News
- The Garmin Fenix 8 has just received a huge free update
- The upgrade includes Running Economy, a triathlon coach, and more
- It also adds a Smart Wake Alarm, which has been missing for a while
If you’ve got your eye on one of the best Garmin Watches, there’s no doubt that the Garmin Fenix 8 is an incredible choice. And despite being one of the best smartwatches around, the Fenix 8 isn’t resting on its laurels, as a new update has brought a significant array of changes and improvements to Garmin’s wearable.
The latest 17.28 software update has arrived, and with it comes a raft of new features. That includes one that arguably should have been present from the time the Fenix 8 was launched in August 2024.
The most notable addition could well be Running Economy. This analyzes your running technique, including stride length, pace and heart rate, plus a new feature called Step Speed Loss, which looks at how much velocity is lost with each footfall. That makes Running Economy a handy metric for understanding your running proficiency, although it does require a compatible heart rate monitor.
Elsewhere, Garmin has added several new features that can help runners and athletes across multiple disciplines. That includes the Garmin Triathlon Coach, Running Tolerance, Projected Race Time, Suggested Finish Line, and a lot more.
Features for free(Image credit: Garmin)When it comes to understanding your rest, recovery and sleep, the new Evening Report feature adds a new layer of analysis and insight to the Fenix 8. This report recaps your day and shows you anything that’s on the horizon for the immediate future, from workouts to calendar events.
There’s also a new Smart Wake Alarm, and this aims to rouse you from bed within a specific time window once you’re in a light sleep stage. Many rival smartwatches have this feature, and its long absence from the Fenix 8 has made it feel a touch behind the times. It’s something that this device really should have had from the get-go.
The Fenix 8 update is a massive one, but it’s also worth noting that it includes multisport workouts, custom focus modes, daily summary notifications in the Notification Center, and a whole lot more. The fact that it all arrives in a free software update makes it even more worthwhile.
You might also likeTechRadar Gaming has now gotten our hands on Nintendo Switch 2, and we've been busy testing it since launch. You can read our final Nintendo Switch 2 review to see what we think of the new Nintendo console. At present, there's a brand new Donkey Kong game to dig into, and a new Pokémon game in October.
Upcoming Switch 2 games include a brand new Pokémon game, a sequel to a cult classic Kirby racing game, and even a Nintendo-exclusive FromSoftware game. Judging by this year's line-up, the new Nintendo console is off to a very strong start indeed.
And whether you managed to get ahold of a Nintendo Switch 2 yet, you'll be able to play a lot of these games on the original Nintendo Switch. Still, it's clear that Nintendo Switch 2 is the best place to play, with a whole host of Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives lined up over the next year or so, each looking like a true next-gen experience.
We've been busy playing Nintendo Switch 2, testing out the new Pro Controller, publishing a Mario Kart World review, and using our knowledge to compare the Switch vs Switch 2 specs. Over the last eight years, TechRadar Gaming has covered the full lifecycle of the Switch, and we're all very excited to apply our expertise to its successor into the next generation.
For now, here's every confirmed Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, so that you can see what you'll have the option of playing in the near future. As new release dates are unveiled, this page will be updated.
Upcoming Switch games 2025: this year’s biggest games- Hollow Knight: Silksong - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC, Switch 2, Switch)
- Borderlands 4 - October 3, 2025 (Switch 2)
- Pokémon Legends Z-A - October 16, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Kirby Air Riders - November 20, 2025 (Switch 2)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
Now, let's go deeper into some of the biggest games planned for Switch 2.
(Image credit: Gearbox)Borderlands 4Greetings, Vault Hunter
Now onto Borderlands 4, which first launches in September for PS5, XSX|S, and PC. This one's a great example of how the newer console is able to play third-party titles in a way its predecessor simply couldn't. The Switch 2 version launches sometime in 2025, meaning that you'll be able to take your vault-hunting action on the go in handheld mode. Details are a little scarce at the moment regarding the game's story, though we do know there are four new playable characters to choose from.
Borderlands 4 launches October 3, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2.
(Image credit: Nintendo)Metroid Prime 4: BeyondFriend or foe?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the long-awaited return of the 3D Metroid series. It's still set for 2025, and it'll release on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The gameplay revealed so far points to this being faithful to the original trilogy, with platforming, puzzles, and first-person shooting action. Samus has psychic abilities this time around, and players can use the new Joy-Con mouse functionality to aim.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch at some point in 2025. Once we hear a more precise release date, we'll update this section.
(Image credit: Nintendo)Drag x DriveA flick of the wrist
Drag x Drive arrives August 14, 2025, and looks set to be the biggest proof of concept for the new mouse mode yet. Using both Joy-Con's in mouse mode, you'll drag across a surface to power your character. With a flick of the controller, you can line up shots in this high-octane sports title.
This one launches August 14, 2025 only for Nintendo Switch 2.
(Image credit: Nintendo)Pokémon Legends Z-ALumiose City awaits
Pokémon Legends Z-A takes players back to Lumiose City to take part in a program to make the place more suited to Pokémon and people living in harmony. There are dynamic battles, city-wide exploration, and three starter Pokémon in Totodile, Chikorita, and Tepig. Mega Evolution is back too, adding a new layer to combat, and giving Pokémon like Charizard and Lucario new forms.
Pokémon Legends Z-A will launch October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
(Image credit: FromSoftware)The DuskbloodsBloodsworn
The Duskbloods was perhaps the biggest surprise announcement of the Switch 2 reveal event. It's a multiplayer online action game from the creators of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Crazier yet, it's only launching on Nintendo Switch 2, something that's very unexpected indeed. There's still a lot to learn about the game, but we do know that players will engage in PvPvE combat, taking on the role of "The Bloodsworn". These vampiric characters possess superhuman abilities, which can be used to hunt down and eliminate foes.
The Duskbloods is set for a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2. So far, a more precise date hasn't been given.
Nintendo Switch 2 games release schedule(Image credit: Nintendo)Now, onto the full Nintendo Switch 2 release schedule. The games below will release on Switch 2, and some on Switch as well. We'll indicate where this is the case, and will continue to update release dates as they're unveiled.
August(Image credit: Nintendo)August brings a new version of an excellent Kirby 3D platformer, as well as Drag x Drive, which uses the new mouse mode to exciting effect:
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Switch 2 Edition) - August 27 (Switch 2
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Edition) - August 28 (Switch 2)
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - August 29 (Switch 2)
Players will be able to jump into Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 in September:
- Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2 Edition) - September 4 (Switch 2)
- Hollow Knight: Silksong - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC, Switch 2, Switch)
- Cronos: The New Dawn - September 5 (Switch 2)
- Dæmon X Machina: Titanic Scion - September 5 (Switch 2)
- NBA Bounce - September 26 (Switch 2)
- EA Sports FC 26 - September 26 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2 - September 26 (Switch 2)
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - September 30 (Switch 2, Switch)
Switch 2 players will get Persona 3: Reload in October. Here's what else is releasing:
- Borderlands 4 - October 3 (Switch 2)
- Just Dance 2026 Edition - October 14 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Pokémon Legends Z-A - October 16, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Plants Vs Zombies - October 23 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Persona 3 Reload - October 23 (Switch 2)
- Once Upon A KATAMARI - October 24, 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in November. Here's the full line-up:
- Yakuza Kiwami 1 + 2 - November 13 (Switch 2)
- Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero - November 14 (Switch 2)
- Kirby Air Riders - November 20, 2025 (Switch 2)
December sees a brand new Octopath Traveler game releasing. Here's what we know so far:
- Octopath Traveler 0 - December 4, 2025 (Switch 2)
Finally, here's a list of Switch 2 games that have been announced, but either don't have more than a release year attached to them yet, or are much further out. For now, they're simply TBC, but once each game does receive a release date, this page will be updated.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025 (Switch 2)
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Hades II - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Professor Layton and the New World Of Steam - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Reanimal - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Two Point Museum - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)
- Witchbrook - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Yooka-Replaylee - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)
- The Duskbloods - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
- Enter The Gungeon - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
- Splatoon Raiders - TBC (Switch 2)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - TBC (Switch 2)
- Human: Fall Flat 2 - TBC (Switch 2)
- My Time at Evershine - TBC (Switch 2)
- PowerWash Simulator 2 - TBC (Switch 2)
- 007 First Light - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
- Pokémon Champions - TBC 2026 (Switch 2, iOS, Android)
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)
There are many games coming out for Switch 2 over the next year or so. The biggest ones are Kirby Air Riders on November 20, and then Metroid Prime 4 at some point in 2025. We'll also get Pokémon Legends: Z-A in October, as well as Hades 2 as a console exclusive.
Is the Switch 2 better than Switch 1?The Switch 2 has better specs than Switch 1, with a larger screen, the capacity to output games at up to a 4K resolution, and support for 120 frames per second modes. We'll have to wait for launch to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, though for now, it's looking like Switch 2 could be a much better console than Switch 1, with better third-party game support and an improved Pro-Controller featuring back paddles.
You Might Also Like...- Carabao Cup Dates - Dates: August 12, 2025 – March 22, 2026
- Best Streams: Paramount+ (US) and Sky Sports / ITV (UK)
- Use NordVPN to watch from anywhere
2025/26's Carabao Cup live streams see Newcastle bidding to defend the title that secured them their first domestic major trophy since 1955. Below we have all the information on how to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 from anywhere in the world with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and live streams on TV screens, laptops, tablets and mobiles.
Last season’s competition proved to be a memorable one as Eddie Howe led Newcastle to a deserved victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. The Magpies won the competition for the first time in their history, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy and securing their first piece of major silverware since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
The Toon Army will be hoping for another trip to Wembley but it won’t be easy to reach consecutive finals as there will be 91 other teams vying for glory. Last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool are the most successful club in the history of the competition, with 10 wins, and after a busy summer of recruitment they will be determined to reclaim the trophy they won in 2024.
Man City have also excelled in the competition, winning it eight times, while neighbors Man Utd have six wins to their name, the most recent coming in 2023. However, last season showed that it is not just the established names that can compete for honors as Tottenham and Crystal Palace both triumphed in cup competitions.
Here's where to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams online from anywhere.
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How to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams in the USCarabao Cup 2025/26 live streams are on Paramount+ in the US.
The Paramount+ Essential package costs $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year, while Paramount+ with Showtime (which allows you to stream over 40,000 movies and TV episodes without ads) costs $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year.
Carabao Cup soccer is available with both deals, and you can also watch EFL matches on the platform.
Specific games will also be live streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network which is a free to watch channel provided to US residents.
Outside the U.S. on holiday? Tap into your usual Carabao Cup stream using NordVPN.
How to watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams in the UKCarabao Cup live streams are shared between Sky Sports and ITV in the UK for the 2025/26 season.
Sky Sports will show all of the EFL Cup fixtures over the season. Sky Sports packages start from £22 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now, (formerly Now TV). Now sports passes start at £14.99.
ITV has the rights to broadcast 10 Carabao Cup matches this season for FREE. All you need is a valid TV license. You can also watch these matches online via the ITVX streaming service.
If you're travelling outside of the U.K. during the tournament you can access your Sky Sports or ITV stream using NordVPN.
Official Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcasters by regionAfricaClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
Residents of the following African countries can watch Carabao Cup live streams via Startimes Sports Life.
Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uguanda and Zambia.
AmericasClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
- Canada
DAZN Canada has the rights to the Carabao Cup in Canada.
- Latin America
Residents of the following Latin American countries can watch Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams with a Disney+ subscription:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
EuropeClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
The Carabao Cup 2025/26 will be shown by various broadcasters and streaming services throughout Europe. You can check out specific information about your country below.
- Albania
Carabao Cup live streams in Estonia can be found on Digitalb.
- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
Carabao Cup live streams in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden can be found on Viaplay.
- Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia
You can watch the Carabao Cup 2025/26 on Arena Sport channels in this set of countries.
- France
There will be coverage of Carabao Cup 2025/26 in France on beIN Sports.
- Germany
In Germany, the Carabao Cup 2025/26 rights are owned by Sky.
- Greece
Greeks should head to Cosmote TV and Oglivy for the Carabao Cup 2025/26.
- Ukraine
Setanta Sports will show the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Ukraine.
AsiaClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
The Carabao Cup 2025/26 rights for these countries are held by Setanta Sports.
- China
In China, the Carabao Cup 2025/26 will be shown by CSM.
- Chinese Taipei
- Hong Kong
TVB is the place to go for the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Hong Kong.
- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
FanCode is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcaster for India plus Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Indonesia
Head to Reddentes in Indonesia for the rights to the Carabao Cup 2025/26.
- Japan
DAZN will show the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Japan.
- Malaysia
Reddentes is the home of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in the Malaysia.
- Singapore
Singtel and Mediacorp provide coverage of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Singapore.
- South Korea
Coverage of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in South Korea can be found at Coupang.
OceaniaClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
- Australia
beIN Sports has the rights to the Carabao Cup 2025/26 in Australia.
- New Zealand
beIN Sports is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 TV rights holder in New Zealand.
Middle EastClick to see more Carabao Cup 2025/26 streams▼
BeIN Sports MENA is the Carabao Cup 2025/26 broadcaster across the Middle East.
You can watch the Carabao Cup 2025/26 live streams with a subscription to BeIN Sports in the following Middle East countries:
Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Carabao Cup 2nd Round Fixtures(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)All times are in BST
Tuesday, 26 August
- Reading vs AFC Wimbledon, 7 pm
- Cambridge vs Charlton, 7.30 pm
- Wolves vs West Ham, 7.30 pm
- Accrington vs Doncaster,
- Barnsley vs Rotherham, 7.45 pm
- Birmingham vs Port Vale, 7.45 pm
- Bournemouth vs Brentford, 7.45 pm
- Bromley vs Wycombe, 7.45 pm
- Burnley vs Derby, 7.45 pm
- Cardiff vs Cheltenham, 7.45 pm
- Millwall vs Coventry, 7.45 pm
- Norwich vs Southampton, 7.45 pm
- Preston vs Wrexham, 7.45 pm
- Stoke vs Bradford, 7.45 pm
- Sunderland vs Huddersfield, 7.45 pm
- Swansea vs Plymouth, 7.45 pm
- Burton vs Lincoln,7.45 pm
- Wigan vs Stockport, 7.45 pm
- Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds, 8 pm
Wednesday, 27 August
- Everton vs Mansfield, 7.45 pm
- Fulham vs Bristol City, 7.45 pm
- Oxford vs Brighton, 7.45 pm
- Grimsby vs Manchester United, 8 pm (ITV)
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
- The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could support reverse wireless charging
- This would let you use them to wirelessly charge the likes of your AirPods or Apple Watch
- However, there are questions over whether Apple would be able to achieve this while still offering MagSafe
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max might have a feature that Android phones have offered for years, as a leaker claims they could support reverse wireless charging.
This tip comes from Fixed Focus Digital – a source with a reasonable track record – via BGR, and if it pans out, then you’d be able to place your AirPods or Apple Watch on the back of your iPhone and use it as a wireless charging mat, draining the iPhone’s battery a little to charge these smaller devices.
This feature would also likely work with other iPhones, though it would almost certainly take a long time to juice one up, and significantly drain the iPhone 17 Pro you’re using as a charger in the process. Still, based on other implementations of reverse wireless charging, you'd probably be able to charge up non-Apple devices, too.
Reverse wireless charging is arguably a niche feature, but it’s one that many high-profile Android handsets – such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 series – offer already.
The MagSafe problemA Magsafe-like Pixelsnap accessory on the Pixel 10 Pro (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Interestingly, though, the Google Pixel 10 series has actually ditched this feature in favor of MagSafe-like magnetic wireless charging. The company claimed the design of the magnets meant it wasn’t possible to offer both magnetic wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so it will be interesting to see whether Apple can achieve both on the iPhone 17 Pro series.
The fact that Google couldn’t manage this makes us a little skeptical of this rumor, but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of reverse wireless charging possibly coming to the iPhone 17 Pro, with a previous leak suggesting it could offer a charging power of 7.5W – which wouldn’t charge a phone up very fast, but is still almost double what some Android phones can manage.
However, both of these leaks simply say that Apple has tested reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro series, so even if they’re accurate, it’s possible Apple will choose not to equip the phones with this feature.
We should find out soon, though, as the iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in September, with one source pointing to September 9.
You might also like- The iPhone's Camera Control could be the new MacBook Touch Bar, according to sketchy rumor that says iPhone 18 will drop it
- The iPhone 17e could get these 3 upgrades, according to new leak – including the super-useful Dynamic Island
- The iPhone 17 Air almost makes the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge look thick in new dummy unit photos
- Russia has already banned WhatsApp and Telegram
- Users flocked to Google Meet, which could also get banned
- WeChat-based Max platform will come pre-installed on an phones soon
Russia is considering banning Google Meet as part of a broader crackdown on foreign tech, according to The Moscow Times reporting.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal agency responsible for the country’s media, has already banned voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, and the country is set to expand restrictions even further.
With users seeking alternatives, Google Meet quickly became one of the most popular alternatives – one that Roskomnadzor is now also looking to ban.
Russia bans Google MeetGoogle Meet recently faced widespread disruptions, with over 2,000 individual reports complaining about frozen calls, missing video/audio and unexpected shutdowns, however Roskomnadzor has publicly denied any involvement.
“People started experimenting with other platforms after blocking calls in WhatsApp and Telegram, apparently, overloads led to certain failures,” Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Andrei Svintsov said in a conversation with Abzats.
“Roskomnadzor has not taken any measures to restrict the operation of the Google Meet video conferencing service in Russia, the agency’s press told Interfax,” news agency Interfax wrote in a (translated) Telegram post.
The post also described Meta as “extremist,” linking WhatsApp with fraud, sabotage and terrorism. WhatsApp had over 97 million users in Russia in July 2025 according to Reuters.
“However, applications that can monitor our citizens, transfer information to Western special services, may well be blocked,” Svintsov added.
Industry analysts are expecting an imminent ban on Google Meet to tie in with Russia’s promotion of Max, a state-backed app set to be pre-installed on all new smartphones from September, based on China’s WeChat.
Max, which is still in a testing phase, has amassed around 18 million users already.
You might also like- We’ve listed the best online collaboration tools
- Enhance worker output with the best productivity tools
- Russia's WhatsApp rival to be pre-installed on new smartphones and tablets from September – here's what we know
The rise of AI is reshaping business technology at an unprecedented pace. From IT to HR, finance to customer service, few departments remain untouched by the wave of automation and intelligence sweeping companies and industries today. However, with this surge in interest comes a growing challenge: distinguishing between truly transformative AI tools and those merely dressed up in buzzwords.
For CIOs and business leaders, the mandate has shifted from exploration to execution. Deploying the wrong AI solution doesn’t just stall progress; it burns time, budget, and internal credibility. The challenge now is clear: cut through the noise, ensure enterprise-grade security, and back only the AI that drives measurable impact.
Perception problems around AIAt a surface level, many AI solutions look the same: slick interfaces, automated responses, bold claims. But there is a distinct difference between basic AI bots and true agentic AI. Some AI products automate tasks only within rigid boundaries, while agentic AI is designed to think, act, and adapt with no intervention required.
The confusion often stems from how AI is marketed. Some platforms tout predictive insights but rely on limited or shallow data, resulting in misleading outputs. Others claim “full autonomy,” yet still depend heavily on human input. Most are wrappers for outdated automation, only a few are truly built to drive action, solve real problems, and evolve with your environment.
Similarly, many products only scratch the surface by simply passing user prompts to large language models (LLMs) through an API - what you might call a very thin layer of AI. They look impressive at first, but lack any meaningful depth.
This creates a perception problem. AI is either seen as a cure-all or dismissed as hype. In reality, the value lies between. Real improvements in productivity and efficiency come from using the right tools, not just any tools.
The shift from automation to autonomyAlthough hype still surrounds AI, we’re also seeing real progress as it evolves from basic automation to true autonomy. In IT specifically, autonomous AI is starting to take on entire workflows from start to finish, including resolving low-level support tickets without any intervention from IT personnel, even though end users may still interact with the AI.
The depth of these solutions is critical. When AI systems layer orchestration, coordinate multiple processes, or use specialized agents for different tasks, they become much more than a simple interface to a language model. And when they can take informed action on real business systems, drawing on an organization’s unique data and historical context rather than merely offering recommendations, that’s when you see what can truly be considered a deep AI product.
The effect on an organization is threefold. For end users, it delivers a zero-time SLA experience: instant support, self-service resolution, and frictionless access to help anytime. This shift dramatically improves the digital employee experience (DEX), which is now a key driver of productivity and satisfaction in mature IT environments. For IT teams, it frees up hours each week, reduces backlog, and improves response times. For the organization, it cuts costs without compromising quality and enables scalable IT support without additional hiring. However, with this power comes responsibility. IT leaders must ensure these systems operate within clear guardrails, especially when interacting with sensitive data, employee devices, or live environments.
A central concept here is closed-loop AI. These systems are designed to ensure that inputs remain within the organization’s control. Unlike open models that may use your data to enhance results elsewhere, closed-loop systems are built with enterprise-grade governance in mind. This approach gives IT leaders greater confidence to adopt AI without compromising security or compliance.
Three warning signs of hypeTo effectively evaluate AI tools, it’s important to look past the branding and focus on the core mechanics. Here are three common red flags:
Lack of specificity: If a product claims to “revolutionize business” but cannot point to a specific workflow or use case it improves, that is a concern.
No explainability: If you can’t trace how a decision was made, or what data was used to make it, that’s a sign of a black-box system. Trustworthy AI should be auditable and understandable, especially in high-stakes enterprise settings.
No real learning or depth: If the AI lacks any meaningful learning mechanism or only relies on a small, shallow set of data points, it’s unlikely to improve over time. True AI products get smarter by processing large, relevant datasets, whether through training robust models or continuously absorbing business context. Without this depth, you’re often looking at a thin layer that may impress in a demo but quickly fall short in the real world.
As more tools claim to offer autonomy, it’s more important than ever to understand what to look for in a reliable AI solution and what to avoid.
What to look for insteadInstead of getting distracted by flashy demos or inflated claims, decision-makers should evaluate AI tools based on three key pillars:
Relevance and integration: Is it trained on data that reflects your business context, and can it be customized to fit your company’s workflows, policies, and operational guidelines? Just as important, will it integrate with your existing tech stack or require major reengineering? AI works best when it adapts to how your organization already operates, not the other way around.
Transparency: Can you understand and control how it works?
Impact: Does it save time, reduce errors, or improve outcomes in measurable ways? Does it actually do the work? Are there any stats or data points that can show proven impact?
Ultimately, the strongest AI solutions build layers of capability, from orchestration to specialized agents to learning engines that can take real action, creating something far more valuable than tools that simply pass prompts to a language model. They don’t just mimic intelligence; they deliver tangible value by empowering teams to focus on strategic work, improving efficiency, and generating a clearly demonstrable return on investment.
The future Is functional, not flashyThe future of AI in enterprise technology will not be defined by the tools with the boldest announcements or the most dramatic demos. Instead, it will be shaped by smart, adaptable systems that take ownership of tasks from start to finish and operate independently within clearly defined parameters. These tools quietly improve everyday operations and deliver consistent results with minimal oversight.
AI on its own is no longer enough. To truly deliver value, it needs to be connected to real-time systems, historical data, and the operational context where it’s deployed. That’s what unlocks its full potential. When AI is paired with an on-the-ground agent and backed by rich historical insights, it can go beyond recommendations and solve problems autonomously. It’s the combination of real-time visibility, institutional memory, and intelligent execution that makes for a truly transformative solution.
For IT leaders, the goal is not to chase hype, but to make informed decisions by asking tough questions, demanding clarity from vendors, and staying focused on business outcomes.
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Walk into most organizations today and ask what they're spending on SaaS. Odds are, no one can give you a confident answer. Not because they don't want to, it's because no one actually knows.
Ask a different question: who owns SaaS spend in your company? You'll likely hear three things: "Finance handles it," "That's IT's job," or "Honestly, it depends.”
And therein lies the real problem. While companies are dropping anywhere from $9,000 to $17,000 per employee annually on software, most organizations have zero clue what they're actually buying.
The explosion of software tools across every function, only exacerbated by AI, has quietly created a gap between what companies think they're managing and what they're actually managing. And that gap is getting more expensive by the month.
SaaS sprawl is worse than you thinkHere's how it happens: your marketing team signs up for Canva Pro, your sales team gets Calendly, design jumps on Figma, and engineering grabs another GitHub license. Meanwhile, IT is already paying for Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft has calendar functionality, you've got design tools in your existing stack, and there's a company-wide GitHub Enterprise account sitting unused.
This isn't just wasteful spending. It's what we call SaaS sprawl, and it's quietly bleeding companies dry. Recent data shows organizations use an average of 112 SaaS applications, with large enterprises using up to 447 different tools. And I think this is actually underrepresented. When every department acts like its own startup, you end up with a technology Frankenstein that nobody can control or understand.
When you factor in that companies waste 30-50% of their SaaS budgets on unused licenses, and missed renewal dates can cost upwards of $200,000 per instance, it’s hard to understand why so many are not addressing this problem head on. When there's no centralized intake or contract visibility, things slip through. You renew tools no one's using. You pay above market rates because you don't benchmark. You get hit with surprise auto-renewals.
The AI acceleration problemAnd, just when some companies thought they had SaaS sprawl under control, AI came along and hit the gas pedal. We're seeing the late 2010s SaaS explosion all over again, but this time it's powered by artificial intelligence.
We’re in the middle of a perfect storm. Leadership wants teams to be AI-enabled, to experiment, to learn. They're actively encouraging employees to test new tools and find ways to work more efficiently. Meanwhile, IT teams are desperately trying to control the sprawl that's already spiraling out of control.
Guess who wins? The credit card.
Employees are swiping corporate cards to try the latest AI writing tool, testing out OpenAI subscriptions, or spinning up Zapier automations without any security review or budget coordination. Each purchase seems small and reasonable. A $20 monthly subscription here, a $50 annual plan there. But multiply that across every department, every team, every curious employee, and you've got a massive problem.
The conflicting stories are everywhere. Leaders preach innovation and experimentation while finance teams watch budgets explode. IT departments create approval processes while employees find workarounds. Everyone wants to be AI-first, but nobody wants to be the one who says no to the next breakthrough tool.
Shadow IT: The innovation mythHere's where things get interesting. Some people claim Shadow IT and now Shadow AI drives innovation. They're wrong. Anyone claiming Shadow IT drives innovation isn't actually fostering an innovative environment.
When 40% of IT spending happens outside formal oversight, that's not innovation. That's broken processes. Your procurement workflows are failing to meet company needs quickly enough, so people are going rogue.
Sure, it looks like innovation on the surface. Employees find new tools, solve problems quickly, and move fast. But here's what's really happening: you're diverting time, money, and focus from actual innovation and R&D investments that could drive the company forward.
Real innovation happens when teams can explore new ideas without bypassing controls. If the only way to get work done is to go around IT or procurement, that's not agility, it's dysfunction. And it's expensive.
The security nightmare we’re all ignoringIt’s not just pure budget that is the problem, Shadow IT and AI and SaaS Sprawl are all creating security holes that many are simply not addressing. Every unauthorized app is a potential entry point for bad actors. IBM found that one in three data breaches involved Shadow IT, with the average breach costing around $4.9 million.
When someone in engineering or marketing signs up for a random productivity tool using their work email, they're potentially exposing company data. No security review, no IT approval, no encryption standards. Just click, sign up, and hope for the best.
The compliance risks are equally terrifying. Use a non-GDPR-compliant tool for EU customer data? That's a potential fine. Healthcare company using a random file-sharing app? Hello, HIPAA violations. These types of risks are happening right now at companies that think they have things under control.
Where sprawl livesInterestingly, SaaS sprawl doesn't always come from obscure tools. It often comes from the biggest names in tech. At Tropic, we’ve found that some of the most common drivers of tool overlap and Shadow IT include:
- Zoom, Microsoft, Slack, Google – Multiple collaboration tools per organization
- Figma, Canva, Adobe – Design tool overlap with no license governance
- Salesforce, Calendly, DocuSign – Sales tools stacked on top of each other
- GitHub, JetBrains, Atlassian – Dev tools used inconsistently across teams
- Dropbox, Apple, Amazon, OpenAI – Personal subscriptions tied to work email
No one sets out to buy the same tool twice. But without visibility, it happens all the time. Every new vendor means more contracts to track, more renewals to manage, more security reviews to conduct, and more relationships to maintain. The administrative overhead alone can eat up significant resources.
When spreadsheets become expensiveA lot of finance and IT teams are still trying to manage all this complexity with spreadsheets. That's like trying to navigate a modern city with a paper map from 1995. Even a 1% error rate on $50 million of spend can waste $500,000 annually.
Dig deeper and this isn’t just a tooling issue, it's an ownership issue. Procurement or finance thinks IT is managing it. IT assumes finance has the numbers. Finance is tracking spend, but not usage. Legal might only get involved post-signature. So, things fall through the cracks.
Let's talk ROIHere's something most people don't talk about enough: every dollar saved on procurement and purchasing has an immediate impact on the bottom line. Unlike new sales revenue, a dollar saved can be pure profit.
Reducing SaaS spend by just 6% delivers the same profit lift as a 20% increase in top-line revenue. And that's before you factor in the benefits of reduced risk, stronger compliance, and faster purchasing cycles.
We've seen companies recover hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—just by tackling renewals earlier, consolidating tools, and validating usage.
What smart companies are doing insteadThe fix isn't shutting down software purchases. Not only is that impossible, but you’d have a disgruntled workforce on your hands. It is, however, about enabling them with structure. The companies that are winning aren't locking down every software request. They're treating software spend like the strategic lever it is.
Here's what best-in-class companies are doing:
- Centralizing intake. Giving teams one place to request or renew software.
- Building a software inventory. Not just contracts, but owners, usage, and cost.
- Reviewing renewals 90–180 days out. Not two weeks before expiration. Get ahead of things to determine if you need other tools and create savings.
- Using benchmarking data. So, you don't overpay for tools that should cost less.
- Measuring utilization. If you bought 500 seats and only used 320, ask why.
None of this slows people down. In fact, it makes it easier for teams to get what they need, faster because the path is clear, the data is ready, and approvals don't sit in a black hole.
The time to actEvery month you wait is money walking out the door. Those auto-renewals are happening whether you're paying attention or not. The unused licenses are accumulating. The security risks are multiplying.
But don’t fear. You don't need to solve everything at once. Start with visibility. Figure out what you're actually buying. Identify the obvious waste. Cancel the subscriptions nobody is using.
Software isn't slowing down. And with AI in the mix, things are only getting more complex. This is your moment to get control, not by over-regulating, but by creating the visibility and structure your teams need to move fast, spend wisely, and innovate securely.
Your choice is simple: act now, or pay later. The meter is running either way. You don't need 200 tools to move fast. You need the right 20 and a way to manage them well.
We've featured the best business plan software.
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
In a new proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon [via The Hollywood Reporter], the company has been accused of “bait and switch" (a type of fraudulent activity) on Prime Video. This means they are allegedly misleading consumers into thinking they’ve purchased content when they’re only getting a license to watch, which can be revoked at any time if Amazon loses the rights to a title.
The potential lawsuit claims: "violations of California unfair competition, false advertising and consumer legal remedies laws. It seeks unspecified damages, including disgorgement of profits and punitive damages for allegedly intentionally malicious conduct." Filed in Washington federal court on August 22 2025, the proposal claims that Amazon is "misrepresenting the nature of movie and TV transactions during the purchase process".
In case that's not clear, let's take the unwatched digital version of Conclave I 'bought' on Prime Video so my parents didn't miss out on this year's Oscar hype as an example. I have a digital copy, but if Prime Video's licensing agreements were to change, so too could the version of Conclave I have access to. If Amazon were to no longer have the rights to the title, my parents would lose the movie.
As the complaint points out, “you receive a license to the video and you agree to our terms," meaning that what you actually get for parting with your money is written in the small print. But should Prime Video be allowed to tell subscribers that they've "bought" a movie, and what does this mean for us users in the long run?
Prime Video’s new class action lawsuit proves we need to invest in more physical mediaPrime Video has a huge back catalog, but are we really buying it? (Image credit: Amazon)Before we go any further, let's not forget that this isn't the first lawsuit of this kind Prime Video has had against it. In 2020, a separate lawsuit alleged "unfair competition and false advertising over the practice". While Amazon has not yet publicly commented on the new class action, it claimed in 2020 that using the word "buy" isn't deceptive to subscribers because consumers already understand that their purchases is subjective to license agreements. Five years later, and I'd say that likely isn't the case.
Back in 2023, a Californian legislature brought the problem to the forefront again. Gamers found that their access to The Crew would be stopped after Ubisoft shut down the game's servers, inspiring the 'Stop Killing Games' movement that took aim at publishers destroying previously-bought consumer titles.
However, it's changes to Californian legislature this year work to our new lawsuit's advantage. Essentially, a state law has barred the use of the word 'purchase' in a transaction unless "it offers unrestricted ownership of the product." Obviously, our Prime Video small print doesn't fit into this, and Amazon can hardly afford to lose such a huge profit share as California (if it was its own separate country, California would be the fourth largest economy in the world).
We don't yet know what any of this means for streamers with a Prime Video subscription on a wider level, but to me, it's an incredibly stark reminder that we need to keep investing in physical media as much as possible. Yes, it's more expensive than paying a flat fee every month for all the content you can possibly want. But it's like dating: if you become more intentional in what you invest in, the results are lifelong.
If you have physical copies of movies and TV shows that you love, you can never be parted from them, and it's the only way we can now guarantee the security of what we buy. Maybe it's time for the best streaming services to revert to the good old days of sending us discs in the post to watch and return when we're done with them, just like Netflix did in the late 2000s.
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- Researchers find 9.3/10 flaw in Docker Desktop for Windows and macOS
- The bug allows threat actors to compromise underlying hosts and tamper with data
- A fix was quickly released, so users should patch now
Docker has patched a critical severity vulnerability in its Desktop app for Windows and macOS which could have allowed threat actors to fully take over vulnerable hosts, exfiltrate sensitive data, and more.
The vulnerability is described as a server-side request forgery (SSRF) and, according to the NVD, it “allows local running Linux containers to access the Docker Engine API via the configured Docker subnet.”
“A malicious container running on Docker Desktop could access the Docker Engine and launch additional containers without requiring the Docker socket to be mounted,” Docker said in a follow-up security advisory. “This could allow unauthorized access to user files on the host system. Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) does not mitigate this vulnerability.”
Not all systems are affected in the same wayThe bug was discovered and reported by security researcher Felix Boulet. It is now tracked as CVE-2025-9074 and was given a severity rating of 9.3/10 (critical).
However, a separate researcher, Philippe Dugre, stressed that the risk is not the same on all platforms, noting it’s actually somewhat greater on Windows, compared to macOS.
This is due to the safeguards baked into the macOS operating system. Dugre managed to create a file in the user’s home directory on Windows, but not on macOS:
"On Windows, since the Docker Engine runs via WSL2, the attacker can mount as an administrator the entire filesystem, read any sensitive file, and ultimately overwrite a system DLL to escalate the attacker to administrator of the host system," Dugre explained.
"On MacOS, however, the Docker Desktop application still has a layer of isolation and trying to mount a user directory prompts the user for permission. By default, the docker application does not have access to the rest of the filesystem and does not run with administrative privileges, so the host is a lot safer than in the Windows case," he added.
Docker fixed it in Desktop version 4.44.3, so users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
Via BleepingComputer
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- Last week, the Fitbit app got a redesign with Dark Mode
- The much-requested feature has been a long time coming, as many competitor apps have been using this design for years
- Here's how to switch Dark Mode on and off using Settings
The Fitbit app is undergoing some big changes. To coincide with the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4 (you can read our early impressions in our Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on review) it's getting a personal AI health coach in the US and, as far as we're aware, UI changes as well.
However, before those changes come into effect, Google has given the Fitbit app a significant facelift already, with the launch of Dark Mode.
The Fitbit app, since its inception, has always been set against a bright off-white backdrop regardless whether the rest of your phone is in Dark Mode or not.
It's resisted change even though competitors for the crown of best fitness app, such as Apple Health and Garmin Connect, have been on dark backgrounds to make parsing through complex graphs and planning workouts easier on the eyes.
(Image credit: Garmin/Shutterstock)In my opinion, it's crazy that despite the popularity of the best Fitbits, it's taken so long for the companion app to get a Dark Mode. It's a simple inversion that makes the experience of using the app so much better for most people.
However, if I was being completely cynical, it might have taken so long because Google simply didn't know what to do with Fitbit.
I've written plenty about Google's neglect of the brand while folding the best hardware features into its Pixel Watch series, but it seems as though after last year's app redesign, Dark Mode and this year's heavy investment into the AI health coach, Google's finally seeing a way for Fitbit to exist within Google's complex ecosystem going forward.
When I opened my Fitbit app this morning, Dark Mode was already enabled. However, in case yours hasn't switched over automatically or you're looking for manual adjustment, here's how to toggle Dark Mode on and off.
(Image credit: Future)- Ensure your Fitbit app is updated to version 4.50. If not, navigate to Software Updates in your phone's settings
- In the Fitbit app, tap your profile image and go to Fitbit Settings
- In Settings, tap the new Theme option
- You can choose between System Default, Light or Dark options
- System Default will match Fitbit to your phone's theme, so if you use Dark Mode on your phone's operating system, Fitbit will switch automatically
- Google didn't show its AI health coach in action – here are 5 features I hope we'll see when it drops
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- Intel has a new 'Gamer Days 2025' promotion running until September 7th
- You get Battlefield 6 for free with certain CPUs or prebuilt PCs
- There are also some chunky discounts to be had with some CPUs
Intel's latest angle to try and shift more of its desktop processors is a promotion tied in with Battlefield 6.
Wccftech reports that Intel has kicked off its 'Gamer Days 2025' campaign – running through until September 7th – which involves some beefy discounts on some of its CPUs (as well as prebuilt PCs containing those processors). However, the big draw for many will be the free copy of Battlefield 6 that's bundled with this offer.
To pick out some examples from the current generation of Arrow Lake CPUs, the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 285K has been reduced by 12% on Amazon (so in the US it's $530 instead of $600 now), plus that Battlefield 6 freebie. The more mainstream Core Ultra 7 265K processor is the real attraction here, though, with a discount of 36% at Amazon currently (meaning a reduction from an MSRP of $399 down to $259).
This isn't just about Arrow Lake, though, as some previous-generation chips are also reduced. These include the Intel Core i5-14600K which is currently out of stock at Amazon in the US (but is down to $150 at Newegg after a discount code is applied, a seriously tempting proposition at that price level).
In total, there are almost 20 processors involved in this promotion on Amazon, and PC builders such as CyberPowerPC and Origin are in the mix when it comes to the prebuilt rigs included in the offer in the US (or there's the likes of Scan and Overclockers in the UK).
Analysis: heavy hitter of a freebie is needed(Image credit: EA)Battlefield 6 represents $70 of value in the US, so if you were intending to buy the game anyway, grabbing one of these CPUs with that outlay knocked off leaves them pretty cheap indeed in some cases.
The price cuts in themselves are nice, but it's the game offer that's doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, as we've already seen these kinds of discounts for Intel chips – even the current-gen models.
Or I should say especially the current-gen Arrow Lake CPUs, as these are rather lackluster in terms of their gaming performance, so Intel needs help getting some sales momentum behind them. That goes for past-gen chips, too, which have the shadow of previous stability issues still hanging over them – consumers aren’t going to forget that episode in a hurry.
You might also like...Annoyingly, The Gilded Age season 4 isn't going to be on our screens for an age (pun intended) yet. In fact, we don't actually have a release window at all, which isn't too surprising given that season 3 only wrapped a few weeks ago. However, the last few episodes told us a lot about what we can expect going forward, and all eyes are on George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha (Carrie Coon).
George’s life hung in the balance in the closing scene of season 3 episode 7. He’d previously won out against Clay (Patrick Page) and Mr. Sage (Peter McRobbie), getting the business back on track in spite of their rivalry. However, this came at a price. A courier soon visited George’s office, pulling a gun on his secretary before aiming it straight at George himself. The gun went off, the screen goes black and we had no idea whether he’s alive or died.
In episode 8, we find out that George was indeed shot, but managed to make a miraculous recovery. But once George is well enough, he promptly tells wife Bertha that he’s not even sure if he loves her or trusts her, leaving for New York without so much as an amicable thought between them. We've currently got no idea if George is even going to return for season 4, but we do know Bertha has to rebuild her life on her own, likely vicariously living through Gladys (Taissa Farmiga).
However, I don't think it's George or Bertha who deserve all the attention in The Gilded Age season 4, or should be the storyline that's going to change 19th century New York from the way that we know it. For me, a new era lies in Gladys herself, and it's her recent marriage and impending pregnancy that will have a lot to answer for.
Gladys' marriage and pregnancy will change The Gilded Age season 4 for good, mark my wordsTaissa Farmiga as Gladys in The Gilded Age. (Image credit: HBO)Gladys announces she is pregnant right in the episode's final moments, with George seemingly out of the picture. At its most basic level, the final moments of season 3 mean Bertha got everything she'd been working towards, but now has been left without a stable family unit of her own. Watching Gladys wed the Duke of Buckingham, and essentially become part of British aristocracy by proxy, was what she always wanted, but it's the consequences we need to be paying attention to.
Firstly, Glady's story is actually based on real life. She's loosely based on Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American socialite and member of the Vanderbilt family who married the 9th Duke of Marlborough during the real Gilded Age. However, theirs became known as a loveless marriage that was 'forced' on her by her mother, with their union thought of as being advantageous to everyone expect for Consuelo herself. Sound familiar?
On top of this, Gladys is who will bring us closest to creator Julian Fellowes' biggest global hit, Downton Abbey. We're still a way off time wise, with The Gilded Age still being the latter stage of the 1800s while Downton Abbey originally began in 1912, but if Gladys stayed with her Duke, had his baby and moved to England, the timelines cross over enough for her to have be middle aged when season 1 of Downton Abbey rolls around. If that doesn't smell like a spinoff, I don't know what does.
Regardless of which direction Gladys' story actually takes, it'll no doubt change the trajectory of The Gilded Age's future – and that's before we even considering how all of this affects Bertha. But who knows whether Gladys will realise she's living Bertha's dream and quit while she's ahead?
"I hope I don't have to play pregnant too long," Taissa Farmiga told Marie Claire. I don't want to have to wear a corset with a pregnancy belt. Let's just throw this out there – maybe Julian reads this. But also I'll do what I have to do!"
All three seasons of The Gilded Age are streaming on HBO Max in the US, NOW TV in the UK and Paramount+ in Australia.
You might also like- OneNote for Windows 10 loses support at the same time as the OS
- New OneNote on Windows app replaces it with new features
- Users can update by using the in-app migration ribbon
Microsoft has warned users its OneNote note-taking app is set to lose support for Windows 10 machines from October 14, 2025, and with this landmark comes an important software update.
From that deadline, Microsoft OneNote will be a read-only app, meaning notes can be viewed but not edited or synced.
No further updates, bug fixes or security patches will be provided in line with Windows 10 also losing support on October 14.
OneNote won’t be supported in Windows 10 from October 2025“As we continue to invest in a more secure, modern, and capable note-taking experience, we’re consolidating our efforts into a single, more powerful OneNote on Windows app,” OneNote Product Manager Bola Soneye wrote in a blog post announcing the news.
By streamlining OneNote, Microsoft is promising faster delivery of new features, long-term support and a “foundation for future innovation in OneNote.”
To move from the classic Windows 10 version of OneNote to the new OneNote on Windows app, users must sync their notes and then use the in-app migration ribbon to ‘Move to the newest version of OneNote’.
The new app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for free, but users must sign in with work, school or personal accounts to unlock it.
The blog post also details specific processes for Enterprise and Education customers.
Looking ahead, Microsoft’s roadmap has plenty of entries for OneNote, including a whole host of Copilot-based improvements like summarization, Q&A, voice tools, image and video support and audio overviews.
The OneNote change is just part of a broader shift happening as Windows 10 makes room for Windows 11. Earlier in June 2025, Windows 11 adoption finally caught up with Windows 10 (via Statcounter), before surpassing it one month later.
Soneye concluded by urging OneNote users to migrate now rather than leaving it until the last minute to avoid disruptions.
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- A new Fortnite Festival season starts today
- Its themed around the virtual band Gorillaz
- It introduces a new Music Pass, plus a new bundle, and more
A new Fortnite Festival season drops today and it introduces a collab with the popular virtual band Gorillaz.
The update brings a fresh main stage that features an atmospheric backdrop of city buildings and graffiti.
There will also be a range of Gorillaz items added to the shop, available separately or as part the new Noodle and 2D Bundle based on members of the virtual group.
This includes:
- Noodle Outfit
- Noodle’s Case Back Bling
- DARE Emote
- Noodle’s Axe Guitar
- 2D Outfit
- 2D’s Megaphone Back Bling
- Gorillaz Camo Wrap
- 2D’s Mic
- “DARE” Jam Track
- Bonesy Balloons Contrail
In addition to the bundle, you will also be able to purchase the 'Clint Eastwood' Jam Track.
Of course, it wouldn't be a new Fortnite Festival season without a new Music Pass. The Season 10 Music Pass offers two outfits based on Gorillaz members: the Russel Outfit and Murdoc Outfit.
This is on top of a range of themed cosmetics on the 'On Melancholy Hill' Jam Track.
Some general improvements are also coming as part of the update, such as the addition of a 'Good' note when you're timing is just slightly off from 'Perfect'. You will be able to finally sort your music library by duration or intensity too, which is a very practical change.
You can read the full list of tweaks and learn more about this new season on the official Fortnite website.
You might also like...The last Apple event came and went without even the smallest of hints at a foldable iPhone. And with the rumors thin on the ground, I'd be skeptical if such a phone is even in the works; it could just be a shelved Apple project.
As it stands, our list of best foldable phones is dominated by the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and OnePlus Open. So there's room for some iOS-orientated disruption, though when that will happen isn't clear.
Our best guess is 2025 at the earliest, when Apple can be fairly confident that the foldable phone tech is mature enough for its foray into the arena. Until then, read on for everything we've heard so far and what you need to know about the so-called foldable iPhone.
Latest newsSpecs, camera details, and colors for the foldable iPhone have leaked.
Cut to the chase- What is it? Potentially the first folding phone from Apple
- When is it out? Possibly 2026, or maybe much later
- How much will it cost? Expect it to be expensive
It's possible (based on multiple rumors) that the iPhone Fold could land in 2025.
But if anything, it might land much later, with a report from October 2018 suggesting Apple might first launch a foldable iPad in late 2024 or early 2025, with a foldable iPhone landing at a later date.
Another report back in February 2024 said a September 2026 launch was planned for the foldable iPhone, which would likely see it land alongside the iPhone 18. This report added that Apple was apparently moving much of the Vision Pro team over to development of this phone, and that the company is aiming for sales of 50 million. The 2026 claims have since been backed up by a leaked Apple roadmap too.
More recently still, we've heard that the foldable iPhone might be delayed from late 2026 until early 2027, and some analysts now believe the foldable iPhone project might end up getting canceled, so there's a chance we won't see it at all.
And even more recently, a TrendForce report states that Apple is "unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027", due to the company's "strict requirements for crease and reliability".
Since then, we've heard that while a 2026 launch was previously planned, Apple has accelerated development so that it can launch the foldable iPhone in 2025.
However, the most recent foldable iPhone leaks again point to a 2026 launch. We've heard a 2026 release date multiple times in late 2024 and early 2025, with a leak as recently as June 2025 pointing in that direction, while in July of 2025 we heard that Apple had started making prototypes of the device, with an aim to launch it in the second half of 2026, so that's our best guess for now. That said, Apple is at least apparently close to choosing a display supplier for the phone.
Whenever it lands, the foldable iPhone probably won't be a one-off, with one report suggesting it will get an annual refresh.
Naturally, we don't know how much the foldable iPhone might cost if and when it does land, but given that a lot of foldable phones demand well over the $1000 / £1000 / AU$2000 mark, it's safe to expect a high price to pay. One of the few foldable iPhone price leaks we have seen so far points to a figure of $2,500 (which is around £2,220 / AU$3,970), so we'd recommend saving now.
That said, a more recent foldable iPhone price leak points to a lower but still high price of $2,000 (around £1,540 / AU$3,175), while a third leak splits the difference, claiming a price of roughly $2,300, and more recently still we've heard the foldable iPhone will cost between $2,100 and $2,500.
The latest foldable iPhone price leaks at the time of writing put the foldable iPhone at either $1,800-$2,000 or much more than current foldables, depending on who you believe.
But despite the likely high price, this could prove a very successful phone, with reputable analyst Mark Gurman predicting that a foldable iPhone will sell much better than any of the Plus or mini models, or the rumored iPhone 17 Air.
That said, analyst Ming-Chi Ku says to expect "premium pricing" for the foldable iPhone, and that this could limit its sales.
As for the name, we've heard mutterings that it could be called the iPhone Flip, likely referring to the Galaxy Z Flip-like patents we've seen that hint at a clamshell folding format. In truth, though, it could be called anything.
Foldable iPhone leaks and rumorsAt this point, foldable iPhone rumors fall broadly into two camps: those which suggest the device will have a true folding display, and others that point towards it having two distinct screens separated by a hinge.
Several designs were revealed in a patent dump back in February 2019, some with a large display on the inside of folding sections with a single hinge, while another had two hinges for a hypothetical three displays that fold in on themselves in a Z-shaped formation.
Image 1 of 3Image credit: Apple / US Patent and Trademark Office (Image credit: Apple / US Patent and Trademark Office) Image 2 of 3Image credit: Apple / US Patent and Trademark Office (Image credit: Apple / US Patent and Trademark Office) Image 3 of 3Image credit: Apple / US Patent and Trademark Office (Image credit: Apple )Other patents, like the one discovered in March 2020, reveal that Apple could be working on a foldable with two distinct displays separated by a hinge. While the patented design suggests the tech giant would attempt to minimize the bezel between the screens as much as possible, it would still be more noticeable than a truly folding long display.
That’s what leaker Jon Prosser suggested on Twitter in the same year: Apple’s foldable iPhone design (at the time) had two separate display panels on a hinge.
While it’s purportedly just a ‘current prototype’ and not a final design, it’s described as having rounded edges like the iPhone 11, unlike the squared-off edges on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 ranges.
There’s also no notch for front-facing cameras: the sensors checking Face ID will be housed in a ‘tiny forehead’ on the outer display, according to Prosser.
(Image credit: Patently Apple)This matches a later Prosser leak that suggested the iPhone Flip may come in a clamshell shape – similar to the Motorola Razr 2020 or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – and the same source said it'd be sold in "fun colors."
We think that means you can expect some bold shades for the iPhone Flip when it lands.
We've seen another image of what the foldable iPhone could look like thanks to another patent, this one showing a device that folds out into a bigger device like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. This device, which we're dubbing the iPhone Fold, has one display that's longer than the other, so when it's folded shut you can see your notifications to one edge.
A separate leak suggests this folding iPhone could come with Apple Pencil support, and have a display measuring 7.3-inch or 7.6-inches across.
Indeed, we've more recently heard that Apple's first foldable may have a screen of roughly 7-8 inches, which likely means it would be a book-style foldable.
More recently, another source claimed the foldable iPhone could have a 7.9-inch screen and that the foldable display could be on the outside of the phone, like the Huawei Mate Xs 2 pictured below. This would mean there's only one display, but it can be used either like a phone or a tablet depending on whether it's folded or unfolded.
Image 1 of 3The Huawei Mate Xs 2 (Image credit: Huawei)Image 2 of 3The Huawei Mate Xs 2 (Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Image 3 of 3The Huawei Mate Xs 2 (Image credit: Basil Kronfli)In January of 2025 we similarly heard that the foldable iPhone could have a main display of between 7.6 and 7.9 inches, along with a surprisingly small 5.3-5.5-inch cover screen. This leak adds that it will have a wider aspect ratio than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and that it will use LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide), likely meaning a 120Hz refresh rate.
Elsewhere, we heard that the foldable iPhone might have a foldable display of over 12 inches, which sounds unusually large. They also stated that the phone would be 9.2mm thick when folded, and just 4.6mm thick when unfolded (though a more recent foldable iPhone leak puts it at 4.8mm). The same source as the 4.6mm claim also points to a 5,000mAh battery, and a dual-lens rear camera, with an ultra-wide snapper but no telephoto.
More recently still (in February of 2025) we heard that the foldable iPhone could have 7.74-inch and 5.49-inch screens. We heard a similar claim in March, with TrendForce claiming the foldable iPhone will have a 7.8-inch foldable screen and a 5.5-inch cover display, which are sizes we've also previously heard from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, so they may well be accurate.
Digital Chat Station has since added that the foldable screen will have a resolution of 1,920 x 2,713 and the cover screen will have a resolution of 1,422 x 2,088. They also claim that the foldable screen will have an under-display camera but that the foldable iPhone won't have Face ID.
And they've said to expect the two rear cameras to both be 48MP, the foldable screen to be 7.58 inches, and the construction to include "a hinge made of a more durable amorphous metal glass composite, and a titanium alloy body."
That claim of an under-display camera and no Face ID for the iPhone Fold has since been made by another source too, so this at least may well be the case.
We've also heard from another source that this screen might be thinner and lighter than existing foldable phone displays, as well as delivering higher brightness and better color accuracy.
Beyond the size and resolution of the screen, we've also heard that the foldable iPhone's display might have a near invisible crease.
We've also heard from an analyst that Apple is testing an Electronic Paper Display (EPD) from E Ink for the cover screen of a foldable phone. This would be like an e-reader screen, but in color, and could be left on for long periods without draining much battery.
Apple's foldable phone might also have a protective layer on top of the screen that can defend against cracks and fill in pre-existing micro-cracks, to help avoid fractures. Apple has a patent for this tech, so it's certainly something the company is toying with, at least.
Elsewhere, an Apple patent details a slim yet strong hinge that could be used with a smartphone with a flexible display. This doesn't tell us much but it's more evidence that an iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip might be in the works. On a related note, we've heard the foldable iPhone could have a liquid metal hinge for better durability, with another source adding that the hinge will be higher quality than on other phones.
Plus, one report also suggests that Apple has two foldable iPhone designs that have already passed durability tests. That doesn't mean this will be happening any sooner, but it's a good sign that Apple is on the right track.
Another Apple patent we've seen details touch-sensitive, solid-state buttons that would allow users to navigate a foldable iPhone using its edges, rather than its display alone. Alongside basic illustrations of the device (below), Apple explains how touch sensors would sit within “sidewalls” (as opposed to conventional walls) made up of “thin metal lines that are sufficiently small to be invisible to the eye."
Apple illustrates how solid-state buttons might work on a foldable device (Image credit: United States Patent and Trademark Office)Beyond the design and display, we've heard that the foldable iPhone might have a dual-lens camera, Touch ID, and an ultra-thin battery. Despite that, the foldable iPhone could offer all-day battery life, with Apple apparently making its battery longevity a priority. We've now specifically heard that the foldable iPhone's battery might be 5,000-5,500mAh.
Another foldable iPhone leak has also pointed to Touch ID, adding that the foldable iPhone will apparently have two cameras on the back and one on each screen, that it will be available in black and white shades, and that it will use Apple's C2 modem.
And beyond all the leaks, we've also now seen essentially a prototype iPhone Flip made unofficially by a team in China. You can see some images of this below.
Image 1 of 4(Image credit: AST)Image 2 of 4(Image credit: AST)Image 3 of 4(Image credit: AST)Image 4 of 4(Image credit: AST)There were a lot of compromises involved in making it, but if Apple's foldable is similar in design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line, then it could look like a much more polished version of this.
iPhone Flip: 5 things we’d like to see(Image credit: Future)1. Top-tier camerasFoldables bridge the gap between phones and tablets, but the ones we’ve seen released, like the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate Xs, have packed the best cameras featured on those brands’ other flagship phones.
While there’s no reason to guess Apple wouldn’t do the same, the tech giant hasn’t bothered to upgrade the cameras on its iPads in generations. What's more, given that the iPhone SE 2020 didn’t improve upon the lens of its predecessor, the iPhone 8, Apple set a precedent that could see it give its foldable iPhone a single camera instead of the full suite seen in today's best iPhones.
(Image credit: Future)2. Apple Pencil supportOne way Apple could easily match other foldables: introduce Apple Pencil support. Samsung introduced stylus integration with its Z Fold series, and given how the Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically to the newest iPad Pro tablets, we’d love to see how Apple’s styluses could be integrated with its foldable iPhone.
(Image credit: Apple)3. The old Apple polishYes, we'll say it: even though the first few rounds of foldables have been impressive for simply pulling off folding screens, they’ve come with design weaknesses, from hinge issues to cracking screens. We’d love to see a design that makes everything move smoothly and stand up to punishment.
Not that Apple’s lineup is unimpeachable, as crackable iPhone displays, malfunctioning butterfly keyboards, and battery-throttling on older iPhones have shown. But in looks and function, at least, Apple has maintained a reputation for sleek and functional design.
(Image credit: Apple)4. iPadOS integrationWhen iPadOS split off from iOS, we got excited for the possibilities of a new operating system forking off to truly take advantage of iPad screen real estate. Thus far, we’ve been pretty pleased with the multitasking features that let us pull up multiple apps at the same time, which we’ve found personally handy in writing in Google docs while looking up stuff in Safari, for instance..
We’d love to see a version of the OS in the foldable iPhone for the same reasons, though of course, there’s a lot of unknowns. Will the device’s display be large enough to properly handle the iPadOS controls? If it expands to 7.9 inches, the size of the iPad Mini’s screen, it conceivably could be able to, but until we know what the foldable will look like, it’s unclear how good a fit iPadOS will be.
(Image credit: Future)5. Strong battery lifeFoldable phones like the Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X have had respectable battery life for first-generation devices, but we’d like more in Apple’s take on foldable phones. iPhones in general aren’t known for lasting longer than a day, and flagships from Samsung and Huawei pack larger-capacity (in sheer milliamp Hours) batteries that seem to take them past the one-day mark handily.
We’d like Apple to use the extra device space to keep its own foldable last longer than the competition.
- Google has announced plans that will require app developers to verify their identity, even when not listing their apps on the Play Store
- This will hopefully reduce the number of malicious apps that can be sideloaded
- However, some Android fans are unhappy with this change
Sideloading refers to the process of downloading apps from sources outside of a phone's official app store, and Google will soon make big changes to the requirements for sideloaded apps on Android phones.
As announced on the Android Developers Blog, Google plans to block unverified apps from being installed on Android devices through sideloading. This means that, if you’re an app developer, then even if you don’t distribute your app through the Google Play Store, you’ll still need to verify your identity with Google.
The company states that it won’t check the content or functionality of apps that aren’t being listed on the Play Store, so it’s just an identity verification that developers will have to go through.
This change will be tested from October and will start rolling out more widely from March 2026, with 2027 targeted as the year in which it will become a global requirement for app developers.
More security, less freedomThe Google Pixel 9 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)What this should mean for users is that there’s less risk of downloading malicious apps when bypassing the Play Store. Google claims that this is the reason for the change, since developers will probably be less inclined to try and upload virus-riddled apps if Google has their identity.
But despite this, many Android users seem unhappy with the planned change. In a Reddit thread, responses include the likes of “awful decision”, we’re “close to a very dark place”, and “I guess I will be buying an iPhone as my next upgrade."
The complaints largely seem to stem from the sense that Google is cutting down on freedom and moving closer to the walled garden approach of Apple. Some also speculate that this move might be being made to prevent apps that can block adverts on YouTube – although if, as Google claims, the content of the apps isn’t being looked at, then that might not happen.
So, whether this is a good or bad move is rather subjective, but the vast majority of Android users probably won’t be affected at all, since if you download all your apps from the Google Play Store, then nothing is changing for you.
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