TechRadar News

• Phison’s SSD strategy slashes AI training costs from $3 million to $100,000
• aiDAPTIV+ software shifts AI workloads from GPUs to SSDs efficiently
• SSDs could replace costly GPUs in massive AI model training

The development of AI models has become increasingly costly as their size and complexity grow, requiring massive computational resources with GPUs playing a central role in handling the workload.

Phison, a key player in portable SSDs, has unveiled a new solution that aims to drastically reduce the cost of training a 1 trillion parameter model by shifting some of the processing load from GPUs to SSDs, bringing the estimated $3 million operational expense down to just $100,000.

Phison's strategy involves integrating its aiDAPTIV+ software with high-performance SSDs to handle some AI tool processing tasks traditionally managed by GPUs while also incorporating NVIDIA’s GH200 Superchip to enhance performance and keep costs manageable.

AI model growth and the trillion-parameter milestone

Phison expects the AI industry to reach the 1 trillion parameter milestone before 2026.

According to the company, model sizes have expanded rapidly, moving from 69 billion parameters in Llama 2 (2023) to 405 billion with Llama 3.1 (2024), followed by DeepSeek R3’s 671 billion parameters (2025).

If this pattern continues, a trillion-parameter model could be unveiled before the end of 2025, marking a significant leap in AI capabilities.

In addition, it believes that its solution can significantly reduce the number of GPUs needed to run large-scale AI models by shifting some of the processing tasks away from GPUs to the largest SSDs and this approach could bring down training costs to just 3% of current projections (97% savings), or less than 1/25 of the usual operating expenses.

Phison has already collaborated with Maingear to launch AI workstations powered by Intel Xeon W7-3455 CPUs, signaling its commitment to reshaping AI hardware.

As companies seek cost-effective ways to train massive AI models, innovations in SSD technology could play a crucial role in driving efficiency gains while external HDD options remain relevant for long-term data storage.

The push for cheaper AI training solutions gained momentum after DeepSeek made headlines earlier this year when its DeepSeek R1 model demonstrated that cutting-edge AI could be developed at a fraction of the usual cost, with 95% fewer chips and reportedly requiring only $6 million for training.

Via Tweaktown

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Hisense has announced its 2025 ULED mini-LED lineup, with all-new models across its U9, U8, U7, and U6 series TVs.

Hisense has been responsible for some of the best mini-LED TVs we’ve seen in recent years, and the company manages to keep its prices low, even for top-tier models. Last year’s Hisense U8N currently ranks as the mid-range pick in our best TVs guide, and the Hisense U7N and Hisense U6N are also among our best budget TV picks.

The new models announced today range in size from 55 to 100 inches, and are “powered by next-generation AI processing that works effortlessly behind the scenes to deliver smarter, more intuitive picture enhancements—without the need for manual adjustment,” according to the company.

The new top series, the U9, uses the company’s Hi-View AI Engine X processor, which is derived from its high-end ULED X lineup. Two other series, the U8 and U7, use a Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor.

According to Hisense, both processors "automatically fine-tune contrast, color accuracy, and motion clarity in real-time, ensuring lifelike images and fluid motion across all content types."

Google TV will remain the smart TV platform for the U9, U8, and U7 series, while, in a surprising change, the entry-level U6N series will use Amazon’s Fire TV platform.

The 2025 Hisense ULED TVs are scheduled for availability later this year. Pricing has not yet been announced.

U9 Series

The new U9N series expands upon 2024's Hisense U9N with a new 65-inch model to accompany the 75- and 85-inch screen sizes. Its advanced chipset is packed with AI picture-enhancing features, including AI 4K Upscaler, AI Super Resolution, AI Noise Reduction, AI LocalDimming, AI HDR Upscaler, and AI Depth Enhancer.

Other picture-improving features of the U9 series include an Ultra LR panel to reduce screen reflections and an ultra-wide viewing angle to retain contrast over a wider seating range. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode are all supported.

For gaming, the U9 series has been upgraded to a 165Hz native refresh rate and supports FreeSync Premium Pro. A 4.1.2-channel built-in speaker array conveys Dolby Atmos soundtracks, with a 5.1.2-channel array used on the 75- and 85-inch models.

U8 Series

(Image credit: Hisense )

Available in 55- to 100-inch screen sizes, the U8 series uses the company’s Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor, which taps AI to automatically optimize picture settings in real-time.

According to Hisense, U8 series TVs can deliver brightness levels up to 5,000 nits and have expanded local dimming zones for 2025. Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ are supported here, plus the TVs are IMAX Enhanced certified.

Gaming support will get a boost on the new U8 series with a native 165Hz refresh rate. Audio, too, will get a boost from the U8N series’ 2.1.2-channel built-in Dolby Atmos speaker array up to 4.1.2 channels.

U7 Series

(Image credit: Hisense)

The Hisense U7N series was among our favorite budget TV options in 2024, and the new U7N will keep its budget status with models available for under $1,000.

Screen sizes for the U7N series will range from 55 to 100 inches, and the TVs will feature an AGLR-Antiglare low reflection panel that “ensures glare-free visuals from any seat in the house," according to Hisense.

Despite being budget TVs, the U7N series is packed with gaming features, including 165Hz, Game Booster 288Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and FreeSync Premium Pro support. The U7N series TVs also feature a built-in 2.1.2-channel, 60W speaker array.

U6 Series

(Image credit: Hisense)

The entry-level series in the new mini-LED lineup is the Hisense U6N, which is available in 55- to 100-inch screen sizes. As mentioned earlier, this series uses Amazon’s Fire TV smart interface instead of Google TV, and the sets come with an Alexa Voice Remote.

Otherwise, the U6 series TVs have a 2.1-channel speaker array with a built-in subwoofer. Gaming support includes a 144Hz native refresh rate and FreeSync Premium.

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• Ninkear MBOX 8 Pro delivers performance but with unconventional design choices
• Magnetic hard drive bay raises concerns about heat management
• High-end specs meet unconventional storage in this unique mini PC

The Ninkear MBOX 8 Pro is a modular mini PC with a detachable docking station for a 3.5-inch hard drive, offering expandable storage but raising concerns about its practicality, especially when compared to the best portable SSDs.

Per Androidpc (originally in Spanish), the MBOX 8 Pro design includes a magnetic external hard drive bay with four USB ports, integrating a traditional hard drive instead of relying solely on internal SSD storage that suits the best video editing computers.

However, hard drives generate heat and are more prone to mechanical failure than SSDs, so placing one in an enclosed, magnetically attached base may impact thermal management, making their integration into a mini PC debatable.

A bold storage experiment

The MBOX 8 Pro stands out for its ability to drive three 8K monitors via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4 Type-C, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual Gigabit Ethernet.

It features a 4nm AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, an octa-core APU with 38 TOPS AI acceleration, paired with up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD.

Combined with the Radeon 780M iGPU, this mini PC delivers performance that rivals some desktops, handling demanding applications and even 1080p gaming with ease.

Priced at around €586, the Ninkear MBOX 8 Pro provides a unique take on the mini PC market, though its unconventional design choices may not suit everyone, particularly those who rely on SSDs for speed and stability in video and photo editing PC workflows.

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• Nintendo Music' library has expanded with songs from Tetris, Dr. Mario, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• It's a significant expansion for the music service, which comes with a Switch Online Membership
• The drop comes before the April 2, 2025 Nintendo Direct

We’re just days away from the next Nintendo Direct – taking place on April 2, 2025 – which is highly anticipated as it will be entirely focused on the Nintendo Switch 2. Hopefully, it will shed light on price, the full feature set, and the all-important launch titles.

In the lead-up, Nintendo’s dropped some new tracks for its Nintendo Music app and, as first reported by NintendoLife, has updated a support page teasing a larger update to the standalone app arriving in October 2025.

Nintendo included tracks from classics Tetris and – a personal favorite – Dr. Mario in the March 25, 2025 drop. It also included some tracks from Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a Nintendo Switch title. It’s not the full soundtrack from Kirby, though, hinting that we could get another drop.

Even though it's not every song from Kirby, a more substantial drop for the service is appreciated. Nintendo Music is essentially an Apple Music- or Spotify-like music streaming service dedicated to music from the Nintendo universe.

All your favorite tracks from Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and countless other titles are easily accessible for your listening pleasure via an app for Android and iOS – if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Now, on the updated support page, Nintendo clearly states an update is arriving in October 2025:

“Your data, such as your playlists, will be saved even after you cancel your Nintendo Switch Online membership. We are planning an update around October 2025 that will allow you to use some Nintendo Music functions, such as the ability to edit, share, or delete your playlists, even after you cancel your Nintendo Switch Online membership.”

Considering the update promises more social and management features even if you’re not a subscriber, Nintendo might be changing the requirement of a Switch Online Membership to access the music streaming service. It is nice to see that all your content – think playlists – will be saved if you discontinue your membership.

It might be setting the stage for some changes to accessing Nintendo Music or even a relocation of accessing and streaming the songs. Time will tell, but who knows, Nintendo might even better integrate the service with a larger update to its online offering or with the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Time will tell, but for now, you can enjoy some sweet tunes from Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Dr. Mario, or countless other titles via the Nintendo Music app if you’re a Switch Online subscriber.

If you’re curious about the Nintendo Music app, you can check out our initial thoughts here.

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• The iPhone 17 Pro is again rumored to be getting 8K video recording
• A number of Android phones already offer the feature
• It's likely to have niche appeal compared to other video upgrades

With the iPhone 17 Pro launch now likely about six months away, the rumor mill is in overdrive. But while recent speculation has focused on an unsubtle redesign for the flagship phone, the more interesting rumors are predicting camera upgrades – including 8K video recording.

As spotted by BGR, the Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital – who has a reasonably strong track record of Apple leaks on Weibo – has predicted that the next Pro iPhones will get the ability to shoot 8K video.

That isn't exactly an outlandish or unrealistic prediction. A number of Android phones, from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, can already shoot in 8K/30fps. The ability to shoot in 8K also landed on Samsung Galaxy S20 way back in 2020.

The rumor also aligns with the latest iPhone 17 Pro camera rumors, which predict a new 48MP sensor for its telephoto camera. That would mean all three of its cameras would have the resolution needed to shoot 8K (which typically means 7680 x 4320 frames).

But even if the iPhone 17 Pro did get an 8K video upgrade, it would likely be a very niche feature. While that resolution may occasionally prove useful if you need to crop in on a scene during editing, other factors like bit-rate and lens quality (always a limitation on smartphones) will throttle the overall image quality – and likely make shooting in 4K modes the more sensible option.

Still, while iPhone are already impressive video cameras, there are a few new features that I think would be more useful than 8K on the iPhone 17 Pro.

iPhone 17 Pro: 3 video features I want to see 1. Open gate video recording

(Image credit: Apple)

While iPhones have historically had sensors with 4:3 aspect ratios, they've typically used a 16:9 crop for video recording. So-called 'open gate' video recording means being able to use the full width and height of the sensor, so you're not throwing away any detail –and it'd be great to see this as an option on the iPhone 17 Pro.

This would let you choose different aspect ratios – for example, shooting square video – while using the whole sensor. It would be more processor-intensive, but I'm sure an A19 Pro could handle it. Even relatively affordable cameras like the Fujifilm X-M5 are now offering open gate recording as an option for social content creators.

This is already possible on some iPhones with apps like Pearla, but it'd be nice to see it come to the default camera app or Final Cut Camera without a subscription.

2. A larger telephoto sensor

(Image credit: Apple)

Most iPhone video shooters stick to the main 24mm lens, because it's the only one with that's good enough for anything beyond cat or family videos. That's mostly due to its relatively large 1/1.29-inch sensor, so I hope the 17 Pro gets a much bigger telephoto sensor than its current (and aging) 1/3-inch offering.

Right now, the latest rumors are predicting that the 17 Pro's telephoto camera will get a boosted 48MP resolution, but the sensor size is less clear. It wouldn't need to match the main camera, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's 50MP telephoto has a 1/2.52-inch sensor – so something in that ballpark would make a big difference for both video and stills. It could even make the telephoto a handy kind of b-cam for cut scenes.

3. A nano-texture screen option

(Image credit: Future / Axel Metz)

Okay, this one's not strictly a video feature, but it would be a nice option for video shooters. Apple now gives you a nano-texture screen option on everything from the iPad Pro M4 to the MacBook Pro M4 to help reduce glare and reflections – so why not offer a similar option for its Pro iPhones?

Given the iPhone's only viewfinder is its screen, and video is often shot outside in the glare of the sun, it would offer benefits for both recording and playback. Granted, you can already get halfway there with a matte screen protector, but Apple could go far beyond that with a new kind of display tech.

We've seen patents and rumors suggesting Apple's been working on display tech with an “ambient light rejection element” before, so perhaps it could be ready in time for the iPhone 17 Pro. If Apple wants to tout it as the ultimate phone for video creators, that would be a more useful quality-of-life upgrade than 8K resolution.

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• Jeffrey Emanuel called Nvidia overvalued and warned of DeepSeek's rise
• His essay went viral, triggering record market losses and investor panic
• Now he's targeting CoreWeave, calling it a turkey and the “WeWork of AI”

Towards the end of January 2025, Jeffrey Emanuel, Founder and CEO of Pastel Network, wrote an interesting and insightful essay about Nvidia.

More specifically, he discussed what he saw as its overvaluation and the threat it faced from a small Chinese startup called DeepSeek. noting, “history shows that markets eventually find a way around artificial bottlenecks that generate super-normal profits,” and that, “Nvidia faces a much rockier path to maintaining its current growth trajectory and margins than its valuation implies.”

That article, which went viral, helped cause the largest-ever single-day drop in the stock market, wiping $2 trillion off global markets and slashing Nvidia’s market capitalization by $600 billion.

An overpriced turkey

The latest target of Emanuel’s observations is Roseland, New Jersey-based CoreWeave, which offers cloud infrastructure optimized for Nvidia GPUs and is expected to go public in the coming weeks in what will be a closely watched IPO.

In his takedown of the company, Emanuel described it as the “WeWork of AI,” referring to the infamous flexible office space startup that was once valued at $47 billion but overexpanded, mismanaged funds, and collapsed after a failed IPO.

As Emanuel wrote two weeks ago, “If it [CoreWeave] really IPOs for $30b+ then it’s a much better short than NVDA ever was. They have absolutely no durable moat and will soon be structurally disadvantaged on the cost curve for inference for specific LLM models versus hyperscalers like AWS, which have their own proprietary silicon (because clearly CoreWeave doesn’t know the first thing about making custom silicon, and won’t anytime soon).”

MarketWatch picked up on this and cautioned investors. The site wrote, “CoreWeave set an estimated price range of $47 to $55 a share for its initial public offering, and an offering size of 49 million shares. Based on the midpoint of the estimated range, CoreWeave’s IPO would raise $2.5 billion for the company. That would make its IPO the fourth since 2022 to raise at least $2.5 billion, after Lineage, Arm Holdings, and Kenvue, according to Renaissance Capital.”

“CoreWeave would have a market cap of about $25 billion based on the midpoint of the estimated pricing range,” the site added. While that’s far less than the $35 billion many market watchers have been predicting, Emanuel says, “that’s still at least $20b too high for this turkey!”

Thanks to Steve Gelsi at @MarketWatch for helping me warn investors about the CoreWeave IPO. Luckily, they've already had to reduce the valuation by $10b from the initial price talk of $35b, but that's still at least $20b too high for this turkey! https://t.co/fnJorj87NkMarch 20, 2025

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• Discord's new update has introduced a new game overlay along with UI color settings
• The new game overlay allows users to view friends' streams and video chat while in-game
• It's a solution for gamers with single-display setups to stay in touch with friends

Since there is a lack of competition in social apps for gamers, Discord is the one platform that most rely on for communicating with friends online, which arguably isn't the best circumstance considering the current negative consensus against its Nitro paywall and recent limitations of features. However, a new update has arrived that might place Discord back in users' good books.

In a new video on YouTube (available below), Discord announced a brand new, significantly overhauled game overlay that will allow users to access a number of the app's features while gaming, without ever needing to leave the open game window. It's a big upgrade from the original overlay (now referred to as the 'Legacy Overlay'), which only featured the name tags of users in an active server in any corner of the screen, along with access to quick text chatting.

Now, Discord has maintained the basic name tag feature while adding innovative features in a new 'action bar' - like soundboard and call controls, a video chat window for users on camera, and the same for streaming, all in one place. This allows you to watch multiple streams and engage with friends via the game overlay. It's important to note that the quick text chat function has seemingly been removed, instead replaced by the notification window (which gives you the option to reply to messages).

Essentially, this is a game-changing feature that could go a long way in helping users keep all their activities on one screen without needing to Alt-Tab between programs. Most importantly, Discord claims the performance impact streaming had on games is now gone, as streaming now uses a new rendering method that utilizes the Discord client to keep the action rolling for friends.

It's not perfect, but it's definitely a fantastic start

For gamers like me, Discord is an essential part of enjoying games while keeping in touch with friends. While it has its ups and downs - notably the random bugs during server calls - this is probably the best update to the platform I've seen in a while.

I no longer need to keep my TV connected to my PC to watch streams from friends while I'm gaming, as I can easily do this on the same screen now. My worry was that streams would be too disruptive to my gameplay, but thankfully, the windows can be resized at will, which is absolutely ideal for intense and competitive gaming sessions.

It certainly isn't perfect right now: the option to reply to texts via the notification window is missing the option for emojis, and it's the new game overlay is only functional in games when it should have an option to choose different applications that aren’t recognized by Discord (I know it's called game overlay, but still).

Regardless, it's a great start to a very much-needed overhaul for the popular PC gaming app, and the great thing is that many of the omissions I've mentioned will likely be added through future updates. I just need one more thing: Discord, allow deafened users in servers to access the soundboard. Please?

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• Switzerland is considering amending its surveillance law to add new types of monitoring and information collection
• The change would widen the reach to VPNs and secure messaging providers
• Consultations are now open until May 6, 2025

Switzerland is considering amending its surveillance law to expand into new types of monitoring and data collection.

The changes – which experts argue will put people's anonymity and secure encryption at risk – would widen the net of impacted service providers to virtual private networks (VPNs), messaging apps, and social networks, having previously only impacted mobile networks and internet service providers (ISPs).

Consultations are now public and open until May 6, 2025. Speaking to TechRadar, NymVPN has explained how it's planning to fight against it, alongside encrypted messaging app Threema and Proton, the provider behind one of the best VPN and secure email services on the market.

More data, less security

Authorities' arguments behind the need for accessing more data are always the same – catching criminals and improving security. Yet, according to Nym's co-founder and COO, Alexis Roussel, being forced to leave more data behind would achieve the opposite result.

"Less anonymity online is not going to make things better," he told TechRadar. "For example, enforcing identification of all these small services will eventually push to leaks, more data theft, and more attacks on people."

The amendment aims to expand the number of service providers targeted to include so-called "derived service providers."This categorisation would aim to include any online service with a turnover of $100 million or more than 5,000 active users.

As per the official announcement, "three types of information and two types of monitoring are also being created as a result of this revision." Put simply, the likes of NymVPN and Proton VPN would be forced to modify how they handle their encryption technology and their privacy policies around securing the anonymity of their users.

In Switzerland, the new version of the surveillance law aims to make it impossible for Proton, Threema and@nymproject to operate from Switzerland. We are in the consultation phase. We will fight. https://t.co/BcMBxzIPFCMarch 25, 2025

Considering the pushback against encryption backdoors, Switzerland seems to be taking a different approach. Yet, according to Roussel, this is more of a "play on words."

"It's not about end-to-end encryption. They don't want to force you to reveal what's inside the communication itself, but they want to know where it goes," Roussel explains. "They realize the value is not in what is being said but who you are talking to.".

"The whole point of security and privacy is not being able to link the usage to the person. That's the most critical thing." Roussel told TechRadar.

What's next?

It's important to note that the current amendment is not subject to a parliamentary vote or public referendum under Swiss law. Nonetheless, a public consultation is now ongoing, so everyone can partake.

Nym confirmed to TechRadar that the team has already started to build a strategy to fight against it with Proton and Threema – and they hope more people will follow suit.

The plan focuses on showing the damage these changes will have for citizens' online security and the wider Swiss tech industry.

"Nym is still small, but Proton and Threema are really very prominent companies in Switzerland," said Rousseld, pointing out how the Swiss Army itself is using the latter service exactly for its well-known high level of security.

"I think we have good arguments, and I think the best argument we have is to show them that they would lose in front of a tribunal."

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Thanks, Sam Altman, for giving us access to ChatGPT's new integrated image-generation skills. They're, as Steve Jobs might've described them, insanely good.

So good, in fact, that I'm worried now about my little corner of the universe where we try to discern the accuracy of renders, models, and pre-production leaks that might tell us the tale of future Apple products, like the rumored iPhone 17 Air.

For those who don't know, the iPhone 17 Air (or Slim) is the oft-talked-about but never-confirmed ultra-slim iPhone 16 Plus/iPhone 16e/SE hybrid that could be the most exciting iPhone update when Apple likely unveils a whole new iPhone 17 line in September.

While it may not be the most powerful iPhone, it should be the biggest and thinnest of the bunch. Even the single rear camera might not be enough to keep potential buyers away.

Imagining what it could look like, well, that's my job. Or it was until I started working with ChatGPT running the recently updated 4o model, which is capable of generating images out of thin air or based on photos and images you upload into it.

It's a slightly methodical model, taking up to 45 seconds to generate an image that flows in slowly, almost one microscopic, horizontal line of pixels at a time. The results are something to behold.

It's not just the quality but how ChatGPT can maintain the thread and cohesion of images from prompt to prompt. Usually, if you start with image generation in something like OpenAI's Dall-E or, say, X's Grok, it'll do a good job with the first image.

However, when you request changes, elements of the original disappear or end up altered. It's even harder to create a series of images that appear to be part of the same story or theme. There are usually too many differences.

ChatGPT 4o image generation appears different and, possibly, more capable.

ChatGPT 4o did a nice anime glow up with my picture of a hawk (left). (Image credit: Chat GPT-generated images along with source material)

Having already experimented a bit with the model shortly after Altman and other OpenAI engineers announced it, I quickly found that ChatGPT 4o did its best work when you started with a solid source.

I initially had fun turning images of myself and even photos I took this week of a peregrine hawk into anime. However, I was curious about ChatGPT's photo-realism capabilities, especially as they relate to my work.

Apple announced this week that WWDC 2025's keynote would fall on June 9. It's an event where the tech giant outlines platform updates (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, etc) that inform much of how we think about Apple's upcoming product lineup. With information like this, we can start to map out the future of the anticipated iPhone 17 line. Visualizing what that will look like can be tough, though. So, I decided to let ChatCPT's newest image model show me the way.

A real photo of an iPhone SE on the left and a ChatGPT 4o-generated one on the right. (Image credit: Chat GPT-generated images along with source material)

Since the iPhone 17 Air would conceivably be the newest member of the iPhone family (shoving aside the less-than exciting iPhone 16e), I decided to focus on that.

Initially, I handed ChatGPT an older iPhone SE review image with this prompt:

"Use this photo to imagine what an Apple iPhone 17 Air might look like. Please make it photo-realistic and a nice, bright color."

ChatGPT did a good job of maintaining the settings from the original photo and most of my hand, though I think I lost a finger. It did well updating the finish and even added a second camera, making it part of a raised camera bump.

I followed with this prompt:

"This is good. Since the iPhone 17 Air is supposed to be super-thin, can you show it from the side?"

ChatGPT lost the background and made the image look like an ad for the iPhone 17 Air. It was a nice touch, but the phone didn't look thin enough. I prompted ChatGPT to make it thinner, which it did.

This was progress, but I quickly realized my error. I hadn't based the prompt on available iPhone 17 Air rumors, and maybe I wasn't being prescriptive enough in my prompts.

(Image credit: Chat GPT-generated images along with source material)

Since the iPhone SE is now a fully retired design, I decided to start over with a review image of the iPhone 16 Pro and initially used the same prompt, which delivered an iPhone 16 Pro in a lovely shade of blue.

This time, when I asked to see the thin side of the phone. I told ChatGPT, "Don't change the background."

I was pleased to see that ChatGPT more or less kept my backyard bushes intact and seamlessly inserted the new phone in something that now sort of looked like a more attractive version of my hand.

My original iPhone 16 Pro review image is on the left. ChatGPT 4o's work in on the right. (Image credit: Chat GPT-generated images along with source material)

Some iPhone 17 Air rumors claim the phone might have just one camera, so I told ChatGPT to remove two cameras and rerender.

In previous prompts, I'd told ChatGPT to "make it thinner," but what if I gave the chatbot an exact measurement?

"Now show me the side of the iPhone 17 Air. It should be 5.4mm thick and the same color."

(Image credit: Chat GPT-generated images along with source material)

This was almost perfect. I did notice, though, that there was no discernable camera bump, which seems unlikely in a 5.4mm-thick iPhone. Even the anticipated ultra-thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge features a camera bump. There is no way the iPhone 17 Air will get away without one.

Finally, I asked for a render of the screen:

"Now show me the iPhone 17 Air screen. Make sure it shows the Dynamic Island. The screen should be bright and look like an iPhone home screen with apps and widgets."

Once again, ChatGPT did an excellent job, except for an "iOS IAir" label just above the dock. The rest of the App Icon labels are perfect, which is impressive when you consider the difficulty most image generation models have with text.

ChatGPT doesn't produce images with AI watermarks; only the file names tell you these are ChatGPT images. That's concerning, as is the exceptional quality.

I expect the internet will soon be flooded with ChatGPT iPhone and other consumer electronics hardware renders. We won't know what's a leak, what's a hand-made render, or what's direct from the mind of ChatGPT based on prompts from one enterprising tech editor.

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• Cybernews found a major database belonging to Sydney Tools left unsecured online
• It exposed employee and customer data
• As many as 34 million orders could be exposed

Millions of Australians (and possibly others) may have had their sensitive information exposed on the internet due to a leak from a major retailer.

Researchers from Cybernews uncovered a huge exposed Clickhouse database belonging to Sydney Tools, an Australian retailer specializing in power tools, hand tools, and industrial equipment for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.

The database reportedly contains entries belonging to both Sydney Tools employees (current and former), and customers.

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Millions of customers

For employees, there are more than 5,000 entries containing full names, branches of employment, salaries, and sales targets. Since Sydney Tools apparently has around 1,000 employees, it’s safe to assume that the majority of entries in this category fall on former employees.

While payment or banking information was not exposed here, there are still plenty of “ingredients” for a dangerous phishing, or identity theft cocktail .

Employees aside, the leaked database also spilled more than 34 million online purchase records.

These contained people’s names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, and ordered items, which makes this part of the leak objectively worse.

“The leaked data is sensitive as it included extensive personally identifiable information in large volumes, as well as sensitive information regarding which customers purchased expensive items, and the salaries of their employees,” the researchers said.

The Cybernews report was published in late March, 2025 and said that, at press time, the archive was still exposed on the internet and leaking data. The researchers said they tried to get in touch with Sydney Tools to get them to close the archive, but were unsuccessful.

Unprotected databases remain one of the biggest causes of data leaks today.

Sydney Tools offers a wide range of products from major brands, including tools for construction, automotive, and woodworking applications. The company operates both online and through physical stores across Australia.

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• Pro-Ject has released a new vinyl flattener ahead of Record Store day 2025
• 'Flatten it' uses temperature-controlled plates to maintain consistency
• It's every vinyl enthusiasts dream, but you'll need deep pockets…

The day where vinyl collectors and music fans queue outside record stores for new, limited releases is near, and I’m one of the courageous warriors preparing for battle. That’s right, it’s almost time for Record Store Day 2025, which lands on April 12, and while the thrill of adding new additions to your vinyl collection is a top-tier feeling, some bask in the pleasure of crate-digging for rare pre-loved presses.

Getting your hands on that great LP you've been searching for can feel like you’ve hit the jackpot, but warped vinyl is nigh-on inevitable at some point in your collecting career. Enter Pro-Ject, and its rather impressive new solution to restoring warped vinyl records to their original shape, so you no longer have to worry about the needle on your deck not tracking through those concentric circles as well as it might.

‘Flatten It’ (for that is its name) is the latest piece of vinyl care tech from Pro-Ject, a ‘high-quality, durable cabinet’ designed to give your warped vinyl records the TLC they need and resuscitate their sonic abilities from drab, back to fab. And yes, it is as expensive as it sounds (£749 to be precise, which is around $966 or AU$1,529 as a rough guide), but compared to similar products it’s a mid-price point (the Orb DF-01iA+ disc flattener retails for around double that). There’s no doubt that serious vinyl record collectors will fork out for something that promises to keep their vinyl flat using a hysteresis temperature of just 2 degrees Celcius.

(Image credit: Pro-Ject )

Already a trusted hi-fi specialist and maker of some of the best turntables we've had the pleasure of testing, Pro-Ject is unafraid to take its already highly-respected status as an audio company and crank up the dial – and I like it! Even if it does look like a massive compact CD player.

No longer stuck in a (time) warp

So how does it work? Well, instead of abiding to common vinyl-flattening home hacks which could easily go wrong (we wouldn't advise leaving LPs in a cooling oven), Pro-Ject's ‘Flatten it’ offers a solution that’s suitable for all vinyl sizes and thicknesses for both casual and serious vinyl collectors.

Using just two settings (heating and cooling), temperature-controlled plates are used to sandwich the vinyl record together while a lower setting of just 2°C maintains consistency in the flattening process. Though there are plenty of alternative vinyl restoration products out there, you have to admit, this is literally pretty cool, landing just in time for Record Store Day 2025.

Record Store Day doesn’t just have to be about snagging the most exclusive presses, but can be the perfect opportunity to scout out albums that aren’t kicking about much these days. It's the perfect opportunity, especially when everyone else will have their undivided attention on the upcoming 7” Taylor Swift single… 

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• Global launch of EOS R50 V and PowerShot V1 V-series of vlogging cameras
• A new RF-S 14-30mm power zoom lens was also unveiled for the EOS R50 V
• The PowerShot V1 costs the same as the EOS R50 V with 14-30mm lens

Canon has unveiled the new EOS R50 V alongside confirming global availability of its PowerShot V1, which was announced last month for Japan only.

Both V-series models are part of Canon's vlogging-focused camera range, joining the PowerShot V10 point-and-shoot compact – we expect more models to follow.

I had a two-day hands-on with both cameras ahead of launch, and you can discover if the compact camera's fanfare is justified in my PowerShot V1 hands-on review.

The EOS R50 V on the other hand is Canon's first V-series mirrorless camera, and unsurprisingly it utilizes the same RF-mount and 24MP APS-C sensor as the EOS R50.

Alongside the EOS R50 V, Canon launched the new RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens (£379.99). The PZ stands for Power Zoom – a smooth zoom function ideal for video, and custom designed for the EOS R50 V.

Despite their different design cues, the PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V with 14-30mm lens share the same launch price – £959.99. Alternatively, the EOS R50 V can be purchased body for £729.99, or in a Creator Kit with lens and accessories for £999.99. Sales start on April 10, and I'll update this article with US and Australia pricing when I have that info.

Let's take a closer look at the EOS R50 V, and then consider which of the two new models offers better value for beginner vloggers.

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The EOS R50 V (right) alongside the EOS R50 (left) (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Canon EOS R50 V vs EOS R50: a new video-focused design

In essence, the EOS R50 V packs much the same EOS R50 tech into a body designed for video, with slightly better video features, but it lacks a viewfinder.

Take its shooting mode dial as an example – there’s a host of video options including three custom settings you can save for quick access, but just one option for photography. The EOS R50's shooting mode dial is the flipside of that.

It also has tripod mounts for vertical and horizontal setups and accessories, record buttons on the front and rear, a tally lamp, plus a vari-angle screen for selfies and awkward angles, with auto support for vertical live view and menus. That all feels pretty high end for a camera at this sub £1,000 price point.

Other handy video features include aspect markers, timecode, USB-C power and charging, mic and headphone ports, false color, zebra display and manual focus peaking.

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4K 30fps 4:2:2 10-bit video is oversampled from 6K, plus there’s Canon's C-Log 3 color profile and record times up to 2 hours. You can up 4K frame rate to 60fps, while Full HD delivers up to 120fps.

The same dual pixel autofocus II system utilized by the EOS R6 Mark II is found here, offering subject and eye detection for humans and animals.

The camera features a power zoom lever and can be bought with the new RF-S 14-30mm power zoom lens for smooth video zooms. It’s also a decent live-streaming camera, with 4-channel audio and compatibility with Canon’s Live Switcher app for multi cam setups – up to three EOS R50 V's can be synchronized.

That's a decent array of upgrades for video-focused users from the EOS R50.

From left to right: Canon PowerShot V10, Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III, Canon PowerShot V1, Canon EOS R50 V (Image credit: Tim Coleman) EOS R50 V versus PowerShot V1

Unlike the EOS R50 V, the PowerShot V1 is a compact camera, meaning it has a built-in 3.1x optical zoom lens – it's a complete package. But with the PowerShot V1 costing the same as the EOS R50 V with 14-30mm lens, which model makes most sense for beginner vloggers?

With lens attached, the EOS R50 V is a heavier and larger package, but not by a lot – its height and width are no bigger. Both cameras could slip into a jacket pocket, while the V1 could squeeze into smaller pockets.

The EOS R50 V has a larger APS-C sensor to the V1's new 1.4-inch sensor, so expect slightly better image quality overall.

However, you can expect a similar depth of field and focus fall-off from the two aforementioned lenses, plus optical stabilization rated up to 5EV. (Of course you could buy different lenses for the EOS R50 V for different looks – for example, there are decent Sigma fast aperture zoom and prime lenses available that I've tested and can recommend.)

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Canon PowerShot V1 (middle) alongside the PowerShot G7X Mark III (right) and PowerShot V10 (left) (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 6

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Canon says the EOS R50 V's autofocus is better than the PowerShot V1's, plus it has slightly more powerful video features, some of which were mentioned earlier. However, it doesn't have a built-in ND filter, like the V1 does, while the 14-30mm (21-45mm effective) kit lens isn't as wide as the V1's 16-50mm either – the latter is probably more versatile for vlogging especially.

If you want a simple one-stop vlogging camera, the PowerShot V1 probably makes more sense. But if you want a camera that can support you as your skills grow, with the option to swap lenses, then the EOS R50 V is a more serious package, for the same money.

Which model would you go for and why – the Canon EOS R50 V or Canon PowerShot V1? Let us know in the comments below.

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• Canon's fourth 'hybrid' f/1.4 prime lens joins the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm
• Versatile 20mm wide-angle perspective and fast aperture
• List price is £1,919.99 (US and Australia pricing plus sales start date TBC)

Canon continues to grow its range of 'hybrid' RF lenses designed for photo and video with its latest addition, the Canon RF 20mm F1.4L VCM.

It's virtually identical in size, weight and design to three other f/1.4 hybrid primes, the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses (see them all side by side, above), but offers the widest perspective of the quartet.

The 20mm focal length is widely used by astro, landscape, architecture and interior photographers, plus it's also handy for video work in tight spaces and, again, for sweeping vistas.

Canon's fastest-ever 20mm lens packs an 11-blade f/1.4 aperture that should prove particularly handy for low light work, while its close focusing skills of just 0.2m could also deliver decent shallow depth of field shots with dynamic perspectives.

It's a pricey optic, mind you – £1,919.99 (US and Australia pricing to follow) makes it the costliest of the four primes by around 15%. Still, it's the only 20mm fast aperture prime for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Canon still doesn't allow third-party brands to make lenses for its full-frame cameras, which means it might remain the only choice for wide-angle prime lovers for sometime yet.

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(Image credit: Tim Coleman) Canon's most versatile hybrid prime yet?

I had a brief hands-on with the RF 20mm F1.4L VCM at Canon UK's headquarters ahead of launch and the lens is a familiar sight. Its design is practically identical to the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm options in Canon's hybrid lens line up.

The weather-proof lens measures 76.5 x 99.3mm and weighs 18.3oz / 519g, which makes it an excellent fit with a camera like the EOS R5 Mark II (see below) – a logical camera / lens pairing – and like the other primes it features a 67mm thread for lens filters and a rear gel filter holder.

There's an iris (aperture) ring with smooth click-free adjustments ideal for video, plus a customizable lens control ring and buttons too.

VCM stands for Voice Coil Motor – it's the motor that drives autofocus, which Canon says is rapid, accurate and near silent. I can attest to the autofocus efficiency from my brief time with it and other lenses in the range.

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As an L-series lens, the 20mm F1.4 is built for pros, with a complex lens element arrangement that should deliver supreme sharpness and clarity. The lens comprises, and I take a breath...two aspheric lenses, one Super UD lens, two UD lenses and one BR lens, plus ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings.

In many respects, the RF 20mm F1.4L VCM is the most compelling lens of the hybrid bunch, because there's simply no other lens like it. The RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM is a 5-star rated ultra-wide-angle zoom, but its maximum aperture is f/4.

I can see the 20mm option being one of the more popular options in Canon's hybrid lens range. It provides a versatile wide perspective for video work, particularly those that work in multiple aspect ratios, and looks like the ultimate money-no-object astro photography lens.

What do you think of Canon's range of hybrid lenses so far? Let us know in the comments below.

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• F1 25 has been officially revealed by EA Sports and Codemasters
• Braking Point is returning, alongside some My Team mode overhauls
• It's set to launch on May 30, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

EA Sports and Codemasters have officially revealed F1 25, the latest entry in the long-running official Formula 1 racing sim series.

Launching on May 30, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this year's headline features include the return of the Braking Point campaign, as well as a "significant overhaul" to the popular My Team game mode.

If you're unfamiliar, Braking Point made its last appearance in F1 23 and is a bespoke story mode with original characters and cutscenes. In F1 25, the fictional Konnersport team has progressed from the midfield to being genuine championship contenders, but players can expect "a dramatic event" that "throws the team into chaos."

While certainly not perfect and occasionally quite cheesy, I really enjoyed prior iterations of Braking Point, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the storyline progresses.

The accompanying EA press release also details a "significant overhaul" for My Team mode. Details are thin on the ground for now, but it seems we can expect "new responsibilities before getting behind the wheel as either of the team's drivers."

Codemasters senior creative director Lee Mather has also chimed in on F1 25's announcement, saying: “F1 25 delivers more ways for players to experience Formula 1 and race their way, from the drama of Braking Point to making headlines in the pursuit of World Championship glory.

"This year, there are new opportunities for players to connect, collaborate, and compete than ever before. We look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.”

This initial announcement doesn't give much else away when it comes to what we can expect in F1 25, making it sound like a fairly iterative update at face value. However, developer Codemasters will be keeping players up to date as we approach launch with its F1 25 Deep Dive video series. There, we can expect more details on improvements and additions to this year's game.

We're only two races into the real-world 2025 Formula 1 season at the time of writing, and it's already proved to be an extremely chaotic one. From Mercedes and Williams off to surprisingly strong starts to Ferrari struggling even with Lewis Hamilton's services (not to mention a veritable influx of promising rookie talents at Alpine, Sauber, Haas, and Racing Bulls), I'm most interested in learning how F1 25's driver ratings are going to shape up.

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Apple just announced WWDC 2025, its annual developer's conference, with a keynote highlighting the next year of software at its core. This year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) takes place on June 9, and there's more at stake this year than maybe ever before.

Why is WWDC 2025 such a big deal? I hear you ask. Well, coming off the back of Apple's public delay of an Apple Intelligence-powered Siri, we're about to hit the year anniversary of Apple's initial AI announcement, yet we still don't have access to its magical powers that were originally showcased.

At WWDC in June, Apple will have to address the delays and highlight the future of Apple Intelligence to try and win back the credibility that has taken a hit over the last 12 months.

By June, we'll only be a few months away from the launch of the iPhone 17, and if Apple wants consumers to trust in its next flagship iPhone, I think Apple Intelligence needs to be ready.

The world will be watching WWDC 2025 to see how Apple claws itself out of the AI-fuelled mess it's created, and here are three things Tim Cook and Co should do to get the hype train going again.

1. Address the ghosts

(Image credit: Future)

In my opinion, the very first thing that should be discussed at WWDC is the Siri delay. Now I know that's not very "Apple" to highlight mistakes but I think it would be incredibly refreshing to see Apple execs put their hands up and take responsibility for advertising a product that just wasn't ready.

I highly doubt we're even going to get a mention of any delays, I'd actually expect we're more likely to get a timeframe on when Apple Intelligence-powered Siri will launch, glossing over any turmoil.

As long as Apple lays out its plans for on-screen awareness, personal context, and app intents powered Siri, then I think we can move past this mess and start to think more positively about AI in the iPhone.

I won't be satisfied unless we see an actual live demo of Siri working with Apple Intelligence and finally reaching the potential we were promised at WWDC 2024.

I may be naive, but I'm optimistic that Apple will, in fact, showcase Siri in all its glory because if it doesn't and focuses on the rumored iOS 19 redesign, I'll be genuinely disappointed.

This first entry into this list is almost a necessity, and until Apple is able to showcase the promised features, I don't know how we can move on. Fingers crossed, at WWDC 2025, we get a demo of Siri 2.0, a release date, and a newfound trust in Apple to deliver to its loyal fanbase.

2. Apple Intelligence 2.0

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

How can I think about Apple Intelligence's second wave of features when the first wave hasn't rolled out yet? AI development is so fast-moving that new features and capabilities are coming out almost daily, and that's very hard to cope with when your company is playing catchup.

Apple needs to do something very special with Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025; it needs to showcase some form of consumer AI tool that blows the competition out of the water and reaffirms Apple as THE tech company to beat.

Unfortunately, following the Siri failure, I'm not sure if I believe Apple is capable of AI software innovation in the way it has shown to be capable of hardware innovation over the years.

Siri's 2.0 release would bring the iPhone up to speed with its competition powered by Gemini, but for Apple to pass Google's smart assistant, Siri needs to do more. Personally, I want AI on the iPhone to blow my mind and make the mundane of my daily life a breeze.

If Apple takes its Apple Intelligence offering to the next level by showcasing Siri powers we haven't even seen yet, say AI-powered task management that's on a whole new level, then WWDC will get all the right headlines.

3. Make AI relatable

(Image credit: Future)

Apple's tagline, "AI for the rest of us." is excellent. Those words were the number one thing I remembered from last year's Apple Intelligence reveal.

That said, AI still feels like a gimmick and alien to many people, and I think Apple needs to find a way to make it connect with individuals like we've not seen before. Too many people overlook AI or simply don't use it on their devices because, quite frankly, it doesn't make their lives better.

If Apple is going to promote that incredible slogan, it needs an AI strategy that backs it up and highlights why Apple Intelligence is worth using and not worth missing out on.

Nearly a whole cycle has gone by, with those who have invested in an iPhone 16 for Apple Intelligence disappointed, and those who are waiting to upgrade still probably not sold on the idea of Apple's AI.

If Apple can make AI relatable by highlighting new features that connect with the audience, then not only will it make Apple Intelligence a success, but it will also push users to purchase new iPhones come September.

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• Garmin's golf watches are getting a big upgrade
• The company is bringing integration with Clippd
• Clippd is a data platform that can help golfers improve their game

Garmin has announced a big upgrade for its golf watches that will bring data-driven insights from Clippd to its specialist golf line.

Not only does Garmin make some of the best smartwatches for running and fitness, its Approach range includes many of the best golf watches thanks to features like preloaded course data, shot-tracking, and more.

Now Garmin has announced integration with Clippd, a data platform that helps golfers understand and improve their game.

"The agreement will seamlessly integrate Garmin’s on-course information into the Clippd consumer golf technology platform, giving players a more complete picture of their game," Garmin said this week.

Clippd will get on-course data from Garmin's smartwatches that include shot detection (including the Approach S70, Approach S44, and Approach S50), with even greater insights for those using the Approach CT10 sensors.

Garmin ups its golf game

Clippd provides golfers with metrics to measure golfing skills, including player quality, shot quality, the skills that drive their scores, and personalized improvement plans.

This move makes Clippd the first company to use Garmin's Golf Premium AP, which was launched earlier this year.

So, if you've been on the fence about a Garmin golf watch, this could be a great reason to take the plunge and bag one. Likewise, if you're a Clippd user, Garmin's Approach line is now the perfect complement to the platform. Clippd isn't cheap, mind you. Its monthly costs start at £20/$20, with prices north of $3,500 for annual team subscriptions.

The only bad news, of course, is that now you've even less of an excuse for your ropey bunker play and all those sliced tee shots.

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Samsung has announced US pricing and availability for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and the pricing news is mostly good, but it's also sprinkled in with some less good news for fans of the company’s cutting-edge 8K TVs.

The new Samsung Neo QLED TV lineup consists of two 8K series, the QN990F and QN900F, and two 4K series, the QN90F, QN80F. Pricing and availability for a third 4K series, the entry-level QN70F, will be announced later.

The main good news here is that pricing for the flagship 4K QN90F series is comparable to last year’s flagship 4K Samsung QN90D TVs, with a 65-inch model priced at $2,699. And the new QN80F series is priced even lower than last year’s entry-level Neo QLED Samsung QN85 series, with initial pricing for a 55-inch QN80F clocking in at $1,299 – $100 less than a 55-inch QN85D at launch.

The less-good 8K news is that Samsung’s flagship 8K QN990F series TVs are mostly priced higher than last year’s flagship 8K Samsung QN900D series. Initial pricing for a 75-inch QN990F model is $6,499, for example, while the 75-inch QN900D we reviewed in 2024 launched at $6,299.

According to Samsung, the 65-inch and 75-inch QN900F series models are available from today, and the 85-inch model will be available soon, along with the full QN990F series. The full QN90F and QN80F series TVs are also available starting today.

Pricing for Samsung’s 2025 Neo QLED TVs is as follows:

QN990F 8K

98-inch: $39,999

85-inch: $8,499

75-inch: $6,499

65-inch: $5,499

QN900F 8K

85-inch: $5,499

75-inch: $4,299

65-inch: $3,299

QN90F 4K

98-inch: $14,999

85-inch: $4,499

75-inch: $3,299

65-inch: $2,699

55-inch: $1,999

50-inch: $1,499

43-inch: $1,399

QN80F 4K

85-inch: $3,499

75-inch: $2,299

65-inch: $1,799

55-inch: $1,299

(Image credit: Samsung) 8K TV prices: going up!

Samsung’s new flagship QN990F mini-LED TV series is a definite upgrade over last year’s QN900D series, the top 8K pick in our best TVs guide, with new features including a Wireless One Connect Box and Glare-Free tech to reduce screen reflections in bright rooms. It also carries over the 8K AI Upscaling Pro processing found in the QN900D series and supports both 8K at 120Hz and 4K at 240Hz (though with higher than expected input lag in Game mode, as we determined in a hands-on test of the QN990F).

While these upgrades are meaningful, consumers typically expect to see new features and enhancements in TVs year-over-year with prices remaining stable or, better yet, decreasing. Back in 2023, we considered how 8K TVs were supposed to be the next big thing – what happened? In that article, we said “there’s ample hope for more affordable big-screen 8K mini-LED TVs in the not-distant future,” a position based on an 8K TV sales forecast by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).

Having 8K TV prices shoot up is the exact opposite of what we were expecting, though Samsung’s step-down 8K QN900F series models are $200 less expensive at all sizes than last year’s QN800D series.

Fortunately, prices for Samsung’s 4K mini-LED TVs are holding fast, and the company is providing more lower-priced options with the new QN80F series, and the presumably even cheaper QN70F series. And if history repeats itself, we’ll see prices for all new Samsung 8K and 4K TVs drop soon after launch, as they did in 2024.

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• New Researcher and Analyst tools are here for Microsoft 365 Copilot
• New deep reasoning tool in Copilot Studio will use models like OpenAI’s o1
• It’ll take the time to analyze and recognize patterns to make better decisions

Microsoft has announced a series of updates to its Copilot generative AI tool to take advantage of the latest innovations in AI, including tapping into OpenAI’s most powerful models, as well as two new agents designed for work.

The company says its new Researcher and Analyst tools will bring Copilot-powered advanced reasoning to everyday work, making employees more productive and effective.

"They analyze vast amounts of information with secure, compliant access to your work data - your emails, meetings, files, chats, and more - and the web to deliver highly-skilled expertise on demand," a Microsoft 365 blog post announcing the new releases read.

Researcher and Analyst in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft says the new Researcher agent will look to deliver insights, "with greater quality and accuracy than previously possible".

It will utilize both OpenAI’s deep research model with Microsoft 365 Copilot’s advanced orchestration and deep search capabilities to tackle complex or multi-step tasks such as building a go-to-market sales strategy, or build a quarterly report based on all your work data.

Researcher can also connect to third-party data to provide even more comprehensive insights, with the likes of Salesforce, ServiceNow, Confluence, and more feeding directly into Microsoft 365 Copilot, as well as other company agents such as the recently-announced Sales Chat.

Built on OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, Analyst is focused towards advanced data analysis tasks, using chain-of-thought reasoning and Python to help turn raw data into demand forecasts, trend visualizations, and revenue projections.

Deep reasoning comes to Microsoft Copilot

Taking to LinkedIn to announce the changes, Business & Industry Copilot CVP Charles Lamanna introduced deep reasoning in Copilot Studio, which uses advanced reasoning models like OpenAI’s o1 for tasks that require detailed analysis, methodical thinking and nuanced understanding.

Lamanna highlighted how these models take more time to analyze complex datasets, recognize intricate patterns and make thoughtful decisions, making them ideal for tackling complex problems.

Copilot takes into account input analysis and instructions to decide when it’s appropriate to spend the extra time leveraging deep reasoning, but Lamonna also explained that agent makers can choose to include the keyword ‘reason’ to invoke deep reasoning as part of a user’s prompt.

At the same time, Microsoft lifted the wraps off agent flows, which are designed to plug the gaps where AI agents have proven not to be so capable. “Between agents and agent flows, it is possible to automate any task you can imagine,” Lamonna added.

Agent flows are designed for repetitive tasks like document processing, routine financial approvals and compliance tasks, and they can operate either independently or as skills within existing agents.

In an example, Lamonna describes how an agent flow can direct customer feedback to a feedback tracking agent for summarization and the creation of action points, or to a customer service agent to answer the customer’s questions and take action to resolve the issue.

The final piece to the puzzle will allow businesses to react to signals automatically through 50 pre-built triggers – they’re called autonomous agents, and promise to enhance efficiency across device procurement, supplier discovery, fraud prevention and other knowledge work.

Deep reasoning in Copilot Studio is available in preview today, with agent flows set to become generally available on March 31.

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• Nissan will introduce three new EVs by 2026
• The Leaf loses its hatchback styling, as it targets the SUV market
• New Micra will be based on the Renault 5

Despite being among the first to produce a mass-market electric car in the original Leaf, Nissan has been comparatively slow in electrifying its line-up, with only the Ariya offering something fresh in recent years.

That is all about to change, as the Japanese company revealed that the next 12 months is going to be choc full of new EV releases. These will include the long-awaited third generation Nissan Leaf, as well as an electric update of the popular Micra and Juke models for Europe.

Following the trend for chunky, high-riding vehicles, Nissan has chosen to ditch the traditional hatchback silhouette of the old Leaf in favor of a more popular SUV body style. It will share the same basic underpinnings as the Ariya, riding on the same CMF-EV platform.

According to Autocar, Nissan’s European product boss, François Bailly, said that the company was aiming for a range of more than 372 miles, with a key focus on longer journeys and an aerodynamic shape that will require fewer highway breaks when covering big distances.

(Image credit: Nissan)

For North American customers, the third-generation Leaf will come with an NACS charging port, meaning customers will be able to make use of the Tesla Supercharger network – a far cry from the outdated CHAdeMO charging standard the older Leaf used.

To further bolster its electric line-up, Nissan also unveiled a smart new version of the diminutive and affordable Micra, which will be based on the same platform as the Renault 5.

According to Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s global design chief, the electric Micra was always designed to be “cuter” than the more aggressive Renault 5, sporting rounder “puppy-dog headlights”, he told Autocar.

It borrows elements from the ultra-aggressive Concept 20-23 that was revealed, unsurprisingly, in 2023. The most obvious of which being the round LED headlights. Although the huge rear wing, wild body kit and track-ready stance seem to have been softened somewhat.

Analysis: Nissan returns to its innovative roots

(Image credit: Nissan)

I think even Nissan will agree that the past few years have been quiet for the brand, with a focus on e-Power hybrid versions of existing models making up the bulk of its 'exciting' new releases.

Rewind to 2023 and the company was busy celebrating the 20th anniversary of Nissan Design Europe in London with the madcap 20-23 concept, as well as promising more creative and innovative EVs, as the company shifted towards a fully electrified line-up.

Only now is Nissan making good on those promises, with two handsome EVs that are designed to be practical, affordable and offer the sort of range that means most owners won’t have to compromise.

In addition to Micra and Leaf, the company will also unveil the third-generation Juke SUV for 2026, with styling apparently influenced by its angular Hyper Punk concept from the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The original Juke encapsulated the brand’s fearlessness, with polarizing styling that combined elements of jet-skis, motorcycles, sports cars and all manner of hip and happening design features. It has sold well in Europe for well over a decade and remains an integral part of the Nissan line-up.

But compared to the likes of Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot and Citroen, Nissan lacks a modern line-up of both electric and hybrid vehicles that stand out from the crowd. Peugeot, on the other hand, offers nine EVs in Europe that include hatchbacks, SUVs, estate cars and vans.

By bolstering its line-up with attractive and affordable electric vehicles that riff on some of the concepts that have got us all excited recently, it feels like Nissan is finally getting back to its bold and innovative best.

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• A Nintendo Direct livestream will take place tomorrow
• It will not feature any Switch 2 information
• It will last for around 30 minutes

Don't rush to sell your original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or Nintendo Switch Lite in anticipation of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 quite yet, as it's clear that Nintendo still has some plans for the console.

The company has revealed that a new Nintendo Direct presentation will take place at 7am PT / 10am ET / 2pm GMT tomorrow on March 27, 2025. It will last for "around 30 minutes," which is slightly shorter than the usual 40 or so-minute format.

Tune in tomorrow, March 27th, at 7 a.m. PT for a livestreamed #NintendoDirect, featuring around 30 minutes of upcoming games for Nintendo Switch. There will be no updates about Nintendo Switch 2 during this presentation.Watch it here: https://t.co/sJFoxe0mq0 pic.twitter.com/1XeAuff5o1March 26, 2025

Nintendo is careful and quick to clarify that "there will be no updates" regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 in the presentation. If that's what you're interested in, you're going to have to wait until the previously announced Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct that is set to take place on April 2.

Knowing that there won't be any new Nintendo Switch 2 information does raise an important question, though. What exactly will Nintendo have in store?

My personal prediction is that we'll be getting a few more Nintendo Switch games to help tide us over in the build-up to the Nintendo Switch 2's release. I'm expecting a few remasters of older games, potentially the long-rumored Kirby: Planet Robobot re-release. I wouldn't be surprised if a few other Nintendo 3DS titles get the remake treatment, as it seems like a logical, low-cost way to help fill out the release schedule.

We might also get some more information on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but I still think that the next installment in the franchise is more likely to appear in the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct instead as part of the system's launch line-up.

I would be shocked if we don't also get a few more games added to the Nintendo Switch Online service, as that's often a regular part of these presentations.

Do you have any predictions? You can let me know in the comments below.

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