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• Marks and Spencer CEO received communication from a ransom gang
• This follows a devastating attack earlier in 2025
• The email confirms a link between the M&S and Co-op attacks

Marks and Spencer was amongst the British retailers that suffered devastating cyberattacks earlier in 2025, with services and stores facing disruption, as well as online orders being suspended.

In the midst of all this, reports from the BBC claim company CEO Stuart Machin was personally sent emails by the attackers goading him and inviting him to begin negotiating the ransom fee.

"We have marched the ways from China all the way to the UK and have mercilessly raped your company and encrypted all the servers," the hackers wrote. "The dragon wants to speak to you so please head over to [our darknet website]."

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“Let's get the party started”

The group, who call themselves “DragonForce” also claimed responsibility for the Co-op attack, which came around a similar time - making this email the first official link between the two incidents.

Little is known so far about the group themselves, but the emails confirm this was a ransomware attack, something that M&S have so far refused to comment on.

It was sent through a London-based Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee, and it appears as though this employee was also hacked as part of the wider attack - and the Indian IT service is investigating whether it was the origin for the M&S cyberattack.

The email indicated a knowledge of the firm’s cyber insurance, taunting the firm; "we know we can both help each other handsomely : ))". The email also contained a link to begin ransom negotiations; "let's get the party started. Message us, we will make this fast and easy for us."

We reached out to Marks and Spencer for comment, which it declined, offering the following;

“We cannot comment on details of or speculation on the cyber incident, and we have been advised not to.”

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• Upgraded MagSafe chargers have been spotted in filings
• The iPhone 17 could support up to 50W wireless charging
• Price hikes for the new models have been predicted

We're counting down the weeks until the iPhone 17 reveal, which should be sometime in September, and a couple of new leaks have caught our attention. In short: there's good news and there's bad news.

First up, the positive news is that Apple's flagship phone series might be getting a boost in terms of its wireless MagSafe charging, compared to the iPhone 16 range.

As spotted by 91mobiles, Apple has submitted regulatory filings in Taiwan for two new MagSafe charger models, with model numbers A3502 and A3503.

Crucially, the chargers support the Qi 2.2 standard, and that means a big jump in wireless charging power: 50W, as opposed to the 25W that the current iPhones max out on (the current MagSafe tech is limited to Qi 2.0).

The Qi 2.2 standard also brings with it improved efficiency, to cut down on heat generation and energy loss, as well as better magnetic alignment – so these new MagSafe chargers should snap into place better than ever before. The signs are promising that the new models will offer improved charging speeds for the iPhone 17.

Price rises

Current iPhones, like the iPhone 16e, have stayed at their original price (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Less encouragingly, 9to5Mac reports on a prediction from the analysts at Counterpoint Research, which suggests the starting price of an iPhone will go up this year – primarily because of the ongoing US tariff situation.

Some of that tariff cost is going to be passed on to consumers by Apple, Counterpoint Research says, though it doesn't specify what the price hike might be, or which models could be most affected. Up until now, Apple has resisted raising the prices of its current lineup, including the recently launched iPhone 16e.

Of course, this is all unofficial for now, and the tariff situation might look a lot different in September 2025, but you might want to start saving up. The iPhone 16 starting price was set at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 when it launched last September.

Rumors of an iPhone 17 price hike have been swirling all year, so this latest prediction isn't really a surprise. Insider sources and analysts from Samsung Securities have both speculated that the iPhone 17 could cost more than its predecessor – not just because of tariffs, but also because of new costs to Apple and new features in the handset.

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• The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are again rumored to have 120Hz refresh rates
• However, this time we're hearing that they might not have ProMotion screens
• That would likely mean they don't have a variable refresh rate, which could be bad news for battery life

We’ve long expected that the entire iPhone 17 series will get 120Hz displays, with numerous sources saying the base model will finally leave 60Hz screens in the past. However, a new leak complicates this claim slightly.

According to reputable leaker Fixed Focus Digital (via 9to5Mac), the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air will indeed have 120Hz screens, but unlike on the Pro models, these won’t be ProMotion displays.

You see, Apple equips its Pro models with ProMotion screens, which, as well as being able to reach 120Hz, are also able to dial all the way down to 1Hz. This means the refresh rate is never higher than it needs to be, so battery can be conserved when a high refresh rate isn’t needed.

And with a 1Hz refresh rate, they can also support Apple’s always-on display feature (which would use a lot of battery if the refresh rate were stuck at a high level). But according to this source, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air won’t have a variable refresh rate.

No always-on, and not enough endurance

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a variable refresh rate (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

So, that would likely mean the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air still won’t support Apple's always-on display feature, but more troublingly, it could also mean a reduction in battery life for both models. That’s especially worrying for the iPhone 17 Air, which by virtue of being slim will probably have quite a small battery to begin with.

But that makes me doubt this rumor a bit. It could make sense for Apple to do this with the base iPhone 17, as it would be a spec upgrade, but one that still keeps it behind the Pro models. The battery hit on the Air, however, would surely be too big a sacrifice.

So, I'm hoping that this rumored upgrade is either totally wrong or will only come to the base iPhone 17, as in the iPhone 17 Air’s case, it might end up being more of a downgrade than just equipping it with a 60Hz screen.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and it brings several upgrades over its predecessor, including 4K resolution, 120Hz (at 1080p resolution) and HDR support. It also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which provides a smoother gaming experience, although this is only available in handheld mode. If you managed to get one, now might be a good time to upgrade another vital piece of gaming equipment: your TV.

If you're still looking for a Switch 2, be sure to check out our live stock checker.

When it comes to the best gaming TVs, we at TechRadar look for features such as VRR, a 120Hz refresh rate and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically selects a TV’s game-optimized mode when it detects a connected console. Low input lag for responsive performance and top-notch picture quality are also important.

There’s a plethora of gaming TV options, making choosing one a bit daunting. I’ve chosen three TVs that I think would suit the Switch 2, and the list is led by my top pick, the LG C4.

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The LG B4 provides premium OLED picture quality and a full array of gaming features - 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming - for a more budget-friendly price than any other OLED. It would make a perfect gaming monitor for the Switch 2 and it's now back to its lowest ever price for the 48-inch model. View Deal

The LG C4's colourful, detailed and contrast-rich picture and unbeatable array of gaming features including 4K at 144Hz, VRR (FreeSync and G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM mean it's a match made in heaven for gaming consoles like the Switch 2. And just in time for the Switch 2's release, this is the cheapest we've ever seen the 55-inch model and is an unmissable offer. View Deal

LG C4

(Image credit: Future)

The LG C4 sits at the top of many of our best TV lists, including the best gaming TV and best OLED TV. A true jack of all trades, it delivers every feature you’d want for gaming and movies and has fantastic picture quality and an intuitive smart TV platform:

The C4 supports 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. Although the Switch 2 won’t take full advantage of all these features in docked mode, it can use High Refresh Rate (120Hz) or 4K resolution for its picture (though not both at the same time).

Plus, games like Mario Kart World will really benefit from the LG C4’s ultra-low 9.2ms input lag time. For driving games like Mario Kart World, a low input lag means a snappier response to your command, something that’s necessary on a course like Rainbow Road! And the C4’s Game Optimizer will allow you to make other settings adjustments to get your Switch 2 experience just right.

Picture quality is where the C4 shines. It has bright, bold colors with plenty of dynamic punch thanks to its high brightness (we measured its peak brightness at 1,065 nits in Filmmaker Mode). Plus, its rich detail and contrast are sure to give the colorful, larger-than-life graphics of the Switch 2’s games a deeper, richer look.

The C4’s picture quality earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our LG C4 review for good reason! And there’s no better time to buy one to pair with your Nintendo Switch 2 with ambitious ports such as Cyberpunk: 2077 available from launch.

Hisense U7N

(Image credit: Future)

The Hisense U7N is packed with a ton of gaming features and delivers good picture quality without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a budget gaming TV.

For gaming features, the U7N supports 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. It also delivers a respectable 13.5ms input lag time. Once again, the Switch 2 will benefit from these gaming features, and the U7N also has a useful game mode, where other tweaks such as shadow detail can be made.

In my Hisense U7N review, I said that “its picture punched above its weight’, and cited its rich color and solid contrast. The Switch 2’s visually appealing games, such as Mario Kart World and Legend of Zelda, will really benefit from the vibrant picture the U7N provides.

LG B4

(Image credit: Future)

That’s right, another LG OLED has made my list. The LG B4 is the step-down model from the LG C4, and while it doesn’t hit the same brightness levels, it still produces excellent picture quality and has an equally impressive list of gaming features.

The B4 is also a great value for an OLED TV, especially the 48-inch model.

Just like its more premium sibling, the B4’s superb stock of gaming features includes 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. It also has an ultra-low 9.1ms input lag time (activated by Boost mode in the Game Optimizer). The Switch 2 can once again take advantage of that low input lag time for ultra-responsive performance (crucial for Mario Kart World) and the B4’s 4K, HDR and 120Hz support to level-up their experience from the original Nintendo Switch.

While it may not have the brightness of the LG C4, the B4 still produces striking colors and rich contrast that gives pictures a dynamic and engaging look with plenty of detail. In our testing, we also found it was great for upscaling non-4K content – perfect if you’re playing an HD-resolution Switch 2 game.

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Europe’s biggest WordPress event is back - this time in the historic city of Basel, Switzerland. We are here to bring you all the latest news and insights from the event.

Several of the biggest names in website hosting, building, and growth are here including WordPress.com, Hostinger, Elementor, Bluehost, Google, and Yoast. There are some interesting talks taking place throughout the event on everything from development and community to content and website design. On day 2, we will also hear from Matt Mullenweg Co-Founder of WordPress and Mary Hubbard Executive Director of WordPress.

So, if WordPress websites are your thing, keep this page bookmarked to find all the latest updates from WordCamp Europe 2025.

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Good morning from Basel, Switzerland!

James Capell (Editor, Web Hosting) and Owain Williams (Editor, Website Builders & CRM) reporting from the opening day of WordCamp Europe. We are looking forward to seeing what this year’s event has in store.

(Image credit: Future)

The doors have opened! Attendees are trickling in.

(Image credit: Future)

The exhibition hall has a fantastic buzz to it, lots of smiling faces and engaging conversations. You immediately get a sense of how close-knit the WordPress community is as you walk around.

What I'm looking forward to today (Owain Williams):

Having attended WordCamp Europe before, I know I’m in for conundrum over the next couple of days. So many great talks to attend, so many fantastic exhibitors to quiz, and countless amazing attendees to chat to.

I know I won’t fit everything in, but here are the three sessions I am going to make special effort to attend today:

1. 3 WordPress agency f*ckups and what I learned from them with Jennifer Aguilera Schumacher
2. Live website reviews by industry experts with Taco Verdonschot
3. WordPress speed build with Jamie Marsland

AI isn’t hype anymore—it’s real. IDC predicts that by 2028 AI spending could hit $623 billion by 2028. That kind of investment doesn’t come from buzz. It comes from companies seeing real value.

AI tools are already cutting costs, speeding up work, and - let’s be honest - making jobs more enjoyable. Nobody misses the repetitive stuff. Instead, we’re doing more of what we’re actually good at: strategy, creativity, and problem-solving.

So now that companies have tasted that value, many want to go further. Not just use AI—but build entire internal AI-powered solutions themselves. Stitch together some models, build an app, launch it to their teams. The thinking goes: if off-the-shelf tools work, imagine how great it’ll be if we control the whole thing.

Here’s the reality: for most companies, especially non-tech companies, building in-house AI solutions is a bad bet. They take too long, cost too much, and rarely deliver what the business actually needs.

Let’s talk about why.

It’s not about the model. It’s about the missing link Between tech and impact.

Companies are already experimenting with models. They’re using GPTs, building copilots, testing agents. That’s not the problem. The problem is believing the solution is just about picking a model or wiring one together. That’s not where most projects fail.

They fail because the solution—how it fits into your workflows, your systems, your people—isn’t well thought out. It’s fragmented. It’s not scalable. It doesn’t stick. The model might be powerful, but the experience around it doesn’t work. And without that, the value never materializes. This is why the connective layer matters.

The interface. The orchestration. The automation. The safeguards. It’s what turns "we have a model" into "we’re driving results." And most companies don’t have the internal expertise to build that layer right.

Going solo comes with hidden costs

Trying to build your own AI-powered solution might feel brave. But unless your company is a product and engineering company, the odds are stacked against you.

Here’s where most organizations get it wrong:

1. You Don’t Have the UX Muscle

AI only delivers value when people actually use it. That means seamless, intuitive, trustworthy interfaces. Most enterprises don’t have the product design and UX software and development capabilities to build interfaces that users actually want to engage with. Internal tools often look—and perform—like science experiments.

2. You’re Flying Blind

Vendors bring learning from hundreds of deployments. You don’t. If you’re rolling out a custom AI solution based on a few internal tests and gut instinct, you’re guessing. You don’t have enough data to know what “good” looks like—or what real adoption takes.

3. You’re Not Budgeting for What Comes Next

AI isn’t static. Models evolve. Interfaces break. User needs change. If you’re not committing budget and headcount for constant iteration, retraining, and support, that in-house solution will be outdated in under a year. And it will sit unused, no matter how promising it looked at launch.

4. Security Concerns Are Overblown

Yes, protecting data is critical. But assuming vendor AI tools are inherently less secure? That’s a flawed take. The best AI providers build with security and compliance at the core. If you trust cloud infrastructure, you can trust enterprise-grade AI vendors.

5. "Only We Know Our Business" Misses the Point

Your internal team knows your business better. That’s not in question. But they likely don’t know how to build scalable, production-ready AI. Vendors do. They’ve already solved the engineering challenges, the data problems, the deployment mess. Why start from scratch?

If you’re not a tech company, stop trying to be one. There’s no shame in partnering with experts—it’s how the winners win faster.

Agentic AI is coming—and it’s even harder to build right

The next phase is agentic AI. These systems don’t just generate—they act. They make decisions. They learn. They execute. It’s already revolutionizing workstreams like customer service, reporting, and document creation.

But these aren’t lightweight features. They’re full systems—requiring real orchestration, context awareness, governance, and maintenance. Trying to build them internally without the right foundation? That’s not just inefficient. It’s risky.

You don’t need to build these things. You need to leverage the companies that already have.

AI is a team sport, play with the pros

AI feels like it’s getting easier. And in some ways, it is. Open-source models. No-code platforms. Accessible APIs.

But building an AI solution that actually moves the needle? That’s still hard. Really hard. And if you think your internal team can replicate what vendors have spent years perfecting, you’re wasting time—and likely money.

The smartest companies aren’t trying to do it all themselves. They’re focusing on what they do best and partnering for the rest.

AI is a team sport. Play with the pros.

That’s how you win.

LINK!

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

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 6.

• Luma Labs' new Modify Video tool for Dream Machine uses AI to alter any video footage without reshoots
• Any characters or environments won't lose their original motion or performances
• Anything from subtle wardrobe tweaks to full magical scene overhauls is feasible

Luma Labs is known for producing AI videos from scratch, but the company has a new feature for its Dream Machine that can utterly transform real video footage in subtle or blatant ways, even if it's just an old home movie.

The new Modify Video feature does for videos something like the best Photoshop tools do for images. It can change a scene's setting, style, even whole characters, all without reshooting, reanimating, or even standing up.

The company boasts that the AI video editing preserves everything that matters to you from the original recording, such as actor movement, framing, timing, and other key details, while altering anything else you want.

The outfit you're wearing, which you've decided wasn't you, is suddenly an entirely different set of clothing. That blanket fort is now a ship sailing a stormy sea, and your friend flailing on the ground is actually an astronaut in space, all without the use of green screens or editing bays.

Luma’s combination of advanced motion and performance capture, AI styling, and what it calls structured presets makes it possible to offer the full range of reimagined videos.

All you need to do is upload a video of up to 10 seconds in length to get started. Then pick from the Adhere, Flex, or Reimagine presets.

Adhere is the most subtle option; it focuses on minimal changes, such as the clothing adjustment below or different textures on furniture. Flex does that but can also adjust the style of the video, the lighting, and other, more obvious details. Reimagine, as the name suggests, can completely remake everything about the video, taking it to another world or remaking people into cartoon animals or sending someone standing on a flat board into a cyberpunk hoverboard race.

Flexible AI video

It all depends on not just prompts, but reference images and frame selections from your video if you choose. As a result, the process is much more user-friendly and flexible.

Although AI video modification is hardly unique to Luma, the company claims it outperforms rivals like Runway and Pika due to its performance fidelity. The altered videos keep an actor’s body language, facial expressions, and lip sync. The final results appear as an organic whole, not just stitched-together bits.

Of course, the Modify Video tools have limitations. These are still capped at 10 seconds per clip for now, which keeps things manageable in terms of wait times. However, if you want a longer film, you need to plan and work out how to artistically incorporate different shots into one film.

Still, features like the ability to isolate elements within a shot are a big deal. Sometimes you have a performance you're very happy with, but it's supposed to be a different kind of character in a different setting. Well, you can keep the performance intact and swap a garage for the sea and your actor's legs for a fish tail.

Dreams to reality

It is genuinely impressive how quickly and thoroughly the AI tools can rework a bit of footage. These tools aren't just a gimmick; the AI models are aware of performances and timelines in a way that feels closer to human than any I've seen. The AI models don't actually understand pacing, continuity, or structure, but they are very good at mimicking these aspects.

While the technical and ethical limitations will prevent Luma Labs from recreating the entire cinema at this point, these tools will be tempting for many amateur or independent video producers. And while I don't see it becoming as widely used as common photo filters, there are some fun ideas in Luma's demos that you might want to try.

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• Meta is developing its Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, which come packed with sensors and AI features
• The smart glasses can track your gaze, movement, and even heart rate to gauge what's happening around you and your feelings about it
• The smart glasses are currently being used to help researchers train robots and build better AI systems that could be incorporated into consumer smart glasses

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are still relatively new, but Meta is already ramping up work with its new Aria Gen 2 smart glasses. Unlike the Ray-Bans, these smart glasses are only for research purposes, for now, but are packed with enough sensors, cameras, and processing power that it seems inevitable some of what Meta learns from them will be incorporated into future wearables.

Project Aria's research-level tools, like the new smart glasses, are used by people working on computer vision, robotics, or any relevant hybrid of contextual AI and neuroscience that draws Meta's attention. The idea for developers is to utilize these glasses to devise more effective methods for teaching machines to navigate, contextualize, and interact with the world.

The first Aria smart glasses came out in 2020. The Aria Gen 2s are far more advanced in hardware and software. They’re lighter, more accurate, pack more power, and look much more like glasses people wear in their regular lives, though you wouldn't mistake them for a standard pair of spectacles.

The four computer vision cameras can see an 80° arc around you and measure depth and relative distance, so it can tell both how far your coffee mug is from your keyboard, or where a drone’s landing gear might be heading. That's just the beginning of the sensory equipment in the glasses, including an ambient light sensor with ultraviolet mode, a contact microphone that can pick up your voice even in noisy environments, and a pulse detector embedded in the nose pad that can estimate your heart rate.

Future facewear

There's also plenty of eye-tracking technology, able to tell where you’re looking, when you blink, how your pupils change, and what you're focusing on. It can even track your hands, measuring joint movement in a way that could help with training robots or learning gestures. Combined, the glasses can figure out what you're looking at, how you're holding an object, and if what you're seeing is getting your heart rate up because of an emotional reaction. If you're holding an egg and see your sworn enemy, the AI might be able to figure out you want to throw the egg at them, and help you aim it accurately.

As stated, these are research tools. They’re not for sale to consumers, and Meta hasn’t said if they ever will be. Researchers have to apply to get access, and the company is expected to start taking those applications later this year.

But the implications are far larger. Meta's plans for smart glasses go well beyond checking for messages. They want to link human interactions with the real world to machines, teaching them to do the same. Theoretically, those robots could look, listen, and interpret the world around them like humans do.

It's not going to happen tomorrow, but the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses prove it's a lot closer than you might think. And it’s probably only a matter of time before some version of the Aria Gen 2 ends up for sale to the average person. You'll have that powerful AI brain sitting on your face, remembering where you left your keys and sending a robot to pick them up for you.

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Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of the Selecao for the first time in Guayaquil.

• No new iPhone expected, not even a hint, really
• No apologies for the bad Apple Intelligence launch
• No Holy Grail products like XR glasses or a glucose monitor

Next week Apple hosts its Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) 2025, bringing together developers and media to discuss what’s new and what’s upcoming in the world of All Things Apple. Apple makes a lot of stuff, and more importantly, Apple makes the software that runs it all. Apple’s developer conference is about software more than anything else, and hardware news will only serve to expand on Apple’s software development.

If I were a betting man, here’s my safe bet for what new products we’ll see at WWDC 2025: nothing! Apple almost never launches hardware at WWDC. The only time we get something new at WWDC is when it serves to make the developer news more interesting.

Of course, this year’s software news could be very interesting, with a major redesign possibly in the cards for every Apple OS, plus a new naming scheme that will match the update to the year: ie. iOS 26 in 2026. Do we need new hardware to go with the updated interface? No, but it could generate more excitement.

With that in mind, here’s what I do not expect to see at WWDC 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)No hardware, no new iPhone, not even the iPhone 17 Air

If you were hoping for a sneak peak at the iPhone 17 Air, I would highly doubt that Apple will drop any hints about its rumored upcoming thin phone. Even with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge now available, I don’t think Apple will ruin the surprise coming in September, when it launches a drastically redesigned iPhone 17 family. Showing off an iPhone 17 Air would give too much away today.

I also wouldn’t expect any new iPad models. Apple launched new iPad base models and new iPad Air tablets recently, with faster processors inside. There’s no reason to launch anything new at WWDC 2025. Even the iPad Mini got a recent refresh, so it’s doubtful we’ll see anything new.

Occasionally Apple announces a new chipset at WWDC, like the Apple M4 platform. That would be a good reason to get a new Macbook Pro, or possibly an updated iPad Pro model. We haven’t gotten hints about this, so we’re not expecting any new Macbook or iPad’s with an Apple M5, for instance.

There is one lingering rumor about an updated Apple Homepod, possibly with a built-in display. That would make sense for WWDC 2025 because a new display means new possibilities for developers to load apps. If there is any hardware announced next week, that would be my top bet.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)No apologies about Apple AI, and no backing down

If you think Apple Intelligence hasn’t been going well, you’re right, but I wouldn’t expect Apple to admit as much, and it definitely won’t be apologizing for any of the missteps so far. In fact, I expect we’ll see Apple barreling forward with AI features at every level of every single OS.

We’re going to get Apple Intelligence on the Apple Watch, along with more AI on the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks. The real question is whether Apple will keep promising the same features that never materialized – Siri’s ability to read your email and your personal info and provide you with tailored advice – or if there will be some new direction, perhaps with new partnerships to bridge the gaps in Apple’s capabilities.

I think the latter is most likely, as developers right now are keen on ways to integrate existing apps and features with AI. It makes sense for Apple to partner more closely with companies outside of OpenAI, while it continues to try to build its own AI infrastructure.

(Image credit: Apple)No holy grail, either on your wrist or your face

I expect Apple will talk about advances in Apple Health on the Apple Watch, but I don’t expect any dramatic new capabilities will be announced. We won’t see improvements in glucose monitoring, for instance, or new hardware that can measure metabolic rates in non-invasive ways.

Apple still has a lot of catching up to do on its watch hardware. Google’s Wear OS watches and its partners have added features like zero pulse detection plus more AI features, and battery life continues to climb on the Wear OS side. Apple has been a bit stagnant with its WatchOS progress.

I also wouldn’t expect new face wearables. No update to Apple Vision Pro, and no new Apple Vision products. It is possible that we will get improved controls for Vision Pro, and maybe even real joystick controllers, but no new platform like XR smart glasses.

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Samsung teams up with Glance AI to let users buy products from their phone lock screens.

From practicing a new language to getting on-the-fly recipes, ChatGPT's Voice Mode makes my daily routines easier, faster and surprisingly human.

The latest OnePlus Pad comes with a series of upgrades that can stand up to comparable Samsung tablets in its price range.

• Thunderbolt 5 brings external GPUs closer to delivering real desktop-class performance on thin laptops
• Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box is a dream for power users, not casual gamers
• Heat and power delivery are major concerns when running top-tier GPUs like the RTX 5090

At Computex 2025, Gigabyte introduced a new external GPU enclosure designed to deliver high-performance gaming and AI capabilities.

The Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box connects via Thunderbolt 5 and is powered by Nvidia’s flagship GeForce RTX 5090, following in the footsteps of previous models like the Aorus GTX 1070 and Aorus RTX 3080 Ti, which also featured top-tier Nvidia GPUs at the time.

With the RTX 5090 widely regarded as the best GPU on the market, the AI Box promises desktop-class performance for machines that previously maxed out with integrated graphics or modest discrete GPUs.

Thunderbolt 5 unlocks new performance potential

Thanks to Thunderbolt 5’s dramatically increased bandwidth, many of the bottlenecks that once plagued eGPU setups are being addressed, bringing users closer to the long-standing goal of running a high-end GPU on a lightweight, ultraportable machine.

Theoretically, the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box checks nearly every box: cutting-edge graphics, future-proof connectivity, and plug-and-play flexibility. However, eGPU setups still come with inherent limitations.

Despite lower latency and higher throughput, external GPUs often fall short of matching the performance of internal GPUs due to data transfer overhead and potential driver inconsistencies.

Heat and power management also remain critical concerns, especially with a GPU as power-hungry as the RTX 5090.

There's also the question of practicality. This setup will likely be overkill for casual gaming or office tasks, but it will be a compelling option for developers, video editors, and 3D artists who need the fastest PC performance with the flexibility of a mobile setup.

That said, pricing will be a key consideration. Gigabyte has yet to announce the price of the AI Box, but with the RTX 5090 already commanding a premium, and Thunderbolt 5 components adding to the cost, this device won’t come cheap.

For reference, the Gigabyte Aorus GV-N4090IXEB-24GD, launched two years ago, debuted at $2,000. The new model could very well surpass that figure.

Via PCWatch (originally published in Japanese)

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