TechRadar News

• Check Point Research reports education faced 4,816 weekly ransomware attacks in June 2026, up 16% YoY, keeping it the most targeted sector
• Risks stem from open networks, thin budgets, and reckless GenAI use, with 1 in 26 enterprise prompts leaking sensitive data and 85% of orgs affected
• Latin America saw the sharpest rise (27%), while government and telecoms also absorbed heavy volumes, showing attackers’ focus on high‑exposure industries

Every week in June, organizations in the education industry around the world faced 4,816 ransomware attacks. This is up 16% compared to the same month last year, and means this sector remains the most popular target among cybercriminals.

This is according to “A New Ransomware Leader Emerges as June 2026 Attack Volumes Climb Worldwide”, a new in-depth report on the state of ransomware, published by security experts Check Point Research (CPR).

As per CPR’s new paper, education is a popular target because of “open campus networks, constant device turnover, and thin security budgets”. In other words, it’s a low-hanging fruit, especially compared to other industries like government, technology, or healthcare. But these are not the only reasons why hackers target education more than any other industry. It is also because of how employees behave which, by using GenAI recklessly, substantially increases security risk.

Latin America bearing the brunt

“It is about what employees place into prompts: customer records, internal documents, infrastructure details, legal material, financial data, or HR information that may be copied into public or unmanaged GenAI tools,” CPR explains.

“1 in every 26 GenAI prompts from enterprise networks carried a high risk of sensitive data leakage, equal to a global exposure rate of 3.9%,” the paper reads. “85% of organizations that regularly use GenAI tools were affected by high-risk prompt activity,” and “a further 27% of prompts contained potentially sensitive information.

This mostly affects organizations in Latin America who reported, on average, 3,501 weekly attacks (up 27% compared to June 2025). APAC followed at 3,060 (up 5%), and Africa posted 3,008 weekly attacks (down 9%).

Besides education, ransomware operators are also targeting government institutions (2,836 weekly attacks - up 5%), and telecoms (2,835 weekly attacks - up 13%).

“Together these three sectors continue to absorb a disproportionate share of global attack volume, a pattern that has held steady across recent months even as the specific numbers shift,” CPR concluded.

• The K100XR can travel at over 220 mph (354 km/h) and has a range of 1.9 miles (3 km)
• Nordic Air Defense has demonstrated the K100XR engaging in a live interception
• Three K100XR interceptors cost less than a single Stinger missile

Drone warfare has presented numerous challenges over the past few years, mostly demonstrated in Ukraine’s defense and retaliation against the Russian invasion, a prolonged conflict that started in 2022. Stopping drone attacks has proved difficult, but that could be about to change.

Defense startup Nordic Air Defense, along with its partners, have unveiled the K100XR, a portable counter-drone system that can intercept and destroy attack drones, such as the Iranian-built devices employed by Russia.

Recently the subject of a live “Demo Day,” the Nordic Air Defense has taken the K100XR beyond the conceptual stage and demonstrated the drone – which can travel faster than a Black Hawk attack helicopter – before a media audience.

Counter-drone vs. Stinger missile

Working in partnership with Volvo Defense, as well as Polish firms WB Group and Tantalit, Nordic Air Defense has taken the K100XR from concept – as revealed in 2025 – to a working prototype, capable of reaching speeds over 220 mph (354 km/h) which makes it faster than the 183 mph (294 km/h) Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter.

But the speed that this compact 12-inch long drone offers as a response to drone attacks is only part of the story. It can maintain its general position for over 20 minutes, thanks to the fact it relies on not jet, but propeller-based propulsion. The K100XR can reach altitudes of 3,300 feet (just over 1 km) and uses AI to identify and track enemy drones, completely autonomously.

As the AI is embedded within the drone, once it is launched the K100XR requires no continuous input from a human controller. Nordic Air Defense claim that three of these counter-drone devices costs less than a single Stinger missile, which typically costs around $480,000.

Can the K100XR realistically play a part in drone defense?

Following the event, the company issued a statement online, noting “The K100XR is designed to meet that challenge by combining high speed, advanced maneuverability, autonomy and a low cost per kill. Demo Day marked an important milestone for Nordic Air Defence.”

Several theaters are opening up that rely on this technology, from the Iranian crisis in the Middle East to NATO’s response to Russia’s expansionism and belligerence on the EU border (which may explain the interest of Nordic Air Defense’s Polish partners). These largely use low cost Iranian Shahed-type drones, essentially single-use kamikaze devices loaded with explosive payloads. Nordic Air Defense’s Demo Day illustrated how the K100XR can deal with these threats, which makes the “low cost per kill” factor significant.

While the scalability of the operation remains unknown, the cost of K100XR drones versus a Stinger is a clear advantage and will likely be a major deciding factor in whether it can prove a more effective deterrent or response to drone warfare.

Via Defense Blog

• Report claims China's AI consumption is now over 100 trillion tokens per day, up from 100 billion in justtwo years
• Enterprise customers are increasingly paying per usage, not per seat
• General consumers will likely keep their fixed, monthly pricing

AI token consumption in China has increased "more than 1,000-fold" in around two years, with National Bureau of Statistics data claiming daily token consumption rose from 100 billion at the start of 2024 to 100 trillion by the end of 2025.

By March 2026, China was consuming around 140 trillion tokens per day, which SCMP illustrates as 100,000 tokens per person per day if every single Chinese citizen, including children, pensioners and non-workers, were to use AI.

"Today, the token economy is emerging," Yin Hao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said in a recent Beijing conference, the South China Morning Post reported.

AI consumption-based pricing could replace per-seat pricing

With users consuming more tokens than ever before, AI providers are now under pressure to cover the growing costs. Industry experts like Hao now believe that token-based pricing could soon replace traditional subscription models.

This could see subscribers paying a fee based on how much AI they actually use, rather than paying a fixed monthly charge per user.

AI providers globally are also increasingly recognizing growing token consumption and are adapting their pricing strategies to match, including OpenAI and Anthropic. Others, like Zendesk, are charging per meaningful outcome rather than per seat or per token.

However, for now, these pricing shifts are primarily affecting enterprise customers consuming huge amounts of tokens. General consumers logging into their preferred chatbot, like ChatGPT or Gemini, are unlikely to be affected as compute becomes cheaper.

PSB iQ2: Two-minute review

‘Larger’ is not the same as ‘large’, and so while the PSB iQ2 is the larger of the two models in the newly refreshed iQ range, it’s still a very compact little pair of speakers. ‘Compact’ in this instance, though, in no way implies a shortage of features or a restriction on performance

The standard of build and finish is good, the looks clean and understated no matter which of the seven different finishes you choose. The iQ2 has everything you could realistically hope for in a wireless speaker system costing this sort of money. It has — deep breath — wired and wireless connectivity (including a moving magnet phono stage for use with a turntable, and a HDMI eARC socket for connection to a TV), one of the best user interfaces around in the shape of BluOS, a total of 270 watts of power, frequency response that belies the physical size of the speakers, and authentically high-resolution playback. That's a lot.

Though you don’t get everything you could realistically hope for where sound quality is concerned, the PSB nevertheless has plenty to recommend it. Through every input except its phono stage, it’s a lively, engaging and informative listen, can deal confidently with rhythms and tempos, has a fair amount of well-controlled punch, and doesn’t overlook the finer details when it comes to unpicking a recording.

It can sound a little cramped via Bluetooth, sure, and its phono stage is dull when every other input sounds energetic. But as long as you’re not expecting small cabinets with small drivers to deliver hangar-filling sound you'll get from the best stereo speakers on the market there’s plenty to enjoy here.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)PSB iQ2 review: Price & release date

• $1,399 / £1,199 / $2,299 (approx.)
• Released in June 2026

The PSB iQ2 active wireless stereo speaker system is on sale now. In the United States it sells for $1,399 — unless you like the walnut veneer finish, in which case it'll set you back $1,499. The equivalent in the United Kingdom is £1,199 / £1,299. The pricing is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but you’re probably looking at AU$2299 / AU$2499 or thereabouts.

There is neither the time nor the space to reel off all the very many excellent products that PSB is going up against at this price.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)PSB iQ2 review: Features

• 19mm aluminum dome tweeter, 100mm mid/bass driver
• 24bit/192kHz DAC
• Wireless and wired inputs

It’s compact, yes, but PSB's iQ2 has found enough space to ensure it's equipped to justify the asking price. No aspect of its specification is underpowered.

Getting your audio information on board in the first place can be done in a number of different ways. All physical inputs are on the rear panel of the ‘primary’ speaker. It has sockets for HDMI eARC, digital optical, USB-C, USB-A and a moving magnet phono stage on RCAs for use with a turntable (this input is switchable to line level in the control app). There’s also a pre-out for connecting to a subwoofer.

The wireless stuff is covered off by Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive codec compatibility. The iQ2 is compatible with the BluOS eco-system, which means wireless access to every worthwhile music streaming service, internet radio and any content you may have stored on a device connected to the local network.

Once it’s on board, the digital stuff is handled by a 24bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter before it’s handed over for amplification — the analog stuff, of course, is passed straight through. There are 270 watts of TI Burr Brown-derived Class D amplification to power the driver array — 45 watts for each 19mm aluminum dome tweeter, and 90 watts for each 100mm mid/bass drivers. The latter, mildly unusually, are positioned above the former. This is an arrangement that, suggests PSB, is good for a frequency response of 64Hz - 20kHz.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)PSB iQ2 review: Sound quality

• Lively and informative sound
• Well-organized soundstage but not the largest
• Sounds dull via its phono stage

There are caveats here, and they concern the out-and-out scale of sound the PSB is capable of generating (or not), and the efficacy of its phono stage. But it’s probably best to start with the things the iQ2 gets — there are more than one or two.

With a Tidal-derived stream of Geese’s Getting Killed playing as a 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC file, the iQ2 is an energetic, engaging listen with a stack of pertinent observation to make where tone, timbre and basic detail retrieval are concerned. It maintains a nicely even-handed tonality, neither adding to nor subtracting from the organic heat of the recording. At every turn, it is attentive to even the finer details of texture and harmonic variation.

It sounds very much like it extends further down the frequency range than PSB is claiming, and when it’s down there it punches with well-controlled determination (as well as no little variation) and has no problems expressing rhythms believably as a result.

Frequency response is equally well judged, so when the system modulates from low end to midrange there’s no apparent step change. Then, once it's there, the iQ2 invests voices with plenty of character and emotional attitude, as well as revealing the finer details of technique. Move up again into the highest frequencies and, though the PSB is not the most substantial where treble sounds are concerned, it manages to describe shine and bite without becoming hard or glassy. The DSP-assisted crossover occurs at around the 3Khz mark, but it’s basically imperceptible.

There’s a fair amount of dynamic headroom available, so as well as having the grunt to play good and loud, the iQ2 breathes deeply enough to put worthwhile distance between the quieter moments of a recording and the points of greatest intensity and attack. And it can manage these transitions without audible stress or compression, which is not something you can automatically say about some of its nominal rivals.

The soundstage it creates is well defined and properly organized, so even complex recordings are laid out coherently. It’s not the most expansive soundstage you ever encountered, though. These are small-ish cabinets featuring small-ish drivers, and quite obviously there’s a limit to the scale of sound you’re entitled to expect. Got a great big room you want to fill with sound? You’ll be needing bigger speakers than these.

And it’s definitely worth noting that the above applies to most, but not all, of the iQ2’s inputs. It can, inevitably, sound a little squashed when streaming via Bluetooth — this is hardly unheard of, even in systems costing plenty more than this. Yet the integrated phono stage is an authentic disappointment. It gives away the bulk of the vibrant, energetic attitude the system displays through all of its other inputs and replaces it with an altogether more pedestrian, vanilla alternative. No turntable = no problem, of course, but if you have a record player you’d like to use, try and hear the PSB’s phono stage before you commit to spending any money…

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)PSB iQ2 review: Design

• 246 x 145 x 192mm (HxWxD)
• Choice of seven finishes
• Rear-firing bass reflex port

If a significant part of the appeal of systems like this is their relatively discreet nature, then PSB is onto a winner with the iQ2. Even by prevailing standards it’s notably compact at 246 x 145 x 192mm, and as long as you give each cabinet’s rear-facing bass port a little breathing space then it’s very adaptable and flexible when it comes to positioning.

As is generally the case with PSB, the standard of build and finish that’s on display here is more than acceptable. The cabinet edges are crisp and clean, and the combination of MDF and aluminum used in the construction allows the speaker to be fairly light (7.4kg per pair) but notably robust. The main sleeve is of MDF, the rear panel is of aluminum, and the front baffle (which is separated from the main body by a slim slice of brightwork) is MDF on aluminum.

There are seven available finishes, which means there really ought to be something to suit your interior design choices, but I can’t help thinking I got the short straw with my review sample's ‘sandstone’ beige. It’s a rather insipid and non-committal color. I haven't seen them but I’d suggest that any of the black, white, ‘boreal’ green, ‘granite’ gray, ‘ember’ red or (cost option) walnut veneer alternatives are likely to be preferable.

For me, anyway, the fact the iQ2 is supplied with four little magnetically attached grilles that cover only the drivers rather than the entirety of the front baffle is probably a good thing. Unless you’re actually trying to disguise the colour of the speakers in the first place…

• Design score: 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)PSB iQ2 review: Usability & setup

• BluOS control app
• A few physical controls
• Easy to create a multi-channel or multi-room system

The primary speaker, the one with all the physical and wireless connectivity, also features a few capacitive (and illuminated) touch controls on its top panel. They’re useful if you happen to be passing, but of much more wide-ranging use is the BluOS control app.

BluOS is an increasingly popular control and management interface, one that’s been adopted by quite a number of manufacturers, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a clean, clear and stable interface, logical in navigation and extensive in its functionality.

Everything you need, from initial set-up — telling the primary speaker if it’s the left or right channel, for instance — and EQ control to establishing a multi-channel or multi-room system using any BluOS-compatible product, can be taken care of from here. Integrating your favorite music streaming service(s), accessing internet radio, checking for updates, so on and so forth — they're all here.

A great operating system is not, in and of itself, a reason to buy a wireless speaker system but it certainly makes it easier when you’re making your mind up.

• Usability & setup score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)PSB iQ2 review: Value

• Great specification
• Very acceptable build and finish
• Energetic sound

Just because you don’t get a whole lot in physical terms, doesn’t mean the PSB iQ2 doesn’t represent very decent value for money.

The specification is good, the operating system is better still, the standard of build and finish is very acceptable indeed — and best of all, the sound is energetic and engaging through all but one of the input options.

If you want nicely poised and enjoyable sound from a system that won’t dominate your room, there’s authentic value to be had here.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy PSB iQ2?PSB iQ2 scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

No aspect is underpowered; 19mm aluminum dome tweeter, 100mm mid/bass driver, 24bit/192kHz DAC

5 / 5

Sound quality

Lively, informative and well organized; but sounds dull via phono stage

4 / 5

Design

Choice of seven finishes; crisp and clean edges; notably robust

5 / 5

Setup & usability

Excellent BluOS control app; easy to create a multi-channel or multi-room system

5 / 5

Value

Authentic value to be had, with good specification and even better control app; phono stage just a little lacking

4.5 / 5

Buy them if…

You want a comprehensive little speaker system
PSB has managed to cram a lot into what are very compact speaker cabinets.

You have interior decor that requires complementing
My review sample looks a bit weird, but the other six finishes are very nice.

You’re considering multi-room and/or multi-channel listening
BluOS is supported by a lot of brands and they can all join in with your system.

Don’t buy them if…

You have a big space you want to fill with sound
Here’s where I say something profound about the laws of physics…

You want to use vinyl as a primary source
The phono stage is the least effective of the iQ2’s inputs.

You haven’t shopped around
In isolation the PSB is a great little system, but in practice it has some stiff competition.

PSB iQ2 review: Also consider

KEF LSX II
The KEF LSX II is a little larger than the PSB iQ2, and it sounds it — and it’s arguably a more complete, better-balanced listen, too. The industrial design is, to my eyes at least, also more interesting. But while its control app is perfectly adequate, it’s not a patch on the BluOS app the iQ2 is running…

How I tested the PSB iQ2

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

I put the iQ2 on some Soundstyle speaker stands for the majority of this test — from there they were attached to a turntable and a CD player (via the phono input and the digital optical input respectively), as well as streaming via Bluetooth and from Tidal using the BluOS app.

I also tried them on a shelf for a while, and listened purely wirelessly, but because my shelves are positioned in the traditional way, it was quite difficult to get the rear bass reflex ports far enough away from a rear surface…

• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee
• First reviewed: July 2026

• Curry Barker's Obsession is coming to Peacock on July 17
• The horror movie was a monumental success at the box office, earning $407 million against its $750k budget
• Obsession is also available to rent or buy on digital platforms

Just a few days after we reported that Obsession was available to rent or buy at home, we've got our wish for a streaming release date. Thankfully you won't need to break any One Wish Willows to rewatch Obsession, because it will be making its streaming debut on Peacock on July 17.

If you haven't seen Obsession yet, it follows Bear (Michael Johnson) who has a crush on his colleague and friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). He doesn't have the courage to ask her out, so he buys a novelty wish-granting toy and ends up asking her to "love him more than anything else in the world". Immediate red flag, right?

I'm so excited for Obsession to join the best horror movies streaming in July, and this addition means that horror fans are certainly eating well this month.

Obsession is the most successful horror movie of 2026 so far, outstripping huge titles such as Backrooms and Send Help at the box office. It saw off the competition from more mainstream genres too, beating the likes of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Now, after its $407 million box office success, it will slowly be leaving theaters and arriving on streaming.

Peacock perks

Peacock may not be as big as some of the other best streaming services, but it does have some gems that make it worth checking out. Horror fans should definitely watch Hysteria!, a series starring Bruce Campbell set at the height of the Satanic Panic. Elsewhere, The Office spin-off series The Paper is a worthy comedy series to watch.

But honestly, it's worth trying out Peacock just so you can watch Obsession. In my glowing 5-star review of the horror movie, I called it "thoroughly entertaining and grabs you by the throat, refusing to let go."

So there we have it, Obsession arrives on July 17 and I'm sure plenty of horror fans will gather to watch it all over again.

I've found a terrific deal on our hardware editor's favorite portable monitor, with the the Arzopa Z3FC 16.1-inch portable monitor dropping to $150 (was $170) at Amazon right now.

In his own tests, our editor Steve praised its ultra-lightweight, tablet-thin design, crisp high-resolution visuals, and called it "perfectly balanced for work and play." And, just to prove how good it is, he still uses it every single day as a second screen for work without any complaints.

A 2560 x 1440 resolution delivers crisp detail across the matte display, while 400 nits of brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio keep images vibrant without overwhelming your eyes during long sessions. In the UK, the Arzopa Z3FC is also discounted down to £130 (was £160) at Amazon.

Today's top portable monitor deal

The Arzopa Z3FC is a 16.1-inch portable monitor with a 2560x1440 display, 180Hz refresh rate, HDR, 107% sRGB color, dual USB-C ports, Mini HDMI, and a built-in kickstand for work, travel, and everyday multitasking alike.

In the UK: now £130 (was £160)View Deal

In Steve's comprehensive review he called it "perfectly balanced for work and play", using it for both business productivity tasks and gaming. He added that "there's not much I didn't like about this 16.1-inch display."

Color coverage reaches 107% sRGB, giving photos, videos, and creative projects extra punch without appearing exaggerated. HDR support also adds better depth across compatible content on supported devices.

An impressive 180Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth when scrolling, editing, or enjoying fast-moving entertainment. It also reduces blur compared with slower portable displays in the same price range.

Connecting everything is straightforward as the two full-function USB-C ports and Mini HDMI cover laptops, Macs, PS5, Xbox, Steam Deck, and PCs.

The built-in kickstand makes finding a comfortable viewing angle easy, and the lightweight build means it won't become annoying during travel or commuting between home and work.

You can switch between landscape and portrait modes, making documents, coding, reading, and reference material easier to manage beside your primary display.

Eye care features help reduce strain during extended use, while the matte screen cuts distracting reflections under bright indoor lighting and everyday office conditions.

At $149.99, this isn't the cheapest portable monitor around, but the combination of features makes it an absolute winner for what you get.

For more choices, take a look at our round up of the best portable monitors we've tested. Spoiler alert: the Z3FC came out on top!

Also consider

MSI's Full HD IPS portable monitor has USB-C and HDMI connectivity, built-in speakers, tripod and VESA mount support, plus an ultra-slim, lightweight design for travel, work, and everyday second-screen use. In his positive review, Collin said it was "a super-light, hyper-functional portable display that is great to have as an extra display for all of your tech."View Deal

• Browse all portable monitor deals at Amazon

If you're tired of replacing expensive ink cartridges every few weeks, I would recommend you consider upgrading to the Epson EcoTank ET-2400. Usually priced at $189.99, it's currently $30 cheaper at Amazon.

Instead of traditional cartridges, the ET-2400 uses refillable ink tanks with Epson's EcoFit bottles. One bottle set provides enough ink for thousands of pages, reducing both refill frequency and the hassle of constantly buying pricing replacements.

In the UK, this printer is known as the Epson EcoTank ET-2861, which is now £150 (was £240) at Amazon. And for more options, we've rounded up our top 6 back-to-school printers, including this one.

Today's top Epson EcoTank printer deal

This all-in-one inkjet printer prints, scans and copies while offering Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for flexible setup. Its refillable ink tank system replaces traditional cartridges, and the compact design includes a 100-sheet rear paper tray, flatbed scanner and support for everyday home and small office printing.

In the UK: now £150 (was £240)View Deal

Epson says the included ink prints up to 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,200 color pages before you need to worry about a refill.

You also get up to two years of ink in the box, so many households won't need extra supplies for quite some time.

Printing, scanning, and copying are all included, making this a practical all-in-one for everyday tasks like printing homework, recipes, family documents, or occasional color photos.

Wireless connectivity lets you print from compatible devices over Wi-Fi, while USB support offers a straightforward wired connection.

Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology produces crisp black text alongside colorful graphics and photos on a wide range of paper types.

Although it isn't built for high-speed office workloads, everyday documents and occasional color jobs are handled comfortably.

Another welcome benefit comes from the refillable tank system itself, which creates far less cartridge waste than conventional inkjet printers. If you're trying to reduce household waste while spending less on consumables, this is the solution you need.

At $160 / £150, the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 (or ET-2861 in the UK) costs a little more than many entry-level inkjet printers, but the included ink and refillable design can save you quite a lot of money in the long term.

For more options, check out our round up of the best ink tank printers you can buy, the best Epson printers and the best home printers.

For UK shoppers

The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is an all-in-one ink tank printer with wireless printing, scanning, copying, borderless photos, up to three years of included ink, and smart app control for busy UK homes and families alike.View Deal

• Shop ink tank printers at Amazon
• And at Amazon.co.uk

• Proton VPN is now officially published by Proton AG on the Snap Store
• The release offers one-click install for Ubuntu and other compatible distros
• Some features are missing from this initial build due to sandboxing limits

Linux users looking for a top-tier security boost just got a major convenience upgrade. The team behind Proton VPN has announced that its app is now officially available to download directly from the Linux Snap Store.

While the Swiss-based provider always supported Linux VPN distributions, previous accessibility for Snap users was limited to a "community-maintained fork." This release marks the very first time the official build has been published directly by Proton AG.

The move makes downloading one of the best VPN services on the market significantly easier for the open-source community. According to Proton's announcement, users can now perform a straightforward "one-click install on Ubuntu and any distro that supports snaps," saving them the usual hassle of manual command-line configurations or repository hunting.

Proton's Snap Store build arrives complete with a "verified publisher badge," ensuring users aren't accidentally downloading a compromised or outdated client. Yet, it still lacks some key features due to sandboxing limits.

What’s missing from the first release?

While the Snap Store debut provides the broader community with an "official, trustworthy way to install Proton VPN," the developers were highly transparent about a few technical trade-offs in this initial version.

Most notably, there is "no split tunneling" available just yet.

This highly requested feature, which lets you choose which specific apps bypass the encrypted tunnel to maintain high network speeds, was introduced to Proton’s standard Linux app last year. However, it is absent in the Snap version. "Like our Flatpak, this is due to sandboxing limitations," the team explained, adding that it is "something we hope to resolve in the future."

Proton VPN is now officially on the Snap Store from r/ProtonVPN

The provider's anti-censorship tool, the Stealth protocol, also missed the cut. "Stealth protocol isn't included yet. It's not part of this first Snap release," the company confirmed.

Hardware compatibility also comes with a slight catch. The new package offers "no ARM support at this time." While Proton noted that they "expect ARM device volume to be low for now," they are "keeping an eye on it."

Software-wise, the developers warned that "older distros may have issues," cautioning that if users are on an operating system "older than Ubuntu 24, you might run into connection problems."

A big year for Proton’s Linux community

Despite these early missing features, the Snap Store launch is just the latest in a rapid string of upgrades demonstrating Proton’s dedication to its Linux user base. Unlike many competitors that treat open-source platforms as a secondary concern, Proton has spent recent months closing the feature gap between its Linux, Windows, and Mac applications.

At the beginning of the year, the company revealed a major Linux makeover.

This included upgrading the graphical app to the modern GTK4 framework to pave the way for a complete interface redesign. Meanwhile, command-line interface (CLI) power users received vastly improved server selection tools, alongside support for advanced features like custom DNS settings and the NetShield Ad-blocker.

With the brand-new official Snap release now live at snapcraft.io/proton-vpn, Linux fans finally have the reliable, hassle-free installation method they've been waiting for.

• A new teaser for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been revealed
• The Korean TV spot shows off more of the titular hero's battle with the Hulk
• It also appears to spoil the return of another of the webslinger's foes

A fresh TV spot for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has given us another look at the titular hero's forthcoming fight against the Hulk.

The 30-second teaser, which you can watch below, was originally released in South Korea, but has since been reshared by numerous outlets including Discussing Film. And, while it contains numerous clips we've already seen in Spider-Man 4's first teaser and Brand New Day's official trailer, the final five seconds of footage is dedicated to the aforementioned battle between Peter Parker and Bruce Banner's alter-egos.

New teaser for ‘SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY’.In theaters on July 31. pic.twitter.com/hjbxYGX7tVJuly 10, 2026

Admittedly, this is all but the briefest of glimpses of what's expected to be one of the Marvel movie's tentpole set-pieces. Nonetheless, there are a couple of major things we can glean from this latest sizzle reel — including the potential return of another Spider-Man villain we haven't seen since 2016's Spider-Man: Homecoming. Potentially big spoilers immediately follow for Spider-Man 4, so turn back now if you don't want to know anything else.

Where did you get this from, Spidey? (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)

On the villain tease front, it appears that Shocker might be part of the Marvel Phase 6 film's already stacked rogues gallery.

In the comics, this antagonistic individual wields vibration-based mechanical gauntlets that can deliver powerful shockwaves. For his live-action debut in Homecoming, the first iteration of Shocker was played by Logan Marshall-Green. However, after he was killed by Michael Keaton's Adrian Toomes/The Vulture, the Shocker mantle was inherited by Bokeem Woodbine's Herman Schultz. Incidentally, Schultz is the only person who goes by the Shocker alias in the source material.

But, I digress. Brand New Day's latest TV spot reveals that Tom Holland's eponymous hero will use one of Shocker's gauntlets to try and subdue Hulk who, for reasons still unclear, has embarked on another rampage through New York City.

(Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)

Does this mean we'll see Woodbine actually show up in this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flick? Or will Shocker only appear in a split-second cameo as part of a wider montage in the film's opening sequence that'll show Spidey battling and defeating many of his enemies? The latter would explain why Spidey has one of his gauntlets in his possession, especially if Spider-Man covertly confiscated it for future use.

The other interesting thing to note about this TV spot is that the wallcrawler won't tackle the Hulk on his own.

Indeed, at the 0:10 mark, there's another blink and you'll miss it clip of Spider-Man fighting the big, green, mean machine. Pause the teaser at the right spot, though, and you'll see a gun being fired from an unusual angle.

Welcome back, Frank (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)

With a bit of editing trickery (read: turning up the brightness on your screen), you'll be able to clearly see that Jon Bernthal's Frank Castle/The Punisher is lying on the floor as he takes a pop at the Hulk. Clearly, Frank didn't get the memo about the Hulk's impenetrable skin...

So, does Castle join the fight to help Spidey put a stop to the Hulk running amok? Not according to a leaked excerpt from a forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day artbook.

Per X/Twitter fan account BuiltFromSmash, "[The] Punisher eventually becomes entangled in Spider-Man and Hulk’s battle — not because he’s hunting either of them, but because his own mission collides with theirs."

What does this mean exactly? I can't say for sure. However, with rumors circulating online for months that Castle is protecting Sadie Sink's mystery character in Spider-Man 4, and her apparent involvement in purposefully forcing Banner to Hulk out, I wouldn't be surprised if all of this is somehow related. Either way, let's hope that Spider-Man and the Hulk's duel ends amicably and recreates a very specific scene from Marvel Comics that fans are dying to see.

Anyway, before it arrives on July 29, 30, or 31 (depending on where you live), find out everything we know so far about Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Once you're done there, check out my Spider-Man: Brand New Day cast and character guide to see who'll appear alongside Holland, Ruffalo, Sink, and Bernthal in one of this year's most anticipated new movies.

• Take-Two Interactive has its next quarterly finanical report scheduled for August 7
• The report will take place before the market open, which is unusual for Take-Two
• Fans are hoping for a new GTA 6 update

Rockstar Games' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has quite an important day coming up, and fans are hoping for a new update on Grand Theft Auto 6.

We are four months away from the launch of the most highly anticipated game of all time, and so far we've seen exactly zero seconds of in-depth gameplay.

So what's next? It's said that this summer will kick off the big GTA 6 marketing push, but aside from pre-orders going live and an updated Rockstar website filled with screenshots and detailed game features, we're still waiting for Trailer 3.

However, as spotted by GameSpot, Take-Two will release its next quarterly financial report on August 7, which suggests we'll learn at least something about the game.

Typically, these financial reports are followed by a Q&A session with investors and are usually held after the market closes at 4 PM ET.

This August 7 report, however, will be released before the market opens, at 9:30 AM ET, and will be followed by a conference call at 8 AM ET. This is unusual for Take-Two, but it hasn't explained why it's doing it this way this time.

Whether there will be a pre-order sales report or a date for the next trailer, we'll have to wait and see, but fans on Reddit are hoping the financial report could kick things into high gear.

"Rockstar said summer will be the biggest marketing for them I don’t see this happening so far," one fan said, with another writing, "Trailer 3 moment passed, if they were going to drop it, we would have seen it by now. I honestly think the next step is a gameplay trailer."

We also have Gamescom 2026 in August, which means another month of game announcements, so Rockstar may finally drop a new trailer during this time.

GTA 6 officially launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, but pre-loading begins on November 12 if you choose to pre-order.

A recent report claimed that physical copies of the game are flying off the shelves, despite the fact that they don't come with a disc but rather a digital download code in the box, which has caused some controversy.

Mistral Vibe is one of the more interesting AI platforms to come out of Europe. The product, formerly called Le Chat, was rebranded by Paris-based Mistral AI in May 2026 to mark its shift from a conversational assistant to a full agentic platform covering chat, work automation, and cloud-based coding. It's a meaningful change, not just a naming exercise.

Two new operating modes, Work and Code, are the engine behind that ambition. Work Mode runs multi-step tasks across connected business tools. Code Mode handles remote coding sessions inside isolated sandboxes and delivers work through to a pull request. Together they put Vibe in more direct competition with ChatGPT and Claude than its Le Chat days suggested.

At TechRadar Pro, we've been reviewing business software since 2012 and our AI coverage has become some of our most-read work. That includes our AI tool roundup, our 2026 vibe coding buying guide, and deep dives on platforms like OpenClaw or Moltbook.

What is Mistral Vibe?

Mistral Vibe is a chat, work automation, and coding platform developed by Mistral AI. It's available via web browser and mobile apps on iOS and Android, and runs on Mistral's own model family, from the lightweight Small 3.1 to the flagship Large 3 and the reasoning-focused Magistral line.

The platform launched in February 2024 as Le Chat, originally a general-purpose assistant. Over the following two years, Mistral layered in web search, voice mode via its Voxtral audio model, a Canvas document editor, image generation through Black Forest Labs Flux Ultra, persistent memory, and project folders.

The May 2026 rebrand signals that Mistral sees Vibe as an enterprise-grade product. Work Mode and Code Mode are aimed at professionals who need an AI that can execute multi-step tasks across connected tools, not just hold a conversation.

Mistral Vibe: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Underlying model(s)

Mistral Large 3, Medium 3.5, Small 3.1; Magistral for reasoning; Codestral and Devstral for code tasks.

Best for

Daily productivity, agentic work tasks, cloud coding, privacy-sensitive workflows.

Distinguishing functions

Work Mode, Code Mode, No Telemetry Mode, Canvas editor, Deep Research, voice mode, MCP support.

UI features

Web app and iOS/Android apps; unified interface for chat, canvas, and code views.

Subscription costs

Free; Pro at $14.99/month; Team at $24.99/user/month ($19.99 on annual billing); Enterprise (custom).

API pricing

Pay-per-token with no monthly minimums. Large 3 at $2/$6 per million tokens; Small 3.1 at $0.20/$0.60; Ministral 8B at $0.10/$0.10.

Buy it if…

• You handle sensitive client or business data. No Telemetry Mode gives Pro subscribers a contractual guarantee that nothing they type is used to train Mistral's models. That level of assurance at $14.99 per month is unusual among major AI chat platforms.
• You want agentic features without enterprise pricing. Work Mode handles multi-step tasks across Gmail, Slack, Notion, and other connected tools. Code Mode manages full coding sessions through to a pull request. Both are available on the Pro plan.
• You're a developer watching API costs. Mistral Large 3 at $6 per million output tokens significantly undercuts GPT-5.4 ($15/M) and Claude Sonnet ($15/M) at the flagship tier, and the API bills only for tokens used.

Don't buy it if…

• The free plan is your entry point for serious evaluation. At around 25 messages per day with no canvas and no remote coding access, the free tier doesn't give you a fair picture of what the platform can do.
• Your team is embedded in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Vibe connects to business apps via MCP, but native integration with the major office suites is not as developed as what you'd get from Copilot or Gemini for Workspace.
• You're assessing the Team plan for a small group. The jump from Pro ($14.99) to Team ($24.99/user/month) is steep, and the main additions (admin controls and more storage) may not justify the cost for teams of fewer than ten people.

My time with Mistral Vibe

I tested Vibe across its Pro plan over several weeks, using it for research tasks, document drafting, and code work. The chat interface is clean and approachable. Anyone familiar with ChatGPT or Claude will navigate it without confusion. What caught me off guard was how efficiently Work Mode handled complex, multi-step research requests, pulling from connected sources and drafting a structured Canvas output in a single run.

Code Mode held up well for the tasks I threw at it. I ran a session to scaffold a simple API integration, and the agent handled writing, testing, and preparing a draft PR inside the sandboxed environment. I stepped in twice to give it additional direction, but that's consistent with what you'd expect from any AI coding agent at this stage.

The No Telemetry Mode stood out as a differentiator. Enabling it took seconds and gave me real confidence when working with business-related documents. That kind of data control is typically reserved for enterprise tiers at other major platforms, so finding it on a $14.99 plan is a real differentiator.

Mistral Vibe: Features

Vibe's feature set has grown considerably since the Le Chat launch in 2024. Alongside standard chat, the platform now covers web search, image generation, voice input, a Canvas document editor, Deep Research, memory, and project organization tools. Pro subscribers get access to Work Mode and Code Mode, which is where the real differentiation lies.

Work Mode is the headline addition from 2026. It turns Vibe into an execution agent that can read emails and calendars, draft documents in Canvas, run recurring scheduled tasks, and push outputs to Notion, SharePoint, or Slack. Every step is visible in the interface. The platform asks for explicit approval before any action that modifies data or sends a message.

Code Mode targets developers specifically. It connects to GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Linear, running sessions in an isolated sandbox. A /teleport command lets you move a session between the Vibe web app and a local terminal without losing context. Parallel sessions are supported on Pro and above, which is useful for running background jobs while staying in another workflow.

Memory, currently in beta, lets Vibe store your preferences and recurring context across conversations. You can view, edit, or delete these entries at any time, and turning the feature off is a single toggle in confidentiality settings. Image generation via Black Forest Labs Flux Ultra is solid for a chat platform.

The main gap in the feature set is transparency around usage limits. The free tier runs at lower quotas than Pro across searches, image generations, and messages, but Mistral doesn't publish the exact numbers on its pricing page. That makes the free-to-Pro comparison harder to assess than it should be.

Overall, Vibe covers more professional use cases than most platforms at this price point. The area where competitors like Copilot and Gemini maintain a clear lead is native productivity suite integration, which Mistral has not yet matched.

Mistral Vibe: User experience

The layout is straightforward: a left sidebar for conversation history and project folders, a central chat window, and model or tool selectors accessible from the input bar. Switching between chat, Work Mode, and Code Mode happens within the same interface rather than routing you to a separate product URL.

The mobile apps mirror the web experience closely. Search, canvas, image generation, and voice input all carry over, which isn't a given with AI chat platforms on mobile. Onboarding is minimal, which suits experienced AI users but may leave newcomers without much guidance on how to get started with the more complex agentic features.

Mistral Vibe: Customer support

Free and Pro users access support through the help center widget on the Mistral site. Response times are not published, and there's no live chat or phone support at these tiers. The help documentation covers the most common issues in reasonable depth, but for billing questions or edge-case technical problems, you're relying on ticket-based email support.

Enterprise customers get a dedicated support workflow with priority routing. Requests go through the same widget but are flagged and handled separately based on account type. For teams in finance, healthcare, or other regulated sectors where response time matters, that distinction is a real consideration when deciding between Team and Enterprise.

(Image credit: Mistral AI)Mistral Vibe: Pricing

• Free plan: Around 25 messages per day with limited web searches, reduced image generation, no canvas creation, and no remote coding.
• Pro at $14.99/month: No Telemetry Mode, full canvas access, Work and Code Mode, 5x more web searches, more image generations, and pay-as-you-go Vibe coding beyond included limits.
• Team at $24.99/user/month (or $19.99 on annual billing): Shared workspaces, admin controls, domain verification, data export, and higher storage limits.

The free plan gives you a taste of chat quality and basic search, but the restrictions mean you won't get a representative experience. Pro at $14.99 is, by most comparisons, the cheapest premium AI chat subscription from any major provider. The No Telemetry Mode and agentic modes are hard to find elsewhere at this cost.

The Team plan's value depends on your use case. For small teams, the mainly administrative additions over Pro may not justify the per-user cost. Enterprise pricing is negotiated directly with Mistral and covers SAML SSO, on-premise deployment, custom model training, and dedicated support. The API runs on a fully separate billing track with no monthly minimums, making it accessible for developers at any scale.

Mistral Vibe alternatives you should consider

• ChatGPT (OpenAI): The most established option for general productivity, with deeper Microsoft 365 integration and a broader ecosystem of plugins. It costs more at comparable tiers but suits teams already embedded in the Microsoft environment.
• Claude (Anthropic): A strong choice for long-document analysis and nuanced writing. Pricing is competitive and reasoning quality is high, though data privacy controls at the consumer tier are less explicit than Vibe's No Telemetry Mode.
• Gemini for Google Workspace: The best fit for teams already using Google's suite. Native Calendar, Docs, and Gmail integration outpaces what Mistral currently offers for Google-centric workflows.

How I tested Mistral Vibe

• Ran prompts across standard chat, Web Search, and Deep Research modes to evaluate response accuracy, source quality, and multi-step research handling across a range of topics and document types.
• Tested agentic task execution through Work Mode, including document drafting via Canvas and recurring task scheduling, and ran coding sessions through Code Mode against a GitHub-connected project to assess end-to-end agent performance.
• Verified plan details and API rates against Mistral's official pricing page, cross-referenced them with third-party pricing analyses where official documentation was vague, and assessed support options through the Mistral Help Center.

I tested Mistral Vibe on its Pro plan over several weeks using a mix of daily productivity tasks and structured feature evaluations. Pricing data was verified against the official mistral.ai pricing page, with third-party sources used for cross-reference on API rates and plan limits where Mistral's documentation was unclear. Support quality was assessed through available help center documentation and publicly reported user experiences.

• Interpol’s Operation First Light 2026 spanned 97 countries, leading to 5,811 arrests, $239M seized, and 31,014 bank accounts blocked
• Authorities analyzed 152,808 cases, identified 15,606 suspects, and uncovered scams ranging from BEC to money laundering, with victims exceeding 142,000 globally
• Notable busts included a fake Brazilian police station in Eswatini, crypto laundering in Thailand, and scam centers in Palau, highlighting the scale and diversity of the crackdown

Interpol and various national law enforcement agencies arrested more than 5,800 people and seized hundreds of millions of dollars in one of the largest crackdowns on cybercrime to date.

In an announcement, Interpol said that it kicked off Operation First Light 2026 on January 15 and concluded it on April 30, 2026. Following an “initial period” of gathering intelligence and exchanging it among partners, police forces in 97 countries and territories started raiding premises, seizing digital equipment and cash, and arresting suspects.

In total, 5,811 individuals were arrested, and $239 million in illicit assets intercepted. During Operation First Light 2026, various police forces analyzed 152,808 cases, had 31,014 bank accounts blocked, and 99 Notices and Diffusions issued.

A replica of a police station

Besides the arrests, the law enforcement firms also identified 15,606 suspects, which could lead to even more arrests in the coming months.

Interpol did not dismantle a single global operation here. Cases varied from money laundering, to scams and identity theft, to business email compromise, and more.

In one, particularly brazen campaign, police in Eswatini seized a “realistic replica of a Brazilian police station, complete with fake uniforms, signage and equipment”.

“Posing as Brazil’s Federal Police via video call, the scammers deceived their targets into believing they were victims of a crime, tricking them into transferring funds for “safekeeping,” which were then stolen,” Interpol explained. In this instance, police arrested 82 people and seized 240 electronic devices.

Two people were arrested in Thailand, including a 20-year-old man who allegedly processed more than $122.5 million in various cryptocurrencies in 10 months. Authorities in Palau, on the other hand, deported 22 individuals for their role in two connected scam centers being conducted from hotels.

Interpol said that during the operation it identified more than 142,000 victims globally.

Kimi is the AI assistant developed by Moonshot AI, a Beijing-based company that built its reputation on long-context processing long before that became standard. The platform runs on Kimi K2.6, an open-weight Mixture-of-Experts model released in April 2026, and it has made real inroads among developers looking for frontier-quality AI at a lower cost than OpenAI or Anthropic.

Two things set Kimi apart. Its API pricing sits around $0.55 per million input tokens against GPT-5.4's much higher rates, and its Agent Swarm architecture can coordinate up to 300 parallel sub-agents for large-scale automated workflows. The platform also covers the full office productivity stack with Slides, Docs, Sheets, and a website builder under one subscription.

We've been reviewing B2B software at Techradar Pro since 2012. You can also check out our other generative AI coverage, including our best AI tools roundup and our 2026 vibe coding buying guide.

What is Kimi?

Kimi is an AI chat assistant and agent platform from Moonshot AI. It launched in October 2023 with a focus on long-context processing, and its first version handled 128,000 tokens of context, which was exceptional at the time. The platform has since grown into a broader productivity suite covering deep research, document creation, coding, and multi-step agentic automation.

The underlying K2.6 model uses a 1-trillion-parameter Mixture-of-Experts architecture with around 32 billion parameters activated per token, keeping inference costs low while maintaining strong benchmark performance. It supports a 256K–262K token context window and processes text, images, code, and video natively.

Kimi targets developers, researchers, and teams running demanding workloads. Casual users get good value from the free tier, but the platform's design clearly aims at power users who need more than a chatbot.

Kimi: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Underlying model(s)

Kimi K2.6 — 1T-parameter MoE, 32B active params, 256K–262K context, native multimodal

Best for

Deep research, long-document analysis, agentic coding, full-stack web generation

Distinguishing functions

Agent Swarm (300 sub-agents), Kimi Code, Deep Research, Claw Groups, WebBridge

UI features

Four response modes: Instant, Thinking, Agent, Agent Swarm; available on web, iOS, Android

Subscription costs

Adagio (Free), Moderato ($19/mo), Allegretto ($39/mo), Allegro ($99/mo), Vivace ($199/mo)

API pricing

Around $0.55/M input tokens and $2.65/M output tokens; OpenAI-compatible; context caching cuts input costs by up to 75%

Buy it if…

• You need a capable coding assistant at a lower price point. Kimi Code, available from the Moderato tier upward, pairs K2.6 with terminal and VS Code integration and holds up well on multi-file refactors.
• Your work involves very long documents. The 262K-token context window lets you work through large contracts, codebases, or research papers in a single session without manually chunking content.
• You're building agent-driven automation. Agent Swarm on the Allegretto plan can coordinate up to 300 parallel sub-agents across 4,000 coordinated steps, a serious option for teams with research or data processing pipelines.

Don't buy it if…

• You need live customer support. Kimi's support is self-serve through a help center and community channels, with no live chat or phone line.
• Data residency is non-negotiable. Moonshot AI is a Chinese company. Teams in regulated industries or with strict EU/US data sovereignty requirements should verify Kimi's data policies before committing.
• Agent Swarm is your main draw but you want entry-level pricing. Full agentic features only unlock at $39/month and above, while the free tier limits you to one concurrent task.

My time with Kimi

My first session was document-heavy. I dropped two long PDFs into the same conversation and asked Kimi to cross-reference specific sections. The results were accurate and well-organized, and the platform held up when I pushed with follow-up questions. That long-context handling is one of Kimi's strongest suits, accessible even on the free tier.

I also tested Kimi Code on a Python refactoring task. The output was clean, and when I asked it to explain architectural decisions, the reasoning held up. It's not quite at the same level as Claude Code for structured explanations, but the price difference makes the trade-off easy to accept for many workflows.

Agent Swarm on the Allegretto plan handled a competitive research task reasonably well, but the orchestration was not always transparent. A few sub-tasks returned incomplete results without flagging them as such, so I had to verify outputs manually. The platform has improved since K2.5, where tool call failures reportedly ran around 12%, but production users should still build in a review step.

Kimi: Features

Kimi's four response modes cover most use cases without requiring much configuration. Instant works for quick answers, Thinking for step-by-step reasoning, Agent for research and creation tasks, and Agent Swarm for parallel execution at scale.

Deep Research runs multi-step research workflows autonomously, pulling from web sources and producing structured reports. The output quality is good enough for first drafts, and the process shows which sources were used. Kimi Code supports multi-file editing and autonomous bug-fixing; Moonshot's documentation references coding sessions running continuously for over 13 hours on complex tasks.

The productivity suite covers Slides, Docs, Sheets, and Websites, giving Kimi a broader surface area than most chat platforms. The Websites tool generates full-stack sites from a single description, including frontend, backend, and database layers. These tools aren't the most polished in their respective categories, but having them integrated into one platform adds real convenience for teams with varied workflows.

Kimi: User experience

The main Kimi interface is clean and web-first. The four response modes are clearly labeled, and mode-switching during a conversation is straightforward. A memory system carries context across sessions when you want it to. Mobile apps on iOS and Android work well for basic tasks, though agent workflows are better suited to desktop.

There's no structured onboarding tutorial, so new users will spend time with the help center. It covers everything from getting started through API usage across roughly 12 categories. Community channels on Discord and Reddit are active enough that you'll usually find someone who's hit the same issue.

Kimi: Customer support

Support is self-serve. The help center at kimi.com/help covers memberships, billing, API usage, and troubleshooting in detail. Discord and Reddit communities fill in the gaps for newer features.

What's missing is human support. There's no live chat, no prominently listed support email for general users, and no phone line. For a platform targeting developers running production workflows, that's a gap worth knowing about before you sign up. Enterprise arrangements may exist but aren't clearly documented publicly.

(Image credit: Kimi.com)Kimi: Pricing

• Free (Adagio): Basic K2.6 access, limited agent usage, one concurrent task, no Agent Swarm, no Kimi Code quota.
• Moderato ($19/month): K2.6, Deep Research, Kimi Code, Slides, Websites.
• Allegretto ($39/month): Adds Agent Swarm and a higher professional data quota.
• Allegro ($99/month) and Vivace ($199/month): High-volume tiers; Vivace includes 30x Kimi Code usage and 240 swarm uses per month.

The free tier has no hard daily message limit as of mid-2026, which compares well to ChatGPT's free plan. For developers, API pricing is where Kimi's value is sharpest: around $0.55 per million input tokens and $2.65 per million output tokens, with an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Context caching cuts input costs by up to 75% for applications sending repeated prompts, making it one of the more cost-efficient frontier options for teams building at scale.

Kimi alternatives you should consider

• ChatGPT (OpenAI): The most widely used AI assistant, with a mature plugin ecosystem. Its $20/month Plus tier is roughly equivalent to Kimi's Moderato plan, but API costs are significantly higher for developers building at scale.
• Claude (Anthropic): Claude Pro at $20/month is a strong choice for document-heavy workflows and structured outputs. Claude Code is well-regarded for teams that prioritize explainability in AI-generated code.
• Gemini Advanced (Google): A natural fit for teams already in the Google Workspace ecosystem, with strong document workflow integration through Drive.

How I tested Kimi

• Ran multi-document research tasks and stress-tested the context window with long technical files to evaluate accuracy across extended sessions.
• Tested the VS Code extension and CLI agent on Python and JavaScript tasks, including multi-file refactors and debugging workflows.
• Ran research and synthesis tasks using Agent and Agent Swarm modes on the Allegretto plan, checking output accuracy and how the platform handled incomplete results.

Kimi is available at kimi.com on a freemium model, with paid plans starting at $19/month. API access is available separately through Moonshot AI's open platform.

HIX.ai started as an AI writing assistant and has since expanded into something considerably more ambitious. The platform now markets itself as an "ultimate AI agent workspace," bundling tools for content writing, deep research, image and video generation, slides creation, coding, and multi-model chat under a single interface. It's a notable evolution, even if the transition has introduced some rough edges.

What sets HIX.ai apart from simpler AI chat tools is the sheer breadth of models on offer. Users can switch between GPT-5.5, Claude Opus 4.8, Gemini 3.5 Flash, DeepSeek-V4, and others from within the same session. For teams or individuals who want to compare outputs or pick the right model for a specific task, that flexibility has real practical value.

We've been reviewing business software at TechRadar Pro since 2012 and AI platforms have become one of our most-covered categories. In recent months, we've also published our best AI tools roundup and deep-dives into platforms like OpenClaw and Moltbook. HIX.ai falls squarely in our coverage area.

What is HIX.ai?

HIX.ai is a web-based AI platform that consolidates multiple AI capabilities into one workspace. Its agents cover text generation, long-form article writing, email composition, image creation, video production, presentation slides, deep research, and coding assistance. You access everything through a shared interface rather than juggling separate subscriptions for each function.

The platform targets a wide audience: content marketers who need to produce copy at scale, students looking for a homework or essay tool, small business owners who want a single AI tool to handle email, social posts, and research, and knowledge workers who want to stay inside one tab instead of bouncing between apps.

HIX.ai also offers a browser extension that works across Gmail, Google Docs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and most major web platforms. A desktop app is available alongside the main web interface, making it one of the more cross-platform options in this category.

HIX.ai: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Underlying model(s)

Multiple, including GPT-5.5, Claude Opus 4.8, Gemini 3.5 Flash, and DeepSeek-V4 variants

Best for

Content creators, students, marketers, small businesses, researchers

Distinguishing functions

Multi-agent coordination, deep research reports, AI video/image/slides, browser extension

UI features

Web app, desktop app, Chrome/Edge/Firefox browser extension with sidebar

Subscription costs

Free (20 credits/month), paid plans from approximately $13/month billed annually

API pricing

No public API available

Buy it if…

• You want one platform for everything. HIX.ai removes the need for separate subscriptions for writing, image generation, and research. That consolidation saves both time and money for users currently paying for multiple tools.
• You want model choice without switching apps. The ability to call GPT-5.5, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek from a single interface is a real convenience, especially when different tasks call for different models.

Don't buy it if…

• Billing transparency matters to you. Multiple users across review platforms have reported being charged for annual plans they believed were monthly. HIX.ai's refund window is three days, which leaves little room for course correction.
• You need predictable usage. Credits don't roll over between billing cycles, and the "Unlimited" label on paid plans applies only to standard credits. Advanced features are still capped, which surprises users expecting truly open access.

My time with HIX.ai

I spent several sessions testing HIX.ai across its main agent categories. The multi-model chat interface impressed most immediately: switching from Gemini 3.5 Flash to Claude Opus 4.8 mid-conversation takes a few clicks, and responses feel snappy enough for practical work. The deep research agent was particularly useful, pulling together sourced summaries on a complex topic faster than a manual web search.

The browser extension held up well in Gmail and Google Docs. Highlighting a paragraph and getting a rewrite option surfacing instantly, without opening a new tab, is the kind of friction reduction that matters when you're working fast. The image generation tools produced serviceable results, though I found the credit consumption less predictable than I'd have liked.

Where the experience wobbles is in understanding what you're paying for. The credit system splits between standard and advanced buckets, and it isn't always clear which agent or model draws from which pool. New users should read the plan details carefully before committing to a billing cycle.

HIX.ai: Features

HIX.ai's feature roster is unusually wide. The platform covers AI chat across multiple frontier models, a long-form article writer, email and social copy tools, a paraphrasing and summarization engine, image generation via Midjourney, Flux, and GPT Image 2, video generation via Seedance 2.0, Veo 3.1, Sora 2, and others, a slides agent, and a deep research tool that produces structured reports with real-time internet access.

The deep research agent is one of the more differentiated offerings. Rather than a standard web search, it compiles structured, sourced reports on a given topic, making it useful for due diligence, competitive analysis, or academic research. Real-time internet access is included on paid plans, which keeps output current rather than frozen at a training cutoff.

On the writing side, the 120+ AI writing templates cover a broad range of formats, from ad copy to blog outlines to product descriptions. The long-form article writer handles structure and headings reasonably well, and the AI Writer agent supports markdown and rich text outputs, which makes it easier to paste results into a CMS or document editor.

The platform's weakest spot by reputation is HIX Bypass, its AI humanizer tool. Multiple independent reviews and user reports flag inconsistent results against modern AI detectors, particularly after Turnitin's 2025 updates. HIX.ai positions this as a key feature, but anyone relying on it for academic or professional compliance should test it carefully before committing.

The multi-agent coordination feature, available across all tiers, lets different agents pass context between tasks. In practice, a research output can feed directly into a writing task without manual copy-paste, which speeds up structured workflows considerably.

The video and image agents round out a platform that few competitors match in raw breadth. Whether that breadth delivers depth at every point is a fair question; some agents feel more developed than others. But for users who want to consolidate tools, the coverage is hard to beat.

HIX.ai: User experience

The interface is clean and navigation between agents is straightforward. The sidebar layout keeps the main workspace uncluttered, and the model switcher is tucked sensibly into the chat header rather than buried in settings. For new users, the onboarding path is light: a working chat session is within reach in under a minute.

The browser extension is where the experience stands out. HIX.ai has put real thought into how it surfaces inside other platforms: the quick-action bar appears when you highlight text, and the full sidebar opens on demand. For anyone doing a lot of writing inside web apps, this integration removes the switching cost that blunts many AI tools, and the learning curve for core features is minimal.

HIX.ai: Customer support

Support is available via email across all plans, with priority support reserved for paid subscribers. The HIX.AI Community forum is open to all tiers and covers common issues and feature requests. Response times on the email channel have drawn complaints in user reviews, with some reporting delays of multiple days for billing queries specifically.

The three-day refund window is short by industry standards. Platforms like ChatGPT Plus and Jasper offer more flexible cancellation terms. Given the annual billing complaints that appear consistently in user feedback, the lack of a longer trial-to-refund period is a genuine sticking point for new subscribers.

(Image credit: HIX.ai)HIX.ai: Pricing

• Free plan: $0/month with 20 credits, enough to test core features but limited for sustained work.
• HIX AI Max: Billed annually; includes unlimited standard chat models, advanced models, video, image, and all agent features including deep research, AI slides, and priority support.
• HIX AI Pro: Billed annually at a higher tier, with different credit allocations across advanced features.

The free plan offers real access to the platform with no credit card required, though 20 credits runs out quickly once you start testing agents. Paid plans are priced on a credit system that splits standard and advanced usage into separate buckets. SoftwareSuggest, which updated its pricing data in April 2026, lists the starting price at $13/month on annual billing, with higher tiers scaling up from there.

HIX.ai's various product verticals (AI Writer, HIX Bypass, the browser extension, EssayGPT) each carry separate subscription structures for legacy users, adding complexity to an already layered pricing model. The newer unified workspace tiers (Free, Max, and Pro) simplify this somewhat, but the credit system still rewards careful reading before you subscribe. Annual billing delivers the best per-month rate, though it comes with the billing caveats noted above, and there is no public API for developers.

HIX.ai: alternatives you should consider

• ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Similar multi-model access via GPT-5 and o3, with simpler pricing and a stronger track record on billing transparency.
• Jasper ($39/month billed annually): Focused on marketing and long-form content. Less breadth than HIX.ai but stronger output consistency on brand voice tasks.
• Perplexity Pro ($20/month): If deep research is your primary use case, Perplexity's research-first approach and real-time citations are hard to beat at this price point.

How I tested HIX.ai

• Ran multi-agent workflows across the chat, deep research, and writing agents to evaluate inter-agent handoffs and model-switching convenience.
• Tested the browser extension inside Gmail and Google Docs on multiple sessions, focusing on responsiveness and quality of inline suggestions.
• Evaluated output quality across standard chat, long-form article generation, and the image creation tools using consistent prompts to benchmark against competitor platforms.

I spent approximately two weekdays with HIX.ai across different workloads, including research tasks, marketing copy drafts, and content editing sessions. Pricing information was cross-referenced against the official HIX.ai pricing page and third-party review sources updated in 2026. Feature details were drawn from the platform's live interface and official documentation.

Decentralized, encrypted, and completely private messages. That's what Session promises.

You may never have heard of the app, but for its 1.7 million monthly users, Session is an important piece of privacy tech worth fighting to sustain.

Due to a severe funding shortfall, Session was expected to cease operations this week. However, after securing $200,000 to keep the project afloat, the team is now ready to look ahead.

Session co-founder Chris McCabe described the app as a "critical tool for fighting against an Orwellian future." But what is Session, and what does it offer that mainstream giants like Signal can't?

How Session survived its financial crisis

Launched in 2018, the project originally sustained its decentralized infrastructure through its own crypto tokens. According to McCabe, the Session Technology Foundation (STF) sold roughly $2.4 million worth of tokens toward the end of 2024 to keep the project going.

However, the model wasn't sustainable and, when a crisis in the crypto market drained Session's finances last year, the founders were forced to terminate the contracts of all 16 of their team members.

Unwilling to let the platform die, the founders scrambled for alternative lifelines. Following a high-profile emergency donation from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin — who gifted 128 ETH to support the app's mission — the foundation decided it was time to turn to its user base for long-term survival.

Without additional funding, Session's doors will close next month. Please read this appeal from Session co-founder Chris McCabe.https://t.co/nTJCocoDwIMarch 19, 2026

That grassroots fundraising campaign ultimately paid off.

To date, Session has received hundreds of community donations totaling $205,000. While that is still a long way off the project's ultimate $1 million sustainability goal, it is enough to keep the platform operational, albeit with far fewer resources than it once had.

"This funding allows us to retain three developers and one community operations person to maintain the app," McCabe explains.

How Session protects your messages

(Image credit: Session)

"Send messages, not metadata" is Session's mantra. To back this up, the app uses a variety of advanced techniques to ensure users' messages remain private and secure.

From basics like end-to-end encryption to the use of a decentralized infrastructure and onion routing, Session goes significantly further than mainstream messaging apps.

"Session is completely trustless," McCabe told TechRadar. "You don't even have to trust us because the open-source code guarantees your security."

In the future, the app's design should also make it less vulnerable to increased surveillance and monitoring, such as the initiatives currently being proposed in Canada, the EU, and the UK.

Did you know?

(Image credit: Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

In October 2024, the platform's creators shifted operations to Europe to help protect users' privacy. The move allowed the team to escape an Australian legal landscape that the founder described as "increasingly hostile" toward encrypted apps, relocating to the traditionally privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Switzerland.

Because the platform is open source, McCabe claimed the app can continue to operate even in countries where it has been banned from mainstream app stores, noting that users can easily bypass those restrictions by sideloading the app on Android devices.

And what happens if a repressive government demands data about an individual user? McCabe noted that the foundation simply couldn't comply, saying: "It's technically impossible for our company to copy or store that data."

Crucially, users do not need a phone number or email address to sign up for the service. That anonymity is especially beneficial for citizens in conflict zones or highly restrictive digital environments, where hostile governments can block SMS two-factor authentication messages to cut off access to mainstream messaging networks.

So, how exactly does Session stack up against mainstream giants like Signal?

Is Session really better than Signal?

(Image credit: Michele Ursi / Shutterstock)

Signal is widely recognized as the gold standard for privacy-preserving messaging apps. Like Session, it is fully open-source, collects minimal metadata, and uses advanced end-to-end encryption via the Signal Protocol.

While McCabe agrees that "Signal is great," he believes that being completely decentralized and eliminating the need for a phone number tips the scales in Session's favor.

However, not everyone in the cybersecurity community shares this view.

A prominent cryptanalyst who uses the pseudonym Soatok has publicly argued against switching from Signal to Session. A major point of criticism is Session’s decision to remove Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) — an important security feature that ensures that past chats remain private even if a user’s long-term identity keys are compromised in the future. Soatok also suggested that Session contained several other cryptographic flaws and implementation mistakes.

Bill Budington, Senior Staff Technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), backed Soatok’s analysis, telling TechRadar that Session appears to be another aspiring Signal competitor that "comes up lacking on its security claims."

Mohammed Al-Maskati, the Digital Security Helpline Director at Access Now, shared this concern. He argued that sticking with a widely implemented standard like the Signal Protocol is generally a safer option because it significantly reduces the risk of making critical errors during development.

Responding to these critics, McCabe explained that while Session initially relied on the Signal Protocol, the team was forced to build its own encryption method because Signal's architecture wasn't designed to handle a decentralized node network.

However, he confirmed that PFS is officially slated to be reintegrated into the platform with the upcoming Session Protocol V2 upgrade.

Security experts have also pointed out that Signal remains a stronger choice for most users due to the sheer size of its network, which makes it far easier to use with friends and contacts.

However, McCabe rejects the idea that popularity equates to security, arguing that by that logic, WhatsApp would be considered a better privacy option than Signal. "Which it is not," he said.

What’s next for Session?

As Session prepares to enter its next phase, the foundation is focused on achieving long-term financial sustainability.

To generate steady revenue, the platform plans to launch a premium subscription tier called Session Pro. Similar to Telegram Premium, Session Pro will offer power users advanced features — such as higher message character limits, expanded group sizes, more pinned chats, and animated profile pictures — backed by cryptographic proofs that preserve user anonymity during payment.

Most pressing, however, is finalizing Session's Protocol V2. Beyond reintroducing Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), it will also introduce post-quantum cryptography to secure users' chats against 'harvest now, decrypt later' threats.

While the wider InfoSec community continues to be divided on whether Session's custom architecture outperforms legacy rivals, the core team remains fiercely dedicated to the project.

"Many former team members are incredibly passionate and are taking pay cuts or donating their time to help get it back together," said McCabe.

And with mandatory age verification, lawful access to data, and encryption backdoors challenging the very notion of online privacy globally, it seems that messaging app like Session are going to become increasingly important.

As McCabe puts it: "People often don't realize they need this level of privacy until things go really badly and freedom of speech is restricted."

If you want to support the platform, Session continues to accept donations directly through its official website and mobile application.

Restaurant owners are feeling the pinch, through consistently rising costs of ingredients, labor and energy bills.

There is however a less visible profit drain: the silent loss of the phone ringing unanswered as the kitchen struggles to cope.

It’s lost business in disguise, and another area where the customer experience can let down a restaurant in its busiest moments.

Despite the growth in online orders, phone ordering still happens. But the point is when it occurs: phone orders spike at the exact moment a restaurant is slammed during service.

A quick-service restaurant that faces heavy load during its peak hours is likely to see the greatest inbound volume of calls at the same time: Friday or Saturday night.

The owner is forced to choose between answering the phone and dealing with existing customers and orders.

Neither scenario is ideal, nor does it do anything good for the customer experience.

Why traditional workflows fail to scale

Many solutions deployed in the hope of managing phone orders have failed to scale or were prohibitively expensive. Hiring additional personnel to attend to phone lines is costly, and the employee still cannot take more than one call at a time.

Even in this scenario, callers may have to wait on hold, leave voicemail, or receive a busy signal. Then, it becomes frustrating to try and connect to the restaurant again when waiting in line.

There’s also the question of precision. The most mistakes happen under pressure: misunderstood orders, incorrect delivery locations, allergy-related instructions missed. While some of those mistakes may only constitute bad customer experience, others lead to waste, losses, refunds, and sometimes, lost customers.

Finally, the opportunity cost of having employees talk to customers instead of doing other things is huge: each minute they spend talking on the phone is a minute spent not preparing meals, dealing with issues of in-store customers, or completing deliveries on time.

What do AI voice agents bring to the table?

AI voice systems can significantly improve the customer experience across a few critical use cases:

Availability: the system is available to pick up every phone call, no matter how busy the restaurant may be inside. There’s no on-hold messaging queue, no hold music, voicemail message, and most importantly, no missed calls.

Concurrency: a human agent can focus on one call at a time. The AI system, however, can manage multiple calls simultaneously, which is especially useful during the moments of peak demand.

Accuracy through confirmation: if done right, AI systems repeat the order before confirming it to eliminate errors and mistakes from the process entirely.

Intent-based conversations: not everyone calls in with the intention of placing a new order. Some have questions, want to update their existing order, or do something else entirely. A properly managed implementation will ensure that the phone system knows what the caller intends to do and collects the information necessary to complete the request successfully.

It also guarantees that every interaction with the phone agent goes through the same steps: identifying intent, gathering data, fulfilling the request, confirming its completion, and providing a smooth user experience.

More precise recommendations: AI-powered recommendations are always relevant and consistent throughout the entire conversation. They are not distracting or annoying and help to boost orders’ value.

One useful way to sanity-check the value is simple volume. One recent rollout reported an AI phone agent processing over 4,000 orders in three months, and capturing thousands in orders from the busiest sites.

More importantly, calls were answered immediately even at peak, and concurrency stopped being the bottleneck.

Why is the technology finally practical?

Voice automation technology is no novelty anymore, but the recent advances in the field are all about speed and intent recognition. More advanced algorithms mean fewer misunderstandings. Improved integration with ordering systems helps to implement voice as a channel of communication, allowing businesses to serve more customers during peak times.

Two other changes are making a difference in real deployments: localization of voice, and better menu understanding. This means when a customer does not know the exact name of a dish, the phone agent can still find what they mean without turning the call into a guessing game.

Practical implementation: where to deploy voice systems

The strongest signals here are the number of incoming calls and a complicated multi-site operation. But even the smaller restaurants with a handful of calls per day can be good candidates for voice automation due to the inefficiencies associated with having an employee to attend to the phones. Automation replaces a fixed staffing cost with something you can scale up and down.

The following are the guidelines for responsible deployments:

Structure around intents: not everyone calls in for an order; therefore, the phone agent should handle ordering, updating the order, and answering questions efficiently, offering clear prompts and a consistent user experience at each step of the interaction.

Transparency: the system should notify callers about the automation process and inform them if the conversation might be recorded.

Over time, the most useful systems also get more flexible around how orders are completed. For example, enabling cash ordering where it makes operational sense, or sending an SMS link if someone abandons the order mid-call, with the basket pre-filled so they can finish on their phone. Those are small touches, but they remove friction in the moments where customers typically drop off.

Implementing voice automation in the restaurant operation allows managers to scale easily, provide consistent customer experience, and generate more orders in the process.

Not futuristic, but practical

Framing voice technology as a future-state project does not benefit the hospitality industry. Voice technology is available now and brings a significant ROI from the revenue you are already generating.

The telephone line has become a nuisance in many restaurant operations for too long. Implementing a proper phone management strategy turns it into an operational channel you can manage.

We've listed the best POS systems for restaurants.

This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to 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/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit

• Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora says 90% reduction in AI pricing is needed to drive widespread adoption, 20% reduction by next year
• OpenAI's latest GPT-5.6 Sol model is 54% more efficient across agentic coding tasks
• Shift to consumption-based models is making high costs even more pronounced

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora has warned that AI pricing is still too high for widespread enterprise adoption, arguing that it should be drastically cheaper.

Although model efficiency and performance have come a long way in recent years, he believes cost remains one of the biggest barriers for widespread adoption.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Arora laid out how he believes token prices need to fall by as much as 90%, however he acknowledges that the change is unlikely to happen immediately, instead welcoming a 20% price reduction over the next year or so.

Is AI pricing holding enterprises back from widespread adoption?

Arora's comments come in response to OpenAI's latest announcement, revealing that its latest GPT-5.6 Sol model is now 54% mode token-efficient across agentic coding tasks – a major improvement.

Though Palo Alto Networks' CEO admitted that this in itself is a good start, it's not enough of an improvement to drastically change pricing for major enterprises at the moment.

"It's important to understand the demand continues to be infinite," he added, implying that cost remains prohibitive. The issue of cost is also becoming more of an issue as AI companies evolve their pricing strategies, with customers moving toward consumption-based models rather than flat monthly fees per user.

Importantly, Arora's vision for cheaper AI isn't unfounded. Virtually all previous technological revolutions have already followed a similar pattern. In the case of AI, compute would become cheaper, models would become more efficient and competition could keep prices low, all working in the favor of enterprise customers.

Ready to relax this weekend in front of your TV (or smartphone, I'm not judging)? Some of you will do well to find something worth enjoying on the world's best streaming services.

Indeed, it's been a surprisingly quiet week for new movies and TV shows. And, while there's just enough to fill this week's streaming round-up, a few of you might not be enthused by how weak the selection is compared to past editions

Still, I'm holding out hope that one of the below will pique your interest. If not... well, there's always the 2026 World Cup quarter finals to watch instead! — Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Little House on the Prairie season 1 (Netflix)

Netflix has made it 1974 all over again! The Ingalls family return to the small screen in this adaptation of Little House on the Prairie (NB: read my Little House on the Prairie review while you're here), which is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series namesake.

Essentially, this story, which sees protagonist Laura navigates her childhood days on the Prairie lands of Kansas, is comfort watching at its peak. And, while its typical "Netflix look" can be grating, if you look past the form, the content is meaningful. Season 2 is already on the way, too, and I'm already looking forward to it. — Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter

• Watch Little House on the Prairie season 1 on Netflix

The Westies (MGM+ and Prime Video)

Searching for a new gritty crime drama to gorge? The Westies, a J.K. Simmons-fronted MGM+ TV Original that's also available on Prime Video, should appeal to you.

Set in the early 1980s, it follows the notorious New York crime family as they navigate mob wars, familial infighting, and an FBI investigation that might unsettle the increasingly fragile truce that the Hell's Kitchen-based syndicate has with the Italian Mafia.

Episodes 1 and 2 of this Amazon TV Original are out now, while new chapters will air weekly every Sunday for the foreseeable future. — JV

• Watch The Westies on MGM+ and Prime Video

The Long Walk (HBO Max)

Francis Lawrence's excellent The Long Walk has strolled onto HBO Max and, in my view,it's one of the best Stephen King adaptations of all-time.

Set in a dystopian 1970s, a group of boys compete in an annual televised competition where they're forced to walk non-stop while maintaining a pace of 4.8 km per hour. If they don't, they're killed. There can only be one winner, too, so the pressure is on.

There are lots of likeable characters here and one very unlikeable one in the form of Mark Hamill's The Major, which is arguably his creepiest performance yet. — Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch The Long Walk on HBO Max

Trying season 5 (Apple TV)

Apple TV's long running comedy series Trying has returned for its fifth season.

Esther Smith and Rafe Spall return as central couple Nikki and Jason, who we've watched journey to become parents and, now they have two foster children, they're having to navigate unexpected challenges. This season, Kat (Charlotte Riley), the biological mother of Princess and Tyler, returns and causes the family dynamics to shift.

Trying has been praised for its approach to difficult themes, providing both comedy and emotionally charged moments. It's very good to have this Apple TV Original back on our screens. — LB

• Watch Trying season 5 on Apple TV

Wardriver (Paramount+)

Did you really think that we were going to leave you action fans hanging this week? Introducing Wardriver, a new movie that's just dropped on Paramount+ and has already been described by fans online as "great acting of unsavory characters."

In it, we follow a hacker who gets caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse when he's forced into a multi-mullion dollar cyberheist. There's a real sense of jeopardy here, as every line of code could be his last.

Hopefully, that "last" doesn't come before the end of the movie's pithy 94-minute runtime. But hey, who knows with storytelling these days? — JV

• Watch Wardriver on Paramount+

The Man Will Burn (HBO Max)

No doubt you've heard of The Burning Man, but how much do you know about its roots? You can now experience this iconic arts festival from the comfort of your living room, so you don't even need to to trek out into the desert.

Across four episodes, we go behind the scenes of the eponymous effigy's festival, from its origins all the way up to the present day. There's particular focus on organizing an event of this scale in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, too.

Both seasoned "Burners" and new arrivals feature in the documentary, giving us a complete look at the festival and how it has evolved over time. — LB

• Watch The Man Will Burn on HBO Max

Married at First Sight season 20 (Peacock)

Despite all the controversies surrounding the international versions, we're returning to where it all began with Married at First Sight. Just as Love Island USA comes to an end as well, so perfect timing.

You know the score here: 14 new singles will agree to marry someone they’ve never met, and see if their newfound relationship was actually worth saying "I do" for.

Experts Paul C. Brunson and Doctor Lisa Paz are returning to oversee the drama and, judging by the above trailer, the weddings themselves genuinely look the chicest they've ever been. — JV

• Watch Married at First Sight season 20 on Peacock

• Bad Apples has been given a global theatrical release date after premiering at TIFF
• A new trailer confirmed the movie would be in theaters from September 18 for viewers in the UK and US
• The dark comedy is the English-language debut for Jonatan Etzler

Bad Apples may have fallen under the radar after its TIFF debut, but the new dark comedy movie finally has a global release date.

The Saoirse Ronan led movie will be in UK and US theaters from September 18, and we've got a brand new trailer to celebrate the new movie's theatrical release thanks to Paramount Pictures.

Bad Apples follows Maria, a teacher who becomes frustrated when her class of ten year olds is disrupted by one unruly pupil, Danny (Eddie Waller). When Maria accidentally kidnaps Danny and holds him hostage in her house, it sets off an unexpected chain of events.

Take a look at the trailer below.

Bad Apples looks like a perfect blend of comedy and drama, and I can't wait to see it

This is the kind of movie that reels me in instantly. We've got a seemingly ordinary main character in the form of a schoolteacher, who then goes on to make very questionable characters.

The plot of Bad Apples teases that Maria sees her class performance improve once Danny is "missing", which gives her a moral dilemma. Should she release him or keep him held in her home, where he's not disrupting the rest of her class?

Bad Apples is based on the novel De Oönskade (The Unwanted) by Swedish author Rasmus Andersson, which is described as a satirical thriller. So I'm expecting a lot of timely commentary in this movie, which will soon be widely available in theaters.

The movie currently has an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising the story, performances and soundtrack. So it's promising stuff already.

September 18 is a long wait, but thankfully we have plenty of recommendations to keep you entertained until then. If it's horror you're after, check out my round up of the best horror movies to stream in July.

Or, if you'd like more general Paramount movies, check out the best movies to watch on Paramount+.

• Samsung is reportedly giving up on small-screen foldables
• That means the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be the last in the series
• It's a credible claim, but if enough people vote with their wallet perhaps the Flip line can still be saved

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a superb phone, achieving 4.5 stars in our review. But despite its excellence, Samsung might be giving up on this clamshell series after the Galaxy Z Flip 8 launches.

This is according to reputable leaker @UniverseIce, who stated on X that “the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product.”

They didn’t say why that might be, but we can take a guess. For one thing, while the Flip line used to be Samsung’s most popular foldable phone series, there’s evidence that this trend could be starting to change. For example, FN News reported that in South Korea at least, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 received more pre-orders than the Z Flip 7.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product. pic.twitter.com/9zN4nNRLT2July 9, 2026

So there could be a growing appetite for large-screen book-style foldables, which makes sense given that larger conventional phones tend to outsell compact models. And with the book-style iPhone Ultra reportedly launching this year, the appetite for that style of foldable is only likely to grow.

Plus, arguably one of the main selling points of the Z Flip line was that it provided a relatively affordable way to get a foldable phone, but with rising memory costs that might cease to be the case.

And on top of all that, Samsung is reportedly launching a shorter, wider book-style foldable this year alongside its conventional successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with this new form factor being bigger than a Flip but still smaller than the company’s current large-screen foldables. So Samsung might see this as something that fans of smaller phones could buy instead of a new Flip.

A phone that would be missed

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

While this claim from @UniverseIce is believable, I certainly hope they’re wrong. Despite all the reservations above, the Flip is still an appealing line of fofldables.

They’re extremely compact when folded shut, which is sure to appeal to some people, and even with rising memory prices they’re likely to remain cheaper than book-style foldables. So it would be a shame for choice and variety if they disappeared.

Still, it’s likely that Samsung will be looking at sales of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the new wider Galaxy Z Fold before making any final decisions, so if the former does particularly well or the latter struggles, there’s still hope for a Galaxy Z Flip 9.

In other words, if it’s something you’d like to see then you should vote with your wallet this year and give Samsung’s upcoming clamshell device some love.