TechRadar News

• The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 will offer Nvidia DLSS
• CD Projekt Red confirmed the game uses DLSS in four modes, including handheld and docked, and the performance and quality variations of each
• Cyberpunk 2077 will have a choice between 30FPS quality mode and a 40FPS performance mode

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).

That's according to Digital Foundry, which was able to confirm with the studio during a hands-on event that the Switch 2 version will offer Nvidia's AI-upscaling technology in both handheld and docked mode.

"We're using a version of DLSS available for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, powered by Nvidia's Tensor cores," CD Projekt Red told the publication. "The game utilises DLSS in all four modes: in handheld and docked, and the performance and quality variations of each."

When docked, Cyberpunk 2077 will offer a choice between 30FPS quality mode and a 40FPS performance mode, the latter of which would presumably work only on TVs that support 120Hz.

"With consistent performance, both should look smooth, with the 40fps mode sitting between 30fps and 60fps in terms of fluidity," Digital Foundry explained. "Both modes are using 1080p as the output resolution with dynamic resolution scaling in effect in combination with DLSS."

In handheld mode, quality mode will still output a 1080p image with DLSS and dynamic resolution scaling, targeting 30fps, while performance mode will see a drop in resolution to 720p, "with the handheld screen in 120Hz mode and 40fps as the target."

Cyberpunk 2077 is the first game to be confirmed to feature DLSS following the Switch 2 Direct earlier this month.

Nintendo revealed that the Switch 2 would feature Nvidia's DLSS after the livestream, but refrained from sharing which games would utilize it. Right now, it's unclear if any of the company's first-party titles will also offer the tech, or if it's only being reserved for third-party games that first released on PC, like Cyberpunk 2077.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, and will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle, which comes with a digital copy of the game.

Pre-orders are now live in the UK. US pre-orders are set to begin on April 24 after Nintendo delayed its initial April 9 date as it assessed the potential impact of tariffs.

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• Andor season 2 will delve deeper into Mon Mothma and Vel Sartha's family relationship
• Genevieve O'Reilly and Faye Marsay say Luthen Rael will play an "important" role in how it plays out
• Mon and Vel were revealed to be cousins in Andor's first season

Genevieve O'Reilly and Faye Marsay have lifted the lid on the "important" role that Luthen Rael will play in the evolution of their characters' dynamic in Andor season 2.

Speaking to TechRadar ahead of the Disney+ show's return, O'Reilly and Marsay suggested that Mon Mothma and Vel Sartha's relationship will be explored in more detail this season. However, their kinship will be at the mercy of Luthen, aka the nascent Rebel Alliance's shadowy leader.

Indeed, clear though it is that Mon and Vel care dearly for one another, their relationship will always be considered second-best – in Luthen's mind, anyway – in the fight to overthrow the Galactic Empire.

And, with the rebellion's puppet master "holding a lot of the cards" in terms of orchestrating the role of every rebel in the Star Wars TV series, Mon and Vel will find themselves pulled in different directions throughout the final season's 12-episode run.

Luthen Rael will continue to orchestrate matters from the shadows (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

"From Vel's perspective, the relationship [she shares with Mon] isn't difficult," Marsay told me. "It's the circumstances around it that are tough.

"Vel is on the frontline, but Mon is – while she's still a prominent figure in the rebellion, she's – working in the background. That puts their relationship in an interesting position, because the affection they have for each other is there, but one of them is acting from the shadows while the other is very much a 'boots on the ground' fighter."

Luthen becomes an integral person within this familial structure

Genevieve O'Reilly, Andor season 2 actor

"We have a great conduit in Luthen," O'Reilly added of Luthen's impact on the pair's relationship in Andor's second installment. "He's a really important part of this triangle. You understand his machinations, but you're also quite uptight about how he's keeping these family members apart.

"There's a scene in season 2 that we filmed in Valencia," O'Reilly continues. "It's a party scene where Mon and Luthen cross paths again, and Mon asks him 'How is my cousin? I haven't heard from her'. There's a worry there that something might have happened to Vel but, Luthen being Luthen, he doesn't reveal anything. So, he becomes an integral person within this familial structure and he's holding a lot of the cards that keeps everyone on their toes."

The second and final season of Andor, aka one of the best Disney+ shows, begins airing on April 22 (US) and April 23 (UK and Australia). Before its three-episode premiere arrives, read my spoiler-free review of Andor season 2 to learn how good it is, find out who's who in Andor's second season, or read the section below for more Andor-based coverage.

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Max is one of my favorite streaming services to dive through at the beginning of each month simply because its monthly schedules pack more new releases and hidden cinema gems than the rest of our best streaming services.

Last month, Max introduced new A24 erotic drama Babygirl (2024) to its library of best Max movies, and once again the platform is wearing its love for A24 dramas on its sleeve with the addition of Brady Corbet's Oscar-winning drama The Brutalist (2024) – a movie that had me locked in despite it's 3.5 hour time-run.

Though Max's service packs every genre imaginable, drama is definitely its specialty. In addition to Corbet's bold feature about a post-war immigrant architect, the heart-breaking Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and fellow A24 feature The Whale (2022) will be coming to Max. It's a great month for drama obsessives like myself.

But we can't ignore all the TV shows that are on the way including thriller series Duster, a fresh title new to the platform, and Max staple And Just Like That... which is coming back for season three.

Everything new on Max in May 2025

Arriving on May 1

100 Foot Wave season 3 (TV show)
A Haunted House (movie)
A Haunted House 2 (movie)
A Private War (movie)
Badman's Country (movie)
Barricade (movie)
Broadway Melody of 1940 (movie)
Carson City (movie)
Chronicle (movie)
Chronicle: Director's Cut (movie)
Dallas (movie)
Dylan's Playtime Adventures season 1 (TV show)
Enter The Dragon (movie)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (movie)
Fort Dobbs (movie)
Fort Worth (movie)
Funny People (movie)
Hannibal (movie)
In the Fade (movie)
Inception (movie)
Legend of the Guardians The Owls of Ga’Hoole (movie)
Lone Star (movie)
Lost River (movie)
Madagascar (movie)
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (movie)
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (movie)
Megan Leavey (movie)
Notting Hill (movie)
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (movie)
Rachel and the Stranger (movie)
Rancho Notorious (movie)
Red Tails (movie)
Ride, Vaquero! (movie)
Riding Shotgun (movie)
Rocky Mountain (movie)
Royal Wedding (movie)
San Antonio (movie)
Santa Fe Trail (movie)
Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend (movie)
Son of Belle Starr (movie)
Son of the Mask (movie)
Springfield Rifle (movie)
Stars in My Crown (movie)
Tall in the Saddle (movie)
Tall Man Riding (movie)
The Band Wagon (movie)
The Bounty Hunter (movie)
The First Texan (movie)
The Goonies (movie)
The Kissing Bandit (movie)
The Left-Handed Gun (movie)
The Man Behind the Gun (movie)
The Mortal Storm (movie)
The Naked Spur (movie)
The Oklahoma Kid (movie)
The Oklahoman (movie)
The Painted Hills (movie)
The Princess Bride (movie)
The Shining (movie)
The Silence of the Lambs (movie)
The Young Guns (movie)
They Died with Their Boots On (movie)
This Means War (movie)
This Means War: Extended Edition (movie)
Thunder Over the Plains (movie)
Trail Street (movie)
Vengeance Valley (movie)
Vivacious Lady (movie)
We Bought a Zoo (movie)
Westbound (movie)
Westward the Women (movie)
Wichita (movie)
Ziegfeld Girl (movie)

Arriving on May 2

Adult Best Friends (movie)
Malditos season 1 (TV show)
Teen Titans Go! season 9 (TV show)

Arriving on May 3

Ready Player One (movie)

Arriving on May 6

Fareed Zakaria: The War on Government (TV show)
Talking Pictures Podcast - Special Video Episode with Eli Roth Recorded At TCM Classic Film Festival (video podcast)
The Playboy Murders season 3 (TV show)
Toxic season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 8

Conan O’Brien Must Go season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on May 9

Bloody Trophy (Krwawe Trofeum) (movie)
The Whale (movie)

Arriving on May 11

Delicious Miss Brown season 10 (TV show)
The Bakersfield 3: A Tale of Murder and Motherhood season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 12

Where the Crawdads Sing (movie)

Arriving on May 13

Betting on Paradise season 1 (TV show)
Contraband: Seized at the Border season 6 (TV show)
Dream Destination: A Surprise Trip season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 14

Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out season 1 (TV show)
Mini Reni season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 15

Duster season 1 (TV show)
Mermicorno: Starfall season 2 (TV show)
United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on May 16

The Brutalist (movie)

Arriving on May 17

Bugs Bunny Builders season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on May 18

Love & Marriage: Detroit season 2 (TV show)
Say Yes to the Dress season 21 (TV show)

Arriving on May 19

American Monster: Abuse of Power season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 20

Kong: Skull Island (movie)

Arriving on May 21

Homicide Hunter: American Detective season 5 (TV show)

Arriving on May 22

Expedition Files season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on May 23

Pee-wee as Himself (TV show)
Restoring Galveston season 7 (TV show)
Silly Sundays season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 25

Say Yes To The Dress With Tan France season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on May 28

Down Home Fab season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on May 29

And Just Like That... season 3 (TV show)

Arriving on May 31

Mountainhead (movie)

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The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that the escalating climate crisis will spare no continent, with Africa facing some of the most severe consequences. Despite contributing just 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected and the least equipped to handle the impact. The continent is warming faster than the global average, driving extreme weather events such as floods, tropical cyclones, and wildfires - threatening livelihoods and economic stability.

This climate crisis requires urgent action - so how can the countries who are responsible for the vast majority of emissions support Africa in adapting to a changing climate and help its residents build a more resilient future? The answer lies in green finance.

Sustainable, decentralized and renewable energy

According to the World Economic Forum, green finance is any structured financial activity that’s been created to ensure a better environmental outcome. With climate change leading to disproportionate extreme weather events in Africa, green finance investments are increasingly crucial to the continent’s continued economic growth.

Africa is home to significant solar, wind, hydro and biogas resources - many of which remain untapped or underutilized. Efforts to transition small-scale farmers, businesses and communities to decentralized and renewable energy sources will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they will also serve as the foundation for long-term economic progress and resilience.

With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity - decentralized and renewable energy sources have become even more critical to sustainable development across the continent. However, in order to access these energy resources, people require access to finance to afford the purchase, maintenance and construction of sustainable energy sources, such as biogas digesters, solar pumps, solar home systems and more.

With such a significant proportion of the continent lacking access to something as vital as electricity, the opportunity for investors is equally significant. While many potential investors have high perceived risks when it comes to investing in Africa, for reasons such as political uncertainty, regulatory uncertainty and economic volatility - this is not the reality on the ground.

However, in order to make these investments successful, it’s critical for potential investors to partner with reliable firms based in Africa, who can easily navigate these complexities and facilitate capital investments with recipients at scale.

Investing in Africa - moving towards sustainable agriculture

Over 65% of the population in eastern Africa is employed in agriculture, however, climate change is leading to increased droughts and extreme weather events increasingly threatening these livelihoods. As a result, many farmers turn to diesel-powered generators to power irrigation systems, which have high-costs, and serve as a further contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the droughts in the first place. But investments made through green finance will create opportunities to make farmers more resilient, including the provision of solar-powered irrigation systems.

With many African farmers relying on unpredictable rainfall to harvest crops, these systems can help to ensure year-round food production and reduce reliance on unpredictable weather conditions. This, in turn, will mitigate the impact of prolonged droughts. However, the upfront costs for these systems are prohibitive for the average farmer in Africa.

This is where opportunity exists for investors. Farmers need access to capital to purchase systems, such as solar-powered irrigation, which will save money and reduce greenhouse gases in the long-term when compared to traditional diesel power generators.

These farmers don’t need the large-scale loans typically offered from traditional big banks, rather they need access to lower value loans accessible in rural areas, not typically offered by big banks. Despite the low value and shorter tenure of these loans, the loan provider still makes a return on the loan provision, the farmer gets the access to capital required to create a more sustainable and efficient energy system - all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

Why green finance in Africa is a win-win investment opportunity

Whilst the UK alone has committed $2B to support green projects, further investment is needed as access to capital plays a pivotal role in turning these projects into reality and enabling African nations to mitigate climate risks while fostering long-term economic growth and resilience.

Africa’s green economy presents a high-growth investment opportunity, delivering both strong financial returns and lasting environmental benefits - a true win-win for investors. And with more than half of individual investors saying they are planning to increase their allocations to sustainable investments, and more than 70% stating they believe strong ESG practices can lead to higher returns - green finance in Africa presents the perfect investment opportunity.

Investors will benefit from investing in a market with high-growth potential while also helping to protect vulnerable communities from the harsh effects of climate change and unlocking job opportunities across the region.

Investors who overlook Africa’s green economy risk missing out on substantial returns while also leaving vulnerable communities exposed to escalating climate threats. Now is the time to invest in Africa’s green future - an investment opportunity where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.

Africa is currently at a crossroads, with one path leading to escalating climate risks and economic instability and the other leading to a sustainable future powered by green finance. Green finance opportunities will help Africa to set off on the right path, and with the climate crisis worsening, this is not only an economic opportunity - but an environmental imperative.

Now is the time for investors to step up and direct capital towards green finance. Not only will this drive financial returns for these investors, but it will also allow them to play a key role in powering communities, protecting livelihoods and shaping a more sustainable and resilient Africa.

We've featured the best green web hosting.

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

As we find ourselves on the shifting shores between ESG, politics, and business, this Climate Week stands to be a mix of climate statistics, gloom, and of course the corporate hype machine.

The data speaks for itself-atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have breached 420 parts per million, a stark reminder of our planet's precarious state. We’ve watched as global temperatures continue their relentless climb, fueled by decades of unchecked emissions. We're all prepared to hear about deploying novel technologies capable of capturing gigatons of CO2 annually.

We're going to hear that we're not talking incremental changes, but witnessing a paradigm shift. “Imagine a world where we don’t just reduce emissions, but actively draw down existing CO2 from the atmosphere, turning the very culprit of our crisis into a valuable resource.”

The original climate tech

But, what if… the technology already existed? And what if it were also the oldest, most proven technology on the planet? No puffy navy blue vest, laser pointer, nor shoehorned AI references required.

Friends, we’re talking about trees. In 1872, Arbor Day was introduced as a way to help mitigate erosion and beautify the Nebraska landscape. Since then, real impact has been made from tree planting initiatives around the world. Trees are the lungs of our planet, their reputation is well earned, and this is how we scale carbon capture immediately. Agriculture doesn’t tend to be boastful, but efficiencies in horticultural best practices and regenerative agriculture are technologies that deserve to be celebrated.

Business leaders focused on the intersection of sustainability and business have an opportunity to reflect on what true environmental stewardship means—and how companies can cut through hype to offer genuine, impactful solutions. I am a fan of all solutions including high-tech ones. It's a moment in time for every innovation to step forward. And, as the narrative becomes increasingly diluted with bold promises and big valuations, it’s time for businesses to rethink their strategies, focusing on concrete initiatives that resonate with consumers.

Some industry leaders are already doing so. Pat Brown, the famous Stanford biochemist and founder of Impossible Foods has shifted his focus to the power of trees. He’s currently researching how to rewild the ranches that are no longer needed. His 1,000-acre “Carbon Ranch” in Arkansas, planted with thousands of trees already, will serve as a living rewilding laboratory for tracking carbon sequestration and the return of biodiversity.

Microsoft, Salesforce, Mastercard and many other technology companies have dedicated efforts to planting trees to offset their own carbon footprints. Even shoe companies like Etnies and Timbaland are popping up with tree-focused marketing campaigns. Dare I say trees are ... trending? Consumers are aware of the impact fossil fuels have on the planet and they are well aware of the link between trees and sustainability. According to a 2023 Pew Research Survey "67% of Americans say the U.S. should prioritize developing alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydrogen technology."

Well, what if energy grew on trees?

Industry experts are increasingly recognizing the multifaceted potential of trees beyond carbon sequestration. Forward-thinking companies are exploring how agroforestry systems can serve multiple purposes - from biofuel production to regenerative agriculture models that restore degraded land while producing valuable commodities. The integration of trees into agricultural systems can create resilient supply chains that are less vulnerable to climate disruptions.

Organizations like the World Economic Forum's 1t.org initiative have successfully brought together companies across sectors to commit to conserving, restoring, and growing over 5 billion trees. These collaborative approaches demonstrate how nature-based solutions can be scaled when industry leaders align their sustainability goals with tangible conservation outcomes.

Of course, simply planting trees isn't the endgame for customers. It's their starting point to engage meaningfully in the emerging "restoration economy." Companies that embrace this approach are not only benefiting the environment but are also positioning themselves as leaders in an economy where restoration is becoming a major driver of business growth.

In an age where sustainability’s benefit is not about marketing but risk mitigation, cost control, and supply chain management, CEOs must guide their organizations to see the global challenges that are equally business challenges. It’s never been more clear that nature based solutions are a critical avenue for long-term business success and differentiation.

Amidst a shaky global economic outlook, it’s time for businesses to reconsider hype, prioritize tangible outcomes like reforestation, and lead the charge in restoring consumer trust by being real about the impact of their environmental actions.

We've featured the best green web hosting.

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

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is known for his sometimes ridiculously honest tweets, but one of his recent tweets has got a lot of people scratching their heads.

Last week, Altman tweeted, “I think this is gonna be more like the Renaissance than the Industrial Revolution.” Nobody is quite sure what he means, so let's break down what I think he's getting at.

i think this is gonna be more like the renaissance than the industrial revolutionApril 18, 2025

Rollercoaster ride

ChatGPT has been on a heck of a rollercoaster ride recently. OpenAI just released new o3 and o4-mini models which are available to all users and a new ChatGPT-4.5 model that is available to Plus and Pro subscribers.

These new models see some significant improvements over previous ChatGPT models, particularly regarding speed and their ability to solve multifaceted problems.

But the thing that has really boosted ChatGPT’s user base significantly over the last few weeks is its new native image generation. That’s the feature I’ve noticed my own friends, who don’t normally dabble in AI, starting to use ChatGPT for, particularly the trends for producing Studio Ghibli-like images and the action figure trend.

OpenAI estimates ChatGPT has crossed the 400 million weekly active users barrier since February. People are using ChatGPT in hugely creative ways because of it, and on the surface, that could be what Altman is referring to.

But I think there's more to it. I think Sam Altman sees AI as the thing that is going to usher in a new Golden Age for humanity. Let me explain why.

The pace of change

The Renaissance was a gradual unfolding of new ideas in art, architecture, science, and philosophy that happened in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, providing us with some of mankind's greatest works of art, like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

In contrast, the Industrial Revolution, which happened in the mid-18th century starting in Britain, saw a sudden shift in productivity, which transformed the entire country in favour of manufacturing goods, leading to rapid economic growth. It wasn't associated with any intellectual blossoming, and could quite easily be caricatured as having a negative effect on the lives of everyday people.

By comparing AI to the Renaissance, Altman could be saying that its effects will be gradual, rather than revolutionary; however, to me, it seems that there is nothing gradual about the pace of change that AI is leading.

What I think he’s getting at is that the change is more subtle and philosophical. AI is shaking things up rapidly, but it's leading to changes in how people think and how they see the world, rather than just new ways to do what we’ve already done more effectively.

A Messiah complex?

Like many incredibly successful tech leaders, it’s possible that Altman has a bit of a Messiah complex, but it's impossible to deny that he is shaping our future right now.

Reading his blog, you can see the same themes emerging, of AI leading to us having to reimagine what a human being is, particularly in his most recent entry called Three Observations.

“The world will not change all at once; it never does. Life will go on mostly the same in the short run, and people in 2025 will mostly spend their time in the same way they did in 2024. We will still fall in love, create families, get in fights online, hike in nature, etc.”, writes Altman.

But he realises that there are going to be human casualties in terms of jobs in his new AI future, and he wants us to start thinking about what it is that humans actually do, or can do, right now.

“But the future will be coming at us in a way that is impossible to ignore, and the long-term changes to our society and economy will be huge. We will find new things to do, new ways to be useful to each other, and new ways to compete, but they may not look very much like the jobs of today. “

(Image credit: Shutterstock / NicoElNino) A new Golden Age of AGI

After a long period of cultural decline and stagnation, which are perhaps unfairly referred to as the Dark Ages by various historians, the Renaissance ushered in a new Golden Age of cultural flourishing.

AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) remains the goal for OpenAI, and Altman could very well be right that a new Golden Age is on the way because of it. Perhaps we will look back at this era of AI evolution leading to AGI as more of a Renaissance than a revolution.

Today’s problems with social media and fake news could be looked at as our own digital Dark Ages, and I’d love Altman to be right and that the progress of AI towards AGI will lead to a new Golden Age of peace, prosperity and stability for mankind, but I think it's still too early to call it.

Many are convinced that AGI could even lead to the end of humanity.

Of course, time will tell. Let's just hope we are still here in a decade to look back and decide if Sam Altman was right or wrong.

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Google faces an antitrust trial over its alleged misuse of AI products, which could be perceived to be strengthening its dominance in online search – something it’s already under the microscope about.

The Department of Justice has set out to break Google’s monopoly over the search market, potentially reshaping the internet landscape by giving other companies a chance to get in on the action.

With the investigation ongoing, it’s unclear what consequences Google might face, but it’s been suggested that it might be forced to sell off its Chrome browser to pacifiy lawmakers and settle the antitrust investigation.

Google’s search monopoly could be boosted by AI

The DOJ argues that Google’s monopoly enhances its AI products, further boosting its dominance, however the US agency has suggested that broader, forward-looking remedies could be needed due to the growing nature of generative AI.

DOJ attorney David Dahlquist explained that Google’s search monopoly helps improve its AI products, but they also act as a way to entice users to the search engine, highlighting the intertwined nature of the company’s products and the complex nature of the lawsuit.

Among the deals highlighted at the trial was Google’s monthly payment to Samsung, which allows the company to pre-install the Gemini AI app on devices. The payment amounts to an “enormous sum,” Dahlquist said.

Very nearly 90% of all online searches use Google (via Statcounter), with Chrome accounting for around two-thirds of all online sessions.

Google’s exclusive agreements to be the default search engine have already been criticized in relation to its monopoly, including its $20 billion payment to Apple in 2022 alone (via Bloomberg).

Google has said that its AI products are unrelated to the search engine case (via Reuters) and that it plans to appeal once a final judgment is made.

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Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #1184).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1185) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• V

• P

• C

• D

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1185) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1185, are…

• VALET
• PUPAL
• CREEP
• DRIFT

I was patting myself on the back after getting two fast words – VALET and DRIFT. Valet was less deduction and more past experience of Quordle’s favorite words. But then the crash came and with it three attempts to get CREEP.

I’m annoyed, because I waver between using COULD and WOULD as a start word and if I’d gone with COULD I would have finished much more quickly today. A prime case of coulda woulda shoulda.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1185) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1185, are…

• AWARE
• FRUIT
• SOOTY
• SHEET

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1184, Tuesday, 22 April: POUTY, CHEST, BROOM, TEPEE
• Quordle #1183, Monday, 21 April: SHARD, PRINT, SUMAC, LEACH
• Quordle #1182, Sunday, 20 April: DINER, HORDE, SHONE, FUGUE
• Quordle #1181, Saturday, 19 April: GRADE, LAUGH, RAINY, EXULT
• Quordle #1180, Friday, 18 April: DEBUT, GLADE, BASTE, PESTO
• Quordle #1179, Thursday, 17 April: SPRAY, RAMEN, SHELF, COURT
• Quordle #1178, Wednesday 16 April: STUMP, GRAFT, CHORD, INPUT
• Quordle #1177, Tuesday 15 April: SLEET, MERIT, HARSH, FORAY
• Quordle #1176, Monday 14 April: DRAWL, CROOK, ACTOR, LANCE
• Quordle #1175, Sunday 13 April: SHALE, KINKY, SHORN, WHOOP
• Quordle #1174, Saturday 12 April: BLIND, OVOID, CACHE, THING
• Quordle #1173, Friday 11 April: FOLLY, PITHY, SCOWL, CURLY
• Quordle #1172, Thursday 10 April: LEAST, SEWER, UNTIE, NOOSE
• Quordle #1171, Wednesday 9 April: LITHE, LEFTY, KNOLL, MULCH
• Quordle #1170, Tuesday 8 April: WIDTH, VISOR, MEDAL, BROOK
• Quordle #1169, Monday 7 April: BROTH, SHOUT, BRUTE, CABIN
• Quordle #1168, Sunday 6 April: AMBER, GAUZE, STORE, SLICK
• Quordle #1167, Saturday 5 April: GUSTY, VAULT, WHINE, BEGAT
• Quordle #1166, Friday 4 April: OAKEN, LOOPY, CURIO, BUTTE
• Quordle #1165, Thursday 3 April: ASCOT, JETTY, DRUNK, JOLLY

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #681).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #682) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• BEAN
• GAG
• TRUNK
• MUZZLE
• TAIL
• MAY
• ACT
• PAW
• TAD
• BIT
• ROOT
• SKETCH
• BRANCH
• FLAG
• FUR
• LEAF

NYT Connections today (game #682) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: In the woods
• GREEN: Cats and dogs
• BLUE: Stand up
• PURPLE: Add a word that rhyme with “coal”

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #682) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A TREE 
• GREEN: CANINE/FELINE FEATURES 
• BLUE: COMEDIC ROUTINE 
• PURPLE: ____ POLE 

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #682) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #682, are…

• YELLOW: PARTS OF A TREE BRANCH, LEAF, ROOT, TRUNK
• GREEN: CANINE/FELINE FEATURES FUR, MUZZLE, PAW, TAIL
• BLUE: COMEDIC ROUTINE ACT, BIT, GAG, SKETCH
• PURPLE: ____ POLE BEAN, FLAG, MAY, TAD

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

A fairly straightforward Connections day without any trickery or words that can go in several groups.

My only detour was thinking that there could be a common thread about mouth coverings, but it didn’t get much further than GAG and MUZZLE.

I got today's puzzle in order of difficulty, which always gives me a sense of harmony and that everything is working just the way it should do. On the rare occasions I’ve got the hardest/purple group first it feels as if it is a random fluke (usually it is). 

COMEDIC ROUTINE was missing the one element of a stand-up performance that has become a major part of comedian’s going viral on social media – responding to hecklers. That said, dealing with abusive audience members has become so commonplace it probably qualifies as a BIT.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, April 22, game #681)

• YELLOW: CANCEL, AS A PROJECT AXE, CUT, DROP, SCRAP
• GREEN: SEEN IN A POTTERY STUDIO CLAY, GLAZE, KILN, WHEEL
• BLUE: THINGS THAT ARE SLIPPERY BANANA PEEL, EEL, GREASE, ICE
• PURPLE: NATURAL PRODUCERS OF HEAT FIRE, LIGHTNING, SUN, VOLCANO

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, April 22 (game #415).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… What a softie!

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• LEFT
• STEP
• SLURP
• LEAN
• PEST
• SLICK

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #416) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 2nd column

Last side: bottom, 5th column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #416) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #416, are…

• PEACH
• CATERPILLAR
• CHENILLE
• DUCKLING
• SLIPPERS
• SPANGRAM: GET FUZZY

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 hint

The first word I got (PEACH) made me think we were looking for soft fruits, but my search for apricots and berries proved, erm, fruitless. Then I got CATERPILLAR and I was completely confused.

I saw the word caterpillar in stages – first cat, then cater, then the full word unfurling. 

In the dark as to the theme I used a hint to move me forward – ahh, just soft fuzzy stuff, then. I’m still not sure how caterpillars fit in, but I quite like these vague, random Strands themes. 

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, April 22, game #415)

• JUICES
• SOUP
• PASTRIES
• CHAI
• SANDWICHES
• ESPRESSO
• SPANGRAM: CAFE MENU

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Google and Samsung took the world by storm with their surprise Android XR glasses announcement – which was complete with an impressive prototype demonstration at a TED 2025 event – but you don’t need to wait until 2026 (which is when the glasses are rumored to be launching) to try some excellent XR smart glasses for yourself.

In fact, we’ve just updated our best smart glasses guide with two fantastic new options that you can pick up right now. This includes a new entry in our number one slot for the best AR specs you can buy (the Xreal One glasses) and a new pick in our best affordable smart glasses slot called the RayNeo Air 3S glasses.

(Image credit: Jason Redmond / TED)

Admittedly these specs aren’t quite what Google and Samsung are boasting the Android XR glasses will be, but the Xreal and RayNeo glasses are more for entertainment – you connect them to a compatible phone, laptop or console to enjoy your film, TV or gaming content on a giant virtual screen wherever you are – and they’re damn good at what they do.

What’s more they’re a lot less pricey than the Android XR glasses are likely to be (based on pricing rumors for the similar Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses), so if you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of AR before it takes off then these two glasses will serve you well.

The best of the best

So, let’s start with the Xreal One glasses: our new number one pick, that are easily the best of the best AR smart glasses around.

As I mentioned before these smart specs are perfect for entertainment – both on-the-go and at-home (say in a cramped apartment, or when you want to relax in bed). You simply connect them to a compatible device via their USB-C cable and you watch your favorite show, film, or game play out on a giant virtual screen that functions like your own private cinema.

This feature appears on other AR smart glasses, but the Xreal One experience is on another level thanks to the full-HD 120Hz OLED screens, which boast up to 600-nits of brightness. This allows the glasses to produce vibrant images that have superb contrast for watching dark scenes.

(Image credit: Future)

Image quality is further improved by electrochromically-dimmable lenses – lenses which can be darkened or brightened via electrical input that you can toggle with a switch on the glasses.

At their clearest the lenses allow you to easily see what’s going on around you, while at their darkest the lenses serve as the perfect backdrop to whatever you’re watching – blocking out most errant external light that would ruin their near-perfect picture.

Beyond their picture, these glasses are also impressive thanks to their speakers which are the best I’ve heard from smart glasses.

With sound tuned by Bose (creators of some of the best headphones around) the Xreal One glasses can deliver full-bodied audio across highs, midtones and bass.

You will find that using a separate pair of headphones can still elevate your audio experience (especially because they leak less sound than these glasses will), however, these are the first smart glasses I’ve tested where a pair of cans feels like an optional add-on rather than an essential accessory.

The Xreal Beam Pro is a superb companion (Image credit: Xreal)

Couple all that with a superb design that’s both functional, and fairly fashionable, and you’ve got a stellar pair of AR glasses. Things get even better if you snag a pair with an Xreal Beam Pro (an Android spatial computer which turns your glasses into a complete package, rather than a phone accessory).

Plus, it only looks set to get better with the upcoming Xreal Eye add-on which will allow the glasses to take first-person photos and videos, and which may help unlock some new spatial computing powers, if we’re lucky.

The best on a budget (but still awesome)

At $499 / £449 the Xreal One glasses are a little pricey. If you’re on a budget you’ll want to try the RayNeo Air 3S glasses instead.

These smart glasses cost just $269 (around £205 / AU$435). For that you’ll get access to their 650-nit full-HD micro-OLED setup that produces great images and audio that doesn’t necessitate a pair of headphones.

(Image credit: Future)

They’re a lot like the Xreal One glasses, but do boast a few downgrades as you might expect.

The audio performance isn’t quite as impressive. It’s fine without headphones but isn’t quite as rich as Xreal’s alternative, and it’s more leaky (so if you use these while travelling your fellow passengers may hear what’s going on too).

What’s more, while on paper their image quality should be better than the Xreal glasses the overall result isn’t quite as vibrant because the reflective lenses the glasses use as a backdrop aren’t as effective as the electrochromic dimming used by the Xreal Ones.

This allows more light to sneak through the backdrop leading to image clarity issues (such as the picture appearing washed out) if you’re trying to use the glasses in a brighter environment.

They also lack any kind of camera add-on option if that’s a feature you care about.

(Image credit: RayNeo)

But these glasses are still very impressive, as are the specs, and I think most people should buy them because their value proposition is simply so fantastic.

Whether you pick the Xreal One glasses of RayNeo Air 3S smart glasses you’ll be in for a treat – and if you love the taste of AR they provide you’ll have a better idea of whether the Android XR and other AR glasses will be worth your time.

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• The X5 is an update of the X4 with a bigger sensor, better build quality and longer battery life
• We're still waiting for DJI's rumored 360 camera, plus the GoPro Max 2
• The Insta360 X5 standard version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99

Our favorite 360-degree camera by a long shot just got even better with a decent, if iterative update.

The new Insta360 X5 comes a year after the X4, armed with improved low-light image quality and refined video modes, plus very welcome design tweaks including fully replaceable lenses – our X5 first impressions are on the way shortly.

The X5 steals a march on DJI's rumored 360-degree camera plus the yet-to-be announced GoPro Max 2, the release of which has been stalled by GoPro for years.

It might not be a huge upgrade, but the X5 is better than the X4 where it matters most, and further extends Insta360's dominance in the 360 camera space – and it only costs a fraction more than the X4 did at launch.

The Insta360 X5 Standard Version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99, while the Essentials Bundle costs $659.99 / £609.99 / AU$1,109.99 and includes an extra battery, fast charge case, 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, lens cap and carry case.

Let's take a look at what's new in 2025's model.

(Image credit: Insta360) The X5's updates will go a long way improving real-world use

Top of the X5 upgrades list is the all-new and larger twin 1/1.28-inch sensors and triple 'AI' chips (versus the twin chips in the X4), which should deliver much better low-light video quality, and we're all for those improvements.

The X4's smaller sensor and 8K resolution are pushed to their limits in every scenario other than optimum brightness, but the X5, complete with its PureVideo mode, appears to be an altogether more versatile 360 camera.

Active HDR video in 5.7K resolution is now available at up to 60fps, whereas previously the resolution and frame rates were more limited – and that's something we noticed in our X4 review.

Build quality has also been improved, with tougher, fully replaceable lenses that are sure to be a hit with demanding users. 360 cameras have bulbous twin lenses that are at risk of damage – but here they can be swapped out in the event of any mishaps.

We also get a magnetic mount on the camera's underside a la GoPro, which makes moving the camera between mounts all the easier and quicker.

Waterproofing has been upped to 49ft / 15m, plus there's a higher-capacity battery for longer record times – now up to three hours for 5.7K, an approximately 40% increase from the X4. The X5's battery can also be charged to 80% via USB-C in just 20 minutes.

A built-in wind guard with wind-reduction mode improves in-camera audio quality, while a new wireless mic accessory is designed to easily pair with the X5, and makes it a viable option as a vlogging camera – in fact, the X5 could be your one-stop action and vlogging camera.

(Image credit: Insta360)

Crucially, it looks like the editing process for 360-degree videos has been refined, with new features and tools in Insta360's app. These include the new InstaFrame mode, which simultaneously records a flat video with auto frame (including AI subject-detection skills) to keep your subject at the center of the action for video output, with no editing needed, plus a 360-degree version of the video which can be kept as back up for further edits, should you wish. Stats from the likes of Apple Watch and Garmin devices can be overlaid, too.

And those sizable video files can be automatically backed up to the cloud using the Insta360+ Cloud Service, with Basic 200GB, Pro 1TB and Premium 2TYB subscription options – prices are on the Insta360 website.

We think Insta360 has delivered some sensible updates over the X4 that should make the X5 the more versatile camera to shoot, edit and upload with. We'll be bringing you our hands-on first impressions shortly, but – spoiler alert if it wasn't already obvious – the X5 is the new 360-degree camera to beat.

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• Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek announced they are leaving CISA
• Neither said where they would go next
• Resignations and redundancies could be causing a brain drain at CISA

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost two senior officials on the same day. Bob Lord, and Lauren Zabierek both announced they were leaving the agency on LinkedIn, in the span of an hour.

Bob Lord served as a Senior Technical Advisor at CISA since 2022. Before that, he was the Chief Security Officer at the Democratic National Committee from 2018, where he joined after spending roughly two years as Yahoo’s Chief Information Security Officer.

Lauren Zabierek, on the other hand, was a CISA senior advisor with previous roles in Recorded Future, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

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It uses zero-knowledge encryption and offers features like two-factor authentication, dark web monitoring, secure file storage, and breach alerts to protect against cyber threats.

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Brain drain

Both expressed their gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve their country, and neither said where they would go from here.

In a new report, The Record says that the departures are the latest sign of a “brain drain” that’s taking place at CISA. “The Trump administration could soon axe up to 1,300 employees, cutting about half of CISA’s full-time staff, and another 40% of its contractors,” it said.

The publication also reminded that the agency also tried to fire 130 probational staffers but was blocked by the court. Also, the Department of Homeland Security tried to buy out employees who voluntarily resigned by April 14.

CISA Executive Director Bridget Bean said the agency “remains laser-focused on working across the public and private sectors to improve the nation’s cybersecurity.”

“This is why we continue to urge companies to develop products that are secure by design, instead of passing the cost of poorly designed products on to consumers,” she added. “While CISA’s approaches to Secure by Design evolve, our commitment to the principles remain steadfast. I thank Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek for helping to lay the foundation on which future work in this space can be built.”

Via The Record

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• Fortnite is celebrating Star Wars with a five-part saga starting May 2
• New updates for Fortnite: Galactic Battle will be released weekly until June and add new Star Wars-themed features
• Players will be able to unlock new Star Wars skins like Darth Jar Jar

Star Wars is coming back to Fortnite next month for an all-new collaboration that will be updated over five weeks.

Announced during Star Wars Celebration, Fortnite: Galactic Battle begins on May 2 and is a five-part saga where players will "experience new Star Wars gameplay" every week until June, which will lead to an in-game narrative live event.

This celebration event will include a fresh Star Wars-themed Battle Pass inspired by iconic characters from the franchise that players will be able to unlock as skins, including Emperor Palpatine, Wookie Cuddle Team Leader, Darth Jar Jar, and more.

From the new trailer, which you can watch below, it looks like Luke Skywalker and Mace Windu will also be making an appearance, and players will be able to pilot and co-pilot X-wings and TIE fighters, and explore themed map locations.

The first part of Galactic Battle begins on May 2 with Imperial Takeover and will be followed by four more updates across four more weeks. You can check out the dates below.

• Imperial Takeover – May 2, 2025
• The Pull of the Force – May 8, 2025
• Mandalorian Rising – May 22, 2025
• Star Destroyer Bombardment – May 29, 2025
• Death Star Sabotage – June 7, 2025

Fortnite Chapter 6 is currently ongoing with Fortnite: Lawless, and will end on May 2 when Fortnite: Galactic Battle kicks off, so there's still time to complete any challenges and the season's Battle Pass before then.

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• Andor season 2's multi-year story will show how Cassian and Bix's relationship evolves
• Diego Luna and Adria Arjona have teased a "complex but beautiful" dynamic between them
• The Star Wars show's final season works to this dynamic's benefit, Luna added

Andor season 2 will show how the "complex but beautiful" relationship between Cassian and Bix changes in the four years before Rogue One.

Diego Luna and Adria Arjona, who play the duo in the Star Wars TV show, suggested that their characters' dynamic will shift and evolve throughout its final season. And, while they wouldn't be drawn on where the series leaves their relationship leading into Rogue One, it sounds like they'll individually and collectively be put through the emotional wringer.

As a TV prequel that directly leads into the aforementioned 2016 Star War movie, Andor's second and final season has to end with a particular outcome.

However, the steps taken to reach that point weren't predetermined during Rogue One's development. As such, the Disney+ show's cast and crew had the freedom to reach that marker in whatever way they saw fit.

Bix and Cassian's relationship will be put through the wringer in season 2 (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

With only one more season left to fill in the gaps between Andor season 1 and Rogue One, though, the series' second installment had to do plenty of lifting on the storytelling and character evolution front.

Indeed, the 12 episodes that comprise season 2 are split into four trilogy-style events, which each three-episode arc depicting a specific event in each of the four years between Andor's debut season and its sequel film. For more information on the Star Wars timeline, read our guide on how to watch the Star Wars movies and TV shows in order.

But I digress. This season's four-year narrative cycle provided the cast of Andor season 2, Luna and Arjona included, with the opportunity to explore the ever-changing dynamics between their characters. And, as the pair told me prior to one of the best Disney+ shows' return, that not only allowed them to examine the ups and downs that every relationship faces, but how the addition of a third wheel – the growth of the nascent Rebel Alliance – impacts it, too.

TOMORROW.Don't miss the three-episode premiere of Andor Season 2, streaming tomorrow on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/jAA1Wb8YiLApril 21, 2025

"Their relationship is so dependent on what happens outside of them," Arjona told me, "And I think that's one of the reasons why it's so complex. It's not just about them. There's something really big happening outside of them and, as the season progresses, you'll see how it just gets more and more complicated."

"This cause is asking for the best from them," Luna added. "And that influences how this relationship evolves. It's very complex and and beautiful, and four years is a good time for a relationship to actually have an arc, which you'll see throughout season two.

There's something really big happening outside of them

Adria Arjona, Andor season 2 actor

"From Cassian's perspective, in season one, he's far from being ready to join a revolution, have a love story, or really connect with anyone else but himself. He's in a very selfish, cynical period of his life.

"Now, he's starting to understand that the real meaning behind everything is making these connections," Luna continued. "He's opening up, being more honest, is finding love, and has a newfound commitment to his ideals. And, it's sad that all of this happens at the same time! One doesn't go with the other and you'll see the full effect of that."

I have plenty more exclusive coverage to bring you in the days and weeks ahead, so be sure to check back in with me soon. In the meantime, read my spoiler-free review of Andor season 2, or read more about this season in the section below.

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• CEOs agree that cybersecurity is now critical for business growth
• Three in five are concerned about cybersecurity threats
• Security leaders should demonstrate the value

More than four in five (85%) CEOs agree that a good cybersecurity strategy is now critical for business growth in an increasingly digital and connected world.

The figures, from a Gartner study, reveal that three-fifths (61%) are concerned about cybersecurity threats, which the emergence of artificial intelligence has influenced.

Gartner also noted that risk thresholds have shifted, with changes in commercial activity and political debates about AI, adding that cybersecurity has evolved to something far greater than just a protection system.

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Cybersecurity is now a core business consideration

“With 85% of CEOs recognising its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives,” explained Distinguished VP Analyst David Furlogner.

The report also touches on regulatory changes when it comes to AI, with CEOs seeing a direct linkage between cybersecurity capabilities and enterprise growth. In order to inform their strategies, Gartner says security leaders should assess risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection.

“CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth,” Furlonger continued, suggesting that change must come from the fundamental C-suite level.

However, while it’s on CEOs to demonstrate the role of security leaders, Furlonger says it’s on security leaders to demonstrate the value of their strategy: “Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cybersecurity aids enterprise growth.”

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• Fire TV Sticks may move to a new OS later this year
• Vega OS is already running on some Echo devices
• Third-party Fire TVs may stick with Android for now

Amazon is making huge changes to its Fire TV platform this year in a move that's definitely coming to us from the "What could go wrong?" files.

A new report says that the Fire TV Stick devices will be shipping with a completely new operating system later this year. The devices currently run a modified version of Android, but the move will be to Amazon's own Vega OS.

As someone who dreads the inevitable issues that even a minor software or firmware change can cause, I'm not sure this is going to be a smooth transition with every bug and incompatibility stomped from day one. And it's also going to reduce the flexibility of future Fire TV devices.

The software change is expected to come to Fire TV Sticks long before it appears in Fire TVs. (Image credit: Amazon) What is Amazon doing with its Fire TV software?

According to well-informed TV tech writer Janko Roettgers, Amazon is "courting major publishers" to bring their apps to the new operating system: unlike the current OS, Vega won't support Android apps, and they can't be ported over.

While Vega OS hasn't been officially announced, it'll be arriving on a new, non-Android TV streaming device later this year according to Roettgers.

Vega is based on the Linux operating system, and Roettgers discovered its existence in 2023. It already powers the Echo Show 5, the Echo Hub and the Echo Spot.

Roettgers says that some big names are already on board. "I’ve been able to confirm that Paramount, Rakuten and the BBC’s UKTV subsidiary are among the publishers building TV apps using the Kepler SDK," says the report.

It doesn't look like the move will apply to Fire TV televisions from Amazon's partners: they appear to be moving to Android 14, based on other documentation. Perhaps that update will come to existing Fire TV Sticks and Cubes too.

However, speculation that this Android 14 move meant Vega was being ditched appears to be incorrect, at least according to Roettgers. The big danger here is that Amazon may end up releasing a new device that's inferior to the existing ones – with more limited app supported, less well-embedded features, and more chance of bugs and problems.

The launched of Vega on Fire Sticks has reportedly already been delayed once, and there's not a lot of time to get all apps polished and ready for a 2025 launch, so perhaps it'll be pushed back again – watch this space.

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Everybody loves a good medical drama, as the success of The Pitt shows. That's why Grey's Anatomy continues to sit atop the streaming charts.

It's currently the ninth most-watched show on Hulu this past week and has remained in the top 10 since becoming the second most-streamed show in 2024. With over 20 seasons to stream, that's a lot of red hot white coat action.

If you've already binged one of the best Hulu shows, or if you're looking for something medical-themed but in a different way, there's no shortage of medical-set shows to stream online: TV networks know they're reliable ratings-grabbers, so they've been making them for decades.

That makes Hulu particularly good for ER-based adventures: its catalog of network TV shows is more packed than the waiting area of your local ER. And among those shows are three that are particularly likely to get your heart monitor beeping.

ER

I need to warn you about this one: if like me you watched ER back in the day, the sight of Robbie from The Pitt (Noah Wyle) as fresh-faced junior Dr Carter will make you feel older than Methuselah. The mid-90s show is very similar to The Pitt in its fast-paced action and ensemble cast, and it made a star of a young actor called George Clooney.

The show was highly rated by critics – season 2 got the full 100% rating – but it's worth noting that while ER was pretty good in its portrayal of gay and lesbian characters, like other shows of the 90s its portrayal of trans and intersex characters is appalling.

House

What if Sherlock Holmes, but in a hospital? That's the elevator pitch for House, in which cranky genius Dr Gregory House (Hugh Lawrie, an incredible bit of casting) solves medical mysteries.

Like ER its second season has the full 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and while it's less impactful now its high production values and its use of a terribly flawed human – House is a misanthrope and a drug addict – as the hero made it stand out from the medical drama crowd.

9-1-1

With a 94% rating for its eighth season, 9-1-1 clearly doesn't lose any of its momentum: it gets better as it goes along. It's about first responders dealing with traumatic events, and watching Season 1 the Financial Times predicted that "it could yet turn out to be a classic of the lantern-jawed hero genre."

Like many shows it can teeter on the edge of silliness and sometimes falls right into it, but that's part of the appeal: as Paste Magazine put it, "this trashy show is spectacular [and] you must immediately begin watching this nonsense."

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• Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has teased the future of the Super Mario Bros. series
• When asked about the absence of a mainline Mario game for the Switch 2, Bowser said, "Stay tuned"
• He says Nintendo has a big catalog and that he's "sure will make its way to the platform"

Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser may have teased the next mainline Super Mario game for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Speaking to CNN following the big Switch 2 Direct, Bowser was asked about the noticeable absence of a new mainline Mario game for the Switch 2, something that many were expecting to be revealed, considering the massive success of Super Mario Odyssey last generation.

Bowser didn't confirm or deny that a new mainline Mario game is in development for the new handheld, but he did drop a hint that suggested Nintendo has plans for the series.

"Stay tuned," Bowser said. "You know, we have a long, long catalog, and a long list of (intellectual property) that I’m sure will make its way to the platform."

Although there won't be a new Super Mario game to look forward to anytime soon, Mario Kart World has officially been announced and will be launching alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle which includes a digital copy of the upcoming game.

Pre-orders are now live in the UK. US pre-orders are set to begin on April 24 after Nintendo delayed its initial April 9 date as it assessed the potential impact of tariffs.

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• AI is lowering the barrier for entry into cybercrime
• Deepfakes and fake websites take minutes to prop up
• Users need to be careful

Sophisticated scam campaigns that used to take cybercriminals weeks to set up can now pop up in minutes, Microsoft is warning. The difference? Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).

The tools that emerged a few years ago, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney, and many others have not just cut down on time needed to prepare a sophisticated internet scam, they have also lowered the barrier for entry allowing even rookie fraudsters to prepare and run advanced campaigns.

In the latest Cyber Signals report on AI assisted scams, Microsoft said that cybercriminals are using GenAI for more than “just” phishing email copy. They create deepfakes (usually fake videos of celebrities endorsing a project), and create AI-generated “sham websites” mimicking legitimate businesses.

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Phishing and fraud

“What used to take scammers days or weeks to create will now take minutes,” Microsoft warned.

But at the end of the day, this is still “just” phishing and fraud - people can mitigate the risk by taking it slow on the internet. Microsoft says the best thing to do is not to be fooled with “limited-time” deals and countdown timers, to only click on verified ads (many scam sites spread through AI-optimized social media ads), and to be skeptical of social proof (scammers can use AI-generated reviews, influencer endorsements, and testimonials to exploit trust people have in social media).

Finally, users should never provide personal or financial information to people reaching out via unsolicited SMS or email messages. “You should never provide a Social Security number, banking details, or passwords to an unverified employer,” it said.

Paying for a job opportunity is almost always a red flag. The best advice is usually the simplest: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Artificial intelligence will make internet fraud even more dangerous, but with a little common sense and a little care - it doesn’t have to be successful.

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