TechRadar News

• Marvel has released the first full clip for its forthcoming Ironheart TV show
• The Disney+ series' latest footage centers around Riri Williams meeting The Hood
• Ironheart will launch with a three-episode premiere in late June

The first full clip for Ironheart has been released online – and, based on its latest footage, Marvel fans have largely given it their seal of approval ahead of the show's launch in late June.

First revealed at IGN Live 2025 before being posted on Marvel Studios' various social channels, the near-60 second clip centers around Riri Williams' first encounter with The Hood.

A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)

A photo posted by on

Essentially, it's an extended look at a couple of clips that appeared in Ironheart's first trailer. Nonetheless, it's intriguing to see Anthony Ramos' charismatic villain and Dominique Thorne's skeptical hero verbally spare as they try to suss out the other. If this sequence is anything to go by, it could be one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) more fascinating frenemy-style dynamics we've seen.

Marvel has taken its time to promote the forthcoming Disney+ show – indeed, fans have questioned why the comic giant hasn't been more proactive on the promotional campaign front.

However, with the series' first trailer and clip landing online in recent weeks, fans are not only relieved that the final Marvel Phase 5 project is being marketed, but also that it could be better than some of them expected.

Comment from r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers

Since the clip's world reveal last Saturday (June 7), new threads posted on the r/MarvelStudios, r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers, and r/MarvelStudiosRumors Reddit pages are primarily filled with positive reactions to said footage. Many picked out Ramos' charming take on The Hood as a particular highlight, while others have suggested that the clip's aesthetic and tone has finally sold them on the appeal of this Thorne-led TV show.

Understandably, there are some who aren't so enamored. The aforementioned Reddit threads also contain comments from MCU devotees saying they'll give Ironheart a "hard pass" and that Marvel projects "just don't hit like they used to".

Additionally, a couple of Reddit users are even more worried that, in light of Marvel confirming Ironheart will launch with a three-episode premiere, the comic titan is rushing it out of the door. The Disney subsidiary hasn't yet said if the series' three remaining entries will be simultaneously released one week later. If they do, it'll look increasingly likely that Marvel has sent Ironheart out to die on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services.

In my view, that would be a baffling decision, especially given the involvement of Ryan Coogler. You know, the talented filmmaker behind Marvel's only Oscar nominee in Black Panther to date and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Oh, and the co-creative driving force behind Sinners, aka one of the best-rated new movies of 2025 so far.

Ironheart will debut on Disney+ on June 24 (US) and June 25 (UK and Australia). Before it arrives, learn more about it via my Marvel's Ironheart hub.

You might also like

• New The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer confirms two of the worst-kept secrets about the Marvel Phase 6 movie
• Avengers: Doomsday could spell the end for another original Avenger as Marvel actor's thank you video sparks MCU exit rumors
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day reportedly set to feature one of the first Avengers in a big role, but I hope it's not true for two huge reasons

• Hollow Knight: Silksong appeared in the recent Xbox Games Showcase
• It will be available on the upcoming Xbox Asus ROG Ally and Xbox Asus ROG Ally X on day one
• The developers have since confirmed that it will be out by the winter holiday

One of the most surprising parts of the recent Xbox Games Showcase was the reveal of new Xbox handheld PCs, the Xbox Asus ROG Ally and Xbox Asus ROG Ally X, and the confirmation that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on them at launch.

Information regarding the highly anticipated metroidvania game, which was originally announced all the way back in 2019, has been extremely infrequent, with many fans speculating that it might not ever come out at all.

In April 2025, we got our first good look at the title in years as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which featured a few seconds of gameplay footage and confirmed a 2025 release window. Then, yesterday, we saw a little more again in the Xbox show, coupled with the news that it will be available on the upcoming Xbox handhelds at launch.

The handhelds are expected to release later this year, around the holiday period. It follows that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be out by then, a fact that was recently reaffirmed by the development team.

Speaking on the official Hollow Knight Discord server, publishing and marketing lead Matthew Griffin stated that the game will be out "before [the] holiday" and that "we are not tied to a console release."

He soon followed up this message with a small clarification, confirming that the "holiday" he is referring to is "Christmas".

This is yet more confirmation that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be out soon, giving us a release window between now and mid December. Hopefully we'll get more information, and maybe even an exact release date, in the weeks and months to come.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to come to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC. It will be available as part of Xbox Game Pass on day one.

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 review-in-progress live: my thoughts, reactions, and experience with the console and its games
• Xbox Games Showcase 2025: everything revealed from Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Persona 4 remake to a new handheld
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 officially announced and it stars that one Gilmore Girls actor

• HP study claims workers are increasingly embracing AI
• AI is helping workers save time by taking away dull tasks
• It's also apparently helping with work-life balance

Some workers are claiming AI tools are becoming increasingly helpful in not only doing their jobs, but improving their work-life balance, new research has claimed.

A survey from HP found nearly three-quarters (72%) of employees using AI say it saves them time each week, with one in ten claiming they are saving more than five hours per week.

Nearly a quarter (23%) also claim using AI has made their jobs more fulfilling, with workers able to spend less time on dull repetitive tasks, and focus instead on what they actually enjoy about their work.

AI in the workplace

The study also found AI might be able to help business owners with some of their most pressing issues.

One in three business leaders say using AI has already delivered more than 11% in cost savings, with almost half saying it helps reduce time spent on admin tasks, and just over a third (34%) saying it has improved decision making and strategic planning.

The benefits are perhaps becoming clearer for businesses, yet the survey added many firms are still working out their AI strategy, with over a quarter saying their business currently has no formal AI strategy in place.

However the appetite does appear to be there, as nearly half (44%) expect AI to be fully embedded by 2027.

Just over half (54%) of business leaders noted they would be more likely to adopt AI if it was built into devices such as AI PCs, with employees agreeing, with 29% saying they would use AI more if it was embedded in tools they already use or didn’t require an internet connection (10%).

"AI is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a business imperative," said Neil Sawyer, HP’s Managing Director for Northwest Europe.

"Companies that fail to act now risk falling behind their competitors, losing productivity, and missing out on the efficiency gains AI is already delivering. By embedding AI directly into secure, familiar devices, organisations can overcome trust and usability challenges — and scale adoption with confidence."

You might also like

• New Microsoft 365 AI offering means all your workers can use Copilot for free
• These are the best business laptop choices for work available today
• And we've also rounded up the best mobile workstations around

• The SwitchBot Multitasking Household Robot K20+ Pro is now on sale
• It comprises a robovac with a platform onto which various appliances can be attached
• It can operate as a mobile fan, air purifier, and more

Most robot vacuums are content just to take care of cleaning your floors. Not so the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. This new robovac can operate not only as a vacuum, but also a fan, air purifier, or delivery service.

The setup comprises a compact robot vacuum, onto which clips the 'FusionPlatform'. The platform then becomes a base for various other appliances, and the robovac becomes the wheels that drive the whole setup around.

It's compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, for seamless smart home integration, and some docked appliance functions can be automated as part of the SwitchBot ecosystem too. Because the whole thing sits on top of a robot vacuum, you'll get all the tech that comes with that, too: precise LiDAR navigation, mapping, and object avoidance (SwitchBot makes some of today's best robot vacuums for small homes – get a taster in our SwitchBot K10+ Pro Mini review).

The K20+ Pro was first unveiled at CES 2025 back in January, and as of today, it's on sale across the US, UK and Europe. You can pick the kit that suits your needs, with prices starting from $699.99 / £599.99 / €599.99.

Want your robovac to check up on your dog, while he gazes at the snowy landscape in your Alpine home? SwitchBot has you covered (Image credit: SwitchBot)

For example, the K20+ Pro Air Flow Kit includes a the SwitchBot Battery Circulator Fan, enabling you to live out your Mariah Carey fantasies by following you around and acting as your own personal wind machine as you move from room to room.

Alternatively, the Patrol Kit includes a SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam, and offers real-time monitoring and motion detection in your home, with instant notifications if there's any disruption.

There's also the K20+ Pro Air Purifier Kit, whereby the bot dons an air purifier hat. You can then drive it from room to room to clear the air of any nasties – perhaps remotely, while you're out of the house.

The K20+ Pro sees you when you're sleeping can follow you around with a fan (Image credit: SwitchBot)

The simplest but perhaps the most useful integration is simply a table, which turns the bot into a 'Smart Delivery Assistant'. It can be used to deliver food, packages, or pretty much anything you'd like – provided it weighs less than 8kg. There's scope here for the K20+ to be useful for those with mobility limitations.

If you're particularly tech-savvy, the setup also supports DIY customization and third-party devices, so you can hack the system to help it suit your own specific needs. SwitchBot suggests you might want to add things like speakers or UV sterilization lamps.

You might also like...

• DJI's first robot vacuum is edging closer to launch, according to new leak – and it could clean up in the premium robovac space
• I spent two weeks with the world's first robovac with a mechanical arm, and unfortunately it's not that handy yet
• I've seen most of 2025’s flagship robot vacuums and let me tell you, things are starting to get weird

• iOS 19's rumored redesign could be called 'Liquid Glass'
• It might feature transparency, shine effects, and a glassy surface
• This could set the stage for Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027, which will reportedly have a very glassy design

We’re now just hours away from WWDC 2025, where we’re expecting to hear all about iOS 19 (or iOS 26 as it now looks likely to be called) among other software. But ahead of that there are still new leaks rolling in, and you can follow along with these on our WWDC 2025 live blog. The latest leak though is a big one, as it sheds more light on how iOS 26 might look.

We’ve been hearing for a while now that Apple might be set to revamp iOS, with a new glass-like design, and now we’re learning more about what this might entail.

According to Apple tipster Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg, iOS 26 could have a new look dubbed ‘Liquid Glass’. This will apparently feature "sheen and see-through visuals of a glassy surface," with "transparency and shine effects" throughout.

This is reportedly set to be the biggest visual change for iOS since iOS 7, so given that Apple might not have anything major to show on the AI front, this could be a highlight of WWDC.

A new look for a new phone

2027's iPhones could look very different to the iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

However, according to Gurman this iOS redesign could also be intended to pair well with the company’s 20th anniversary iPhone, set to launch in 2027.

This we’ve also been hearing could be in for a redesign, and Gurman says it will have curved glass edges, tiny bezels, and no cut-out in the screen.

It’s a design that could really emphasize the phone’s glass, and indeed this iPhone is apparently being internally referred to as ‘Glasswing’, referencing a type of butterfly that has transparent wings. So its glassy design would probably fit well with the ‘Liquid Glass’ software we’re hearing about.

That’s still years away though, but if iOS 26 does have a Liquid Glass design then you’ll probably be able to get a look at the software side of things later today – and try it out for yourself soon.

You might also like

• iOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025
• How to watch WWDC 2025: get ready for new Apple Intelligence features, iOS 19, macOS 16 and more
• Best iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

• Nvidia and UK government announce new AI ties
• Jensen Huang joins UK PM Keir Starmer on stage at London Tech Week 2025
• New projects include AI for financial firms, and skills training

Nvidia has announced new partnerships with the UK government and financial regulators to expand the use of AI tools.

The company has revealed new collaborations with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on using AI in workflows.

Nvidia says the move, which also includes the establishment of the ‘U.K. Sovereign AI Industry Forum’ to accelerate the country's AI ecosystem, looks to further its ambition for Britain to be an “AI maker, not an AI taker.”

UK AI and Nvidia

The news was announced by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at London Tech Week 2025, where he joined UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson on stage.

Starmer and Huang both agreed the UK need to 'lean in' to AI, arguing it will make the country more secure, with cybersecurity protections and economic growth.

To support this, a new UK Nvidia AI Technology Center will look to offer "hands-on" training in AI, data science and accelerated computing, focusing on foundation model builders, embodied AI, materials science and earth systems modeling.

A new AI-powered digital sandbox powered by Nvidia and the FAC will offer financial services firms a "digital testing environment", allowing them the chance to try out new AI initatives and services.

And the company will be working with DSIT to give UK universities access to AI tools, 6G research platforms and training resources to help boost research and development on AI-native wireless networks.

“We have big plans when it comes to developing the next wave of AI innovations here in the U.K. — not only so we can deliver the economic growth needed for our Plan for Change, but maintain our position as a global leader,” UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle added.

“Central to that is making sure we have the infrastructure to power AI, so I welcome NVIDIA setting up the U.K. Sovereign AI Industry Forum — bringing together leading British businesses to develop and deploy this across the U.K. so we can drive growth and opportunity.”

You might also like

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang wants it to be so much more than a chip maker
• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says it's time to get on board with AI now, or be left behind
• Dell CEO tells us how AI can make us “more effective as a species”

The cyber security landscape continues to evolve, with new threats and solutions appearing every day. But the rate of change in the past two years, intensified by the mass implementation of AI, has seen meteoric growth in the number of cyber-attacks. Unfortunately for businesses and their IT security teams, AI-driven attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and businesses must rethink their security strategies to stay resilient in the face of changing cyber threats.

Accelerating security and networking enhancements will continue to take center stage for UK organizations in 2025, but added complexity can slow enterprises down. Adding simplicity as a key vector for networking and security posture optimization is key to successful, secure connectivity strategies for the year ahead.

The growing threat of AI-powered attacks

In today’s threat landscape, cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to orchestrate attacks with unprecedented speed and accuracy. AI’s capability to identify vulnerabilities, craft hyper-realistic phishing scams, and execute complex malware campaigns is increasing the difficulty of threat detection and mitigation. One of the most concerning trends is the rise of “deep phishing” attacks, where AI-generated deepfake content is used to impersonate trusted individuals and deceive employees into revealing sensitive information.

Cyber breaches are already a top concern for organizations, downtime prevention and data protection taking center stage, but what is more unsettling is not being aware when a breach occurs. The longer an attacker remains in the system - intruder dwell times can range from several weeks to months and even over a year - the more costly and damaging these “silent breaches” become. Being unable to identify when a breach took place means that restoring systems to a safe version is much harder.

To counteract these risks, organizations need to deploy a security suite capable of recognising behavioral anomalies and responding in real time to potential breaches.

AI cyber defense - the other side of the cybersecurity coin

As the advent of AI presents new security challenges, it also offers us the tools to strengthen cyber defenses. AI-based networking assistants and correlation engines are gaining traction, providing advanced capabilities in real-time threat detection and response.

The potential for human-supported, with various degrees of AI autonomy, for secure networking deployments is being explored, which could change how enterprises approach security and networking. By leaning into AI-led penetration testing, automated vulnerability mitigation, and self-healing network infrastructure AI is revolutionizing security strategies.

With intuitive AI tools, security teams can gain deeper insights into vulnerabilities and rapidly address potential threats. This will be particularly crucial as UK businesses face a growing cybersecurity skills gap, requiring intelligent automation to bridge expertise shortages and upskill quickly.

In 2025, we will see more businesses will turn to AI-driven security intelligence tools that allow teams to query complex security data using natural language interfaces. The democratization of security intelligence through intuitive AI tools will empower non-experts to play an active role in cyber threat mitigation. This shift will be instrumental in fostering a culture of shared responsibility between IT and security teams, enhancing collaboration and improving overall security outcomes.

The shift from prevention to incident response

While traditional security strategies have focused on threat prevention, 2025 will also see a distinct shift towards rapid incident response. Companies will do well to prioritize detecting and containing breaches to augment preventive measures, increasingly allocating budget resources to solutions that enable swift incident identification and response.

This shift reflects an understanding that breaches cannot always be prevented, and in reality, should be expected. Instead, mitigating their impact through rapid detection and containment will be the key to minimizing damage.

One development that is representing this shift is the adoption of self-healing security systems. These AI-powered systems can autonomously detect, analyze, and respond to threats, significantly reducing response times and mitigating damage.

Indeed, using machine learning, self-healing networks can dynamically adjust a company’s cybersecurity measures based on real-time risk assessments. This self-healing security will be a game-changer, as automated incident response will enable businesses to bolster their security teams and protect their assets. AI and human partnerships can help businesses strengthen their overall resilience when facing a cyber-attack.

So, what’s next for businesses navigating the threat landscape?

As cyber threats become more advanced, businesses must embrace a holistic approach to security, that can introduce simplicity for observability, control, management and response. Consolidating cyber defense, network and data management, and operational resilience into a single, integrated platform will help organizations navigate the increasingly turbulent threat landscape efficiently.

This access to and complete visibility over these systems and tools means that teams can identify risks and opportunities as a passive activity, and invest time into value-driving initiatives, as opposed to combing through multiple applications for status updates.

Ultimately, 2025 will be the year where more AI-driven corporate security strategies move from theory to practice. Organizations that proactively adapt to these emerging trends will be better equipped to withstand the ever-evolving challenges of the digital age.

For businesses, staying ahead of the curve will require embracing automation, strengthening incident response capabilities, and continuing to hold security as an organizational priority.

We've listed the best IT Automation 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

TechRadar Pro is live at London Tech Week 2025!

We're here in London to see all the latest talks, panels and news announcements as they happen.

Day one promises to be a bit of a blockbuster, with some very special guests, so stay tuned for all the updates as we see them!

Good morning and welcome to our coverage of London Tech Week 2025!

We're live on the ground and ready for the event, which kicks off today at London's Olympia with a welcome from the Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

That's followed by no less than the CEO of Nvidia himself - Jensen Huang will be on stage soon. It's bound to be a busy talk, so we're hoping we can get in and seated soon...

We've made it inside Olympia, but the queues for this morning's opening sessions are going to be major...wish us luck!

(Image credit: Future / Ellen Jennings-Trace)

The stairway to (London Tech Week) heaven...

(Image credit: Future / Ellen Jennings-Trace)

(Image credit: Future)

Ellen here, and I'm finally sat down for the keynote - there's definitely a buzz here today. We're not set to kick off for a few minutes, but I'd say the seating is pretty much full.

Kier Starmer takes the stage now to talk about tech as bringing about great change, and the ‘incredible contribution’ of tech and AI in health and defence - calling AI a transformative in a ‘number of industries’.

Two big announcements come with the PM's introduction this morning - the first is that Liquidity will base their European headquarters in London, he announces - a £1.5b investment - a "vote of confidence", he says.

The second is £1b funding for compute power to scale up capabilities by 20x - a serious investment

That's not all though, he talks about an innovative tool being trialed around councils in the UK that takes hand written planning permission forms and turning them into digital copies in seconds - saving hours for admin workers (but admin workers shouldn't be concerned about their jobs....?).

Starmer announces plans to ensure that 7.5 million workers are to be trained in AI by 2030 - and NVIDIA are set to sponsor a "talent pipeline". A new tech-first training programme, a £185m investment into education at school and university level will help to "build a better future" for children across the UK - Starmer thanks the tech industry for its investment into Britain's future.

(Image credit: Future)

He introduces Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for a conversation with himself and Poppy Gustafsson - Minister for Investment. Starmer and Huang both agree that the UK need to 'lean in' to AI - they argue it will make the country more secure with cybersecurity protections and economic growth.

AI is not just a technology, but an infrastructure, Huang argues, and that infrastructure requires serious investment and commitment.

The training for workers and students in AI technologies will be crucial, Starmer argues, and exposing young people to AI and tech will open the landscape and encourage young people to excel in the workforce.

Huang calls AI 'The great equaliser' - thanks to the way it makes programming and cybersecurity more accessible. AI uses prompts, and 'speaks human' - so no need to learn python or C++ anymore. Both the PM and Huang argue that AI will "make humans more human".

The UK is in the 'goldilocks' region - Huang argues. This is because of its fantastic universities, and research communities. Pair this with the 3rd largest AI venture capital investment (behind the US and China) - and you have a perfect ecosystem. However, he points out, this is hindered by the lack of infrastructure - but Huang and the PM agree that this will soon change.

Nvidia is set to start an AI lab, and investments into quantum computing power will 'get the flywheel going' Huang points out - he says the UK is the 'perfect place' to invest.

Huang predicts that thanks to AI, every industry in the UK will soon be a tech industry. He urges all sectors to apply tech and AI to their workplaces. The UK is an envy of the world thanks to its "abundance" of AI researchers - and investments keep growing.

(Image credit: Future)

There's "only one way you can survive" a technology that moves as fast as AI - Huang argues, and that's by engaging it. Sciences, schools, financial services are all "deeply engaged by Ai" now, he says.

Starmer argues a very similar point. He understands that partnership with AI will push productivity and growth across the UK.

WWDC 2025 is kicking off in a matter of hours – and we'll soon be live from Apple Park to bring you all of the big news across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more.

Apple's developer conference is all about software and gives us our first look at the next big updates for everything from iPhones to Macs. This year's show is expected to be a significant one, marking the introduction of rebranded platforms like iOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe – or so the rumors say.

What else can we expect from WWDC 2025? We're here to bring you all of the last-minute rumors and news, before the conference kicks off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST today.

The WWDC livestream is below so you can watch along with us, or set a reminder for when it goes live. But in the hours before we see Tim Cook standing precariously on the Apple Park roof, it's time to look ahead at what's coming – and give you our expert verdict on all of the last-minute speculation...

The latest WWDC 2025 news

• Apple could reveal a new 'Liquid Glass' software interface at WWDC
• The redesign will apparently roll out across iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and more
• The show could also bring big news for AirPods, iPads and the Apple Watch

Running this liveblogWelcome to our WWDC 2025 liveblog

(Image credit: Apple)

Good mooorning! As Tim Cook would say. I'm Mark Wilson (TechRadar's Managing Editor, News) and I'll be taking you through the build-up to WWDC 2025 – which feels like one of the most significant Apple software shows for years.

It's a big one because I can't remember Apple being on the back foot before a WWDC event as much as it is today. From its bodged Apple Intelligence rollout to the recent barrage of wrist-slaps from regulators, Apple has had a rough twelve months since WWDC 2024 – so it's going to be fascinating to see how it responds.

I'm almost as interested in how it plans to Houdini itself from some awkward situations (next-gen Siri?) as I am in the software announcements themselves. Whatever we get, it's going to be essential viewing for Apple fans...

Rewind: what happened at WWDC 2024?

(Image credit: Apple)

A year ago, Apple Intelligence didn’t exist. And twelve months on… well, it kind of still doesn’t, at least not to the extent that Apple promised at WWDC 2024. There’s no doubt that AI is going to be the elephant in the room at this year’s event – and Apple needs to make sure it’s a cute, Genmoji-style Dumbo rather than a shadow that hovers over the whole event.

Still, WWDC 2024 wasn’t all about Apple Intelligence. The Apple Vision Pro got a worldwide launch, iPadOS got a calculator app (gasp), AirPods Pro 2 owners got a handy Voice Isolation feature, and Apple TVs got a modest equivalent of Amazon’s X-Ray feature.

If, as has been rumored, there’s little in the way of concrete Apple Intelligence news at WWDC 2025, I’m hoping Apple serves up a bigger platter of software upgrades than the slightly meager selection of luke-warm canapés we got last year…

WWDC 2025 – our predictions

(Image credit: Future / Apple)

Here at TechRadar, we have experts in every Apple field, from AirPods to Apple Watches. So if you want a quick catchup on everything that our editors expect (and hope) to see at WWDC 2025, I’ve included some handy links below.

The overall vibe is cautious optimism – yes, Apple's recent software upgrades have been underwhelming by its standards, but the added competition and pressure from Google (fresh from an impressive Google IO 2025) and OpenAI could force it to step up its game.

• iOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025
• I've used iPads for 10 years – here are the iPadOS 19 features I want to see from WWDC 2025
• macOS 16 Tahoe is imminent – here’s what to expect from Apple’s next desktop OS
• watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year's WWDC 2025
• The rumored Apple TV 4K software redesign could be amazing, as long as it avoids the biggest pitfall of streaming devices
• AirPods said to get some nice free upgrades at WWDC 2025, including more gesture control and sleep detection

What’s the big theme of WWDC 2025?

iOS 26 could also simplify the iPhone's camera app as part of the 'Liquid Glass' redesign, according to rumors we saw back in May from the YouTube channel Front Page Tech. (Image credit: Front Page Tech)

The two words for your WWDC 2025 bingo card are ‘Liquid Glass’.

That’s according to Apple soothsayer Mark Gurman, who’s just followed up his prediction that we’ll see a switch to year-based software names (iOS 26, macOS 26 and, hilariously, visionOS 26) with some specific details about the rumored software facelift.

This new interface will apparently be the biggest visual change since iOS 7, which swapped a literal form of skeuomorphism for a then-modern ‘flat’ look. iOS 26 has apparently also been designed to set the stage for a 20th anniversary iPhone that will launch in 2027 with curved glass sides, no cutout section, and “extraordinarily slim bezels”.

For me, the rumored redesign sounds a bit like a ‘look over here’ distraction from Apple’s lack of progress on AI features. But it’s also something Apple is typically very good at pulling off without royally screwing it up – in theory, at least.

How convenient: Apple pops the AI hype bubble

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

As spotted by the ChatGPT subreddit, an interesting new paper about AI has just emerged on the eve of WWDC 2025 from Apple’s Machine Learning Research division, called “The Illusion of Thinking”.

It appears to cast doubt on the logic and puzzle-solving abilities of today’s LRMs (large reasoning models) and their ability to get close to the AGI heights promised in some quarters.

I haven’t read the full paper yet, but its raising of “crucial questions” about the “true reasoning capabilities” of some AI models does feel conveniently timed, given Apple’s struggles (so far) to deliver on the lofty Apple Intelligence promises of WWDC 2024.

Seeing how it addresses those is going to be one of the most interesting parts of WWDC.

The most important person of WWDC 2025?

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple’s cast of WWDC execs have become a bit stale in recent years, but fortunately a lesser-known face will apparently have a bigger role at this year’s event: Alan Dye.

That’s because Mr. Dye is Apple’s vice president of human interface and one of the key players behind what could be the biggest iPhone software overhaul since iOS 7.

Interestingly, Alan Dye actually helped craft iOS 7 under the watchful eye of Jony Ive over a decade ago, and seemingly inherited his black-rimmed glasses. The rumors are that iOS 26 is going to have a more glass-like quality, including translucent and shine effects ported from visionOS.

I’m not against that, but I would also like my iPhone’s keyboard to work as well as did before iOS 18…

Debate: what’s been the biggest iOS upgrade?

(Image credit: OldOS - Zane Kleinberg)

We’re taking a quick break from the WWDC 2025 rumor mill to bring you an internal TechRadar debate – what’s been the best iOS upgrade from over the years at WWDC?

The votes are in. Senior AI Writer John-Anthony Disotto went old-school, rightfully highlighting the arrival of the App Store (iOS 2.0) and FaceTime (iOS 4.0) as massive moments. Nods of approval also greeted the suggestion of the Files app (iOS 11), from our Managing Editor (Entertainment), Matt Bolton.

A late contender from Jamie Richards (Mobile Computing Staff Writer) was iOS 16’s customizable lock screen overhaul, later aped by Android. All are valid suggestions in my book, with my personal take being iOS 4’s multitasking and folders.

As my friend noted about iOS 4 in 2010, “it’s like getting a new phone”. I wonder if we’ll be saying the same about iOS 26…

Your WWDC 2025 cheat sheet

(Image credit: Future / Apple)

If you want a quick, five-minute primer on what to expect at WWDC 2025 I'd suggest checking out our list of the 7 biggest things to expect, according to Apple experts.

We've combined our in-house specialist knowledge with the latest rumors from the likes of Bloomberg's Mark Gurman to give you the latest predictions across iOS 26, macOS Tahoe and more.

And if you haven't got time for that, well here's a quick list of the headline rumors so far:

• iOS 26 to get 'Liquid Glass' redesign that'll appear across Apple's software platforms
• iPadOS 26 to bring more Mac-like features like improved multitasking
• A new, dedicated gaming app that'll also come to macOS 26 Tahoe
• The arrival of watchOS 26 with new tracking features for outdoor exercise
• tvOS 26 to get the visionOS-like redesign and Apple Intelligence features
• Apple AirPods to get a new Live Translate feature among other iOS 26 upgrades

It’s time for WWDC bingo

(Image credit: Basic Apple Guy)

Credit where it’s due – Apple blogger Basic Apple Guy has crafted the WWDC 2025 bingo card above, and it’s so strong I’d highly recommend not turning it into a drinking game.

We have staples like a “memorable Federighi moment” and flying into a secret location via a “whimsical transition”, but also a good mix of pre-event rumors. These include the expected reveal of macOS Tahoe and a Live Translation feature for AirPods.

I’ll reluctantly agree with the “no Mac hardware announced” entry, too – my wait for an M5 MacBook Pro will almost certainly continue into late 2025, despite macOS 26 likely cutting my 2018 MacBook Pro adrift from its Tahoe party.

Let’s be honest, we’d all much rather it was called macOS Taco, too…

When it comes to new technology, cost is very often the biggest source of anxiety for today’s consumer. In an era of economic volatility and uncertainty, the ability to purchase new tech, like a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, can depend heavily on external factors such as inflation and supply chain reliability, which play a major role in cost and consumer spending power.

According to Assurant data, 44% of tech users surveyed expressed concern over the cost of new technology, while 27% say the cost of newly announced devices or upgrades is a major obstacle to purchase. Further, nearly half (49%) of tech users said they are interested in upgrades but hesitate or refrain due to cost. Overall, cost is consistently the most negatively perceived factor in the adoption of new technology.

Despite these sentiments, smartphone and related technology are an increasingly essential component of business, academic, and personal day-to-day life. For most, access to connected technology is nonnegotiable, and with the rise of AI-enabled features creating more intuitive user experiences, the ability to leverage the most up-to-date technology is only becoming more critical.

Caught between cost pressures and the desire to upgrade, many consumers have turned to the secondary device market as an alternative when budgets are stretched. To meet that demand, carriers and retailers have made considerable strides to enhance and streamline trade-in and upgrade programs that provide access to reliable, advanced, and affordable pre-owned devices.

These programs are growing in scale and importance, not just for cost-conscious consumers, but also for the carriers themselves, who leverage them to foster stronger, long-term relationships with their customers while recovering value from these assets.

The Secondary Device Market

When purchasing devices on the secondary market, consumers can save hundreds of dollars on smartphones that look and feel brand new, have the most popular features, have been securely wiped of data, and completely refurbished.

For multi-user families or avid tech users purchasing multiple devices, the compound savings of leveraging secondhand tech can be substantial, amounting to hundreds of dollars per device. In 2024, the average U.S. value of trading in an iPhone was $204, while the average U.S. value of trading in an Android was $105, according to Assurant data.

For consumers facing rising costs for basic goods, leveraging trade-in programs to earn money from used devices can take a $700 device to a $500 one, creating surplus that can be distributed to cover groceries, student loans, or other bills. In 2024 alone, more than $4.5 billion was returned to consumers through trade-in and buyback programs, as indicated by Assurant data.

With the uncertainty of today’s economic climate, it’s not surprising that the secondary device market continues to grow. GSMA projects that by 2027 the market will reach $150 billion globally, and it will only continue to expand as consumer costs rise and device and trade-in programs become increasingly sophisticated.

Sustainability Incentives

Beyond cost concerns, these programs also appeal to the growing number of consumers concerned about reusing resources, seeking to maximize value while minding their environmental impact. According to GSMA, 70% of global consumers surveyed would be willing to spend more for environmentally conscious devices.

Today’s tech users can trade in their used devices knowing that it will make a positive environmental impact, with the assurance that there is no risk to their personal data or security. Current trade-in programs accept an increasingly wide range of devices, even of older generations, to be either refurbished and resold or responsibly recycled if repair is not feasible. In the case of the latter, parts and materials are leveraged throughout the recycling process to be repurposed in other devices wherever possible.

Complementing environmental sustainability, social sustainability also plays a role in the secondary device market. Both globally and domestically, the secondary market ensures these devices become far more accessible and affordable for individuals around the world who may otherwise be priced out of adopting newer technologies – expanding connectivity on a global scale.

Looking Ahead

While a majority of consumers understand that trading in their devices can lead to sustainability benefits, the biggest barriers to broader adoption of secondhand devices today are centered around a lack of awareness about the quality and array of technology available, the ease and financial benefits trading in old devices, and how easy and secure the process can really be.

As technology continues to become more deeply entrenched in our daily lives and the cost of new devices continues to increase, we will see continued growth in the secondary market. Cost will always play a key role in consumers’ purchasing decisions, but as the success and growing size of secondary device programs proves, consumers are also swayed by compelling, mission-driven options – especially those that align with a lower price tag.

We've compiled a list of the best business monitors.

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, June 8 (game #1231).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

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

Quordle today (game #1232) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1232) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1232) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1232) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1232) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• D

• L

• W

• H

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

Quordle today (game #1232) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1232, are…

• DERBY
• LEMON
• WRITE
• HOVEL

I was roaring through today’s Quordle when I suffered a bad case of brain freeze on the final word.

For some reason I got obsessed with thinking the word must have a double-E and managed to overlook the letter D that I had in wrong a position. Thankfully my incorrect guess pathed the way for the correct one.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1232) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1232, are…

• SKULL
• MANGA
• ABYSS
• NURSE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1231, Sunday, 8 June: REBAR, ALERT, PAYEE, FLUME
• Quordle #1230, Saturday, 7 June: FLUNK, ESTER, SPITE, CHEAP
• Quordle #1229, Friday, 6 June: ELUDE, KHAKI, VISTA, SMOKY
• Quordle #1228, Thursday, 5 June: CHIDE, RABBI, GUSTY, LANCE
• Quordle #1227, Wednesday, 4 June: BANAL, STOUT, SEDAN, HIPPO
• Quordle #1226, Tuesday, 3 June: FUGUE, SYRUP, FLACK, WORST
• Quordle #1225, Monday, 2 June: THINK, BELLE, CRONE, BOULE
• Quordle #1224, Sunday, 1 June: POINT, MERIT, WHOOP, APHID
• Quordle #1223, Saturday, 31 May: CRUMB, ELFIN, DRIER, QUITE
• Quordle #1222, Friday, 30 May: RAJAH, CAUSE, BLACK, ETUDE
• Quordle #1221, Thursday, 29 May: CRIER, DRAPE, STRUT, NEIGH
• Quordle #1220, Wednesday, 28 May: HELLO, BEADY, VIGIL, PURER
• Quordle #1219, Tuesday, 27 May: TWEET, RANGE, POPPY, RADAR
• Quordle #1218, Monday, 26 May: BLEAT, HOWDY, ASIDE, SCOOP
• Quordle #1217, Sunday, 25 May: OCEAN, AMBER, PIPER, GLEAN
• Quordle #1216, Saturday, 24 May: HUSKY, HEIST, FOGGY, POLAR
• Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, CAPER
• Quordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCEL
• Quordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUT
• Quordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURER

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, June 8 (game #728).

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #729) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• PRINT
• GENUS
• RING
• BOOK
• FAMILY
• SLID
• ORDER
• SAVE
• RESERVE
• PASTE
• GOO
• CREW
• MAZING
• REQUEST
• SYNDICATE
• QUIT

NYT Connections today (game #729) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: PC actions
• GREEN: Pre purchase
• BLUE: The Sopranos is one
• PURPLE: NYT game Levels 

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #729) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: KEYBOARD SHORTCUT COMMANDS
• GREEN: SECURE IN ADVANCE
• BLUE: CRIME ORGANIZATION
• PURPLE: SPELLING BEE RANKS MINUS A LETTER 

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

NYT Connections today (game #729) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #729, are…

• YELLOW: KEYBOARD SHORTCUT COMMANDS PASTE, PRINT, QUIT, SAVE
• GREEN: SECURE IN ADVANCE BOOK, ORDER, REQUEST, RESERVE
• BLUE: CRIME ORGANIZATION CREW, FAMILY, RING, SYNDICATE
• PURPLE: SPELLING BEE RANKS MINUS A LETTER GENUS, GOO, MAZING, SLID

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

I really enjoy it when Connections goes meta and references another New York Times game. For those of us hooked on Spelling Bee, today’s purple group must have felt strangely satisfying.

Not being a regular Spelling Bee player – and certainly never hitting genius level when I do play it – I got the hardest group correct not because I knew it was SPELLING BEE RANKS MINUS A LETTER but because they all looked like words with letters missing. Not quite as satisfying.

I did, however, know that the green group was SECURE IN ADVANCE – but this was still where my error came, as in my original quartet I had SAVE instead or ORDER.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, June 8, game #728)

• YELLOW: PERSIST HOLD, LAST, STAND, STAY
• GREEN: ANIMAL METAPHORS IN ECONOMICS BEAR, BULL, DOVE, HAWK
• BLUE: SIDEBAR INFO ON A PERSON'S WIKIPEDIA PAGE BORN, EDUCATION, OCCUPATION, SPOUSE
• PURPLE: HOMOPHONES OF SLANG FOR MONEY BRED, CACHE, DOE, LUTE

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, June 8 (game #462).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

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

NYT Strands today (game #463) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… What you see isn't what you get

NYT Strands today (game #463) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• DANCE
• CARD
• NOSE
• CONE
• FOAM
• SKIDS

NYT Strands today (game #463) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #463) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 3rd column

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

NYT Strands today (game #463) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #463, are…

• MASK
• CAMOUFLAGE
• DISGUISE
• CLOAK
• COVER
• FACADE
• SPANGRAM: FALSE FRONT

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 hint

Fittingly, today’s search words were well hidden and I needed a hint to get started. The word MASK confirmed what we were looking for – so I immediately started looking for CAMOUFLAGE and DISGUISE.

The spangram was not a term I was familiar with, but is one that I have seen in action in London. Here, there is a beautiful old theater I watched turn from thriving to derelict that has been under development for years to become apartments.

As is the case in many cities, the back of the building was demolished – leaving just the FACADE. However, along the way something structurally most have gone wrong as the propped-up facade was then completely replaced by a new facade, copying the art deco style of the original. So now, not one brick of the original building remains, which maybe was the plan all along. Either way, not once but twice, a FALSE FRONT.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, June 8, game #462)

• CAST
• SCORE
• LIGHTS
• SINGING
• DANCING
• COSTUMES
• SPANGRAM: ITS SHOWTIME

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

• SilverStone’s FLP01 case brings old-school charm, complete with fake floppy drives and retro lights
• arkhive Business Limited comes with RTX 5060 Ti and offers real creative power
• Noctua cooling keeps the retro shell silent while the modern internals do all the heavy lifting

Arc has unveiled a curious blend of nostalgia and modern performance with its desktop system, the "arkhive Business Limited," now available via PC Shop Ark.

The Japanese device is housed in SilverStone’s FLP01 case, designed after the classic 1980s PC-9801, and features distinctive styling, including a fake 5.25-inch bay cover and mock indicator lights.

The vintage aesthetic may evoke beige memories of dial-up tones and DOS prompts, but its internals suggest something far more capable, perhaps even worthy of use as a video editing or workstation PC, if judged solely on specs.

Nostalgia meets modern power

The base models come in two CPU versions: Intel’s Core Ultra 7 265 and AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X. Both models are paired with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB NVMe SSD, and are cooled using a Noctua air cooler, a name respected for silence and efficiency rather than flair.

Graphics are handled by the new GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, whose 16GB of VRAM places it squarely in the mid-range performance bracket.

While that might not win over hardcore gamers, it should be more than sufficient for creative professionals and could make the system a viable business PC for those needing GPU acceleration in Adobe apps or 3D workloads.

Physically, the PC measures 440 x 362 x 170 mm, a footprint that’s not particularly compact by modern standards.

It comes with Windows 11 Home preinstalled and includes an 80PLUS GOLD 850W power supply.

However, with a price tag of 299,800 yen (about $2,081) and lacking even a standard optical drive (unless added via a limited-time campaign), some may question whether the retro shell justifies the cost.

PC Shop Ark is now accepting orders with full BTO (build-to-order) options, allowing for further customization.

The company appears to be banking on a blend of nostalgia and performance to attract buyers, but the arkhive Business Limited may appeal more to the heart than the head.

Via PCWatch

You might also like

• These are the best business laptops available to buy right now
• And you should take a look at the best office chairs we've tried
• The AI search boom: why advertisers must embrace the next evolution of search

Some TV manufacturers are now offering more models within their full TV lineup, with smaller gaps between them when it comes to features and price, and this can make things confusing for potential TV buyers. Naturally, if an entry-level TV has a similar feature list to a step-up model, it’s the better deal, right? Well, that’s not always the case.

I recently tested two 2025 UK mini-LED TVs from TCL, makers of some of the best TVs. The models are the entry-level C6K and the mid-range C7K, which earned 4 out of 5 stars in my TCL C7K review. When I first saw the 2025 C-series mini-LEDs, the C7K looked to be the sweet spot in terms of value, delivering the best picture quality and features for the price.

As I had both these TVs available, I decided to compare them side-by-side just to see whether the extra cost of the C7K was worth it.

For a price reference, the 55-inch C6K costs £599, and the 55-inch C7K costs £849. I compared the 55-inch C6K with the 65-inch C7K for my testing, however. If you’re in the US, the closest direct models are the TCL QM6K vs the TCL QM7K.

Brightness and color

The C7K (right) exhibited significantly bolder and more vibrant colors than the C6K (left), as shown here on the Wizard & I scene from Wicked (Image credit: Future)

Both of these TVs use mini-LED backlights, meaning you’re getting higher brightness than with a standard LED TV. But, crucially, there are often brightness differences between entry-level and mid-range mini-LED models.

When I measured the peak brightness of both TVs (on a 10% white HDR window in Filmmaker Mode), the C6K hit 705 nits, while the C7K hit 1,790 nits – a significant difference. But how did this translate into real-world viewing?

The first area of note was color, where the best mini-LED TVs often excel. Watching a 4K Blu-ray of Wicked, with both TVs set to Dolby Vision Dark (which I found to be a more accurate picture preset than Dolby Vision IQ), the benefit of the C7K’s extra brightness hit was apparent.

In the Wizard & I scene, the green of Elphaba’s skin, pink flowers, blue wall inlays and even the beige walls looked much punchier and more vibrant on the C7K. The C6K didn’t look bad, but it also didn’t have the same level of definition I expect to see in a movie like Wicked, with the C7K adding more color depth.

Even in the climax of the scene where Elphaba runs across a wheat field, the yellow of the field and the sun were more impactful on the C7K. This showed that peak brightness, which is typically higher in more premium mini-LED TVs compared to entry-level models, is a crucial factor for delivering more vivid colors.

Contrast and black levels

Both the TCL C6K (left) and TCL C7K (right) displayed surprisingly deep black levels, but the C7K's higher brightness allowed for better contrast (Image credit: Future)

TVs with a backlight, such as mini-LED models, use local dimming to enhance the contrast between light and dark areas on screen. The more local dimming zones a TV has, the more precisely it can dim and brighten sections of the screen based on what’s being shown.

The 55-inch C6K has 180 local dimming zones compared to the 65-inch C7K’s 1,008 local dimming zones. Screen size does have an impact on the number of local dimming zones in a TV, but the C7K’s 55-inch model still has 720 zones, so there can be a significant difference even in same-sized models.

Watching a 4K Blu-ray of Nosferatu, again in Dolby Vision Dark, scenes with extreme contrast, such as a blackened room lit only by a torch, fireplace, or the Moon, looked richer and more accurate on the C7K. Light areas were brighter and the black tones were deeper, creating a much more dynamic and textured image.

With Nosferatu (2024), both TVs did a good job with black levels, although the C6K (left) was subject to black crush in places (Image credit: Future)

The same was true in The Batman, with the flashbulbs of cameras and wall-lamps better contrasting with the dark surroundings on the C7K. Even smaller details, such as light reflected off Batman’s cape, showed stronger contrast, with a greater difference between the light and dark tones.

The C7K's higher number of local dimming zones also allowed it to show better shadow detail. In Nosferatu, as Hutler walks towards the carriage to Count Orlock’s at night, the C7K showed more of his face in the darkness, whereas the C6K crushed that level of detail.

Black and white – and shades of gray

Although the C7K (right) has the better contrast and overall picture quality, the C6K's screen uniformity was better with black and white pictures such as this one from Oppenheimer. (Image credit: Future)

Things got even more interesting when viewing black and white movies. Watching the black and white scenes from Oppenheimer, the C7K still showed greater contrast between deep blacks and white highlights, and had a wider range of gray tones in between.

However, I noted that the C6K had better screen uniformity (the ability to evenly display the same color across larger areas of the screen) compared to the C7K. This was an issue I’d noted as an issue in my C7K review, and it made me prefer the C6K when watching black and white content.

Conclusion

The C6K (left) is a good TV for its price, but the jump in picture quality provided by the C7K (right) justifies paying more (Image credit: Future)

To sum up, comparing these two TVs side-by-side proved that it does pay to pay more. Yes, the C6K may have had the upper hand with black and white images, but the C7K outmatched it in color, contrast, black levels and also detail, with the C6K taking on a softer look in a side-by-side test.

That’s not to say the C6K is a bad TV. For its price, it did a solid job with every movie I threw at it, and it was a perfectly fine TV for casual viewing. But this is one example where, given the small £250 gap in price of the respective 55-inch models, it’s worth investing in the more premium option.

You might also like

• I compared mid-range mini-LED and OLED TVs, and while it’s closer than you might think, OLED wins in one vital area
• I saw LG's latest QNED mini-LED TV and it might finally compete with Samsung, Hisense and TCL
• The best 65-inch TVs

• Activision has officially announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• The game is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, but there's no release date yet
• The game will be set 40 years after Black Ops 6 in the year 2035

Activision has officially announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

To close out the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Activision revealed its next Call of Duty game with a cinematic trailer, starring Gilmore Girls actor Milo Ventimiglia, as David Mason.

Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, it's confirmed that Black Ops 7 will return to a futuristic setting and be set in 2035, which is 10 years after the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

In this next entry, players will be able to play with friends or play solo in a co-op campaign, a multiplayer mode featuring brand-new maps, and experience the next chapter of the round-based Zombies mode.

"The year is 2035 and the world is on the brink of chaos, ravaged by violent conflict and psychological warfare following the events of Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6," the official description reads.

"Wielding cutting-edge technology, the Black Ops team led by David Mason must fight back against a manipulative enemy who weaponizes fear above all else."

Activision has confirmed that it will share the next look at Black Ops 7 later this summer.

"The team is looking to build on the incredible community enthusiasm and excitement we’ve seen within the Black Ops universe," said Tyler Bahl, Head of Activision Publishing Marketing, in a blog post.

"This is the first time we’re staying within the Black Ops series with back-to-back releases, so we’re excited to give players a bit more time to enjoy all the live seasons and provide players more of what they want across Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone before we turn the page to Black Ops 7."

You might also like...

• Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Nintendo Switch 2: review in progress

Following months of rumors, Atlus has formally announced the Persona 4 remake, Persona 4 Revival.

Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Persona 4 Revival is officially coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, and it's confirmed to be a full remake just like Persona 3 Reload.

Unfortunately, there's no release date yet, but from the short teaser trailer, we know that the game won't have a fixed perspective camera like the original game, and will now allow players to explore their surroundings with a full 360 camera.

This story is developing...

You might also like...

• Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Nintendo Switch 2: review in progress

Following months of rumors, Atlus has formally announced the Persona 4 remake, Persona 4 Revival.

Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Persona 4 Revival is officially coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, and it's confirmed to be a full remake just like Persona 3 Reload.

Unfortunately, there's no release date yet, but from the short teaser trailer, we know that the game won't have a fixed perspective camera like the original game, and will now allow players to explore their surroundings with a full 360 camera.

This story is developing...

You might also like...

• Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Nintendo Switch 2: review in progress

• Don't Nod has announced its next game, Aphelion, at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
• The game is coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5, and PC in 2026
• The sci-fi action-adventure game follows astronaut Ariane, who is stranded on the frozen planet and must rescue her wounded partner, Thomas

Don't Nod has announced its Aphelion, a new sci-fi action-adventure game, coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5, and PC in 2026.

Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase alongside an action-packed gameplay trailer, the game follows the protagonist and astronaut Ariane, who is stranded on the frozen planet Persephone. She must survive and brave the landscapes and shifting realities of the planet to rescue her wounded partner, Thomas.

The end of the trailer also seemed to hint at something more sinister, so the sci-fi adventure game could take a turn.

Don't Nod also confirmed that the game will blend exploration, traversal, and "tense stealth gameplay", and that players will have to avoid "lurking threats" and uncover "haunting secrets buried beneath the ice".

"By 2060, Earth will be uninhabitable. The discovery of a 9th planet – Persephone – at the edge of the solar system, is humanity’s best hope," the game's blurb reads. "The European Space Agency is dispatching the Hope 01 scientific mission, consisting of 2 of their accomplished astronauts, Ariane and Thomas. Their mission: to survey the planet and determine whether humanity can prosper anew here.

"Your adventure begins in chaos, as the crash landing of their ship scatters them across the planet, launching them on a desperate quest to find one another."

Although the game doesn't launch until 2026, you can wishlist the game right now.

You might also like...

• Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Nintendo Switch 2: review in progress

• Don't Nod has announced its next game, Aphelion, at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
• The game is coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5, and PC in 2026
• The sci-fi action-adventure game follows astronaut Ariane, who is stranded on the frozen planet and must rescue her wounded partner, Thomas

Don't Nod has announced its Aphelion, a new sci-fi action-adventure game, coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5, and PC in 2026.

Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase alongside an action-packed gameplay trailer, the game follows the protagonist and astronaut Ariane, who is stranded on the frozen planet Persephone. She must survive and brave the landscapes and shifting realities of the planet to rescue her wounded partner, Thomas.

The end of the trailer also seemed to hint at something more sinister, so the sci-fi adventure game could take a turn.

Don't Nod also confirmed that the game will blend exploration, traversal, and "tense stealth gameplay", and that players will have to avoid "lurking threats" and uncover "haunting secrets buried beneath the ice".

"By 2060, Earth will be uninhabitable. The discovery of a 9th planet – Persephone – at the edge of the solar system, is humanity’s best hope," the game's blurb reads. "The European Space Agency is dispatching the Hope 01 scientific mission, consisting of 2 of their accomplished astronauts, Ariane and Thomas. Their mission: to survey the planet and determine whether humanity can prosper anew here.

"Your adventure begins in chaos, as the crash landing of their ship scatters them across the planet, launching them on a desperate quest to find one another."

Although the game doesn't launch until 2026, you can wishlist the game right now.

You might also like...

• Best Xbox Series X games 2025: smash hits for Microsoft's top console
• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Nintendo Switch 2: review in progress