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The technology industry is always trying to tempt consumers into buying or upgrading to the latest offerings. However, where consumers once rushed to get their hands on the newest technology as soon as possible, the diminishing returns that come from upgrading most devices today makes people much more reluctant to part with their hard-earned cash.
With this in mind, technology companies have started looking for new ways to appeal to consumers and something that’s become more and more prevalent in recent years is the promotion of ‘rugged’ features on consumer grade devices, such as rugged phones and rugged laptops.
In particular, ingress protection (IP) ratings have become commonplace amongst the latest smart devices, with many now boasting ratings as high as IP68. But what exactly does this mean?
IP ratings explainedIP ratings are a useful standard for understanding how resistant a digital device is to the intrusion of dust and liquids. The rating is split into two numbers with the first denoting the level of resistance to dust and outside objects, measured on a scale from 0 to 6 (with 6 being the highest resistance). According to the IEC’s rating guide, 5 means “dust-protected” and 6 means “dust-tight.”
The second number in the IP rating represents the device’s water resistance and is measured on a scale of 0 to 9 (with 9 being the highest resistance). Devices rated 7 can be fully submerged in shallow water for a short period of time, while those with an 8 rating are certified to go a few meters deeper and remain unscathed, although the increase in depth is variable.
For example, a device rated as IP68 is sealed off from dust and can be submerged in water up to a depth of six meters for a short time (around 15-30 mins) without breaking.
If an IP rating uses an “X” in one of the two number slots, it means the device isn’t rated for water or dust protection accordingly.
IP rating alone does not make a device truly ruggedWhile something like an IP rating can help with consumer confidence in the event of the device accidentally falling in the sink or down the toilet, it’s important to realize that this alone doesn’t make a device ‘rugged’.
Modern rugged design is about optimizing device performance in challenging environments where consumer grade devices simply wouldn’t survive for any meaningful length of time. Consequently, an effective rugged device must excel in multiple categories, from damage resistance and excellent all-weather performance to comprehensive connectivity and manufacturer support. Below are some of the key considerations for anyone looking to purchase a truly rugged device.
1. Independent rugged certificationsAll rugged devices are IP and MIL-STD certified but a lack of legislation around the certification process means many manufacturers self-certify their products, making it hard to know how rugged they really are. True rugged manufacturers always will have their devices independently certified, so be sure to look out for this when choosing a device.
When it comes to specific rugged standards to look for, MIL-STD 810H is considered the benchmark, meaning the product has passed rigorous US Military standard testing focused on environmental conditions. Extreme temperature, moisture, dust, shock and drop resistance are just a few of the 30 situations in which a device is tested before it can be MIL-STD 810H certified. Similarly, IP ratings remain key to the process, with most fully rugged devices now coming with IP67-IP68 as standard.
2. Excellent battery lifeLong battery life is another key consideration for anyone that wants to use a rugged digital device for extended periods of time in the field, where there’s usually no access to charge facilities. As such, many rugged devices are designed to accommodate high-capacity batteries and allow users to hot swap batteries on the go without having to switch the device off first. This means many more hours of uninterrupted operation than would be possible from a device with a fixed battery capacity.
3. Multiple connectivity optionsRugged devices typically feature a diverse set of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G/5G. This enables users to collect/share information and communicate with colleagues in a wide range of environments, from busy city centers to remote outdoor regions and everything in between. When it comes to connectivity options, the more a device has, the better.
4. Comprehensive aftermarket support and OS longevityBefore buying a rugged device, customers need to make sure it comes with a level of aftermarket support that fits their needs. This includes things like service and repair, diagnostic assistance, and provision of any software drivers that might be required, both now and at a later date. Another key thing to look at is OS longevity, particularly if their app ecosystem is built around a specific version.
5. A top-tier warrantyTrue rugged manufacturers stand behind their products. If a rugged device doesn’t come with a top-tier warranty, it’s best to steer clear.
In the fast-paced technology industry, manufacturers are increasingly using ‘rugged features’ to promote and differentiate their latest consumer devices. But while the inclusion of something like an IP rating can be great for a little added peace of mind, that alone is not enough to turn a consumer-grade product into a truly rugged device.
Rugged manufacturers specialize in creating devices that can thrive in highly challenging environments and this is reflected in their exceptional build quality, overall specification and aftermarket support. Not everyone needs the all benefits that a true rugged devices offers, but for those that do, there’s no substitute for the real thing.
We list the best rugged hard drive and SSD.
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
- IT decision-makers see upgrading as a chance to get the latest AI PCs
- Advanced security and boosted productivity are especially attractive
- 62% would now consider an AI PC over a regular PC
New research on Windows 11 and AI PC Readiness says the timing couldn't be more perfect – Windows 10 end of life has coincided with a surge of AI PCs available on the market, making now the perfect time to upgrade for two reasons.
The study from Dell found with 80% of UK businesses migrating or having already migrated to Windows 11, they're seeing it as a strategic opportunity to adopt AI-ready PCs rather than just a simple OS update.
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of IT decision-makers agree they've been presented with an opportunity to upgrade to more powerful AI PCs at the same time.
Windows 11 upgrade is causing many to consider AI PCsNearly half agreed AI PCs bring advanced security features (47%) and greater employee productivity (44%), with around two-thirds (64%) considering AI-capable hardware critical for future operations.
Those additional security features are much-needed, too, with a similar number (46%) citing security breaches as the main driver for refreshing PC fleets – more than the number of businesses refreshing due to the Windows 10 EOS (42%).
However, some factors continue to hold businesses back, and they're the same ones we see time and time again. Software compatibility (45%) was the most frequently cited concern, with many also concerned about hardware compatibility (34%) and operational disruption (32%).
That leaves 20% of the businesses surveyed not yet having started transitioning, even though the deadline is now less than four months away.
"Adding the context of the Windows 11 transition means the AI PC isn't just a new product to sell; it is a gateway to higher-value services like strategic deployment, security hardening and workflow integration," Dell UK Channel and Distribution Lead Ian Heath explained.
Looking ahead, it's clear that AI PCs are gaining in popularity. Three in five (62%) IT decision-makers would choose a Copilot+ PC over a regular one, based on the promises of longer battery life, better performance, local AI processing and integrated productivity tools.
You might also like- Need an upgrade? Check out the best workstations
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- This could be a great time to buy a new work PC - no-one is buying the devices makers stockpiled in anticipation of Trump tariffs
The Fantastic Four: First Steps director has revealed how he shot scenes that are supposed to be set in space – and what differentiates those sequences from other cosmic Marvel movies, including Guardians of the Galaxy.
In an interview with TechRadar, Matt Shakman admitted he didn't use a zero gravity (Zero-G) simulator to film sequences that involved The Fantastic Four heading into space via their Excelsior star ship. The group do so on a couple of occasions in the flick, with the most notable space-based set-piece seeing them confront Galactus in deep space after he threatens to destroy their world. You can read more about why he wants to in my review of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
It's during this intense intergalactic sequence that the film's crew needed to achieve the feeling of weightlessness for the eponymous team.
Indeed, as they flee in their spaceship (the Excelsior) after unsuccessfully attempting to negotiate with Galactus, the quartet are forced to act on the fly as they try to evade capture. Subsequently, there's no time to strap themselves into their seats, hence the need to carry out their actions in Zero-G.
First Steps' cast and crew used as many practical effects and sets as they could throughout its production (Image credit: Marvel Studios)So, how did Shakman and company replicate the absence of gravity for this sequence? And what is it about the approach they took that separates it from the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy?
"One of the things I really wanted to do is imagine the Fantastic Four as the Apollo 11 astronauts," Shakman said. "When they go into space, it's zero gravity. It's not like Guardians, where they're able to walk around their ship like Star Trek. I wanted it to feel as real as possible.
"But shooting zero gravity is difficult," the Marvel Phase 6 film's director added. "It involves a lot of wire work and it's hard on the actors' bodies. It's very difficult for them to be able to perform and do what they need to do, while also dealing with that sort of physical discomfort. So, while it was a wonderful thing to execute and bring to life in an authentic way, it was challenging."
That scale of that challenge is more remarkable when you consider how much work goes into shooting a sequence like this.
#TheFantasticFour: First Steps is Certified Fresh at 88% on the Tomatometer, with 83 reviews: https://t.co/g632UvfMQK pic.twitter.com/BWhJdzUFMnJuly 22, 2025
For starters, over 10,000 feet of wire and almost 30 wire rigs were required throughout the Excelsior's interior. The ship's cockpit and fuselage were physically built by First Steps' production team to further underline the crew's commitment to use practical sets and effects wherever possible.
Once the actors portraying Marvel's First Family were hoisted up in harnesses and attached to various ceiling tracks via the aforementioned wires, they were taught to push off from the set itself without swinging harshly. Doing so would expose the wires and make it more difficult to delete the cables during the post-production phase.
Lastly, puppeteers in gray suits helped to control the speed and movement of each actor, and allow them to hit their marks. Add in the fact that each star had to remember their lines an actually act during this sequence, and you really get a sense of how demanding it was for the entire cast and crew to successfully execute.
Thankfully, all of their hard work pays off in the final product. It'll be interesting to see if a similar set-up will be used in future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects, including Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently in production and might feature one or more space-set sequences. You can read more about the aforementioned film via my dedicated Avengers: Doomsday hub.
There's less than 24 hours to go (at the time of publication) until First Steps is out in theaters, so get your last-minute lowdown on it by reading my ultimate guide to The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Read the section below, too, for more exclusive coverage on it.
You might also like- The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast and character guide: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and who else you'll see in the Marvel movie
- Marvel director Matt Shakman explains why The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't require any MCU homework: 'There are no Easter eggs or other heroes'
- Was Doctor Doom ever considered as The Fantastic Four: First Steps' main villain? The Marvel movie's director has his say
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the best phones in Australia, and in 2025 it’ll be a difficult handset to beat as our attention turns to the Google Pixel 10 Pro and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max coming later this year. It only improves upon the best cameraphone of 2024, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and it continues a trend set by the S24. In 2025, software took over the stage almost entirely in San Jose at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event.
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra received a new rounded design that makes it look more like its standard S25 and S25 Plus counterparts. Samsung also decided to axe Bluetooth features from the S Pen with the S25 Ultra, which enabled users to take photos with the phone’s included stylus (super useful for group shots and selfies, though Samsung said it’s not a popular feature). Hardware undoubtedly changed and indeed the phone did receive its annual CPU/GPU performance buff – but in 2025, Samsung’s more interested in software.
With the launch of One UI 7, Samsung’s app icons, widgets, status bar and other core software features have gotten a refresh. They feel more efficient, space-aware and better in line with the customization that many users crave from their smartphones. When I first received this phone, my colleagues and I were saddened at how limited the ‘Good Lock’ OS-modifying tool had become with One UI 7, but after toying with the operating system, I’ve come to realize that I could finally get by without it.
Better yet, the introduction of the Now Bar and the all-new Now Brief are actually useful productivity features that look good on the display, and they’re my favorite features of the launch.
Whether or not Samsung’s useful Now Brief page, which generates an AI-assisted snapshot of the rest of your day (or next day), effectively encompasses what has become the popular perception of AI (incorporating the use of large-language models and the like) feels beside the point. This is a genuinely useful feature and to some extent, I’m disappointed that it has been tarnished by the ‘AI’ tag that justifiably puts a bad taste in people’s mouths.
To that end, we can ignore the elephant in the room no longer – the messy state of affairs that is AI on a Samsung phone. Such phones are torn between Galaxy AI tools (many of which function on-device) and Google Gemini, and there’s cause for concern in this discrepancy.
So let’s chat Samsung’s latest OS polish, its handy new tricks, and its spotty AI-fication.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)Hello, beautifulI’ll quickly admit that Samsung’s approach to UI design up until now hasn’t been my favorite. Coming from iOS in 2022, the Google Pixel range won me over with the uniform aesthetic that makes it the closest thing to an iPhone on the Android side of the fence. Samsung’s phones, albeit partly due to their overstuffing of bloatware with a fresh install, tend to have a more tech-savvy aesthetic – showing more icons on a space, settings icons at all times across the settings bar (top of the display) and generally sharing more information than is necessary for a casual user.
That doesn't seem to be the case with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and One UI 7. With this launch, subtle but sweeping changes have been made to the home screen, including app icon scale choice, dark icons in dark mode when ‘Color Palette’ is applied to apps, and expanded folders (which you can tap to open apps without opening said folder).
One of my big reservations about Samsung phones up until now has been the cluttered Status Bar, showing oh so many symbols that don’t need to be displayed at all times (for example, the 5G icon, NFC icon and Bluetooth icon, to name a few). These icons have now been relegated to the status bar only when accessing the quick settings and notifications menu (accessed by swiping down), while app notifications continue to persist on the left of the status bar (unless disabled).
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)How to customize the Galaxy S25’s lock screen and always-on displayWidgets and lock screen/notifications menu pop-ups have also received a glow-up, and are now rounded at the corners and displaying more information on the home screen. However, to activate these notification ‘cards’ on the lock screen, you’ll need to do so in your lock screen settings (switching over from icons to cards).
Beyond that, there are a few ways to customize the always-on display: You can change the wallpaper, clock style, font, color, and add widgets galore. Some widgets might require the Good Lock app for customization, but it's a simple download that will help you fully customize your phone.
Then there's the new Now bar; a multi-function widget that appears contextually at the bottom of the lock screen. I really love how it expands when tapped while playing music, displays timers and how it communicates Google Maps info. It’s great having it so low on the screen, so it’s more accessible one-handed. It feels more intuitive than Apple’s Dynamic Island, which it seems inspired by.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)Moreover, Now Brief is a genuinely useful addition to the One UI suite of features. In the morning, at mid-day and at night, the phone will produce a ‘Now Brief’ rundown of upcoming events (including weather reports, travel information and calendar notifications) and a recap of your last several hours (including sleep data, missed calls and photos taken).
It’s a useful tool for putting all your contextually appropriate alerts in the one spot for your review, and it pains me that it’s not even more useful. I’d love for it to pull information from more apps – recommending me to continue listening to a podcast, select audiobook or keep watching a Disney+ series. The best it’ll do on these fronts is recommend you a Spotify playlist or push you in the direction of YouTube Shorts.
I’d also like it to be a little less… wrong? After waking up one morning, it recommended me a ‘liquid EDM’ playlist. I've been known to l listen to the odd EDM song here or there, but it seems like a wild genre to wake up to.
But it’s in Now Brief that we approach the cluttered state of Samsung’s AI suite.
Samsung’s AI confusionAnd then there’s Google Gemini. On One UI 7 and the S25 range, Gemini has replaced the default Google Assistant (Bixby who?), and while I do like Gemini as a virtual assistant, its coexistence with these other AI tools is potentially confusing to a casual user.
That being said, Samsung has added cross-app actions to the S25 range with Google Gemini. You can ask Gemini to perform a complex series of commands, such as finding the information on several businesses online to be added to your Notes app, and it will be done so fluidly (as demonstrated by our friends at Tom’s Guide). The only third-party apps currently supported are Whatsapp and Spotify, but this awesome time-saving feature genuinely has the potential to help get stuff done quickly.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)Erring on the critical side, I think we’re being a bit liberal with what we’re appropriately calling an ‘AI feature’. For example; Google Circle to Search continues to be one of my favorite features of Android phones in 2024. It’s supposedly underpinned by AI, but it’s unclear how AI actually factors into the function of this tool. After all, it’s basically a simple-to-access spin on Google Lens with support for on-screen circling.
Similarly with Now Brief, it’s not clear just how much of it benefits from so-called AI features. A day-to-come or day-passed snapshot is simply a splash screen displaying your upcoming events, weather alerts, a smattering of content recommendations and health figures from throughout the day.
It might seem bereft to criticize AI features on the merit of being ‘AI-powered’, but I have one major concern. Since the launch of the Galaxy S24 range, Samsung has noted that it may, eventually, start to charge for its AI features. At the time of writing, the official company tagline is:
“Fees may apply for AI features at the end of 2025. Certain Galaxy AI features require [a] Samsung and Google Account. [An] internet connection may be required to use some features. AI Features will be provided free of charge until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.”
My concern is that access to some of these genuinely useful features will be paywalled alongside the AI tools that many people won’t actually get any use from.
I have no problem paying a subscription for a genuinely useful product or service if I’m actually getting value from it. Between Circle to Search and Now Brief, I now have two AI features that I like.
And I don’t think I could sensibly pay for either.
(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)Samsung needs to steer carefullyWhile Samsung has spent a fair amount of time beautifying its operating system, its AI software is starting to become a different story altogether. No doubt people are using such features at their own discretion, but so far there hasn’t been a must-have AI tool built into One UI (or any phone OS for that matter).
On the bright side, One UI 7 brings with it a nice aesthetic refresh, and in a hardware lull year, it’s the best I could have wanted from Samsung.
Section: You may also like…- Now Bar is a key new feature in One UI 7
- More third-party app integrations are reportedly on the way
- One UI 8 is due to release in July 2025
Update 24/07: Samsung has confirmed that it plans to increase the number of Now Bar-supported apps and services from around 20 to up to 35 by the end of 2025. The rest of the article remains as originally published.
Samsung launched One UI 7 (its take on Android 15) at the same time as the Galaxy S25 flagships back in January, and one of the key new features is the lock screen Now Bar – a feature which is set to get much more useful in the near future.
According to South Korean outlet ET News (via SamMobile), more third-party apps are set to support the Now Bar – though there's no specific timeframe for the integration. Two South Korean apps are mentioned specifically, Kakao T for booking taxi rides and Naver Sports for live sports scores.
Presumably, those efforts to add more third-party apps will extend internationally, though ET News doesn't namecheck any others. The more apps support the Now Bar, the more useful it becomes, which means more users will take advantage of it.
Samsung has been pushing the Now Bar as a major innovation in One UI 7, and we've also described it as one of the best features in the software. It's essentially Samsung's take on Live Activities on iOS, displaying useful information from apps right on the lock screen, which can be updated in real-time.
Making use of the Now BarCurrently supported apps are from Google and Samsung (Image credit: Future)If you have a Samsung Galaxy S25, you've got One UI 7 already – and the Now Bar is most likely already appearing at the bottom of your lock screen, displaying widgets for timers, the Now Brief summary, media playback, and more.
Head to Settings and choose Lock screen and AOD to find the Now Bar page. You'll see you can set which apps appear in the Now Bar from here: currently, the list is dominated by Samsung and Google apps, which is why third-party app integrations would be welcome going forward.
Google Maps is one app that recently added Now Bar support, so you can see turn-by-turn directions on the lock screen. Android already offers persistent notifications for this sort of real-time information, but the Now Bar makes it easier to get at on a locked phone.
We're still waiting for One UI 7 to make its way to Samsung handsets beyond the Galaxy S25 series, though the rollout is scheduled to get underway next month. It's not clear at the moment how recent a phone you're going to need to take advantage of the Now Bar feature, but we should get some clarity on that soon.
Customizing your Lock ScreenBeyond the Now Bar, there are plenty of ways to customize the always-on display on the Galaxy S25 line up. You can obviously change the colors and fonts, and play with the wallpapers and clocks. But its widgets that really let you personalize the screen and make it your own.
The Now Bar is a powerful widget, but just one of many available on the phone. Long press on the home screen to customize it, and select from a battery widget, camera, calendar, voice recorder and more. Or you can go through Samsung's Good Lock app to further customize.
You might also likeLast year was the year of the best smart rings, and 2025 is shaping up to be another interesting one in the world of wearables – and we discuss that and lots more on the latest episode of the TechRadar podcast.
From the scramble to find the next 'it' form factor in the wearables space to the race for AI feature supremacy, there's plenty to talk about, and we're particularly interested in some of the new devices we've seen this year, like the Garmin Venu X1 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.
We've also seen our first glimpse of Meta's latest smart glasses, which it produces in collaboration with Ray-Ban's sister-brand, Oakley. Alas, we're not exactly thrilled with the outcome – you'll have to catch the episode to find out why.
Plus, with more devices set to land later this year, including the Pixel Watch 4 and the Apple Watch Series 11 (and, hopefully, the Apple Watch Ultra 3), it's still all to play for in the contest to release the best smartwatch of 2025.
To hear our thoughts on all of the above (and a robot vacuum), join me, Hamish Hector and Matt Evans, as well as friend of the show and special guest, YouTuber and tech reviewer Mark Ellis.
Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, or if you prefer an audio-only podcast experience you can listen along on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts – and wherever you catch us, you'll also find all of our previous episodes, including our CES and gaming specials.
So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to find out why we think Garmin has a long way to go before winning over die-hard Apple or Samsung users, why Meta's Oakley collab fell flat in our estimations, and who has the lowest antioxidant level on a table of overworked tech journalists.
You might also like- The latest PS5 firmware beta update will arrive in the coming months and include a new DualSense pairing feature
- Sony will soon allow DualSense controllers to be paired across multiple devices simultaneously
- A Power Saver mode will also be introduced later on to reduce the power consumption of supported PS5 games
Sony has announced the new features for its latest PlayStation 5 beta firmware update, which includes simultaneous DualSense pairing across multiple devices.
The details were shared on PlayStation Blog, where Sony said that it believes enabling compatibility of its peripherals across multiple platforms "creates a more flexible and seamless gaming experience."
To further this effort, the latest beta update will preview a new feature that allows DualSense wireless controllers and DualSense Edge wireless controllers to be paired across multiple devices simultaneously, making it easier for players to switch between them without needing to pair each time.
"With this update, you can now register up to four devices simultaneously, and easily switch between them directly from your controller," Sony explained.
"For example, you can take your controller which you use with your PS5, then seamlessly switch connection to a PC to play PC games, or connect it to a smartphone to enjoy Remote Play from your PS5. With this enhanced flexibility, you can enjoy gaming more freely across multiple devices."
Sony also revealed a new Power Saver mode that, when enabled, allows supported PS5 games to run with lower power consumption and reduce environmental impact.
This is part of its Road to Zero environmental plan, and will appear as a new option in the PS5 settings menu when it's released.
This feature won't be in the latest beta update, which is set to release globally in the coming months, but Sony did say it will be available at a later date.
You might also like...- Some Pixel 9 exclusive photo-editing tools could be heading to older phones
- The Auto Frame and Reimagine AI tools may roll out more widely
- Handsets from the Pixel 6 onwards are tipped to get the upgrade
The Google Pixel 9 series launched with a stack of AI photo-editing features that were exclusive to those devices – but now it looks like Google is preparing to push some of these features out to older Pixel handsets.
As spotted by @AssembleDebug and Android Authority, the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android features code that suggests both Auto Frame and Reimagine are going to be made available to the Pixel 6 and newer phones.
Auto Frame lets you make sure the primary subject of your photo is well placed within that photo – that might involve cropping the image, or expanding the background using some AI magic. There's also a similar feature on the best Samsung phones.
As for Reimagine, this lets you tweak parts of your photo using a text prompt and AI image generation. You might want to add a car to a street scene, for example, or a tree to a nature landscape – if you can imagine it, Reimagine in Google Photos can do it.
Pixel exclusivesReimagine lets you add elements to photos, like these palm trees (Image credit: Google / Future)Google hasn't said anything officially yet, so it's not clear when these new features will reach handsets such as the Google Pixel 8 (assuming Google follows through with this) but the rollout shouldn't be far away.
It makes sense that Google would want to make as many of its AI photo-editing features available to as many people as possible, assuming that their phones have the necessary processing power to run them.
While keeping features exclusive to newer handsets can drive sales, it's not clear how many users have been upgrading to the Pixel 9 just to use the AI image features – though we've been largely impressed by what they're capable of.
In less than a month we'll do it all again, when the Google Pixel 10 series gets its grand unveiling on Wednesday, August 20. Expect a lot more talk about the power of AI, and perhaps some features that are only available on the new Pixel 10.
You might also like- A banner showing off all four Pixel 10 models has been spotted on the Google Play Store
- You can see the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold from the back
- Other leaks have revealed possible dimensions and colors
The Google Pixel 10 series is now just weeks away, but there might not be much left for Google to unveil at this rate, as the company has seemingly accidentally shared a render showing all four expected models.
Android Authority has found a banner in the Google Play Store app showing the Pixel 10 itself, the Pixel 10 Pro, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Google presumably didn’t mean for this banner to appear yet, as the accompanying text says ‘Now available’ – but perhaps the company won’t mind so much given that it has already intentionally shown off the Pixel 10 Pro.
In any case, three of the phones are shown here in a gray-blue shade believed to be dubbed Moonstone, while the base Pixel 10 is pictured in a much brighter blue that’s reportedly called Indigo.
A render of all four Pixel 10 models, leaked by Google itself (Image credit: Google / Android Authority)Sadly, the phones are only shown from the back, and thanks to previous leaks, there’s not really anything here that we haven’t seen before. But we can now say with certainty that this is what the Pixel 10 series will look like.
In other news, Android Headlines has claimed that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be sold in just two shades – the Moonstone option pictured above, and Jade, which is more of a pale green.
Previous leaks suggested the other Pixel models will be sold in four shades, so you might not have as much choice here, but at least Moonstone and Jade are a bit more interesting than what Google could have gone with.
Getting thicker and heavierAnd finally, Android Headlines has also shared what it claims are the dimensions for the entire Google Pixel 10 series. Supposedly the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro will both be 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm, making them the same height and width as their predecessors, but 0.1mm thicker.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is said to be 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, making it identically sized to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, but apparently it will be heavier at 232g, compared to the 221g of its predecessor.
And the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is apparently 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2mm when unfolded and 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm when folded, making it marginally narrower but thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold when folded, and marginally wider and thicker when unfolded. It’s also apparently 1g heavier at 258g.
So, if these leaked dimensions are accurate, then unlike many smartphone makers, Google won’t be making any attempts to slim its phones down.
Google is holding an event on August 20 where we expect all of these devices to be unveiled, so we’ll find out exactly what they’re like then – or perhaps sooner if Google accidentally reveals more details in the meantime.
You might also likeThe recent ransomware attack on Peter Green Chilled, a UK logistics provider responsible for refrigerated deliveries to major supermarkets, didn’t just delay shipments. It sent a warning shot to the entire retail industry. When chilled goods can’t reach stores, the consequences are immediate: shelves go empty, supply chains falter and customer trust erodes. This attack joins a string of recent incidents targeting retailers including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, Harrods, Adidas and Victoria’s Secret.
What’s happening isn’t random. Retail is being deliberately and strategically targeted by cybercriminal groups aiming to create high-impact disruption. These organizations are particularly vulnerable because they rely on just-in-time logistics, operate on thin margins and depend on a vast network of third-party vendors and suppliers. When one link in that chain breaks, the effects cascade, making retailers more likely to pay ransoms to get back online fast.
Scattered Spider and the Evolution of Social EngineeringAmong the groups behind this wave of attacks is Scattered Spider, also known by its designation UNC3944, a highly sophisticated collective that has focused its efforts on enterprises in both the UK and the U.S.
Scattered Spider rose to notoriety through phishing and SIM-swapping campaigns, but it has since evolved into a much more formidable threat. Today, the group employs a blend of social engineering, credential harvesting and abuse of legitimate tools to infiltrate environments and evade detection.
Key to Scattered Spider’s effectiveness is its ability to impersonate internal support teams. By using tactics like help desk impersonation and SMS-based phishing, also known as smishing, they exploit trust relationships within an organization. Employees, particularly those in IT and administrative roles, become the primary targets. When these workers are convinced to reset MFA settings or hand over credentials, the attackers gain immediate, privileged access.
What sets Scattered Spider apart is its fluency in English, familiarity with Western business operations and ability to operate in real time. These are not language-barrier-limited, spray-and-pray operations. These are targeted intrusions executed with precision.
When Trusted Tools Become Threat VectorsPerhaps most concerning is how attackers are co-opting the very tools defenders rely on. Remote administration utilities like AnyDesk, TeamViewer and Microsoft Quick Assist are frequently used by internal IT teams for legitimate support tasks. But in the hands of an adversary, they become stealthy weapons.
These tools don’t raise red flags in the same way malware might. They’re signed, trusted and often already whitelisted in security policies. That makes them perfect vehicles for attackers seeking to maintain persistence and move laterally inside networks.
Retail organizations, with dispersed physical locations and complex logistics ecosystems, are particularly reliant on remote access software. This reliance opens up a massive surface for abuse, especially when access permissions are overly broad or insufficiently monitored.
A Playbook for Retail ResilienceAs threat actors increasingly exploit trusted tools and personnel, retailers must focus on reducing their attack surface and limiting the blast radius of potential breaches. This means going beyond reactive measures and embedding proactive security into everyday operations. Retailers can take action with strategies like these:
Harden Identity Controls: Organizations must implement strict policies for MFA and password resets. Real-time monitoring of these actions is essential to catch anomalies such as MFA enrollment from an unfamiliar device or rapid changes to high-privilege accounts.
Lock Down Remote Access: Remote access tools should be treated as sensitive assets. Their use must be tightly controlled, with policies in place to ensure they are only enabled when explicitly approved. Security teams should maintain inventories of authorized tools and actively hunt for unauthorized use.
Monitor for Behavioral Anomalies: Relying solely on signatures and known indicators of compromise is no longer sufficient. Security operations centers (SOCs) should implement behavioral analytics to identify unusual access patterns, like logins during off-hours, large data transfers from point-of-sale systems or unusual access from vendor accounts.
Prioritize Training for High-Risk Roles: Help desk workers, IT administrators and third-party vendors often have elevated access and are prime targets for social engineering. These employees must receive ongoing training not just on phishing, but on impersonation tactics, smishing attempts and unusual requests that should raise red flags.
Protecting Trust, Operations and the Bottom LineThe recent surge in retail-targeted ransomware attacks underscores a critical truth: security is no longer just a back-office function. It’s a frontline defense that directly affects customer experience, brand reputation and business continuity.
Retailers can no longer afford to take a reactive stance. The focus must shift toward continuous control validation, proactive threat hunting and investing in tools that reduce human error and shorten response times. That means combining technical controls with a strong culture of awareness, empowering employees to be an extension of the security team, not just a vulnerability.
The next ransomware attack won’t just compromise data. It could halt the movement of goods, empty shelves and leave customers questioning a brand’s reliability. For retailers, cybersecurity is now a matter of operational survival. And for groups like Scattered Spider, the attack surface has never been more inviting.
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Dandadan season 2 made its triumphant return to Netflix at the beginning of July, and has since released three episodes under its belt. So far we’ve seen Jiji become possessed, a giant death worm threatening to trap people and Momo outright escaping death. Episode 3 ended with a volcanic eruption impending on the resort town and we’ll be able to see what happens next in episode 4, which is set to air later this week (July 25).
Instead of the hit Netflix anime tapering off after its explosive season 1, it’s a case of so far, so much better when it comes to Dandadan season 2. The action sequences are more dynamic, the tension has been raised even higher through fatal stakes, and there’s enough lore and backstory to never fully know whether you’re coming or going. We could put this down to the incredible storytelling and craft we knew we should expect from season 1, but is that all?
As it turns out, no. The more I watch Dandadan season 2, the more it feels like there’s been a change that I can’t put my finger on. To my surprise, I’m actually onto something, with the show’s creators confirming as much – about the change that’s been right in front of us the entire time – at Anime Expo 2025.
Dandadan season 2’s creators have purposefully changed colours to make scenes more excitingAccording to series director Fuga Yamashiro, the change in Dandadan season 2 is down to a change in the show’s color palette to highlight key moments when the team were originally running out of colors to use. “At first, I thought I could continue with Dandadan's signature use of shifting color palettes,” he explained (via ScreenRant). “However, I quickly ran into a problem as audiences tend to interpret colours very literally. For example, what I see as a subtle difference between pink and red might look identical to someone watching the anime at home. I began running out of colors to differentiate characters and scenes thematically.”
He continued: “So rather than just playing with color, I introduced different visual textures to Dandadan. This season, you’ll notice some cuts have rougher finishes resembling oil paintings for instance rather than watercolor. This shift gives scenes a totally different impression because of its texture rather than its hue. This was my big experiment this season.”
As far as I’m concerned, it’s a big experiment that’s paid off. It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the screen as it is, but the extra lift in the show’s most dynamic moments make it nigh on impossible. If anything, it’s strange there was a sense of uncertainty from the creative team when on screen, Dandadan feels more certain of its own greatness than ever.
We’ve still got eight episodes of season 2 left to go, and absolutely anything can play out over that space of time. There are some things we can take a logical guess will happen in all their newly found bright glory (such as the Evil Eye continuing to haunt Jiji), but the original manga arcs can only tell us so much. Our best guess is that season 2 will close out with the Space Globalists Arc, while a Kaiju continues to threaten the search for the second golden sphere in the meantime. Whatever happens, more screen time for Turbo Granny, please.
- Battlefield 6 will be officially revealed in a special livestream today
- The broadcast begins at 4pm BST / 5pm CEST / 11pm EST / 8am PST
- A cinematic trailer or the first look at gameplay is likely to be showcased
Electronic Arts has officially announced Battlefield 6, and a first look at the next game will be revealed today in a special livestream.
The 'Battlefield 6 Official Reveal Trailer' broadcast is scheduled to take place today, July 24, at 4pm BST / 5pm CEST / 11pm EST / 8am PST and can be watched on the official Battlefield YouTube channel.
A teaser was shared earlier this week showing four soldiers overlooking what appears to be a war-torn New York City, with the Brooklyn Bridge caught in an explosion.
EA hasn't confirmed the details of the upcoming livestream or how long it will last, but we're expecting a cinematic trailer at least or a potential gameplay overview showcasing the setting, roles, and first-person shooter action.
Closed beta tests for Battlefield 6 have been running for the past few months, so this will be the first time the game has been shown off to the public.
Before the livestream announcement, it was reported that content creators familiar with the series had been receiving special packages from EA.
It was also claimed by Battlefield content creator Rivalxfactor that there will be a three-day EA event following the game's official reveal; however, the creator stated this would occur on July 29, which we now know to be false and is happening today instead.
You might also like...- France Travail breach could affects thousands
- No threat actors assumed responsibility, and the data has not yet been abused
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France’s national employment agency has suffered a cyberattack in which threat actors allegedly accessed sensitive data on “hundreds of thousands” of people.
In a data breach notification letter, sent to affected individuals and seen by French local media, France Travail said the criminals accessed the data through Kairos, a digital platform mostly used by training organizations and employment counselors to manage professional training activities, including tracking course enrollment, validating funding requests, and monitoring job seeker progress.
Initial reports place the number of affected individuals at roughly 340,000, with the exposed data including full names, postal addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and France Travail ID numbers.
Suspects arrestedWhile there is no evidence of abuse in the wild, this type of data is valuable for criminals looking to carry out identity theft or other activities.
Knowing the identities and contact information of people who were looking for work, threat actors can create convincing emails, inviting people to fake job interviews. Through these interviews, they can deploy all sorts of malware, or even ransomware.
Lazarus Group, for example, is famous for its Operation DreamJob campaign, in which it invites their targets to fake job interviews.
The good news is that financial information, such as banking data or credit card information, was not leaked. Still, France Travail urged all users to remain vigilant, and pay special attention to unsolicited emails.
According to Cybernews, this is not the first time France Travail suffered a cyberattack, as a March 2024 incident was significantly larger in scope, affecting 43 million individuals - more than two-thirds of the country’s entire population, making it the largest cyberattack in French history.
In the aftermath, three suspects aged 21 to 23 were arrested in connection to the attack. All three were based in France and allegedly impersonated Cap Emploi advisors to gain access. No known ransomware group has claimed responsibility, and the attack has not been formally attributed to any organized cybercriminal group.
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- Report finds over half of UK companies could be missing out on revenue from slow AI adoption
- 30% are worried they've missed the AI adoption window
- UK businesses are among the most AI-optimistic
Over half of UK companies could be losing up to 5% of monthly revenue simply down to a delay in AI adoption – a considerable loss that could be easily fixed.
Research by Couchbase found four in five (79%) agree AI tools give them a competitive advantage, but many are failing to move quickly enough, with as many as one in three (30%) now fearing they've missed the AI adoption window.
"The AI race has clearly already begun and while the potential is clear, complexity and fragmentation leave many businesses struggling to keep up," Couchbase Global Customer Technology Strategy Leader Chris Bridgland explained.
UK businesses are missing out on the AI raceMore than half (51%) of the businesses surveyed said they're worried about project failure, which is holding them back from adopting AI.
Others battle with data access and management (44%), creating safe environments for AI experimentation (40%) and security issues associated with third-party AI solutions (43%).
Although AI readiness is at its highest with generative AI, this still only stands at 56%. Alarmingly, only 40% feel ready for AI-powered applications, and even fewer (32%) feel prepared for agentic AI, which promises huge automation benefits.
Despite the challenges, the UK still leads the way when it comes to optimism, with 50% believing it will enhance customer experience compared with 35% in India and 32% in Germany. Half (52%) also believe agentic AI will help them to identify new trends.
Looking ahead, two-thirds (68%) agree that AI would be easier to control when there are fewer technologies involved. "As AI architectures grow more sophisticated, organisations are realising that simplicity isn’t a compromise, it’s a competitive advantage," Bridgland added.
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