Technology

• Endgame Gear software hijacked to serve malware
• Attack spotted by the company's community
• Endgame is making significant changes to prevent repeat occurrences

Gaming kit maker Endgame Gear has confirmed it was the victim of a supply chain attack which saw unidentified threat actors break into its website and replace a legitimate configuration tool with a trojanized version containing malware.

In an announcement posted on the company’s website, it said on June 26 2025, someone managed to replace a version of the Configuration Tool for the Endgame Gear OP1w 4k v2 wireless mouse, found on its product page, with a malicious fraud.

The tainted version remained on the site until July 9, when it was removed.

Hiding the attack in plain sight

the malware acts as an infostealer, so users should change their passwords, too, especially for important accounts such as banking, work, social media, email, and similar.

The company did not discuss how the threat actors broke in, or who they were, but stressed the trojanized version was found only on the product page for that specific peripheral, while the versions found on the downloads site, GitHub, or Discord, remained clean.

Software for other peripherals was not targeted, as well.

Endgame said it only spotted the intrusion after seeing “online discussions”, meaning it was the community that flagged the attack.

A more thorough analysis has shown that access to file servers was not compromised, and customer data was not accessed.

To prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, Endgame is killing product page-specific downloads, and is centralizing all downloads on its main download page.

Furthermore, it is implementing additional malware scans and reinforcing anti-malware protections on its hosting servers.

Users who downloaded the malware are advised to remove it, and to check for the presence of the folder "C:\ProgramData\Synaptics" (it could be hidden).

They should also run a full system scan, and download a clean version.

Via BleepingComputer

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• Monster Hunter Wilds' roadmap has been updated and will bring content from Title Update 3 forward
• A new level of quest difficulty and a new rewards system featuring Talismans from Title Update 3 will now be released as part of Ver.1.021 next month
• To accommodate the change, Ver.1.021 will now be released on August 13

Capcom has announced new changes to Monster Hunter Wilds' roadmap, which includes bringing endgame content closer to release.

In a new social media post shared today, Capcom confirmed that "the expansion of endgame content" originally planned as part of Title Update 3, and set to release in late September, will now arrive as part of Ver.1.021 next month.

The content included in Title Update 3 that will now be part of Ver.1.021 includes a new level of quest difficulty, a new rewards system for the new quests featuring Talismans with random skill combinations, weapon balance adjustments, and other improvements and adjustments.

To accommodate this change, Capcom also confirmed that the release date of the upcoming update will be moved slightly out of its original release window to August 13, 2025.

(Image credit: Capcom)

The "additional monster" that was revealed for Title Update 3 won't be moved forward, so fans will have to wait a little longer for that to arrive, and the contents of Title Update 4, which includes an "additional monster" and "more Challenging Hunts," are still set to arrive later in the year.

These latest roadmap changes follow the release of Title Update 2 earlier this month, which finally addressed the shader compilation issue that had been causing awful performance on PC since the game's launch.

Despite fixing the issue, the game still has an "Overwhelmingly Negative" score on Steam from 16,660 user reviews, but an overall "Mixed" score from 162,985 users.

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• Google has upgraded its AI Mode for Search
• AI Mode can now analyze PDFs and images, and use Search Live to analyze video content
• AI Mode has also added the Canvas feature

Google has enhanced its AI Mode in Search with a host of new features clearly aimed at encouraging people tempted by AI tools elsewhere to stick around.

AI Mode is already different from traditional search in that it sets up a more comprehensive response to your query by sending out multiple related questions based on your initial prompt. You can then ask follow-ups and adjust the thrust of your search.

With the new updates, AI mode is more of a multifaceted tool for learning and organizing information. The most immediately noticeable upgrade is that you can now upload PDFs and images to AI Mode on your desktop and ask nuanced questions about them.

On mobile, Google already lets you use AI Mode to ask questions about photos or screenshots. But making it available to desktop users means you can upload entire slide decks from a class or drag over a PDF of a book and grill the AI about the content like it’s an unpaid tutor. And the model doesn’t just respond based on your file; it will cross-reference the web to give answers that fit the context of your upload and are backed by sources and links.

Canvas planning

In case you can't get all your deep dives done in one search, the new Canvas feature offers AI Mode users a more long-term option for organizing information. Canvas appears as a side panel in AI Mode that lets you create and edit projects across multiple sessions. It's not dissimilar to the Canvas feature for ChatGPT, or indeed the Gemini Canvas tool it's clearly based on. Think of it like a cross between a collaborative document and a study planner.

You can start with a prompt about a long-term project for learning something, then hit the Create Canvas button and see the AI piece together a draft, organize resources, and respond to follow-up questions as you tweak or elaborate on your goals. Plus, you can keep returning to it even if you close the tab. Continuity is crucial if you want to do more than just a traditional Google search that ends when you close the window.

Google has plans for Canvas to support its own file uploads, too, so it will absorb some of the abilities of AI Mode's general toolkit. In fact, it seems like AI Mode will eventually look a lot like NotebookLM, though, for now, not with any AI-built podcasts.

Search Live

The third and possibly most futuristic upgrade to AI Mode is Search Live. If Canvas is about long-term thinking, Search Live is for real-time responses.

Search Live embeds Google Lens with Google's Project Astra AI to provide answers based on the video you show it. Using Search Live, you could point your phone’s camera at any problem from a math equation on a page to a misbehaving appliance and start asking the AI questions while you're filming. The camera feed becomes the context for the AI's answers as it uses what you're seeing and saying to respond with solutions, and links as though you're FaceTiming a friend with all the answers.

This kind of live help could make people rethink what they expect from AI tools in terms of both accuracy and immediacy. Instead of a blank search box, it's looking at something, conversing about it, and delivering useful answers immediately.

That trend continues with the Google Lens upgrades coming to Chrome. Google is changing the address bar so that when you click on it, you'll be offered the option to “Ask Google about this page” and get answers about whatever website, PDF, slide, or other content is open in Chrome. You'll even be able to get AI Overviews of any section you highlight. You can then tap into AI Mode to go deeper, essentially using the web page as a starting point for a more in-depth project.

All of these changes may not feel like overnight revolutions, but they could be the basis for a new way of thinking about search. And as AI chatbots encroach on what was once Google's undisputed leadership in looking for things online, the company is no doubt hunting for competitive answers and, in the process, delivering AI search upgrades like these upgrades to us.

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• NordVPN has introduced Spam Call Protection for US Android users
• The feature has been designed with user privacy in mind
• Future updates in the pipeline include caller ID

NordVPN has announced the launch of Spam Call Protection. Now available to Android users in the US, the new feature alerts users to potential spam calls before they even pick up the phone. This comes as statistics signal a 33% rise in losses from scam calls in 2024.

This latest addition to NordVPN’s lineup falls under Threat Protection Pro, its suite of features that boost online security by blocking malware, phishing sites, ads, and trackers. It's a move that sees NordVPN, the best VPN according to TechRadar reviewers, extend its protection beyond the internet.

NordVPN subscribers on iPhone or located outside the US don’t need to feel left out, though. Not only are further features already in the works, but the cybersecurity company also has plans to bring Spam Call Protection to iOS and more countries.

Scam call protection with users' privacy in mind

(Image credit: Nord Security)

According to statistics from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), over $50 billion has been lost to scam calls in the last five years. Losses in 2024 totaled $16.6 billion, an increase of 33% on the previous year.

What’s clear is that with rising losses from scam calls, this threat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, which is where tools like NordVPN’s Scam Call Protection can help.

Scam Call Protection analyzes call patterns and metadata to spot spam calls. A clear warning alerts you to potential scam calls, allowing you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. This helps reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks or phishing attempts, which could lead to financial loss or identity theft.

"We’ve always been about protecting people’s digital lives, and phone scams are a huge part of that threat landscape now," said Mykolas Dumcius, Chief Product Officer at NordVPN.

"The Scam Call Protection feature is our way of extending that protection beyond just internet browsing because your phone shouldn’t be a gateway for scammers either."

Crucially, NordVPN’s Scam Call Protection provides this safeguarding without accessing or storing call content, protecting user privacy in the process – that’s not guaranteed with all spam call blocking apps, as we’ve seen with the past allegations of Truecaller’s data collection.

Looking ahead: updates coming to Spam Call Protection

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“NordVPN is already working on several enhancements to make the feature even more effective,” said Dumcius.

NordVPN subscribers can expect to see the addition of caller ID to help users separate legitimate numbers from scam ones. Specific call categories will provide users with a better idea of who’s calling, whether that’s a banking institution, healthcare provider, or otherwise.

Users will also have the chance to contribute to and improve Spam Call Protection’s call ID database themselves by flagging suspicious numbers as part of a user reporting system.

If you’re a NordVPN Plus, Complete, or Prime user in the US, you’ll already have access to this new feature. To take advantage, you need only open NordVPN’s Android app, navigate to Threat Protection, and toggle the Spam Call Protection feature – an active VPN connection isn’t required either.

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• Five EU countries are set to test an age verification app to protect children online
• Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy are the first to test this technical solution
• The UK has enforced mandatory age checks on Friday, July 25, 2025, sparking concerns for citizens' digital rights

Five EU countries are set to test an age verification app to protect children online.

Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy are the first to test the technical solution unveiled by the European Commission on July 14, 2025.

The announcement came less than two weeks before the UK enforced mandatory age verification checks on July 25. These have so far sparked concerns about the privacy and security of British users, fueling a spike in usage amongst the best VPN apps.

The EU's age verification blueprint

(Image credit: Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

As the European Commission explains on its website, the age verification blueprint enables users to prove they are over 18 "without revealing any other personal information."

"It is based on open-source technology and designed to be robust, user-friendly, privacy-preserving, and fully interoperable with future European Digital Identity Wallets," the Commission explains.

The introduction of this technical solution is a key step in implementing children's online safety rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Lawmakers ensure that this solution seeks to set "a new benchmark for privacy protection" in age verification.

That's because online services will only receive proof that the user is 18+, without any personal details attached.

Further work on the integration of zero-knowledge proofs is also ongoing, with the full implementation of mandatory checks in the EU expected to be enforced in 2026.

What's happening in the UK?

Starting from Friday, July 25, millions of Britons will need to be ready to prove their age before accessing certain websites or content.

Under the Online Safety Act, sites displaying adult-only content must prevent minors from accessing their services via robust age checks.

Social media, dating apps, and gaming platforms are also expected to verify their users' age before showing them so-called harmful content.

As the UK's regulator body, Ofcom explains on its website, service providers can use several methods to confirm users' age. These span from face scans to estimate people's age to bank or credit card age checks, ID wallets, mobile network operator age checks, photo-ID matching, and even email-based age estimation.

The vagueness of what constitutes harmful content, as well as the privacy and security risks linked with some of these age verification methods, have attracted criticism among experts, politicians, and privacy-conscious citizens who fear a negative impact on people's digital rights.

While the EU approach seems better on paper, it remains to be seen how the age verification scheme will ultimately be enforced.

Commenting on this point, the CEO of Swedish VPN provider, Mullvad, told TechRadar: "The EU [approach] is more planned, it took the EU 12 years. In the UK looks like [there is] no plan at all."

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• A new leak suggests the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally will launch on August 20
• This is the same date it will be available at Gamescom 2025 at the Xbox booth
• A Hollow Knight: Silksong demo will also be available at Gamescom 2025...

Microsoft and Asus' ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds were announced earlier in June, with an anticipated late 2025 launch date. However, that may not be as accurate as initially expected.

According to reliable leaker Billbil-kun via Dealabs, both ROG Xbox Ally models will launch on August 20, with pre-orders going live during Gamescom 2025. The new leak also corroborates the previous price rumors; the ROG Xbox Ally X will reportedly be priced at $899, and the ROG Xbox Ally at $599. Pricing in other regions could vary due to factors such as inflation and tariffs.

It's worth noting that Microsoft will be present at Gamescom in August, with hands-on opportunities for fans at the Xbox booth, so it lines up well with the leak suggesting an August 20 launch date. The long-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong will also be available to test at the popular large-scale game expo.

If this leak is legitimate, it could mean that Silksong will also launch on August 20, as Xbox President Sarah Bond previously confirmed that the title will be available on Game Pass at launch of the new handhelds. Essentially, it may act as a shadow drop, which Microsoft has done before with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, and August may be the month to look forward to for Xbox and PC fans.

While we still need to await Microsoft's full confirmation, it appears as though the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds will rival the MSI Claw A8, which has also been rumored to launch in August – and Microsoft and Asus may have the edge in that battle with a less expensive option.

(Image credit: Team Cherry)Analysis: The ROG Xbox Ally X's price is a huge dealbreaker, but at least there's a cheaper alternative

I've been highly critical of handheld gaming PC manufacturers lately due to the huge leap in pricing for new devices, and we can see the same thing happening here with the ROG Xbox Ally X. However, I'm pleased to at least see that there is an inexpensive alternative – which is one aspect some mainstream handheld makers like MSI consider with new releases.

Having seen the underwhelming performance leap from AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, I don't think I could recommend the ROG Xbox Ally X at $899. While it's using a slightly different Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, I don't expect that to be too different from its standard version, at least when it comes to game performance.

As I stated in my previous piece, I'm not pleased to see prices nearly reach $1,000 for handheld gaming PCs, but gamers aren't necessarily being completely priced out here, with the Ryzen Z2 A ROG Xbox Ally model at $599. Of course, we still need official confirmation on pricing, but if the latter model's price is this low, I'll have to give credit where credit is due.

Let's just hope there's enough availability, and prices don't suddenly spiral out of control.

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VPN demand in the UK has soared overnight since new age verification checks were enforced, as Brits look for ways to bypass new requirements. This has sparked concerns that authorities could end up banning their use.

The UK's science secretary, Peter Kyle, asserts there are no plans to ban VPNs. Kyle confirmed, however, that the government would be looking "very closely" at how the best VPN apps are being used.

"Some people are finding their way round [the legislation]. Very few children will be going actively out there searching for harmful content," said Kyle during an interview with Sky News today, July 29, 2025 – The Guardian reported.

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connections, while spoofing you real IP address location. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Starting from Friday, July 25, 2025, all platforms displaying adult-only or harmful content must enforce robust age verification checks under the Online Safety Act.

As Ofcom explains on its website, "Just ticking a box to say you're over 18 will no longer be enough."

This means that all websites reserved for users over 18 must ensure minors never access their services via ID checks. Crucially, social media, dating apps, and gaming platforms are also expected to verify their users' age before displaying them potentially dangerous materials.

These new requirements have thus far sparked concerns regarding data privacy, security, free speech, and access to information.

A petition to repeal the UK Online Safety Act has already reached over 340,000 at the time of writing.

Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage, is also strongly pushing to scrap what he described as a "borderline dystopian" legislation – The Guardian reported.

VPNs and age checks – what to know

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VPN services are a popular way to bypass geo-restrictions, like those imposed by streaming platforms. That's because a VPN spoofs your real IP address and assigns you a new, temporary one based in the same place as the VPN server you join. This makes it possible to trick the sites you visit into thinking you're in a different country.

Considering the sudden spike in VPN usage across the country, people in the UK are likely familiar with this.

A popular provider, Proton VPN, recorded an hourly increase of over 1,400% starting from Friday at midnight. AdGuard VPN also confirmed to TechRadar that sign-ups grew by 2.5 times in just a few days. Data from Top10VPN shows an ongoing surge in VPN demand of over 500% since Friday.

At the time of writing, using a VPN in the UK is completely legal, and using one to bypass the new age checks should not be considered a crime.

The UK's regulator body for online safety, Ofcom, however, is strongly suggesting against their use. Clearly, without much success so far.

Will the government find a way to prevent people from bypassing the new Online Safety Act's measures via VPNs?

It's too early to know for certain, but a ban seems to be off the cards – for now, at least.

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While it has no release date, Netflix’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice adaptation now has a fully confirmed cast. Olivia Colman and Rufus Sewell will lead the Bennet family, with Emma Corrin, Freya Mavor, Hopey Parish, Holley Avery and Rhea Norwood as the infamous Bennet women. Jack Lowden will be our Mr. Darcey, with Daryl McCormack as Mr. Bingley. The names don’t stop there, though, with Fiona Shaw playing Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Jamie Demetriou joining as Mr. Collins.

However, none of these characters are who I actually have an issue with. You might have noticed that there are a lot of Jane Austen adaptations that have graced our screens over the years. From the infamous Pride and Prejudice movies that helped give the tale the cultural capital it has today, to Netflix’s previous take on Austen’s Persuasion that got absolutely battered online, there’s been more than anyone could count. So, surely if you’re going to add yet another title to the pile, it has to be pitch perfect.

While the Bennet women totally hit the mark, it’s the casting of Mr. Wickham that has got my back up. Take one brick out of the pile and it all falls down, and much like a lost game of Jenga, Louis Partridge’s casting announcement is the one that spoils it all for Netflix.

Louis Partridge isn’t the right age fit for Mr. Wickham in Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice remake

Louis Partridge in The Lost Girls. (Image credit: Amazon Prime Video)

If you’ve read the original book – and just about every bookish girl in their 20s and 30s will be watching Dolly Alderton’s take with a scathing eye – you’ll know Mr. Wickham is an abhorrent man. A manipulative militia officer who (in 2025 terms) is a total wasteman, Wickham is best known for predatory behaviour, lying and gambling. In short, this means he needs to be a little older and more strung-out than the rest of his cast.

Enter 22-year-old Patridge, who is at least seven years younger than the majority of his immediate co-stars. While his long locks and chiseled jaw are objectively ideal for a period drama, his baby face and sweet eyes don’t match the abusive personality he’s been assigned. Even though he’s an incredibly promising actor, I’m not entirely convinced he’ll be able to pull this one off.

Of course, none of this is Partridge’s fault. It’s more of a testament to just how lazy the supposed best streaming service in the world is being when it comes to their adaptations. Considering how Persuasion went down the last time Netflix attempted Austen, it can’t even guarantee a healthy amount of viewers to make production worthwhile. So, what does the streamer think it can add to the value of one of the most famous fictional IPs? My guess is it doesn’t think it needs to, it’s merely riding on the coattails of a well-known story very few people dislike.

Netflix and Partridge, prove me wrong. If we really do stand to benefit from another Pride and Prejudice adaptation, I’m prepared to eat my bonnet. But If I’m right, and I suspect I am, no casting announcement in the world could save me from riding off on my high horse.

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• Warner Bros. Discovery will soon be Warner Bros. and Discovery Global
• HBO Max and Discovery+ will be split under the new corporate entities
• TNT Sports, Bleacher Reports and CNN will move to Discovery Global

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will soon be Warner Bros. once more. Following the announcement in early June that the media company would separate into two, WBD has revealed the new corporate names of its new businesses.

Like it did with HBO Max at the start of the month, which changed back to HBO Max after a two-year stint as Max (who could forget the Spider-Men meme that HBO Max's chief marketing officer Shauna Spenley shared during the rebrand's announcement), WBD is reverting back to the name it's most commonly known as.

V2 approved by legal. pic.twitter.com/uUhH3RU4T6May 14, 2025

The change will take effect in mid-2026 and will see Warner Bros. become the home of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, as well as the studio's legendary movie and TV content.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Discovery Global will include the TV networks CNN, TNT Sports in the US, Discovery, and some free-to-air channels across Europe such as Quest and Food Network as well as streaming services such as the Discovery+ and the Bleacher Report (B/R).

Effectively, the split means that Warner Bros. will house all of WBD's main streaming services and studios, while Discovery Global will become the place for premier entertainment, sports and news networks.

The decision to split Warner Bros. and Discovery Global is similar to Comcast's plan to spinoff NBCUniversal's struggling cable portfolio into a new company called Versant. Just like Warner Bros., NBCU will be the new home for its studios, the streaming service Peacock, and the networks NBC and Bravo.

What does the Warner Bros. and Discovery Global split mean for subscribers?

The decline of linear TV is no secret. Since the introduction of the best streaming services, on-demand content has grown significantly in popularity, particularly for its accessibility, flexible pricing and convenience.

That's left cable networks scrambling to tempt back viewers, and as a result many media companies have launched streaming services of their own to counter the decline in profits and help balance the financial strain.

One way to help offset that debt is to restructure a business, which is exactly what WBD has done, splitting off its burdened cable networks from its most profitable assets, including its streaming service HBO Max.

However, the move also means that its other streaming platforms, Discovery+ and CNN (not the service that was shut down in 2022 but the new one launching later this year), will now be part of Discovery Global. While the platform – which is known for real-life entertainment and includes content from networks such as Magnolia Network, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel – will remain independent, subscribers can expect some changes to the content they see.

The biggest potential change is that HBO Max will likely no longer be the home for sports content from its TNT Sports and Bleacher Reports networks in the US. That will likely be the same for CNN content that's currently available on HBO Max, too (although WBD has said that CNN Max will remain, despite the launch of its new standalone service).

However, while that's not yet confirmed for those in the US, a WBD spokesperson has reportedly told RXTV that TNT Sports will be available on HBO Max when it eventually launches in the UK sometime in 2026.

It's not yet clear how the split will impact the content you see on HBO Max and Discovery+, but considering that both platforms have been merging some of their content together in the years since WarnerMedia merged with Discovery, there's bound to be some changes to subscribers next year as the two companies separate.

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• Gemini could automatically run certain commands that were previously placed on an allow-list
• If a benign command was paired with a malicious one, Gemini could execute it without warning
• Version 0.1.14 addresses the flaw, so users should update now

A security flaw in Google’s new Gemini CLI tool allowed threat actors to target software developers with malware, even exfiltrating sensitive information from their devices, without them ever knowing.

The vulnerability was discovered by cybersecurity researchers from Tracebit just days after Gemini CLI was first launched on June 25, 2025.

Google released a fix with the version 0.1.14, which is now available for download.

Hiding the attack in plain sight

Gemini CLI is a tool that lets developers talk to Google’s AI (called Gemini) directly from the command line. It can understand code, make suggestions, and even run commands on the user’s device.

The problem stems from the fact that Gemini could automatically run certain commands that were previously placed on an allow-list. According to Tracebit, there was a way to sneak hidden, malicious instructions into files that Gemini reads, like README.md.

In one test, a seemingly harmless command was paired with a malicious one that exfiltrated sensitive information (such as system variables or credentials) to a third-party server.

Because Gemini thought it was just a trusted command, it didn’t warn the user or ask for approval. Tracebit also says the malicious command could be hidden using clever formatting, so users wouldn’t even see it happening.

"The malicious command could be anything (installing a remote shell, deleting files, etc),” the researchers explained.

The attack is not that easy to pull off, though. It requires a little setting up, including having a trusted command on the allow-list, but it could still be used to trick unsuspecting developers into running dangerous code.

Google has now patched the problem, and if you’re using Gemini CLI, make sure to update to version 0.1.14 or newer as soon as possible. Also, make sure not to run it on unknown, or untrusted code (unless you’re in a secure test environment).

Via BleepingComputer

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• Razer has revealed a new line of BlackShark V3 Pro headsets
• There are dedicated versions for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
• It's part of the brand's wider push into the console space

Gaming hardware brand Razer has unveiled the new Razer BlackShark V3 Pro line, with dedicated options for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox gamers.

A successor to the already excellent Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, a hugely popular headset that we awarded four and a half out of five stars in our review, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro introduces hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) for the first time in a BlackShark headset.

It features four microphones to detect and help filter out background noise, plus comfortable memory foam ear cups to provide an ideal fit.

It's also the first Razer headset to benefit from the brand's new Gen-2 HyperSpeed Wireless technology, reducing audio latency as low as a claimed 10 milliseconds. That, according to Razer, puts it well ahead of the competition and makes it an ideal choice for professional gamers.

In addition to a slightly revised overall design, there have been substantial changes under the hood. The headset now has Gen-2 Triforce 50mm drivers with bio-cellulose diaphragms, completely redesigned for more precise audio and spatial accuracy.

The microphone has also been upgraded, with a whopping 48kHz sample rate that puts it in competition with some of the best microphones for streaming right now.

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro launches in three variants, each tailored to its distinct platforms. The PC version supports THX Spatial Audio, while the PlayStation variant is fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio. The Xbox options, then, are designed with Windows Sonic spatial sound in mind.

All three cost $249.99 / £249.99 each, and come in either Black or White colorways. While the Xbox and PC versions are available now, the PlayStation variant will hit shelves at a later date.

They release alongside the more affordable Razer BlackShark V3 and entry-level Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed. Both of these models also come in distinct PC, PlayStation, and Xbox flavors.

Razer goes all-in on the console space

(Image credit: Razer)

The launch of these new headsets represents something of a shift for the traditionally very PC-focused hardware brand, which is now aiming to become a major player in the console space.

"So I think in the past, we had really worked as very separate entities as far as PC and console were concerned," explains Razer senior product evangelist Paige Sander.

"We took a step back and realized that, as we have so much credibility and innovation in the PC space, why not take some of those iconic things, like BlackShark V2 Pro or like our mouse click switches, and bring them to our console products?"

In the end, "it's about bringing those innovations to console gamers so that they get the same level of performance and esports-focused features", though Sander admits that there are some special considerations when designing a console product.

"The most important thing is making sure that it's really optimized for the platform that it's built for. That's why we do driver tuning specifically on the platforms, to make sure that the audio is really dialed in," she says. "Also, things like the 3.5mm jack. We know that many console gamers like to plug headsets directly into their controllers, so we made sure that that feature was present."

Razer is also carefully considering feedback from pro players, a formula that has proven successful for its PC products.

"We also worked specifically with pros in the console space 'Snip3down' on Xbox, 'Shotzzy' on PlayStation," Sander reveals.

"These are their preferred platforms when they're gaming, and so we made sure to work directly with them on the development of their FPS profiles, on some of the design elements like the subtle Xbox and PlayStation stitching that you'll see on our headsets."

According to market research firm Circana, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is currently the most popular PC gaming headset in the US.

Will Razer find similar success in the console market? Only time will tell, but I'm certainly looking forward to taking these new models for a spin.

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• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be removed from Call of Duty HQ today
• Both games will need to be reinstalled as standalone downloads
• Legacy content related to Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 modes will be automatically removed from the main Call of Duty install on August 7

Activision has announced new changes to Call of Duty HQ that will see the removal of two games.

As detailed in a new Steam blog post, starting today at 9am PT / 5pm BST / 12pm ET, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be removed from the Call of Duty HQ game launcher and main install to become standalone downloads.

When the change goes into effect, players will be required to redownload each game separately to access them.

The publisher also said that legacy content related to Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 modes within the main Call of Duty install will be automatically removed on August 7, "to free up storage space", but operators and weapons for Warzone won't be impacted.

Activision didn't give a reason for the latest change, but it was likely made in anticipation of Black Ops 7, which is planned to be released later this year and be part of Call of Duty HQ.

Last year's Black Ops 6 will remain on the launcher, so the decision could be down to simply wanting to free up hard drive space for players.

Black Ops 7 was announced last month during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the latest entry will return to a futuristic setting and be set in 2035, 10 years after the events of Black Ops 2.

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I'm writing this Windows 10 tribute on a MacBook Air, which tells you exactly how well my relationship with Windows is going. Even so, back in the day, Windows 10 was a broadly good iteration of Microsoft's venerable platform, and it was also a showcase for one of Microsoft's most quixotic efforts: Cortana.

Microsoft and Windows were my jam, and I spent decades covering every version of Windows from Windows 3.1 to Windows 11, but Windows 10 was special. It fixed so many missteps, all while taking a rather huge digital assistant and other swings.

Now, though, we celebrate Windows 10's tenth birthday with the specter of its demise looming in October. That's when Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10. Until quite recently, it was overwhelmingly Microsoft's most popular Windows version. Windows 11, its adoption held back in part by stringent TPM 2.0 security requirements that many still-new PCs could not meet, has in recent months surged to essentially match the Windows 10 install base.

According to StatCounter: Windows 10 is falling and Windows 11 is on the rise. (Image credit: Statcounter)Some of the best stuff

Windows 10 was one of the upgrades that introduced bold new furniture without redesigning the whole house. The platform felt familiar, but I remember bumping into a cluster of new ideas, some that stuck and others that were dropped by the time Windows 11 arrived.

This was the update where Microsoft finally shoved aside the much-maligned Internet Explorer in favor of Microsoft Edge. Over time, it grew into my favorite web browser, one I loved for its vertical tabs, speed, and stability. It's still a distant third in browser market share, behind Safari and Chrome, even though it uses the same Web engine, Chromium, as Chrome.

Windows 10 introduced Windows Hello, a biometric security system so new that most PCs at the time didn't fully support it. The face ID system relied on 3D scanning, which used standard and IR cameras to map a face. Even the laptop I tested Windows 10 on in 2015, a Surface Pro 3, couldn't fully support Windows Hello, though subsequent Surfaces would all ship with it as standard equipment. I loved how easy it was to unlock my PC and that it was virtually impossible to fool.

There were other nifty bits like the Action Center, which thankfully replaced Windows 8-style Charms, and the Xbox App, which brought the console's profile management and other gaming features to the Windows platform.

Like most of the best platform updates, Windows 10 remained fantastically familiar with unchanged Printer menu, Device Manager, File Manager, File Folders, and Recycle Bin. Some might argue, as I did at the time, that Microsoft was still struggling to go more than skin deep with its Windows updates. After all, the inscrutable Registry was still a thing. But to know and love Windows is to understand that it's still the world's most widely used platform. Fundamental changes to the core of the OS risk breaking Windows for millions of users and, possibly, rendering some of their trusted hardware and systems incompatible. I always appreciated the care Microsoft took in not severing these critical connections.

Not all the great ideas

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There were still vestiges of Windows 8 oddities living on in Windows 10, like Continuum, which could transform Windows into a touch-first interface for use on tablets like the Surface Pro. I know, no one uses Surface devices without keyboards, but Microsoft always positioned the convertibles as, well, convertibles. They thought the Surface Pro could ably compete with both the iPad and the MacBook Air. In the end, all Surface devices, those with or without detachable keyboards, mostly compete with traditional laptops. Continuum's disappearance in Windows 11 is mourned by no one.

This brings us to Cortana, Microsoft's biggest Windows 10 idea.

Cortana was not, in and of itself, new. After all, Microsoft took the name and modeled the digital voice assistant on Master Chief's helpful (and occasionally murderous) AI companion in the company's popular Halo console game series.

In Windows 10, Cortana occupied critical real estate next to the start button. It essentially replaced Search. You could talk to it and ask it to manage some system tasks. It was even a bit conversational. That's right, years before ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, Microsoft had us talking to our computers.

Here's how, in 2015, I described an early interaction with Cortana:

"Cortana can be smart and sassy. When I told her to "turn on Bluetooth," she perfectly interpreted my speech and, because she has access to system-level tools, told me (in her Halo-esque Cortana voice) that she had turned on Bluetooth. And when I asked Cortana, “Flights in Denver,” she correctly interpreted it and launched a webpage featuring MSN Travel results for flights. Later I asked her if she would marry me and she responded: "Among a handful of challenges, I don't think the Supreme Court would approve just yet." She's such a card."

Some things never change.

Cortana was as adept at written queries as she was at spoken ones and could even launch a Bing search for web-based queries, which is ironic since Bing's big ChatGPT-powered AI glow-up marked the end of the line for Cortana. Microsoft ended Cortana's standalone app existence in 2023, right around the time it introduced Bing AI, which was built on ChatGPT, and that eventually became Copilot.

What Windows 11 got wrong

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11, which arrived roughly six years after Windows 10 is arguably a better version of Windows, ushering in one of the platform's most radical redesigns, including a divisive, centered task bar, finally redesigned core app icons, and a deeply integrated Copilot that is riding the AI interrest wave to a prominence Cortana could only dream of.

Still, Microsoft's insistence on requiring TPM 2.0 support when it knew that vast numbers of consumers owned PCs that didn't include that was the opposite of the classic Windows big-tent approach: support everyone, make everyone happy. To be fair. Better security is better for everyone, but if Microsoft knew it was going to do that, it should've given Microsoft customers five years' notice and worked with Windows system partners to sell them all TPM 2.0-ready PCs.

I celebrate and will ultimately miss Windows 10. It's the bridge between the iconic Windows many of us grew up with and all that it would become in the 21st century. In it, Microsoft was willing to try big ideas, all while still holding its arms open for a deep embrace of all Windows PC owners. Windows 11 never felt like that, and now, as everyone is herded onto the Windows 11 and soon, Windows 12 train, it's worth taking one last look back at maybe the best Windows there ever was or will be.

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• Google Home devices keep on failing
• A smart light voice control bug has been acknowledged
• Now Google might face a lawsuit

Last week, we reported on a growing number of complaints about Google Home devices, with the smart home gadgets failing to deal with commands properly or throwing up other bugs. This week, it seems the problem is getting worse rather than better.

Google did respond to the initial wave of reports by saying that fixes and upgrades are on the way. However, Android Police spotted a Reddit thread saying that voice controls for smart lights were now completely broken and not working at all.

The fact that the official GoogleNestCommunity account on Reddit acknowledged the problem shows it's a real issue, which isn't something you want to see when Google has already promised to take action to remedy the situation.

Have a browse through the whole Google Home subreddit, and you don't have to scroll far to find reports of bugs – in fact, most of the posts are about malfunctions across doorbells, thermostats, smart speakers, and just about every other device type.

This could mean a lawsuit

Google Home devices aren't being particularly helpful (Image credit: Google)

The situation has gotten so bad that there are rumblings of a lawsuit, because Google clearly isn't delivering the smooth and integrated smart experience you might expect if you've picked up one of its Google Home or Google Nest devices.

US law firm Kaplan Gore has announced it has "begun investigating a possible class action" against Google, because so many users are now reporting broken functionality – despite most of these devices having worked fine in the past.

"Reports further indicate that, rather than fixing these issues, Google is allowing the issues with Google Home to increase in scale and frequency nationwide, and is not providing the service it promised users," says Kaplan Gore.

Kaplan Gore is now asking affected users to fill out a form explaining the problems they're having with Google Home, as it explores possible grounds for a lawsuit. It seems Google's neglect of its smart home ecosystem might come with a significant price to pay.

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• AMD's CEO indicated that chips made in TSMC's US factories will be pricier
• Lisa Su says they could be 5% to 20% costlier than chips produced in Taiwan
• Su argues that the cost is worth it in terms of diversifying the supply chain

AMD's CEO has admitted that the company's chips will be a fair bit pricier when they are produced in TSMC's factories in the US (as opposed to Taiwan).

Bloomberg reports that it will be more expensive to source chips from TSMC's new Arizona plant than its Taiwan factories. TSMC is the chip maker that AMD uses to manufacture most of its processors and GPUs, and AMD is set to start receiving chips from the Arizona plant before the end of 2025).

At an AI event, CEO Lisa Su said that US chips will be "more than 5% but less than 20%" costlier compared to "similar" parts produced in Taiwan. The chief executive also observed that yields in the US plant are comparable to TSMC's Taiwanese facilities. (The yield is the percentage of chips that make the grade to be used in a finished product – not every piece of silicon does, and chips in that category are often repurposed for lower-tier hardware).

In an interview with Bloomberg that followed the event, Su argued that any extra expense was worthwhile in terms of diversifying where AMD is outsourcing its production. The chief executive said: "We have to consider resiliency in the supply chain. We learned that in the pandemic."

Su also underlined that the demand for AI chips, wherever they are produced, isn't going anywhere and remains massive – which isn't news to anyone, of course.

Analysis: It's still early days for TSMC US

(Image credit: AMD)

While yields may be similar (or so we're told), what Su doesn't mention is that TSMC's most advanced processes are exclusive to its production facilities in Taiwan. Arizona only goes as far as the N4 node, which is 4nm – whereas the cutting-edge production process for TSMC is now 2nm.

Eventually, though, the plan is to manufacture those more advanced products in the US – the investment in Arizona is a huge one, after all – but for now, this is simply about adding diversity, as Su indicates.

Still, all the pieces of that diversity puzzle aren't in place yet, at least according to recent reports, which observe that AMD still has to send some US-made chips back to Taiwan for finishing (if they need advanced packaging applied).

Tthe plan is for that to happen in the US eventually – but for now, there's seemingly this clunky and rather impractical workaround in place as part of the rush to get more chips out of the door (to meet AI demand, which is, as mentioned, huge).

That could be one of the reasons why costs may be inflated, alongside potentially higher costs for being based in the US in the first place (such as labor, perhaps).

Su's estimate is quite wide-ranging here, and a price jump of 5% to 20% is a wide gulf. The former seems relatively trivial, the latter represents a much less palatable hike – slapping 20% on the cost of a typical Ryzen workhorse CPU would stick $50 on top, or thereabouts (going by the MSRP of the Ryzen 9600X, which admittedly is selling for a lot cheaper now).

Okay, so you can't boil this scenario down to that outcome – there are a lot more factors to consider here, including that Su's estimate is rather vague – but the higher end of the scale provided for the potential cost increase is somewhat concerning, for sure.

As is the fact that this isn't just some rumor floating down from an anonymous source somewhere in the supply chain, but that it comes from the CEO herself.

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• Antigravity's Insta360-powered first drone is focussed on simplicity
• 360 drone with 'immersive flight' is set for August launch
• It will shoot 8K video and weigh under 250g

There’s a new player entering the drone game, and I couldn’t be more excited. This week’s announcement (or should that be “pre-announcement”?) from Antigravity teasing its forthcoming 360 drone means that market leader DJI is about to get a major rival.

The Antigravity drone, developed by Insta360 and some unspecified third parties, isn’t a straight-up competitor to DJI’s range; it’s instead taking things in a different direction. By offering 8K 360-degree capture of everything around it – like a flying version of the superb Insta360 X5 camera – this is the first ever drone to offer immersive all-around capture out of the box.

Details are scant at the moment, but Antigravity’s press release promises to “replace the technical complexity inherent in both drone flying and 360-degree videography with expressive, story-first experiences that are easy to master yet exceptionally powerful.”

Ease of use is clearly going to be a major marketing point of this first Antigravity drone, with the release going on to mention intuitive, family-friendly operation aimed at people who don’t have time to learn “complex flight controls and aerial content creation”. And that focus on simplicity and ease of use is hugely exciting to me.

The upcoming Antigravity drone will be unveiled in August (Image credit: Antigravity, Insta360)Simply does it

Don’t get me wrong – I love the power and advanced capabilities of DJI’s premium drones like the Mavic 4 Pro, and learning how best to use them to create impactful aerial photographs and videos. As someone who has been reviewing drones ever since the original DJI Phantoms were released over a decade ago, I’ve had plenty of time to master quadcopter flight. And, let’s face it, it’s not like DJI’s drones are particularly difficult to fly, thanks to their plethora of built-in safety features, wind resistance and automated flight modes.

But the idea of an ultra-focussed, low-complexity drone designed purely for 360 video is also compelling – even if it’s, for now, all just marketing talk with few concrete details. Antigravity is making some bold claims – and it has to, if it wants to attract attention in a market absolutely dominated by DJI.

However, I can already spot two key areas in which the Antigravity drone keeps things simple. The first is its weight, which we know will be under 250g. That means it’s free from many of the restrictions and rules governing drones. In the US, drones under 250g are exempt from FAA registration for recreational use, while in the UK they don’t require a Flyer ID, can be flown closer than 50m to uninvolved people and can be flown at residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites. Less paperwork and more scope for flying are always welcome.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro's sub-250g weight is a key part of its appeal – and one that Antigravity's debut drone will also possess. (Image credit: DJI)

You might be thinking, “but DJI makes sub-250g drones too” – and you’d be right. The DJI Flip, DJI Neo and the DJI Mini range of drones all fall into the ultra-lightweight category, so this isn’t an area where Antigravity can differentiate itself. Where it can, however, is with 360 video.

Because the Antigravity drone’s camera design captures everything around it, all the time, the user doesn’t need to point the camera at a particularly subject when flying. The user just flies, lets the 360 camera do its thing and then, later on, can reframe the video to ensure that it’s pointing in the right direction. You’ll never miss a shot. This isn’t something we’ve ever seen integrated into a drone before, and truly sets the Antigravity apart from its competitors.

If I can forget about restrictions and forget about camera control, then all I need to worry about is putting the Antigravity drone in the right places. That’s a huge win in my book – and I can’t wait to take this new drone for a test flight.

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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, July 29 (game #513).

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 #514) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… You've got that right

NYT Strands today (game #514) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• CHEESE
• MESS
• BRIEF
• BLESS
• LISTEN
• TILE

NYT Strands today (game #514) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 12 letters

NYT Strands today (game #514) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 3rd column

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

NYT Strands today (game #514) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #514, are…

• LIFE
• VOTE
• SPEECH
• LIBERTY
• ASSEMBLY
• COUNSEL
• SPANGRAM: CONSTITUTION

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

I think today's Strands concerns words found in the United States Constitution, but I will admit that I'm not an expert in this regard, given that I'm based in the UK. What I do know is that the words here represent a selection of human rights that we often take for granted, but that are constantly worth reminding ourselves of – especially if we feel they are under threat.

As far as my gameplay went I saw the two shortest words first before the spangram confirmed the theme and opened up the board.

Unlike most days I barely had to cock my head sideways to work out the game words and unusually had to go hunting for non-game hints after completing the board.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, July 29, game #513)

• EXACT
• STRICT
• PRECISE
• ACCURATE
• PERSNICKETY
• SPANGRAM: TAKING PAINS

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.

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, July 29 (game #1282).

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 #1283) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* 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 #1283) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1283) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo 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 #1283) - 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 #1283) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• D

• A

• F

• U

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

Quordle today (game #1283) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1283, are…

• DEBAR
• ADMIN
• FOLIO
• USAGE

After getting ADMIN and USAGE pretty quickly I stalled over the final two words.

Needing to think of a word containing R, A, E and D I struggled to conjure anything that didn’t end with a D (dread, bread…) before taking a chance with DEBAR.

Meanwhile, guessing polio instead of FOLIO was a 50/50 situation that thankfully wasn’t on my last go.

Daily Sequence today (game #1283) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1283, are…

• MERGE
• TIMER
• DROLL
• OLIVE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
• Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
• Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
• Quordle #1279, Saturday, 26 July: MUDDY, SAINT, KINKY, POLAR
• Quordle #1278, Friday, 25 July: BONUS, RESIN, CEDAR, MADAM
• Quordle #1277, Thursday, 24 July: AGONY, VERVE, GLEAN, MINUS
• Quordle #1276, Wednesday, 23 July: OZONE, PENCE, ROOMY, WIDER
• Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT
• Quordle #1274, Monday, 21 July: KNEED, SNAIL, PINTO, FEAST
• Quordle #1273, Sunday, 20 July: GRACE, COUNT, EGRET, GIANT
• Quordle #1272, Saturday, 19 July: EARLY, CLICK, TRITE, SPREE
• Quordle #1271, Friday, 18 July: CINCH, FOYER, FUDGE, TAFFY
• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS