TechRadar News

• A new Linux malware variant offers advanced features and evasion mechanisms
• It has already infected thousands of devices around the world
• Passwords, credit card info, and more, at risk

A brand new Linux malware has been found infecting thousands of computers around the world, stealing people’s login credentials, payment information, and browser cookies, security researchers are warning.

SentinelLabs and Beazley Security issued a joint report detailing the activities of PXA Stealer, a new Python-based infostealer for the Linux platform.

It was first spotted in late 2024, and has since grown into a formidable threat, successfully evading defense tools while wreaking havoc across the globe.

Side-loading

Since its inception, PSA Stealer has seen multiple iterations, with the latest one stealing information from roughly 40 browsers - saved passwords, cookies, personally identifiable information (PII), autofill data, authentication tokens, and more.

It can target browser extensions for various crypto wallets, including Exodus, Magic Eden, Crypto.com, and many others, and can pull data from sites such as Coinbase, Kraken, and PayPal. Finally, it can inject a DLL into running browser instances to bypass encryption mechanisms.

PSA Stealer is apparently being distributed through phishing emails and malicious landing pages. The malicious attachments contain a legitimate program (such as a PDF reader) and a weaponized DLL. The program sideloads the DLL, successfully deploying the malware while not raising any alarms.

More than 4,000 computers were infected with PSA Stealer in 62 countries, the two companies said, suggesting that the campaign is rather successful.

However, the attackers - who seem to be of Vietnamese origin - aren’t interested in using the stolen data themselves, and instead are selling it on the black market - in a Telegram group.

The majority of the victims are located in South Korea, the US, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Austria.

"Initially surfacing in late 2024, this threat has since matured into a highly evasive, multi-stage operation driven by Vietnamese-speaking actors with apparent ties to an organized cybercriminal Telegram-based marketplace that sells stolen victim data," the researchers explained. So far, more than 200,000 were stolen passwords, as well as hundreds of credit card information and more than four million cookies.

Via The Register

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The sweltering dog days of summer will soon be upon us in the northern hemisphere, and that means one thing: staying indoors with the fans blasting, curtains drawn, with one of the best streaming services pulled up on the TV.

While the cost of paying for every single streamer continues to steadily mount, with increased subscriptions biting deep into wallets everywhere, you can of course opt-out. Or, as it's known now; subscription hopping. Instead of holding subscriptions to every platform, pick and choose each month depending on what's available.

To help you figure out at least one of those, I've combed through the listings to see what's hot and what's not, and for August 2025? Hulu is toasty.

Why I want a Hulu subscription in August 2025

(Image credit: NBC)

I love Hulu. It's a platform I tend to keep *most* months due to its relationships with a lot of networks. Lots of current series drop weekly episodes on the platform from the likes of ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, CBS, and AMC and those same networks offer a glut of classic TV series, too.

So, before we're even contemplating the newer offerings for August, I'm happy with comfort watches like 2000s soap opera supreme, Desperate Housewives and classic comedy, Golden Girls.

For this month, Hulu is adding a whopping 104 new movies and 68 TV shows, but for me there is only one.

(Image credit: FX Networks)

Yep, it's Alien: Earth. I've remained cautiously optimistic about this show since it was first announced, even outlining lessons it could learn from Prometheus a few years back. This FX series hails from Fargo's Noah Hawley, and I could not be happier to see the return of the acid-blooded beasties in his hands. While Alien Romulus fell short for me, I hold out hope that this first small-screen foray into the world of Weyland-Yutani will remedy that.

Based on the tidbits released so far, the show takes place almost entirely….on earth, and delves into the history of the corporation behind the cinematic franchise. We'll meet the Yutani side of the business and discover an earth that's ripe with cyborgs, synthetics, and the newly-developed hybrids which combine human consciousness and humanoid robots. Oh, and the xenomorphs, of course. This reworking of the franchise sounds, on the surface, to be purposefully steering away from the Ripley-era of Alien – as the FX chief himself has stated – and focusing on a new cast of characters and environs. While that may be the case, I suspect the show will pack in plenty of easter eggs for die-hards.

The show premieres on Hulu (US) on August 12 and Disney+ (UK and Australia) with a two-episode drop, followed by single episodes each week. I cannot wait. Ahead of its release, you can catch up with the entire Alien film series also on Hulu and see how they stack up in my ranking of the franchise.

(Image credit: Touchstone Pictures / Amazon)

Elsewhere, the streamer boasts a slew of highly-rated movies this month and starts off August strong with quite the volume of feel-good comedy gold. 10 Things I Hate About You, Coyote Ugly (which just turned 25?!), The Devil Wears Prada, Old School, Practical Magic, The Proposal, Raising Arizona… the list goes on. This is the perfect line-up for the end of summer and they're all streaming now.

If you like your comedy bite-sized, then a title deserving of all the rewatches is of course Mike Judge and Greg Daniel's King of The Hill. Not only are all 13 original seasons streaming but the 14th season set in the present day dropped August 4.

As we head toward spooky season, you might want more genre-tinged vibes, and in that case, you're also in luck. August 1 finds Ready or Not joining the lineup as the sequel lands in cinemas next spring. Plenty of horror fans may need a refresher on the Radio Silence original before April. Also dropping at the start of the month are a couple of modern demonic possession flicks that are well worth a rewatch: Fede Alvarez's Evil Dead and The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

On the newer front, is Oz Perkins' blood-splattered The Monkey, which is the best Final Destination movie that's not a Final Destination movie, due to drop August 7. August 29 sees the release of Hell of A Summer, a camp-set slasher directed by and starring Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard. What's not to be excited for this month?

…and why I'm waving bye bye to Prime Video

Look, it's not dire straits over on Prime Video this month. Among its new line up for August, there lie a few gems. 30 Rock and Hannibal – two of the best TV shows ever made – are joining the roster, but what about NEW titles?

That's my rub with Prime Video. There's seldom any must-see new offerings that warrant a subscription fee. If you didn't catch Wolf Man during its stint on Peacock, maybe hold onto Prime Video? But I'd wait to see if that remains in September, when they might hopefully add some more exciting accompanying titles.

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• The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might be able to capture 47% more light than the S25 Ultra with its main camera
• This could massively improve low-light photos
• It might also support 60W charging

Two new leaks could spell good news for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, as they point to improvements to both the main camera and the phone's charging speed.

First up, leaker @UniverseIce claims that the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s primary camera will be able to capture 47% more light than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s, leading to “the biggest improvement in image quality in recent years”.

This is despite the phone reportedly having the same 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor as last year; instead, it's tipped to have a wider f/1.4 aperture (presumably thanks to a new lens).

A simple calculation shows that the amount of light entering the camera is increased by 47% compared to the S25 Ultra. https://t.co/YtX7xZ8bWrAugust 4, 2025

A wider aperture allows for more light, and the more light that can hit the sensor, the more detail it can capture – particularly in low-light photos. This should also help reduce noise in low-light shots.

This isn’t a completely new claim from @UniverseIce, but here they’ve gone into more detail than before, saying the exact aperture and increase in light capture. Of course, we’d take this with a pinch of salt until we’ve heard the same from more sources, but this leaker does have a good track record.

Faster charging but the same battery capacity

@UniverseIce also has more to say about the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In a recent post on Weibo (via Android Authority), they claim that the S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery with 60W charging.

That would mean the same battery capacity as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but charging power would be boosted from 45W. This also isn’t a new claim, but they’ve once again gone into more detail than before, adding that the phone will be capable of charging to 75% or 80% in half an hour.

That doesn’t sound bad, but it also doesn’t sound much, if any, better than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, they’ve added in a reply that this is official data, which can be “relatively conservative”, and that actual charging speeds could be closer to 90% in half an hour, which would be a bit faster than last year's best Samsung phone.

We’d take all of this with a pinch of salt, too, though, and we probably won’t know the official numbers for a while yet, as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is unlikely to land before early 2026.

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• Nvidia and board partners are reportedly set to drop RTX 5000 series GPU prices across online retailers
• This is supposedly due to low sales and oversupply, after months of price inflation
• This comes amid another rumor that suggests Nvidia will soon launch Super GPU models for the Blackwell lineup

Scalpers have been out of the discussion in the GPU market for a long while, since prices for Nvidia and AMD cards were marked up across multiple retailers – but it looks like this may become an issue again, amid good news for Team Green fans.

According to board channels on Chiphell, Nvidia and its board partners are reportedly set to reduce RTX 5000 series GPU prices as early as this month, due to 'low terminal sales' and 'oversupply'. It comes after rumors that Team Green will introduce Super GPU models for the RTX 5000 series later this holiday season.

Nvidia is yet to provide any confirmation on this. Still, there's a mixture of Founders Edition and board partner GPUs available across retailers such as Best Buy in the US and Scan in the UK – and notably, at original retail prices or lower, which lends some credibility to this Chiphell rumor.

It's been a slight contrast to the usual proceedings in the GPU market; typically, consumers are left to battle against scalpers to acquire new GPUs, but since inflation and tariffs have left prices at retailers skyrocketing, demand has been low – but if this report is legitimate, that may quickly change, once scalpers catch wind of lower retail prices.

Fortunately, Nvidia already has a solution to combat scalpers, which is its 'Verified Priority Access' scheme, allowing consumers to purchase new GPUs. However, it's a matter of whether it decides to use it on a wider scale, since it's mostly limited to certain regions.

(Image credit: NVIDIA)Analysis: the Verified Priority Access scheme is Nvidia's one-way ticket to get back in fans' good books

Again, the rumor regarding GPU price drops isn't confirmed, so nothing is set in stone, but if this is true, Nvidia would do best to use the buyer scheme to its full extent. While I don't think there's a way to completely defeat scalpers, I do think this is the ideal method to soften their impact.

The Verified Priority Access scheme allows those who have made an Nvidia account on or before a certain date (recently January 30), to gain a special invitation to purchase a Founders Edition GPU. This won't cover board partner GPUs, but it will at least give more consumers an opportunity for an upgrade.

I have no doubts that scalping will become a widespread issue again, and frankly, I'm surprised it hasn't already begun, since there are plenty of units at retail price available right now.

Fortunately, though, it'll be a great move by Team Green for its fans, as there's been plenty of criticism during its RTX 5000 series launch due to driver issues, missing specs on GPUs (specifically ROPs), and low availability.

It will be interesting to see how things pan out if prices begin to plummet even further, and I'd advise keeping an eye out on online retailers for any sudden developments.

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• ChatGPT is getting new well-being features
• Users will be encouraged to take breaks during long sessions
• OpenAI is consulting with health professionals

AI chatbots are now regularly being used for various types of emotional support – as therapists, for example, or as dating advisors – and OpenAI has announced new changes to its ChatGPT bot that should look after it users' health and well-being.

"To us, helping you thrive means being there when you're struggling, helping you stay in control of your time, and guiding – not deciding – when you face personal challenges," explains OpenAI in a new blog post.

Several new features are being rolled out to encourage healthier interactions, including "gentle reminders" during "long sessions" that will ask if you think it's time to take a break or you'd rather carry on chatting to the AI.

OpenAI also says ChatGPT is going to get better at spotting "signs of mental or emotional distress", and if they are detected, will guide users towards appropriate resources – rather than doing anything to make the situation worse.

High-stakes personal decisions

ChatGPT will now prompt you to take breaks (Image credit: OpenAI)

Users are posing important life questions such as 'should I break up with my boyfriend?' to AI these days – though it's not clear why they would think a Large Language Model would have anything insightful to say on the matter.

When these types of questions about "high-stakes personal decisions" crop up, OpenAI says, ChatGPT will refrain from giving direct answers. Instead, it will help users weigh up the pros and cons and think about what their options are.

In addition, OpenAI says it's speaking to experts in mental and physical health to better understand how to handle chats with people who could be in a vulnerable state of mind while they're interacting with ChatGPT.

These improvements are an ongoing work in progress, the blog post goes on to say, so you might not see all of these tweaks appear right away. In the meantime, we're awaiting the long-rumored launch of GPT-5, which could appear in the next few weeks.

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• Leaked renders show the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro from numerous angles
• These give us a clear look at the front and sides of these phones
• The Pixel 10 is pictured in a new Frost shade

At this point, we have a fairly good idea of what to expect from the design of the Google Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro, especially since Google itself has shown off both phones through a combination of intentional teasers and accidental leaks. So far, though, we’ve mostly been seeing the backs of the devices, but a new leak shows the front and sides too.

Android Headlines has shared renders of both the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro, in collaboration with @OnLeaks (a leaker with a great track record), some of which you can see below. While there’s little to say about the backs of these phones – since Google has already shown those off – there are some details elsewhere that are worth noting.

You can see, for example, that both devices have a punch-hole camera at the top of their respective flat screens, and that they also both have quite sizable bezels, with even the Pixel 10 Pro appearing to have larger bezels than, for instance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Image 1 of 2

A leaked render of the Google Pixel 10 (Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)Image 2 of 2

A leaker render of the Google Pixel 10 Pro (Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)

You can also see that both handsets have power and volume keys on the right edge, and no buttons on the left.

Colors and specs

The Pixel 10 Pro is shown in an Obsidian shade, but Android Headlines claims it will also be sold in Porcelain, Moonstone (a slate blue), and Jade, all of which matches up with previous leaks.

The Pixel 10 is shown in a new Frost shade, and while Android Headlines doesn’t list the other expected colors here, we’ve previously heard that it could additionally be sold in Obsidian, Indigo, and Limoncello (a greenish yellow).

Android Headlines has also included some specs, with the Google Pixel 10 said to have a 6.3-inch screen, a Tensor G5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10.8MP telephoto.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro apparently has a Tensor G5 chipset, 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and a 4,870mAh battery.

We’ll find out how accurate this all is soon, as Google is set to unveil the entire Pixel 10 line – which is expected to also include the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold – on August 20.

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• EA executive vice president Vince Zampella has confirmed that Battlefield 6 won't work on the Steam Deck
• He says there are other "non-Steam Deck handheld platforms that it will work on"
• There are no current plans to bring the game to Nintendo Switch 2

EA has confirmed that Battlefield 6 won't work on the Steam Deck, but that there are other PC handhelds on which the game will run on.

That's according to EA executive vice president Vince Zampella, who verified the lack of Steam Deck support in an interview with PCGamesN at the Battlefield 6 multiplayer reveal event, when asked about the game potentially running on PC gaming handhelds like Valve's console or the ASUS ROG Ally.

"It does not work on Steam Deck," Zampella said. "I think there are some non-Steam Deck handheld platforms that it will work on, probably, right? But I don't think, you know, it's probably not the best way to play the game."

Although the executive didn't offer a reason why the upcoming first-person shooter won't run on the Steam Deck, it's likely due to EA's anti-cheat software, which is incompatible with Linux.

In terms of the Nintendo Switch 2, Zampella also confirmed that EA doesn't have any current plans to bring Battlefield 6 to the latest console.

"We're not doing Switch yet," he said. "Well, I'm not saying we are. I'm just saying we're not considering it right now."

During the multiplayer reveal event, it was announced that Battlefield 6 will launch on October 10, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

There will also be an early access period beginning August 7-8, followed by open betas on August 9-10, then again on August 14-17.

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• YouTube is introducing AI age checks in the US to filter inappropriate content
• Machine learning will base decisions on searched videos and categories, among other criteria
• This announcement follows the recent blocking of YouTube in Australia for minors and restrictions on social media in the UK

YouTube has announced the introduction of AI-based checks to determine the age of viewers.

This news comes days after a complete ban on YouTube access for under-16s in Australia, and the introduction of age verification checks in the UK under the Online Safety Act.

Trialing the technology with a sample audience in the US, YouTube plans to expand it across the country, tailoring experiences based on the viewer’s age.

This doesn’t just mean blocking unsuitable content. Personalized advertising will also be disabled for children, while older viewers will be required to provide government-issued ID to confirm their age if the AI gets it wrong.

YouTube’s “built-in protections”

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In a blog post, Director of Product Management for YouTube Youth, James Beser, wrote that "machine learning age estimation" is being employed to protect teens on YouTube.

Distinguishing the new measures from previous incentives such as YouTube Kids and supervised accounts for teens, Beser explained that the platform would work towards presenting age-appropriate videos.

"Over the next few weeks, we’ll begin to roll out machine learning to a small set of users in the US to estimate their age, so that teens are treated as teens and adults as adults," said Beser.

Machine learning will record the searches and video categories, and the AI will make decisions based on these and other factors, including the age of the account.

"This technology will allow us to infer a user’s age and then use that signal, regardless of the birthday in the account, to deliver our age-appropriate product experiences and protections," Beser adds.

These protections include disabling personalized advertising when children are watching, and switching on digital wellbeing tools. (These currently include break reminders, daily timers, and even a bedtime reminder.) In addition, recommendations will be safeguarded, with blocks on some repeated content.

These measures would seem to be VPN-proof, too. There would be no point any government banning VPNs if the AI-based measures are universal and cannot be circumvented.

What's next?

Over the years, criticism of YouTube’s granular content controls has resulted in a subscription service (YouTube Kids), supervised accounts, and Google Family Link integration.

The timing of this announcement, following the decision to include YouTube in Australia’s under-16s social media ban, cannot be a coincidence.

After all, it looks like this is not just a US-only endeavor. “We are now bringing it to the US, and as we make progress, we’ll roll it out in other markets,” Beser writes.

Considering recent events, the UK would seem to be high on that list of markets, followed by key EU nations imposing age verification measures.

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• Big Sleep AI-powered vulnerability hunter built by DeepMind and Project Zero
• The first batch of 20 vulnerabilities it has spotted have been announced
• Details are under wraps to give devs time to patch them

Google's AI-powered tool designed to find bugs, Big Sleep, has reported its first batch of 20 security vulnerabilities in open source software.

Developed by AI and security teams from Google's DeepMind and Project Zero, the first vulnerabilities were found in the likes of FFmpeg and ImageMagick, however details of those vulnerabilities remain undisclosed until they have been patched.

Google says Big Sleep marks a significant step forward in app security, with AI capable of autonomously uncovering and reporting vulnerabilities more effectively than human security workers.

Big Sleep digs up the dirt on open source software bugs

Each of the 20 bugs was found and reproduced autonomously by Big Sleep, though Google notes that a human expert does review the findings before making reports public - with human review important to temper worries over false positives or hallucinated bugs by ensuring the issues are worthy of being reported to their respective developers.

Finer details like CVE IDs, technical explanations and proofs of concept are withheld for now under Google's 90-day policy to give developers time to patch the vulnerabilities without attackers getting in first.

"By November 2024, Big Sleep was able to find its first real-world security vulnerability, showing the immense potential of AI to plug security holes before they impact users," President of Global Affairs Kent Walker boasted in a blog post.

VP for Security Engineering, Heather Adkins, announced the news in an X post: "Today as part of our commitment to transparency in this space, we are proud to announce that we have reported the first 20 vulnerabilities discovered using our AI-based "Big Sleep" system powered by Gemini."

Google keeps a full list of vulnerabilities, which currently includes the first 20, separated into high, medium and low impact issues.

Google plans a full technical briefing at the upcoming Black Hat USA and DEF CON 33 events, and will donate anonymized training data to the Secure AI Framework so other researchers can benefit from the tech.

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• A limited edition 8BitDo controller celebrating Rare's 40th anniversary has been spotted at Amazon
• The blue/yellow gamepad features emblems from the developer's most iconic titles
• It's revealed shortly after the cancellation of Everwild, which would've been the studio's next big game

It's definitely been a trying year for Rare, but there is at least something to shout about for fans of the legendary Twycross-based developer in the form of a limited edition 8BitDo controller.

This 8BitDo Ultimate controller for Xbox consoles and PC has been spotted over at Amazon (via Eurogamer), and is intended to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary. No release date has been revealed yet, and it seems like it'll only be available to US audiences at present.

It's definitely one of the nicest limited edition 8BitDo controllers to date, featuring a blue and yellow color scheme reminiscent of the developer's logo. It's also emblazoned with iconography from some of its most renowned titles, including Sea of Thieves and Banjo-Kazooie. There's even a banana there as a cheeky nod to the Donkey Kong Country series as well as Donkey Kong 64.

If you're unfamiliar with the 8BitDo controller, it's a bit of a revelation in the third-party gamepad space. It features Hall effect thumbsticks made to combat drift, two remappable buttons for secondary inputs, and a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless connectivity.

The 8BitDo Ultimate also includes a charging dock in the box, for a clever and easy way to keep the pad topped up. I consider it to be one of the best Xbox controllers and best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market today.

I can't help but feel bittersweet about the reveal of this controller, though. While Sea of Thieves is a tremendous game and continues to enjoy a dedicated player base, Rare's 40th year hasn't exactly been smooth-sailing.

The developer's next game, Everwild, was recently canceled. This is in spite of comments from Xbox boss Phil Spencer back in February of this year, where he claimed the game's development was progressing. Rare also created the Perfect Dark series, an immersive sim-esque reboot of which was also shuttered along with its developer The Initiative amidst another round of Xbox Game Studios layoffs.

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Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 will launch next week, adding a brand new Hero into the mix, and refreshing Competitive Mode ranks and rewards. We've now had the full reveal on what's set to change, including details on Blade, the new Team Ups, and all incoming buffs and nerfs.

What's new in Marvel Rivals?

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals will be launching into Season 3.5 later this week, and NetEase has shared the full roadmap for the new update. Looks like we'll be getting a new event alongside the launch of Season 3.5, and can look forward to skins for Peni Parker, Scarlet Witch, and Iron Man in the future. For full info on what's set to be added on August 8, visit our Marvel Rivals patch notes guide.

In my Marvel Rivals review, I praised the game's huge suite of Heroes, and the surprising amount of depth found when trying out each one. With Season 3.5, there's set to be another Hero added, as well as an overhaul to the roadmap. Since its launch, Marvel Rivals has changed quite a bit, adding smart changes to Competitive Mode while giving players something to work toward. It's consistent updates like this that make Marvel Rivals a worthy inclusion in our best PC Games of 2025 list.

Here's everything you need to know about the next season of Marvel Rivals, including when the current one ends, and what to expect from the new Heroes that are being added. As release day draws nearer, I'll update this page with all of the latest news and info.

When is the next season of Marvel Rivals?

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 will launch following downtime that's planned for August 8, 2025. This is according to recent info given by NetEase alongside the full reveal of Season 3.5.

When does the current season of Marvel Rivals end?

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 3 will end on August 8 at 5AM EDT / 2AM PDT / 10AM BST, for a few hours of downtime before the launch of the new season. Keep an eye on the official Marvel Rivals website for any changes.

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 new Team Up changes

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 brings in a bunch of new Team Ups, while removing existing ones. The first new one adds Luna Snow and Adam Warlock, unlocking powerful synergistic healing. Here's what changed:

• Duality Dance: Luna Snow, Adam Warlock (NEW)
• Vibrant Vitality: Mantis, Groot, Loki (NEW)
• Ever-Burning Bond: Human Torch, Spider-Man (Balance Changes)
• Atlas Bond: Luna Snow, Iron Fist (Removed)
• Guardian Revival: Adam Warlock, Star Lord, Mantis (Removed)
• Chilling Assault: Luna Snow, Hawkeye, Iron Fist (Iron Fist added)
• Lunar Force: Cloak & Dagger, Moon Knight, Blade (Blade added)
• Ragnarok Rebirth: Hela, Loki, Thor (Loki adjusted)
• Rocket Network: Peni Parker, Rocket Raccoon, Star Lord (Star Lord added)

Marvel Rivals latest Hero balancing changes

In the Developer Vision video you can view above, some general balance updates applied to Marvel Rivals alongside the latest seasonal update are explained in full. We've collected the key points in the list below:

• Hero balancing (buffs): Star Lord, Iron Fist, Spider-Man, Dr Strange, Groot, Thor, Adam Warlock,
• Hero Balancing (nerfs): Black Panther, Wolverine, Magneto, Mantis, Cloak & Dagger
• New Hero schedule: One per month from Season 3 onwards
• New mode: Resource Rumble
• Maps: Throne of Knull
• Competitive Mode: New ranked rewards, increased penalties for quitting, point compensation
• Misc: Voice-Chat monitoring, text chat filtering, shader compilation changes

Marvel Rivals Blade

Blade is the main Hero being added for Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. He's a Duelist that wields a shotgun and a sword. He can use the sword to block incoming damage, and has an arcing leap ability to close the distance. His Ultimate ability deals massive damage over a large area with the sword.

Marvel Rivals next season FAQWho was the last Hero to be added to Marvel Rivals?

Phoenix was the last Hero to be added to Marvel Rivals. She's a ranged Duelist that deals great burst damage with flaming attacks. She has a dash to escape diving enemies, and her Ultimate is great for clearing the battlefield of support items like spider-mines, Loki clones, and Rocket revive hubs.

Who are the next characters coming to Marvel Rivals?

The next Hero that'll be added to Marvel Rivals is Blade. Beyond that we don't know who's set to arrive in Season 4, though we only have a month to wait now.

What season is Marvel Rivals in?

Marvel Rivals is currently in Season 3. This started on July 11, and should run through to August 8. We'll then be in Season 3.5.

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When I first started as an engineer in the semiconductor industry, we worked on pretty boring electronics. Laptops, portable phones, gaming computers – not the most exciting stuff by today’s standards. Then some smart engineer on the U.S. West Coast took a portable mobile phone and a portable computer, stuffed them into each other and called it a smartphone. It’s basically a data display device. And we were super proud of our smartphones.

And when these data display devices were combined with big storage and big compute in the cloud, well that’s what enabled an on-demand world. A world that allows us to order whatever we want with only a couple of clicks.

Now, after decades of technology advancements, we are moving from an on-demand world, to one that anticipates our needs and automates to address them. In this world an ever-growing number of connected systems – cars, smart homes, factory floor sensors, healthcare devices – process data right where it’s captured.

At the intelligent edge, manual devices transform into autonomous and responsible robots. These robots will be powered by engineering innovations, new design processes, and advances in sensors and AI.

What can we expect in this new world? Think about this for a minute. Over the next few decades, our homes will be able to predict maintenance needs, keep our families safe, and even order food for the fridge. Sound more like dream than reality? I am telling you - it is not. And it’s more than just our homes. Driving will be entirely automated too, and cars themselves will be convenience spaces where you can relax or work while you ride.

This intelligent world is closer than you think. But how will we get there?

Creating our digital twins

One of the most important steps toward autonomous and responsible robots has been underway for decades: the creation of digital twins. These are virtual models of physical objects, located within the cloud. For an individual, that might be the state of your health, wealth, and your physical presence. It also applies to homes, businesses, hospitals, and even cars.

But simply digitizing the physical world will only take us so far. We need to enable this digital world to reach out to its physical counterpart. In doing so, these digital twins will be able to connect with each other, optimize and learn from each other. Then, and this is the critical part, they apply that knowledge in the real world. Only once we achieve this, can autonomous robots truly become a reality.

From manual machines to autonomous robots

We need to enable machines to sense, think, connect, and act in our physical world. And what is most important, we need to make sure they always do so responsibly – with safety and security at the core of everything they do. Because you will never hand over control to a robot that you do not trust.

Largely, building acting machines has been achieved over the past 140 years. These machines have just always required a human to provide input or oversight. More recently, connectivity challenges have been solved in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now our real challenges lie in enabling machines to sense and think.

The automotive industry is a clear example of where we’ve fallen short here so far. Around 2016, everyone thought that self-driving cars were around the corner. Theoretically, we had the technology to make them work. Yet fully autonomous driving still remains out of reach. So, what went wrong?

The gap between the autonomous driving future that was predicted, and today’s reality comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of AI systems. We thought that simply having an AI system that’s trained on how we drive would be enough.

It’s like expecting to be able to hand the keys to your teenager and letting them drive simply because they’d been in the car with you for years. In the real world, people need to train and pass deterministic tests before they are given a driver’s license. That layer of trust, safety, and security is what was missing.

Enabling the brain shift

To get the safety and security part right, today’s AI (the brain of the robot) requires a new approach. And where better to look for inspiration than the human brain itself.

Our brains are largely broken into three areas: the cerebrum facilitates perception, the cerebellum coordinates action and vital functions, and the brain stem regulates real time functions and powers reflexes. For humans, all of these are crucial. But for robots, it depends on their use.

Back to the autonomous car example, the highest priority is function and safety. For this, we need reflexes and coordination in conjunction with sensors. For a self-driving car, that translates at a base level to functional and safe power management and a real-time neural information transportation system.

Or in other words, reliable Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) and processors that can handle all the information that comes in from a vast array of sensors.

Beyond that, you need modular software building blocks. This is because it’s software that defines how autonomous vehicles function. Having pre-built blocks of software also means that production can be adapted even at scale.

If you’ve got building blocks for compute, networking, power management, and more, you can minimize the time spent on basic functionality. With that, you can invest more effort into bringing products to market or solving difficult challenges.

While self-driving cars are the most familiar example today, this brain shift taking place is laying the groundwork for other intelligent machines in the future.

Building on intelligent foundations

Re-engineering the robot brain is important, but it’s not only thing needed for a world that anticipates and automates. We also need ongoing improvements to sensors, along with a common language to enable interoperability across these robots. These are all areas where we are making rapid progress: with high-resolution radar, ultra-wideband signals, and the Matter standard to name just a few innovations.

A better world built around autonomous and proactive robots might feel like a concept from science fiction. But if you look at the advances making our vehicles, our homes and our factories smarter and safer today, it’s clear we’re laying the right foundations.

We have kicked the door open towards a world that anticipates and automates – now industry players, academia, researchers, engineers, and policy makers have the chance to bring this “robot awakening” to reality – and create a truly intelligent and trusted future.

We list the best Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software.

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

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) took effect on June 28, 2025, introducing new legal requirements for digital accessibility across the European Union (EU).

A 2024 WebAIM study found that 97% of the world’s leading websites do not currently meet compliance standards. The EAA applies to companies providing digital products and services in the EU, regardless of where they are based. This means businesses in the US, Asia and elsewhere will also need to ensure compliance.

Many companies are unprepared because accessibility is not seen as a priority. According to a recent Storyblok report, 18.5% of surveyed companies were completely unaware of the EAA, and 16% had not yet started making necessary changes. Even among those that have knowledge of the EAA, only a quarter feel fully prepared.

A lack of resources, technical complexity and low awareness at the leadership level contribute to the slow pace of progress. Accessibility is also often treated as a compliance issue rather than an integral part of digital strategy, which leads to delays in implementation.

Failure to comply

Failing to comply with the EAA comes with financial and operational risks. Fines range from €5,000 to €20,000 per violation, with additional penalties for ongoing non-compliance. Businesses that do not meet the requirements may also face reputational damage, loss of customers and restrictions on selling products or services in the EU.

Putting aside the legal implications, it’s worth remembering that accessibility affects a significant portion of the population, with more than 135 million people in the EU living with some form of disability. Companies that do not address accessibility risk excluding a substantial number of potential customers.

Businesses do not need to overhaul their entire IT infrastructure overnight, but they do need to start making changes. Conducting an accessibility audit is a good first step. Websites and digital products should be tested against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards.

While automated tools like Lighthouse and Axe can help flag common issues, manual testing is also necessary. Involving users who rely on assistive technologies provides valuable insight into usability challenges.

Improving accessibility

A headless content management system (CMS) can also make accessibility improvements easier. Separating content from design allows businesses to implement accessibility features consistently across different platforms without needing to redo everything from scratch. Companies should also prioritize smaller, manageable updates such as adding alternative text to images, improving color contrast and ensuring keyboard navigation works correctly while planning more extensive updates in the long term.

Employee training is critical. Accessibility needs to be embedded into company culture and everyday business processes. Regular training ensures that developers, designers and content creators understand best practices and apply them in their work. Compliance teams should also keep up with regulatory updates, as accessibility requirements will continue to develop.

Beyond compliance

Beyond compliance, accessibility offers a business advantage. Research from Storyblok shows that 69% of companies recognize accessibility as a way to improve customer experience and engagement. Digital products designed with accessibility in mind tend to be more user-friendly for everyone, not just those with disabilities. Investing in accessibility now can also prepare businesses for future technological developments, such as voice search and AI-driven user interfaces, which will benefit from inclusive design.

A common misconception is that improving accessibility means starting from scratch. In reality, small changes can have a big impact. Adding captions to videos, ensuring text descriptions for all non-text content and enabling text resizing without loss of functionality are straightforward but effective adjustments. Keyboard accessibility is another critical aspect, as many users rely on keyboards or alternative input devices to navigate digital interfaces.

Businesses that prioritize accessibility often see direct commercial gains. For example, retailers that optimize their websites for accessibility have reported increased conversions, as customers with disabilities, often an underserved market, find it easier to complete transactions. Financial institutions that improve accessibility features in online banking have seen an increase in customer retention and trust. The demand for inclusive digital experiences is growing and organizations that act now can establish themselves as leaders in this space.

Increasing scrutiny

Regulatory bodies are also increasing scrutiny on compliance. In some countries, lawsuits related to web accessibility have surged, with high-profile cases leading to costly settlements. Large companies have faced legal action for failing to provide accessible digital experiences and these cases are expected to become more common as awareness grows. For multinational businesses, aligning with accessibility standards is not just about meeting the minimum EU requirements but also establishing best practices that will serve them globally.

There is no time to waste. The transition period before enforcement is running out and businesses that wait until the last-minute risk rushed implementations that may still fall short of compliance. Accessibility should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. Regular audits, user testing and engagement with accessibility experts can help companies stay on track and adapt to future regulations.

Technology also continues to develop and businesses that embed web accessibility into their digital strategies will be better positioned for emerging innovations. AI-driven accessibility tools, voice interfaces and adaptive design techniques are transforming how users interact with digital content. Organizations that invest in accessibility now will be better prepared for these shifts making digital services easier to use across a wider range of users and devices.

Investing in accessibility

Organizations that take a structured approach - starting with audits, implementing incremental improvements and investing in accessibility training will be in a stronger position to comply with regulations and serve a wider audience.

Accessibility should be treated like any other core compliance risk: it needs clear ownership, regular reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with developers, designers, and legal teams will help surface issues early and prevent gaps in future projects. Waiting until next year is likely to mean rushed fixes and greater exposure. Building the right internal processes now will reduce that risk and make ongoing compliance more manageable.

Compliance professionals must act decisively. The EAA is a fundamental shift in how digital services must be designed and delivered. Failing to act in time could expose organizations to legal scrutiny, increased litigation risks and potential exclusion from key markets. Regulators will not view accessibility failures as minor oversights but as breaches of consumer rights.

Key Takeaways

Compliance teams should take a proactive approach, conducting thorough risk assessments to identify where their digital services fall short. Establishing internal policies and governance frameworks will be critical, ensuring accessibility is embedded into all future development work. Training employees, integrating accessibility checks into procurement processes and working closely with IT and legal teams will help organizations maintain compliance beyond the 2025 deadline.

Meeting accessibility standards requires sustained effort. Ongoing updates, oversight and accountability are essential to remain compliant over time. Businesses that prioritize it now will meet regulatory demands but, more importantly, position themselves as leaders in ethical and responsible digital practices.

Key Takeaways:

1.Businesses operating in the EU must comply, regardless of where they are based.

2.A lack of awareness, technical challenges, and limited resources are common barriers.

3.Non-compliance carries financial penalties and reputational risks. It can also limit market access within the EU.

4.Practical steps, such as accessibility audits, CMS updates and staff training, can help businesses meet requirements.

5.Improving accessibility benefits all users and makes digital platforms more user-friendly. It is a long-term investment, not just a compliance issue.

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

Security operations are under pressure from all sides. Threats are faster, attack surfaces are expanding, and demands on people and tools continue to grow. At the center of it all, one constant holds: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) remains a cornerstone of the modern SOC. According to a recent 2025 Security Operations Insights Report, nine in ten security and IT leaders still consider SIEM essential to safeguarding their organizations.

This underscores a core truth: SIEM isn’t outdated. It’s indispensable. But like any critical system, it must adapt to meet today’s realities and tomorrow’s risks.

The future of SIEM isn’t about ripping and replacing the industry itself. It’s about reimagining how it can better serve security teams, moving from static log aggregation and reactive alerts to intelligent automation, real-time insight, and proactive defense. The shift is already underway with AI as the catalyst. It’s changing not only what SIEM platforms can do, but how teams interact with them day to day.

The limitations of traditional SIEM

SIEM emerged in response to the industry demand for centralized visibility and log correlation across digital environments, enabling teams to sift through overwhelming event data and generate alerts in early-generation SOCs. And while first-generation SIEM delivered many improvements to SecOps, it has long struggled with more sophisticated capabilities like real-time analysis and alert accuracy.

Over time, these shortcomings have intensified. Security teams receive thousands of alerts per day across countless services, and nearly half of those alerts remain uninvestigated due to their volume and talent scarcity. Workflows are fragmented, triage is time-consuming, and teams are forced to manually gather context across disparate tools.

These daily pressures are contributing to widespread burnout and fatigue across the cybersecurity workforce, costing U.S. enterprises over $600 million in lost productivity each year. The result is slower detection, delayed response, and greater risk exposure.

This points to a growing disconnect between what SIEM delivers and what organizations need. While the core concept behind SIEM remains essential, most tools today fall short of delivering the speed, scalability and intelligence required to defend today’s digital environments. The Security Operations Insights Report also found that, of the security and IT leaders that view SIEM as relevant, three-fourths are actively considering alternatives.

The case for Intelligent SecOps

The growing strain on security teams has made one thing clear: SIEM platforms have an opportunity to evolve into a service that realistically supports the needs and environments that teams work in today. Intelligent SecOps represents this shift: a model where the core principles of SIEM are preserved, but transformed through AI, automation and cloud-native scale.

According to the same survey, 90% of security leaders see AI as an extremely or very important factor in their decision to adopt a new security solution. These leaders are looking for tools that not only collect data, but help them act on it – faster, smarter, and with greater context.

1. Smarter Triage: Less Noise, More Signal

AI models help reduce false positives by continuously learning from threat intelligence, analyst feedback and environmental patterns. By enriching and prioritizing alerts, these systems elevate the most actionable signals, helping teams focus on the threats that truly matter.

2. Automated Investigations and Contextual Enrichment

Modern SIEM platforms powered by AI offer more than detection. Rather, they automate early-stage investigations by enriching alerts with context, mapping related events and visualizing likely attack paths. Assistive tools like AI copilots can surface key insights instantly, reducing manual work and accelerating decision-making.

3. Proactive Threat Detection with Behavioral Analytics

AI tools enable behavior-based detection that goes beyond static rules or known indicators. By identifying deviations from normal patterns across users, endpoints and applications, these systems surface stealthy or evolving threats. Integrated frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK help contextualize behaviors and link them to known adversary tactics.

4. Accelerated Response Through Automation

With enriched alerts and intelligent correlation, teams can move faster from detection to containment. AI-powered workflows and playbooks enable automated responses, such as isolating hosts or disabling credentials, reducing the window of exposure and freeing analysts to focus on strategic analysis.

5. Cross-Environment Correlation and Real-Time Normalization

As digital environments stretch across cloud, on-prem and SaaS, AI helps normalize and correlate telemetry in real-time, surfacing threats that span infrastructure boundaries. This eliminates blind spots and supports unified investigation across an increasingly complex attack surface.

SIEM as a strategic partner

As threats grow more dynamic and resources remain constrained, the tools security teams rely on must become more than just dashboards. They must become intelligent partners. The evolution toward Intelligent SecOps is not just a technology upgrade. It’s a shift in how teams work, how they scale and how they think about risk. It reflects a broader change in mindset, away from reactive firefighting and toward resilient, intelligence-led operations.

The SOCs of tomorrow will not be defined by how many alerts they generate, but by how intelligently and efficiently they respond. AI-powered SIEM is at the heart of that move towards Intelligent SecOps, bringing clarity to chaos and action to insight.

We've listed the best Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software.

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

• New images claim to show the iPhone 17 Air’s battery
• It looks to be about half the width of the iPhone 17 Pro’s battery
• Apple is reportedly working on advanced battery tech for the device

The iPhone 17 Air could be one of the best iPhones in many years, and with just a month until Apple is expected to unveil it, details and specifications have started to leak out. The latest rumor concerns the phone’s battery, and it raises some important questions about Apple’s slimline device.

As the name suggests, the iPhone 17 Air is tipped to be the thinnest iPhone in recent memory. That means it’s going to need a super-svelte battery on the inside, and that’s exactly what new images from Korean blog site Naver appear to detail.

There, leaker yeux1122 posted two images showing what they purport to be the iPhone 17 Air’s battery. In the first picture, the leaked battery is compared to one from the iPhone 17 Pro, with yeux1122 claiming that the former is just 2.49mm thick. Judging it by eye, it looks to be about half the width of the iPhone 17 Pro’s battery, which itself was leaked just a few days ago.

Battery capacity versus battery life

(Image credit: yeux1122)

Clearly, cutting down the battery dimensions is necessary in a phone as slim as the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be. But that’s not the only consideration for Apple: it will need to ensure that the longevity of the battery is not negatively impacted by its size.

A previous leak from yeux1122 claimed that the iPhone 17 Air’s battery would have a 2,800mAh capacity. That’s notably less than the 3,582mAh battery in the iPhone 16 Pro and well below the 4,685mAh battery you’ll find in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the iPhone 17 Air will have poor battery life – after all, much of it comes down to how demanding the hardware and software are, and Apple is traditionally very good at optimizing these to eke out more battery life – something it’s rumored to be doing in iOS 26.

Also, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously claimed that Apple will use a “high-density” battery, while other rumors have pointed towards Apple using a new kind of advanced battery tech in the iPhone 17 Air.

Right now, this is all hearsay, and we won’t know for sure how well the iPhone 17 Air’s battery will perform until the device goes on sale in September. Despite its supposedly ultra-thin dimensions, it might still post respectable battery numbers – but all we can do for now is wait for further news and leaks to emerge.

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• Google just showed off its forthcoming Pixel 10 in a fresh teaser
• The 30-second advertisement not-so-subtly takes aim at Apple delaying the new Siri
• It tells the viewer to "Ask more of your phone."

We’re just 16 days away from Google showing off its Pixel 10 family alongside some other devices, and a new teaser gave us a fresh look at the smartphone, but also a reminder from the tech giant.

Alongside some sneaky shots of the left and right side as well as a nearly full reveal of the rear of a Pixel 10, including the fact that the ‘camera bar’ is sticking around whether you like it or not, Google writes, “Ask more of your phone.”

It’s a common theme of the teaser advertisement dubbed “Google Pixel 10 | Soon” and not so casually calls out Apple over its delay in rolling out the AI-powered Siri. While the advertisement doesn’t mention Apple, the narration kicks things off by saying, “If you buy a new phone because of a feature that’s coming soon…” It goes on to remind the viewer that if you’re still waiting over a year for it, how you define ‘soon’ could very well change.

And on Instagram, where Google shared it from several handles, it invites us to "Get outside your comfort phone". It's clever, I'll give them that.

Google is likely hoping that you’ll get the hint swiftly and switch to a Pixel 10 or one of its other new devices. Not so subtly, the backing track to this 30-second teaser is an instrumental version of “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre.

Of course, it highlights that the most recent Pixel 9 family – 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold – all came with a bounty of AI software and features available out of the box. These devices, which all feature Google’s Gemini AI models, let you take group photos with fewer hands, and all come bundled with a very capable assistant. These phones can also search what’s on your screen – Circle to Search – and have a new tool called Pixel Screenshots.

(Image credit: Google)

Apple originally announced all of its AI features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella in June of 2024, shipped the iPhone 16 family, which was built for Apple Intelligence, in September of 2024, and then launched the first set of those features back in October of 2025.

In the Spring of 2025, Apple announced a delay in the AI-powered Siri. In an interview with TechRadar’s Editor-at-Large, Lance Ulanoff, Apple’s Craig Federighi explained the delay, noting that it was taking a bit longer and was expected to be resolved next year.

Apple has since been a little more transparent on this, with Tim Cook noting on the Q4 earnings call that the teams are making good progress and that it should be set to ship next year, in 2026. Even so, that’s a long wait for the AI-powered Siri, one that many were hoping to get their hands on – myself and many of my colleagues included.

(Image credit: Google)

With Google setting the stage for its device unveil on August 20, 2025, which is likely several weeks before Apple sets a ‘special event’ to show off the iPhone 17 family, it seems that team Pixel just wants to get ahead and poke some fun at the same time.

Google is set to unveil these new devices – we’re expecting the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL – just weeks after Samsung dropped the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. According to leaked pricing, though, Google might be holding steadfast without increasing the cost for its main phones – that’ll be a delight to our wallets.

We’re also not expecting a drastic redesign for the Pixel 10 family, maybe a few new colors, but the modern look that Google ushered in with the Pixel 9 is likely here to stay, with this teaser basically confirming it. Even so, though, it’s likely Google has a new silicon Tensor processor powering these and some impressive AI features in the pipeline.

Considering there’s still over two weeks before Google’s event, I’d be surprised if we don’t see some more teasers. Let’s just see how direct they get, and if Google opts for a change in artist for the music accompanying them.

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• Micron 9650 SSD reaches 28GB/s, but it’s strictly for data centers, not consumers
• Liquid cooling in SSDs is no longer hypothetical, and Micron just made it standard
• The 7600 SSD delivers ultra-low latency, yet it still depends on how workloads behave in reality

Micron has introduced what it describes as, “the world’s first PCIe Gen6 data center SSD,” with claims of as-yet-unmatched performance tailored for modern AI workloads.

The 9650 SSD reportedly hits sequential read speeds of up to 28 GB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 14 GB/s.

However, it comes in industrial-grade E3.S and E1.S form factors, making it incompatible with standard desktop PCs, limiting its direct accessibility to broader consumer markets.

Designed for performance but constrained by form factor

This new model targets high-intensity AI environments, offering 5.5 million IOPS in random read performance and up to 900K IOPS for random writes.

Micron’s 9650 improves on Gen5 SSDs with up to 25% and 67% greater energy efficiency for random writes and reads.

It also incorporates liquid cooling options for dense server configurations, and its reduced power draw and emissions support both performance gains and sustainability efforts in data centers.

“With the industry’s first PCIe Gen6 SSD, industry-leading capacities and the lowest latency mainstream SSD - all powered by our first-to-market G9 NAND—Micron is not just setting the pace; we are redefining the frontier of data center innovation,” said Jeremy Werner, senior vice president and general manager of Micron’s Core Data Center Business Unit.

While these specifications may sound impressive on paper, the real test will be in sustained, real-world workloads under diverse operating conditions.

Several vendors have highlighted its potential in supporting inference pipelines and retrieval-augmented generation, suggesting the 9650 could serve as a key infrastructure component for GPU-based servers.

Still, wider adoption will likely hinge on pricing, reliability, and actual ecosystem integration.

Alongside the 9650, Micron also unveiled its 7600 SSD based on PCIe Gen5 and the Micron 6600 ION SSD, which focuses on capacity.

The 7600 claims to deliver sub-1 millisecond latency on demanding database applications like RocksDB.

With read speeds reaching 12 GB/s, the 7600 outperforms existing Gen5 SSDs in metrics such as random writes and energy efficiency.

But the claims of having the fastest SSD must be balanced against actual deployment flexibility and sustained workload performance.

“Micron’s cutting-edge storage technologies showcase the importance of fast, efficient storage as AI workloads continue to redefine infrastructure requirements,” said Raghu Nambiar, corporate vice president, Data Center Ecosystems and Solutions, AMD.

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• A leaked render of the DJI Mini 5 Pro seems to reveal the drone's design
• A separate image of the box may have also revealed its specs
• The leaks hint at a 1-inch sensor and LiDAR-powered autofocus

The DJI Mini 5 Pro seems unlikely to hit its previously-rumored August 7 launch date, but fans of tiny drones have at least been given some solace in the form of two big leaks – and they hint at a little flying camera that could be worth waiting a little longer for.

Firstly, a render of the rumored successor to one of the world's best drones was shared on the Discord channel for Drone-Hacks, giving us what could be our first look at the drone.

If the image is correct, the Mini 5 Pro will look very similar to its Mini 4 Pro predecessor, aside from a larger camera module and the inclusion of two forward-facing LiDAR sensors for improved obstacle avoidance.

That LiDAR-powered feature has previously appeared on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S, but this would be the first time we've seen it on a Mini series drone – and it could be particularly useful if you fly in low light.

Mini 5 Pro leaked render! The leak didn’t come from our team, some beta tester shared a picture on the public Discord. Thanks for the credit tho! #Mini5Pro https://t.co/LV1eQJCYKDAugust 3, 2025

Even more revealing is the potential list of specs, shared by @JasperEllens and DroneXL. According to some leaked packaging, the DJI Mini 5 Pro will have a 1-inch image sensor – up from the 1/1.3-inch chip on the Mini 4 Pro – and be capable of shooting 4K/120fps footage, another slight boost from its predecessor's 4K/100fps mode.

Elsewhere, there's the promise of a "high quality 48mm med-tele mode", which will presumably be similar to the one that recently arrived on the DJI Pocket 3, thanks to a firmware update. This is effectively a 'lossless' crop mode that can be handy if you need a bit more reach.

The leak also promises a 36-minute flight time, which would be a slight boost on the claimed 34 minutes managed by the Mini 4 Pro (or 45 minutes, if you shell out for the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which isn't available in the EU).

The big question

(Image credit: DJI)

While those Mini 5 Pro specs sound very promising indeed – and could make me consider upgrading my Mini 3 Pro drone – there is one slightly worrying omission from the box and specs sheet.

Usually, there's a "less than 249g" tag accompanying the "ultra-light and foldable" description on a Mini series box. That isn't there this time, at least not on the leaked packaging.

Does this mean the Mini 5 Pro could be the first in the series to exceed that crucial weight? In many regions, including the US and UK, a sub-250g weight is a selling point because flying regulations are more relaxed. For example, in the Open A1 category in the UK, you can fly over strangers (but not crowds) without needing any extra permission.

There is a chance that the Mini 5 Pro's new tech (bigger camera, LiDAR sensors, perhaps new motors) have pushed it over the weight limit, but I'd be surprised if that was the case.

The whole selling point of the Mini series has been that they offer advanced camera tech in a bundle that's barely bigger than a camera lens, and also ducks under that crucial weight barrier. I love my DJI Mini 3 Pro for all of those reasons, so a new model that doesn't tick all of the same boxes wouldn't have the same appeal.

Unfortunately, it appears the Mini 5 Pro has been postponed from its previously rumored launch date, so we may have to wait a while longer to see it – and to find out if it'll actually go on sale in the US.

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• Areas of Russia are experiencing mobile internet blackouts
• These are said to be necessary to combat Ukrainian drone attacks
• Many believe the blackouts may be a crack down on digital rights

Amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, technology has been a crucial point of leverage for both sides, with technological infrastructure like telecoms and mobile internet services targeted in disruptive offensives aimed at weakening the other side - even leading to Russia shutting down its own internet services in the name of national security.

A new report by non-profit Russian Internet Protection Society has outlined a record breaking 2,000 mobile internet service shutdowns in July, pointing to a dramatic increase in digital restrictions - and rights groups say that many of the blackouts don’t appear to be related to any threat.

Russian authorities have blocked the advertising of VPNs and Cloudflare subnets in a large-scale crackdown on digital rights. Platforms like Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, and even Duolingo are all inaccessible without a VPN.

Drone attacks blamed

These blackouts have a serious impact on life in parts of Russia and cut off access to things like maps, banking applications, buying fuel, or even communicating with loved ones - with talks of blocking WhatsApp suggesting the state pushing citizens onto highly monitored, government controlled messaging services.

Russia has cited a need to prevent and defend against Ukrainian drone attacks, but not everyone is convinced by this explanation. The economic losses from these disruptions are estimated by watchdogs to be around 26 billion rubles ($290 million) in July alone - and rural areas are left isolated.

Dmitry Gudkov, a former MP and co-founder of the Center for Analysis and Strategy in Europe told Le Monde that authorities are ‘gradually restricting freedoms’ through these outages;

"They are acclimating society to life without the internet. The day they need to cut the mobile network, for instance to stifle protests, they'll know they can do it."

Via: The Record

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• Samsung's Flip 7 went through an extreme durability test
• Its outer screen is hardy, but the inner screen is easily scratched and burnt
• It couldn't be snapped in half by hand, however

Our phone testing is very rigorous, but we focus on what a regular person would get out of the gadget and if it’s better or worse than the competition at the same price; we don’t routinely set fire to phone screens, bathe gadgets in dirt, or attempt to scratch every surface with a knife – but that’s what one tester has done to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

In an extreme durability test, which you’ll find several of on his YouTube channel, JerryRigEverything seriously put Samsung’s new foldable through its paces – a follow-up to a similar video involving the Galaxy Z Fold 7 about a week earlier.

In the just under 9-minute video, Samsung’s phone is tortured, but we do learn some useful details.

The outer screen is pretty hardy, standing up to significantly harder materials than the inner screen – which a particularly forceful fingernail scratch is able to create grooves in – and also withstanding direct heat from a lighter’s flame. The inner screen is left with a couple of permanent green damage marks after about 15 seconds of fire exposure.

It then gets drenched in dirt, including getting a healthy heaping dropped straight into its hinge. Opening and closing the phone with dirt covered did allow some soil to enter the mechanism – you can hear it crunch when opening and closing after the fact – but at least during the video, no other permanent harm is noticeable.

Lastly, JerryRigEverything does his best to snap the phone in half with his hands, but it survives his attempts.

You should absolutely go watch the full video – especially if, like me, you’re too cautious with your tech to let the intrusive thoughts win – because it highlights the extreme lengths you have to go to actually tear these foldables apart.

Tougher than you think

Foldables are hardier than we give them credit for (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann)

I’ve used a foldable as my daily driver for about a year. I started with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Because I get those phones through my job, I’m admittedly a bit more laissez-faire with how I treat them (meaning I’ll buy a cheap screen protector, but not a case), but both phones have been holding up very, very well.

The Z Fold 6 has a few bruises at the edges, but nothing serious, and my Z Fold 7 is close to immaculate. Neither has any issues with their hinges, and while you can see their creases, it’s not super noticeable on either phone when you’re using one.

This brings me to a point I made on our Samsung special podcast. While that IP48 dust and waterproof rating means the foldables can let fine dirt in (anything smaller than 1mm), and their inner screen isn’t as durable as a regular phone display, most normal people probably won’t have any serious issues.

I’ve been to a sandy beach two times in the past year, and visited one desert, without my foldable being affected. I was careful, sure, but no more so than I am with a non-foldable.

If you regularly work at the beach or in, say, a dusty woodwork shop, or in a super-harsh environment, a foldable might not be ideal. But for most folks, these extreme and my year-long tests prove they’re surprisingly durable if you’re kind to them. If durability was the reason you’ve been put off buying one, it might not be as big an issue as you imagine.

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