TechRadar News

• Polar is launching a screenless band, confirmed in a recent press release
• It's a distraction free wearable set to launch on September 3
• Very few details are available, but it will definitely be subscription-free

I first learned about Polar when searching for alternatives to the best Garmin watches, but Polar as a company has been around for a long time: Polar Electro actually developed the world's first wireless heart rate monitor, filing the patent in 1980.

While the company may have slipped behind some of its competitors in the smartwatch popularity stakes since then, Polar does make solid, reliable devices that regularly rank on our best running watches and best heart rate monitor lists.

Now, though, Polar is moving into a new category: eating Whoop's lunch by releasing a screenless wrist band.

However, what excites me isn't just a new challenger in the screenless wearable space; it's the fact that this is a Whoop alternative that's completely subscription-free.

(Image credit: Lee Bell)

I haven't yet published my review for the Whoop MG, the latest high-end wearable to be released by Whoop, but to cut a long story short: there's a lot to love, especially the detailed analytics. While it's not ideal for runners, it's probably the most useful wearable for hybrid athletes and gym bunnies I've tested in a very long time, thanks to its Oura-style tagging system, workout builder, and advanced recovery tools.

However, it's not perfect: the clasp system frequently comes apart when taking the band off, and the subscription cost is very steep: the Whoop MG comes in at a staggering £349 / $359 / AU$629 per year, with the cheapest tier coming in at £169 / $199 / AU$299 per year. For this cost, you get the device along with an annual subscription to the Whoop app.

Polar does have a premium subscription tier in its app, but it's specifically for its Fitness Program feature, an adaptive training plan generation tool. The base analytics collected by Polar devices are free, which makes its devices a pretty good value: once a device has been purchased, it can be used without spending more money.

I'm really excited about the prospect of a budget Whoop alternative without the costly annual subscription. Polar's running watches, such as the Polar Grit X2 Pro, and heart rate monitors, like the Polar H10, are usually very well-reviewed, which bodes well for the wearable.

(Image credit: Whoop)

Although a price point hasn't been released for the screenless band – we don't even know its name – we do have a launch date for it: September 3, as mentioned in a Polar press release.

The release states that: "The upcoming Polar wearable will not only be the brand’s first screen-free wrist device, but it will also be a subscription-free alternative to other health bands and fitness trackers on the market.

"By eliminating the need for a screen, this new category of wearables captures accurate insights and data in the background without intruding on users’ daily lives, blending seamlessly into their routines as they go about their day.

"Users can then check their stats and progress whenever it suits them, staying connected to their sleep, activity, health, and fitness – without it demanding their attention."

It certainly sounds a lot like a cheaper Whoop, but we'll know more for sure closer to the launch date. Expect a detailed comparison when it drops, along with my full Whoop MG review soon.

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• Kia says it will offer Netflix, Disney+ , YouTube and LG Channels
• The entertainment is only available when parked
• It’s not free, as it comes part of a subscription-based package

Kia is the latest in a slew of manufacturers to start offering blockbuster entertainment inside vehicles, with a new subscription-based Entertainment Package unlocking Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and more.

Available only when parked, the optional new packages essentially unlock access to some of the world’s most popular streaming services, but also offer things like Stingray Karaoke, as well as Baby Shark World for Kids.

Coming first to the recently launched Kia EV3, the South Korean marque says that the additional software will soon be introduced to new Sportage, EV4, EV5 and all upcoming models in the future.

That said, it will only run on those newer vehicles powered by LG’s webOS-based Automotive Content Platform, which discounts older EV6, for example.

Currently, it's also only available to European markets, for now with North America and other regions to follow suit. The Entertainment Standard package, which will be offered free for a year, only supports music streaming and YouTube via Obigo.

A more comprehensive (and expensive) Entertainment Plus plan grants access to Netflix, Disney+ (in limited European countries) and YouTube via a native app.

Finally, an Entertainment PlusWiFi package throws in all of the above, as well as a WiFi hotspot function in the car, meaning passengers can tether and browse using the vehicle’s data package.

Analysis: Boredom busting comes at a price

(Image credit: Kia)

Kia joins a growing list of automotive manufacturers that are transforming their infotainment systems into media streaming devices when parked.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, has offered the likes of Disney+ through its MBUX system for some time now, while Tesla’s built-in browser can access streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube and Hulu.

Porsche's passenger-specific display, which is available on Taycan, Panamera and Macan as an optional extra, even allows front seat passengers to enjoy a movie or play games when the vehicle is in motion.

More and more, we are seeing digital displays within the vehicle double-up as entertainment platforms to kill time when parked... something that many EV owners still find themselves doing while waiting to brim batteries.

It's a great distraction and perfect for those times that you forgot to pack iPads or other digital devices for the kids.

There have been numerous times where I have whiled away the minutes playing a pop quiz or watching an episode of Bluey in the passenger seat with the little ones as we wait for a charging session to complete.

That said, the decision to charge just to access streaming services seems like a backwards step, particularly when most folk are already spending a fortune each month on entertainment plans as it is.

Kia will charge £74 a year (around $100/AU$154), or £7 (around $10/AU$15) per month, for its most basic package, with prices rising to £34 (around $46/AU$70) for the first three months for the Entertainment Plus Wi-Fi package .

This is in addition to the £80 (around $108/AU$166) a year required for the Kia Connect data package, which is free for the duration of the warranty (7 years), but runs out when the vehicles enter the used market.

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• World Leaks adds Freedman HealthCare to its data leak site
• The group claims to have exfiltrated tens of thousands of files
• The company is staying silent for now

A cybercrime gang claims to have breached Freedman HealthCare, a US-based consulting firm which helps states and healthcare organizations handle data, and allegedly stole thousands of sensitive files.

A threat actor called World Leaks added Freedman HealthCare to its data leak website. The group is a new entrant in the cybercrime space, with some saying it’s a rebrand of Hunters International, while others report it’s a spin-off of the infamous organization.

In any case, the group added the consulting firm to its site, but hasn’t yet uploaded any files, most likely to try and pressure it into paying the ransom demand.

Extortion as a service

The attackers claim to have stolen 42,204 files, amounting to more than 50GB, but the nature of the stolen files isn’t known, nor is the amount of money requested.

The company handles personal health information of millions of Americans, including sensitive data processed in Medicaid and commercial insurance claims, state health and human services agencies, social determinants of health datasets, and healthcare workforce initiatives.

Freedman HealthCare has not yet addressed these claims, so we don’t even know if they’re legitimate, or not.

However, Hunters International has a relatively good track record, with notable past victims including Toyota Brazil, NanoLumens, Integrated Control, and Frederick Wildman and Sons.

World Leaks apparently operates on an “extortion-as-a-service” model, launched in early 2025. The Register notes Hunters International found their ransomware work too risky, especially with international law enforcement operations actively targeting these groups. This prompted them to switch from the usual double extortion tactics to extortion as a service, resulting in the creation of World Leaks.

The group appears to be Russian in origin, and is rather active, with more than 150 victims in the last year.

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It’s official: the Nothing Phone 3 will use the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.

Nothing CEO Carl Pei revealed the spec detail in an interview uploaded to the company’s YouTube channel, confirming that Nothing’s “first true flagship” phone will be “36% faster on CPU, 88% stronger on GPU, and 60% stronger on the NPU” than the Nothing Phone 2.

Big numbers! Except the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1-equipped Nothing Phone 2 is almost two years old, and by Nothing’s own admission, it’s not a true flagship, so you’d expect the Phone 3 to deliver a serious jump in performance. The even bigger elephant in the room is that Nothing’s “first true flagship” won’t be using the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which by all accounts is currently the fastest gun in the West. Is this a terrible revelation? I’m not so sure.

Look, it’s true that many of the best Android phones use Qualcomm’s latest top-end chipest, and it’s also true that, in not using the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Nothing Phone 3 will likely lag behind the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 in benchmark tests and push-your-phone-to-the-limits use cases.

If you’re someone who likes to max out every setting in Call of Duty: Mobile or record lengthy videos in 8K, the Nothing Phone 3 won’t be for you. But Nothing is not, and never will be, a brand for these types of power users.

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro launched in March (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Carl Pei founded Nothing in 2020 with a mission to “make tech cool again,” and that ethos has been evident in every Nothing phone released thus far (we described the company’s most recent effort, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, as “the most interesting phone you can buy for less than $500 / £500 / AU$850” in our review).

Nothing’s next challenge is to make a “cool” phone that isn’t noticeably slower or buggier than the best phones on the market. And any device that fits that remit can, I think, accurately be described as “a true flagship”.

By using the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the Nothing Phone 3 will feel like a flagship in comparison to Nothing phones of old, but I’m 99% sure it’ll feel like a flagship in relation to the best iPhones, Samsung phones, and Pixel phones, too.

As I wrote in a similarly minded piece last year, in my opinion, we’ve reached a saturation point when it comes to the speed of flagship phones. Not necessarily in their capacity to complete complex tasks, mind, but in the way these phones feel when you’re swiping through them on a daily basis.

If the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset can deliver a smooth experience while you’re scrolling, streaming, swiping, gaming, taking photos, or doing any of the other things one does with their phone in 2025, I think it’s a perfectly acceptable chipset choice for a flagship handset aimed at those who value aesthetics over raw, unmitigated power.

The Tensor G4-equipped Google Pixel 9 Pro was our Phone of the Year last year (Image credit: Blue Pixl Media)

Consider Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 9 Pro.

By all accounts, its Tensor G4 chipset is weaker than the competition, yet the Pixel 9 Pro sits pretty as the ‘best Android’ option in our list of the best phones and also scooped our Phone of the Year award in 2024. Sure, those titles were awarded subjectively, but no one bats an eyelid when Google’s bona fide flagship ships without the latest and greatest in mobile silicon.

The price argument is a little harder to rebuff. Rumors put the Nothing Phone 3’s price tag at around $799 / £799 / AU$1,300, which would bring the phone in line with the Snapdragon 8 Elite-equipped Samsung Galaxy S25.

Naturally, Nothing’s upcoming handset won’t be able to compete with Samsung’s latest base model for raw power, but with Carl Pei promising "premium materials and software that really levels things up,” I’m confident that the Phone 3 will deliver on the CEO’s “true flagship” promise.

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• Keyview 13" Touch is a mechanical keyboard with a built-in 13-inch touchscreen
• It works with phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and even game consoles
• There’s no battery or touchpad unfortunately, so you'll need to provide power and a mouse

The Keyview 13" Touch, from Aura Displays, is a compact 82-key mechanical keyboard (83 keys for the UK version) with a fun, and useful twist - it has an integrated 13-inch touchscreen attached.

This isn’t the first product of its kind we’ve seen - we’ve previously covered the Maxfree K3 and the Thanko mechanical keyboard with a 10-inch monitor, both of which offer the same blend of keyboard and display in one unit.

We’ve also encountered various DIY projects that produced laptops without displays, as well as notebook docking stations with built-in screens, but few of those have been as polished or feature-packed as this.

RGB lighting and custom shortcuts

The Keyview 13" Touch's screen folds from 0 to 90 degrees and delivers a 1920 x 720 matte IPS display. It supports full 10-point multitouch and has a wide 178° viewing angle, making it usable for video, docs, or just as a second screen.

The keyboard itself uses yellow mechanical switches and PBT keycaps. It’s fully customizable, with hot-swappable keys, RGB lighting, and support for custom shortcuts.

The device includes USB-C, HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD/TF slot, and an M2 SSD bay for internal storage expansion. It also supports 60W PD fast charging.

It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. That means it works with laptops, desktops, full-featured USB-C phones like the Galaxy line, latest iPhones, tablets, and even game consoles.

The case is made from aluminum alloy, ABS, and PC plastic. It’s solid but weighs 2.12kg, which makes it more of a backpack item than something pocketable.

There’s also a built-in speaker, rated at 1W. That's nothing special, but it will be fine for notifications or quick audio tasks.

There are a couple of bigger drawbacks, though - there’s no battery for starters, so you’ll need to plug it in every time you want to use it. And there’s no touchpad either, so unless your device is touch-capable, you’ll want to bring a mouse too.

Still, for a certain type of user, especially those wanting to turn their phone into a capable workstation, it’s an unusual and potentially useful option. You can buy it direct from Aura now for $399.00, 20% off its usual MSRP of $499.

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• You can now create ChatGPT images in WhatsApp
• Ask it to create any image you want
• Upload an image and ask it to modify it

You can now create and modify images using ChatGPT’s AI chops inside WhatsApp without having to use the ChatGPT app at all.

WhatsApp, the MetaAI-owned messaging app, caused more than a little controversy recently when it added a new Meta AI button to its interface that was impossible to remove.

The new button caused outrage from WhatsApp users, many of whom felt like they were being forced to use AI.

“Why do they have to slap that stuff on everything?” said Reddit user Special-Oil-7447. “I'm in the EU and it’s just been dumped on me. I am going to uninstall WhatsApp today after I have loaded Signal. Vote with your feet people”, said user BrainCell 7.

But Meta has not backed down, and the unpopular MetaAI button remains.

Tapping it will initiate a conversation with the MetaAI chatbot, however, it's not the only AI chatbot you can use with WhatsApp.

Accessing ChatGPT

If you’re a fan of AI, then there’s nothing stopping you from chatting using ChatGPT in WhatsApp so long as you know how, and what’s more, you can now use ChatGPT to generate AI images right inside WhatsApp. You can even upload a picture and get the AI to edit it, all from within WhatsApp.

It’s easy. All you need to do is set up ChatGPT as one of your contacts in WhatsApp - as if it’s a person.

Just add ChatGPT as a contact with the number 1-800-CHATGPT (that’s 1-800-242-8478). If you’re outside of the US, then you’ll need to add them as a US contact, which I've written about before.

Now you can chat with ChatGPT as if it were one of your friends. When you start a chat with ChatGPT, you can simply say “Create an image of...” and add some details. Sit back and let ChatGPT do its AI magic.

To upload an image that you want ChatGPT to edit, tap the + button, then Photos, and upload the image.

ChatGPT will ask you what you would like to do with the image, and you can just use natural language to describe what you want to do.

If you reach your limit for a free ChatGPT account, but you’ve got a Plus account, then WhatsApp will throw up a link so you can link to your Plus account and get more images. It couldn’t be simpler.

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• Asus released a patch for CVE-2025-3464, a high-severity authentication bypass flaw
• The issue affects Armoury Crate, a centralized hub for managing ASUS and ROG hardware
• The flaw could possibly lead to full device takeover

Asus says it has fixed a high-severity vulnerability that could have allowed threat actors to bypass authentication requirements and obtain SYSTEM privileges on a Windows device.

Recently, a security researcher from Cisco Talos discovered an Armoury Crate kernel-mode driver doesn’t rely on proper OS-level checks, but instead authenticates requests using a hardcoded SHA-256 hash of AsusCertServices.exe and a PID allowlist.

This means that a threat actor can create a hard link from a benign executable to a placeholder file, launch the app, and then swap the link to point to the trusted Asus binary. When the driver verifies the hash, it will recognize a trusted signature, even though the attacker’s process is now using that context.

Fixed with updates

The end result is unauthorized driver access, which could lead to full device compromise. The good news is that in order to abuse this vulnerability, the threat actor must obtain system access beforehand (either through stolen/purchased credentials, or a backdoor).

The vulnerability was found in Armoury Crate, an Asus application commonly pre-installed on ROG and TUF laptops and desktops.

It serves as a centralized hub for managing Asus and ROG hardware, including RGB lighting, fan curves, and the performance of different peripherals - and can also be used to manage driver and firmware updates.

The issue is now tracked as CVE-2025-3464, and has a severity score of 8.4/10 (high), as per NVD.

All versions between 5.9.9.0 and 6.1.18.0 were said to be vulnerable, and to secure their devices, users should update to the newest version of Armoury Crate: That can be done by navigating to Settings > Update Center > Check for Updates > Update.

Asus said it found no evidence that the flaw is being abused in the wild, but still “strongly recommends” users update their installations as soon as possible.

Via BleepingComputer

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• Sandfall Interactive has announced a jewelry collaboration to create a digital collection inspired by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• The collection was designed by British artist Hannah Martin and is inspired by the characters of Clair Obscur, Gustave, Lune, Sciel, Maelle, and Verso
• Sandfall took Martin's designs and modeled them in Unreal Engine 5

Kepler Interactive and Sandfall Interactive have announced a new collaboration with British jewelry designer Hannah Martin to create a collection of conceptual digital pieces inspired by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Inspired by the Belle Époque beauty era of French and European history and bold brutalism, these digital designs were inspired by the main characters of Clair Obscur, Gustave, Lune, Sciel, Maelle, and Verso, and crafted with 18 carat gold and jet-black obsidian to reflect Martin’s interpretation of the aesthetic of Expedition 33.

The developers at Sandfall Interactive took Martin's designs and intricately modeled them in Unreal Engine 5 to create a series of in-engine images "that fully blend the digital and physical worlds together with stunningly bold artistry." You can check them out below.

(Image credit: Sandfall Interactive / Hannah Martin)

These are only digital, conceptual designs, but I would love for the jewelry collection to become available in-game as downloadable content (DLC).

"This collaboration has been amazing," said Martin in a press release. "It is totally new territory for me, and I have loved being able to explore and push the boundaries between reality and unreality. It has been a constant dance between real world and fantasy."

In addition, Martin also went ahead and created 33 real-life sterling silver necklaces inspired by the design representing Verso. Unfortunately, these pieces are not for sale and were created as a celebration of the game in a limited quantity as a "thank you" to community members and artists who have supported the game and its creation.

In TechRadar Gaming's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, Managing Editor Rob Dwiar said the game is "easily an early game of the year contender" and praised its "exquisite writing and story craft" and "wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat".

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• A cyberattack has targeted food distributor UNFI
• Incident has the markings of a ransomware attack
• UNFI is making progress towards recovery, but warns delays could still continue

United Natural Foods Inc (UNFI) says it is making ‘significant progress’ towards safely restoring electronic ordering systems, and is increasing operational capacity, following a recent major cyberattack which caused widespread delays and system shutdowns.

In a statement, UNFI, one of the largest food distributors in North America, reassured customers it is working towards increasing its operational capacity and order fulfilment.

“We are also using alternative processes to ensure our customers receive the products they need while we continue making progress to restore our technology capabilities,” the statement said. “Our customers, suppliers, and associates remain our highest priority, and we are working closely with them every step of the way.”

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Unknown Attackers

The extent of the attack is not yet known, and no criminal group has claimed responsibility, although investors were told that UNFI’s entire network was shut down - a move that meant customer orders could not be fulfilled.

UNFI has not revealed the nature of the attack, but typically an organization shutting down their network is an indication that this was a ransomware attack.

Organizations take systems offline to prevent additional devices from being encrypted by attackers, and it can mitigate the risk of data exfiltration and protect sensitive information.

UNFI is a primary distributor to retail giant Whole Foods, which has been seriously affected by the attack, which comes soon after three massive UK retailers were hit by cyberattacks that took systems offline and disrupted operations for weeks.

2025 has been a dangerous year for retailers, with these alleged ransomware attacks costing affected organisations millions in downtime, lost data, reputational loss, and potential future regulatory fines.

If you frequent these retailers or are worried that your data may be affected in these breaches, take a look at the best identity theft software around to keep your information safe.

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• Iran VPN usage has been skyrocketing since Friday, reaching peaks of over 700% increase so far
• Authorities imposed new internet restrictions on Friday following Israeli airstrikes
• Online commentators have also reported some VPN throttling issues

VPN usage in Iran has been skyrocketing since Friday, June 13, 2025, as citizens are looking for ways to keep accessing the global internet.

Iranian authorities imposed new internet restrictions on Friday following the first Israeli airstrikes. These measures follow threats of legal actions coming from Iran's Prosecutor General against media and social media users for content that "disrupts society's psychological security," IranWire reported.

⚠️ Confirmed: Analysis shows a decline in international internet traffic from #Iran, corroborating user reports of poor service, with gateway and virtual server providers particularly impacted as the Ministry of Communications announces temporary internet restrictions; the… pic.twitter.com/a8iEiZqunWJune 13, 2025

According to the latest data coming from Top10VPN, the demand for the best VPN apps in Iran has seen peaks of up to 707% over the baseline level.

Specifically, VPN usage began rising on Friday by 425%, reached a 530% increase the following day, and over 700% on Sunday. While the data for Monday remains incomplete, experts recorded a rise in demand of at least 623% at the time of writing.

Commenting on the findings, the Head of Research at Top10VPN, Simon Migliano, told TechRadar: "The decision by the Iranian authorities to impose internet restrictions as its citizens suffer such incredible upheavals is simply cruel. It’s no surprise then that Iranians are turning to VPNs in such huge numbers, given the circumstances."

Despite these numbers, there have also been some reports of VPN throttling as users lamented that their VPN apps are not working at all times.

Are VPNs legal in Iran?

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all internet connections while spoofing a user's real IP address location. This skill is exactly what's needed to bypass geo-restrictions like those in place in Iran.

Iranian authorities know this very well and have been busy preventing the use of Iran VPN over the years.

For example, in 2023, Iran was second only to China for VPN censorship. This also occurred in 2024, when Iran topped the VPN censoring list across the country's official app stores.

Not only VPN-targeted blocking, though. The regime has even challenged the legality of using a VPN in the first place. In February 2024, Iran outlawed "unauthorized" VPNs, banning their usage without a legal permit. Three months later, the government also resurrected an internet bill that could put VPN usage at risk even more.

Despite all these efforts, the usage of VPN-like tools remains high even after authorities lifted the 2-year blockage on WhatsApp and Google Play last January. Now, people have been turning to this circumventing software en masse, no matter the consequences.

"When your home is at risk and loved ones are in danger, it’s critical that you can reliably access messaging apps, social media, and international news sites. That VPNs are banned will be the last thing on anyone’s mind right now in Iran," said Migliano.

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• To celebrate Amazon Prime Day, Prime Gaming members can now claim six free games
• Those games include the likes of Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Starring Lara Croft, Saints Row 2, Saints Row 4: Re-Elected, and more
• Amazon Prime Day begins on July 8, but members can claim these titles now ahead of the event

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and to celebrate, Prime Gaming members can claim an assortment of free games leading up to the event.

The annual sale officially begins on July 8, but starting today through July 7, subscribers can claim six PC games, including Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Starring Lara Croft, Saints Row 2, Saints Row 4: Re-Elected, Star Wars: Rebellion, TOEM, and Dungeon of the Endless Definitive Edition.

These games are now available for platforms like the Amazon Games App and GOG, and can be claimed on top of the previously announced Prime Gaming titles for the month of June.

This collection includes Mordheim: City of the Damned, The Abandoned Planet, Station to Station and Death Squared, which can be claimed now.

Starting on June 19, Prime members can claim Dark Envoy and Fate: Undiscovered Realms, while Thief: Deadly Shadows, Jupiter Hell, and Gallery of Things: Reveries will be redeemable on June 26.

Amazon also revealed that more Prime Day offers for Prime members will be announced soon.

If you're looking to get in on the early sales, you can check out our coverage of the early Amazon Prime Day deals that are now live.

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• WhatsApp is finally getting ads
• They'll appear in the Updates tab, integrated with Statuses and Channels
• Regular chats won't be affected by the chnages, and are still private

It’s official, WhatsApp’s latest update is bringing ads to the platform.

My initial reaction to this news was dread that the conversations with my friends might be diluted by pop-ups like you see on Messenger (another Meta-owned messaging service). Thankfully, however, it looks like WhatsApp is keeping its adverts locked within its Updates tab. At least for now.

In the Updates tab, you’ll find that both Channels and Statuses are getting the ad treatment. Channels are dedicated groups you can join, with hosts who send you messages and update. They’re popular among football teams, influencers and news outlets (in fact, we here at TechRadar have one you can join).

The ads come in the form of new Promoted Channels, which will soon start to appear when you look through the directory. They'll be recommended to you based on what WhatsApp thinks you’ll find interesting, assuming the channel is paying to be promoted.

Channels give you direct access to content, and fun extras like polls (Image credit: Future / Apple / WhatsApp)

Statuses (basically WhatsApp Stories) are ways to share quick updates and highlights with friends and family. Now ads will appear as Stauses too – again being promoted to you based on your interests.

On top of these changes, WhatsApp is adding Channel subscriptions. These aren’t ads, but are another (and in my opinion better) way to monetize WhatsApp.

By paying a monthly fee you can support your favorite channel and get exclusive updates in exchange – a bit like you do through third-party services like Patreon or premium newsletters.

WhatsApp has me hooked

I'm not ditching WhatsApp, and I know it (Image credit: Shutterstock)

After digging through the changes I’m generally less concerned than I was when i heard of the announcement.

I rarely use the Updates tab, and as WhatsApp’s blog post explains “if you only use WhatsApp to chat with friends and loved ones there is no change to your experience at all.”

Further down, it adds that these ads won’t affect your privacy either. “Your personal messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one (not even us) can see or hear them.”

Meta explains that Status and Channel ads will be based on the limited information it does collect like where you’re from, the language your app is set to, which Channels you already follow, and how you engage with ads you are shown.

If your WhatsApp is part of your Meta Accounts Center, it’ll also base its data on info from your other accounts.

It’s really trying to hammer home that our chat data is just as secure as ever, and that non-Updates chats won’t be changed.

Should I switch to Google Messages? (Image credit: Google)

It feels like the start of a slippery slope to me, but like the rest of WhatsApp’s 3 billion monthly active users – a figure that makes it the world's biggest messaging platform – I know I can’t leave.

That's not only because I don’t want to lose the chats and contacts I already have through the app (migrating everyone to a different service would be a Sisyphean task), but also because as someone who travels a lot it’s an excellent country-agnostic platform that has allowed me to make restaurant reservations, book taxis, and call a car repair company when I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

So for now I’m sticking with WhatsApp, but I’m also starting my hunt for a new service – even considering jumping back to classic text messages or Android’s Google Messages, which has received a fair few upgrades in the past few years.

Even if things do get worse, I’m not sure I’ll be able to leave then either, but the best I can do is try.

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• Oracle Defense Ecosystem gives SMBs access to potential DoD contracts
• The program includes access to office spaces, software and support
• Its scope could extend beyond US DoD contracts

Oracle has launched a new program aimed at helping tech vendors, especially smaller firms, sell to the US Department of Defense (DoD).

The launch of the Oracle Defense Ecosystem program comes amid a major restructuring of US government tech procurement, with many hyperscalers losing contracts as the Trump administration seeks to centralize purchasing and reduce expenditure.

Although the companies that have traditionally sold to the government have been seen to be offering huge discounts to keep their government contracts, the time has also come for smaller companies to be in with a chance of winning bids.

Oracle and US DoD

As part of the program, smaller vendors will get access to Oracle office spaces, discounts on Palantir's cloud/AI tools and Oracle's NetSuite software, and guidance on navigating the Pentagon's procurement processes.

The company says the program has been designed to overcome the structural challenges small vendors often face compared to large defense contractors, effectively levelling the playing field.

Initially, 10 companies, including Blackshar.ai, SensusQ, Metron and Arqit are participating, but signing up is free (backed by Oracle funding).

The benefits extend far beyond boosting smaller tech firms, though, with the DoD also getting access to more advanced tech and a broader spectrum of offerings, and Oracle Cloud weaving its way deeper into defense operations – a win all-round, then.

DOGE's focus on efficiency could further benefit Oracle by terminating legacy contracts – although the company trails far behind the likes of AWS and Azure in terms of market share, it sees opportunities in the AI and defense spaces.

Speaking about the new program, Oracle VP Rand Waldron said: "Nothing is more important than the national security of the U.S. and its allies, and Oracle has been a cornerstone of this mission for nearly 50 years."

The company's announcement also shows a clear intent to redefine national security innovation, supporting not just the US but also its allied nations, in digital and physical defense.

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• Windows Hello facial recognition no longer works in poorly-lit rooms
• This is due to a move Microsoft made to shore up security with the feature
• The change to require a ‘color camera to see a visible face’ means logins now fail in dark rooms, where previously infrared allowed them to work

Windows Hello, the system that allows for secure login to your Windows 11 (or 10) PC, no longer works when using facial recognition in a dark environment.

Indeed, this has been the case for a couple of months, because as Windows Central reports, Microsoft made this change in the April update for Windows 11, but it flew under the radar.

When some Windows Hello users noticed that they couldn’t successfully log in because their face wasn’t recognized sometimes, they may have just assumed it was a bug (or the feature being flaky, which it is occasionally). However, this is an intentional change by Microsoft as the company made clear in the April patch release notes.

Microsoft said, “For enhanced security, Windows Hello facial recognition requires color cameras to see a visible face when signing in.”

This security improvement was necessary due to a vulnerability being discovered that could potentially allow an attacker with access to the Windows PC to spoof their way past Windows Hello protection.

That trick evidently involved messing with the infrared camera – leveraging “adversarial input perturbations,” as Microsoft puts it in fancy security-speak – so to avoid this exploit, the company added the requirement for a color camera.

Why has this scuppered logins in darkened environments? Before the April update, Windows Hello could go purely off the infrared sensor to achieve a login in low-light (infrared scanning works fine without light, of course). However, now the feature needs your face to be visible to the camera, logins in those conditions just won’t work anymore.

Analysis: There’s a workaround, but it isn’t helpful

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There’s no way of getting around this as such, and if you’re in a poorly lit room, Windows Hello facial login may well fail (when before it wouldn’t).

Okay, so Windows Central does point out there is a workaround here, namely that you can disable your webcam in Windows 11 (the actual camera can be turned off in Device Manager). With that done, Windows Hello will authenticate with the infrared sensor – because it’s the only option – and so it’ll work in the semi-dark again.

Presumably, if you go this route, though, you may be vulnerable to the mentioned exploit (unless that requires the camera to be active, a point that Microsoft doesn’t go into). At any rate, disabling the webcam is hardly a good solution, as it means you won’t be able to use it for video chatting (obviously, or anything else).

It’s a shame Microsoft had to tighten security in this way, but the software giant can’t risk leaving the door open to an exploit that someone who has stolen a Windows 11 laptop might be able to leverage in order to gain access to the device.

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iPadOS 26 is on the way – Apple revealed its next iPad software update at WWDC 2025, and since then the internet has been ablaze with reactions and speculation.

The big ticket items for this year’s iPadOS update pertain to multitasking – all currently-sold iPads (and likely several older models) are due to get support for up to six desktop-style windows at once, as well as a menu bar, and updates to the dock and background processing.

We already recommend the base model iPad and iPad Pro as some of the best tablets you can buy, but this upcoming update has got me thinking about where Apple now sits in the wider tablet market.

It’s no secret that Apple’s tablet hardware is the best on the market – there are simply no other tablets with the raw processing power the iPad Pro and iPad Air's M-series chipsets can offer.

Speaking frankly, the only thing giving other tablet makers a chance has been software – iPadOS has long been held back by a lack of flexibility and unintuitive design, while rivals like Samsung have pushed ahead with innovative features like DeX, which offers a desktop-style experience that works especially well with a keyboard and mouse.

But with iPadOS 26 bringing huge updates, that could all change.

Samsung's options

Uniquely huge screen aside, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra can't match the iPad Pro on performance (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I recently spent some time testing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus for an upcoming review, and found it to be a big, premium-feeling tablet that offers a lot of software flexibility at the cost of performance.

In fact, having used the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus in a variety of situations, I think the only reason someone should buy one is if they absolutely need its combination of a large 13-inch screen, flexible multitasking, and intermediate price (starting at $649 / £649 / AU$1,099).

iPadOS 26’s windowed multitasking, from what we’ve seen so far, is not as developed or as open-ended as Samsung DeX, but in true Apple style it’ll probably be just useful enough to overshadow Samsung’s offering when combined with the iPad’s hardware power.

That takes away a major advantage to buying a Samsung tablet pretty much instantly.

@techradar

♬ Coleen - The Heavy

If you ask me, Samsung should be really quite worried about this, and has one of two options to survive an upcoming iPad renaissance.

The first is simply cutting prices as much as costs allow. Samsung tablets are definitively premium devices, with great build quality and sometimes bigger screens than comparably priced iPads – but they’re still very expensive, and don't perform as well as Apple's tablets.

Like it or not, iPadOS is the standard for how a tablet works, so asking users to shell out almost as much as an iPad costs for a device that isn’t as powerful, runs potentially unfamiliar software, and offers just slightly more utility looks like a pretty mediocre deal.

The second option is stepping up performance without an increase in price – our Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review and Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra review found the tablets to be solid performers, but not to Apple’s standards. That’s backed up by our own Future Labs testing data: neither Samsung tablet catches up to the latest iPad Air in single or multicore benchmarks.

A renewed rivalry

iPadOS 26 being introduced at WWDC 2025 (Image credit: Apple)

Both of these options ask a lot of Samsung, perhaps more than can be delivered in a few release cycles.

But with Apple’s smooth user experience, wider selection of professional apps, more powerful hardware, and upcoming multitasking improvements, I seriously can’t see the point in buying a Samsung tablet right now.

That's not me giving Apple an easy ride either, let me be clear that as someone who personally bought an iPad Pro in 2020, the long wait for proper multitasking on iPad has been very, very frustrating. But having used both iPads and Samsung tablets, I'd still pick the iPad any day thanks to its better app availability and smoother user experience.

And my own experiences aside, there's no denying that iPads are vastly more popular than Samsung tablets. A Forbes report from September 2024 estimates that Apple holds 35.8% of the tablet market worldwide, compared to Samsung's 20.1%. That's going to make the impact of iPadOS 26 feel even more significant, even if the features added are ones Samsung users have enjoyed for years.

That’s not to say there are no benefits to buying a Samsung tablet: One UI 7 is rich with customizable settings, and the aforementioned Dex mode really is fantastic. It’s just that iPadOS 26 is poised to take Apple’s tablet platform to a new level of competition.

I'd like to see a future in which the best iPads and the best Samsung tablets keep clashing head-to-head; here’s hoping Samsung can make the right moves to keep up. Look out for my full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus review soon.

As ever, the comments section is open for discussion – is Apple destined to take over? Or does Samsung have more of a chance than I think? Let us know below.

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• KitchenAid's Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine comes in two new colors
• Candy Apple is a pearlescent red, and Juniper is green with a satin finish
• The colors are part of a bigger trend towards fun colors in the kitchen

KitchenAid, maker of some of the best espresso machines I've tested here at TechRadar, has given one of its most popular models a fresh new look for the summer. The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder is now available in two tasty colorways: Candy Apple (bright red) and Juniper (rich green).

The Candy Apple machine (my personal favorite) has a pearlescent finish, while the Juniper version has a satin sheen.

The two new shades are part of a continuing trend away from traditional black and chrome kitchen appliances. Earlier this year, KitchenAid revealed that its official color of 2025 is a soft yellow called Butter, and since then we've seen various other brands join the effort to break away from clinical styling in favor of warmer shades that often draw inspiration from the natural world.

Image 1 of 2

The Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder is now available in a total of five colors (Image credit: KitchenAid)Image 2 of 2

Bright red Candy Apple is my personal favorite thanks to its pearlescent finish (Image credit: KitchenAid)

KitchenAid released a new version of its classic Artisan Stand Mixer in a soft olive color called EverGreen, with a real walnut wood bowl, while Breville revealed a new look for its best-selling Barista Touch Impress coffee maker in shades of creamy white, navy blue, and muted green – all with brass accents.

Espresso without the fuss

The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder is the sibling of the fully automatic KF6 and KF8 coffee makers. It can not only handle the trickiest and messiest parts of making great-tasting coffee, but unlike the other two models, it also allows you to control as much of the process as you want.

Your coffee beans are ground using stainless steel conical burrs (the most common type for home espresso machines). Once that's done, you can let the machine weigh out a suitable amount of coffee for a single or double shot, or choose the dose yourself.

Juniper is a cool, dark green similar to the color of pine needles (Image credit: KitchenAid)

KitchenAid's machine has a handy anti-static feature, which helps stop the ground coffee sticking to the machine or spreading over your counter – something I've experienced all too often while compiling TechRadar's list of the best coffee makers.

The KitchenAid machine comes with a 58mm portafilter with a flat base to help with even tamping, and there's a multi-angle steam wand to help you create nicely textured milk.

It's available direct from KitchenAid in the UK and the US for $699.99 / £699.

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There’s still a lot left to learn about the mid-range OnePlus Nord 5, but following the phone’s official announcement earlier this week, we do at least know that it’ll look dramatically different to the OnePlus Nord 4.

Last year’s model was heavily marketed as being “the only metal unibody 5G smartphone on the market” – according to OnePlus, the Nord 4 used “aircraft-grade aluminum” that made it “sleek, strong and less prone to shatter.” We agreed with that assessment in our OnePlus Nord 4 review, describing the phone’s metal frame as “a small touch that makes the Nord 4 look distinct and feel well-protected against drops and knocks.”

Why, then, has OnePlus decided to do away with metal on the upcoming Nord 5? We put the question to OnePlus’ Chief Marketing Officer for Europe, Celina Shi, in an exclusive interview, and while she wasn’t able to share specifics about the Nord 5’s new design, she did shed some light on why OnePlus has chosen to ditch this seemingly once-important feature.

“While I can't reveal specifics about the OnePlus Nord 5 series materials just yet, I can say that it won't be in a metal frame this year,” Shi explained. “Our design concept for all of our devices is grounded in consumer insight. Following a global survey conducted across Europe, North America, India, and China, we found that our target audience places strong emphasis on practicality in design.”

“They consistently prefer styles that are brief, simple, and elegant. In response to this, in the OnePlus Nord Series this year, we are offering Nordic-inspired design that reflects these values and resonates with our consumers globally.”

Image 1 of 2

The OnePlus Nord 5 (left) and OnePlus Nord CE5 (right) (Image credit: OnePlus)Image 2 of 2

The two-tone metal OnePlus Nord 4 (Image credit: Future)

Presumably, OnePlus is referring to Scandinavian minimalism when it says “Nordic-inspired design” – and from the first teaser image we’ve seen of the upcoming Nord 5, it's certainly a more stripped-back affair than the two-tone Nord 4 (especially the Mercurial Silver model, which also sports an eye-catching ribbed pattern on its rear panel).

The Nord 5’s colors, too, will likely be inspired by Nordic geography; we already know that the phone will launch in a shade called “Dry Ice”, for instance.

And if you’re wondering whether the “Nord” name itself has any bearing on OnePlus’ latest design philosophy, it’s more of a happy coincidence. As OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei exclusively revealed to TechRadar back in 2020, “Nord” refers to both “North” in the navigational sense and OnePlus “going back to [its] true north” as a brand.

But the absence of metal isn’t the only big design change coming to the OnePlus Nord 5. With the Nord 4, OnePlus flipped the script on previous Nord models by equipping it with a horizontal camera array, but the Nord 5 will once again sport a vertical camera layout.

The horizontal camera array on the OnePlus Nord 4 (Image credit: Future)

“With any smartphone, there is always negotiation between aesthetic design and what's physically possible within those parameters,” Shi explained in relation to the change. “As tech components evolve, so too will our design to make the best-looking products that function optimally.”

“The camera module is vertical in the latest OnePlus Nord Series as this layout optimizes space within the device, allowing us to include a best-in-class chipset, battery, and screen within.”

At the time of writing, we’re only privy to one of those “best-in-class” specs for the upcoming OnePlus Nord 5 – it’ll use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset – but here’s hoping we’ll hear more about this potential addition to our best OnePlus phones guide soon.

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• Scattered Spider is no longer targeting retailers, Google claims
• "Multiple" intrusions have been spotted in the US
• Insurance companies now seem to be in the crosshairs

The notorious Scattered Spider cybercrime gang is apparently stepping away from attacking high-end retailers and has begun targeting insurance organizations in the US, experts have claimed.

Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) cybersecurity researchers claim to have seen multiple attacks, and are now urging organizations to be on the lookout for potential threats.

"Google Threat Intelligence Group is now aware of multiple intrusions in the US which bear all the hallmarks of Scattered Spider activity. We are now seeing incidents in the insurance industry," chief GTIG analyst John Hultquist said in an email shared with TechRadar Pro.

DragonForce

Scattered Spider is a “loosely knit” cybercriminal organization operating within a larger hacking community known as “the Com,” known for targeting one industry at the time.

It recently targeted high-end retailers, mostly in the UK, including Harrods, M&S and the Co-op, and has also engaged with US companies, going for social engineering, SIM-swapping, and ransomware.

"Given this actor's history of focusing on a sector at a time, the insurance industry should be on high alert, especially for social engineering schemes, which target their help desks and call centers," Hultquist stressed.

Although Google did not discuss who the victims are, The Register says two US-based companies recently reported suffering a cyberattack: Erie Insurance, and Philadelphia Insurance Company. Neither confirmed the incidents were the work of Scattered Spider, but the news aligned suspiciously well.

The publication also says the crooks usually start their attacks with fake helpdesk calls, after which they trick the victims into granting access to their devices, which is later used to deploy the DragonForce ransomware encryptor.

There are multiple ways to defend against ransomware attacks, but the best one is to raise employee awareness about phishing and social engineering, since most attacks abuse people, rather than systems.

Via The Register

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Imagine starting your workday not just with a cup of coffee and a laptop, but also with a digital colleague that’s already set up your priorities, analyzed critical data, and prepared actionable insights. This is the near-future reality of workplaces powered by AI agents, which are already demonstrating advanced capabilities unimagined previously.

A day in the life with an AI agent

Take, for example, a tax consultant in this future scenario. She’s a part of a global team that manages vast volumes of financial data for clients around the world. Every client expects speed, accuracy, and insight, and she has an AI agent that helps deliver exactly that. The consultant begins her day by greeting her AI agent, which has been trained to suit her work style. It’s already reviewed updates to tax policy across the globe and compiled a personalized briefing with key updates and client priorities.

Throughout the day, the consultant and agent collaborate seamlessly. She speaks to the AI agent naturally, and it responds like a curious colleague, surfacing insights, raising considerations, and suggesting strategies, all informed by a memory of their working history. In meetings, the AI agent participates by summarizing discussions, scheduling follow-ups, and providing real-time data analysis.

By the end of the day, the consultant had made faster, more informed decisions and had spent more time on meaningful client interactions, while the AI agent handled the heavy lifting in the background. It’s a knowledgeable partnership enhancing her day-to-day effectiveness.

Agents are a new paradigm of computing

Behind the scenes, we believe this agentic experience will be powered by a three-layer framework of AI agents: Functional agents, which handle specific, repetitive tasks, freeing consultants to focus on strategic work, e.g., automatically gathering client data, reviewing changes to tax codes, and drafting compliance reports.

Optimization agents, which coordinate those tasks, dynamically adjust workflows to maximize efficiency, e.g., reallocating agent capacity during peak tax season and flagging high-priority clients based on filing deadlines or risk levels.

Responsible AI agents, which oversee compliance, security, and ethics, e.g., ensuring the consultant’s AI tools remain audit-ready, adhere to client confidentiality rules, and avoid using outdated or unauthorized datasets.

These agents go beyond assisting the consultant; they can work autonomously to complete a task. The consultant directs teams of agents, instructing them when they need a decision and quality checking the work. These hybrid human and agentic teams are underpinned by a responsible AI orchestration layer of technology, which manages the workflows within defined responsible AI principles.

This isn’t just about a step-change in technology – more broadly, it’s a total transformation of how we engage with technology. Agentic AI makes work feel adaptive, conversational, and context-aware. It’s a new mode of working where digital systems anticipate needs, communicate, and take action in real-time.

Preparing for the AI-enhanced workplace

As AI-human hybrid teams become more prevalent, organizations must lay the groundwork to use agentic AI wisely and effectively. Success with the technology will depend on establishing a robust, responsible AI orchestration layer informed by strong governance frameworks, but above all, creating “AI-ready” data, which is the foundation of an agentic workforce.

Without high-quality, well-structured, and trusted data, even the most sophisticated AI agents can falter. Equally, poorly governed AI agents – especially those interacting directly with customers, financial data, or regulated environments – can create reputational, legal, and operational exposure. Organizations need not just strong data governance, but clear accountability frameworks for how AI agents are deployed, monitored, and evolved over time.

There’s also the critical human factor: if trust erodes due to unexplained errors or opaque behavior, adoption can stall or stop. Organizations are beginning to prepare their workforces for the agentic AI future by providing foundational AI learning and actively gathering feedback to improve adoption.

Are you ready to welcome your new AI team members?

For organizations preparing for an agentic workforce, there are clear foundations required for success: invest in data and infrastructure, define governance early, and proactively bring the leaders and employees on the journey.

The potential in terms of productivity, experience, and growth with AI is material to every business. Execution, as always, is the challenge to achieve the promised value. Adopting AI isn’t just about providing the technology – it is also essential to create an “AI-ready mindset” where people are excited to learn new skills and feel a part of the transformative opportunities. Change management led by ‘AI-ready leaders’ is proving to be the key differentiator between businesses that excel with AI and those that struggle.

The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

After 15+ years in AI and telecom, launching startups, building platforms and advising businesses of all sizes, I’ve seen one constant: missed calls cost money. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), every unanswered call represents lost revenue, wasted marketing spend, and a missed chance to deliver great service.

AI voice agents are now solving that problem at scale. These agents don’t just answer phones, they engage customers conversationally, route inquiries intelligently, and ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks. What used to require large call centers can now be handled by cloud-based voice AI with minimal setup.

We surveyed SMB owners and managers nationwide. The impact was clear: 97% of businesses using AI voice agents saw revenue growth, and 82% saw improved customer engagement. But here’s the surprising part: only 22% have adopted the technology. Nearly one-third of SMBs plan to invest in AI voice agents within the next 12 to 24 months - a clear sign that momentum is building even as hesitation remains.

The AI gap

So, what's holding others back? From what I’ve seen, it’s rarely a lack of interest. It’s inertia, often fueled by outdated assumptions. Some business owners worry their customers won’t engage with AI, others believe the technology is too expensive or too complicated to implement. But the data tells a different story.

Businesses that have embraced AI voice agents aren’t just overcoming these concerns, they’re gaining a competitive edge. Nearly half of adopters already self-identify as “industry leaders”, and that’s no coincidence. Many have fully integrated voice AI into daily workflows, particularly in customer support and sales, where responsiveness is critical. By contrast, only a small percentage of businesses that see themselves as just “competitive” have taken similar steps, highlighting a growing gap between early adopters and those still on the sidelines.

That gap doesn’t exist by accident. It reflects a deeper issue: confidence. Many business owners say they’re keeping up with tech trends, but few are acting on it. In fact, 60% admit they don’t feel confident implementing or integrating new technology. Yet those who have adopted AI voice agents are seeing measurable impact - particularly in high-volume, low-complexity areas like inbound sales and FAQs. The takeaway? Adoption doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Starting with a focused use case can unlock immediate value and build momentum.

Solutions that are fast and flexible

Beyond customer-facing results, voice AI reduces strain on internal teams. Instead of chasing down missed calls or manually responding to basic inquiries, staff can focus on higher-impact work. For small teams juggling multiple roles, offloading routine communication isn’t just efficient, it’s a morale booster. The time savings alone can meaningfully shift how resources are allocated and how teams perform.

Unlike large enterprises, where AI deployments often require dedicated teams and long lead times, SMBs need solutions that are fast, flexible, and easy to implement. The most effective voice AI platforms are built with this reality in mind, combining enterprise-grade performance with cloud-based delivery, simple integrations, and pricing models designed to scale with smaller operations.

As real-time responsiveness becomes the standard, these solutions not only help businesses meet rising customer expectations, they also unlock deeper operational insights. With built-in analytics and voice data intelligence, they turn everyday interactions into opportunities for smarter decisions and better service.

Solutions

The hesitation to adopt AI often comes down to what I call the three C’s: customer resistance, cost, and complexity. But let’s look closer:

- Customer resistance: Half of SMBs aren’t using or even considering AI voice agents, but among those who are, the vast majority say they have felt the impact of missed calls in the past. These business owners aren’t just guessing. They’ve seen opportunities slip away when no one picks up the phone. And it turns out, most customers don’t mind speaking to an AI voice agent if it solves their issues quickly and sounds and feels natural.

- Cost: Many businesses assume AI technology is expensive and out of their reach. But missed revenue adds up fast. Most SMBs estimate they lose $500 or more a month from missed calls, but considering call volumes, the actual figure is likely much higher. And like most technologies, AI voice agents are becoming more affordable and scalable.

- Complexity: This was once a fair concern, but today’s AI voice agents are built for non-technical users. They require minimal setup, are easy to use and simple to maintain.

Here’s what I usually tell people who are unsure about taking the first step:

- You’re not replacing people. AI voice agents are there to support your team, especially after hours or during high call volume. They help absorb routine inquiries so your staff can focus on more strategic tasks.

- Start with one clear use case. Whether it’s scheduling appointments, answering common questions, or covering evenings and weekends, choose one area to improve and start there. You don’t need to commit to a full transformation.

- Let the data guide you. Voice agents can reveal how many calls you’re missing, what customers are asking, and when they’re most active. This visibility helps shape better decisions.

AI Voice Agents are practical tools

At the end of the day, it’s about time and attention – two things every business is short on. If your team is spending both just trying to stay on top of missed calls, you’re already losing ground. Especially in today’s uncertain economy, it’s critical to invest in solutions that deliver results fast. That means technology that’s easy to implement, runs independently and proves its value quickly.

AI voice agents aren’t distant concepts, they’re practical tools solving real, everyday challenges. The businesses using them are more responsive, more efficient and often more profitable. If your goal is to lead, not just keep up, this is one upgrade that delivers immediate impact. And in today’s landscape, hesitation doesn’t just cost time. It costs growth.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro