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News

Ziply Fiber Review: Plans, Pricing, Speed and Availability - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
Ziply Fiber offers a range of ultra-speedy plans, including a 50-gig plan. Here's what you need to know.
Foolproof Ways to Stay Cool While Exercising Outside This Summer - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
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A Microcar Made for Lane Splitting Like a Motorcycle video - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
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Every Parent Should Know These 3 iPhone and iPad Parental Controls - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
Apple's newest updates make it easy to remotely manage your child's screen time, content access and even set location alerts. Here's how to use these features and where to find them.
Phone Temperature Skyrocketing? These Tricks Keep It Chill - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
Those temperature warnings are your phone's way of saying it needs a break.
Best Internet Providers in Nashville, Tennessee - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:39
Nashville residents can choose from a decent variety of providers that offer both blazing fast speeds and affordable plans. CNET's internet experts recommend the following options.
This Viral Air Fryer S'Mores Dip Is Still the Perfect Comfort Snack - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 09:00
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Real Madrid vs. Pachuca From Anywhere for Free: Stream FIFA Club World Cup Soccer - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 12:00
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New dummy unit leak may have revealed exactly how thin the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is going to be - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 11:30
  • Purple and green said to be in contention for the iPhone 17
  • Apple still hasn't made a decision about which to include
  • The phones are expected to be launched in September

For a while now, we've been hearing rumors about how thin the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is going to be – and a newly leaked hands-on video, supposedly showing a dummy unit for the foldable, gives us more evidence of the foldable's svelteness.

This video comes from TheSinza on YouTube (via 9to5Google), and the dummy unit is compared directly to Samsung's current foldables in terms of its thickness and dimensions, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

These dummy units often appear ahead of phone launches, and are based on schematics and information leaked from the supply chain. They don't actually work as phones, but they can be useful for accessory makers getting their wares ready for launch day.

Based on the new video, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be 4.5 mm thick when unfolded, so it's going to be significantly slimmer than it's predecessor (5.6 mm), while not quite taking the honor of being the thinnest foldable phone away from the Oppo Find N5 (4.21 mm).

Long-running rumors

Rumors that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 would be super-slim have been swirling since last year, and while nothing is confirmed until this handset is official, it'd be a surprise if it didn't shed some millimeters compared to the 2024 model.

It was only yesterday that we saw freshly leaked renders of this foldable, which again showed off how thin the handset is going to be, front to back – and hinted that the camera bump might be rather large too.

Camera quality is always a concern when you've got a really thin phone, as is battery life. The rumor is that Samsung will introduce new and improved battery tech so that decent battery life can be maintained, even with less space to accommodate a battery.

We've had a leaked release date too: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is apparently going to see the light of day on Wednesday, July 9. At the same event we should also see the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and at least one Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 model.

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Stellar Blade is a prime example of how PC ports should be done – ultrawide compatibility and stable performance are a must - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 13:00

I've been hoping for a long while that bad performing PC ports would become a thing of the past, but over the last few years, that hasn't panned out. The biggest examples of recent games are Rise of the Ronin (which I've covered previously), Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Monster Hunter Wilds, which all suffer from constant stuttering and rely on upscaling methods like DLSS for performance stability.

It's not just performance either; the lack of ultrawide compatibility in some games today is alarming, as there's no secret that ultrawide displays have become more mainstream than ever before.

Fortunately, Shift Up's Stellar Blade is one of the recent outliers, with fantastic performance and optimization, including ultrawide compatibility up to a 32:9 aspect ratio.

This also applies to cutscenes, as some titles that do have ultrawide introduce black bars during cutscenes – and yes, I know this is to prevent some strange glitches from happening where you're not supposed to see them. However, I want more titles to include the option to disable black bars (as some games do).

There are numerous popular games I've mentioned before that don't have ultrawide support whatsoever; I won't go into a full deep dive again, but Stellar Blade is another game coming from Sony's PlayStation 5 console that both runs well and adheres to multiple user configurations well – so this is another plea for other game developers to do better.

Stellar Blade is a dream for most desktop and handheld gaming PCs

(Image credit: Sony / Shift Up)

To give you an idea of how good performance is in Stellar Blade, I've been able to achieve over 60fps at 1080p on medium graphics settings on my Asus ROG Ally, sometimes even reaching low 80fps. Switching on AMD Frame Generation sees the frame rate shoot up to 112fps – and notably, it doesn't feel choppy or laggy, since frame generation tech works best when the base frame rate is up to a good standard (and 60fps is perfect for that).

With the Steam Deck, 60fps on lower settings is easily achieved, too, and this is perhaps one of the very few games that is Deck Verified, and lives up to it. It only gets better if you're using a device like the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which boasts more horsepower than its competitors.

On the side of desktop PCs, Stellar Blade easily runs at over 100fps consistently without the use of Nvidia's Frame Generation, on the highest graphics settings. It's possible thanks to an RTX 4080 Super and an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, and it's a huge indication of just how powerful PC hardware can be when games are made to run optimally.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there aren't other games that don't impress with good optimization, but rather, there are too many bad apples among triple-A titles. Those bad PC ports leave a sour taste behind for those who spend on high-end hardware, because as good as those systems may be, there's only so much they can do to brute force things.

It's also worth noting that handheld gaming PCs are becoming mainstream (or arguably already have), and while a portion of them utilize very powerful hardware, it's not the case with others like the Steam Deck. So, ports like Stellar Blade on PC are great for fans to see, and I'm hoping game developers and publishers can look at this as a template going forward.

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Here is a glimpse of the absurdly powerful AI rack AMD will launch in 2027, complete with Verano CPUs and 144 MI500 AI GPUs - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 13:35
  • Venice CPU doubles bandwidth with up to 256 Zen 6 cores
  • 2027 AI rack expected to deliver 144 GPUs with Verano chips
  • AMD plans Verano and MI500 rollout with 36-rack infrastructure

At its recent Advancing AI event, AMD revealed some of the first technical details about its next-generation Zen 6-based processor, code-named "Venice.”

Built on a 2nm process and packing up to 256 Zen 6 cores - a 33% increase from the current generation EPYC 'Turin' processor - AMD is seeking to raise the bar for AI-optimized compute power.

It is expected to more than double memory bandwidth compared to current EPYC CPUs, hitting 1.6TB/s per socket. Venice also supports PCIe Gen6, offering faster communication between CPUs and GPUs.

Pushing the envelope

"Venice extends our leadership across every dimension that matters in the data center," said Lisa Su, AMD CEO. "More performance, better efficiency, and outstanding total cost of ownership."

"It delivers 70% more compute performance than our current generation leadership Turin CPUs," she added. "And to really keep feeding MI400 with data at full speed, at even at rack scale, we have doubled both the GPU and the memory bandwidth and optimized Venice to run at higher speeds. Now we just got Venice back in the labs and it is looking fantastic.”

While Venice headlines AMD's 2026 platform, Su also gave us a glimpse at what the chip giant is working on for 2027.

"We are already deep in the development of our 2027 rack that will push the envelope even further on performance, efficiency and scalability with our next generation Verano CPUs and Instinct MI500-series GPUs, so lots and lots of stuff to come from AMD," she revealed.

This new system builds on the "Helios" rack shown for 2026, which houses 72 MI400 GPUs across 18 racks. For 2027, AMD is planning an even more expansive setup with 36 racks.

Assuming a similar configuration, the next-gen AI rack could contain 144 GPUs. The Verano platform is expected to maintain the high bandwidth and performance efficiency established by Venice, likely with more memory and compute per rack.

AMD has not officially named its 2027 rack, but we hear it’s being informally referred to in industry circles as a larger-scale continuation of Helios.

Via Tom's Hardware

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Cybercriminals are targeting gamers with expired Discord invite links which redirect to malware servers - here's how to stay safe - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 14:27
  • Cybercriminals are recycling expired Discord links to launch silent, devastating multi-stage malware attacks
  • A fake Discord bot tricks users into running PowerShell commands disguised as CAPTCHA fixes
  • Old community invite links now lead to malware servers stealing your data and digital assets

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting a lesser-known flaw in Discord’s invitation system to target unsuspecting users, particularly gamers, new research has claimed.

A report from researchers from Check Point found attackers manage to register previously valid invite links with custom vanity URLs.

The tactic involves hijacking once legitimate and trusted expired or deleted Discord invite links and redirecting them to malicious servers hosting multi-stage malware campaigns.

From trusted links to dangerous redirects

These hijacked links, often embedded in old forum posts, community pages, or social media, are being used to silently funnel users to Discord servers operated by threat actors.

Once on these fake servers, users are greeted with what appears to be a standard verification process.

A bot named “Safeguard” prompts visitors to click a “Verify” button, which initiates an OAuth2 process and redirects them to a phishing site.

The site employs a social engineering method called “ClickFix,” where users are tricked into copying and running a PowerShell command under the guise of fixing a broken CAPTCHA.

This action silently launches the malware installation chain, with the attackers using cloud services such as Pastebin, GitHub, and Bitbucket to deliver the payloads in multiple stages, allowing them to blend into normal network traffic.

Initial scripts download executables that retrieve further encrypted payloads, which include AsyncRAT, a tool that gives attackers remote control over infected systems, and a tailored variant of the Skuld Stealer designed to extract credentials and cryptocurrency wallet data.

Gamers have become a prime target, with campaigns even disguising malware as tools like The Sims 4 DLC unlockers - one archive named Sims4-Unlocker.zip was downloaded over 350 times, highlighting the campaign's reach.

Through clever evasion techniques such as delayed execution and command-line argument checks, the malware often bypasses detection from even the best antivirus software.

The threats extend beyond typical malware infections. The Skuld Stealer used in these attacks can extract crypto wallet seed phrases and passwords, effectively granting full control over victims’ digital assets.

Considering the focus on cryptocurrency theft and credential harvesting, individuals should reinforce their defenses with robust identity theft protection services.

These tools can monitor for unauthorized use of personal information, alert users to breaches, and assist in recovering compromised digital identities.

While some might assume that endpoint protection tools would shield them from these tactics, the multi-layered, modular structure of the attack often flies under the radar.

To stay safe, users must be wary of Discord invite links, especially those embedded in old content. Also, avoid running unexpected scripts or following suspicious verification steps.

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The TSA has issued an urgent warning about criminals using fake USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi honeypots to steal your identity ahead of summer holidays - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 16:04
  • TSA warns public USB ports can be loaded with malware that silently steals your data without detection
  • "Juice jacking" attacks can capture text messages, contact lists, and even keystrokes from your device
  • Free Wi-Fi may cost nothing, but it could be the gateway to losing your identity

As millions of Americans prepare for summer vacation, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a timely cybersecurity alert warning travelers about criminal tactics designed to steal personal information.

The risk include tampered USB charging stations at airports and fake public Wi-Fi networks.

The former, know as “juice jacking,” sees cybercriminals install malware on public USB charging stations - once a user plugs in their phone, the compromised port can silently transmit malware or extract data from the device.

Public USB ports and free Wi-Fi risks

The warning comes amid heightened concerns about identity theft and digital surveillance as more people rely on connected devices while traveling.

Though some skeptics argue that widespread, confirmed cases are rare, the theoretical risk remains a concern for cybersecurity professionals.

When a USB port serves both data and power functions, an attacker could modify the circuit or insert a small data-sniffing implant inside the terminal, allowing them to harvest contact lists, text messages, and even keystrokes, depending on the vulnerability of the device.

To reduce exposure, the TSA recommends travelers use their own wall adapters or power banks, or simply avoid direct USB connections through untrusted sources.

Another tactic flagged by the TSA involves free public Wi-Fi networks.

These so-called "honeypot" networks appear legitimate, often named after the airport or airline, but are controlled by criminals.

Once connected, the attacker can perform a man-in-the-middle attack, intercepting all the data a traveler transmits, including credit card numbers, passwords, and business logins.

In more advanced cases, they might inject fake web pages that trick users into revealing credentials.

This attack can slip through the strongest passwords and cause identity theft, therefore, it is important for users to have their virtual private networks (VPNs) and ensure their devices are protected with the best identity theft protection software.

If you must use a public Wi-Fi, the TSA warns that you should never “enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi.”

This advice aligns with broader recommendations often found in best antivirus and endpoint protection guides, which frequently emphasize physical device safety in addition to digital security tools.

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Building brand credibility and community through country code top level domains - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 18:00

To succeed in the digital age, businesses must not only establish a strong online presence but continuously adapt their digital strategy as the virtual landscape evolves.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for rapid business expansion, a practical and impactful step is the use of country code top-level domains, or ccTLDs, to build consumer trust and enhance local visibility.

Subject to some regional requirements, these domains - such as .ai for Anguilla or .au for Australia - offer a simple yet effective way to signal geographic relevance and credibility.

Despite the growing convenience of modern search tools, the value of country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) remains largely untapped.

Often perceived as minor variations at the end of a URL, ccTLDs in fact play a crucial role in branding, security, economic development, and regional search engine optimisation (SEO).

Modern registry services and registrar tools offer streamlined management, making it surprisingly efficient for businesses to expand their global digital footprint while maintaining local relevance.

Local loyalty: Building consumer trust and visibility

To attract customers in new regions, building a trustworthy brand is essential. Without trust, business growth is unlikely.

Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) serve as a signal of credibility, increasing the likelihood that customers will not only make a visit but also return and potentially make a purchase.

According to au Domain Administration’s (auDA) “Why .au” survey, half of Australians only buy from online businesses with a .au domain.

Moreover, three in four Australians are more likely to trust a business if its website ends in .au, underscoring the powerful role domain names play in fostering consumer confidence.

For businesses expanding into new markets, a localised domain name demonstrates long-term commitment to the region and signals an intention to build lasting customer relationships.

Customising the website to reflect local culture and language further enhances this connection, delivering a more personalised, hyperlocal experience for both new and returning visitors.

Equally important, using a relevant ccTLD can sometimes improve a site's ranking in region-specific search engine results - boosting organic visibility and driving growth. Search engines often use ccTLDs as a strong geographic signal, helping them to serve relevant content to users in specific regions.

Trend-setters: Harnessing trend-driven ccTLDs

Although traditionally used to signal geographic relevance, ccTLDs are increasingly proving their value on the global stage.

Amid shifting global trends and surging interest in emerging technologies, certain ccTLDs have evolved into powerful marketing tools - delivering substantial economic benefits to their countries of origin. A prime example of this is Anguilla’s now-coveted .ai domain.

As artificial intelligence (AI) has gained global prominence, demand for the .ai domain has surged - growing nearly 400% over the past five years. This rapid adoption has generated substantial revenue for Anguilla.

The Independent reported that, in 2023 alone, .ai accounted for about 20% of Anguilla’s total government revenue. The same article revealed that this windfall has helped fund vital national projects, including airport expansion, improved healthcare for the elderly, and accelerated development of the island’s vocational training centre.

Anguilla is not an isolated case. Other nations have also reaped economic rewards from their ccTLDs - such as .tv for Tuvalu, .pr for Puerto Rico, and .ly for Libya.

In a crowded digital landscape, these domains allow brands to differentiate themselves and quickly convey their niche. This clarity is especially powerful when it comes to driving growth and establishing a strong, memorable presence online.

ccTLDs can also be chosen for their strategic relevance to a specific industry or offering, even if they aren't globally viral. For instance, a one-to-one business might find a .me (Montenegro) or a local artisan in Italy might prioritize a .it for credibility within their local community.

Universal acceptance: How ccTLDs preserve community

Beyond boosting national economies and enhancing consumer trust, ccTLDs also serve as digital homes for smaller communities and cultures.

While widely spoken languages like English, Spanish, and Chinese dominate the web, approximately 3,078 of the world’s 7,168 living languages are classified as endangered as of 2023.

In the effort to preserve cultural heritage, it's essential that the internet remains inclusive - free from limitations based on language or geographic origin. This is where ccTLDs play a vital role in supporting linguistic and cultural diversity online.

At the heart of this mission is the principle of Universal Acceptance - the idea that all domain names and email addresses should function seamlessly across every internet-connected device and software, without technical barriers or bias.

In this context, ccTLDs act as digital beacons, enabling diverse communities to establish an online presence that reflects their unique identity.

For small and medium-sized businesses, using a ccTLD isn't just about reaching customers - it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. By choosing a domain that resonates with a specific cultural or regional audience, these businesses can build not only a customer base, but a community.

The enduring importance of ccTLDs

ccTLDs offer businesses a unique opportunity to build trust, enhance local visibility, and connect authentically with diverse communities.

Beyond their traditional role in indicating geographic relevance, ccTLDs have evolved into powerful tools for branding, economic growth, and cultural preservation. By strategically leveraging ccTLDs, businesses can not only stand out in a crowded digital landscape but also position themselves for sustained success both locally and globally.

To explore how a specific ccTLD can strategically enhance your brand's localized strategy and serve as a powerful asset in your digital toolkit, begin by researching the availability and relevance of domains in your target markets.

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

A Thousand Blows season 2: everything we know about the returning Hulu and Disney+ show - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 04:00
A Thousand Blows Season 2: key information

- A second season was confirmed during the week of the show's premiere

- It was filmed back-to-back with the first season

- A date is yet to be confirmed for its release, but creator Steven Knight said “you won’t have to wait long"

- Most of the main cast are expected to return

- There will possibly be a small time jump forward as they take it more towards the 21st century

A Thousand Blows season 2 has not only been confirmed, but it's already been written and filmed.

Just a few weeks before the cultural juggernaut that was Adolescence was released, actors Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty partnered up in another gritty drama – but this one was set in Victorian London, and which told a tale of boxers and an all-female gang of thieves.

A Thousand Blows – which streamed on Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US – told the story of real life Jamaican boxer Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), and how he rose to fame in the rough community of London’s East End, meeting Mary Carr (Doherty), leader of the Forty Elephants gang, and menacing pub owner and bare-knuckle boxer Sugar Goodson (Graham).

Unusually, though, when the show launched in February 2025 in London during a Q&A session with the actors and the writer, Steven Knight, they revealed that not only had a second season been confirmed, but it had been written and shot back-to-back with the first. So in a world where a follow-up TV series can sometimes take up to five years between seasons, we’re hopefully not in for a too long wait to find out the fate of Hezekiah, Mary, Sugar and co.

Here’s everything we know so far about A Thousand Blows Season 2, including when the release date might be, if there’s a trailer yet, who will be in the cast and what the plot’s likely to focus on:

A Thousand Blows season 2: release date prediction

"Go on, givvus another season!" (Image credit: Disney+ / Hulu)

Now we know that season 2 is already in the can – a canny decision, presumably saving money all round on set, costumes, actors etc – the decision still lies with Disney+ as to when the second season will premiere. “You won't have to wait too long,” Knight told The Playlist when asked for a release date.

There’s the option of streaming it later in 2025, or perhaps they might want to leave a more traditional year gap, in which case it would be released in February 2026. As soon as there’s confirmation on the date, we’ll let you know.

A Thousand Blows season 2: trailer, is there one?

(Image credit: Disney+ / Hulu)

No, although the production will have all the footage for a teaser of what’s to come, there’s been nothing officially released just yet.

A Thousand Blows season 2: possible cast

Stephen Graham lashes out as the fierce Sugar Goodson (Image credit: Disney+ / Hulu)

Our main trio are most likely to return, so that’s Hezekiah (Kirby), Mary (Doherty) and Sugar Goodson (Graham).

Much of the supporting cast are also likely to return are:

  • James Nelson-Joyce as Edward 'Treacle' Goodson
  • Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody
  • Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond
  • Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long
  • Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer
  • Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover
  • Nadia Albina as Verity Ross
  • Daniel Mays as William 'Punch' Lewis
  • Tom Davis as Charlie Mitchell
  • Gary Lewis as Jack Mac
  • Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy
  • Susan Lynch as Jane Carr
  • Ella Lily Hyland as Marianne Goodson

One character who won’t be returning is Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall), who died in the penultimate episode. Another maybe-maybe not is Mr Lao (Jason Tobin) who escaped from jail but was forced to go to Liverpool to start a new life.

A Thousand Blows season 2: plot

(Image credit: Disney Plus)

The end of the first season saw Hezekiah defeat Buster Williams in the fight, but he didn’t win the prize money, as Buster died, so the fight was declared void. This meant Hezekiah and Mary didn’t have the money to flee to America; but then even worse news followed – Hezekiah found out from Sugar about her involvement in his best friend Alec’s death, and he told her that she is dead to him.

The next series will likely pick up on the fall out of this, as well as another fall out following a brutal beating that Sugar gave his brother, Treacle, who swore never to have anything to do with him again.

As for the Forty Elephants, Mary, and Jane Carr (Susan Lynch), for season 2, it’s likely to be complicated, as is the relationship with the Elephant Boys gang.

When asked at the Q&A, Knight was understandably tight-lipped: “I can't give a lot away, but it's more of the same, expect the unexpected but the stakes are higher.”

He added that there might be a little time jump forward from the 1880s, where this season is set: “But we do have the second series in the can and we all want to keep this story going and I think we will and just take it towards the 21st Century.”

A Thousand Blows season 3: what’s the future?

(Image credit: Disney Plus)

While no official confirmation has been given for future seasons beyond season two, it’s clear that the writers and the actors are keen to keep this universe running for a while.

Doherty told The Guardian that she wanted to keep one of Mary's rings from set that looks like an heirloom, but "as much as she thought about taking it home, she ultimately decided not to tempt fate, while waiting to see whether there will be a series three and four."

Could this be as long running a series as Peaky Blinders? Keep it ringside to find out.

For more Disney+ and Hulu TV coverage. read our guides on Daredevil: Born Again, X-Men 97 season 2, and Andor season 2.

Google Messages is preparing a new trick to get your friends and family to switch to RCS - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 07:30
  • RCS invites are spotted inside Google Messages
  • They could encourage your contacts to turn RCS on
  • So far the new invites haven't been made available

The RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard intended as a replacement for the older SMS (Short Message Service) is now available in Google Messages for Android and Messages on the iPhone – and Google is keen for more users to sign up for it.

As it stands, RCS is an opt-in upgrade inside Google Messages, so not everyone has it turned on. The team at Android Authority has spotted hidden text in the latest version of the app that could be used to nag people to turn on RCS.

The text strings include "invite this contact to RCS chat" and "we can share high-quality media and send secure messages when we're both on RCS", so it looks as though you'll be able to encourage your contacts to enable RCS with a couple of taps.

These messages aren't live yet, but they are included in the app code, so Google could enable them in the near future. It looks as though a prompt to invite someone to RCS will appear if Google Messages determines that they don't have it turned on.

Modern messaging

How the invites might look (Image credit: AssembleDebug / Android Authority)

If you haven't yet enabled RCS in Google Messages for Android, you can do so by tapping your avatar on the chats list (top right), then Messages settings and RCS chats: There's a Turn on RCS chats toggle switch you can use.

RCS brings with it modern messaging features, like read receipts, proper group chat support, and typing indicators – but everyone inside a chat has to use RCS, otherwise everything will fall back to the old SMS standard.

We're continuing to see upgrades to RCS inside Google Messages too, with the expansion of animated Screen Effects, and media file management, for example. Earlier this month, a snooze feature for chats was rolled out as well.

With Android 16 now out in the world too, it shouldn't be too long before Google Messages gets its Material 3 Expressive update – the revamped look for Google's mobile operating system that adds more color and emotion.

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This self-driving golf trolley wants to replace your caddy with AI – using video analysis to improve your swing - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 08:00
  • The Robera Neo is an autonomous golf cart that follows you using AI
  • A built-in camera can record every stroke for instant video analysis
  • It’s already raised more than $300,000 on Kickstarter

Golf is no stranger to tech. From the best GPS golf watches to launch monitors, the game has embraced innovation. But Robera’s latest invention might be golf’s biggest evolution to date: an autonomous cart that carries your clubs and critiques your swing while trailing you from hole to hole.

Launched on Kickstarter, the Robera Neo has raised more than $300,000 (around £225,000 / AU$470,000) – over 6000% of its original target. First delivery is slated for July 2025 and those numbers suggest plenty of golfers are ready to upgrade their trolleys.

Follow-me carts aren’t a new concept. But unlike traditional electric models, the Neo doesn’t rely on a Bluetooth handset or wireless tether. Instead, it uses an AI-powered vision system to track your position and shadow you as you chip down the fairway. That also means it can steer around hazards, whether that’s a bunker or your golf buddy.

The Neo doesn’t just take the effort out of carrying your clubs: it can also shave strokes off your score. Parked next to the tee, it uses a built-in camera to record your swing. You can then review frame-by-frame analysis on the cart’s detachable tablet, for feedback to rival a human caddy.

Teeing off with autonomy

Because golfers have enough gear to worry about, the Neo majors on hands-free control. The smart follow system supports gesture and voice commands, allowing you to summon or dispatch the cart at a distance. If you’re sure of the shot, you can even send it on ahead. You can also use the remote to hail it from 100 meters away.

With a database of 40,000 courses on-board, the Neo uses GPS mapping to dynamically plan the most power-efficient route forward. It’s not an entirely autonomous experience, though: while the consumer version can find its way along the fairway, traveling from one fairway to the next requires a manual route input. Only the commercial model supports full-course navigation.

Still, the Neo can handle tricky conditions like a pro. An IPX5 rating means it can play in the rain, while treaded wheels help it tackle inclines of up to 25 degrees. A removable 288Wh battery can also see it through a solid 27 holes. And thanks to 100W fast charging, the Neo can go for another round after lunch.

It’s all designed to be clever and convenient. It is heavier than a standard golf trolley at 15kg, but the folding design should make it easy enough to stash in the garage. It’s also significantly more expensive, with the base-level early bird package costing $1,979 (around £1,500 / AU$3,100). The tablet version starts at $2,639 (around £2,000 / AU$4,150).

That’s a lot for a trolley. But it’s cheaper than paying a pro for personalized coaching every time you play. If you want something to carry your clubs and give you feedback, without the need for small talk between swings, the Neo could well be the way forward.

Whether it replaces your caddy or simply gives your game a boost, it certainly promises to upgrade your game. The follow-me mode is nifty, but getting instant feedback without a lesson or launch monitor is what will appeal to many. Plus the fact that a robot won’t roll its eyes when you shank a shot. All of the usual crowd-funding warnings apply, but I'm looking forward to see if it's up to par.

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Popular video editing app CapCut wants to use any content you produce for free, forever - here's what you should know - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 09:02
  • CapCut’s new terms let it use your face and voice in ads without paying you
  • Uploading to CapCut now means giving up control of your content forever, even unpublished clips
  • Using CapCut means you agree to the new terms automatically

CapCut, widely touted as one the best free video editors by creators and marketers for its powerful editing features, has quietly made a major change to its Terms of Service which should worry users everywhere.

This change means users will be handing over rights, not just to their footage but also to their face, voice, and creative efforts - all without compensation.

This has unsurprisingly triggered concerns, with critics warning the move effectively hands over perpetual control of your content to the platform.

Your content will become their permanent property

“CapCut now includes broad language granting them a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, adapt, publicly perform, and create derivative works from your content,” Claudia Sandino, Director at Omnivore, says.

The revised terms don’t just apply to public posts; the company also claims rights over user-generated content, including voice, face, and likeness, whether the video is published or not.

“If you upload a video of yourself, or even just a voiceover, they can legally use that in an ad or other media without notifying or compensating you,” Sandino warns.

More troubling is the “perpetual” nature of this license; CapCut retains the rights even after a user deletes their account, as Sandino notes, “CapCut goes further than most by claiming usage rights over content that creators often assume is private or controlled."

For a tool often considered by many as the best video editing app, these terms are out of step with what users expect from creative software.

The legal position of such terms remains unclear for many - although creators technically own their likeness and voice under right of publicity laws, enforcement becomes difficult once a user agrees to these sweeping terms.

“Most creators aren’t aware that uploading a clip, even a draft, could legally waive their rights,” Sandino cautions.

The fact there is no opt-out further complicates the situation for professionals using CapCut for commercial or client work.

CapCut users currently have limited options, and anybody who uses it is agreeing to the updated terms by default, so some may want to switch to more creator-friendly platforms like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve.

CapCut, owned by ByteDance and often grouped with contenders for the best video editing software, now risks alienating its user base by shifting from a tool to a distribution engine.

Ethically, companies like CapCut should disclose terms in clear language, offer opt-outs, and compensate creators when their content is monetized.

“Using their work without consent or payment isn’t just unethical, it’s exploitative… this affects the future of creative ownership as a whole,” Sandino added.

Via HelloPartner

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If you give it a chance, there's a lot to love about the iPhone's Camera Control button - Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 10:00

It’s rare to see almost all Apple fans agree on something simultaneously, but when the Camera Control feature launched alongside the iPhone 16 line in September, hate for the additional button was swift and fierce (just take a look at some of the Reddit threads on the subject).

At the risk of angering the mob, I do not count myself among these Camera Control naysayers. In fact, Camera Control is one of my favorite features of my current iPhone, the iPhone 16 Plus.

Before I explain why I fall on that side of the debate, I will admit that Camera Control is far from perfect. I do agree that its positioning is a tad nonsensical, and it would work a great deal better if it were placed in a more natural spot, similar to a typical shutter button.

Still, I know that I’m not completely alone in my overall love for the photography-first button, with others on TechRadar having noted that it can be helpful at times, or even incredibly useful for a very specific purpose.

So, now that we’re well over half a year into Camera Control's existence, and it looks set to remain part of the iPhone’s toolkit for generations to come, I think it’s worth taking another, closer look at the feature see what it does right, and how Apple might look to improve things on the iPhone 17.

Taking iPhone’s cameras to the next level

(Image credit: Apple)

I know I’ll never be able to take a picture on my iPhone 16 Plus that could hold a candle to something taken on one of the best cameras, but the simplicity of smartphone photography is what wins over, time and time again.

Being able to quickly whip out your phone and take a snapshot never gets old, especially when those images are saved in the cloud for future reference or instantly available for sharing with friends on social media. Still, I'd be lying if I said that the physical experience of taking those shots feels superior on a phone.

In my efforts to try and bridge that gap, I’ve amassed a small collection of smartphone accessories over the years that try to recreate the traditional shutter button experience. I’ve got the portable ShiftCam SnapGrip, as well as the company's more robust SnapGrip Pro attachment. But as with any accessory, these tools do diminish the compact nature of a smartphone, which is why the introduction of Camera Control felt like the answer to a problem I'd been trying to fix.

No longer would I need to carry these add-ons about my person; now I could just use the wonderfully clicky button that Apple had built into the body of its latest handsets.

The introduction of Camera Control felt like the answer to a problem I'd been trying to fix.

Not only that, but part of the reason why I enjoy using a physical shutter button, as opposed to just poking the touchscreen, is that the delayed resistance between the movement of my finger and the picture being taken forces me to be a bit more considerate in the shots I take.

Holding the phone a bit more tightly in order to frame the shot and account for any movement when pressing Camera Control gives you a moment of pause to assess whether or not you’re actually taking a picture of something that interests you, or you’re simply doing so for the sake of it. With this in mind, Camera Control has helped me not only to take fewer pictures (and save my iPhone’s storage in the process), but also feel happier with the shots that I do take.

Because of the way in which Camera Control lets you jump between the photographic styles on the iPhone 16, it’s also allowed me to experiment a bit more with the types of pictures I take.

For example, an indoor shot that might look a tad mundane in color can actually look a great deal better when taken in black and white. Particularly, the Stark B&W mode is now my go-to option because of how it really saturates the monochrome palette to capture your attention.

How can Apple improve Camera Control?

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

I firmly believe that Camera Control has had a solid first outing, but looking towards how it could be used in the iPhone 17 range, I think that there are some easy wins that Apple could claim to turn around the general consensus.

As I mentioned before, the positioning of Camera Control has to change. If Apple could just move the button closer to the bottom right-hand corner of the iPhone, it would make using the feature so much easier, although I concede that it might require tweaking the resistance to avoid accidental presses.

What would really take Camera Control to the next level, however, is an app, or a set of built-in guides, that can teach folks who don’t know that much about manual photography how to properly adjust aspects like depth and exposure.

As much as I loved having quick access to those components via Camera Control, I haven’t felt confident enough to make use of them, which is why some help for beginners like myself would go a long way towards showing people how they can really maximize Camera Control to their own benefit.

Until such software comes to pass, you can always check out our list of the top five Camera Control tips you need to know, as well as our guide on how to customize Camera Control to better suit your needs.

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