting for its Windows 11 app, and this will be turned on by default for users of the desktop OS. This functionality is rolling out now.

What the developer has done here is activate a DRM flag on the Signal app window as a fudge to stop Recall from capturing screenshots. It’s using that workaround because Microsoft failed to offer “granular settings for app developers that would enable Signal to easily protect privacy” with Recall, the blog post observes.

Signal notes: “We are enabling an extra layer of protection by default on Windows 11 in order to help maintain the security of Signal Desktop on that platform even though it introduces some usability trade-offs. Microsoft has simply given us no other option.”

What’s the usability trade-off? Blocking screenshots from every angle using this DRM fudge means legitimate use of screen grabbing is ruled out, and also some screen reading tools (like Narrator in Windows 11) or other accessibility features may not work properly. So, that’s far from ideal, but Signal argues that Microsoft has left it no choice.

Analysis: Clear Signal

(Image credit: Signal)

This does seem to be an important part of the equation that’s missing with Recall. Famously, Microsoft pulled the feature after it was first revealed a year ago, and took it back to the drawing board, tightening up security and privacy in numerous ways. But that was a case of fixing and smoothing over weaknesses, rather than strengthening measures – Recall was launched way too early, and without enough thought, worryingly.

And still after all that time, there are software developers out there like the maker of Signal pointing out a basic flaw in Recall that Microsoft should have addressed at this point.

Remember that this doesn’t apply to you if you don’t have a Copilot+ PC, though, as only those devices get Recall (it requires a beefy NPU for locally accelerating AI workloads to ensure the feature works smoothly enough).

While the new setting is enabled by default for Signal in Windows 11, you can turn it off by going to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security (you’ll be warned that you’re about to disable the ability).

It’ll certainly be worth watching this space going forward, and I’m hoping Microsoft will implement a proper way to let developers control how Recall interacts with their apps, as this only makes sense – particularly for privacy-related software.

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• Google Cloud operates across 42 regions and 127 zones, supported by 33 subsea cables
• The US government trusts Google Cloud Air-Gapped with top-secret information
• Europe has a number of local tools, and Germany is next

Amid ongoing US-China tensions over tech dominance, Google has recognized that some countries are concerned about the US' tech dominance, thus it has announced some updates to its sovereign cloud services to ensure optimal privacy.

In a blog post, Google Cloud President of Customer Experience Hayete Gallot boasted that the company now has more than 42 cloud regions, 127 zones, 202 network edge locations and 33 subsea cable investments supporting its global cloud services.

Once niche and limited to highly regulated sectors like defense and intelligence, sovereignty is now a mainstream concern for many sectors and most governments, and Google has responded with a handful of updates.

Google upgrades its sovereign cloud portfolio for customers

Key to the announcement is Google Cloud's air-gapped cloud service, which operates as a standalone cloud with no external network connectivity requirements. It's designed specially for sectors with strict data residency and security, and is build on open-source components which Google believes can enhance resilience and therefore business continuity.

The company even got authorization to store US government Top Secret and Secret-level data on Google Cloud Air-Gapped in 2024 – a sign of its strong privacy credentials.

The second of Google's three key announcements, Google Cloud Dedicated, is a partner-operated regional platform that meets local sovereignty standards. The company already partnered with Thales in 2021 to make its first-ever Trusted Cloud by S3NS for Europe, but now it's confirmed it'll be targeting Germany next.

Finally, Google Cloud Data Boundary gives users further control over where their data is stored and processed, with enhanced protection via external key management and confidential computing. For example, Workspace users can select to restrict processing to the US or EU, while also choosing local data storage countries.

A Mandiant-backed tool called User Data Shield is being added to this to ensure the ongoing verification of sovereignty postures.

Gallot expressed a commitment to "empowering organizations globally to navigate the complex landscape of digital sovereignty with confidence," while also noting how advanced security measure like a zero-trust posture, post-quantum cryptography and AI-powered defenses form part of the broader strategy.

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