TechRadar News

• North Korean hackers are using GenAI to hold jobs in western firms
• New research from Okta reveals AI written CVs and messages
• This is an escalation from an existing fake interview campaign

New research from Okta has revealed that hackers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), are using generative AI in its malicious interview campaign - a series of tactics that involve gaining employment in remote technical roles in western firms, usually in industries with sensitive security data like defense, aerospace, or engineering.

This isn’t the first time North Korean fake job hackers have gone the extra mile with their campaigns, but the new research has found that GenAI is playing an integral role in the employment schemes.

The AI models are used to “create compelling personas at numerous stages of the job application and interview process” and then, once hired, GenAI is again used to assist in maintaining multiple roles, all earning revenue for the state.

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Malicious interview

AI was used by these hackers in a number of ways, including generating CVs and cover letters, conducting mock interviews via chat and webcam, translating, translating, and summarising messages, as well as managing communications for multiple jobs from different accounts and services.

To assist, the hackers have a sophisticated network of ‘facilitators’ that provide in-country support, technical infrastructure, and “legitimate business cover” - helping the North Koreans with domestic addresses, legitimate documents, and support during the recruitment process.

The campaign is growing ever more sophisticated, especially given that hackers are now using both sides of the job seeking process, targeting job seekers with fake interviews, in which they deliver malware and infostealers.

These elaborate schemes often start on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn or Upwork - with the attackers reaching out to victims to discuss potential opportunities. Anyone on the job hunt or in the hiring process should be extra vigilant about who they are speaking to, and should be careful not to download any unfamiliar software.

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• WhatsApp has commented on its controversial new Meta AI assistant
• The messaging app says it's a "good thing" despite a mixed reception
• WhatsApp has separately rolled out a new 'Advanced Chat Privacy' tool

WhatsApp has defended the wider rollout of its Meta AI assistant inside the popular messaging app, despite some significant pushback from users.

Earlier this month, Meta rolled out the AI assistant – represented by a blue ring in the bottom-right corner of your WhatsApp chats – across several new countries in the EU, the UK, and Australia.

Because WhatsApp is very popular in those regions – more so than the likes of Apple's iMessage – there was a vocal backlash to its arrival on platforms like Reddit, particularly as it isn't possible to turn the feature off. But WhatsApp has now commented on those concerns for the first time.

In a statement to the BBC, WhatsApp said: "We think giving people these options is a good thing and we're always listening to feedback from our users". It added that it considers the feature to be similar to other permanent features in the app, like 'channels'.

Although the Meta AI circle hovers permanently in your chats section, it doesn't actually have access to your chats. Meta's Help pages state that "your personal messages with friends and family are off limits", while the Meta AI chat window states that "it can only read messages people share with it".

Still, some privacy concerns remain, so this week WhatsApp introduced a new feature called "Advanced Chat Privacy" to help soothe any remaining concerns.

A privacy peace offering

(Image credit: WhatsApp)

While it isn't possible to turn off Meta AI in WhatsApp (it's also now integrated into the app's search bar), you will soon be able to use "Advanced Chat Privacy" to prevent others from using your chats in other AI apps.

The new setting, which is "rolling out to everyone on the latest version of WhatsApp", is designed to stop people from taking anything you share in WhatsApp outside of chats and groups. When it's turned on, your friends and contacts are blocked from "exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for AI features".

We haven't yet seen the feature in action, but you'll be able to turn it on by tapping on a chat name, then tapping the new "Advanced Chat Privacy" option. WhatsApp says this is also just the first version of the feature, with more protections en route to help you avoid a personal Signalgate fiasco.

That's likely to be a more popular move than baking Meta AI in WhatsApp, although a recent poll on the TechRadar WhatsApp channel shows the latter hasn't been universally condemned.

While the biggest chunk of our poll respondents (42%) said they would "never" use the Meta AI assistant in WhatsApp, a significant number (41%) said they would "maybe, sometimes" tap the blue ring, while 17% said they planned to use Meta's ChatGPT equivalent "regularly". Perhaps, like the prison walls in The Shawshank Redemption, we'll one day grow to depend on it.

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• Frederick Health Medical Group was struck with ransomware in late January 2025
• It concluded its investigation and says almost a million people lost sensitive data
• The data includes names, SSNs, health insurance information, and more

We now know how many people are affected by a recent ransomware attack on Frederick Health Medical Group - almost a million.

The healthcare provider reported the new figures to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), noting how on January 27, 2025, it experienced a “ransomware event” on its IT systems.

The information taken varies from person to person, Frederick Health Medical Group added, and while in the notice it does not discuss the number of affected individuals, it did share a figure with the US HHS - 934,326 individuals.

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The subsequent investigation determined that the threat actors managed to steal certain files from a file share server.

These files included patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical record numbers, health insurance information, and/or clinical information related to patient care.

So far, no threat actors have assumed responsibility for the attack, and the data has not yet surfaced on the dark web, possibly suggesting Frederick Health actually paid the ransom demand.

The organization has roughly 4,000 employees and more than 25 locations. To mitigate the risk of the attack, it also offered all affected individuals free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through IDX.

Healthcare organizations are a prime target for ransomware operators, given the sensitivity of the data they operate with. In April 2025 alone, we've had stories of a cybersecurity CEO who tried to install malware on hospital computers, attacks on Yale Health and DaVita, and the data leak at Logezy.

Furthermore, Blue Shield of California also recently disclosed a data breach that exposed sensitive data of 4.7 million members.

Via BleepingComputer

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• A security oversight in Linux allows rootkits to bypass enterprise security solutions and run stealthily
• It was found in the io_uring Kernel interface
• Researchers built a PoC, now available on GitHub

Cybersecurity researchers from ARMO recently discovered a security oversight in Linux which allows rootkits to bypass enterprise security solutions and run stealthily on affected endpoints.

The oversight happens because the ‘io_uring’ Kernel interface is being ignored by security monitoring tools. Built as a faster, more efficient way for Linux systems to talk to storage devices, io_uring helps modern computers handle lots of information without getting bogged down. It was introduced back in 2019, with the release of Linux 5.1.

Apparently, most security tools look for shady syscalls and hooking white completely ignoring anything involving io_uring. Since the interface supports numerous operations through 61 ops types, it creates a dangerous blindspot that can be exploited for malicious purposes. Among other things, the supported operations include read/writes, creating and accepting network connections, modifying file permissions, and more.

According to BleepingComputer, the risk is so great that Google turned it off by default both in Android and ChromeOS, which use the Linux kernel.

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To demonstrate the flaw, ARMO built a proof-of-concept (PoC) rootkit called “Curing”. It can pull instructions from a remote server and run arbitrary commands without triggering syscall hooks. They then tested it against popular runtime security tools, and determined that most of them couldn’t detect it.

The researchers claim Falco was completely oblivious to Curing, while Tetragon couldn’t flag it under default configurations. However, the latter’s devs told the researchers they don’t consider the platform vulnerable since monitoring can be enabled to detect the rootkit.

"We reported this to the Tetragon team and their response was that from their perspective Tetragon is not "vulnerable" as they provide the flexibility to hook basically anywhere," they said. "They pointed out a good blog post they wrote about the subject."

ARMO also said they tested the tool against unnamed commercial programs and confirmed that io_uring-abusing malware was not being detected. Curing is now available for free on GitHub.

Via BleepingComputer

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• A new Philips Hue Smart Button is likely to launch in the coming months
• Testing documents suggest it'll have a similar design to the original button
• The button might work with the forthcoming Philips Hue AI assistant

It looks like Signify – the company behind Philips Hue – is preparing to launch a new smart button to let you control your lights with a tap from anywhere in your house.

The news comes from Fabian of Hueblog.com, who spotted a listing for a new device from Signify on the website of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All devices capable of sending radio signals have to be registered with the FCC before they can be sold in the US, so it's often a good source of early info on products that'll be hitting the shelves soon.

Although there are no photos, we can glean several details from the FCC filing. The product is classified as a 'digital transmission system', and supporting documents (including the location of its FCC approval label and its testing report) reveal that it will be a small, circular device using Zigbee technology, with specifications very similar to the original Hue Smart Button.

"There will be no functional differences to the previous model and the form factor will basically remain the same," concludes Fabian. "However, the second-generation Hue Smart Button will be slightly larger and more angular, and the overall design will be a little more sophisticated."

What to expect

We're big fans of the original Philips Hue Smart Button here at TechRadar. When he reviewed it back in 2023, our reviewer Alistair Charlton appreciated how easy it is to install using either its wall-mounting plate or small adhesive disc. Whichever one you choose, the button itself just snaps into place magnetically, and can be removed and used as a remote whenever you like.

The Smart Button can perform two functions of your choice – one when it's pressed once, and another when it's pressed and held. It's much simpler than the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch, which works as a dimmer with four programmable buttons in the center, but the Smart Button is a convenient and affordable way to operate your smart lights without using voice commands or an app.

What interests me is the timing. We know that Signify will soon be introducing an AI assistant for Philips Hue lights, which will use generative AI to create custom lighting schemes. It will be interesting to see whether we can use this assistant to program the button, or tap the button to cycle through AI-generated scene options.

Hopefully it will come in black as well. The Tap Dial Switch is available in a choice of colors, and a darker option would make the tiny button an even more discreet way to operate your lights.

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• Nvidia's RTX 5060 is set to launch May 19 at $299 according to VideoCardz
• It will use 8GB of VRAM and is expected to be the lowest-tier RTX 5000 series GPU despite the RTX 5050 rumors
• Inflation could drastically affect the GPU's potential success

Nvidia is on the verge of completing its RTX 5000 desktop GPU series launch, with the RTX 5060 on the horizon after its Ti counterpart launched earlier in April - and it's good news for budget gamers... well, sort of.

According to VideoCardz, the RTX 5060 is set to launch on May 19 at $299 (around £220 / AU$470), at the same price as its predecessor, the RTX 4060. It will utilize 8GB of VRAM, but is anticipated to take a decent performance leap over the last-gen card, using GDDR7 VRAM instead of GDDR6.

Its older brother, the RTX 5060 Ti, has both 8GB and 16GB models with the latter being an easy choice for most PC-builders in terms of gaming performance: 8GB of VRAM is much less desirable for running modern games, as plenty of triple-A titles require more VRAM. While VRAM isn't always the quintessential element when it comes to performance, it becomes a bigger factor for lower-end GPUs.

This may be one reason that sways potential consumers from buying the RTX 5060, but its price could be the main reason why. The rumored $299 launch price is certainly appealing for a budget GPU, but the trend of the GPU market suggests partner cards sold by retailers will likely cost more.

Just like the 5060 Ti (and the RTX 5070 Ti), if the RTX 5060 doesn't have a Founders Edition option, then consumers will yet again be left at the hands of retailers with third-party cards - and if you've kept a close eye on GPU prices lately, that's not good at all.

(Image credit: Nvidia) If prices are inflated for partner cards, then just forget about it...

It's bad enough that GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti or the RTX 5080 have inflated pricing across multiple retailers, but at the very least, these are powerful cards capable of 4K gaming. The RTX 5060, unsurprisingly, isn't a powerhouse GPU: it's expected to be Nvidia's lowest-tier GPU if the RTX 5050 rumors aren't legitimate (at least for the desktop PC space, anyway), so it has no business costing more than the purported $299.

However, the state of the GPU market gives us a clear answer: third-party RTX 5060 cards will more than likely cost more than $299, and I think that will instantly destroy anything good it could potentially have going for it. Gamers are already unwilling to pay more for more powerful hardware, so I'd find it hard to imagine budget gamers will accept any price inflation with this GPU.

Let's not forget that it's only got 8GB of VRAM, which I must stress again is no longer acceptable for gaming in 2025. Games are becoming more demanding, and we're continuously getting PC ports that are poorly optimized, so it's safe to say 8GB won't cut it anymore.

The only hope I do have for the RTX 5060 is that there actually is a Founders Edition model, and that there's a good level of availability (particularly since rumors hint that Nvidia is bolstering stock). If not, it's hard to see where it will succeed...

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• Motorola has revealed the Moto Watch Fit – a new Android fitness tracker
• It looks a lot like the Apple Watch, but with up to 16 days of battery life
• We got some hands-on time with the watch; here are our initial thoughts

Motorola has revealed its newest smartwatch, the Moto Watch Fit. Sporting a squircle design similar to the Apple Watch, the Moto Watch Fit is a slim, lightweight fitness tracker that works with all Android phones, with a large 1.9-inch AMOLED screen (topped with tough Gorilla glass).

However, unlike the Apple Watch, it can reportedly run for up to 16 days on a single charge – more than 20 times the battery life of your standard Apple Watch Series 10.

While the best Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, tops out at 36 hours of battery life, most Apple Watches only last for 18 hours. This is largely due to the watch running the power-hungry watchOS operating system. They also pack goodies the Watch Fit doesn't, such as a speaker and microphone for taking calls and playing alarm sounds.

We don't yet know whether the Moto Watch Fit will run Wear OS 5 like a true Android smartwatch, but from this first look, I doubt it. I imagine it will be a low-power alternative more like the best fitness trackers, which tend to last about a week. Sixteen days is more like Garmin watch territory; a very impressive achievement.

While it looks similar to an Apple Watch, there are a few other differences aside from the missing speaker and mic. For one thing, there is no digital crown, as Motorola has opted to include a tactile side button instead, like a Fitbit Versa model.

The watch does have onboard GPS for tracking workouts such as running, walking and cycling. There's 5ATM water resistance for swims, and an aluminum frame with a plastic back to save on weight (it's only 25g). Its price and release date are unknown, but based on the specs, we imagine it'll be around the price of an Apple Watch SE 2.

Hands-on thoughts

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Our US mobile editor Philip Berne got some brief hands-on time with the Moto Watch Fit. He said the following:

"The Motorola Moto Watch Fit was a surprise launch alongside the latest Motorola Razr phones, and it seems decidedly more focused on fitness tracking than smartwatch features.

"It looks and feels like a slimmer Apple Watch, with its squircle shape and square display, and the interchangeable watch bands even look suspiciously like Apple's watch band design. I was surprised that the Moto Watch Fit lacks speakers, so it won't be able to play alarm sounds.

"Still, it lays nice and flat on my arm, it feels very lightweight, and it's durable enough to keep up with any activity you'd throw at a normal smartwatch, including 5ATM of water resistance. Motorola is claiming the Moto Watch Fit will deliver 16 days of battery life, so maybe cutting all those features will have a real benefit for fitness fans."

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• Microsoft has upped the ante in its bug bounty program
• Payouts can now be as high as $30,000
• In some cases, the payout can even be higher

Microsoft is revealed it is now prepared to pay up to $30,000 in bounty to people who discover AI vulnerabilities in its Dynamics 365 and Power Platinum.

The company recently updated its bounty program with the new information.

"We invite individuals or organizations to identify security vulnerabilities in targeted Dynamics 365 and Power Platform applications and share them with our team. Qualified submissions are eligible for bounty rewards of $500 to $30,000 USD," the company said.

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Microsoft is willing to shell out for inference manipulation flaws, model manipulation, and inferential information disclosure. The vulnerabilities need to be either important or critical in their severity.

"To be eligible for AI Bounty Awards, such vulnerability must be Critical or Important severity as defined in the Microsoft Vulnerability Severity Classification for AI Systems and reproducible on a product or service listed in the In Scope Services and Products."

Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based suite of integrated business applications that combines CRM and ERP capabilities, while Power Platform is a low-code development suite that enables users to analyze data, build apps, automate workflows, and create chatbots using Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents.

If $30,000 doesn’t seem like a lot of money for such vulnerabilities, it’s perhaps worth mentioning that Microsoft is also willing to pay more, depending on the impact and the severity of the reported vulnerabilities, as well as the quality of the submission.

This is the second time in 2025 Microsoft has been increasing bounty rewards.

In mid-February 2025, the company announced it was ‘enhancing security and incentivizing innovation’ by updating its Copilot (AI) bug bounty program and raising the reward to $5,000.

Bug bounties are used by software firms in collaboration with security researchers to root out vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by threat actors - and Microsoft even runs its own Black-hat like event with up to $4 million in potential awards for cloud and AI flaws.

Via BleepingComputer

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The business landscape is shifting, and speed is no longer a competitive advantage but a necessity for survival. Technology is advancing faster than ever pushing businesses to adapt quickly while remaining flexible to the evolving market demands.

Transformation timelines that once spanned three to five years are a thing of the past, as market demands, and competitive pressures push businesses to deliver tangible results in under 12 months. To meet rising demands accelerating time to market, and boosting operational efficiency, organizations must rethink their transformation strategies.

Generative AI is at the heart of this shift, raising the bar with an increased rate of adoption. Companies have already incorporated AI into their processes and according to McKinsey & Co, 92 % of companies plan to increase their AI investments further, in the next three years. Businesses embracing gen AI gain a powerful solution that enhances developer productivity, helps tech teams to adapt and enables them to deliver smarter, faster solutions that drive business impact like never before.

The end of long digital transformation cycles

Despite the market demands for quicker turnaround times, many businesses have long relied on legacy systems and siloed data, making outdated technology and processes a major roadblock to scalability and progress. The issue is that too often IT teams remain accustomed to traditional methods and struggle to adapt to change. These are some of the factors that lead to prolonged digital transformation cycles and hinder innovation.

Another challenge is that, despite accelerating rates of AI adoption, 52% of projects fail to make it to production, with the average prototype to production time taking eight months, according to Gartner. The lengthy production timelines stall progress, making it difficult for businesses to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in a fast-moving market.

Whatever the reason may be, businesses can no longer afford slow progress – they must embrace change and look for ways to innovate faster to maintain competitive edge. In the face of shrinking timelines, AI has emerged as the accelerant that businesses need - to meet the demand for both speed and efficiency.

AI: The catalyst for business transformation

In the past year, the AI hype has quickly shifted from a theoretical concept to a real-world solution which is transforming how software is built and delivered. A collaborative report from OutSystems and KPMG shows that 93% of executives are planning to boost AI investments. Generative AI unlocks unprecedented capabilities, streamlining software development through automated code generation, rapid prototyping and code translation from one programming language to another.

As businesses embrace these advancements, the role of generative AI extends beyond efficiency, and it becomes a driving force for digital transformation.

The use of generative AI in software development can help businesses accelerate digital transformation by drastically reducing the development time and costs. This shift not only redefines traditional standards but also acts as a catalyst for whole industries to adapt their systems - or risk being left behind.

Combining generative AI with low-code can significantly enhance software development efficiency. Low-code simplifies complex tasks, enabling IT teams to quickly customize, iterate and deploy generative AI solutions. This powerful pairing empowers businesses to build and deploy generative AI-driven applications in record time and with improved workflows—compressing timelines from years to months and delivering tangible business value faster than ever before.

As companies navigate this transformation, they must also consider whether to build or buy software to maximize efficiency. This need to build software faster is also shaping how businesses integrate generative AI force alongside human expertise. This collaboration not only speeds up development but also ensures that companies can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The need for guardrails

While AI adoption opens new opportunities, it also comes with its own challenges. With the drive for faster software development cycles, there is a risk of technical debt and orphaned code if not properly managed and governed. Without a well-structured governing framework and guidelines, AI-generated code can quickly accumulate technical debt, making it difficult to scale and maintain. Growing technical debt could ultimately hinder businesses’ from staying competitive.

The implementation of generative AI can also bring some serious security concerns. Many generative AI models are trained on datasets which sometimes contain sensitive information, posing potential risks of privacy breaches. Additionally, generative AI may not always account for the latest vulnerabilities leaving systems open to hackers and cyberthreats. This is why it is vital that businesses establish clear AI governance and compliance measures to ensure ethical and secure implantation. This includes safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring transparency.

The new benchmark for success

Today, digital transformation success is measured by key business outcomes such as speed to market, customer satisfaction and cost efficiency. Businesses need generative AI tools to build applications in minutes, but just as crucial are the guardrails that ensure these apps maintain quality, security or governance.

The use of AI-powered low-code platforms is allowing businesses to achieve their goals and deliver these benchmarks. Digital transformation is no longer a lengthy process – generative AI has expanded the possibilities for efficiency of innovation. In a world where speed measures success, businesses that succeed will be those who can transform at the pace of generative AI.

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• A critical-severity security flaw was found in Commvault Command Center
• It allows threat actors to run arbitrary code remotely and without authentication
• Vulnerability could lead to complete compromise

Cybersecurity researchers from watchTowr recently discovered a critical-severity flaw in Commvault Command Center that could allow threat actors to run arbitrary code remotely and without authentication.

Commvault Command Center is a web-based interface that provides centralized management for data protection, backup, recovery, and compliance across hybrid environments, used by thousands of companies worldwide across industries like healthcare, finance, government, and manufacturing.

The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2025-34028, and has a severity score of 9.0/10 (critical).

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“A critical security vulnerability has been identified in the Command Center installation, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication,” the security advisory said.

“This vulnerability could lead to a complete compromise of the Command Center environment. Fortunately, other installations within the same system are not affected by this vulnerability.”

Since this flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication, a threat actor could exploit it to gain unauthorized access to, for example, a government agency's backup system.

Once inside, they could manipulate or delete sensitive data, disrupt operations, or install malware to maintain control.

This could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and loss of public trust. Ultimately, if classified information ends up being exposed, it could turn into a national security issue.

Multiple versions are affected by the vulnerability: 11.38 Innovation Release, from versions 11.38.0 through 11.38.19. Users looking to mitigate the flaw should go for versions 11.38.20 and 11.38.25.

So far, there is no evidence of abuse in the wild, and there is no proof-of-concept (PoC) just yet. However, most threat actors aren’t looking for zero-day vulnerabilities, but are rather waiting for security researchers to find and patch a flaw.

They are betting that many users won’t patch their endpoints on time, remaining vulnerable and thus easily exploitable.

Via The Hacker News

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• A new DJI Mini 5 drone seems to be in the works
• Online leaks suggest it could have LiDAR sensors
• DJI appears to be testing the drone ahead of a summer launch

DJI isn’t one to rest on its laurels. The Mini 4 Pro might top the bill in our round-up of the best drones you can buy right now, but new images leaked online appear to show that the manufacturer is well underway with developing a successor.

The images, shared on DroneXL, appear to show the DJI Mini 5 being tested on public streets in China. Included in an article written by Jasper Ellens, a reliable drone industry source, the grainy shots feature a quadcopter resembling the Mini 4 Pro, albeit with a larger front camera lens and what appears to be a pair of LiDAR sensors above.

This backs up an earlier post from Ellens, shared on X in December 2024, which claims that the Mini 5 will feature LiDAR sensors and “stronger (vented) motors”.

Front-facing LiDAR sensors would give the new model a more effective collision avoidance system. As we saw on the Air 3S last year, LiDAR is better able to navigate obstacles and terrain at night, compared to standard vision tech. Their presence on the Mini 5 would be a first for any sub-250g drone, assuming that the rumored model stays within the same weight class as previous versions.

The pictured drone also has guards around its blades, although these could be in place as a safety measure during testing, rather than a permanent feature.

While DJI hasn’t officially announced a release date for the Mini 5, the appearance of a test unit in public suggests that the company is in the later stages of development. Some sources anticipate that the new drone will break cover in summer 2025. A reveal around August or September would fit with DJI’s established launch cycles, marking two years since the DJI Mini 4 Pro hit the market.

Other features remain the subject of much speculation. Some websites have reported that the DJI Mini 5 could feature a 1-inch sensor and a 50-minute flight time, both of which would be a significant step up from the 1/1.3-inch sensor and 34-minute flight time of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. That said, there’s little in the way of hard evidence to support these claims at present.

I have been extremely skeptical towards the release of a #DJIMINI5. I couldn't find any reason why they should update the Mini 4 without exceeding the 249 gram mark. But today I stand corrected. This summer we will see a new Mini with LiDAR and stronger (vented) motors. Cheers pic.twitter.com/v3kcSasJfODecember 10, 2024

LiDAR, LiDAR?

(Image credit: DroneXL)

The Mini 5 isn’t the only upcoming DJI drone rumored to be getting LiDAR capabilities. Recent intel also suggests that the Mavic 4 Pro will benefit from enhanced obstacle-avoidance sensors. This could indicate that DJI has managed to developed a more compact LiDAR module that can be more easily packaged into drones across its range.

While its presence on a sub-250g would be a game-changer, whether LiDAR alone will warrant an upgrade for owners of the Mini 4 Pro remains to be seen. It would certainly be another feather in a well-strung bow, but LiDAR is of limited use to users who only fly their drones in open space on clear days.

Of course, it’s not the only rumored upgrade for the DJI Mini 5. Stronger or more efficient motors could give the drone improved performance in all conditions, while enhanced flight times would take the series meaningfully forward where the Mini 4 Pro didn’t. A 1-inch sensor also points towards clearer low-light imaging.

Taken together, these enhancements would make a stronger case for investing in the new model. If it really is in testing already, we shouldn’t have too long to wait for more concrete specs. If previous DJI drone development cycles are anything to go by, leaked info about the Mini 5 won’t be in short supply.

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• Camera rumors for 2025: new gear we're expecting soon from DJI, Sony, Canon and more
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Why is it that so many organizations are still holding back from upgrading to Windows 11-compatible desktop devices when the benefits seem obvious?

While any new system achieves slow uptake in the early months, Windows 11 still only stands at 38% (link) globally, despite having entered the market in 2021. It is likely that companies are postponing upgrades so they can extend the device lifespan for longer, hoping their devices can cope with the new operating system’s demands for more CPU power. But by following this course of inaction, they run some serious risks.

Organizations need to see Windows 11 as less intimidating, troublesome and costly, taking a closer look at new device lifecycle management approaches that can help them achieve a seamless transition. The topic is becoming more urgent by the day as the October 2025 deadline looms when Microsoft will cease free security patching for Windows 10 and start charging for support. Many even predict a shortage of Windows 11 devices in the immediate run-up to the deadline.

Admittedly, in a company with large numbers of devices, it is not just the cost of Windows 11 devices that is off-putting. There is the potential for disruption to business-as-usual, and the drain on the time and resources of IT teams. Working out how many Windows 11 devices are required, which new models are suitable and then negotiating the best deal, is all time-consuming. But it does not end there – each device must be provisioned and set up, which is a major undertaking in an organization with hundreds or thousands of employees.

Remember the security benefits of Windows 11

But it is worth remembering the immediate benefits of an upgrade to Windows 11 – especially in greater security. This is important because of the changing nature of threats and the growth of remote workforces, which offer more potential points of weakness. Windows 11 devices are more secure through the use of TPM 2.0 processors to provide a constantly-active authenticator, guarding against remote tampering or malware infection.

The Secure Boot feature means start-up times are also faster to prevent rootkits and boot-time malware. Microsoft claims its out-of-the-box security features such as credential safeguards, malware shields and application protection have led to a 58% (link) fall in security incidents and that firmware attacks have fallen by more than a factor of three.

Ignoring these security benefits is ill-advised for UK companies because it will put their Cyber Essentials certification at risk, with significant consequences for their reputations among potential partners and customers. In many public sector organizations, loss of certification is a serious compliance failure.

AI and streamlined efficiency in Windows 11

The efficiency gains triggered by a Windows 11 upgrade come from the use of AI-powered solutions and features. The central in-built tool is Microsoft Copilot, based on the GPT4 large language model. The benefits include search-acceleration and automated content drafting, with greater memory and processing power so that organizations can deploy more sophisticated business process automation and work collaboration platforms.

Delaying adoption of Windows 11 is yet another mistake for maintaining competitiveness. Competing organizations that have made the move are likely to embed greater efficiencies, be more secure, and have more time for strategic work. Under-performing desktop devices also lead to dissatisfied and frustrated employees.

Organizations must acknowledge that older operating systems use more energy and are slower. In the health sector, reliance on out-of-support devices is simply too dangerous, putting patient security and care delivery in jeopardy.

The digital transformation opportunity is here

Rather than fall behind, companies seeking digital transformation should step back and use the end of support for Windows 10 as the ideal opportunity to review how they can upgrade their IT infrastructure.

To do this effectively, organizations in the public or private sectors alike need to rethink how they approach device lifecycle management. In doing so, it’s important to work out what each staff member in the business needs to be more productive in their role, which ensures optimal performance without unnecessary expenditure. Discovery tools will also inform organizations where they have legacy applications, probably custom-built, that need adaptation to work effectively with Windows 11.

They’ll need to conduct technology audits, involve all relevant internal stakeholders and match device-provision to the organisation’s aims and resolution of pain-points, setting a timeline, if required, for quantifiable outcomes. This is something that can be helped by drawing on the objective expertise and skillsets of third-party providers, which also saves time for in-house staff while ensuring employees have the most current device they need.

The requirement for Windows 11 upgrades is upon businesses now as a major opportunity to accelerate digital transformation. Instead of having to extend device lifespan beyond its optimal performance, organizations should acquire higher-performing technology as soon as they can. Windows 11 will make them more secure, more agile, competitive and ready for the future.

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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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, April 25 (game #418).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Face time

NYT Strands today (game #419) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• DAPPER
• ZERO
• PURE
• RIPE 
• PRUNE
• DREAM

NYT Strands today (game #419) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #419) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 4th column

Last side: bottom, 6th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #419) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #419, are…

• POWDER
• BRONZER
• PRIMER
• CONCEALER
• FOUNDATION
• SPANGRAM: MAKEUP EXAM

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 hints

I really struggled with today’s search and needed a couple of hints to set me on my way. That said, I also struggled to find that many hint words – "exam" was one of them, but I didn’t spot that it could be part of the spangram.

There were also some fun switchbacks today, with BRONZER particularly difficult to connect together.

It was a similar confusing story trying to work out what the Spangram meant. Is mastering the application of these facial products essential to avoiding being a beauty school dropout?

Fortunately, Google helped me see the double meaning of make-up exam being the name of an examination given to someone who has missed or failed a test.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, April 25, game #418)

• CROSS
• DIPPER
• SWAN
• MAIDEN
• HUNTER
• CENTAUR
• SPANGRAM: CONSTELLATIONS

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, April 25 (game #1187).

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 #1188) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* 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 #1188) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

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

Quordle today (game #1188) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1188) - 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 2.

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 #1188) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• L

• L

• T

• C

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

Quordle today (game #1188) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1188, are…

• LINGO
• LOCUS
• THROW
• CLICK

Yet another case of picking the wrong answer from a couple of alternatives. I’m going to put guessing CLIFF instead of CLICK down to (bad) luck, rather than intuition.

In hindsight, commonality nearly always wins and a double-F is much less likely than a CK. According to Merriam-Webster there are 34 5-letter words ending FF and 80 ending CK.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1188) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1188, are…

• MACAW
• LUNCH
• BRAID
• STAND

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1187, Friday, 25 April: SHALT, WRATH, MAMBO, HUMPH
• Quordle #1186, Thursday, 24 April: CHOKE, COLOR, FRAME, CAIRN
• Quordle #1185, Wednesday, 23 April: VALET, PUPAL, CREEP, DRIFT
• Quordle #1184, Tuesday, 22 April: POUTY, CHEST, BROOM, TEPEE
• Quordle #1183, Monday, 21 April: SHARD, PRINT, SUMAC, LEACH
• Quordle #1182, Sunday, 20 April: DINER, HORDE, SHONE, FUGUE
• Quordle #1181, Saturday, 19 April: GRADE, LAUGH, RAINY, EXULT
• Quordle #1180, Friday, 18 April: DEBUT, GLADE, BASTE, PESTO
• Quordle #1179, Thursday, 17 April: SPRAY, RAMEN, SHELF, COURT
• Quordle #1178, Wednesday 16 April: STUMP, GRAFT, CHORD, INPUT
• Quordle #1177, Tuesday 15 April: SLEET, MERIT, HARSH, FORAY
• Quordle #1176, Monday 14 April: DRAWL, CROOK, ACTOR, LANCE
• Quordle #1175, Sunday 13 April: SHALE, KINKY, SHORN, WHOOP
• Quordle #1174, Saturday 12 April: BLIND, OVOID, CACHE, THING
• Quordle #1173, Friday 11 April: FOLLY, PITHY, SCOWL, CURLY
• Quordle #1172, Thursday 10 April: LEAST, SEWER, UNTIE, NOOSE
• Quordle #1171, Wednesday 9 April: LITHE, LEFTY, KNOLL, MULCH
• Quordle #1170, Tuesday 8 April: WIDTH, VISOR, MEDAL, BROOK
• Quordle #1169, Monday 7 April: BROTH, SHOUT, BRUTE, CABIN
• Quordle #1168, Sunday 6 April: AMBER, GAUZE, STORE, SLICK

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, April 25 (game #684).

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #685) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• GLEN
• GARY
• ROSS
• COLOR
• HOPE
• HOLLOW
• SHADE
• LUBE
• DELL
• DOLE
• GENRE
• TONE
• HUE
• DRE
• DALE
• MARLEY

NYT Connections today (game #685) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Pigment
• GREEN: Landscape
• BLUE: Short version of Robert
• PURPLE: Jumbled letters

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #685) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: TINT 
• GREEN: VALLEY 
• BLUE: BOBS 
• PURPLE: COLOR ANAGRAMS

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

NYT Connections today (game #685) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #685, are…

• YELLOW: TINT COLOR, HUE, SHADE, TONE
• GREEN: VALLEY DALE, DELL, GLEN, HOLLOW
• BLUE: BOBS DOLE, HOPE, MARLEY, ROSS
• PURPLE: COLOR ANAGRAMS DRE, GARY, GENRE, LUBE

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Perfect

I didn’t make any mistakes today, but I wasn't fully confident in any of the groups.

For TINT, I felt COLOR was too on the nose and perhaps one of the other words completed the quartet.

For what became VALLEY, I thought I was just looking for geographical terms and thought that ROSS, which is used to describe rocky headlands, could have been included. And, although I knew I was looking for famous BOBS, I did wonder whether Dr DRE’s first name was Bob and if he should join MARLEY and HOPE.

In hindsight, PURPLE should have been the most gettable group, but anagrams didn’t occur to me at all.

Incidentally, nice to see a nod to the incredible film Glengarry Glen Ross hidden in today’s puzzle.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, April 25, game #684)

• YELLOW: GUM FLAVORS BUBBLEGUM, CINNAMON, MENTHOL, WINTERGREEN
• GREEN: STARTING POINT CATALYST, LAUNCHPAD, SPARK, SPRINGBOARD
• BLUE: GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK SONGS AUTUMN LEAVES, SUMMERTIME, UNFORGETTABLE, WITCHCRAFT
• PURPLE: ___ TUBE FALLOPIAN, INNER, TEST, VACUUM

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

April 2025 is slowly starting to wind down. But, before it makes way for May, there are a number of great looking new movies and shows you'll want to watch over this month's final weekend.

Disney+ and Netflix lead the pack with two new offerings apiece, but there are other options to choose from on some of the world's other leading streaming services. So, from the final seasons of two unmissable TV series to the debut of some engrossing film genre fare, here's what you'll want to stream before Monday arrives. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Andor season 2 (Disney+)

The best Star Wars show, not to mention the highest-rated Lucasfilm project in many a year, is back for its final season. Andor season 2 is finally out on Disney+ – and, if you haven't watched its three-episode premiere yet, you'll want to read my spoiler-free Andor season 2 review to find out why it's must-see television.

Picking up a year after Andor's first season ended, the series' final installment is split into four, trilogy-style events that cover the four years leading up to Rogue One. I've seen all 12 episodes and, a couple of minor niggles aside, I can vouch for how devastatingly epic it is.

So, transport yourself back to that famous galaxy far, far away to not only watch one of the best Disney+ shows' final chapter, but one of 2025's best TV series so far. Honestly, it's that good. – TP

• Watch Andor season 2 on Disney+

You season 5 (Netflix)

You has returned for its fifth and final season. It's been quite a wild ride for viewers who've followed Penn Badgley's Joe while he fixates on various women, leading him down a very dangerous path of murder and obsession. It's taken him to various cities, and now he's found himself back in New York City alongside new wife Kate.

He's hoping for a peaceful life with her, but this is Joe Goldberg we're talking about. You're not here to one of the best Netflix shows for a serene tale of domestic bliss, are you? No doubt it's going to go out with a bang as we say farewell to one of the creepiest characters out there.

I'm going to miss this far-fetched thriller and I mean that in the best possible way. It's been so ridiculous and over the top at times, but it's nonetheless been a fantastic bit of escapism. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch You season 5 on Netflix

Havoc (Netflix)

Ready for this week's Friday night action flick? Havoc is one of the most high-octane films Tom Hardy has ever been in, so you've got the star's assurance that you can expect a lot of fisticuffs, shootouts, and explosive action stunts in this new Netflix movie.

Written and directed by The Raid's Gareth Evans, one of April's new Netflix movies follows bruised detective Walker (Hardy) as he tries to protect a corrupt politician's (Forest Whitaker) son Charlie (Justin Cornwell), as well as his son's girlfriend Mia (Quelin Sepulveda), after a drug deal goes wrong.

While it might not be one of the best Netflix movies, Evans' signature brutal action style is on full display here with the help of Hardy – and it might not be the duo's last team up. – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Havoc on Netflix

Babygirl (Max)

Babygirl is the latest A24 movie to hit Max It's another divisive one, too, because, despite its 76% Rotten Tomatoes score, general audiences have only given it an average of 48%.

Nicole Kidman has definitely had a series of flops lately, with The Perfect Couple disappointing me and her Prime Video movie Holland bombing critically. I suppose you can't win them all, eh?

If Babygirl disappoints you, don't worry, as there are plenty of other great new Max movies to stream instead. Alternatively, our best Max movies guide is home to a bunch of other options. – LB

• Watch Babygirl on Max

WondLa season 2 (Apple TV+)

You might know Apple TV+ for hit sci-fi series like Severance – if you haven't already, make sure to read our Severance season 2 review – but did you know that it also has a growing animation offering in the genre?

Like one of the best Apple TV+ shows, Silo, the animated sci-fi series WondLa follows a young woman as she ventures out of a state-of-the-art bunker to discover a world unlike anything she ever expected.

Adapted from Tony DiTerlizzi’s 'The Search for WondLa' novels, the second season of this animated adventure show will pick up directly after season 1's cliffhanger ending. Will Eva find her home or will more discoveries set her on a new journey? – AS

• Watch WondLa season 2 on Apple TV+

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (Prime Video)

Gerard Butler and O'Shea Jackson Jr return in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera so, if you're in need of a good Amazon Original Movie, you need look no further.

Curiously, it's inspired by the 2003 Antwerp diamond heist and follows a sheriff who tails a suspected thief in an attempt to team-up with him for a robbery. It's performed decently on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 62% so, while it won't go on our best Prime Video movies list, you can expect an entertaining ride at least.

A third one might be on the way, too, with the movie's director telling the Hollywood Reporter it had "already been pitched." – LB

• Watch Den of Thieves 2: Pantera on Prime Video

Flintoff (Disney+)

Disney+ is on a roll with its hit documentary films, many of which make up some of the best Disney+ movies you can stream on the platform.

Its latest tells the life story of former England cricketer and TV presenter Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, who won two Ashes series with England before turning his hand to television, which led to the life-changing and near-fatal car crash on the UK edition of Top Gear in 2022.

Alongside Flintoff and his wife Rachael, you can expect to also hear from some of the sporting icon's closest friends, including Michael Vaughan, James Corden, and Jack Whitehall in this 90-minute tell all. – AS

• Watch Flintoff on Disney+

For more streaming recommendations, read our guides on the best Prime Video shows, best Apple TV+ movies, best Max shows, and best Paramount+ movies.

If you’re ready to enter the age of AI, you’re in for a treat. Offering exceptional efficiency and more productivity tools than ever before, AI laptops are ready to accelerate your projects to new heights, whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or a tech fanatic.

And for next-generation AI prowess, look no further than the MSI Prestige A16 AI+. Featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 Processor with up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance and Copilot+ built-in, the Prestige A16 AI+ brings cutting-edge AI capabilities, exceptional efficiency, and immersive display quality to your fingertips.

Not already convinced? Here’s why the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ should be your AI-enhanced companion.

Premium performance

Not only is the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ a powerful all-rounder thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, but specifically, it’s built with AI front and centre, owing to its AMD XDNA 2 Architecture.

Thanks to this architecture, this powerhouse clamshell offers up to x5 TOPS performance compared to the first-generation AMD XDNA architecture. The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside the AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processor also delivers up to 50 TOPs, making this laptop a true AI computing beast!

In practice, this delivers exceptional compute performance, bandwidth, and energy efficiency, meaning you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to AI experiences. MSI’s exclusive Dynamics Cooler Boost also maximizes heat dissipation while keeping everything quiet, meaning you can focus on the task at hand.

(Image credit: MSI)

Whether you’re using intensive AI-enhanced editing software or even developing your own applications, the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ will see you through.

Not only does that NPU offer lightning-fast AI task speeds, but you also benefit from Windows 11 and built-in Copilot+. From popular AI applications like “Cocreator” and “Live Captions”, Copilot+ allows you to speed up some of those smaller tasks in your day-to-day life.

And if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know Copilot just got even better as part of Microsoft’s 50-year celebrations, featuring new Vision capabilities that allow it to engage with on-screen context. Genius.

(Image credit: MSI) Bright, beautiful with bountiful battery

Power doesn’t always come at the expense of battery life, and that’s certainly the case here. The Prestige A16 AI+ offers an 82Whr battery with fast-charge technology, and thanks to the AMD Ryzen power-efficient Processor, it can see you through all the way up to 13hrs depending on usage. And, with 64 GB of speedy 7500 MHz RAM, multitasking is an absolute breeze.

MSI has covered plenty of bases, even offering enterprise-grade security solutions in the Prestige A16 AI+. Not only do you benefit from an IR camera, fingerprint sensor, webcam shutter and smart guard, but there’s also a hardware TPM chip for robust, full-device security.

(Image credit: MSI)

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only what’s inside that counts; but thankfully, the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ is the full package.

Creatives, gamers and eye-sore productivity users alike will be grateful for this laptop’s bright and vivid 4K 16:10 OLED display, which offers 100% DCI-P3 coverage for stunning visuals.

So don’t hesitate, head over to Currys to snag a great deal on the MSI Prestige A16 AI+ advanced with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Processors for £1,599 and start your journey with AI today.

• Amazon-backed Slate Auto arrives out of the blue with tantalizing product
• Ultra-simple pick-up truck is designed for everyday use
• Expected EV range is up to 240 miles

Seemingly out of the blue, an Amazon-backed EV start-up has arrived on the scene, offering an ultra-simple, low-price electric pick-up truck for the North American market.

With funding from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is proposing a basic, highly configurable pick-up truck that bucks the trend of a gargantuan footprint and masses of wasted space, for a compact and highly configurable shell that is built for hard work.

Sizing up more like a classic Toyota or Nissan truck from the early 1980s, the Slate pick-up features easily-wrapped composite panels that are refreshingly free of chrome and other decorative touches.

Instead, Slate says it has made the panels as easy to wrap as possible and will sell custom decal and wrap kits for as little as $500 – no expensive metallic paint options here.

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(Image credit: Slate Auto)Image 2 of 5

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(Image credit: Slate Auto)

In addition to this, Slate is aiming for a base price of $27,000 (around £20,000 / AU$42,000), which could see some trucks sold for as little as $20,000 or less, depending on local incentives and tax breaks.

The retro-styled two-seat pick-up truck comes with as 1047-liter load bay that is an easy height for both loading and hauling equipment, while the rear can be converted to a five-seat SUV with the appropriate kit and and rear tonneau cover, sold by Slate.

In terms of power, this is handled by a single motor that is mounted on the rear axle. So far, Slate has said that the option of a 52.7kWh or a larger 84.3kWh battery will be on the table – both of which are mounted under the floor for maximum load space and interior roominess.

The truck will have a relatively restrained (for an EV, anyway) 201bhp and 195 lb ft torque on tap, with the 0-60mph sprint time pegged at eight-seconds flat. The top speed is just 90mph.

There’s a sizable ‘frunk’ at the front, which is large enough for a couple of carry-on suitcases, while the interior is deliberately basic: there’s a phone or tablet holder and the option of adding accessory speakers that sit inside the glovebox.

Analysis: The world's first practical electric pick-up?

(Image credit: Slate Auto)

Rather than attempting to compete with Elon Musk’s Cybertruck, Slate has deliberately taken the polar opposite approach – keeping things cheap and simple, offering a good old-fashioned pick-up truck that can be bought by the masses and worked hard.

While the body style might now be a lifestyle choice, there are still vast swathes of North America (and beyond) that require a truck for daily use, whether that’s for work or simply hauling lots of lifestyle accessories.

Granted, it won’t have the load or towing capacity of some of the largest trucks out there. But Slate's offering looks great and it touted to be comfortable and, above all else, really simple.

The interior is stylish enough to not look completely utilitarian, but it is also refreshingly bereft of massive displays and soft surfaces that get chewed up with daily hard usage.

It comes as standard with basic cruise control, central locking and a USB charging point, because everyone has a smartphone or tablet, right? So let the devices in our pockets take on infotainment duties.

However, the company has ensured it has got the EV stuff right, namely a decent battery and useable daily range, as well as fast charging that it says will see a 10-80% top-up take just 30 minutes.

Despite Slate seemingly springing out of nowhere, it ticks a lot of boxes for me. It’s everything the Tesla Cybertruck isn’t.

Small, understated, neatly styled, practical, well considered and well within the reach of most folk’s budget. The Michigan-based EV start-up will commence production of its utilitarian truck next year and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a huge success.

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Marvel Rivals Mutants include some of the most iconic Heroes ever to grace the pages of the most illustrious comic book runs. It's fair to say that if you're a Marvel fan like me, you absolutely have a soft spot for the X-Men and regularly choose a Mutant Hero when loading into a match of Marvel Rivals.

If you're new to Marvel comics lore, you may not be able to identify the Mutant Heroes in the now nearly 40-strong roster available in Marvel Rivals. You'll need to do so for some of the latest challenges, including one that tasks you to "deal 10K damage as any Mutant". If you'd like to unlock one of the best free skins in Marvel Rivals Season 2, then look no further, as I've put together a list of every Mutant Hero in the game.

Even if you're not set on completing Mutant-related challenges, it's worth knowing which Heroes are labelled as such, as they're some of the best Heroes you can use in the game, like Emma Frost, a new Vanguard that's currently leading the Competitive Mode meta.

Here's the Marvel Rivals Mutant list, so that you can identify which heroes get their extraordinary abilities from the X-Gene, making it easier to complete new challenges and limited-time event modes.

Marvel Rivals Mutant list

There are currently seven Mutant Heroes available in Marvel Rivals, counting only the playable ones:

• Emma Frost (Vanguard)
• Magik (Duelist)
• Magneto (Vanguard)
• Namor (Duelist)
• Psylocke (Duelist)
• Storm (Duelist)
• Wolverine (Duelist)

Now, let's take a look at each Mutant in Marvel Rivals, so that you can understand which ones to use to suit certain play styles.

Emma Frost

(Image credit: NetEase)

Emma Frost is the newest Hero to be added to Marvel Rivals. She's a Vanguard that is able to dish out heaps of damage while tanking incoming fire with a diamond shield. The more damage you deal with primary fire, the higher its charge gets. At 100 charge, it's absolutely lethal, so make sure to keep that number as high as possible at all times.

In terms of how to play Emma Frost efficiently, focus on charging your primary and recalling your shield before it breaks. Diamond Form opens up the chokeslam, which can pull certain Heroes out of their Ults. Pair this with a sweeping kick (extra damage for knocking enemies against walls) for one heck of a combo.

Magneto

(Image credit: NetEase)

Magneto is one of the most powerful Mutants in Marvel Rivals and is a great pick to use alongside Emma Frost. He's able to apply shields to teammates, tank damage with his own, and even push enemies back with a blast of metallic energy. He's great for protecting Strategists who are getting dived, and for shielding teammates as they make an offensive push. His Ultimate absorbs projectiles, so it can be used to completely negate an Iron-Man Ult.

If you're going to run Magneto in Competitive Mode, get used to charging up his alternate fire and shielding teammates. Generally, I recommend using your shields on others unless you absolutely need to use them on yourself. If there's an Emma Frost on your team, use the Team Up to create a clone, and then shield a teammate. Your clone will then shield you, which is incredibly useful against high DPS compositions.

Magik

(Image credit: NetEase)

Magik is still one of the trickiest Duelists to master in Marvel Rivals, but well worth putting the time into. She's primarily used to dive backline enemies, using abilities to stack bonus health and dart around the field. Her Ultimate can take a bit of getting used to, but by spamming the whirlwind slash attack, you'll deal out massive damage across a wide area of effect.

Head to the practice range with Magik and get some time in trying out her abilities. They can be strung together in interesting ways, allowing you to move around while dealing out damage. This makes Magik very difficult to hit, and if you're good at playing her, you'll dominate lower-ranked lobbies.

Namor

(Image credit: NetEase)

Namor is our next Mutant, and he's gotten a big change as part of Season 2. His Luna Snow Team Up is no more, and he's instead paired with Hulk and Iron Man. This means his squids get a gamma boost rather than an ice one, and to be honest, it's not quite as good. Still, Namor is absolutely essential if the other team is running a heavy dive composition, and if there's a Spider-Man on the other team, Namor makes him completely useless.

If you're planning on playing as Namor, get used to placing his squids in hard-to-reach places, with good lines of sight. Enemies at higher ranks will know how to destroy them, so take other players by surprise by hiding them around corners, sticking them to the ceiling, and under the point. If there's a Groot on your team, consider coordinating their Ultimate with yours, as you'll take out multiple opponents with one blast if they're all crowded together.

Psylocke

(Image credit: NetEase)

Next up is Psylocke, who is currently one of the strongest Duelists in Marvel Rivals Season 2. Thanks to Emma Frost, she can now use a Team Up ability to create a clone of herself that mirrors attacks. This adds even more damage potential to Psylocke's combos, and is great for escaping after getting a kill.

Psylocke is considered an assassin-like character, so you'll want to be picking out individual targets, moving in for a kill, then using invisibility to escape. Health Packs are going to be essential, so make sure you know roughly where they are at all times. One tip for making the most out of Psylocke's Ultimate is to only target two enemies at a time, three if they're all low HP Heroes. Damage is spread between them, so aim to get full kills rather than merely damaging half the team.

Storm

(Image credit: NetEase)

Storm was one of the top Duelists in the early seasons of Marvel Rivals. She still packs a punch, but has been overtaken by Human Torch in the current meta. Regardless, she's a great addition to any team thanks to her ability to buff damage and movement speed in a set area around her. Pair this with characters like Black Widow and Hela, and you've got a recipe for serious damage.

One tip I have for Storm is to make sure you're familiar with her buff abilities. One is for movement speed, and is good to get teammates back to the fight quickly, while the other is a damage boost. Pair her Ult with Human Torch's to create huge fire tornadoes, melting even the most robust of tanks.

Wolverine

(Image credit: NetEase)

Finally, we have Wolverine, perhaps the most popular of the X-Men characters in the comics. In Marvel Rivals, he's a top pick for Competitive Mode, but is quite tricky to get right. His main job is as a Vanguard killer, as his damage output is based on a percentage of the target's overall health. His leap ability is great for kidnapping tanks, pulling them towards your team and away from the enemy healers.

The main tip for Wolverine is to crank up your sensitivity, especially on a controller. You'll need to be able to whip the camera round towards your team quickly, before launching your Feral Leap. Dashing into an enemy makes the leap easier to land, and activating Undying Animal before engaging means you'll take less damage.

Marvel Rivals Mutant FAQs

(Image credit: NetEase) Is Scarlet Witch a Mutant in Marvel Rivals?

Marvel Rivals does not consider Scarlet Witch to be a Mutant. This means she won't count for related challenges. In the comics, she's sometimes considered a Mutant, as a child of Magneto, while in the majority of stories, she is a kind of engineered creation that's not actually related to Magneto, and therefore doesn't carry the X-Gene. In Marvel Rivals, she's very much a Witch-first, hence her team-up with Doctor Strange.

Are there X-Men skins in Marvel Rivals?

In Marvel Rivals Season 2, there are two X-Men suits to earn in the Battle Pass. These are for Magik and Psylocke, and feature the classic yellow and blue stylings. Elsewhere, there's the classic yellow Wolverine skin from Deadpool and Wolverine, which you'll need to buy from the store.

A cheaper option is Magneto's Master of Magnetism, which, while not an X-Men skin, is his classic comic book look that most players will recognize as his most iconic look.

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