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• Report finds 45% of AI-generated code had security flaws
• Java is the worst offender, Python, C# and JavaScript also affected
• Rise in vibe coding could make these threats even worse

Nearly half (45%) of AI-generated code contains security flaws despite appearing production-ready, new research from Veracode has found.

Its study of more than 100 large language models across 80 different coding tasks revealed no improvement in security across newer or larger models – an alarming reality for companies that rely on AI tools to back up, or even replace, human productivity.

Java was found to be the worst affected, with 70%+ failure rate, but Python, C# and JavaScript also had failure rates of 38-45%.

AI-generated code isn't so secure after all

The news comes as more and more developers rely on generative AI to help them get code written – as much as a third of new Google and Microsoft code could now be AI-generated.

"The rise of vibe coding, where developers rely on AI to generate code, typically without explicitly defining security requirements, represents a fundamental shift in how software is built," Veracode CTO Jens Wessling explained.

Veracode found LLMs often chose insecure methods of coding 45% of the time, failing to defend against cross-site scripting (86%) and log injection (88%).

"Our research shows models are getting better at coding accurately but are not improving at security," Wessling added.

Vulnerabilities are also amplified in the modern era of AI – artificial intelligence enables attackers to exploit them faster and at scale.

Veracode suggests developers enable security checks in AI-driven workflows to enforce compliance and security. Companies should also adopt AI remediation guidance to train developers, deploy firewalls and use tools that help help detect flaws earlier.

"AI coding assistants and agentic workflows represent the future of software development... Security cannot be an afterthought if we want to prevent the accumulation of massive security debt," Wessling concluded.

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The Smithsonian says a reference to President Trump's impeachments that was removed last month will be restored once the exhibit is updated.

(Image credit: Mark Schiefelbein)

• Allianz Life recently confirmed cyberattack
• Criminals stole data on around 1.4 million customers
• Among the stolen data are names, addresses, and SSNs

The information stolen in the recent cyberattack on insurance giant Allianz Life included people’s full names, postal addresses, dates of birth and, particularly worryingly - Social Security numbers (SSN), the company has confirmed.

Allianz Life has filed new forms with the Attorney General’s office in Texas and Massachusetts, in which it confirmed what kind of data was taken when a threat actor accessed a third-party cloud-based CRM system the company uses.

After finding out about the intrusion, the company took measures to contain it, and notified the FBI. So far, there is no evidence the company’s network or other systems were accessed, it was added.

Abusing SSNs

Speaking to TechCrunch, a spokesperson for Allianz Life said the company will begin notifying affected individuals on August 1.

“The letters will offer specific information relevant to impacted individuals including the type of data that may have been affected,” it said.

SSNs are a core piece of personal identity in the US and they unlock access to a wide range of services and records.

They allow cybercriminals to impersonate victims, potentially opening bank accounts in their name, apply for loans and credit cards, or rack up debt.

They can also commit fake tax returns, gain access to medical treatment or prescription drugs, and even get a job illegally, which might cause problems for the victims during background checks.

Finally, criminals might use SSNs to apply for various Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, or welfare.

Stay protected

The attack is particularly concerning as such records could contain more than enough of sensitive information for hackers to launch highly personalized, successful phishing campaigns, leading to identity theft, wire fraud, and even ransomware attacks.

If you're concerned you may have been caught up in the incident, don't worry - there are a number of methods to find out. HaveIBeenPwned? is probably the best resource only to check if your details have been affected, offering a run-down of every big cyber incident of the past few years.

And if you save passwords to a Google account, you can use Google's Password Checkup tool to see if any have been compromised, or sign up for one of the best password manager options we've rounded up to make sure your logins are protected.

Via TechCrunch

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• Microsoft has said Windows 11 SE will run out of support in October 2026
• This brings an end to this alternative spin on Windows 11
• However, Surface Laptop SE owners were previously promised a longer timeframe of support for their devices

Microsoft has announced that it's dropping support for Windows 11 SE in just over a year's time, leaving buyers of low-cost laptops running this spin on its OS in the lurch - and admitting defeat with this most recent initiative to take on Google's Chromebooks.

If you're unfamiliar with Windows 11 SE, it was designed as a (kind of) lightweight version of the desktop operating system. It was preinstalled on affordable laptops that were priced to do well in the education sector, trying to take a piece of the pie that Chromebooks dominate (SE seemingly stood for Student or School Edition).

Windows Central reports that Microsoft announced via its Learn portal that Windows 11 SE support is being shuttered in October 2026.

The company said: "Microsoft will not release a feature update after Windows 11 SE, version 24H2. Support for Windows 11 SE - including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes - will end in October 2026. While your device will continue to work, we recommend transitioning to a device that supports another edition of Windows 11 to ensure continued support and security."

So, you won't be provided with Windows 11 25H2 later this year on your SE device, if you own one - version 24H2 is as far down the line as you'll get, and all updates will cease full-stop in just over a year.

(Image credit: Microsoft)Analysis: Silly Ending for a Student Edition?

Microsoft has been trying to take on Google's Chromebooks for a long time now, including efforts such as Windows 10X - which badly misfired and ended up being canned before it even arrived. Windows 11 SE was the most recent effort, emerging late in 2021, and it was showcased by Microsoft in its Surface Laptop SE. However, as we observed in our review of that machine, there was a problem here - the performance level of the notebook was rather poor.

The simple truth about Windows 11 SE is that while it was supposed to be a streamlined operating system for low-cost devices, this variant of the desktop OS was still too unwieldy. There just wasn't enough emphasis on trimming down Windows 11 so it performed better.

Indeed, much of the thrust of Windows 11 SE was about simplifying the computing experience for students - the interface, and locking the system to only admin-approved apps, plus cloud services - rather than actually streamlining the operating system so it ran well on lesser hardware. And let's be honest, the latter was the whole point, really, at least in terms of making affordable laptops to rival cheap Chromebooks (which run very slickly indeed, despite their low cost).

So, all in all, it's not surprising to see Microsoft shutter this effort in this manner. What is surprising, though, is how owners of Windows 11 SE machines, like the Surface Laptop SE, have now been left in the lurch by this announcement that support is being killed in a year.

As Neowin, which also picked up on this move, points out, the Surface Laptop SE has an end-of-service date (for firmware and drivers) of January 11, 2028. But with Microsoft now having revealed that Windows 11 SE won't be going on beyond October 2026, that's cutting this support window (pun not intended) short by over a year.

Those who own a Surface Laptop SE, who thought they were good for another couple of years, have effectively now been told they're going to be a year shorter on support. If Microsoft promised support for this showcase laptop through to 2028, then why not extend support for the dedicated OS it runs to that date, too? Strong-arming folks into moving early hardly seems fair here.

It seems an odd decision to make, and one that won't endear Microsoft to some people. Indeed, when it comes to Microsoft's next big shot at taking on Chromebooks - if there is one - those in the education sector might remember what's happened here, and be less trusting of new ideas from the software giant.

For those who do have a laptop running Windows 11 SE, and now need to plan on switching away sooner from that OS, maybe to a different flavor of Windows 11, this is possible, albeit somewhat problematic in some reported cases. Going by this Reddit thread, if you're running into trouble in this endeavor, you may want to try turning off Secure Boot in the laptop's BIOS to get a working installation of Windows 11 Home or Pro on an SE machine (you can switch the feature back on afterwards, apparently).

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• Foundation season 3 is digging deeper into Demerzel's backstory and current motivations
• The actor portraying her has discussed on the sudden existential crisis she's suffering from
• Demerzel has started unloading her thoughts, feelings, and history to a close confidante

Foundation actor Laura Birn has lifted the lid on the inner turmoil that's gripped Demerzel so far this season.

Speaking to TechRadar ahead of Foundation season 3's launch in early July, Birn explained how events in the Apple TV Original's fourth chapter, as well as what's happened in prior seasons, are causing a crisis of confidence for Empire's usually unflappable robot advisor.

Full spoilers immediately follow for Foundation's story so far, up to and including its most recent entry. turn back now if you're not caught up.

Demerzel will have to contend with this season's Cleons being scattered to the wind in Foundation's next episode (Image credit: Apple TV+)

As we've learned throughout the Apple TV+ sci-fi epic's run, Demerzel is the galaxy's last surviving robot. The rest of her race was wiped out after the failed Robot Uprising, which took place centuries before the show's main plot. That defeat also led to Demerzel being reprogrammed by Empire's first ruler Cleon I and forced to serve him, plus his many clones that would follow, as Empire's majordomo.

Foundation's third season has shed further light on one of its most complicated and duplicitous characters. Indeed, during her therapy session-style chats with Zephyr Vorellis (Rebecca Ineson), Demerzel has revealed more about her backstory and even confessed about having a hand in shocking events that we've born witness to in one of the best Apple TV+ shows. Among those revelations are the three rules that all robots originally lived by and Demerzel being the culprit behind the destruction of Trantor's Space Bridge – and the death of countless people – in season 1.

That's not all. After Demerzel came into possession of the Prime Radiant in Foundation's season 2 finale, she's spent the 152 years between seasons learning about psychohistory and how it could stave off Empire's predicted fall. As we learned in Foundation season 3's premiere, though, The Mule's arrival has thrown Hari Seldon's calculations into disarray. Long story short: not only is Empire's race about to be run but, unless The Mule can be stopped, humanity will cease to exist in just four months.

Demerzel refutes Vorellis' opinion that Empire's robot advisor more human than she believes (Image credit: Apple TV+)

For an android designed to protect the Cleonic Dynasty and ensure Empire's survival, it's easy to see why Demerzel has spent much of this season worrying about what the future holds for her if Empire is no more. After all, she's preconditioned to prevent its ruination. Couple the aforementioned life-threatening issues with the ones I outlined two paragraphs ago, and it's little wonder she's suffering an existential crisis and seeks out a sympathetic ear to gets things off her chest.

"It's a heavy season for," Birn told me. "Her programming has been very straightforward for her until now but, having possession of the Prime Radiant, which offers so much new information, it also makes her question what her programming means and what kind of decision she is able to make. Is there always only one right choice, or are there actually several [she can choose from]?

"She's also carrying all of that baggage by herself," Birn continued. "There's no one in the palace who sees or listens to her, or who's able to empathize with her. There's no one in the galaxy who could because she's the only one left of her species, so it's kind of like she's spiraling inwards. She's felt like she can only try and process this internally, which can be very restricting as an actor.

"That's why she needs to have someone," Birn added. "She needs Vorellis to be someone she can share some of this with and try to unravel the paradox twisting inside her. Will it eventually consume her? You'll have to see."

Foundation season 3's first four episodes are out now on Apple TV+. New chapters will air weekly on one of the world's best streaming services.

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Video editing tools are everywhere these days. You have cheap, not very powerful options bundled with your computing device, you can purchase expensive, very powerful apps with a steep learning curve, or you can opt for a more middle of the road option: software that is brimming with features, looks fun to use, and is affordable.

And it's in the latter camp that I'd place Movavi. It's unlikely to trouble the likes of Premiere Pro and Resolve any time soon, but it's superior to the likes of Apple iMovie or ClipChamp. And it might be one of the best video editing software for beginners around right now.

I took Movavi Video Suite 2025 for a spin to see how it handles the post-production process, and precisely where it fits into this crowded field.

Movavi Video Suite 2025: Pricing & plans

• A choice of subscription or one-off fee for a perpetual license, with a massive discount at time of review

The Movavi Video Suite is available as both a subscription service or a perpetual licence, with wildly fluctuating prices throughout: you have the standard cost, and more often than not, you’ll have a special limited time discount, which, in our experience with other software and services, almost always gets reset and extended when their time runs out. But in case it doesn’t, we’ll list you all the prices we found on their website.

The monthly subscription is the only one that remains static at around $30. By contrast, the yearly subscription should cost you a little under $250, but was discounted to around $100 as of this writing.

If you fancy combining your rentals, you can grab the Video Suite and Movavi’s Photo Editor for a yearly subscription of $234 (currently discounted to $105).

Should you not be a fan of renting your software however, you have the option of purchasing the latter (i.e. the Video Suite and the Photo Editor) for $334 - or $150, if the discount holds.

All of the above come with a 30-day money back guarantee, and you also have the ability to download a 7-day free trial which works without you having to hand out your card details. This trial has limitations, as you’d expect, such as limiting the length of your outputs and watermarking them, for instance.

You can check out the full pricing details on Movavi's website by clicking here.

• Score: 4/5

Movavi Video Suite 2025: Getting started

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

• The software made it somewhat tricky for us to get to a language we understood, so we could start using it

Launching Movavi Video Editor for the first time, we were greeted with a difficult conundrum, one which never happened to us before, so it couldn’t have been our computer’s setting, and we felt it was worth us mentioning it, should it also happen to you: everything was in Japanese, which made any kind work impossible if you’re unfamiliar with that noble language.

Thankfully, feeding a screenshot of the settings window to Google Translate helped us see which menu led to our preferred language. It’s not a hard issue to resolve, but it would’ve been preferable had the software noticed which language our computer was using, and default to it during installation.

• Score: 2.5/5

Movavi Video Suite 2025: Interface

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

• Movavi’s video editor is well-organized and surprisingly simple to use, with all the tools you need easily accessible, including some very well-implemented and powerful features

Movavi Video Suite is essentially broken down into three separate tools: the Video Editor, the Video Converter, and the Screen Recorder. We’ll focus primarily on the former as that’s where anyone interested in filmmaking will be spending most of their time, and we suspect, if you’re reading this, that this means you.

And frankly, we were really impressed with it. It’s clean, simple, well organised, and gives you access to all the tools you need quickly and efficiently. The interface offers the media section, top left, the preview window, top right, and the timeline taking up almost half of the screen real estate at the bottom.

To the left you have a sidebar, giving you access to tools, effects, transitions, titles, even Movavi’s online store. Just above the Timeline are the editing tools you’ll use most often, and also includes other features, such as ‘auto subtitling’, which is almost too easy to use (and more competent and flexible than what some higher end software offer).

The whole interface is extremely friendly: drag footage from a hard drive straight onto the media section, then drag the clips you want onto the timeline to start building your edit. You can work with multiple layers of audio and video, apply transitions and various effects just by dragging them onto the clip you wish to affect. It’s all very simple. So much so in fact, that what could be moderately tricky to complex actions, are handled with ease.

We found the AI Tracker, for instance, to provide excellent results with the user barely doing anything to make it work, and the algorithms behind the ‘Background Remover’ were remarkably good, even when the background itself was quite complex (such as foliage).

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

Movavi’s Video Editor also has an online store which is accessible via the ‘Packs’ menu, on the left sidebar. As it’s a store, most items are Premium ones (they have a little dark pink crown, top right of their thumbnail), but a handful can be used for free. In any case, you’re allowed to download even the Premium ones and include them in your project. You’ll just need to deal with financial matters upon export.

Speaking of Exports, this video editor comes with numerous options. MP4 is chosen by default (which makes sense as it’s so ubiquitous), but you have numerous other options available to you, including DVD formats, and even the long obsolete SWF. In addition to generic formats, you also have presets for specific devices, such as iPhones, Xbox and more, and you can upload your project directly to social media with links to YouTube, Vimeo, and TikTok. It’s a well stocked series of options.

• Score: 4.5/5

Movavi Video Suite 2025: Converter & Screen Capture

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

• The Movavi Suite comes with two other apps, one to convert video and images to numerous different formats, and the other to record your screen (or take screenshots). Both are full featured, offering numerous options, and very easy to use

The Movavi Video Suite isn’t limited to their excellent Video Editor: it also comes with a Video Converter and a Screen Capture tool. Let’s quickly take a look at them.

The Video Converter’s interface is sparse, but then again, what do you need to convert image and video? An area to drag files onto, and a list of formats to choose from, and that’s exactly what Video Converter offers. It’s incredibly easy to use, whether you’re after software that does it all for you, in which case just select the preset you’re after and you’re done. But should you need to manipulate every available parameter, those are but a drop down menu away.

On top of this, Video Converter also offers you a surprising range of editing tools, from adjusting the audio, to making basic colour correction, applying effects, adding subtitles or a watermark, and cropping and trimming the footage. It’s unexpectedly full featured.

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

When it comes to Screen Recorder, you have the choice of taking a screenshot or a video. The software can instantly recognise open windows (it even selects the frontmost one by default), or allows you to set a specific area, or forego all of that and capture the entire screen.

It will also record the computer’s audio, an external microphone and your webcam, which it burns into the recording (you can’t choose to move it around after the recording or remove it altogether after the fact). Frustratingly, as is the case with every other screen capture tool, you have to grant it so many permissions for it to work properly, it can take a while.

• Score: 4.5/5

Should I buy Movavi Video Suite 2025?

(Image credit: Movavi // Future)

Buy it if...

You’re looking for editing software that covers everything from editing, to formatting, and even has a powerful screen capture tool, with interfaces that are sleek and well designed, to make it as easy as possible for you to get your work done.

Don't buy it if...

You’re put off by the additional tools that come with the suite beyond the editing options, as you either already have similar products or don’t need them, or feel the features available are just too advanced for your needs.

For more creative apps, we've tested and reviewed the best video editing software, the best free video editing software, and the best video editing apps for mobile devices.

NASA and SpaceX's Crew-11 mission is made up of two U.S. astronauts, one from Japan and a Russian cosmonaut. They'll be aboard the International Space Station for six months conducting research.

(Image credit: Gregg Newton)

You might see more people wearing a neck cooling fan to fight the summer heat. But can they really help? We talk to experts about how our bodies deal with heat — and to people using the fans.

(Image credit: Bill Chappell)

• DoubleTrouble malware is now hosted on Discord
• The malware still poses as a European bank, so users beware
• It comes with screen recording, “advanced” keylogging, and new UI overlay capabilities

Infamous Android banking trojan DoubleTrouble is now being distributed through Discord-hosted APKs, researchers have said, warning users of a “disturbing trend” towards social media platforms being used as delivery channels for malware.

DoubleTrouble is a well-known banking trojan, named for its ability to hinder static analysis by assigning “nonsensical two-word combinations” to its methods and class names.

In its early days, the malware was distributed via spoofed websites of European banks, and contained basic functionalities such as overlays to steal banking credentials, the ability to capture lock screen information, and keylogging.

A growing mobile threat

However, new findings from Zimperium’s zLabs security team claim the malware evolved, not just in its infostealing capabilities, but also in how it is being distributed.

The recently observed variants also come with screen recording, “advanced” keylogging, and new UI overlay capabilities designed to steal credentials and manipulate infected devices.

As for delivery, DoubleTrouble still runs bogus websites, but the malware itself is hosted within Discord channels.

Once the app is installed, it deploys the actual malware in the form of an extension, or an add-on. It also uses the Google Play icon to hide in plain sight and appear trustworthy.

The final step is to ask for Accessibility Services permissions, which grants it the ability to steal all the necessary information. This is also the usual red flag for Android-borne malware and should always raise suspicion with users.

“As attackers shift to mobile-first strategies and use dynamic delivery methods like Discord to evade traditional defenses, organizations need real-time, on-device protection,” said Kern Smith, VP of Solutions Engineering at Zimperium.

“DoubleTrouble is a stark reminder that mobile threats are growing more evasive and more dangerous, targeting everything from banking credentials to cryptocurrency wallets.”

As usual, the best way to defend against this type of attacks is to only download apps from official repositories, and to keep the device protected with Play Protect and Android security solutions.

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3 Body Problem season 2: key information

- Renewed for season 2 and 3 in May 2024
- Filming began as of July 2025
- Season 2 and 3 will be shot back-to-back
- Predict the main cast members will return
- No trailer to share just yet
- No official plot details released, but follows Liu's trilogy
- Season 1 finale lays out potential story threads
- Season 3 will be the show's conclusion

3 Body Problem season 2 is on the way (and so is season 3), but there's not a release date just yet. After storming onto Netflix, one of the best streaming services, viewers are eager for more intense sci-fi adventure. And who can blame them? Fortunately, having been adapted from Cixin Liu's Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, the show will follow suit with three seasons already confirmed.

Season 1 was a vast exploration of humanity, an impending alien invasion and a twisted alternate reality. For season 2, following the events of book two 'The Dark Forest', there's a whole lot more where that came from. As we await the return of one of the best Netflix shows, there's plenty to talk about from 3 Body Problem season 2 release date, cast, plot, rumors, news and more.

Full spoilers follow for 3 Body Problem season 1. Potential spoilers are also discussed for season 2.

3 Body Problem season 2 release date prediction

3 Body Problem has been renewed! Netflix will bring this epic story through its mind-blowing conclusion! pic.twitter.com/zw6txhOqGhMay 15, 2024

Yes, the San Ti may be 400 years away, but you won’t have to wait that long for 3 Body Problem season 2. In fact, in May 2024, 3 Body Problem was officially renewed. And not just for season 2. 3 Body Problem is set to be a trilogy, and during the official Television Academy panel in LA, showrunners and writers David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, revealed that they’d be returning for season 2 and 3, culminating in the show’s conclusion.

As reported by Netflix Tudum, Weiss said: “We included a lot of what we loved from the [novels by Cixin Liu] in season 1, but the vast majority of reasons we wanted to make this show are in season 2. We always wanted to get to the final page of the third book, and it’s really, really thrilling for us that we will get to do just that.”

When it comes to a 3 Body Problem season 2 release date then, one of the show's stars Eiza González revealed during an interview with ScreenRant in March that production it set to begin: "Very, very soon. This year."

And, as per Collider, filming for seasons 2 and 3 will happen back-to-back. That news is thanks to a report filed with the Hungarian National Film Office confirming two things. One, that unlike season 1 which was shot in the UK, the final two seasons will be shot in Hungary. And two, that the production appears to be scheduled for July 8, 2025 to August 2, 2027.

3 Body Problem season 2 officially began filming in July 2025, so we’d predict that we won’t see season 2 until at least 2026 and season 3 potentially in 2028.

3 Body Problem season 2 confirmed cast

Members of the Oxford Five, Auggie and Jin, are sure to return (Image credit: Netflix)

Major spoilers follow for 3 Body Problem season 1.

There’s no official cast confirmation for those returning, but from how 3 Body Problem season 1 ended, we’d predict the following cast members are heading back:

• Jovan Adepo as Saul Durand
• John Bradley as Jack Rooney
• Liam Cunningham as Thomas Wade
• Eiza González as Auggie Salazar
• Jess Hong as Jin Cheng
• Marlo Kelly as Tatiana Haas
• Sea Shimooka as Sophon
• Zine Tseng as Young Ye Wenjie
• Saamer Usmani as Raj Varma
• Benedict Wong as Da Shi
• Jonathan Pryce as Mike Evans

As both space and time were impacted by the threat of the San-Ti’s arrival, there were a fair few deaths that fell mercy to it in 3 Body Problem season 1.

The two most poignant being Will Downing (Alex Sharp) and Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao & Zine Tseng). While viewers didn’t witness the deaths, they did both meet their demise.

So, unless they return in flashbacks, which the show has a penchant for especially when visiting the origins in China of the San-Ti’s first contact, then these two characters won’t be returning.

We've got some confirmed newbies along for the ride, though. They are:

• Claudia Doumit as Captain Van Rijn
• Ellie de Lange as Ayla
• Alfie Allen
• David Yip
• Jordan Sunshine

We've got no further details about any of their roles, so your guess is as good as ours.

3 Body Problem season 2 story speculation

Saul Durand becomes a Wallfacer, but he's yet to uncover why (Image credit: Netflix)

Full story spoilers follow for 3 Body Problem season 1.

As devotees to Liu’s trilogy, the creators are seemingly following the books as closely as they can. While there’s adaptations in terms of settings and revolving around the English language, as well as the inclusion of the Oxford Five, the plot is still in keeping with the books.

In conversation with Collider, Benioff said: “The first season roughly follows the arc of the first book. The second season would probably roughly follow the second book. The third book is massive. It’s twice as long, I think, as the other two books.

"So maybe that’s one season, maybe it’s two. But, you know, I think we’d need at least three, maybe four seasons to tell the whole story. And it’s a beautiful ending. I think all three of us thought that the last page of Liu Cixin's epic was maybe the best final image we’d encountered in a sci-fi saga like this. It’s just incredibly moving and mind-blowing.”

As the San-Ti approach, Earth must find a way to defend itself (Image credit: Netflix)

The second book in Liu’s trilogy, which will follow season 2, is The Dark Forest and the official synopsis is: "Imagine the universe as a forest, patrolled by numberless and nameless predators. In this forest, stealth is survival - any civilisation that reveals its location is prey. Earth has. Now the predators are coming.

"Crossing light years, the Trisolarians (known as the San-Ti in the show) will reach Earth in four centuries' time. But the sophons, their extra-dimensional agents and saboteurs, are already here. Only the individual human mind remains immune to their influence.

"This is the motivation for the Wallfacer Project, a last-ditch defence that grants four individuals almost absolute power to design secret strategies, hidden through deceit and misdirection from human and alien alike. Three of the Wallfacers are influential statesmen and scientists, but the fourth is a total unknown."

And speaking to Collider, Weiss has plans to make season 2 even more "bonkers". Teasing: "This kind of eases you into the world of the story, but the story gets really wild in the best possible way. With something that's that wild, there are a lot of choices to be made and lot of things to be figured out."

We're hoping for more of the VR alternate world and its guest stars (Image credit: Netflix)

We know that Project Staircase failed and that humanity has to continue to prepare for an alien invasion. We also watched in season 1 as Saul Durand was named as one of the three Wallfacers of the show with no idea why. So, the storyline has been set up to continue their plan against the San-Ti and that all hope is not lost.

When it comes to the length of 3 Body Problem season 1, Weiss told Vulture: “Eight episodes always felt right to us, at least for this season. It’s not a superfast burn. It takes some time for people to understand, for all the threads to come together, the video game and the countdown and the suicide-slash-murder investigations. Taking 10 or 20 episodes to answer that question didn’t feel viable for the kind of show we were making.” Perhaps season 2 will follow suit.

3 Body Problem season 2 trailer: is there one?

Considering the cast and crew have yet to begin filming 3 Body Problem season 2, there’s no trailer to share. As soon as there is, we’ll be sure to update here.

Where to watch 3 Body Problem season 1

If you're yet to catch up, now's the time (Image credit: Netflix)

All eight episodes of 3 Body Problem season 1 are available to stream on Netflix, one of the world’s best streaming services, right now. As Netflix are responsible for the renewal of season 2 and 3 and the creation of season 1, we’d fully expect the platform to remain the exclusive home for the epic sci-fi drama.

Will 3 Body Problem get a third season on Netflix?

You know Netflix are invested when they execute a double season renewal (Image credit: Netflix)

Yes, it absolutely will. As already mentioned, 3 Body Problem was renewed for season 3 alongside season 2. But, during the announcement, Weiss, Benioff, and Woo revealed that season 3 would be the show’s conclusion.

While there’s previously been conversation around wanting to run a season 4, it doesn't seem to be the case. Though as reported by Forbes, the show’s creators refer to the remainder of the show in years, rather than seasons. Benioff said: “By the time we finish with the show, it will be seven years we’ve devoted to it.”

He added: “We’re now at a place where we get to tell the rest of the story, and, yes, we have enough time to tell the rest of the story the way we want to and that’s immensely gratifying.” Either way, the creators say they’ll reach the final page of the trilogy and for any fans of the books or fans of the show, it’ll be an epic ride.

For more Netflix TV show-based coverage, read our guides on Stranger Things season 5, Wednesday season 2, One Piece season 2, and Squid Game season 3.

Over a year after season 1 aired, Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem season 2 is now in production. A number of new faces, including The Boys’ Claudia Doumit and Ellie De Lange, are joining season 2 as series regulars, with Alfie Allen, David Yip and Jordan Sunshine appearing in recurring roles. John Bradley, Benedict Wong, Liam Cunningham and Jonathan Pryce led the cast the first time around, and almost all of them are set to return (you’ll know why we’ll be missing a few if you’ve seen the existing episodes).

Based on the hit book series by Liu Cixin, the Netflix series follows a group of scientists known as the ‘Oxford Five’ who each experience some kind of unexplained phenomena that lead them to discover an extraterrestrial threat against the world. On top of this, we also jump back in time to China in the 1960s, where a young astrophysicist figures out how to make contact with ‘out there’, starting the chain of events that plunges the world into unknown chaos. As you might have guessed, there are a lot of moving parts in this mystery series.

In fact, there are so many complicated and intricate parts that there’s not a hope on this earth of remembering them all by the time 3 Body Problem season 2 actually gets released. We still don’t know when that might be, and alongside being a disappointment, that’s an issue. You’d have thought Netflix would learn their lesson from the huge waiting gaps between other hits like Stranger Things season 5 and Wednesday season 2, but this instance might actually be even worse.

3 Body Problem season 2 is finally filming, but Netflix is taking too long once again

Back when I first covered 3 Body Problem in early 2024, I was sent to a screening event to watch the first three episodes before they were released. A few hours later, I emerged from the venue without the first clue what I’d actually sat through, and I feel the same way now over 18 months have passed. I cannot stress how complex the main storyline of the show is, and that’s before we get into the B and C plots (translated, they’re the small stories you see in addition to the big overarching one) that exist in the same universe.

Annoyingly, not even the books can help us here because so much has been changed for the Netflix adaptation. All of this means by the time 3 Body Problem season 2 is actually released, the only way to properly get back into the spirit of things is to rewatch all of season 1 in the weeks leading up to new episodes. This isn’t how I particularly want to spend my time, and I’m sure a lot of other subscribers would feel the same way. The cynic in me thinks that Netflix keeping such laboriously long times in between seasons of hit TV shows is designed to make you rebinge what you’ve already seen, but this doesn’t quite work here.

It’s bad enough that we’ve been waiting three years for something like Stranger Things season 5, but at least it has a cult fandom. We’ve had other things to keep us interested in the franchise in the meantime (such as the West End play The First Shadow) and we continually want to know what’s going on with the show’s cast in their real lives. 3 Body Problem has none of these same hooks, so who’s really going to make the effort to pick up where they left off?

In a best case scenario, we’ll be getting 3 Body Problem season 2 in 2026, but I think there will be some significant damage done that’s now unavoidable. By the time posters start appearing in train stations or ominous TikToks arrive, we’ll vaguely remember the show and once being interested in it, before our attention span moves onto something else. I wouldn’t be surprised if viewing figures take a dive because of it, so fingers crossed Netflix changes its ways well before the already-confirmed season 3.

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Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.

(Image credit: Rick Diamond)

Those wanting to buy an original Switch should pick one up right away.

• Ransomware operators Everest adds Mailchimp to their data leak site
• They claimed to have stolen 767 MB of sensitive data
• The community mocked the size of the archive

Russian ransomware gang Everest says it recently broke into email marketing giant Mailchimp, left samples on its dark web site, and gave the company a few days to step up and pay, or face the consequences. But instead of causing a stir - the group became a laughing stock of the cybersecurity community.

Mailchimp is one of the most popular platforms in its industry, with more than 14 million active users, so when cybercriminals break in and steal data - the community expects a large database with plenty of juicy intel inside.

Everest, however, exfiltrated “only” 767MB of information, which includes 943,536 lines, and apparently include “Internal company documents”.

"Remarkably small"

“The leak of your internal company documents contains a huge variety of personal documents and information of clients,” Everest apparently said on its data leak site.

The news was picked up by the malware repository “vx-underground” which, on X, said the database seemed, “remarkably small for a vendor as large and widespread as MailChimp.”

Others quickly chimed in, sharing a similar sentiment: “Like one customer,” one person said. “That’s probably 300 milliseconds worth of mailchimp data. Likely a client of a client’s emails were leaked,” another one added.

Everest is not a state-sponsored group, but since its members speak Russian, security researchers believe the group is located there, as well.

It has been active since 2020, beginning as a data-extortion actor and later evolving into a full ransomware operation. Over time, it has shifted somewhat toward acting as an Initial Access Broker (IAB), too, selling access to compromised networks to other criminal gangs rather than executing ransomware themselves.

It has claimed hundreds of victims so far, including heavyweights such as AT&T, multiple South American governments, Coca‑Cola’s Middle East wing, Crumbl Cookies, Mediclinic hospitals, and Saudi conglomerate Rezayat Group.

Via Cybernews

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Let’s be honest: there are few things more frustrating than standing in a queue – whether you’re a customer or a business owner watching sales slip away. Those long lines are bad for morale, and they’re really bad for business. But a new technology – SoftPOS – is transforming the way retailers tackle this challenge.

SoftPOS, or software point of sale, turns any standard smartphone or tablet into a secure, fully functioning payment terminal. No extra hardware. No cables. Just an app.

As someone who’s spent years at the crossroads of payments and retail tech, I can say with confidence: this development is a huge leap forward.

Why we’re still shackled to clunky tech

It’s wild to think that the average Brit spends over a year of their life queuing. In the US, people spend a staggering 37 billion hours annually in line. That time adds up to serious financial leakage and sheer inconvenience for everyone involved.

Every minute a customer waits increases the likelihood of abandonment, complaints, or worse, defection to a more efficient competitor. It means more pressure on in-store teams, it causes unhappy customers to walk out of the door – with the merchant looking forlornly at yet another lost sale. Yet many businesses are still stuck with outdated POS terminals that slow down service.

Our recent research at Tribe revealed that 28% of merchants are using legacy POS systems that can’t even accept modern payment methods like digital wallets or QR codes. That means a huge number of businesses are quite literally turning away sales because their tech can’t keep up with how people want to pay.

And it’s not just about sales. Outdated payments systems contribute to:

• Lost upsell opportunities at the checkout (30% of merchants cite this as their top challenge)
• Costly maintenance and compliance headaches
• A lack of real-time analytics, leaving merchants flying blind when it comes to customer behavior

Built-in speed and security

With SoftPOS, businesses can deploy queue-busting strategies instantly. Think mobile staff roaming the floor, checking stock, cross-selling, and accepting payment on the spot and processed in seconds. Think outdoor venues, market stalls, food trucks, and tradespeople taking payments with a single tap at the point of service. It’s payment anywhere, anytime.

For mobile workers, gig economy sellers, and pop-up vendors, this flexibility is golden. Even in traditional retail environments, it’s a shift in how payments are handled. Instead of relying on one fixed terminal at the counter, you can equip your team to take payments from anywhere in the store.

One of the questions I get asked most often is: “But is it secure?” And the answer is a resounding yes. SoftPOS uses the same PCI DSS-compliant standards and encryption as traditional chip-and-PIN systems.

With tokenization, real-time fraud detection, and standards like PCI MPoC now in play, SoftPOS matches – and in many cases exceeds – the security provided by legacy systems, such as secure PIN-on-glass transactions, making higher-value purchases fully seamless.

Small businesses, big benefits; and data that drives loyalty

SoftPOS isn’t limited to large retailers. It’s arguably even more revolutionary for micro and small and medium business (SMB) owners, who until now faced barriers to entry with traditional POS tech:

• SoftPOS is cheaper. No hardware terminals, no costly software licenses, no hidden maintenance fees.
• It’s faster to deploy. Download the app and go live the same day.
• It’s modular and scalable. Use it standalone or integrate with existing systems without disruption.

Why spend thousands on bulky hardware when your phone can do the job just as well? There are no hardware costs, no installation delays, no lengthy onboarding. Download the app, and you’re ready to start taking payments.

We’re seeing huge take-up from independent traders, personal service providers, and mobile vendors. They love the simplicity, the low cost, and the ability to offer customers a smooth, modern experience.

Beyond cutting queues and costs, SoftPOS opens up a deeper value stream: data. We hear a lot about the desire and need for better customer insight, and SoftPOS delivers. Traditional POS terminals are notoriously bad at providing useful, real-time data. In contrast, SoftPOS integrates directly with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, loyalty platforms, and analytics dashboards.

That integration helps businesses track customer habits, tailor offers and create meaningful personalized experiences. In our research, 63% of merchants said hyper-personalization would help grow their business. SoftPOS puts those capabilities within easy reach.

Why payment providers should pay attention

SoftPOS is also a huge opportunity for acquiring banks (i.e., financial institutions that process payments on behalf of businesses) and payment service providers, or PSPs (i.e., third parties that help merchants accept payments more easily).

SoftPOS solutions like Tap on Phone offer a more agile, lower-cost path to meeting merchant needs for these players – particularly in emerging or underserved markets. As the payments landscape evolves, tools like these are forming the backbone of more responsive and connected merchant services.

For businesses still relying on old POS systems, now’s a good time to take stock

Ask yourself:

• How many customers am I losing to slow queues or poor checkout experiences?
• What payment methods am I missing out on?
• Could my team sell more if they weren’t tethered to the till?
• Would troves of new data help me upsell? (The answer here is pretty obvious)

Many of these issues can be addressed with just one app and a phone. That’s the real power of SoftPOS: low-friction payments that fit the way modern businesses operate. Whether it’s through a pilot or gradual rollout, it’s worth exploring how this technology could fit into your operation.

In a fast-moving, fiercely competitive retail landscape, success depends on improving efficiency, enabling flexible selling, and gaining real-time customer insight. Our research shows that early adopters of SoftPOS are already seeing results – from shorter queues to smoother, more engaging customer experiences.

Those who act now will be better equipped to adapt, grow, and lead in an increasingly digital market. It’s time to leave clunky terminals behind and embrace a simpler, smarter way to take payments.

We've featured the best mobile payment app.

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

• The first teaser for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been released
• It celebrates the first day of filming on the Marvel-Sony superhero movie
• Tom Holland's new superhero suit is teased rather than being fully revealed

Marvel and Sony have released the first official teaser for Spider-Man: Brand New Day – but, calm down, everyone, it's not as great as it sounds.

With filming on Spider-Man: Brand New Day officially underway starting today (August 1), the two studios, who work together on Spider-Man films, celebrated day one of said shoot with a all-too-brief look at the new suit that Tom Holland's eponymous hero will wear. However, save for one particularly interesting detail, the eight-second video – hey, I said it was brief! – is nothing to write home about.

Yep, that's it. A dark albeit mysteriously brief glimpse at the wallcrawler's latest super-suit. It's not even accompanied by a "now in production" message that tells more casual Spider-Man fans that the cameras are rolling on his next big-screen adventure. Sigh.

Still, as I alluded to earlier, there is something quite striking about the suit Holland's Peter Parker will be wearing in the Marvel Phase 6 movie.

Until now, all of his suits – aside from his homemade one, which Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark made fun of when Spidey made his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Captain America: Civil War – have been sleek looking.

The webbing on Parker's new attire, though, appears to be slightly raised from the rest of the fabric. It's most notable at the 0:02 mark and suggests that Holland's Parker might have taken some costume inspiration from Tobey Maguire's webslinger. Remember, the pair met and worked together – along with Andrew Garfield's take on the iconic character – in the multiversal flick Spider-Man: No Way Home. Maybe Holland's iteration got some pointers from Maguire's Parker about suit designs and decided a nostalgia look was the best way to go?

Anybody else think that Tom Holland's new suit looks like Tober Maguire's Spider-Man outfit? (Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Of course, this raises questions about what happened to the suit we saw the titular character wearing in No Way Home's final scene? Well, if you believe recent online rumors about where Spider-Man: Brand New Day sits on the MCU timeline, three years may have passed between Holland's last outing as Spidey and the hero's fourth solo MCU film. It's possible, then, that he's simply updated the look of his suit in the years since we last saw him. Alternatively, maybe he's decided to give Daredevil a run for his money and have a whole wardrobe of different suits...

Anyway, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is due out in theaters on July 31, 2026, so it's high time principal photography began on the highly anticipated flick. Hopefully, we'll get some behind the scenes images and/or on-set leaks of Holland's new garb as filming progresses on Spider-Man 4. Until then, read the section below for even more of my coverage on it.

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During an Executive Briefing session for the board members of a luxury brand last year, one question kept popping up – when will we reach singularity? I designed Executive Briefing sessions to inspire and educate senior executives and board members on the latest disruptive trends and how exponential technologies create opportunities for business and revenue generation.

So, it was not a surprise when these questions arose, as it was the hype of the moment and congesting the media coverage of artificial intelligence (AI). However, this is not the right question to ask, particularly considering companies, and the board members taking part in the session, may not even be around when humanity has to reckon with artificial general intelligence (AGI) – systems with human-like cognitive capabilities to generalize knowledge, learn new things, and adapt to various situations.

What is intelligence, really?

Before delving into the possibilities of AGI, it would be prudent to first explore the meaning of intelligence in the human context. In my new book, Artificial Intelligence For Business, I delve into the depths of intelligence and its definition, a topic of debate even among experts . Whether we approach it from a psychological or physiological perspective, the understanding and definition of human intelligence remains challenging because of one fundamental variable – the human subject.

Intelligence goes beyond information processing, reasoning and problem-solving. It is the ability to reason, learn from experience, adapt to new situations, and make sense of abstract concepts. More importantly, human intelligence is also guided by our biases, experiences, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, creativity, emotional awareness, and our ability to navigate social dynamics.

These are not just mental capabilities, but are embodied and relational. Our decisions are impacted by goals, value, ethics and intuition formed through lived experiences, making intelligence a complex element that is difficult to define and replicate.

Replicating human intelligence

In its current form, artificial intelligence in the most advanced systems, such as large language models or computer vision tools, are common examples of Narrow AI. These are AI systems created to carry out tasks with a high degree of efficiency and operates within predefined rules. It lacks the understanding and adaptability that humans possess. Narrow AI are trained on vast datasets to recognize patterns and generate predictions, but in my view, these systems do not ‘’understand’’ the way humans do.

Intelligent systems do not form context, nor do they possess common sense or emotional insight. It operates based on statistical probabilities and optimizes outputs within boundaries set by the data it is trained on. It simulates intelligence, quickly enough to trick us into believing it is intelligent, but these systems do not experience intelligence. Even the most powerful systems that exist today are simply tools - albeit impressive tools - but are not fully aware of the outputs, goals and implications they create.

So, what is Artificial General Intelligence?

Also referred to as Strong AI, AGI represents the pinnacle of artificial intelligence research. AGI can understand and learn intellectual tasks much like a human being and enables machines to apply knowledge and skills across different contexts. This means solving unfamiliar problems without any prior training, transferring knowledge between domains, reasoning in abstract terms, and continuously adapting.

AGI would be able to write a novel, design a marketing campaign, solve an engineering problem, and give emotional advice, all with the nuance and adaptability of a human. It would be capable of reflection, strategy, and perhaps even self-directed learning. In theory, it could outperform humans at virtually any intellectual task. Although we may believe many of the existing systems today offer these capabilities, what we are experiencing is the incredible speed of processing vast data, uncovering patterns in the data, and producing commonly accepted outputs to respond to requests. True AGI would be able to perform any intellectual tasks that a human can, equipped with understanding and reasoning required to navigate a range of different challenges.

The value of AGI can be truly transformative for humanity, and it is no wonder technology leaders seem to be in constant pursuit of this next frontier. It holds a promise of exponential development across industries, and the potential return on investment so enormous, that every technology company wants to hold the key to AGI. But the uncertainty and risks that come with such systems can also be unimaginable.

Why race towards AGI?

At the center of AGI is a potent mix of fear, uncertainty, economic potential, ambition and ideology. The promise of AGI is not just another technological milestone, it could be considered a foundational shift that could unlock solutions to humanity’s most urgent challenges and the potential rewards are staggering. AGI supporters view it as a potential force multiplier, able to accelerate scientific discovery, optimise resource distribution, and address climate risks.

Commercial incentives are also compelling. The institution or organization controlling AGI would dominate not only other industries, but also redefine how value is created and destroy its competition in the global market. From a geopolitical dimension, AGI is viewed as a strategic asset and weapon of mass disruption that could set global standards, lead in defense innovation, and control critical infrastructure. Additionally, there is an ideological aspect to consider. Selected leaders in the global technology community genuinely believe AGI could elevate humanity for the better, while others are driven by personal gain and legacy.

The race towards AGI

From a psychological and societal perspective, AGI forces us to confront the fundamental question of what it means to be human. Can we create machines or systems that can rival our own mind? Can we replicate, and potentially even surpass, the very thing that makes us human? And if machines can learn, create and think like us, what would our role be in this new ecosystem? How could we aspire to govern such systems to ensure human dignity, purpose and autonomy are fully retained? This is a formidable challenge, and in my view, unrealistic in the near future.

For senior leaders and board members contemplating these questions, my advice is to focus on the more pressing question of how current and rapidly-developing AI solutions are impacting industries and businesses. This, in itself, is a reality that is transforming the world as we know it.

We've featured the best AI chatbot for business.

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

• Microsoft Edge has dropped a chunk of users in the past month
• This is according to Statcounter's figures, which show Chrome making some major gains at the top
• Microsoft may hope that Copilot in Edge will help turn things around, but there are other factors at work

Chrome has cemented its dominance in the web browser world in the past month to the detriment of Microsoft Edge, which has slipped back in its tall order quest to challenge Google's top dog.

Neowin flagged up the latest report from Statcounter showing how the world's best desktop browsers stack up to each other, and Chrome has accelerated ahead in July, gaining just over 3% to put it a whisker away from a 70% share of the entire market (69.98% to be precise).

Microsoft Edge is in second place, but after making a little headway through 2025 thus far – in between periods of stalling – the browser has again slipped, as it did in June. It's now down to 11.8% which represents a month-on-month drop of 1.26%.

If you're wondering about the rest of Chrome's rivals, there's Safari, which is in third place, but it barely has half of Edge's user base, with the Apple browser sitting on 6.51% (also down from last month; in fact, it's lost 0.85%).

Firefox is next and is close behind Safari on 5.32%, and again, that's a loss, this time of half a percentage point. All of those losses have, of course, provided fuel for Google's Chrome fire.

Analysis: Copilot isn't the answer - or at least not the only one

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Naturally, we need to take any single source that's measuring the popularity of any given set of products with some caution - it represents a sample of the market, not the entire picture. Although in Statcounter's case, it's a pretty beefy sample, and the company is regarded as one of the more accurate judges of how the browser world stands.

Microsoft isn't doing well, then, in its bid to get Edge noticed - and as I've said before, I think part of the problem the software giant has is that it's trying too hard to get the browser noticed. It does this mainly by shoving it in the faces of Windows 11 (and 10) users with too much gusto, recommending it as the default browser in certain circumstances, or having Edge pop up in various ways even though it isn't set as the default browser.

Notably, Microsoft has been changing this kind of behavior in Europe due to regulatory pressures, so, for example, the company just made it so that web links in Windows 11's widget board now don't open in Edge automatically, but use the selected default browser in the OS (as they should for a consistent experience).

I wish Microsoft would adopt this scheme of things in other regions outside of Europe, but sadly, it doesn't seem like this will happen, not when there's no legislation twisting the company's arm.

Microsoft has another tactic in mind to get traction for Edge, though, and that's AI. The introduction of Copilot in Edge has just happened (so won't have made an impact in July's figures from Statcounter), and while it may not seem like a massive carrot to many – who might think, 'Not more AI', complete with a yawn – as we've recently reported, this feature actually looks pretty nifty. It offers voice commands and some clever touches like being able to instruct the browser to skip to a certain section of a YouTube video, and with agentic AI abilities promised down the line (the ability for AI to book things for you within the browser, for example).

I accept that it could be a promising lure for new recruits to the Edge flock. However, I think Microsoft will struggle to make its browser more relevant unless it also reins in some of the excesses of its constant promotion of Edge within Windows. And of course, don't forget that Google has its own AI (Gemini) tricks in the pipeline for Chrome, too, so it's not like the dominant competition will be standing still on the AI front.

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It's time to settle down and enjoy one or more of the new movies and TV shows that have landed on the best streaming services over the past few days.

All but one of the world's leading streamers have got something to offer this weekend – step it up, Paramount+ – so, regardless of which platform(s) you're signed up, you're well and truly spoiled when it comes to new content to watch at home. Warm up your scrolling finger, then, and read on to see what you can enjoy before Monday comes back around. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

My Oxford Year (Netflix)

Remember how One Day suddenly arrived on Netflix and instantly made us bawl our eyes out? I've got a funny feeling that My Oxford Year is going to have exactly the same effect.

One of August's new Netflix movies tells the story of ambitious American student travels to Oxford in England to fulfil her dream, but encounters a charming local who changes both their lives. I wonder if that local just happens to be tall, dark, and handsome?

Given this is also an adaptation of Julia Whelan's novel, we can pretty much guarantee My Oxford Year is going to be a slam dunk for the streamer. Cue a lot of rose-tinted whimsy, an influx of Americans on social media who think all of England is like Notting Hill, and bundles of sweet nerdy chemistry. Frankly, it's cheaper than trying to study abroad. – Jasmine Valentine, entertainment writer

• Watch My Oxford Year on Netflix

Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)

The latest Marvel project to have Ryan Coogler's award-winning creative fingerprints on it, Eyes of Wakanda has launched on Disney+ three weeks earlier than anyone expected.

A four-part anthology series that further explores the history of Wakanda, aka the technologically advanced African nation that exists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this Black Panther spin-off series follows various Wakanda spy-cum-warriors across four time periods as they try to recover their nation's stolen artefacts and weaponry. Eyes of Wakanda is available in full now on Disney+, too, so you won't be made to wait a week between each 30-minute installment.

It remains to be seen if it'll earn a spot on our best Disney+ shows list. But, with Coogler attached, I'd be shocked if this gorgeous-looking animated series doesn't continue Marvel's recent hot-streak (in my opinion, anyway) on the big and small screens. – TP

• Watch Eyes of Wakanda on Disney+

Final Destination: Bloodlines (HBO Max)

I'm really enjoying these new horror installments with great reviews, aren't you? Saw X impressed the critics after years of flops and Final Destination Bloodlines, the franchise's sixth movie, did likewise earlier this year. So much so, it's now technically considered the best in the franchise.

Thankfully, the series' latest entry is now streaming on HBO Max. Get ready to be scared by, well, just about any everyday object as the franchise continues to kill its subjects in the most unexpected ways. If you want something to satisfy your bloodlust this weekend, look no further. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch Final Destination: Bloodlines on HBO Max

Chief of War (Apple TV+)

I’ve always felt there aren’t nearly enough TV shows that dive into Hawaiian history, which is why I’m so glad Apple TV+ has finally stepped up.

Chief of War is a new historical drama that puts the spotlight on the Polynesian islands' powerful chiefdoms before colonization reshaped everything at the turn of the 18th century. Jason Momoa plays Ka‘iana, a warrior chief determined to unite the four Hawaiian kingdoms as Western forces loom. It's based on real events and as visually stunning as it is culturally rich.

The first two episodes are streaming now, with new episodes dropping every Friday until the finale on September 19. I’ve already got this lined up on my watchlist – and if you’re even a little curious, I’d recommend diving into this new Apple TV Original – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Chief of War on Apple TV+

Twisted Metal season 2 (Peacock)

Twisted Metal is back Peacock so, if you're in the mood for plenty of laughs and action, it's the show to watch. With a stellar cast including Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Stephanie Beatriz and Captain America's Anthony Mackie leading the series, plus Will Arnett as a killer clown, there's so much to love about Twisted Metal.

If you haven't seen season 1, it's based on its video game namesake and follows a talkative milkman with amnesia who's tasked with delivering a mysterious package in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Things are quickly dialed up to 100, too. – LB

• Watch Twisted Metal season 2 on Peacock

Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful (Hulu/Disney+)

First there was Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie, then came Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. Now, it's Miley's turn to shine, with her own music movie Something Beautiful being self-described as a "pop opera", and is now out on Hulu and Disney+. Think less Starlight Express and more chic visual movie, which is essentially a continuous music video for every track on the synonymous album.

Essentially, this one is great for singing along to the Bangerz (see what I did there?) you might have missed from Cyrus in the last year, who's been busy rebranding herself as the pop-rock icon we're learning to love all over again. Rumor has it that if you then stream the album on Spotify, you might allegedly be invited to a Hannah Montana-themed event (this isn't confirmed, but dare to dream). – JV

• Watch Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally)

Built in Birmingham: Brady and the Blues (Prime Video)

I love a good underdog story – and Birmingham City FC’s 2024/25 season is exactly that. Like Wrexham, Birmingham has seen a huge surge in performance, popularity, and sponsorship since American-Hollywood investors came onboard – and now you can watch it all play out in Built In Birmingham: Brady & The Blues on Amazon's streaming platform..

The docuseries tracks the club’s transformation under NFL legend Tom Brady, who became a minority owner in 2023. From the heartbreak of relegation to a record-breaking season, and automatic promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship, it’s a rollercoaster worth streaming. All five episodes are now available on Prime Video. If you’re into comeback stories, this one’s a must-watch. – AS

• Watch Built in Birmingham: Brady and the Blues on Prime Video

For more streaming suggestions, read our guides on the best Netflix shows, best Prime Video movies, best Hulu shows, and best Paramount+ movies.