TechRadar News

The UK is experiencing an AI boom, fueled by the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, and over £14 billion in private investment. This surge in funding is accelerating AI adoption across industries, driving innovation, boosting productivity, and creating significant job opportunities. Fueling innovation, and economic growth, AI is transforming industries, driving productivity and creating a number of job opportunities. However, while businesses are racing to adopt and implement AI, the workforce skillset is struggling to keep pace.

AI skills now account for 40% of the UK’s most pressing tech talent shortages, making it one of the largest gaps in the sector. This highlights a growing challenge: education and training programs simply aren’t evolving fast enough to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy.

What is the role of businesses in AI upskilling?

Traditional education systems cannot keep pace with AI's rapid evolution. Waiting for universities to modernize their AI curricula is not a viable strategy for businesses. Instead, companies must take proactive steps to upskill their workforce, ensuring they have the necessary AI expertise to remain competitive.

Some organizations are already progressing in this direction, establishing in-house AI training programs, ranging from foundational AI literacy courses to specialized technical training for employees in data science, machine learning, and AI applications. These programs can be delivered through online modules, workshops, and mentorship.

Businesses should also collaborate with AI education platforms, boot camps, and certification programs to offer employees structured learning opportunities. Industry-recognized certifications can help workers gain relevant, up-to-date skills that align with real-world applications. Encouraging AI-skilled employees to mentor colleagues can accelerate knowledge transfer.

Taking mentorship one step further, organizations can create AI centers of excellence, where experts guide teams on AI best practices, ethical considerations, and emerging trends. Offering incentives such as financial support for AI-related courses, internal recognition, and career progression opportunities can motivate employees to upskill. Embedding AI expertise into performance evaluations can also reinforce its strategic importance. By investing in AI upskilling today, businesses can bridge the talent gap, drive innovation, and future-proof their workforce.

What is the role of business-academia collaboration when it comes to bridging the AI skills gap?

The disconnect between higher education and industry needs is a persistent issue in the AI skills debate. Universities and technical colleges often struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of AI advancements, meaning graduates enter the workforce with outdated skills or theoretical knowledge that lacks real-world applicability.

Businesses have a responsibility to actively engage with universities and technical colleges to help shape educational programs. By integrating real-world AI applications, case studies, and industry projects into coursework, students can develop job-ready skills. But collaboration must go beyond one-off partnerships. Establishing long-term advisory relationships between businesses and academia can ensure that curricula evolve alongside technological advancements.

Beyond this, businesses can work with academic institutions to develop AI certification programs that validate students’ expertise in key areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics. These certifications should be recognized across industries to standardize AI proficiency levels and extend beyond the classroom into the workplace.

Practical, hands-on experience is also essential. Companies should provide structured mentorship and opportunities for students to work on real-world AI challenges. Offering experience through internships, apprenticeships, and AI research collaborations ensures students gain practical exposure.

I would add that it’s not just about training individuals. The UK’s AI adoption efforts are also hindered by outdated IT infrastructure, making it harder for organizations to implement AI effectively. Without a modernized digital ecosystem, even a well-trained workforce will struggle to deploy AI solutions at scale.

Businesses and academia must work together not only to prepare the next generation of AI talent but also to modernize digital infrastructures so that organizations can scale AI solutions efficiently.

Integrating AI

AI is no longer just for data scientists. How can we integrate AI fundamentals into both higher education and professional development programs?

AI’s impact is broad and far-reaching, spanning a huge swathe of industries, job roles, and everyday decision-making. To capitalize on AI’s impact, we must ensure AI knowledge and proficiency become mainstream and integrate AI fundamentals into both higher education and professional development programs.

AI education should start early, with foundational courses integrated into university and college curricula across disciplines. Business, healthcare, finance, and law students, for example, should be equipped with AI knowledge relevant to their fields.

Many professionals interact with AI-driven tools but lack a deep understanding of how they work. Companies should offer AI literacy programs tailored to non-technical employees, covering topics such as responsible AI use, bias mitigation, and automation. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions ideally collaborate to promote AI literacy at a societal level.

This can include free AI learning resources, workshops, and public discussions on AI’s ethical and economic implications. AI education should be accessible and flexible. Short, modular AI courses delivered through online platforms can help professionals upskill at their own pace without committing to full-time study.

Crucially, AI literacy isn’t just about ensuring businesses see returns on AI investments, it’s about empowering individuals to participate in an AI-driven economy. Without widespread AI knowledge, the risk is that AI remains an exclusive tool wielded by a few, rather than a democratized force that benefits society as a whole.

How can we approach the AI skills gap moving forwards?

The AI skills gap is a multi-faceted challenge requiring a coordinated response from businesses, academia, and education systems. Businesses must take responsibility for upskilling their workforce, while academic institutions must adapt curriculums to align with industry needs. At the same time, AI literacy must become a mainstream priority, ensuring workers across all sectors are equipped for an AI-powered future. If these gaps are not addressed, the UK risks stagnating in its AI ambitions, with organizations struggling to implement AI effectively and workers left behind in the digital transformation.

If businesses, educators, and policymakers act now, they have the opportunity to create a more inclusive, AI-ready workforce that drives sustainable innovation and economic growth. Only through a collaborative, proactive approach can the UK ensure that AI’s benefits are widely distributed rather than concentrated in a select few industries or regions.

We've featured the best Python online course.

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 pace of digital innovation has never been faster, yet outdated ideas about AI persist across boardrooms. One area that suffers the most from this confusion is Agentic AI. Businesses stand on the brink of a transformative era, but many are still paralyzed by misconceptions.

This gap between potential and perception leaves businesses lagging, even when the tools for transformation are within reach.

Agentic AI is not just another chapter in the tech story. It represents a fundamental shift. Businesses that see it as merely another tool will miss the extraordinary opportunities it offers for real autonomy, innovation, and growth.

In just one year, AI and machine learning has soared to new heights with the emergence of advanced large language models, and domain specific small language models that can be deployed both on the cloud and the edge.

While this kind of intelligence is the new baseline for what we expect in our applications, the future of enterprise AI lies in complex, multi-agent workflows that combine powerful models, intelligent agents and human guided decision-making. This market is moving fast. According to recent Deloitte research, 50% of companies using generative AI will launch agentic AI pilots or proofs of concept by 2027.

The AI landscape is in constant transformation, fueled by breakthroughs in AI agents, cutting-edge platforms like Azure AI Foundry, and NVIDIA’s robust infrastructure. As we journey through 2025, these innovations are reshaping technology and revolutionizing business operations and strategies.

Here are five myths businesses still cling to about Agentic AI, and why believing them could cost you:

Myth 1: believing Agentic AI is just another model to fine-tune

Agentic AI isn’t about fine-tuning responses or making marginal improvements. It’s about setting objectives, planning workflows, executing tasks, adapting independently, and continuously optimizing outcomes. Unlike traditional AI models that wait for prompts, agentic systems act with autonomy to achieve dynamic goals. Treating these systems like polished chatbots severely underestimates their strategic value.

When implemented correctly, agentic systems can offer a step-change in how businesses manage complexity, decision-making, and scale. Many organizations are already acknowledging the potential and implementing the technology for maximum efficiency.

Myth 2: thinking you can deploy Agentic AI without process redesign

Agentic AI isn't just another tool you plug in and walk away from. It reshapes how work gets done. Businesses that don’t revisit how decisions are made, how teams collaborate, and how data flows will struggle to unlock any meaningful value.

Successful agentic AI deployments begin with a fresh look at business workflows, not just system integrations. This technology doesn’t simply automate tasks. It redefines them, forcing leaders to rethink how work gets done.

Myth 3: expecting Agentic AI to make your business 'fully hands-off'

Agentic AI enhances autonomy but doesn’t eliminate the need for human oversight. Escalation points, governance checks, and decision reviews remain essential. Without smart orchestration and clear accountability, businesses risk decision bottlenecks or poorly aligned actions from their AI systems.

It’s not about letting AI take the wheel. It’s about designing smarter systems where humans steer the mission and agents drive the momentum. Success will depend not on trusting AI blindly, but on orchestrating smart human-machine collaboration at every critical juncture.

Myth 4: assuming Agentic AI is only for operational use cases

Many businesses still box Agentic AI into the operations category, useful for support tickets, workflows, and back-office automation. That’s a mistake. Agentic AI is moving into sales, marketing, strategic planning, and product innovation. Its ability to plan, reason, and act independently is increasingly being used to augment revenue-generating and customer-facing roles.

Leaders who confine it to "process improvement" risk overlooking its broader potential to drive competitive advantage, transform customer journeys, and unlock growth.

Myth 5: believing Agentic AI delivers ROI overnight

Agentic AI success is a marathon, not a sprint. While some tools offer quick wins, full-scale value takes time. Hidden costs related to integration, orchestration, retraining, and long-term optimization often catch businesses off guard, especially those chasing quick wins.

Adoption is accelerating across industries, but true ROI depends on a thoughtful, staged rollout, not just enthusiasm. This means staged deployment, continuous learning, and long-term operational alignment. The payoff is significant, but not instant. Businesses that expect overnight gains without the legwork are setting themselves up to be disappointed.

And finally: key characteristics and benefits of agentic AI

Autonomy: Agentic AI systems can operate independently, making decisions and taking actions without constant human supervision.

Adaptability: They can adjust their behavior and strategies in response to changing conditions and new information.

Goal-driven behavior: They are designed to achieve specific objectives and can learn and improve their performance over time.

Complex problem-solving: Agentic AI systems can tackle multi-step problems and situations that require reasoning and planning.

Improved efficiency: By automating tasks and making decisions autonomously, agentic AI can streamline workflows and reduce human error.

Scalability: Agentic AI systems can be deployed at scale to handle large volumes of data and complex processes.

Collaboration with humans: While autonomous, agentic AI can also work collaboratively with humans, leveraging their expertise and knowledge.

We've featured the best AI website builder.

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 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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, May 30 (game #719).

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 #720) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• RASPBERRY
• CAVITY
• PROOF
• FERMENT
• PLAQUE
• BUBBLE
• CERTIFICATE
• REST
• RECESS
• KISS
• HOLLOW
• MEDAL
• FUSE
• RISE
• TROPHY
• NOOK

NYT Connections today (game #720) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Inlet
• GREEN: Honor
• BLUE: Baking 
• PURPLE: Think: Opposite of suck

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 #720) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: ALCOVE
• GREEN: WAYS TO RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT 
• BLUE: VERBS IN BREADMAKING 
• PURPLE: THINGS YOU CAN BLOW 

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

NYT Connections today (game #720) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #720, are…

• YELLOW: ALCOVE CAVITY, HOLLOW, NOOK, RECESS
• GREEN: WAYS TO RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE, MEDAL, PLAQUE, TROPHY
• BLUE: VERBS IN BREADMAKING FERMENT, PROOF, REST, RISE
• PURPLE: THINGS YOU CAN BLOW BUBBLE, FUSE, KISS, RASPBERRY

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 2 mistakes

I got the purple group today by thinking it was something to do with music legend Prince, rather than THINGS YOU CAN BLOW. I was so determined that I made two mistakes before I finally fluked together a correct group of four.

Fortunately, by this point I’d already guessed the words that made up ALCOVE and WAYS TO RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENT, so the pool of words was limited. 

My thinking was that RASPBERRY (as in Raspberry Beret) and KISS were both Prince songs and, well he was so prolific he must have a song with BUBBLE in the title (he didn’t) or FUSE (he didn’t). All, quite a stretch, especially as the actual answer was much easier. 

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, May 30, game #719)

• YELLOW: RODS BAT, CLUB, STAFF, STICK
• GREEN: THEY'RE ON A ROLL! FOIL, RIBBON, TAPE, TOILET PAPER
• BLUE: COMMON SWAG ITEMS HAT, TEE, TOTE, WATER BOTTLE
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "SHACK" CADDY, LOVE, RADIO, SHAKE

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.

Who's ready to spend another weekend in front of the TV? If you answered "me!" to that question, you'll want to know what's worth watching on the world's best streaming services.

There's a lot to look forward to as well. From the official streaming debut of 2025's first Marvel movie to the 2025 edition of Netflix's Tudum fan celebration, we've rounded up the best films and TV series to check out before Monday rolls around. Enjoy! – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Captain America: Brave New World (Disney+)

Over three months after it initially flew into theaters, the penultimate Marvel Phase 5 movie – Captain America: Brave New World – has landed on Disney+.

Sam Wilson's first big-screen outing as Cap 2.0 sees the titular hero contend with plenty in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), too. Indeed, not only is he asked to reform the Avengers by army general-turned-US president Thaddeus Ross, but he also becomes embroiled in a diplomatic storm when a mysterious figure almost instigates World War III among the biggest nations on Earth.

So, is Captain America 4 worth seeing and/or deserving of a place on our best Disney+ movies list? My Captain America: Brave New World review reveals all. If you end up streaming it, be sure to read my Captain America: Brave New World ending explained piece once you're done to see how it sets up future events in the MCU, too. – TP

• Watch Captain America: Brave New World on Disney+

Netflix Tudum 2025 (Netflix)

Now a yearly tradition, this year's edition of Netflix Tudum, an event that celebrates the best Netflix shows and reveals more details about a whole host of new Netflix movies, takes place this weekend. And, without spoiling much, it sounds like it'll be an absolute doozy.

We'll be covering the event live, so check back in with us tomorrow (May 31) and follow along with our live blog to get the lowdown on the biggest announcements.

You can stream the event in real time, too, via Netflix itself, or on the streaming titan's various social media platforms, to learn the latest about Stranger Things season 5, Wednesday season 2, Knives Out 3, and so many other exciting new films and shows that are coming in 2025. I, for one, cannot wait, so much so I've rounded up my biggest predictions for what'll be unveiled at Tudum 2025. – TP

• Watch Netflix Tudum 2025 on Netflix

Mountainhead (Max)

Jesse Armstrong, the creator of huge HBO hit Succession, is back with his latest project. This time, he's satirizing big tech companies, the egotistical individuals who run them, and the influence they hold in today's climate, via a comedy-drama flick called Mountainhead.

Starring the likes of Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramy Youssef, this Max Original Movie sees four 'tech bros' (read: billionaire playboys) reunite at a remote location amid a fictional international crisis.

Little else has been revealed about the film's plot. But, if Succession taught us anything, Armstrong has a strong handle on showing wealthy people in all their messy glory. Here's hoping, then, that this is one we'll be adding to our best Max movies guide shortly. – TP

• Watch Mountainhead on Max

The Better Sister (Prime Video)

Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks lead the cast of this gripping new Prime Video series that follows two sisters as they reunite to try to untangle a complicated family history.

As the Amazon TV Original's title suggests, these women have very different lives. Chloe has a picturesque life, while Nicky struggles to make ends meet. However, things take a dark turn when Chloe's husband is murdered and the two try to discover the truth about what happened.

At the time of publication, it's got a healthy 82% Rotten Tomatoes critical score, so I'll definitely be catching this over the weekend. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch The Better Sister on Prime Video

And Just Like That... season 3 (Max)

This Sex and the City sequel has critics split down the middle with it 55% Rotten Tomatoes critical rating and its audience score is even worse. A real shame then, that it's got no chance of being on our best Max shows round up.

Having said that, it's certainly got a dedicated fanbase, which is why it's back for a third season. The producers have made some controversial decisions, especially when it came to killing off Mr. Big, but you have to admit And Just Like That... isn't short on drama.

If you're among those dying to see Sarah Jessica Parker and the squad stepping into their stilettos once again, you're in luck. Season 3 has just made its debut on HBO and Max, and new episodes are due out every week for the foreseeable future. – LB

• Watch And Just Like That... season 3 on Max

Bono: Stories of Surrender (Apple TV+)

If you still haven't found what you're looking for (I'll see myself out...) when it comes to a good U2 documentary, Bono: Stories of Surrender, which is out now on Apple's streaming platform, might change that.

This Apple TV+ documentary focuses on the U2 frontman as he pulls back the curtain on his life, thereby allowing you to follow his very personal journey which features his family, friends, and faith.

There might not be much here for non-U2 fans, but it's an essential watch for those wanting a bit more Bono. The jury is out, though, on whether it'll make it onto our best Apple TV+ movies list. – LB

• Watch Bono: Stories of Surrender on Apple TV+

Dept. Q (Netflix)

This Netflix thriller series is a must-watch for those who need a delightfully dark detective drama in their life. It's also got a stellar cast, too, with Mark Bonnar and Kelly MacDonald among its ranks.

Dept. Q has also got something of a bleak-sounding plot. Indeed, we follow a former top-rated detective who's wracked with guilt following an attack that left his partner paralysed and another policeman dead. As he returns to work, he takes on a cold case which starts to consume his life.

Netflix has enjoyed some great success with similarly gripping espionage fare in recent years, such as Black Doves and The Night Agent. And, with The Queen's Gambit's creator behind the wheel of this genre vehicle, it could be a thrilling ride to immerse yourself in this weekend. – LB

• Watch Dept. Q on Netflix

For more top-tier streaming suggestions, read our guides on the best Netflix movies, best Disney+ shows, best Paramount+ movies, and best Hulu shows.

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, May 30 (game #453).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Next to the bobby pins

NYT Strands today (game #454) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• STEEL 
• CRAB
• SWEET
• CHAIN
• CARE
• RACES

NYT Strands today (game #454) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 15 letters

NYT Strands today (game #454) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 4th 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 #454) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #454, are…

• SCRUNCHIE
• CLAW
• CLIP
• BARRETTE
• HEADBAND
• SPANGRAM: HAIR ACCESSORIES

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Today’s spangram was like an oversized SCRUNCHIE taking up a huge chunk of the puzzle.

Unlike bobby pins, today’s words all describe hair ornaments. I struggled to see BARRETTE, as this is known as a hair slide in the UK, but the rest were easy to spot.

As the father of two girls I am fully aware of the world of HAIR ACCESSORIES and have been a willing model/victim to my daughter’s experimentation. It's an activity, along with painting my nails, both of them found utterly hysterical.

It's also the reason why I relate to Buzz Lightyear and the scene in the first Toy Story movie where he is stolen by Sid’s sister and becomes Mrs Nesbitt for the purposes of a doll's tea party – “One minute you’re saving the galaxy, and suddenly you find yourself supping down darjeeling with Marie Antoinette and her little sister”. That’s fatherhood.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, May 30, game #453)

• FORWARD
• DEFENDER
• GOALKEEPER
• STRIKER
• MIDFIELDER
• SPANGRAM: SOCCER

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.

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, May 30 (game #1222).

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 #1223) - 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 #1223) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1223) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1223) - 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 #1223) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• C

• E

• D

• Q

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

Quordle today (game #1223) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1223, are…

• CRUMB
• ELFIN
• DRIER
• QUITE

Today’s Quordle was a dream ride for me after a series of traffic jams, with my first guesses being correct and all the letters turning green. 

On reflection, I wasn’t that much of a genius as I had four correct or incorrect letters for each word with my three starter words paying dividends.

QUITE felt like a magic guess but the reality is there was no other option – even though I didn’t know it at the time. 

Hope it was a good one for you. Thanks Quordle gods.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1223) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1223, are…

• SNARE
• SCOOP
• SHEIK
• FORCE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• 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
• Quordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVE
• Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNY
• Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE
• Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK
• Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE
• Quordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKER
• Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN
• Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY
• Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praises Trump tariffs
• "Utterly visionary" idea should help boost investment in US, Huang says
• Huang also praises AI diffusion rule rescindment, saying it will help accelerate US tech across the world

The CEO of Nvidia has praised the tariffs recently imposed by US President Donald Trump on nations around the world, calling them "utterly visionary".

Speaking to Bloomberg following Nvidia's recent quarterly results, Jensen Huang was effusive with his backing for the tariffs, and for Trump personally.

Nvidia had revealed record quarterly revenues of around $44 billion, so it is perhaps unsurprising Huang was keen to stay on good terms with the President, and stay the right side of potential tariff changes in the near future.

"We're all in"

“Obviously, I don’t know all of his ideas, but let me tell you about two that are incredible,” Huang said.

"The first one is utterly visionary. The idea of tariffs being a pillar of a bold vision to re-industrialize to onshore manufacturing and motivate the world to invest in the United States is just an incredible vision. I think this is going to be a transformative idea for the next century for us."

"We're all in on the idea," he declared. "We're setting up plants and encouraging our partners from around the world to invest in the United States, and we have a lot of stuff going on, and so I'm very excited about that."

"The second major idea," Huang went on, "is to rescind the AI diffusion role, recognizing that this isn't about limiting American technology, but this is about accelerating American stacks around the world to make sure that, before it's too late that the world builds on American stacks during this extraordinary time, the AI era."

"These two initiatives are completely visionary, and it's going to be transformative for America."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Huang's comments come a day after HP CEO Enrique Lores revealed his company would be raising prices in order to deal with rising costs incurred by tariffs.

Lores noted the company would be forced it to take what he called "price actions", effectively increases across PC and printing hardware, as well as no longer using the US as a distribution hub for products sold in Canada or to Latin America.

Huang himself has frequently looked to extol the virtues of the new AI-powered society, where Nvidia has a critical role in powering the new systems.

Speaking at the recent Dell Technology World 2025 event, Huang called the current technology landscape, "a once in a lifetime opportunity - in the last 60 years, this is the biggest reinvention that you and I have seen."

“This is incredibly exciting technology - you want to engage it. The impact to your company is incredible - and you want to be an early adopter.”

“This is the beginning of a decade of transformation. But you don't want to be second - this is the time, and you want to be first.”

You might also like

• Nvidia CEO - AI could be the largest technological leap we’ve ever seen
• “The world has fundamentally changed” - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang wants it to be so much more than a chip maker
• These are the best business laptops around today

• NordVPN wants to shift the conversation from server quantity to quality
• Server count is one of the main metrics for measuring the quality of a VPN service across today's industry
• NordVPN believes providers should focus on the factors directly impacting user experience instead

NordVPN has just thrown a challenge to the VPN industry – changing how providers talk about VPN servers.

Server count has been, and currently is, one of the main recognized standard metrics for measuring the quality of a VPN service across the industry. You may have noticed how today's best VPN providers use these often huge numbers to market themselves among the competition.

Yet, NordVPN believes that providers should instead focus on all the other factors directly impacting user experience, such as the server bandwidth, speed, reliability, and more. This is exactly why the team now seeks to shift the conversation from server quantity to quality.

"The idea that the more VPN servers you have, the better you are, is basically not very true. So, we have to start talking about this," NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis told TechRadar.

TechRadar needs you! We want to know what you think about the world of VPNs. Whether you're a novice or a VPN pro, we want to hear your thoughts. Don't worry, though, your responses are completely anonymous, and it takes less than a minute to complete!

To take part, click the link below: https://futurenet.questionpro.eu/tr-vpn

VPN servers: what matters

VPN servers are a crucial part of how a VPN works. Every time you connect to a service, your internet traffic is rerouted via the provider's network made up of these servers. This is how virtual private network (VPN) software spoofs your IP address.

While it's true that offering worldwide coverage is an important factor in allowing users to access as much international content as possible, it won't matter much if the user experience is poor.

"Think of it like roads," Briedis explained in a blog post. "More roads don’t solve traffic problems if they’re in poor condition or badly planned. What matters more is having high-capacity lanes and well-planned routes, so millions of cars can move without getting stuck in traffic."

All in all, according to Briedis, we should think of a VPN as an internet service provider (ISP) because it's the service that de facto enables us to connect to the internet.

"ISPs they don't say how many servers have around the world. What they are talking is about how much network capacity do they have, what kind of connection quality do you have, and so on," he told TechRadar.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

So, what actually makes a good VPN server? Here are the main factors, as per the NordVPN team:

• Network capacity. This refers to how much data the network can handle at any given time. To go back to the roads example, network capacity is how wide and fast the lanes of a highway are. For example, NordVPN offers 70 Tbps for each servers – but this alone isn't enough.
• Bandwidth and load management. The amount of data a server can handle is crucial, but is perhaps even more important is how a provider manages it across the whole infrastructure. To avoid server overload even during usage spikes and deliver the best user experience, NordVPN ensures to cap the maximum load to 30% for each server.
• Speed and reliability. Having a fast and reliable VPN connection is what users ultimately want the most. According to NordVPN, providers achieve this through high network capacity and efficient load management rather than the highest number of servers.
• Georgaphic distribution. This metric refers to the spread of servers across different locations. "The more strategically distributed the servers are, and the better the infrastructure is designed to handle global traffic, the smoother your VPN experience will be," Briedis explains.

A real breakthrough?

The VPN industry have been stuck on the server count as the metric is easy to convey to users. Quantity is a definite number, while quality, as we have seen, depends on many other factors.

But, is the idea that server quality is what actually matters a real breakthrough?

According to TechRadar's Lead Security Reviewer, Mike Williams, the notion isn't totally new nor is going to make much difference.

"The reality is that the number of servers, overall capacity and most network details won’t tell us very much. To get a proper feel we would need stats based on usage, but I doubt anyone will tell us those because they’re commercially sensitive," said Williams.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Overall, I do agree that server numbers don’t mean much, but I doubt most providers will replace them anytime soon," Williams added. "We have to applaud Nord for trying, though. Even if it doesn’t replace the number server as a benchmark, giving users extra details to consider has to be a positive move."

Replying to Williams' comments, Briedis said: "Every company has its own rules how much they are trying to squeeze from the VPN server, but for us no having more than 30% of load is one of the key quality components to make sure that our user has the best quality in that location."

All in all, "We have to talk about the user experience in general. This is one of the key strategic areas that we can move forward."

You might also like

• NordVPN has now a full GUI Linux VPN app – here's how to upgrade
• Windscribe CEO speaks out against global threats to no-log VPNs
• Is the future of censorship-resistant VPNs, no VPNs?

• Cybernews finds major database containing chat logs unsecured online
• The archive belongs to one of the biggest healthcare cooperatives, Unimed
• There is no evidence of prior abuse, it was said, but users should be on their guard

One of the world’s biggest healthcare cooperatives kept an open database with “millions of patient-doctor messages”, along with plenty of sensitive healthcare information, documents, images, and more.

Cybersecurity researchers from Cybernews found an exposed Kafka instance, and attributed it to Unimed.

Subsequent investigation determined the logs were generated when patients talked to Sara, Unimed’s AI-powered chatbot, as well as human doctors.

Images, PII, and more

Cybernews said its researchers were able to intercept more than 140,000 messages sent via the company’s chat feature but, based on the logs of the leaking instance, “at least 14 million” messages could have been sent this way.

“The leak is very sensitive as it exposed confidential medical information. Attackers could exploit the leaked details for discrimination and targeted hate crimes, as well as more standard cybercrime such as identity theft, medical and financial fraud, phishing, and scams,” the researchers said.

The information exposed this way includes people’s uploaded pictures and documents, sent messages, full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and Unimed card numbers.

While sifting through millions of messages could feel like a daunting task, feeding the archive into a Large Language Model (LLM) significantly simplifies the process. Threat actors could build detailed patient profiles with the help of AI, and use them to draft authentic, personalized phishing lures.

Luckily enough, after being notified about the issue, Unimed locked the instance down.

It claims that no one discovered it before Cybernews, and that no harm came of it: “Unimed do Brasil informs that it has investigated an isolated incident, identified in March 2025, and promptly resolved, with no evidence, so far, of any leakage of sensitive data from clients, cooperative physicians, or healthcare professionals,” the notification email reads. “An in-depth investigation remains ongoing.”

A healthcare cooperative is a member-owned, nonprofit organization that provides or facilitates access to healthcare services for its members.

You might also like

• This ancient browser security flaw affecting Safari, Chrome and Firefox is finally being fixed
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers

• Android phone owners can now quickly view Office files in a hassle-free way
• Previously, if you were sent an Office file, you had to sign in to your Microsoft account even to have a swift glance at it
• No login is required now, as has been the case with iOS for a while

Microsoft has just brought the anonymous file sharing ability that was already in iOS to Android users, so those phone owners can view an Office file that’s been sent to them without being forced to log in to their Microsoft account.

Currently, if you get sent a link to a Word file (or other Microsoft Office format such as Excel), when you access it on an Android smartphone, you’ll have to sign in to your Microsoft account before you can view it.

However, as Android Authority reports, Microsoft has now done away with that requirement, so you can simply click and view the Office file on your phone. But if you want to do anything else – like editing a Word document you’ve received, or popping in a comment – then you’ll still need to sign in, as those changes need to be attributed to you. (You will see a prompt informing you of this, by the way).

You’ll need an up-to-date version of Office on your mobile for this to work, though, with Microsoft noting in the blog post introducing the change that version 16.0.18827.20066 or later is required.

As Android Authority observes, the ability to click a link and open an Office file in this way, without being signed in, has been available on iPhone for a few months now.

Analysis: About time for Android

(Image credit: Microsoft)

It took some time to provide this functionality for Android, then, which is a bit odd, seeing as you’d think that’d be a priority for Microsoft (with that mobile OS representing the majority of smartphones). Still, it’s good to see the feature debut, even if Android users have had to wait a while for this trick to be drafted across.

Obviously, it’s quite inconvenient to click a link on a file you’ve been sent and then be prompted to sign in, if all you want to do, perhaps, is have a quick glance at the document that’s been sent.

I should note that the sender of the file still needs to be logged in with their Microsoft account to share a file, of course, it’s only the recipient that can view the file (and only view it) anonymously, with no sign-in needed.

You might also like...

• Hate Copilot? You might change your mind if this hint that it’ll extend your laptop’s battery life is true
• Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends
• Been hiding from Windows 11 24H2 due to the fuss about all the bugs? There’s nowhere to run now as Microsoft’s made the update compulsory

• Code in the Google TV Home app describes sleep timers and notifications
• Android TV has a sleep timer already, but it's not great or easy to find
• It's in early stages, so don't expect it imminently

If you've ever fallen asleep during a TV show binge only to be rudely awakened by an auto-playing trailer or to realise that you've missed a chunk of episodes, the idea of a decent sleep timer on Google TV might be quite interesting. Well here's some good news: it looks like Google is working on exactly that.

The news comes via Android Authority, which likes nothing more than delving into beta code to see what useful information it might uncover. And this time it's uncovered strings and references to sleep timers in the Google TV Home app, which is the main interface for Google TV.

What to expect from sleep timers in Google TV

The code in the Google app suggests that the sleep timer will do more than the basic one that's currently in Android TV, which doesn't support pause and resume features. And the code also indicates that there will be timer warnings at different intervals – "X minutes until the TV turns off" – and possibly the ability to override the timer by asking for a bit more time.

That latter feature is a little bit mysterious, because one of the lines of code describes a "sleep_timer_45_second_notification_action". That's an odd choice of time – as Android Authority says, why not do it at one minute?

At the moment these are just clues rather than actual working features, but they're an encouraging sign nevertheless: at the moment manufacturers create (or don't create) their own timers, whereas having the feature baked into the core operating system would mean a consistent experience across the entire Google TV platform.

It should make the feature much easier to find, too, because where firms do offer an Android sleep timer, they tend to bury it in the darkest corners of the settings menu.

You might also like

• The best TV, chosen by our reviewers for all budgets
• Best streaming service: Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and more
• Google TV Streamer: release date, price and everything you need to know

• Fujifilm X-E5 could be the first new X-E model since 2021’s X-E4
• It's now rumored to come with a 40MP sensor and in-body stabilization
• Could launch in on June 12 alongside new 23mm pancake prime lens

It’s high-time Fujifilm announced a new X-E mirrorless camera – and we may now have a date to circle in the diary. Fujifilm has revealed the time and place for its 2025 X Summit event – June 12 in Shanghai – and there’s speculation that the long-rumored Fujifilm X-E5 will be officially revealed then.

Just last week we reported on rumors claiming the Fujifilm X-E5 would be announced in June, so this event announcement simply adds further fuel to that fire. It comes to us courtesy of reliable site Fuji Rumors, who also reports that Fujifilm will announce a new X-mount pancake lens at the event: the XF23mm. This stubby wide-angle prime should be a perfect partner for the compact X-E5 body, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the pairing is eventually sold as a bundle.

Rumors speculating on what the X-E5 could be like in terms of specifications, features and price have been thin on the ground – until now. Again, it’s Fuji Rumors with the story, which claims the X-E5 will come with a 40MP X-Trans V APS-C sensor and in-body image stabilization (IBIS). That would take it closer to the popular, fixed-lens Fujifilm X100VI, which also has both features, but lacks the option of interchangeable lenses.

This would represent a solid upgrade over the 2021-released Fujifilm X-E4, which sports a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and no IBIS. It also lacks weather-sealing, dual card slots and keeps physical controls to a minimum, all of which has led to it being generally regarded by Fujifilm enthusiasts as something of a disappointment.

But with the rumor mill predicting that we're unlikely to see a successor to the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 (or X100VI) in 2025, the rumored X-E5 could become this year's most-anticipated Fuji camera for anyone looking for a compact, retro sidekick with a rangefinder design.

How much might a Fujifilm X-E5 cost?

The X-E4's minimalist approach to physical controls wasn't beloved by Fujifilm enthusiasts. (Image credit: Fujifilm)

The prospective price of the Fujifilm X-E5, meanwhile, remains up in the air. The X-E4 landed in February 2021 for $850 / £799 / AU$1,399, but the rumors suggest its successor could cost a little more than that.

We wouldn’t want to speculate, particularly given the current levels of uncertainty due to US tariffs on foreign-built goods. But Fuji Rumors points out that, while every previous X-E camera has had a launch RRP of under $1000, the inclusion of the higher-resolution sensor and IBIS on an X-E5 could well push up its price well above that line.

The X-E5, if it’s real, represents an opportunity for Fujifilm to deliver a better-equipped compact mirrorless camera – the type of highly portable, unobtrusive all-rounder that’s ideal for travel and street photography. The bigger sensor and IBIS would be a great start, but we’d also like to see weather-sealing and a more comprehensive control setup.

Will our prayers be answered? It looks like we may find out as soon as June 12. In the meantime, do comment on what you’d love to see in the rumored Fujifilm X-E5 in the comments section below.

You might also like...

• The rumored Fujifilm X-E5 is the camera I'm most excited about in 2025 – here's why
• Fujifilm X half review: Who needs film?
• Best Fujifilm camera 2025: top mirrorless and compact cameras

• Pixel phones could soon support themes, according to new code
• It lets customizations be applied more quickly
• The feature may arrive with Android 16

After showcasing the big update at Google I/O 2025 earlier this month, Google is all set to launch Android 16 in the coming days, at least as far as Pixel phones are concerned – and it looks as though Pixel devices are also in line for a major customization upgrade.

The team over at Android Authority has spotted evidence of a Pixel themes feature hidden in the code for the latest Android 16 beta. While the feature hasn't gone live yet, it looks as though it's close to completion.

Many other Android handsets, including the best Samsung Galaxy phones, already offer themes: they let you group together wallpapers, color schemes, and icon packs together in a single bundle, and you can then apply them with a single tap.

It looks as though themes would be available via the current wallpaper and lock screen settings on Pixel phones, available through the Wallpaper and style section in Settings. It would also be quite a prominent option, based on the existing code.

Coming soon?

A new visual language is heading to Android (Image credit: Google)

It's not clear whether you'll be able to view a gallery of themes provided by Google and perhaps other users, as well as creating your own customization combinations. On Samsung phones, there's a large gallery of theme options to pick from.

Another question we have is whether this feature is going to be ready in time for the official, stable Android 16 release: the rumor is that we might see that coming on Tuesday, June 3, though that's yet to be confirmed.

It's possible that Google will wait for a later Android 16 release before pushing out themes and making them available to Pixel owners. Other Android phone makers will then be able to use (or not use) Google's theme code as they see fit.

Upcoming changes we do know about in Android 16 include better battery health monitoring (for newer Pixels), improved security features, and a revamped, more modern look for the interface that's being called Material 3 Expressive.

You might also like

• Samsung's next foldables will launch with Android 16
• These are the best Pixel phones you can buy
• Android 16 may add its own version of iOS StandBy Mode

• Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei claims major white-collar layoffs are on the horizon
• Unemployment could spike to 20%
• Anthropic develops AI models designed to do tasks traditionally done by humans

The CEO of AI firm Anthropic, creators of ChatGPT rival ‘Claude’, has warned the US Government about the possible ‘mass elimination’ of entry-level jobs across law, technology, finance, and other white-collar fields.

Dario Amodei predicted up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could be taken by AI, leading to unemployment of as much as 20% in the next one to five years.

Amodei warned most workers are “unaware” that this job apocalypse is imminent; "It sounds crazy, and people just don't believe it", adding AI has the potential to affect society in positive and negative ways; "Cancer is cured, the economy grows at 10% a year, the budget is balanced — and 20% of people don't have jobs."

Shifting sands

It’s worth noting Anthropic is one of the organisations leading the charge in developing technology designed to replace humans.

The warnings that Amodei and others share about the potential impact on unemployment and short-term economic turmoil come with no mitigation plan; "We, as the producers of this technology, have a duty and an obligation to be honest about what is coming."

Axios outlines that Steve Bannon, long time advisor to President Trump and influential media personality, also envisions a scenario in which entry level positions are “eviscerated,” which correlates with the almost 2% rise in tech sector layoffs seen thanks to AI already in 2025.

"I don't think anyone is taking into consideration how administrative, managerial and tech jobs for people under 30 — entry-level jobs that are so important in your 20s — are going to be eviscerated."

This isn’t necessarily the only outcome long term though, with over 55% of companies in the UK who replaced workers with AI ultimately coming to regret their decision, indicating that perhaps the technology isn’t as potent its marketing suggests.

Via Axios

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best AI tools around
• Check out our choice for best antivirus software
• Generative AI isn't biting into wages, replacing workers, and isn't saving time, economists say

• Microsoft is reportedly sidelining its Xbox native handheld in favor of Windows 11 handheld gaming PC optimization
• The 'Project Kennan' handheld collaboration with Asus is still underway
• It appears to be a direct response to Valve's SteamOS success after it became available for non-Steam Deck handhelds

Valve has recently taken the spotlight on handheld gaming PCs, providing SteamOS support for non-Steam Deck handhelds – and as a result, Microsoft has seemingly set aside one of its most-anticipated devices to compete with the Linux-based operating system.

According to an exclusive from our friends at Windows Central, Microsoft has reportedly shelved its Xbox native handheld momentarily, as it will now shift its focus to Windows 11's optimization for third-party handheld gaming PCs – and 'Project Kennan', a new Xbox-themed handheld in collaboration with Asus.

This comes shortly after the launch of a new Lenovo Legion Go S, an officially-licensed SteamOS handheld gaming PC – and it appears as though the revelations of the SteamOS version outperforming the Windows 11 model in gaming may have pushed Microsoft to change its priorities.

Windows 11 is yet to feature a 'handheld' mode or anything that focuses on portability to help streamline the handheld gaming experience. While software like Armoury Crate (alongside tools like Xbox Game Bar) has helped handheld gamers with quick game access and other necessary TDP adjustment settings, it's had a hard time matching up to the SteamOS experience for gamers.

It's not exactly clear whether the codenamed handheld, Project Kennan, will come in the form of a long-awaited Asus ROG Ally successor. However, it's clear that Valve's success has lit a fire under Microsoft to take handheld gaming seriously – and rightly so, as many would argue.

Analysis: Gamers, this is exactly why voicing your frustrations matters

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If there's anything Microsoft's reported actions highlight, it's that voicing your complaints and frustrations does indeed work. I say this because I can almost guarantee that without the praise of SteamOS and the recent criticisms of Windows 11, Microsoft wouldn't lift a finger.

The same case applies to the sudden rise of game prices. I'm still very concerned and adamant about shooting down $80 game prices, since Nintendo kick-started it. Instead of just 'accepting it' and letting it become a precedent, let your displeasure about it be known as much as possible.

Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are all more than capable of doing better and being reasonable with consumers, and the only thing I've ever seen work is protesting against measures that are out of line.

I could go on about Sony's PS Plus and Microsoft's subscription services, just for console gamers having access to multiplayer, and just how absurd that truly is – but ultimately, it's an example of what happens when we let things slide or become normalized.

Regardless, I'm pleased to hear that Valve has essentially been a catalyst for Microsoft to take handheld gaming and Windows 11 optimization more seriously, because it's been needed for a very long time now.

You may also like...

• New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions
• The new SteamOS beta already has fixes for non-Steam Deck handhelds – here's why it's better than Windows 11 for gaming
• Forget the Nintendo Switch 2 – I’m more excited that Microsoft could be making Windows 11 gaming handhelds even better with a new ‘handheld mode’

As demand for AI and cloud computing soars, pundits are suggesting that the world is teetering on the edge of a potential data center crunch—where capacity can’t keep up with the digital load. Concerns and the hype have led to plummeting vacancy rates: in Northern Virginia, the world's largest data center market, for example, vacancy rates have fallen below 1%.

Echoing past fears of "peak oil" and "peak food," the spotlight now turns to "peak data." But rather than stall, the industry is evolving—adopting modular builds, renewable energy, and AI-optimized systems to redefine how tomorrow’s data centers will power an increasingly digital world.

1. Shift Toward Modular and Edge Data Centers

Future data centers will increasingly move away from massive centralized facilities alone, embracing smaller, modular, and edge-based data centers. The sector is already splitting out in hyperscale data centers one end and smaller, edge-oriented facilities on the other.

Smaller, modular and edge data centers can be built in a few months and tend to be located closer to end users to reduce latency. Unlike the huge campuses of hyperscale with facilities often covering millions of square feet these smaller data centers are sometimes built into repurposed buildings such as abandoned shopping malls, empty office towers, and factories in disuse, helping requalify ex-industrial brownfield areas.

Leaner centers can be rapidly deployed, located closer to end users for reduced latency, and tailored to specific workloads such as autonomous vehicles and AR.

2. Integration with Renewable and On-Site Power Sources

To address energy demands and grid constraints, future data centers will increasingly be co-located with power generation facilities, such as nuclear or renewable plants. This reduces reliance on strained grid infrastructure and improves energy stability. Some companies are investing in nuclear power. Nuclear power provides massive, always-on power that is also free of carbon emissions. Modular reactors are being considered to overcome grid bottlenecks, long wait times for power delivery, and local utility limits.

Similarly, they will be increasingly built in areas where the climate reduces operational strain. Lower cooling costs and access to water enables the use of energy-efficient liquid-cooling systems instead of air-cooling. We will be seeing more data centers pop up in places like Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest.

3. Operational Optimization

Artificial intelligence will play a major role in managing and optimizing data center operations, particularly for cooling and energy use. For instance, reinforcement learning algorithms are being used to cut energy use by optimizing cooling systems, achieving up to 21% energy savings.

Similarly, fixes like replacing legacy servers with more energy-efficient machines, with newer chips or thermal design, can significantly expand compute capacity, without requiring new premises.

4. Hardware Density and Efficiency Improvements

Instead of only building new facilities, future capacity will be expanded by refreshing hardware with newer, denser, and more energy-efficient servers. This allows for more compute power in the same footprint, enabling quick scaling to meet surges in demand, particularly for AI workloads. These power-hungry centers are also putting a strain on electricity grids.

Future data centers will leverage new solutions such as load shifting to optimize energy efficiency. Google is already partnering with PJM Interconnection, the largest electrical grid operator in North America, to leverage AI to automate tasks such as viability assessments of connection applications, thus enhancing grid efficiency.

Issues are typically not due to lack of energy but insufficient transmission capacity.

In addition to this, fortunately, data centers are usually running well below full capacity specifically to accommodate future growth. This added capacity will prove useful as facilities accommodate unexpected traffic spikes, and rapid scaling needs without requiring new constructions.

5. Geographically and Politically Responsive Siting

Future data center locations will be chosen based on climate efficiency, grid access, and political zoning policies but also availability of AI-skilled workforce. Data centers aren’t server rooms—they’re among the most complex IT infrastructure projects in existence, requiring seamless power, cooling, high-speed networking, and top-tier security.

Building them involves a wide range of experts, from engineers to logistics teams, coordinating everything from semiconductors to industrial HVAC systems. Data centers will thus drive up the demand for high-performance networking, thermal, power redundancy, and advanced cooling engineers.

Looking to the future

It’s clear that the recent surge in infrastructure demand to power GPUs and high-performance computing, for example, is being driven primarily by AI. In fact, training massive models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google’s Gemini requires immense computational resources, consuming GPU cycles at an astonishing rate. These training runs often last weeks and involve thousands of specialized chips, drawing on power and cooling infrastructure.

But the story doesn’t end there: even when a model is trained, running these models in real-time to generate responses, make predictions, or process user inputs (so-called AI inference) adds a new layer of energy demand. While not as intense as training, inference must happen at scale and with low latency, which means it’s placing a steady, ongoing load on cloud infrastructure.

However, here’s a nuance that’s frequently glossed over in much of the hype: AI workloads don’t scale in a straight-forward, linear fashion: doubling the number of GPUs or increasing the size of a model will not always lead to proportionally better results. Experience has shown that as models grow in size, the performance gains actually may taper off or introduce new challenges, such as brittleness, hallucination, or the need for more careful fine-tuning.

In short

In short, the current AI boom is real, but it may not be boundless. Understanding the limitations of scale and the nonlinear nature of progress is crucial for policymakers, investors, and businesses alike as they plan for data center demand that is shaped by AI exponential growth.

The data center industry therefore stands at a pivotal crossroads. Far from buckling under the weight of AI tools and cloud-driven demand, however, it’s adapting at speed through smarter design, greener power, and more efficient hardware.

From modular builds in repurposed buildings to AI-optimized cooling systems and co-location with power plants, the future of data infrastructure will be leaner, more distributed, and strategically sited. As data becomes the world’s most valuable resource, the facilities that store, process, and protect it are becoming smarter, greener, and more essential than ever.

We list the best colocation providers.

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s role in web hosting is set to redefine the tech industry over the next twelve months, but not in the way you might expect. While current AI web hosting tools are largely focused on front-end solutions like marketing features, such advancements only scratch the surface of what AI can really offer the industry. These AI tools automate basic tasks and provide quick fixes, making them popular, despite failing to address the real challenges.

The real potential of AI in web hosting lies in solving deeper, backend challenges that directly impact a website’s stability, performance and security. In this article, I’ll explore AI’s shift in web hosting from front-end features to backend solutions, that drive real improvements in these areas.

Why AI in web hosting is missing the mark

The race is on to adopt AI – the problem is, in a bid to win, some companies have taken shortcuts to the finish line, adopting only surface level integrations. Let’s take an AI customer chatbot for example. Yes, AI chatbots provide customers with an instance service and can improve customer satisfaction, however they’re rendered useless if your website takes fifteen seconds to load.

According to Cloudways’ research, 60% of UK online shoppers will abandon a purchase if a website takes too long to load or has minor errors, with 27% of shoppers facing such problems in the last 12-months. Customers are facing real problems with slow loading times, and complicated checkout processes.

By only focusing on flashy, front-end solutions, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) – which make up 99.8% of the UK business population – are missing a huge opportunity to improve the overarching website experience, fundamental to the customer.

How AI can be used to solve real challenges for SMBs

The majority of SMBs don’t have dedicated website experts; websites are instead managed by a member of the team as a bolt-on to their day job. This setup works fine—until something goes wrong. When issues arise, troubleshooting can take days or even weeks for complex problems, potentially impacting sales. On the other hand, AI can proactively detect, diagnose, resolve, and even prevent website issues from occurring with minimal human intervention.

Modern hosting environments must navigate complex challenges like database optimization, traffic spikes, security threats and bot activity. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and machine learning models, hosting providers can predict potential failures, automatically allocate resources, and mitigate risks before they impact performance. Integrating AI into the process can enable predictive maintenance, reducing server downtime by 30% or greater enhancing the reliability of web hosting services.

AI can also be integrated into intelligent monitoring systems, proactively detecting and resolving technical issues before they impact users. By analysing real-time data, AI can predict server strain, automatically scale resources, and optimize database performance, all without manual intervention. This ensures websites remain fast and reliable, even during high-demand events like product launches or ticket sales. AI tackles the behind-the-scenes challenges customers don’t see, but businesses spend hours trying to fix.

These examples of integrations aren’t flashy front-end solutions but solve real business challenges. They integrate AI to deliver customers with a seamless, reliable experience.

The human-AI partnership: the key to unlocking the future of web hosting

The future of successful web hosting will be shaped by the integration of AI and human expertise. In my opinion, AI should be used to enhance, not replace, human skills, with technical professionals still playing a key role in strategic decision-making and solving complex problems.

The human touch will always be essential for building relationships and understanding unique business needs.

With 80% of businesses in Europe expected to integrate AI-powered software by next year, SMBs will increasingly demand hosting solutions that simplify complexity through intelligent automation. The most successful businesses in the coming months will blend AI efficiency with human insight, allowing time and money to focus on growth and innovation while AI handles day-to-day operations. The industry is evolving from reactive problem-solving to predictive, proactive hosting management.

AI’s true potential in web hosting over the next twelve months lies in tackling fundamental technical challenges rather than just offering surface-level features. Businesses should focus on AI hosting capabilities that deliver measurable improvements in performance, security and reliability. The future of web hosting will be defined by providers who successfully blend AI automation with human expertise, ensuring both the technical side and customer relationships are prioritized.

Organizations should seek hosting partners who use AI to solve real business challenges, rather than simply following technology trends, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape.

We Compiled a list of the best website monitoring 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

• Over 1.6 million files have been discovered online by researchers
• These seem to belong to Etsy, Poshmark, and TikTok Shop customers
• Personally Identifiable Information is included

Two apparently unsecured Azure Blob Storage containers holding a combined 1.6 million files have been discovered by CyberNews researchers, allegedly belonging to online shopping platforms Etsy, Poshmark, and TikTok Shop.

The researchers say these files contained personally identifiable information, such as full names, home addresses, email addresses, and shipping order details.

Anyone who uses these services should keep a close eye on their accounts and take a look at the best identity theft monitoring tools if they are concerned.

Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers!

TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.

Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

Customers at risk

Both of the exposed instances “contained shipping email confirmations in HTML format,” researchers confirmed, and the vast majority of users exposed are in the United States, with some from Canada and Australia.

The exact origin or ownership of the datasets is not yet known, but the nature of the information suggests that these belonged to one particular storefront (across multiple shopping platforms), in particular a Vietnamese-based embroidery service.

It’s also not known whether cybercriminals have accessed these datasets, but only an internal forensic audit would reveal this information.

Researchers outlined the risk this brings to those exposed, such as convincing social engineering attacks from cybercriminals posing as Etsy or TikTok shop - urging customers to give their details, resulting in potential financial loss.

“With access to personal information like full names and addresses, attackers could impersonate trusted shipping providers or Etsy itself, making fraudulent communications seem more credible and urging victims to take actions such as confirming personal details, making payment, or clicking malicious links,” the researchers said.

Data leaks are unfortunately all too common for internet users today.

We recommend regularly checking whether your details have been exposed, using services like Have I Been Pwned - and monitoring your accounts, statements, and transactions - and immediately reporting any suspicious or unexpected activity with your bank or credit card provider.

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best malware removal software around
• Check out our choice for best antivirus software
• Adidas confirms customer data stolen in worrying cyberattack

• EA has canceled Cliffhanger Games' Black Panther game and shuttered the studio
• EA Entertainment president Laura Miele told staff that the decision was made to "sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities"
• Going forward, EA will focus on franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends, while also supporting games like Motive's Iron Man, the third Star Wars: Jedi game, and Mass Effect 5

Electronic Arts has canceled Cliffhanger Games' Black Panther game and closed down the studio.

In an email sent to staff (as seen and reported by IGN), EA Entertainment president Laura Miele shared the announcement and said the decision to cancel the game and close the studio was to "sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities."

The number of employees affected by the decision hasn't been confirmed at this time, but IGN understands that the total number of layoffs is less than the 300 roles that were cut last month across Respawn and several other studios.

It's also understood that EA has laid off some individuals from its mobile and central teams.

"These decisions are hard," Miele wrote in the email. "They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them - including finding opportunities within EA, where we’ve had success helping people land in new roles."

Miele's email also mentioned that EA will now focus on a small handful of franchises going forward, like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends.

The president also said that EA will continue to invest in Motive's Iron Man game and Respawn's third Star Wars: Jedi game, the Mass Effect 5, while also maintaining its mobile business

Cliffhanger's Black Panther project was announced in 2023 and was being worked on by developers who previously led the Shadow of Mordor series.

Platforms weren't confirmed at the time, and there was no trailer to accompany the game's reveal, but we did know that it was an "original, third-person, single-player Black Panther game".

At the time, project lead Kevin Stephens said the game was going to be a "definitive and authentic Black Panther experience".

"Wakanda is a rich superhero sandbox, and our mission is to develop an epic world for players who love Black Panther and want to explore the world of Wakanda as much as we do," Stephens said.

You might also like...

• Best PS5 games 2025 - top PlayStation 5 titles to play right now
• Sony's Days of Play sale kicks off tomorrow and will bring price cuts to the PS5 Pro, DualSense Edge, the PS5 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 bundle, and a host of price cuts on accessories and games
• Ghost of Yotei pre-orders live: Collector's Edition up in the US, Standard Edition retailers, and where to buy in the UK

• LexisNexis has suffered a data breach after a cyberattack
• Personal information was taken affecting around 360,000 users
• Not everyone is happy with the response timeline from the organization

Data analytics and risk management firm LexisNexis has disclosed a cyberattack that resulted in data theft affecting 364,333 individuals.

In a notification letter sent to those affected, the company claims an “unauthorized party” gained access to a third-party software development platform and stole the data.

According to the firm, no sensitive personal information was accessed, nor was financial or credit card information, and the organisation’s infrastructure, systems, and products also remain uncompromised.

Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers!

TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.

Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

Information affected

“Our Information Security team, in consultation with a forensic firm, immediately began investigating and confirmed that some data which was held in GitHub... was acquired by an unknown third party. Specifically, we have determined that some software artifacts as well as some personal information was accessed” LexisNexis told The Register.

The leaked information includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, SSNs, and driver’s license details - enough to spark concern for anyone affected. Take a look at the best identity theft monitoring services if you are concerned.

Not everyone is impressed with LexisNexus’ response timeline, though. Dr Ilia Kolochenko, CEO at ImmuniWeb explains;

“The timeline of the incident detection and disclosure is a bit surprising for a company offering legal and other comparatively sensitive services: the incident reportedly happened in December 2024, was detected in April 2025 after receiving information from the attackers, while disclosed only in May. Given that a lot of personal data was reportedly compromised, the incident detection and response timeline is pretty far from being perfect, to put it mildly.”

“The legal consequences of this incident may cost a lot of dollars to the breach company – being composed of regulatory penalties, legal fees and a likely settlement agreement with the victims. Sadly, as practice demonstrates, the victims will likely get paltry two- or three-digit compensation for the incident in the best-case scenario.”

LexisNexis is far from the first company to be affected by a breach like this, with firms like Co-op and Marks and Spencers offering apologies for the effects of cyberattacks that hit the retailers in May 2025.

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best malware removal software around
• Check out our choice for best antivirus software
• PowerSchool hit by cyberattack which saw student and teacher data stolen