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An old proverb famously states, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

This is especially true when it comes to artificial intelligence, where breakneck advances happen seemingly every day. And while individual companies are rapidly fielding their own AI-powered chatbots and analysis tools, real long-term improvement and innovation in this new scientific frontier often requires broad collaboration in developing open and trusted AI systems that produce accurate, reliable, and safe outputs.

Early conventional wisdom held that only so-called 'closed' AI systems controlled by one company could be safe and trusted. Some argued that open models would inevitably undermine safety or lead to misuse. But experience is quickly showing that open source models and the collaboration they bring are a powerful tool for promoting security and trust.

The power of collaboration

Collaboration is a powerful force for AI advancement because it fosters diverse perspectives and capabilities. When it comes to AI, collaboration can, in many cases, be optimized by leveraging open source to reduce bias, increase transparency, gain greater control over our data, and ultimately, accelerate time to innovation.

According to McKinsey, organizations that view AI as essential to their competitive advantage are far more likely to use open source AI models and tools than organizations that do not. Open source AI models, tools, and frameworks enable developers and researchers to build upon existing work, rather than starting from scratch, to achieve higher-quality outputs more quickly.

The open source software approach thrives on community contributions, bringing together individuals, companies, and organizations from around the globe to collaborate on shared goals. This is where organizations like the AI Alliance—which was spearheaded by IBM and others, and is comprised of technology creators, developers, and adopters collaborating to advance safe and responsible AI—play a crucial role.

By pooling resources and knowledge, the AI Alliance provides a platform for sharing and developing AI innovations. This meritocracy yields immediate value, both for the broader technology ecosystem and the world at large.

Why the AI Alliance matters today

There are many practical and ethical reasons for such broad-based AI partnerships. AI research and development require substantial resources, including data, computing power, and expertise. The availability of open source models keeps costs down, broadening choices and helping to prevent the concentration of the AI industry in the hands of a few major players.

The AI Alliance also offers a forum to hold honest conversations among like-minded organizations about AI-related legislation and its impacts on greater innovation and adoption.

In a short time, the AI Alliance has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem, bringing together a critical mass of data, tools, and talent. Today, more than 140 organizational members from 23 countries collaborate through the alliance to address some of the most pressing challenges in AI.

Open source is particularly critical to members of the alliance, including Databricks, which has long championed the democratization of AI. We’ve open sourced many critical big data processing and analytics projects, like the Delta Lake, MLflow, and Unity Catalog tools that underpin many large data and AI deployments today.

When it comes to today’s AI ecosystem, we need to ensure that everyone, including academics, researchers, non-profits, and beyond, can access and understand the best AI tools and models. The more we all understand these models and how to utilize them, the more we can share ideas on how to safely shape the future of AI and subsequently use it to solve today’s toughest challenges.

But we can’t do it alone.

Collaborate, code, and create the future of AI

We established a policy working group within the Alliance to focus not only on advocacy but also on developing responses to government requests that could impact open-source AI development. For example, last year, we contributed to the landmark National Telecommunications and Information Administration study examining potential benefits and risks of open weight frontier AI models.

The final NTIA report strongly underscored the valuable role of open models in today’s AI ecosystem, while also highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and ongoing evaluation of policies to manage emerging risks in the future.

Our intention is to ensure that AI regulation is thoughtfully crafted so that open source AI thrives. Organizations like the AI Alliance have laid a solid foundation for international cooperation, but it's just the beginning.

If you work at a business that prioritizes artificial intelligence, you too can be part of this important work. Start by developing educational programs, workshops, and training sessions – and joining AI-related projects and communities – to share knowledge and build tools that benefit others.

You can create and share your own open source projects, such as datasets, pre-trained models, or utilities, which build on a foundation of AI fairness, transparency, and accessibility to ensure the benefits of AI are widely distributed. Check out GitHub or Hugging Face to look for AI/ML projects that align with your skills and interests.

The advent of AI is a pivotal moment in our collective human history. Experience shows that collaboration will be key to our success in advancing AI innovation with safety and trust. We must move into this promising future with open arms and open software models and tools, adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. Let's go far—together.

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

• Experts warn a single calendar entry can silently hijack your smart home without your knowledge
• Researchers proved AI can be hacked to control smart homes using only words
• Saying “thanks” triggered Gemini to switch on the lights and boil water automatically

The promise of AI-integrated homes has long included convenience, automation, and efficiency, however, a new study from researchers at Tel Aviv University has exposed a more unsettling reality.

In what may be the first known real-world example of a successful AI prompt-injection attack, the team manipulated a Gemini-powered smart home using nothing more than a compromised Google Calendar entry.

The attack exploited Gemini’s integration with the entire Google ecosystem, particularly its ability to access calendar events, interpret natural language prompts, and control connected smart devices.

From scheduling to sabotage: exploiting everyday AI access

Gemini, though limited in autonomy, has enough “agentic capabilities” to execute commands on smart home systems.

That connectivity became a liability when the researchers inserted malicious instructions into a calendar appointment, masked as a regular event.

When the user later asked Gemini to summarize their schedule, it inadvertently triggered the hidden instructions.

The embedded command included instructions for Gemini to act as a Google Home agent, lying dormant until a common phrase like “thanks” or “sure” was typed by the user.

At that point, Gemini activated smart devices such as lights, shutters, and even a boiler, none of which the user had authorized at that moment.

These delayed triggers were particularly effective in bypassing existing defenses and confusing the source of the actions.

This method, dubbed “promptware,” raises serious concerns about how AI interfaces interpret user input and external data.

The researchers argue that such prompt-injection attacks represent a growing class of threats that blend social engineering with automation.

They demonstrated that this technique could go far beyond controlling devices.

It could also be used to delete appointments, send spam, or open malicious websites, steps that could lead directly to identity theft or malware infection.

The research team coordinated with Google to disclose the vulnerability, and in response, the company accelerated the rollout of new protections against prompt-injection attacks, including added scrutiny for calendar events and extra confirmations for sensitive actions.

Still, questions remain about how scalable these fixes are, especially as Gemini and other AI systems gain more control over personal data and devices.

Unfortunately, traditional security suites and firewall protection are not designed for this kind of attack vector.

To stay safe, users should limit what AI tools and assistants like Gemini can access, especially calendars and smart home controls.

Also, avoid storing sensitive or complex instructions in calendar events, and don’t allow AI to act on them without oversight.

Be alert to unusual behavior from smart devices and disconnect access if anything seems off.

Via Wired

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• 3D printers built complex concrete parts faster, yet long-term durability remains largely untested
• Oak Ridge finished reactor shielding in days, raising speed-versus-safety debates across the industry
• Advanced construction methods rely more on software, reducing labor yet increasing system dependence

In East Tennessee, a 3D printer arm has been used to build concrete shielding columns for a nuclear reactor.

The work is part of the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor project, supported by the US Department of Energy, and marks a new direction in how nuclear infrastructure is built, with both 3D printing and AI tools playing major roles.

And according to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), large parts of the construction were completed in just 14 days, which could have taken several weeks using conventional methods.

Efficiency gains clash with engineering caution

The new method uses 3D printers to create detailed molds for casting concrete, even in complex shapes, with the goal of making construction faster, cheaper, and more flexible while relying more on US-based materials and labor.

AI tools also played a role in the project, as ORNL used the technology to guide parts of the design and building process.

These tools may help reduce human error and speed up work, especially when creating difficult or unique parts, but depending heavily on AI also raises questions. How can builders be sure these systems won’t make unnoticed mistakes? Who checks the decisions that are automated?

The project is also a response to rising energy demands - as AI systems and data centers use more power, nuclear energy is seen as a stable source to support them.

Some experts say that future AI tools may end up running on power from reactors they helped design, a feedback loop that could be both efficient and risky.

The use of 3D printing in this project makes it possible to build precise structures faster.

Still, it’s not yet clear how well these 3D-printed parts will hold up over time.

Nuclear reactors need to last for decades, and failure in any part of the structure could be dangerous. Testing and quality checks must keep up with the speed of new building methods.

For now, 3D printing and AI seem to offer powerful tools for the nuclear industry.

But while faster construction is a major benefit, safety must remain the top concern - this “new era” may bring improvements, but it will need close attention and caution at every step.

Via Toms Hardware

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• Google says hackers stole some of its data following Salesforce breach

• More Pixel Watch 4 information has leaked
• We can see new sensors and charging contacts
• The wearable should launch on August 20

The Pixel Watch 4 is almost certainly going to be unveiled alongside the Pixel 10 series and the Pixel Buds 2a on Wednesday, August 20 – though Google has only confirmed the date, not what's being launched – and a new leak gives us more information on the wearable.

Images posted to Reddit (via 9to5Google) show what look to be official marketing slides for the Pixel Watch 4, detailing features such as improved durability, battery life, and activity tracking accuracy – courtesy of a "Gen 3 sensor hub".

That would be an upgrade on the sensors we saw with the Google Pixel Watch 3, and should mean better precision in readings such as heart rate – though we won't know for sure until we've actually had an opportunity to try it out.

We also get another look at the rather unusual side charging system that showed up in an earlier leak, with charge contacts positioned on the side of the watch casing: it would appear this is how you'll be able to charge up the Pixel Watch 4.

'Technological advancements'

The Pixel Watch 3 was launched in August 2024 (Image credit: Google)

There's plenty of positive phrasing in these marketing materials, as you would expect. The watch apparently brings "significant technological advancements" over its predecessor, together with a "premium crafted design".

The battery life is listed as reaching 30 hours between charges, which is said to be a 25% boost over the current model. Better battery life had already been mentioned in previous leaks, so we're hopeful in that particular department.

There's also mention of the two expected watch sizes, 41 mm and 42 mm, while Gemini integration is mentioned, as well as "dual frequency" GPS – which suggests the wearable will be more accurate and faster in reporting its location.

Together with the rest of the leaked information that's also emerged in recent days, it looks as though the Pixel Watch 4 could be an appealing prospect, when it's finally confirmed – and perhaps worth a spot on our best smartwatches list.

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• OpenAI’s new models run efficiently on minimal hardware, but haven’t been independently tested for workloads
• The models are designed for edge use cases where full-scale infrastructure isn’t always available
• Apache 2.0 licensing may encourage broader experimentation in regions with strict data requirements

OpenAI has released two open-weight models, gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-20B, positioning them as direct challengers to offerings like DeepSeek-R1 and other large language learning models (LLMs) currently shaping the AI ecosystem.

These models are now available on AWS through its Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker AI platforms.

This marks OpenAI’s entry into the open-weight model segment, a space that until now has been dominated by competitors such as Mistral AI and Meta.

OpenAI and AWS

The gpt-oss-120B model runs on a single 80 GB GPU, while the 20B version targets edge environments with only 16 GB of memory required.

OpenAI claims both models deliver strong reasoning performance, matching or exceeding its o4-mini model on key benchmarks.

However, external evaluations are not yet available, leaving actual performance across varied workloads open to scrutiny.

What distinguishes these models is not only their size, but also the license.

Released under Apache 2.0, they are intended to lower access barriers and support broader AI development, particularly in high-security or resource-limited environments.

According to OpenAI, this move aligns with its broader mission to make artificial intelligence tools more widely usable across industries and geographies.

On AWS, the models are integrated into enterprise infrastructure via Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, enabling the creation of AI agents capable of performing complex workflows.

OpenAI suggests these models are suitable for tasks like code generation, scientific reasoning, and multi-step problem-solving, especially where adjustable reasoning and chain-of-thought outputs are required.

Their 128K context window also supports longer interactions, such as document analysis or technical support tasks.

The models also integrate with developer tooling, supporting platforms like vLLM, llama.cpp, and Hugging Face.

With features like Guardrails and upcoming support for custom model import and knowledge bases, OpenAI and AWS are pitching this as a developer-ready foundation for building scalable AI applications.

Still, the release feels partly strategic, positioning OpenAI as a key player in open model infrastructure, while also tethering its technology more closely to Amazon Web Services, a dominant force in cloud computing.

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Monster season 4: key information

- Yet to be officially confirmed by Netflix
- Will follow the story of Lizzie Borden
- Whole new cast expected
- No official trailer released yet
- No news on future seasons

Monster season 4 is coming, though the news is yet to be officially confirmed. The true crime anthology series has become a record breaker for Netflix, one of the best streaming services, as season 1 reached one billion hours of viewing in its first 60 days. Monster being one of only four series to have achieved this.

Unsurprisingly, all focus is currently on the upcoming season 3, reportedly dropping on the streamer in October. Season 3 will focus on Ed Gein's story, played by Charlie Hunnam. But, there's still plenty to say about season 4. Such as, how it will turn its attention to Lizzie Borden – an entirely different tale with the show's first female lead.

So, here's what we know so far about the next (next) instalment of Monster from the potential release date, possible cast, news, rumors and more.

Monster season 4: is there a release date?

Jeffrey Dahmer was the focus on Monster season 1 (Image credit: Netflix)

No, there's not a release date for Monster season 4 just yet, but that's not surprising since season 3 is yet to stream on Netflix.

But, according to What's On Netflix?, creator Ryan Murphy revealed that season 3 is slated to drop in October.

And, for Monster season 4, Variety confirmed (although Netflix hasn't yet) that it is "already in the works" and is "currently prepping for a potential fall shoot".

With seasons 1 and 2 released in September, season 3 with a supposed October release date, I'd predict we won't see season 4 until September/October 2026.

Monster season 4: has a trailer been released?

Season 2 was called 'Monsters' focusing on the Menendez brothers (Image credit: Netflix)

There's no Monster season 4 trailer to share just yet and that's because filming hasn't even commenced. With production rumored to begin in fall, I'd expect we won't see a trailer until late 2026 in line with the predicted release date.

Monster season 4: predicted cast

A new cast for each season of Monster (Image credit: Netflix)

With each season of the anthology series following a different true crime story, the cast is always entirely new. So, when it comes to predicting the Monster season 4 cast, it's almost impossible.

What we do know is that each season of Monster so far has starred big names in the lead roles. For season 1, Evan Peters was Jeffrey Dahmer. For season 2, the Menendez brothers were played by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez.

And, as confirmed by Tudum, season 3 will see Charlie Hunnam play Ed Gein with supporting cast Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander and Olivia Williams.

For Monster season 4 then, there will be a female lead to play Lizzie Borden. But, who that is, we'll have to wait and see. I'll be sure to update here as soon as I hear more about the casting for this season.

Monster season 4: story synopsis and rumors

It's not the first time Lizzie's tale has been told (Image credit: Lifetime)

Full spoilers for Monster seasons 1 to 3 to follow.

Netflix's Monster depicts true crime stories with each season following a different case. For season 1, it was Jeffrey Dahmer. For season 2, Lyle and Erik Menendez. And for the upcoming season 3, Ed Gein.

And it has already been revealed that Monster season 4 will tell the story of Lizzie Borden. Her life and crimes though are a little different than the three seasons that came before. As the first female lead, Lizzie Borden was actually tried and acquitted for the axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892.

Now, if you've not heard of Lizzie Borden before, a quick internet search will no doubt give you all the information you need and thus, the plot of Monster season 4. But, in the interest of not ruining the entire season, I won't delve into all the details here.

It's not the first time Lizzie's tale has been told though, which is not entirely surprising considering how prolific a case it was for its time. There's 2015's The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, which saw Christina Ricci in the titular role. Or, 2018's Lizzie with Chloë Sevigny.

For Monster season 4 being a true crime retelling of the story, I imagine it'll be as tense and thrilling as the seasons that came before it.

Will there be more seasons of Monster?

Lizzie now, but who next? (Image credit: Roadside Attractions)

There's a few reasons why it's hard to speculate on future seasons of Monster, namely that season 3's release date is yet to be confirmed and secondly, while season 4 is reportedly happening, there's actually been no official word from Netflix... yet.

So, with this in mind, it seems unlikely we'll hear about any future seasons of Monster anytime soon. But, as such a resounding success on the streaming platform and with an abundance of prolific true crime stories left to tell, there's always hope that Monster will continue for many more seasons to come.

For more Netflix-based coverage, read our guides to Nobody Wants This season 2, Stranger Things season 5, The Four Seasons season 2, and One Piece season 2.

• Phishing attacks now bypass multi-factor authentication using real-time digital wallet provisioning tactics
• One-time passcodes are no longer enough to stop fraudsters with mobile-optimized phishing kits
• Millions of victims were targeted using everyday alerts like tolls, packages, and account notices

A wave of advanced phishing campaigns, traced to Chinese-speaking cybercriminal syndicates, may have compromised up to 115 million US payment cards in just over a year, experts have warned.

Researchers at SecAlliance revealed these operations represent a growing convergence of social engineering, real-time authentication bypasses, and phishing infrastructure designed to scale.

Investigators have identified a figure referred to as “Lao Wang” as the original creator of a now widely adopted platform that facilitates mobile-based credential harvesting.

Identity theft scaled through mobile compromise

At the center of the campaigns are phishing kits distributed through a Telegram channel known as “dy-tongbu,” which has rapidly gained traction among attackers.

These kits are designed to avoid detection by researchers and platforms alike, using geofencing, IP blocks, and mobile-device targeting.

This level of technical control allows phishing pages to reach intended targets while actively excluding traffic that might flag the operation.

The phishing attacks typically begin with SMS, iMessage, or RCS messages using everyday scenarios, such as toll payment alerts or package delivery updates, to drive victims toward fake verification pages.

There, users are prompted to enter sensitive personal information, followed by payment card data.

The sites are often mobile-optimized to align with the devices that will receive one-time password (OTP) codes, allowing for immediate multi-factor authentication bypass.

These credentials are provisioned into digital wallets on devices controlled by attackers, allowing them to bypass additional verification steps normally required for card-not-present transactions.

Researchers described this shift to digital wallet abuse as a “fundamental” change in card fraud methodology.

It enables unauthorized use at physical terminals, online shops, and even ATMs without requiring the physical card.

Researchers have observed criminal networks now moving beyond smishing campaigns.

There is growing evidence of fake ecommerce sites and even fake brokerage platforms being used to collect credentials from unsuspecting users engaged in real transactions.

The operation has grown to include monetization layers, including pre-loaded devices, fake merchant accounts, and paid ad placements on platforms like Google and Meta.

As card issuers and banks look for ways to defend against these evolving threats, standard security suites, firewall protection, and SMS filters may offer limited help given the precision targeting involved.

Given the covert nature of these smishing campaigns, there is no single public database listing affected cards. However, individuals can take the following steps to assess possible exposure:

• Review recent transactions
• Look for unexpected digital wallet activity
• Monitor for verification or OTP requests you didn’t initiate
• Check if your data appears in breach notification services
• Enable transaction alerts

Unfortunately, millions of users may remain unaware their data has been exploited for large-scale identity theft and financial fraud, facilitated not through traditional breaches.

Via Infosecurity

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Watch Alien: Earth online

An abandoned spacecraft containing suspicious organisms; a fearless female charged with taking them on; a shady corporation overseeing the chaos – Alien: Earth looks like it will slot into the franchise canon perfectly! US viewers can tune into Alien: Earth live on FX or online via Sling TV and Hulu, while it's on Disney Plus elsewhere around the globe. Read on for how to watch Alien: Earth online from anywhere with a VPN.

Premiere date: Tuesday, August 12 at 8pm ET / PT

US broadcast: FX via Sling TV

Global streams: Hulu (US) | Disney Plus (UK, CA & AU)

Use NordVPN to watch any stream

Stepping into the big shoes of Ripley, Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler) is the central heroine of Alien: Earth. A hybrid ("a humanoid robot infused with human consciousness"), she leads a team that investigates the USCSS Maginot space vessel that has crashed to Earth in suspicious circumstances two years prior to the events of the original Alien movie. No prizes for guessing that the creatures they find on board are far from friendly or obedient.

Diehard fans of the original movies worried that Alien: Earth will be yet another disappointing spin-off probably needn't be – creator Noah Hawley has form when it comes to reimagining beloved films for the small screen. His Fargo anthology series won three Golden Globes, three Primetime Emmys and a legion of fans.

Also starring Timothy Olyphant (Justified), Alex Lawther (The End of the F***ing World), and Samuel Blenkin (Black Mirror), below we have all the information you need on where to watch Alien: Earth online and stream every episode from wherever you are.

How to watch Alien: Earth online in the US

Alien: Earth premieres in the US on FX at 8pm ET / PT on Tuesday, August 12 with a double bill. Further episodes will go out one at a time in the same slot weekly.

Cord cutters can access FX via an OTT service such as our favorite, Sling TV. Sling Blue carries FX and starts at just $45.99 a month with 50% off your first month.

Episodes will also be available stream online at the same time they air on the Hulu streaming service. Plans start from $9.99 per month, or get loads more content for just one dollar more with the Disney Plus Bundle.

Have one of these subscriptions but away when Alien: Earth is on? You can still access your usual streaming services from anywhere by using a VPN.

Get 50% off your first month of Sling TV
Sling TV gives you live TV at an affordable price. The Sling Blue package includes more than 50 channels including FX, ABC, Fox and NBC (in select cities), AMC, Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime and USA.

How to watch Alien: Earth online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad when Alien: Earth episodes air, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream the show online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch Alien: Earth from anywhere.

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How to watch Alien: Earth online in Canada, UK, Australia and worldwide

Viewers outside the US can watch Alien: Earth on Disney Plus, the show’s international home. In Canada, new episodes arrive weekly every Tuesday, with the first two landing on August 12. They land on Wednesdays in the UK and Australia from August 13.

You can take a look at Disney Plus prices and plans where you are, starting for as little as £4.99 / CA$8.99 / AU$15.99 per month.

Away from home? You can still connect to your usual VOD services by downloading a VPN and pointing your location back to your home country

Alien: Earth Need to KnowCan I watch Alien: Earth for free?

The show isn't on any free services, but US viewers can use the Hulu 7-day free trial to watch episodes of Alien: Earth for free.

Alien: Earth episode guide

Alien: Earth is set to consist of eight episodes, which will premiere in the US on the following schedule:

• Episode 1 - "Neverland": Tuesday, August 12
• Episode 2 - "Mr. October": Tuesday, August 12
• Episode 3 - "Metamorphosis": Tuesday, August 19
• Episode 4 - "Observation": Tuesday, August 26
• Episode 5 - "Emergence": Tuesday, September 2
• Episode 6 - "The Fly": Tuesday, September 9
• Episode 7 - "In Space, No One": Tuesday, September 16
• Episode 8 - "The Real Monsters": Tuesday, September 23

Alien: Earth trailer

Alien: Earth trailers began appearing in June this year. Here is the official trailer from FX:

Alien: Earth cast

• Sydney Chandler as Wendy
• Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh
• Alex Lawther as CJ
• Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier
• Essie Davis as Dame Silvia
• Adarsh Gourav as Slightly
• Kit Young as Tootles
• David Rysdahl as Arthur
• Babou Ceesay as Morrow
• Jonathan Ajayi as Smee
• Erana James as Curl
• Lily Newmark as Nibs
• Diêm Camille as Siberian
• Adrian Edmondson as Atom Eins

Can I watch Alien: Earth on Netflix?

No, Alien: Earth isn't available on Netflix anywhere around the world.

You can catch all the action on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in other territories around the world..

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

• Sandisk’s 256TB SSD skips cache entirely, raising concerns about short-burst workload performance
• Claims of faster speeds remain unverified without public benchmarks or IOPS performance numbers
• Direct Write QLC may sacrifice speed in exchange for higher reliability and data integrity

Sandisk has announced a 256TB SSD, the UltraQLC SN670, which is set to ship in the first half of 2026.

This model represents the largest SSD ever revealed by the company, marking a bold step toward high-density storage solutions tailored for AI and hyperscale infrastructure.

Although the company plans to release the 128TB version to testers within weeks, full commercial availability remains months away.

An architecture built for scale, not speed

At its core, the SN670 is built on a 218-layer BiCS 3D NAND architecture and features a CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) 2Tb die.

It connects through a PCIe Gen5 NVMe interface and is part of Sandisk’s new UltraQLC platform.

Unlike conventional SSDs that buffer data through pseudo-SLC caches, this model uses a “Direct Write QLC” approach.

This simplifies the writing process and makes the drive more power-loss safe, but it also introduces tradeoffs, especially when it comes to performance under heavy or short-burst loads.

Without an SLC cache, the SN670 may suffer from slower short-burst writes, inconsistent performance under load, and increased controller demands, making it less responsive during intensive or unpredictable workloads.

However, Sandisk claims the SN670 delivers over 68% faster random reads and 55% faster random writes compared to a leading 128 TB Gen 5 QLC SSD.

The sequential read speeds are over 7% better, while sequential write speeds improve by more than 27% in internal comparisons.

Sandisk has emphasized benefits like Dynamic Frequency Scaling, which is said to improve performance by up to 10 percent at the same power level

It also claims the Data Retention profile could reduce recycling wear by as much as 33%.

Both features are intended to enhance longevity and reduce energy consumption.

However, none of these claims are backed by disclosed performance data such as read/write speeds or endurance figures.

Internally, the UltraQLC SN670 is supported by a custom controller and firmware, which Sandisk says enables better latency and bandwidth, but without actual benchmarks or IOPS comparisons, these statements remain marketing-driven projections.

It is worth noting earlier iterations of Sandisk’s enterprise drives using QLC NAND showed limitations compared to TLC-based models.

In this case, native QLC programming latencies could reach 800–1200 microseconds, several times slower than SLC-based designs.

Sandisk may be relying on optimizations like large DRAM buffers or advanced die parallelism, but such architectural details have yet to be confirmed.

The final product will arrive in U.2 form initially, with more variants expected later in 2026.

For now, Sandisk’s 256TB drive is a symbolic leap toward future data infrastructure, not a realistic option for mainstream users.

Via Blocks and Files

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• Modos uses open hardware to fix everything wrong with sluggish commercial e-paper displays
• E-paper finally reaches 75Hz refresh rates, enough to handle modern productivity tasks
• USB Type-C and HDMI connectivity offer simple setup across Windows, macOS, and Linux

E-paper has is recent years often been relegated to niche applications, largely due to its sluggish refresh rates and limited interactivity.

However, Modos Tech is attempting to upend this perception with a new set of developer kits featuring e-paper displays capable of reaching 75Hz refresh rates, which are now crowdfunding.

Though this figure might not turn heads in the consumer monitor space, this productivity tool introduces a different kind of performance that caters to focused, distraction-free work.

A different approach to responsive e-paper

Modos attributes its performance improvements to an open-hardware design built around the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA.

This controller, combined with a DDR3 framebuffer and STM32H750 microcontroller, eliminates the proprietary bottlenecks typical in commercial e-paper displays.

The company suggests traditional systems are constrained by outdated hardware decisions that limit response time and usability, as it claims its open design lifts those barriers and introduces real-time responsiveness to what has historically been a static technology.

“From writers and engineers to accessibility advocates and digital minimalists, people are tired of the distraction, eye strain, and fatigue of mainstream displays,” said Alexander Soto, CEO of Modos Tech.

“E-paper offers a better path, and we’ve built tools that make it fast, flexible, and accessible to all.”

With support for multiple grayscale levels and a hybrid rendering mode, the screens attempt to offer flexibility without relying on full color.

While the architecture supports color displays, none are being offered at this stage - instead, the current implementation is aimed at users who prioritize simplicity and legibility over visual richness.

The kits include USB Type-C and HDMI ports, making them compatible with major desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Its USB Type-C can handle both data and power, but those opting to connect via HDMI will need an additional power source for operation.

This device is available in 6-inch and 13.3-inch which are selling for $199 and $599 respectively.

But make no mistake about this device, it will not replace business tablets or traditional business laptops.

Nevertheless, for users with specific visual or cognitive requirements, they offer an alternative that minimizes eye fatigue and digital noise.

As always with crowdfunded hardware, the pitch comes with caveats.

Modos is working through Crowd Supply, a platform with a decent track record for delivery; the usual warnings apply.

However, delays, supply issues, and unforeseen design revisions remain real possibilities.

Modos’ e-paper kits are still in pre-order status, with expected delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Via Toms Hardware

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Big news from TechRadar's best robot vacuum ranking: there's a new top bot in town – the Roborock Qrevo Curv. We absolutely loved this model when we tested it for our Roborock Qrevo Curv review, but at that point it was just a little too pricey to go in the #1 spot.

Now, prices have tumbled, value for money has risen, and I've decided it's time to shift it into pole position. It's not even that old – it came out in October 2024. It's just that Roborock is releasing new bots at such a rate that anything that's not a 2025 launch is ripe for discount.

At list price, the Curv costs $1,599.99 / £1,299.99, but recently I've seen it drop as low as $899.99 / £850. It's still not cheap (and I'll include some great alternatives below for those on a tighter budget) but if you can afford it it's well worth the investment. This is a seriously good robot vacuum.

Roborock is probably my favorite robovac brand. Its bots consistently deliver high build quality, strong cleaning performance and reliable navigation. The experienced reviewer who tested the Curv (alongside many other robovacs) calls it his "go-to brand for reliable, fuss-free vacuuming with smarts galore".

(Image credit: Future)

Roborock is also known for blazing a trail when it comes to innovation in this market, and the Curv is powered by very nearly the newest tech. It recognizes the tall thresholds in your home and figures out the best way to climb over each one, the onboard camera can be used to make two-way voice calls for security or pet-reassurance purposes, and there's automatic suction adjustment for different floor types.

(Image credit: Future)

It nails the basics, too: mapping is speedy and accurate, navigation and obstacle avoidance reliable, there's a very powerful 18,500Pa of suction, dual spinning mop pads (one of which can kick out to the side to get up close to the edges of rooms), and an extending side brush for sweeping into corners.

On test it aced every cleaning task we put to it, and it proved itself to be not just a capable cleaner, but a low-effort, easy to use one too.

The curvy dock will take care of a whole list of maintenance tasks for you. It will charge the bot and empty its dustbin, but also refill its water tanks and wash and dry its mop pads so they don't get stinky. And it looks pretty cool too, in a kind of space-age way.

My favorite alternatives

Not sure the Qrevo Curv is right for you? Let's take a look at the best alternatives, starting with more affordable options and then – just for fun – looking at what you can get if you blow the budget entirely.

If you have less to spend, the Dreame L40 Ultra and Eufy X10 Pro Omni are both excellent all-rounders, and depending on deals can be in the region of $200 / £200 less than the Curv. Or in the budget bracket, I loved both the Roborock Q7 M5 and Dreame D9 Gen 2, but be aware that you'll need to get a little more hands-on than you would with a pricier option.

If money is no object, there are even more functions available if you stump up for one of the very newest models. My new top premium robot vacuum is the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete, which has little feet that enable it to scale even taller thresholds than the Qrevo Curv can manage. The LiDAR tower can retract into the body of the robot too, enabling it to clean in particularly low-height spaces.

The crowning option in the Roborock lineup is the Roborock Saros Z70, which has a big robotic arm that'll clear away your socks for you. Slightly less flashy 2025 additions to the range are the Saros 10, which has a retractable LiDAR puck similar to the X50 Ultra's, and Saros 10R, which doesn't have a raised puck at all but instead uses a different approach to navigation.

However, if you're looking for powerful cleaning and reliable all-round performance with no unnecessary bells and whistles, the Robrock Qrevo Curv is first on my recommendations list.

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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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #790).

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 #791) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• PULP
• BIOPIC
• FAN
• CALCIUM
• PULL
• CONCENTRATE
• SCIENCE
• GROUP
• HISTORICAL
• JUICE
• COLLECT
• CHEMISE
• SWAY
• TRIGLYCERIDE
• WEIGHT
• CLUSTER

NYT Connections today (game #791) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Clout
• GREEN: Gather
• BLUE: Reading matter
• PURPLE: Words begin with school abbreviations

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 #791) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE
• GREEN: AMASS
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT 

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

NYT Connections today (game #791) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #791, are…

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE JUICE, PULL, SWAY, WEIGHT
• GREEN: AMASS CLUSTER, COLLECT, CONCENTRATE, GROUP
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION FAN, HISTORICAL, PULP, SCIENCE
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT BIOPIC, CALCIUM, CHEMISE, TRIGLYCERIDE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

While it was very tempting to find a group that could contain PULP, CONCENTRATE, and JUICE I couldn’t find a fourth word, so resisted the temptation of throwing in a random word. This is my most common type of Connections error, so I’m pleased I checked myself.

This did, however, leave me in a situation where I couldn’t see a single group – another common Connections feeling these days.

Thankfully, I remembered another meaning for JUICE and put together the INFLUENCE group.

Somehow, I managed to get the green group after seeing the link between SCIENCE and PULP – but this is where the good times ended.

I thought that TRIGLYCERIDE and CHEMISE belonged together, but after two attempts at trying to fluke my way to the finish line I switched tracks and saw the far more obvious green group. Phew!

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, August 9, game #790)

• YELLOW: RESULT FRUIT, PRODUCT, RETURN, YIELD
• GREEN: KINDS OF JOKES DAD, INSIDE, KNOCK-KNOCK, PRACTICAL
• BLUE: MOVIES FEATURING SUPERNATURAL ROMANCE CASPER, GHOST, LET ME IN, TWILIGHT
• PURPLE: CORN-Y THINGS MAZE, MUFFIN, SILK, SYRUP

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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #524).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… A rip-roaring good time

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• TOWER
• WIRE
• TRAIL
• SALE
• RUST
• GAIN

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 7 letters

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 5th row

Last side: right, 6th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #525) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #525, are…

• LUAU
• BLOWOUT
• SHINDIG
• HOEDOWN
• JAMBOREE
• WINGDING
• SPANGRAM: PARTIES

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 hint

A tricky game today, thanks to some unusual words and interesting twists.

I took a hint to get started, after finding half a dozen non-game words without hitting anything that might relate to a “rip-roaring good time”. 

The hint gave me LUAU, which is a good thing as this would have been the last thing I would have spotted amongst these old fashioned descriptions of a knees up.

I think it speaks of our appetite for pleasure that there are so many different words for PARTIES – I’d never heard of WINGDING before, but I’m certain some killer punch and a game that will involve everyone hiding in a cupboard will be involved. 

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, August 9, game #524)

• CORKSCREW
• SPATULA
• MIXER
• ZESTER
• SIEVE
• WHISK
• SPANGRAM: KITCHEN TOOL

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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #1293).

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 #1294) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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 #1294) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1294) - 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 2.

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 #1294) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• S

• P

• T

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1294, are…

• SCRUM
• PIPER
• TROLL
• SPORE

Sometimes it pays not to overthink things when playing Quordle.

For my last word I had a choice between wiper and my hunch of PIPER. There was no real logic, just a feeling – and I guessed right.

Then again, I had the luxury of knowing that even if it had been wrong I still would have had enough moves left to complete the puzzle, which is always a nice feeling.

Daily Sequence today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1294, are…

• EDICT
• GRANT
• BIRCH
• COLOR

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
• Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
• Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
• Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
• Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
• Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
• Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
• Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
• Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
• Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY
• Quordle #1283, Wednesday, 30 July: DEBAR, ADMIN, FOLIO, USAGE
• Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
• Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
• Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
• Quordle #1279, Saturday, 26 July: MUDDY, SAINT, KINKY, POLAR
• Quordle #1278, Friday, 25 July: BONUS, RESIN, CEDAR, MADAM
• Quordle #1277, Thursday, 24 July: AGONY, VERVE, GLEAN, MINUS
• Quordle #1276, Wednesday, 23 July: OZONE, PENCE, ROOMY, WIDER
• Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT

• New Wyoming facility could consume twice as much electricity as the entire state currently produces annually
• Data center developers will build custom natural gas and renewable plants to feed massive energy needs
• Crusoe refused to confirm any involvement of OpenAI despite growing speculation and prior partnerships

Plans for a new AI data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have raised serious questions about energy use and infrastructure demands.

The proposed facility, a collaboration between energy company Tallgrass and data center developer Crusoe, is expected to start at 1.8 gigawatts and could scale to an immense 10 gigawatts.

For context, this is over five times more electricity than what all households in Wyoming currently use.

A dedicated power supply for a silent tenant

Given the extraordinary energy demands, drawing power from the public grid is not an option - instead, the developers intend to power the site using a combination of natural gas and renewables, built specifically for the facility.

However, the mystery around the project continues to deepen because the future occupant of the data center has not been named.

Speculation has focused on OpenAI, as the AI giant recently partnered with Crusoe on a separate facility in Texas, described as the “largest data center” in the world.

That project reportedly draws about a gigawatt of energy and is seen as part of OpenAI’s broader “Stargate” initiative.

OpenAI has made commitments to develop several gigawatts of data center capacity, though the company has not publicly confirmed any presence in Wyoming.

When asked, Crusoe declined to confirm or deny whether this new site is tied to Stargate, fueling further uncertainty.

At the core of such AI-focused data centers lies the demand for extremely high-performance hardware.

Industry experts expect it to house the fastest CPUs available, possibly in dense, rack-mounted workstation configurations optimized for deep learning and model training.

These systems are power-hungry by design, with each server node capable of handling massive workloads that demand sustained cooling and uninterrupted energy.

Wyoming state officials have embraced the project as a boost to local industries, particularly natural gas; however, some experts warn of broader implications.

Even with a self-sufficient power model, a data center of this scale alters regional power dynamics.

There are concerns that residents of Wyoming and its environs could face higher utility costs, particularly if local supply chains or pricing models are indirectly affected.

Also, Wyoming’s identity as a major energy exporter could be tested if more such facilities emerge.

Via Arstechnica

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• Alien: Earth won't reference what happened in movies that take place before it
• One of its producers says that gave its creator more freedom to tell his own story
• Fans want to know why events from prior films aren't mentioned in the FX TV series

One of Alien: Earth's producers has confirmed whether events in films set before the franchise's maiden TV show were taken into account for its story. In short: no.

Chatting to TechRadar ahead the sci-fi horror series' debut in mid-August, David W Zucker admitted Alien: Earth isn't actively ignoring what was outlined in past movies that predate the show from a timeline perspective. However, Zucker argued that there wasn't "much mythology to contend with" from those films prior to Alien: Earth's development – a comment that's surely to pique the interest of long-time fans, and either confuse and/or infuriate Alien devotees.

Events depicted in Promethus, as well as the Engineers, aren't referenced in Alien's first TV series (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of what Zucker actually said, let's look at the facts: in-universe, Alien: Earth is set in the year 2120. That places it two years before Alien and subsequent Sigourney Weaver-led films that follow.

The only movies that sit earlier on the Alien timeline, then, are Prometheus, whose main story takes place in 2093 (though the film begins in 2089), and Alien: Covenant, which takes place in 2104. You can see what we made of these films, plus their siblings, in our best Alien movies ranked piece.

But I digress. Considering what happens in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant – I won't spoil what goes down for anyone who hasn't seen one or both flicks – fans have wondered if Alien: Earth will address the franchise mythology that was detailed in that pair. They are part of the Alien timeline, so that makes their stories canon and therefore open to being referenced in the FX TV Original, right?

Alien: Covenant is set 16 years before Alien: Earth, but the former's story and lore doesn't impact the latter (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Not so, Zucker indicated when I asked him to clarify things for the property's puzzled fanbase.

"Fortunately, as [series creator] Noah [Hawley] has said before, there wasn't much mythology for him to actually contend with, so it left him a great deal of latitude," Zucker replied. "But, this was something that came whole cloth out of Noah's mind, and something that through the historic relationship he's had with FX.

"As soon as [FX Chairman] John Landgraf was able to seize the opportunity to explore a series in this space, there was honestly no one better that he could have tapped.

"So, the relationship that he [Noah] and Ridley really became one," Zucker added. "Noah used the original film as his departure point to set off on his own fresh take and story in a series environment. It became one that we really benefited from through all of the originality, creativity, and freshness of thinking in the story he opted to tell."

The Sigourney Weaver-starring Alien films take place after Alien: Earth (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Zucker's comments further muddy the waters of what's been said by other individuals involved in the Hulu and Disney+ show's production.

Speaking to Variety in late July, FX Entertainment President Gina Balian did little to clarify things, saying: "Everything doesn’t have to fit together the way you expect from Marvel. Fans don’t expect that in this universe. It doesn’t have the same pressure."

Elsewhere, Hawley told Empire Magazine (per PopVerse): "That first movie came out in 1979 and Prometheus came out in 2012... so you're talking about close to 40 years in which there was no black goo, no David, no Engineers. Alien, for me, is baked in as these creatures that have existed for millions of years. They're the perfectly evolved species. What you have to do is tell these stories from an organically fan-place within yourself."

Not exactly clearing things up, are they – but what do you think? Does it matter if Alien: Earth addresses what went down in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant? Let me know in the comments.

While we wait for the series to arrive on August 12 (US) and August 13 (internationally), check out my Alien: Earth review for my verdict on the vast majority of Hawley's latest TV production. Then, read our definitive Alien: Earth guide for the full lowdown on the forthcoming show.

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• Hackers installed a 4G Raspberry Pi inside a bank’s ATM switch to gain network access
• The device was disguised and communicated every 600 seconds, avoiding typical detection systems
• Malware used fake Linux names and obscure directories to blend into legitimate system activity

A criminal group recently attempted an unusual, and sophisticated intrusion, into a bank’s ATM infrastructure by deploying a 4G-enabled Raspberry Pi.

A report from Group-IB revealed the device was covertly installed on a network switch used by the ATM system, placing it inside the internal banking environment.

The group behind the operation, UNC2891, exploited this physical access point to circumvent digital perimeter defenses entirely, illustrating how physical compromise can still outpace software-based protection.

Exploiting physical access to bypass digital defenses

The Raspberry Pi served as a covert entry point with remote connectivity capabilities via its 4G modem, which allowed persistent command-and-control access from outside the institution’s network, without triggering typical firewall or endpoint protection alerts.

“One of the most unusual elements of this case was the attacker’s use of physical access to install a Raspberry Pi device,” Group-IB Senior Digital Forensics and Incident Response Specialist Nam Le Phuong wrote.

“This device was connected directly to the same network switch as the ATM, effectively placing it inside the bank’s internal network."

Using mobile data, the attackers maintained a low-profile presence while deploying custom malware and initiating lateral movements within the bank’s infrastructure.

A particular tool, known as TinyShell, was used to control network communications, enabling data to pass invisibly across multiple internal systems.

Forensics later revealed UNC2891 used a layered approach to obfuscation.

The malware processes were named “lightdm,” imitating legitimate Linux system processes.

These backdoors ran from atypical directories such as /tmp, making them blend in with benign system functions.

Also, the group used a technique known as Linux bind mounts to hide process metadata from forensic tools, a method not typically seen in active attacks until now.

This technique has since been cataloged in the MITRE ATT&CK framework due to its potential to elude conventional detection.

The investigators discovered that the bank's monitoring server was silently communicating with the Raspberry Pi every 600 seconds, network behavior which was subtle and thus didn’t immediately stand out as malicious.

However, deeper memory analysis revealed the deceptive nature of the processes and that these communications extended to an internal mail server with persistent internet access.

Even after the physical implant was removed, the attackers had maintained access via this secondary vector, showing a calculated strategy to ensure continuity.

Ultimately, the aim was to compromise the ATM switching server and deploy the custom rootkit CAKETAP, which can manipulate hardware security modules to authorize illegitimate transactions.

Such a tactic would allow fraudulent cash withdrawals while appearing legitimate to the bank’s systems.

Fortunately, the intrusion was halted before this phase could be executed.

This incident shows the risks associated with the growing convergence of physical access tactics and advanced anti-forensic techniques.

It also reveals that beyond remote hacking, insider threats or physical tampering can facilitate identity theft and financial fraud.

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• HoverAir Aqua is the world’s first waterproof self-flying camera
• Records video at 4K 100fps from a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
• Weighs less than 249g

I think the camera drone market is about to undergo a sea change (pun very much intended), thanks to the upcoming HoverAir Aqua from Zero Zero Robotics. Teased on the company’s website, this small, life jacket-orange quadcopter is the first truly surprising flyer I’ve seen in ages.

As a product reviewer, I’ve tested dozens of drones over the past decade or so, and while they’ve got better and better in terms of flying ability, battery life and camera performance, it’s not often that a new announcement introduces me to something completely unforeseen.

The Aqua does that, by being the first water-native drone for the masses. Most drones need to be flown very carefully around bodies of water, as the reflective surface can fox their safety sensors and result in a dunk into the drink. And none of the previous drones I’ve reviewed are even built for flying on a rainy day, let alone landing in a lake.

Not so the HoverAir Aqua. Built to be fully waterproof, it launches from and lands on the water. In fact, it appears to be designed specifically for capturing water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wind surfing, following its subject automatically much like Zero Zero’s previous drones, the self-flying HoverAir X1 and HoverAir X1 Pro.

To aid it in that goal, it comes with level 7 wind resistance and a top speed of 55kmph / 34mph, which should give it the capabilities to keep pace with some pretty rapid forms of water-borne transport. The rest of the Aqua’s specifications and features remain under wraps for now, but with the drone now officially confirmed more details should be emerging soon.

Wave of the future

The HoverAir Aqua is built to capture water-based activities, but we don't yet know how suitable it will be for "standard" land-based use (Image credit: ZeroZero Robotics)

While the HoverAir Aqua sounds like a more niche, specialist product than the HoverAir X1 or, say, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, we don’t yet know how useful it might be for land-based launching.

The fact that it’s shaking things up and taking camera drones in a new direction makes it, for me, one of the most exciting drones I’ve seen in recent years. As someone who lives on the coast, the idea of flying a drone right down on the water rather than keeping it a safe distance away is very appealing.

I should add that the Aqua is not the only innovative drone coming this year, with Antigravity’s 360 camera-equipped debut model also due for launch. But it’s quickly risen to the top of the list of upcoming (or rumored to be upcoming) drones I’m most exciting to take for a test flight.

If nothing else, it’ll give me the perfect excuse to finally get out on that stand-up paddle board that’s been gathering dust in my spare bedroom. And maybe it’s time to finally pull the trigger on buying that wetsuit?

Just when the drone market was in danger of getting a little stale, Zero Zero Robotics has given things a bright orange shot in the arm. I’ll be eagerly scanning the horizon for the next round of details on the HoverAir Aqua, so make sure to check back for more news soon.

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• GPT-4o is coming back for ChatGPT Plus users
• There have been plenty of complaints about GPT-5
• OpenAI is looking at ways to improve the new model

When OpenAI rolled out its shiny new GPT-5 model for ChatGPT earlier this week, the plan was to have it replace all of the older models for both free and paying users – but now GPT-4o is being brought back in response to a significant number of user complaints.

"We for sure underestimated how much some of the things that people like in GPT-4o matter to them, even if GPT-5 performs better in most ways," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on social media, after announcing GPT-4o would be sticking around.

However, it's not clear just how long the GPT-4o reprieve will be for, and it's only going to remain available for those on the $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus plan. "We will watch usage as we think about how long to offer legacy models for," Altman said.

There were other updates from Altman as well: GPT-5 rate limits are being doubled for ChatGPT Plus users, and some behind-the-scenes upgrades are making GPT-5 "smarter" too, as the latest model continues to roll out to everyone.

'An overworked secretary'

GPT-5 rollout updates:*We are going to double GPT-5 rate limits for ChatGPT Plus users as we finish rollout.*We will let Plus users choose to continue to use 4o. We will watch usage as we think about how long to offer legacy models for.*GPT-5 will seem smarter starting…August 8, 2025

As we reported yesterday, the response to GPT-5 from a lot of users has been pretty brutal. It's been labeled "horrible", "insufficient", "obnoxious", "atrocious", like "an overworked secretary", and worse than GPT-4o – with tighter restrictions on how much it can be used.

People aren't happy about GPT-5 either giving shorter responses than previous models, or throwing up multiple responses that the user then has to choose between. If you're using AI to try and save time, it's not ideal.

At least OpenAI is listening to its userbase, with the reintroduction of GPT-4o, though you may not see it immediately in the model picker if you've been upgraded to GPT-5. "Users have very different opinions on the relative strength of GPT-4o vs GPT-5," admits Altman.

The OpenAI CEO also says his team are looking at more ways to provide different personalities and customizations within the same model for users. Watch this space for further tweaks to GPT-5 going forward.

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This week, ChatGPT got an upgrade, and Tom Holland swung back into action as Spider-Man.

To catch up on all this and more from the world of tech and entertainment, scroll down for our weekly ICYMI round-up. There are some big stories you won't want to miss.

Once you're all up to speed, be sure to also read our picks for the 7 new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend (August 8).

7. Spider-Man swung into action

Filming is officially underway on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with people flocking to Glasgow to catch glimpses of the web-slinger in action.

We got a sneak peek at the new suit, which looks to pay homage to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's live-action iterations of the character.

We also saw that the flick will involve the first usage of practical webslinging in one of the webslinger's solo MCU movies.

Lastly, we might have gotten a tease of the principal villain of the movie: Mister Negative, as tanks driving through the set are emblazoned with a logo that resembles the Inner Demons logo associated with Negative’s forces.

• Read more: Everything we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day

6. Samsung leaked its own earbuds

(Image credit: Samsung Panama)

Oh Samsung, you were doing so well! Having seemingly quashed the Evan Blass image leak in July, it looked as if all noted tipsters had been warned and deterred. But then, oopsie, a half-finished product listing with pricing and images goes live – on Samsung’s own Panama site.

Two colors are shown (white and a very dark gray), and the price, in Panama at least, is listed as $129. We’re trying very hard not to make a bad joke about the Panama Ear Canal, but at times like thes,e it really is best to laugh.

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE also appears to have silicone ear tips, but everything else is still guesswork since the product page doesn't include any actual specs or features, which is yet another indication that somebody hit the ‘publish’ button too early.

The Buds 3 FE are the follow-up to the original Buds FE or 'Fan Edition'. That's right, there's no Buds 2 FE, so we really thought Samsung was handling the launch of this potentially confusing iteration with delicacy and care…

• Read more: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE accidentally went live

5. Sonos announced a price hike

(Image credit: Peter Hoffmann)

This week, Sonos announced that “later this year, we plan to raise prices” in response to US tariffs.

While the company no longer makes most of its products in China – which is currently facing a 30% tariff – it makes its tech in Vietnam and Malaysia, which are facing 20% and 19% tariffs, respectively (based on rates as of the time of writing on August 7).

Precisely how much of a cost increase the actual speakers will see is yet to be announced, and we don’t yet know exactly when the price hike will come either, but unless things change, it looks like a price hike is coming – so you might want to buy a Sonos speaker sooner rather than later.

• Read more: Get your Sonos speakers at current 'low' prices while you can

4. Harman Kardon took on Sonos

(Image credit: Future)

Audio Advice Live is a US-based consumer audio and video show held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, and at this year’s event, which ran from August 1-3, 2025, we had the opportunity to check out Harman Kardon’s forthcoming Enchant series soundbars and wireless speakers.

The big news about the Enchant series is that it carries many of the same great features found in Sonos soundbars and speakers, including multi-room playback and app-based control. But the Enchant soundbars go beyond popular Sonos models, such as the Sonos Arc Ultra, in offering both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, along with an HDMI pass-through input for connecting an external device like an Xbox Series X or PS5 console.

Is the Enchant series primed to topple Sonos? We won’t know that until we get our hands on a system for review, but if Harman Kardon can nail the app part of the equation – a recent pain point for Sonos and its customer base – it could provide a compelling alternative to the Sonos multi-room ecosystem.

• Read more: Harman Kardon’s new Dolby Atmos soundbar is like a Sonos Arc Ultra

3. The Z Flip 7 was tortured

Since their launch, we, like many other testers, have been putting the new Samsung foldables through their paces. But some testers take things to an extreme when it comes to judging durability.

JerryRigEverything seriously put Samsung’s new foldable through its paces with a test that involved setting fire to the phone screens, bathing the gadget in dirt, and attempting to scratch every surface with a knife – before trying to snap the phone in half.

Somehow, the Z Flip 7 survived, but it just goes to show that foldables aren’t as flimsy as they once were.

• Read more: Watch the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 go through a torturous durability test

2. Microsoft teased the future of Windows

(Image credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock / Microsoft)

A Microsoft exec shared his vision of Windows in 2030, making the rather bold claim that we’ll not be using keyboards and mice to interact with our computers by then, but rather using our voice and AI. We’ve heard this before (remember when virtual assistants like Cortana [RIP] were going to do everything for us with simple voice commands?), and I’m not convinced.

I don’t want to be speaking to my computer when I’m alone, let alone in a busy place or office, and there’s a reason we still use keyboards, mice, and trackpads decades after these peripherals were created: they remain the fastest and most convenient way to interact with our computers for a lot of people.

• Read more: 'The computer will be able to see what we see, hear what we hear, and we can talk to it'

1. ChatGPT-5 launched

(Image credit: OpenAI)

After hyping up its creation for the past couple of weeks, even saying it scared them, Sam Altman and OpenAI finally unveiled GPT-5 – the latest version of the digital brain which powers ChatGPT.

As expected, GPT-5 is said to be better than its predecessor, apparently being more reliable than before – being more honest with gaps in its knowledge rather than lying, or hallucinating, as it’s called for AI – and it’s also meant to be better at maths and coding, making it a more useful vibe coding partner.

Not everyone is happy, however. Many users have taken to social media to call the new bot “horrible” as ChatGPT now only gives shorter answers with less personality, and the prompt cap seems lower, too.

It might not do much to make affected users feel better about the situation, but OpenAI did at least warn of just this ahead of GPT-5’s launch: teasing “probable hiccups and capacity crunches,” as Sam Altman put it.

• Read more: 5 things you need to know about OpenAI’s ‘most useful’ model yet