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Google "could face breakup" after being found guilty of having illegal ad tech monopolies

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 05:27
  • A US judge has deemed Google violated antitrust laws
  • It reportedly monopolized ad market by tying to of its products together
  • Google could have to sell off parts of its business, but remedies are yet to be confirmed

A Virginia District Judge has ruled Google violated antitrust laws by “willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in the advertising technology market, spelling potentially grave consequences for the tech giant.

The ruling follows a 2023 lawsuit by the Department of Justice, backed by eight separate US states, accusing the company of harming rivals, publishers and consumers online.

Google was specifically found guilty of monopolizing the market by tying together two parts of its adtech stack – DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) and Ad Exchange (AdX).

Judge rules that Google violated antitrust laws

Despite the findings, the judge did not find a monopoly in advertiser ad networks, representing a partial win for Google.

Although Google has been found guilty, the judge did not determine any remedies. A separate court hearing will set out what Google must do to comply with antitrust laws and set straight any violations. Consequences could include breaking up Google’s ad business, such as selling off Google Ad Manager, and further behavioral remedies like prohibiting Google from self-preferencing in ad auctions.

“Having found Google liable, the Court will set a briefing schedule and hearing date to determine the appropriate remedies for these antitrust violations,” the decision confirms.

Noting the continued employment of anticompetitive business practices for more than a decade, the judge said: “ In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web.”

“We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half. The Court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don’t harm competition," Google’s VP of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland told TechRadar Pro.

"Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective."

Google is also in hot water about its search market dominance – nine in 10 (89.7%) of all internet searches tracked by Statcounter used Google. Bing, in second place, accounted for just 4%.

If the company is found guilty of violation there, it could also be forced to sell off its Chrome business, a browser that accounts for two in three (66.2%) browser sessions globally. That case is ongoing.

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OneOdio's DJ headphones have two features non-DJs will love –but for most listeners, there are better-sounding options for the money

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 05:00
OneOdio Studio Max 1: Two-minute review

According to friends of mine who've tried it, and a quick Google check to see if they know what they’re talking about, the best headphones for DJs (and other kinds of live music performers, by all accounts) are wired ones. Why? Latency – going wireless incurs a lag, and that's just not OK when you're building a set or trying to keep to a beat. But all of this is something OneOdio seems set on challenging with its new Studio Max 1 DJ headphones.

These new wireless cans aren’t aiming for our list of the best wireless headphones, but instead aim to provide musicians with a tempting wireless rival to the current wired hegemony – with the option to go back to wired if you'd like to. So, a sort of best wired headphones hybrid proposition, if you will.

In many ways they work, with a range of useful features and some handy in-box extras that you don’t see in many rivals. However, TechRadar is first and foremost a consumer website and for everyday non-DJ cans – or even people who want an audio solution for work and for play – and the Studio Max 1 don’t cut the mustard I'm afraid.

The primary issue is that the headphones just don’t sound good. Audio is oddly crunchy and with overblown bass that drowns out most everything else, and treble is so weak that even spoken-word audio doesn’t sound great.

The Studio Max 1 are also a little tiresome to set up, with a Bluetooth pairing process that’s a bit confusing and a design that needs some untangling when you use them, despite the lack of cables.

But there’s a lot to like here. OneOdio isn’t just giving you a pair of headphones in the box but several different cables (the cans have multiple ports) as well as a wireless transmitter to give you much further range for Bluetooth. For many users, the inclusion of this transmitter is all that it’ll take to make the Studio Max a must-buy; cutting the cable gives DJs a lot more freedom anyway, and the transmitter gives you even longer range.

A further potential downside of wireless over wired DJ headphones is that they need recharging, unlike wired ones. However OneOdio has given the Studio Max 1 such a big battery life that it lasts a whopping 120 hours between charges, a figure so high that it dwarfs even its longest-lasting rivals. Honestly, if battery life is important to you and you’re not a DJ, it still might make these cans a great buy.

These fantastic features aren’t quite enough to offset the poor audio quality in terms of my star rating for this review, but they'll definitely give some buyers a reason to ignore my rating and pick up the OneOdio Studio Max 1 anyway.

OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in February 2025
  • Sell for $169.99 / £135 / AU$275

The OneOdio Studio Max 1 were announced in December 2024, and were released a few months later in February 2025.

You can pick up the headphones for $169.99 / £135 / AU$275, which is a little north of some of our favorite Bluetooth headphones but a reasonable price when you consider what comes in the box: there’s a carry bag, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm-3.5mm audio cable, 3.5mm-6.35mm audio cable, 6.35mm audio adaptor and special Bluetooth transmitter. Yes, it's all included in that upfront cost.

The world of wireless DJ headphones features few competitors so far, and OneOdio’s offering is relatively affordable compared to, say, the AIAIAI TMA-2 which costs $300 / £250 (roughly AU$500). Of course, DJs or musicians can also find many worthy offerings by heading over to our list of the best headphones, but they won’t all have the full range of jacks and features.

Here's the thing: for accessories and functionality, there's value here. The problem is, headphones need to sound good first and foremost – ideally to anyone who listens, whether pro mixer or dedicated music lover. And as we'll see, that's the main issue with the OneOdio Studio Max: I don't think they'll appeal to either listener.

OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Specs OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)
  • Impressive 120-hour battery life
  • Myriad connectivity options
  • No ANC or app (but that's not really the point)

Let’s start with the OneOdio Studio Max 1’s best feature: its battery life. Stamina here stretches to a whopping 5 days of listening time. That’s right, days and not hours – OneOdio puts the figure at 120 hours.

That’s by far one of the longest battery lives you’ll find on wireless headphones, making this a fantastic pick for all kinds of users who may be unavailable to charge (or to remember to charge) their headphones regularly.

Certainly helping that battery life, but not helping all listeners, is the lack of any kind of noise cancellation in the Studio Max 1 (beyond the natural damping and passive isolating effect of the ear pads).

Given that you may want to use the DJ headphones in, say, busy music-filled halls where you’d want to cut away audience and reverb and projected music to hear just your turntables, it feels an odd choice in 2025 – although it's true that traditional DJ cans don't come bearing ANC. The thing is, it also makes these headphones a little less appealing for everyday listeners, although again, hybrid users will likely look to all the other things they can do that others can't.

(Image credit: Future)

So back to the Studio Max’s unique features, then: in the box OneOdio has included something called the Transmitter M1. You plug this into your musical instrument or DJ deck to greatly extend the Bluetooth connection range, and I can see this being useful in many a professional or casual situation. It also lets you plug into devices that don’t have on-board Bluetooth like guitar pedals, certain DJ decks and, very usefully for me, custom-build PCs which don’t have Bluetooth adaptors.

Also helping connectivity is a feature which OneOdio calls Rapid WiLL+, and it’s basically an improved latency for everyday Bluetooth connection. That’s not its only connection option though as the headphones, as mentioned, have a 3.5mm and 6.25mm jack as well as in-box cables to use them. There are a plethora of connection options available, making these really adaptable headphones.

Bluetooth users beware though: I found the Studio Max hair-pullingly annoying to set up via the standard in the first instance, due to (as I found out later) the headphones defaulting to pairing in a different mode. I never normally say this, but you’ll need to keep two eyes on the in-box instruction manual to make sure you set this up properly.

If you’re using your Studio Max 1 alongside a smartphone or tablet, you might miss the lack of a companion app and any of the features it might bring (an equalizer, touch control customization, visual indicator of battery life, etc). Almost all the features of these headphones boast are musician-friendly ones, and although notable and niche, the Studio Max 1 do therefore lack certain perks mere mortals may have become used to – and I do mean those you'd find in an app.

  • Features score: 4/5
OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)
  • Bulky body
  • Many ports
  • Many more buttons

The Studio Max 1 are rather large 'I'm the DJ' headphones – as far as I can recall, they’re the first headphones I’ve ever tested which I could see in my peripheral when worn normally. So don’t expect svelte little things, these are industrial-strength and industrial-sized.

The Studio Max 1 are big over-ear headphones with a padded headband and thick padded cups that tip the scales at 350g. Something I grew to really appreciate about them is how moveable they are, making them easy to fold for a bag, fit on different heads or listen with just one ear pressed against the corresponding driver: each cup rotates across 90-degrees inward to fold as well as 180 degrees on the x-axis and almost a full 360 degrees of tilt.

This did get a little confusing sometimes when I wanted to quickly listen to music, yet had to spend ages fiddling about and rotating cups, but I’m still in support of it.

(Image credit: Future)

The OneOdio take quite a lot of getting used to, and that’s because of how many different ports and buttons the headphones have. On the left cup you’ve got the USB-C charging port and the 6.25mm jack – so far, so simple. However, on the right side we’ve got the 3.5mm jack as well as a volume up button, a power button, a volume down button and another icon which simply says ‘B’ that I constantly forgot the function for (it’s for changing pairing modes).

When listening to music, I’d find it impossibly hard to feel out which of these little plastic stumps was for volume, and I quickly decided to stick to my input device’s volume buttons instead.

I couldn’t find an IP rating for the Studio Max 1 – they’re not exactly streamlined enough for swimming, but it’s something to bear in mind if you’re DJing at, say, a pool party or foam party (in case you take a time machine back to the 90s).

  • Design score: 3/5
OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tinny-sounding audio
  • Overwhelming bass
  • One issue better, one worse with wired audio

Given the range of features and the target audience of live musicians on a budget, you can begin to understand that perhaps connectivity was key and music quality wasn’t the most important aspect when delivering the OneOdio Studio Max 1 to meet a brief. I need to say that to get you in a forgiving mood, because these headphones don’t sound great.

The one thing going for the Studio Max 1 is a meaty amount of bass, so if that’s all you care about, then you might find the headphones acceptable. But it’s an indistinct and crunchy one-note kind of bass, so while you can feel your head shake, it’s hard to make out the actual strumming of a bass guitar or timbre of lower-register instruments.

(Image credit: Future)

I also struggled to enjoy vocals and other treble lines when they were barely audible behind the bass, a problem that also affects mid-register instruments and… well, anything that isn’t bass, really. Boy, did I wish that OneOdio had given these things some kind of equalizer I could use to reduce bass!

Another issue with the sound quality was simply that music sounds a little tinny, most notably in the usual suspects like drum hi-hats and rhythmic guitar riffs but apparent, per song, in everything from vocals to classical instruments. I say “a little” to indicate that it’s not as bad as in, say, cheapie $30 headphones, but it’s more than I’ve come to expect at this price.

It's worth noting that I did most of my testing in Bluetooth mode. When I connected the headphones via wires, the bass problem was noticeably diminished. However, the audio was inexplicably even crunchier across the frequencies, which put me off using cables.

  • Sound quality: 2.5/5
OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: value

(Image credit: Future)

On their own, the OneOdio Studio Max 1 don’t quite justify their price, with the iffy audio quality making other headphones much more tempting.

However, OneOdio tilts the balance in its favor with all the in-box extras: the multiple cables, transmitter and carry bag and just their imposing size and meatiness all help the headphones to justify their cost.

  • Value: 3.5/5
Should I buy the OneOdio Studio Max 1? Buy them if…

You often struggle with Bluetooth range
If you're often wandering outside the Bluetooth range of your headphones, whether it's for specific use cases or you're just a pacer, the in-box transmitter with the Studio Max will stop your songs sounding patchy.

You have the worst memory for charging
Reliably forget to charge your gadgets for weeks at a time? The 120-hour battery life of these headphones means you don't need to.

Don’t buy them if…

You care about audio first and foremost
Audio isn't the most important aspect of headphones for everyone, but if it is for you, then the Studio Max 1 won't impress you very much.

You want lightweight headphones
There's no denying that the OneOdios are some pretty hefty headphones, and they won't win you fashion points.

OneOdio Studio Max 1 review: Also consider

OneOdio Studio Wireless C
These alternative headphones to the Studio Max from OneOdio have many similar features, including a very long battery life and 50mm driver, but without any of the DJ trappings. Oh, and they're much cheaper… 

AIAIAI TMA-2 Wireless
If you want DJ headphones, the AIAIAI options here are much more lightweight options. The battery life isn't comparable but they also come with a wireless transmitter. (Our AIAIAI TMA-2 experiential is incoming, but until then, you can read more about the older TMA Studio Wireless+).

How I tested the OneOdio Studio Max 1

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for two weeks
  • Tested with smartphone, computer and keyboard

I tested the OneOdio Studio Max 1 for two weeks before writing this review. For the most part I used them alongside my Android smartphone via Bluetooth but I also used them alongside my PC and plugged into a digital keyboard at several times too.

I listened to music and audiobooks with the headphones, both at home and about, and also watched a movie and several hours of TV with them at home. The keyboard I used them with was a cheapie one, and this part of the testing was largely to appreciate the versatility that the in-box wires provides.

I've been testing gadgets at TechRadar for six years, so have a wealth of knowledge to draw on for this review. I've been playing the keyboard for about 20, but that didn't help out here too much.

  • First reviewed in April 2025
Categories: Reviews

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday. Here's what to watch for

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 05:00

One top seed has never won a Stanley Cup. The other wasn't expected to make the playoffs at all. And a pair of brothers who burned bright for Team USA in February are set to return to the ice.

(Image credit: Bruce Bennett)

Categories: News

The iPhone 16 Pro Max helped me see – with a little help from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:30

My eyesight sucks. A detached retina and the subsequent operations to fix it, and the rise of glaucoma as a result, mean most of the vision in my left eye has gone. My right eye, on the other hand, is very short-sighted, meaning I can see bits of floating debris in the vitreous liquid behind the surface of my eye, which is distracting, and my current contact lens isn’t sitting correctly.

So while I can see, spotting fine details or seeing things clearly at a distance is a pain in the proverbial posterior. This harsh reality slammed into me particularly hard during a recent bachelor-party trip to Berlin. While steins of good German beer were consumed, we also did a lot of sightseeing – or at least my friends did, as I spent a good bit of time squinting.

That changed when I decided to lean on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, both of which I had on my person, with the latter as a backup but also because I’m a tech journalist and live the dual-ecosystem life.

Specifically, the 5x telephoto cameras on both flagship phones came in very handy, letting me zoom in on details on the Reichstag or the myriad of street art sprayed onto the walls and buildings of the city. But both phones really helped me and my poor eyes when visiting the Berlin Zoo.

Zooming at the zoo

Now I’m not a huge fan of zoos; I appreciate the preservation side of things, but I don’t like seeing animals in limited space. Berlin Zoo did at least seem to have plenty of space for its collection of creatures, which was promising but also a bit of a challenge for my bad eyes.

I found myself desperately squinting into smartly made enclosures to spot some of the smaller and more camouflaged animals, or get a proper look at the ones in large enclosures that were sitting as far away from visitors as possible; I don’t blame them.

Enter the telephoto cameras of the aforementioned flagship phones. These basically become my eyes when entering the areas where the animals were better camouflaged or elusive. And they let me capture shots that clipped past the crowds and let me get a nice framed image of a prowling leopard or bemused bear; see the photo gallery below.

Image 1 of 16

A selection of photos of animals taken at Berlin Zoo on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)Image 2 of 16

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(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

Advancements in the quality of cameras sensors, alongside optical zoom range and improved image processing – plus the addition of sensor fusion letting a phone take shots with multiple cameras at once and stitch an image out of them – has seen telephoto cameras, at least on some of the best phones, go from mild novelties to useful additions.

I’ve long favored telephoto cameras over ultra-wide ones, which can make me an outlier compared to some people. Maybe I just don’t have big groups of friends to capture in digital images. So the more recent push by flagship phones from bigger brands to go past 3x telephoto cameras and adapt 5x and above – think the past couple of generations of Galaxy, Pixel and Pro iPhones – has really caught my eye (pun partially intended).

And for helping me appreciate the range of animals at Berlin Zoo without enraging German animal handlers and administrators by leaping into lion enclosures, these telephoto cameras were basically essential.

Furthermore, the advancements in low-light photography have meant that when I entered a very dark section of the zoo where the nocturnal animals were kept, and where I basically couldn’t see, the night mode of the iPhone 16 Pro Max was a boon, letting me view various critters without activating a flash or anything obnoxiously disturbing.

Honestly, without such tech, I think I’d have stumbled from enclosure to enclosure without seeing a single critter.

(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

Now I do need to see an optician to get a new contact lens that actually fits, and I’m not saying that looking at life through a smartphone is the panacea to my poor eyes.

Yet my trip to Berlin and its zoo hammered home quite how capable two of the best camera phones are. Sure, upgrades to phone cameras have been iterative lately. Nevertheless, each improvement leads to a better overall experience, and in my case, basically saved me from what could have been a rather miserable and frustrating time.

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Categories: Technology

The iPhone 18 is again tipped to get a major performance boost – but price hikes could follow

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:30
  • The iPhone 18 is again tipped to make the 2 nm switch
  • It means more power and a higher cost to make
  • The phones are due to launch in September next year

Should you upgrade to the iPhone 17 this year, or wait for the iPhone 18? A new leak suggests that the 2026 iPhone is going to come with a significant performance boost, but might also have a notably higher price tag.

This comes from seasoned tipster Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media site Weibo (via MacRumors). Apparently, the A20 chip destined for the iPhone 18 series will switch from a 3 nanometer to a 2 nanometer manufacturing process – essentially packing more transistors into the same space.

That should mean a major boost in performance and efficiency (which then improves battery life). iPhone chips get faster every year of course, but where a nanometer (nm) jump is involved, the differences in generations should be even greater.

We've heard this rumor before, from well-placed sources, and we're even more likely to believe it now that it's been repeated again. Expect Apple to make a lot of noise about the performance of its iPhones when next year rolls around.

It'll cost you

The iPhone 16 launched in September 2024 (Image credit: Future)

The same tipster says (via Google Translate) that the cost of these chips is expected to "increase significantly", with "another round of price increases for new phones". Add in current tariff uncertainty, and the 2026 iPhone series could be the most expensive yet.

Other chip makers, including Qualcomm and MediaTek, are apparently moving to the same 2 nm process next year as well – so flagship smartphones might be more expensive across the board, not just when it comes to Apple's offerings.

Again, this is something that other tipsters have predicted. This isn't a completely new rumor, but it adds to the mounting evidence that the iPhone 18 handsets are going to be impressively powerful... and perhaps rather pricey too.

Expect more rumors like this for the rest of this year and into the next one. In the meantime, we're hearing that the iPhone 17 range could come with a substantial redesign, certain video recording improvements, and a brand new model.

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Best Internet Providers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

CNET News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:01
If you're looking for fast speeds in Chapel Hill, you're in luck. The area is well-known for its great offerings. But which is the very best for you?
Categories: Technology

You're probably taking over-the-counter painkillers incorrectly

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:00

People often use the wrong painkiller or take too much too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects, say pharmacists. Here are safer and more effective ways to take drugs like Advil and Tylenol.

(Image credit: Photo illustration by Beck Harlan/NPR)

Categories: News

5 takeaways from the week: Nearing a constitutional crisis?

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:00

The week was dominated by news about the Maryland man illegally deported to El Salvador. But there was also concern over tariffs and Robert F. Kennedy's work as Health and Human Services secretary.

(Image credit: Win McNamee)

Categories: News

The State Department is changing its mind about what it calls human rights

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:00

The agency's annual human rights reports are being purged of references to prison conditions, political corruption and other abuses.

(Image credit: Nicholas Kamm)

Categories: News

Yellowjackets season 3 finale made me shocked, surprised and sad – here are 3 things you may have missed

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 04:00

To say that the last episode of Yellowjackets season 3 was a killer would be an understatement: it was a highly dramatic, often surprising and very violent end to not just the season, but to some of the key characters too.

Warning: serious spoilers ahead!

If you haven't already seen the entire third season of one of the best Paramount+ shows please don't read on, because there were some important things in the season finale that I want to talk about, and in order to explain them I'm going to have to include some massive spoilers.

Trust me: Spoiling any of the surprises for you is definitely not what the wilderness wants.

Misty's smile was misdirection

(Image credit: Paramount Plus)

One of the most disturbing parts of Yellowjackets' very first episode was what happened immediately after the horrible death of Pit Girl, who of course we now know to be Mari.

There's a lingering moment in the pilot where, post-cannibalism, the camera focuses on Misty and she doesn't seem upset; she seems happy, with what you could describe as either a smirk or a smile.

It turns out that that was misdirection: we were set up to think that Misty was heartless or even evil, and in successive seasons that was reinforced by the animosity between her and Mari. But we now know that Shauna, not Misty, was the person who ensured that Mari would be Pit Girl.

Seeing Misty's smile in context at the end of season 3 showed us the real story: Misty was smiling because she knew her and Nat's plan – getting away to make that phone call on the repaired satellite phone – had worked.

Shauna's crown is hollow

(Image credit: Showtime; Paramount Plus)

In the very final moments we see Shauna become the Antler Queen, which of course you saw. But that coronation is misdirection again, because it's already a hollow victory: the Yellowjackets are turning against Shauna in both timelines because of her shocking actions.

Of course we know she makes it back home in the 1990s timeline, because if she didn't then we wouldn't have the present-day Shauna to be horrified by.

But with Misty and even Tai now lined up against her, I'm really not expecting a happy ending to Shauna's story. Not least because...

Callie is a killer

(Image credit: Paramount Plus)

Among the many revelations of the finale, one of the biggest is the identity of Lottie's killer – Callie. When Misty works it all out, she isn't slow to tell Jeff and Shauna. Jeff realizes that Shauna is, to put it mildly, not the greatest role model Callie could have, and spirits her away.

But something strange happened in the finale when Shauna finds empty closets and no sign of a note: nothing.

After an entire season where Callie and Jeff's characters became really important, their story just stops dead. We're no wiser about where they are or what they're doing than Shauna is.

I think that's a third bit of misdirection. I reckon that we're going to see a lot more of Callie in season four – and that that's not going to be good news for Shauna.

Remember, this is a show all about teens murdering people, and Mari's final words to Shauna were "you deserve all the bad things that are going to happen to you"... are you thinking what I'm thinking?

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Categories: Technology

The engineer's guide to staying ahead of cyber threats

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:52

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate. They go where the money, data, and opportunities are. And in today's hyper-connected world, engineering firms have become lucrative targets. The recent attacks on companies such as IMI and Smiths Group are a prime example of that. In engineering environments, cybersecurity can’t be just an add-on. Not when complex supply chains, high-value intellectual property, and critical infrastructure are at stake. Not when a single security breach can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Imagine an engineering firm spearheading smart infrastructure projects, embedding sensors into bridges to monitor structural integrity. A cyberattack could manipulate those readings, triggering unnecessary shutdowns, or worse, concealing a real threat. Now scale that risk across an entire industry reliant on smart manufacturing, Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices, and cloud-based systems. Every new digital advancement creates another entry point for hackers.

Yet, despite the dangers, cybersecurity in engineering is often reactive rather than proactive. Many firms treat security as patching vulnerabilities only after an attack has already taken place. So how does that mindset change?

From firefighting to prevention

Cybersecurity used to function like a fire department – teams would rush to put out flames after a breach. But today’s threat landscape demands something different, from continuous network monitoring and early detection to rapid response. This is where Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) comes into play.

SIEM operates like a high-tech security nerve center, constantly scanning logins, file access, and network traffic for anomalies. When it detects suspicious activity such as an unauthorized attempt to access sensitive blueprints, it raises an alert before real damage occurs. And if an attack does happen, SIEM doesn’t only just sound the alarm – it provides forensic insights, helping companies understand how the breach occurred, where it spread, and how to prevent it from happening again.

For an industry where security failures can have life-or-death consequences, this kind of proactive defense is non-negotiable.

High-tech meets the human element

The good news is that the time it takes to detect and contain breaches is improving. Thanks to automation, in 2024, the average time dropped to 258 days, the shortest in seven years. But there’s still room for improvement, and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions are stepping up.

For instance, AI processes massive amounts of security data in real-time, identifying patterns in API calls, logins, and system behavior to flag anomalies faster than any human team could. Think of it as a digital watchdog that never sleeps. When combined with SIEM, AI can pinpoint suspicious behavior, like an industrial machine suddenly executing unauthorized commands, before an incident escalates.

And beyond just detection, AI-driven automation reduces breach costs. In fact, research from IBM found that companies leveraging AI in cybersecurity saved an average of $2.22 million per breach compared to those that didn’t.

But even the most advanced systems can’t compensate for basic cybersecurity hygiene. An impressive 22% of last year’s breaches stemmed from avoidable human error – misconfigured settings, weak passwords, or falling for phishing emails. Yet, despite the risks, many companies remain critically understaffed in cybersecurity expertise. In fact, the World Economic Forum found that in 2024, only 14% of organizations felt confident in their ability to fend off cyberattacks.

A balanced approach is the only effective solution. While AI and automation enhance security, organizations still need skilled professionals to interpret threats, make critical decisions, and instill a culture of cyber awareness across their workforce.

Cost vs investment

Data breaches aren’t just technical issues, they can be financial disasters. In 2024, the average cost of a breach surged to $4.88 million, up from $4.45 million the previous year – a whopping 10% spike and the highest increase since the pandemic.

For engineering firms, the stakes are even higher. A single cyberattack on a company developing next-generation electric vehicles could leak years of research to competitors, wiping out its competitive edge overnight. A breach in a transportation infrastructure project could delay completion timelines, inflate costs, and erode public trust.

By embedding SIEM into their cybersecurity framework, engineering companies can ensure that every digital action – whether it’s accessing blueprints, placing procurement orders, or monitoring industrial processes – is continuously protected. The result? Reduced downtime, lower financial risk, and a reputation as a secure and forward-thinking industry leader.

We list the best RFP platform.

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

Categories: Technology

British businesses are getting used to AI at work - but there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:49
  • Snowflake research finds 93% of UK businesses report efficiency gains from GenAI
  • Many are also tweaking LLMs for the best output
  • Data and privacy concerns remain widespread, seperate EY report finds

Businesses are now getting to grips with AI and are implementing it with efficacy, marking a shift from the experimentation phase, with as many as 93% of UK businesses now reporting efficiency gains from generative AI (and 88% globally), new research from Snowflake has claimed.

Moreover, a staggering 98% are also training, tuning or augmenting their LLMs for better outcomes, demonstrating that companies know exactly where the tech’s benefits are and how to optimize it.

However, the usual hurdles and challenges remain in place, preventing some organizations from accessing the promised productivity benefits.

Businesses in the UK are pretty au fait with AI

Snowflake found nearly two-thirds (62%) of businesses are using AI in software engineering, with 69% using it for code reviews and debugging – both higher percentages than the global average.

AI technology is also proving popular in customer support (61%) and cybersecurity (69%) use cases, where workers are seeing faster first response times (59%), reduced manual workload (64%) and lower costs (56%).

Separate EY reporting reveals seven in 10 UK respondents have used AI in their daily lives in the past six months, but the findings conflict with Snowflake’s findings – only 44% have used it in a professional setting, lower than the global average of 67%.

Globally, EY says workers are using AI for writing or editing content (31%), learning about topics (30%) and generating new ideas (27%).

“They're not just experimenting – they're building with purpose,” Snowflake VP and UK&I Country Manager James Hall said about UK businesses.

“With smart investments in cloud infrastructure and a focus on actionable use cases, the UK is laying the groundwork to lead the next phase of gen AI transformation.”

The research also highlighted some of the challenges that businesses face when adopting AI at scale, with unstructured data presenting the biggest hurdle according to Snowflake.

EY added that privacy and security are also at the front of UK business leaders’ minds, with security breaches (71%), privacy violations (65%) and the reliability of AI outputs (67%) all cited as major concerns.

Looking ahead, EY UK&I AI Client Strategy Leader Catriona Campbell says that businesses must build worker confidence and demonstrate the value of AI.

“As AI continues to reshape our daily lives, it is crucial for business leaders to foster trust and transparency, empowering individuals to engage with AI on their own terms,” Campbell added.

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Leaked Razr Plus 2025 specs may have revealed everything about Motorola's next flip foldable

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:30
  • A full specs list for the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 has leaked
  • We know the phone is launching officially on April 24
  • Some useful upgrades appear to be on the way for the foldable

We're more than ready for a successor to the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, and we now have a better idea of what the Moto Razr Plus 2025 will bring along with it thanks to an extensive leak of the flip foldable's specs.

The specs have been published by 91mobiles and well-known tipster @OnLeaks, and add to Motorola's official announcement that this phone – which will be known as the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra outside of the US – is going to be unveiled on Thursday, April 24.

It seems we're set for some considerable upgrades: a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (up from the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3), 16GB of RAM (up from 12GB), and a 4,700 mAh battery (up from 4,000 mAh), with better wired and wireless charging speeds than before.

The main display is tipped to get a slight size bump from 6.9 inches to 7 inches, but the cover display is apparently staying the same size, at 4 inches. We'll get more storage inside, it sounds like: 512GB instead of 256GB.

Cameras and dimensions

The new model might be ever so slightly thicker than the current model, shown here (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

When it comes to cameras, the leak suggests the 50MP wide + 50MP 2x telephoto dual camera setup of the 2024 model will be replaced by a 50MP wide + 50MP ultrawide configuration – not as much zoom, but the option to fit more inside the frame.

If these details are accurate, the Moto Razr Plus 2025 will be a shade taller, thicker, and heavier than its predecessor, though not by much. Overall, it sounds like this is a respectable year-on-year upgrade, though as always the pricing will be crucial.

We've heard quite a few leaks and rumors in the build-up to the official launch later this month. Just a few days ago, benchmarks for the foldable phone appeared online, which also pointed to processor and memory upgrades.

It's likely that a standard Razr 2025 will show up at the same time as the Razr Plus 2025. We're also now looking forward to the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 flip foldable, which should be making an appearance sometime in July.

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A father remembers his only daughter, killed in the Oklahoma City bombing

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:06

In this edition of StoryCorps, a father remembers his daughter who was among 186 people killed when a federal office building in Oklahoma City was bombed 30 years ago.

Categories: News

What is the release date and launch time for The Last of Us season 2 episode 2?

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:00

The Last of Us season 2 has finally landed on TV screens across the globe – and if you're eager to watch its next episode, you'll need my help to find out when it'll make its debut.

Below, I'll tell you when The Last of Us TV show's latest chapter will be released in the US, UK, and Australia. You'll also learn which of the world's best streaming services it'll be available on. Oh, and I'll give you the details on when new episodes will air every single week.

Here, then, is when you can catch the follow-up to The Last of Us season 2 episode 1.

What time does The Last of Us season 2 episode 2 come out in the US?

Don't look so sad, Joel, episode 2 will be out soon! (Image credit: HBO/Liane Hentscher)

Episode 2 of the sophomore season of The Last of Us will be available to stream in the US on Sunday, April 20 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET. Just like its predecessors, the HBO exclusive's next installment is going to air on the aforementioned cable network and Warner Bros Discovery's super streamer Max.

When can I watch The Last of Us season 2's next episode in the UK?

Abby isn't happy that she has to wait a few more days for season 2's next episode (Image credit: HBO/Liane Hentscher)

The Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey-starring TV adaptation of Naughty Dog's video game series will return in the UK on Monday, April 21 at 2am BST.

As for where you can stream it, Sky Atlantic and Now TV are your friends on British shores.

When will The Last of Us season 2 episode 2 come out in Australia?

We'll be reunited with Toomy soon enough (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Episode 2 of one of the best Max shows will make its debut in Australia on Monday, April 21 at 11am AEST.

As I mentioned in my season 2 episode 1 release date and time article, Foxtel subscribers will be able to watch new episodes of The Last of Us on that platform, too.

The Last of Us season 2 full release schedule

More dangerous adventures await Ellie and Dina in season 2 (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Five more episodes of The Last of Us 2 are set to launch on the aforementioned streamers before the dystopian drama departs once again. You can find out when episode 3 and its follow-ups will arrive by consulting the list below.

  • Episode 1 – out now
  • Episode 2 – April 20 (US); April 21 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 3 – April 27 (US); April 28 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 4 – May 4 (US); May 5 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 5 – May 11 (US); May 12 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 6 – May 18 (US); May 19 (UK and Australia)
  • Episode 7 – May 25 (US); May 26 (UK and Australia)
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I tested Bird Buddy's Smart Bird Feeder Pro camera in my garden for six months, and its 2K video and AI smarts are some of the best I've seen

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 03:00
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro: one-minute review

The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro uses the same Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder housing that features in our Best Bird Feeder Cameras round-up, but the camera has been upgraded to a new 'Nature Cam' unit.

Being the same size as its predecessor, the new camera unit simply slots into the housing and is held in place with a magnet. Installation and set-up proved easy and I was up and running in minutes. The new camera is noticeably better, offering an improved dynamic range and color, but most importantly it is now 2K in resolution which can be activated with a Bird Buddy Premium subscription.

There is a good level of control over the notifications you receive, with the options to receive every possible visit to your feeder, or just the smart notifications of the visits that may be of interest, such as new bird species. Within the app, visits, or 'Postcards' as they are called, are saved to Collections, where you can go in and see all of the different birds (and other animals) that have stopped by. You can also see other Postcards that users around the world have chosen to share.

(Image credit: Future)

The overall Bird Buddy system is very design-oriented and full of nice touches, from the way that the optional solar panel roof can be fitted, to the food hatch on the rear, the bright yellow or blue color of the feeder and the neat but stylish packaging and app design; everything has been thought out with a purpose.

There is a range of additional accessories for the Bird Buddy, including the solar panel roof. This neatly slots into position, and as long as it is angled into sunlight for a part of the day, it should provide enough power that you don't need to remove the camera for charging, especially during the summer. Other accessories include a 3-in-1 Nutrition kit, which provides a water bottle, a fruit spike and a 'Jelly Tray', each designed to meet different birds' nutritional needs.

One area that could be seen as lacking are the additional features that other cameras offer. For example, the Birdfy range is effectively repackaged home security cameras, with all the capabilities such cameras provide, such as built-in lights and alarm systems - both of which can also be used (usually unsuccessfully) to scare away squirrels. If you are looking for a birdfeeder camera that doubles up as a security camera for your garden, then Bird Buddy won't be the camera for you, it doesn't have those features.

For those who purely want to enjoy the avian visitors to their garden and share those images with family and friends on social media, the beautifully designed Bird Buddy app and high-quality photos and video footage will provide hours of pleasure. There is still the buzz of excitement when you get a notification of a new bird species stopping at your feeder.

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro: price and availability
  • Available now, lsit price $279/ £160
  • There are plenty of optional accessories
  • You'll need a premium subscription to unlock the best features

The Bird Buddy Smart Feeder Pro cost $279 / £219 but is currently reduced by 35% from its original price and can be had for $189 / £160.77 at the time of writing.

If you want the Solar Roof version, it is priced at a reasonable $219 / £186.29. The Bird Buddy can be purchased directly from the Bird Buddy website, which has US and EU store options. It is also available on Amazon via their Global Store, so it should be available worldwide. It can also be purchased from John Lewis and Curry's in the UK.

The optional add-ons are the Perch Extender ($24), Solar Roof ($59), 3-in-1 Nutrition Set ($39), Wall Mount ($29), and Suet Ball Holder ($14). Again, each of these is available via the Bird Buddy website or Amazon, depending on your location. Prices are converted to GBP.

There are two optional Premium subscription services available in Individual and Family versions. As detailed, these provide a range of new features, most importantly 2K Ultra video resolution and unlimited online storage of footage. The Family option allows you to grant family members access to the live feed from your camera. To find out more about the differences in the plans, see Bird Buddy Plans.

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro: specs Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro: design
  • Compact All-In-One design
  • Great design touches to keep everything neat and tidy
  • Solar Roof reduces the need to remove and recharge the camera

Setting up the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder Pro was straightforward. After reviewing the previous version of the camera, I already had the app installed, so installation was as simple as selecting "add a new Bird Buddy" in the app menu and following the on-screen instructions. The instructions are very clear and have a human feel to them. Setup is simple, and you don't need previous experience to easily pair the camera to your phone and then your Wi-Fi system.

As Bird Buddy sent me the new Nature Cam to install in my existing Bird Buddy feeder, I simply removed the cable linking the original camera to the Solar Roof and pulled out the camera, which is held in a recess with a strong magnet. Fitting the new camera was the reverse procedure, with the magnet reassuringly ensuring the camera was locked in tight. Again, the USB-C charging port was connected to the Solar Roof.

As supplied by Bird Buddy, the feeder has a mount that can be connected to a post, or it comes with a rope for hanging from a tree or feeding pole. I opted to hang the feeder from a branch of a tree and tried to position it so that the solar panel was oriented to get as much sunlight as possible.

The feeder itself is made from strong plastic. It has a small panel at the top of the rear that can be opened to pour in bird feed. In fact, the feeder comes with a Feed Scoop. It can be a little bit fiddly given I had to climb a ladder, with the feeder is swinging from a tree, but it is quite a neat solution. There is an optional Wall Mount that allows you to swivel the feeder around for easy access to the rear for loading food.

(Image credit: Future)

The feeder was placed around 12m from the nearest Wi-Fi access point, which was in my house and through a glass window. I had no problems connecting to the camera when wanting to view, although there was a short delay while I had to wait for the live view to appear on my phone. In reality, this was no longer than if I tried to connect to view my Ring camera live view.

If you have followed any of my previous bird feeder reviews, you will know I have an issue with squirrels raiding the feeders in my garden. The Bird Buddy has no Squirrel deterrents like the Birdfy feeder cameras. However, the good news is that little damage has been done to the housing despite it being scratched and chewed by squirrels, over the course of a year and a half hanging in my garden.

Having the feeder hanging rather than strapped or mounted to the tree has made it more difficult for the squirrels to get to it, but they still find ways of jumping and climbing to reach the food. At least the feeder is still intact.

The other thing worth noting is both Individual and Family subscriptions are possible. The primary reason for a subscription is to unlock the Ultra 2K resolution, which has noticeably better, less compressed image quality.

The subscription also adds the Remote Feeder Unlock to see feeders from around the world, Unlimited Cloud storage of your photos and video, the Name That Bird feature, which allows you to give a nickname to a specific bird individual bird, Bird Care which will alert you about injured or sick birds and offer advice on how to keep your birds healthy, and finally Bird Buddy Experiments which give the user access to new features that may be trialled.

Although you can add family and friends to your account to see video clips from your feeder, the Family Premium subscription allows friends and family to log in and see the live view from your feeder.

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(Image credit: Future) Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro: performance
  • 2K video available via a subscription only

The image quality from the Nature Cam is noticeably better than that of the original camera if you fork out for a subscription which unlocks 2K resolution. Do so, and images have more fine detail, and the HDR image brings out more colour and detail.

There are limitations; the camera sensor is still 1/2.7", which is about on par with a smartphone camera. However, the low resolution offers reasonable dynamic range performance, which can be seen in shadow details.

Highlights are easily blown out, as you would expect, and direct sunlight can cause lens flares, so it is important to position the feeder, and therefore the camera, at an angle where these will be minimized, or at least at times of day when you are most likely to get footage from the camera.

Light is everything when it comes to photography, and the placement of the camera in relation to the sun can make a big difference in the images you get from the camera.

It should be noted that the Bird Buddy creates portrait-orientation videos, which are perfect for viewing on a smartphone. However, if you eventually want to view them on a TV screen or computer, you might want to look elsewhere for the best viewing experience.

Compared to other bird feeder cameras I have tested, there is more of a delay in receiving notifications, so you won't always catch the bird on the live stream. However, the Postcards you receive are a nice touch. You can turn notifications off entirely and check in on the app occasionally to catch up the action you have missed.

The camera focuses well on smaller birds, with plenty of room on the feeder for them to perch and pick at the feed. However, larger birds struggle to land and also to balance on my hanging feeder. The optional perch add-on would be a great addition for most users. It allows larger birds to land and their heads to be further from focus. If you want to capture larger birds clearly, I would recommend getting the perch as an accessory.

I have had the original Bird Buddy Smart Feeder hanging outside in my garden for over a year. It has seen bright sunshine and freezing snow, and the recyclable plastic structure is in tact, although the color has faded slightly from the UV light. I had the new Nature Cam installed for a few months for testing, and it has also seen heavy rain, freezing conditions, and bright sunshine. It is in great condition, and it is still performing perfectly.

The Solar Roof has been a great accessory, and in the winter months, the camera doesn't need to be taken in and charged despite the lower light levels. In the summer, I know I might have to reposition it to avoid foliage casting shadows on the roof, but this may be negated by the fact that there will be more daylight hours.

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(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro? Buy it if...

You love garden tech

If you love gadgets, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro is a great addition to your garden. If you have the premium subscription it is possible to link to Alexa to get a summary of daily visits, with more features on the way. However, I struggled to get this feature to work.

You love birds and wildlife

This one is obvious, but if you love the wildlife in your garden, the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder is great. You can collect the Postcards from birds that have visited almost like they are Pokémon, with a daily round-up of the number of different species and visits you have had each day. The small AI generated information about the birds is also a great way to learn and engage with the nature in your garden.

You want a stylish feeder cam

Of all the bird feeder cameras available, I think the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro is the most neat and stylish both in the physical design of the feeder and also the app.

Don't buy it if...

You want to view on TV

The video quality is good, however, as it is recorded vertically, it is better for viewing on a smartphone and sharing on social media. If you want to watch footage on a television it may not be the best choice.

You have squirrels

I have tested quite a feeder feeders and squirrels have fed from all of them. And despite the design and materials of the Bird Buddy withstanding damage from squirrels, it doesn't have the squirrel deterrents like some other feeders.

You don't want to buy accessories

For the best experience I would recommened that you buy the Solar Roof and the Perch for the Bird Buddy; the solar roof virtually elimates the need to charge the camera, the perch addition makes a better experience for larger birds to land - resulting in better photos and video.

How I tested the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro
  • I hung the feeder in a tree for 6 months
  • It was connected to my home Wi-Fi
  • I monitored the birds visiting daily via the Bird Buddy app

I tested the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro by hanging it from a tree in my garden that birds (and squirrels) regularly visit. The feeder was strapped to the tree, and the camera was set up using an iPhone and the Bird Buddy app.

I left the feeder up there for months through all weather conditions. During that time, I monitored the birds visiting via the app in real-time and reviewed photos and videos that had been captured.

I have also looked at AI recognition and the various capabilities of the app.

  • First reviewed April 2025
Categories: Reviews

AI in the workplace: why upskilling, not fear, is the key to AI collaboration

TechRadar News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 01:44

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplaces at lightning speed—but nearly a third of employees don’t know how to use it effectively. Instead of unlocking AI’s potential, many companies are watching productivity stall as workers struggle to adapt. The problem isn’t the AI itself; it’s a failure to prepare employees for collaboration with AI rather than competition against it.

So, how can companies turn this around?

The AI Knowledge Gap: A Threat to Workplace Innovation

Despite the widespread adoption of AI tools, many employees feel left behind. The Corndel 2025 Workplace Training report revealed that:

  • 49% of employees believe AI is outpacing their company’s ability to train them, creating a skills gap that threatens productivity.
  • 54% of workers report that they lack clear guidelines on AI usage, leading to inconsistent adoption.
  • 65% of employees want ethical AI training, highlighting concerns about responsible AI use.
  • 31% of UK small businesses hesitate to adopt AI due to a lack of understanding and support.

Employees aren’t just unsure about AI—they feel left behind. Without structured L&D strategies that encourage AI collaboration, organizations risk falling behind as competitors fully integrate AI-driven efficiencies.

Shifting L&D to Enable AI Collaboration

Traditional workplace training focuses on developing human-only skills. However, in an AI-powered workplace, employees must learn how to work alongside AI—not against it.

Here’s how L&D departments can adapt:

1. AI Literacy for All Employees

Organizations must introduce foundational AI training to demystify the technology and show employees how to incorporate it into daily tasks. This includes:

  • Understanding the basics of machine learning and AI capabilities.
  • Identifying which workplace tasks AI can enhance or automate.
  • Recognizing the ethical implications of AI in decision-making.

2. Role-Specific AI Training

Not all employees need the same AI training. L&D teams should tailor programs to specific job functions:

  • Marketing teams: Training on AI-powered analytics and content automation.
  • HR teams: Understanding AI-driven recruitment tools and employee sentiment analysis.
  • Customer service teams: Leveraging AI chatbots and automation for better customer interactions.

3. Ethical and Responsible AI

Training Ethical AI use must be a core component of workplace training. This includes:

  • Teaching employees how to detect AI bias.
  • Implementing decision-making frameworks to ensure AI aligns with company values.
  • Conducting interactive workshops where employees assess real-world AI dilemmas.

4. Hands-On AI Learning and Experimentation

Many employees are hesitant to use AI simply because they have never tried it. L&D teams should:

  • Set up AI “sandboxes” where employees can test AI tools without risk.
  • Provide guided workshops on AI-powered applications like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or automation software.
  • Offer continuous learning resources that evolve alongside AI advancements.
  • Highlight case studies, such as IBM’s AI mentorship programs and Walmart’s AI-driven virtual reality (VR) training simulations.

5. Cross-Functional AI Collaboration

AI training should not be siloed within specific departments. Instead, organizations should foster cross-functional AI collaboration by:

  • Encouraging teams to share AI use cases and best practices.
  • Hosting AI-driven hackathons or innovation challenges.
  • Creating AI mentor programs where tech-savvy employees guide others.
The Future of AI in L&D: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, AI will continue to revolutionise L&D through:

  • Personalized Learning Paths: AI-powered learning platforms can tailor training based on an employee’s progress, strengths, and learning style.
  • AI-Powered Virtual Coaches: Chatbots and AI assistants will offer real-time feedback and guidance during training exercises.
  • Predictive Skill Gap Analysis: AI can forecast emerging skills employees need, helping companies proactively train their workforce.
  • Immersive AI-Driven Learning: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will create hands-on AI training experiences that simulate real-world applications.
Invest today for long-term gain

Businesses that invest in AI training today won’t just survive the AI revolution—they’ll lead it. The future belongs to companies that embrace AI as an extension of human capability, not a competitor to it.

The question isn’t whether AI will change the workplace, but whether organizations will equip their people to change with it.

L&D is no longer just about keeping up—it’s about leading the way. Businesses that reimagine their training strategies today will be the ones defining the AI-driven workplace of tomorrow.

We rate the best employee experience tool.

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

Categories: Technology

10 Years of Apple Watch: How It Evolved and What's Next

CNET News - Fri, 04/18/2025 - 01:00
Commentary: I was skeptical of the Apple Watch when it launched. But a decade later, I don't want to be without it.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Friday, April 18

CNET News - Thu, 04/17/2025 - 23:33
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 18.
Categories: Technology

Star Wars Celebration is in full swing, and Lucasfilm just dropped more details on its Beyond Victory experience for Meta Quest, and I couldn't be more stoked

TechRadar News - Thu, 04/17/2025 - 21:00

If you’re a Star Wars fan and haven’t been jealous of not being at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan as of yet, prepare to be. The same applies if you have an Apple Vision Pro instead of a Meta Quest.

Why? Well, Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm are finally sharing more on their next Star Wars mixed and virtual reality experience that’s set to arrive on the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets at some point in the future, and boy oh boy does it look stunning.

Star Wars: Beyond Victory - A Mixed Reality Playset is set during the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story and has three modes of play: Adventure, Arcade, and Playset. You can see the full trailer below, along with some select screenshots. It's a full-immersive experience that can place you in the Star Wars universe or overlay elements in your own space.

Adventure is more of a classic, immersive experience, similar to other titles like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – a personal favorite I’ve played on the PSVR, as I’m a fan of the Disney Parks – and Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series. Here you’ll follow the story of an aspiring podracer, Volo, who goes on a journey courtesy of a mentorship with Sebulba.

(Image credit: Lucasfilm)

This one might be the neatest, though – Arcade places a holotable in your space through mixed or augmented reality, and you can seemingly get up close and personal with Star Wars action, including a podracing course.

And if you’re at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan, you can play a demo that combines the Adventure and Arcade modes at Booth #20-5 in Hall 4 of the Makuhari Messe convention Center. Instant jealousy from me!

(Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Alyssa Finley, the executive producer of the title, shared, “We're calling this a Playset because it isn't just a game; it's an entirely new way to experience the Star Wars galaxy and the worlds we create at ILM.”

This new mixed reality experience blends the physical and digital worlds in a way that's unlike anything we've done before

She continued, “This new mixed reality experience blends the physical and digital worlds in a way that's unlike anything we've done before,” which certainly ups the excitement and hype for the title. It’s almost similar to another project that Industrial Light & Magic worked on for the Apple Vision Pro – that’s What If…? – An Immersive Story, and it had times where it fully placed you elsewhere or overlaid battles in your own space.

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(Image credit: Lucasfilm)Image 6 of 6

(Image credit: Lucasfilm)

Adding to this is the playset mode, which promises to let you have your own “Star Wars' moments in mixed reality, allowing you to view and interact with vehicles from the universe and action figures.

While Star Wars: Beyond Victory - A Mixed Reality Playset is still in development, it’s undoubtedly one of the most ambitious titles from Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm yet. Whenever it’s ready for prime time, it will launch for the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, so we’ll be waiting for further news on a release date.

If you have a Vision Pro, maybe we can petition Apple, ILM, and Lucasfilm to also bring it to the $3,500 spatial computer. And if you're at home, check out all the new Star Wars sets that Lego announced here.

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