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Shipping Oct. 9, the $130 Pixel Buds 2A don't seem to vary much from Google's flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2, but I found some key differences.

Google probably won’t get any credit for major leaps in foldable innovation, but the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold does represent a couple of notable firsts in the folding phone space: IP68 protection and Qi Pixel Snap charging, which happens to work almost exactly like Apple’s MagSafe charging and accessory technology.

These are not features that you'd notice at a glance, as Google’s latest folding Android phone looks almost exactly like the Pixel Pro 9 Fold. The dimensions are the same; it’s still just 5.2mm thick when unfolded, which, a year ago, was an eye-opening spec, but now, in the face of the 4.2mm-thick Galaxy Z Fold 7, is just looks nice and slim. The materials, which include multi-alloy steel, aerospace-grade aluminum, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, are unchanged.

This is unquestionably not the same Pixel Fold as last year, though.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: design

Google has reengineered the hinge so that it's now gearless and, apparently, fully sealed, protecting it not just from water incursion but dust. This might be the first foldable that’s safe to take to the beach without of a case. The hinge is also incredibly smooth in use; if anything, the magnet holding it closed feels slightly less intense than those on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

And while the 8-inch Super Actua Flex screen is still eight inches (and almost crease-free), it’s the cover screen that's gotten the more noticeable upgrade. The bezels are now slightly thinner, which makes the Super Actua display larger, at 6.4 inches (up from 6.3).

Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s cover screen is, at 6.5, larger (it’s actually slightly taller), but side by side the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s cover display is wider, with more pixels (2364 x 1080 vs 2520 x 1080 for the Fold 7), which means the virtual keyboard on the Pixel is more usable.

Design-wise, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold maintains the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor, with the folded device being almost indistinguishable from a standard flagship phone, except that one side features curved corners and the hinge side is more squared off. It still feels good in the hand and not heavy, although at 258 grams it’s not a lightweight when compared directly to the 215g Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Initially, the camera array on the back appeared unchanged to my eye, but then I noticed some subtle differences. The lens openings are slightly larger and are surrounded by a thin, polished chamfer, which gives the array a slightly more upscale look.

Google has also upgraded its logo on the back. It’s larger, and has a reflective finish.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold back. Note the new reflective logo. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 5

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, folded: USB-C charge port, mic, and speakers (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 5

The redesigned hinge (outside) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 4 of 5

Back and camera array (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 5 of 5

Unfolded, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is essentially flat. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: displays

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold (left) cover screen compare to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (right) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Unfolded, there’s virtually no difference between the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Last year, I marveled at how the Pixel Fold 9 could unfold completely flat; this year, I simply expect it. Because of the large camera array, though, it still doesn't lie flat on a table, a 'feature' it shares with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

There’s still a large-ish punch hole in the 8-inch main display for the 10MP camera, and the bezels are about the same thickness as before. The screen, though, features new materials to help it better withstand impact, although, perhaps fortunately, I wasn't able to test their effectiveness, as I managed not to drop the phone during my brief hands-on time.

Both displays are brighter than ever, thanks to their 3000 maximum nits level, which should make the Pixel 10 Pro Fold excellent for outdoor, direct-sunlight use – I’ll let you know when I get the chance to take a review unit outside.

The large 8-inch super Actua flex display is not only bright, it's sharp, clear, and with smooth motion (1Hz-120Hz adaptive). The crease is barely noticeable. It does have a camera punch hole, but I don't imagine that will be very distracting for most activities.

It's a great viewfinder for the camera and also a lovely way to look at the pictures you just took.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro main Super Actua Flex display (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 3

Google Pixel 10 Pro flex screen fully unfolded. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 3

The Main screen on the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (left) compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's main screen (right). (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: cameras

The triple camera array specs are virtually unchanged from last year. They are:

• Triple Camera Array:
• 48MP main wide-angle
• 10.5MP ultra-wide
• 10.8 telephoto (5x optical)
• Selfie cameras
• 10MP on Cover display
• 10MP on Main display

The three camera array. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

There’s also a 10MP selfie camera in the cover screen and another 10MP selfie camera in the main display, which is a slight improvement from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 8MP main-screen selfie camera.

While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 appears to have the Pixel 10 Pro Fold beat in most aspects, the latter phone has the upper hand when it comes to optical zoom. The Z Fold 7, much to my dismay, tops out at 3x optical, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold delivers 5x with, at 10.8MP, a slightly higher pixel count.

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Being able to see multiple photos you just took while still having access to the viewfinder is actually excellent. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 3

The new images just keep rolling in while pushing the old ones off the screen. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 3 of 3

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold camera array (gray) compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold array (mint) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I took some photos with all these cameras and they looked good. Macro capabilities through the ultra-wide are impressive, as were the few shots I managed to grab with the 5x telephoto camera. It’s way too soon, however, to tell if they meet or exceed last year's cameras or those of any other folding phone.

What I did enjoy was the ability to preview photos on the flex screen (Google calls this 'instant View') as you’re taking them. The 8-inch display can automatically split up into quadrants, with the viewfinder display at the top-right, the camera controls below that, and the last two photos you took appearing on the left side of the screen. As a new photo comes in, the oldest one is pushed off the screen.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: Performance

Inside the phone is Google's new Tensor G5 chip, which is more AI-capable than ever. This chip runs the Gemini Nano Model on the phone, meaning the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is capable of supporting multiple generative AI capabilities across speech, information, and imagery. Similar to what I experienced on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, I can now run Gemini Live in full-screen mode on the 8-inch display. I turned on the camera and asked Gemini to identify what it saw on the table, which it did with impressive skill.

There are other features, like Camera Coach and Edit Photos with Ask Photos, that were not yet enabled on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold phones I tried out, but which I did see in action on a Pixel 10 Pro, and I was impressed with how the coach guides you step by step towards, for instance, a better portrait. It advised me, for example, to switch to portrait mode, how to frame my subject, and even how to use the rule of thirds, and the result was better photos.

Another Gemini feature that works locally, thanks to the Tensor G5 chip, is Live Translate. While it wasn’t yet working on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I did try it on a Pixel 10 Pro XL, and it is, to be honest, astonishing. I held one phone and spoke in English to a Google rep who was holding a phone on the other side of the room. She was playing the role of a Spanish-only speaker. I talked for a bit in English, but could overhear on her end 'my voice' speaking the same phrases in Spanish. It was wild, and the closest thing I've seen in mobile technology to the Star Trek Universal Translator.

There might be some concerns about what Google is doing with that voice clone, but Google told us it’s all on device, and not persistent. So there’s no accessible record of my Spanish-speaking voice.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: Battery and charging

The Google Pixel 10 Pro on the new Pixel Snap stand. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

At 5,015mAh, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s battery is significantly larger than last year, and could offer up to 30 hours of video playback (a claim I couldn't test during my brief hands-on session), but that’s not the only power-related upgrade.

This is a Qi2-compatible device (as are all the Pixel 10 phones), which means it will support 15W wireless charging speeds. More exciting, though, is the inclusion of Pixelsnap, a MagSafe-like feature that integrates a ring of magnets, which means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will work with a variety of first-and third-party Pixelsnap grips, charging devices, and bases.

Google has some gorgeous ones, including a ring stand that folds so flat and thin but is strong enough to hold the Pixel 10 Pro fold even when I held only the ring and dangled the phone in the air.

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The new Pixel Snap ring (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Image 2 of 2

Yep, Pixel Snap works with third-party accessories. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Pixelsnap also works with Google’s new Pixelsnap charging stand, letting you attach the phone in landscape or portrait mode. I was also able to unfold the phone and still attach it to the stand, which is heavy enough that it didn't wobble or tip over. Naturally, we had to try third-party MagSafe accessories, all of which worked perfectly on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, even ones from Apple.

This is, naturally, a 5G (Dual Sim, Nano SIM, and eSIM) Android 16 phone that will arrive with support for WiFi 7 and, notably, Bluetooth v6.

The Tensor G5 CPU is backed by a formidable 16GB of RAM and a base of 256GB of storage. That’s unchanged from last year, as is the price, which still sits at $1,799 (UK: £1,749.00 / AUS: $2,699).

The phone is not only designed to last, but will be supported by seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop feature updates.

Preorders for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, available in Jade and Moonstone, kick off on August 20, but you’ll have to wait a bit for the phone to arrive. It’s currently set to ship on October 9.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold preview: price and specsGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold specs compared

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Dimensions (folded):

155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm

154.94 x 76.2 x 10.16mm

72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

Dimensions (unfolded):

155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2mm

155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm (unfolded), 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm (folded)

143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

Weight:

258g

257g

215g

Main display:

8-inch Super Actua Flex display 1
(LTPO) 2076 x 2152 OLED at 373 PPI Adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz)

8-inch Super Actua display

2076 x 2152 / 1080 x 2424 pixels

8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED

(2184 x 1968), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Cover display::

6.4-inch Actua display
20:9 aspect ratio 1080 x 2364 OLED 408 PPI
adaptive refresh rate (60-120Hz) 2

6.3-inch Actua display

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display(2520 x 1080, 21:9), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

Chipset:

Google Tensor G5

Google Tensor G4

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

RAM:

16GB

16GB

12GB / 16GB (1TB only)

Storage:

256 GB / 512 GB / 1TB

256GB / 512GB

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

OS:

Android 16

Android 16

Android 16 / One UI 8

Primary camera:

48MP wide

48MP main

200MP f1.7

Ultrawide camera:

10.5MP, 127-degree FoV

10.5MP ultrawide

12MP f2.2

Telephoto

10.8MP, 5X optical

10.8MP 5X zoom

3x 10MP f2.4

Cover Camera:

10MP

10MP

10MP f2.2

Inner Camera:

10MP

8MP f/2.0

10MP f2.2

Battery:

5,015mAh

4,650mAh

4,400mAh

Charging:

Fast charging, 50% in 30 minutes with 30W charger.

Wireless: Qi2 up to 15W

30W (wired)

30 mins with 25W adapter (wired)

Colors:

Jade and Moonstone

Porcelain, Obsidian

Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack [Samsung.com Exclusive] Mint

Google Pixel Watch 4: Two-minute review

Google has released its latest crop of hardware at its Made by Google 2025 event, including phones, earbuds, and its next-generation smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 4. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Apple Watch Series 10, the latest generation of the Pixel Watch 4 is less about earth-shattering changes and more about refinements to a working formula.

Google is sticking with the now-iconic and really quite lovely polished pebble circular build that comes in two sizes – the addition of a 45mm option alongside the 41mm model was the big change last year. That means more choice for you if the Pixel Watch sparks your interest, and ultimately lets you get the one that’s the right size for your wrist.

Google is also mostly sticking with the same prices as last year (there's a small increase for the 45mm version in Australia). And despite the outward similarities there are some significant upgrades here, including a healthy dose of AI smarts powered by some new silicon, a forthcoming AI coach that’s part of a larger Fitbit rollout, replaceable parts, a refreshed user interface, and a new domed display that’s physically raised to the touch.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Specifications

Component

Google Pixel Watch 4

Price

Starting at $399 / £349 / AU$579

Dimensions

41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm

Weight

31g / 36.7g without straps

Caze/bezel

Recycled aluminum

Display

320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness

Operating System

Wear OS 6.0

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor

Memory

2GB of RAM

Storage

32GB

GPS

GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS

Battery life

Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled

Connection

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE

Water resistance

WR50, IP68

Google Pixel Watch 4: Dome sweet dome

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

The first thing I noticed during my hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 4 was that the display itself is not flat like on the Pixel Watch 3. Sure, we’ve seen smartwatches on which the display slopes down the sides towards the watch case, such as the Apple Watch Series 10, but the glass display here is actually domed to the point where, as you swipe across the screen, you’ll feel the surface rise or lower.

This makes the sides of the display and the graphics appearing on the edges even more sloped, a feature the new Material 3 Expressive interface uses in its animations. However, it also noticeably increases the thickness on your wrist. The domed 360 Actua display still looked rich and vibrant with crisp text or numbers, and it got considerably brighter in the demo room, which wasn't brightly lit. Google says it can hit up to 3,000 nits, a jump of 1,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3.

The third-generation Pixel Watch got a larger display than its predecessor, and the fourth-gen model goes bigger again, with 16% smaller bezels and 10% larger active display area, which Google says is made possible by the domed display.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

I think the physical touch and interaction with the watch might take some time to get used to, but the new design delivers a theoretically more durable surface – as is the case with some dome shapes – and more space to hit touchpoints or see items presented on your wrist is certainly a win. It’s something I’m eager to spend more time exploring, and it enhances what I described in my Pixel Watch 3 review last year as the 'polished pebble' effect of the Pixel Watch’s looks.

The Pixel Watch 4 still boasts Corning Gorilla Glass to protect against drops or scratches, and the rest of the build here is aerospace-grade aluminum. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters. Another major change this year is a redesigned back, which has resulted in the moving of the charging ports in order to make this smartwatch repairable and serviceable.

Yes, you’ll notice several screws, which allow the battery to be replaced for a more sustainable design. This isn’t something that's common for major smartwatch brands, as most devices are sealed units, so it’s a welcome step in the right direction from Google.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

This also means a pretty significant change in charger design, as you’ll no longer place this on a proprietary puck with prongs as you would the Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or any Pixel Watch before this. The Pixel Watch 4 charges on its side in a dock, and if you’re charging it on a nightstand this should make it easier to use the smartwatch as a small alarm clock – it’s even perfectly positioned so that you can tap the crown to snooze.

Google is also taking advantage of these charger and design changes to speed up refueling. You can now charge the Pixel Watch 4 from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes, and Google is promising longer battery life for both sizes – up to 30 hours for the 41mm and up to 40 hours for the 45mm. Your mileage will, of course, vary depending on usage, but it’s a good step beyond the Pixel Watch 3.

Google Pixel Watch 4: A faster experience

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

While I only spent about half an hour with the Pixel Watch 4, it felt like a modern-day smartwatch that was responsive and zippy fast. Under the hood it’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a next-gen ML CoProcessor, both of which ensure that the new Material 3 Expressive interface design runs well here. It was easy enough to swipe between tiles, and I especially liked the more vibrant nature of the colors, which you can, of course, customize. Overall, this watch feels speedy compared to previous years.

Google’s new Smart Replies feature looks like a welcome innovation, especially if you’re tired of suggested replies that often lack context and are unsuited to the conversation. The Pixel Watch 4’s silicon can power an on-device large language model to generate appropriate suggested replies based on what a message says.

I even tested it with a message that referenced delays on my local train service, and the Pixel Watch 4 delivered an appropriate response. It took a few seconds, but it’s much better than the list found on previous Pixel Watches, the Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch.

We’ve already seen Gemini arrive on-wrist courtesy of the Galaxy Watch 8, but Google is serving up something special for its watch, and that’s a ‘raise to talk to the AI assistant’ functionality. Simply raise your wrist, and a glowing bar appears at the bottom of the display, which indicates that Gemini is listening and that you can start your request. You don’t need to say ‘Hey Gemini' – Google has us pretty well trained in that department – and it worked well in a short demo, quickly pulling up the weather.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

While I didn’t get to try any of the health and activity features, Google’s shipping the Pixel Watch 4 with a familiar suite that includes general activity, heart-rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. You can also take an ECG or Electrocardiogram, and there’s an improved Skin Temperature sensor for more accurate readings. You can also track over 40 workouts with the Pixel Watch 4.

The real big potential leap, though, is a promised ‘personal AI health coach’ that’s powered by Gemini and set to arrive at some point in October as a preview in the United States at first. It should go beyond ‘Workout Buddy’ on the Apple Watch and some AI features on the Galaxy Watch, but we don’t know exactly what it entails just yet. Google is promising it to be a coach of sorts that bases recommendations on your health data and that you can chat with, maybe something similar to that of Oura Advisor.

It’s shaping up to be a pretty strong smartwatch, and while the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t usher in a tremendously radical redesign, it’s mostly about polishing and the addition of a healthy dose of AI functionality – something that Google is a big fan of. It’s likely that you don’t need to rush out for it if you already have a Pixel Watch 3, but those with an older model may want to consider an upgrade. We’ll be back with more once we’ve had time to put it through its full paces and see how the changes perform in the real world.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Pricing and Availability

If you’re looking to upgrade from, say, a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, maybe another Android smartwatch, or even getting your first one, there is a wait for when you’ll actually receive a new Pixel Watch.

Google is taking orders right now for the Pixel Watch 4 – it begins on August 20, 2025 – but the smartwatch won’t officially launch until October 9, 2025. That’s when the first shipments should arrive, depending on demand, and when you’ll find it available at retail locations.

Unlike other gadgets that have seen price hikes year over year, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks with the same price as the Pixel Watch 3. Meaning it’s priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579 for the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The larger, 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is $399 / £399 / AU$669 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or $499 / £499 / AU$839 for connectivity.

Beyond accessing the internet with the cellular connectivity model, you’ll also need to spend more to get emergency satellite functionality on the Pixel Watch 4. There isn’t an extra monthly or annual cost – at least for two years, that’s what Google provides out of the box – but it needs to make use of the bands found in the cellular version of the watch. That could be a reason alone to get it right there.

The Google Pixel 10 takes a winning formula from last year and adds just enough to make it even more compelling, and make this phone a true competitor to the iPhone 16. In the past, Google's phones have been polished and enjoyable, but never cutting edge. With the Pixel 10 family, Google pushes its way to the front, with features you won't find on either the iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy phones. That's new territory for Google, and I'm excited to spend more time with this phone after my morning-lon hands-on session.

What can the Pixel 10 do? It can stick to magnets, for one thing. The new Pixelsnap feature – and extension of the Qi2 wireless charging standard – might seem familiar to iPhone owners who’ve enjoyed MagSafe since the iPhone 12 launched in 2020. The Android world is finally catching up.

Magnets may not seem like a major feature, but Pixelsnap will open a new world of accessories and convenience for Android fans. I keep my iPhone 16 Pro Max charging on a magnet stand, and it's the best bedside clock I've owned. Then I slap a magnetic wallet on the back as I leave my house. I'm always using the iPhone magnets, and I'm relieved that Google and Android are hopping on board.

The Pixel 10 on Google's new Pixelsnap charging stand (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Besides Pixelsnap, the Pixel 10 features a real, optical 5x zoom camera. The iPhone 16 doesn't give you any optical zoom, and the Galaxy S25 offers only a 3x zoom lens with a smaller image sensor.

That could give the Pixel a huge advantage in photography, especially if the Tensor G5 chipset, with its new image processor, delivers the goods.

Some of the biggest new Pixel features will rely on AI, of course, and I didn't have time to test most of those, while some of the most interesting, like the Camera Coach, weren't available yet on the demo units I tried.

Some of those AI features seem very cool and potentially useful. I saw a live translation feature in action that was like nothing I've seen – it was almost frightening.

I'm also a Pixel user as well as an iPhone user, so I know the Pixel does the best job of screening phone calls and managing notifications. I'm curious to see how the new Magic Cue features will offer more AI functionality, but I always suspect the AI is being overpromised until I see it in action. Will the Pixel 10 really get to know me? Will it really pull up my flight details at the perfect moment? Time will tell.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

We’ll have a full review of the Pixel 10 coming soon, after the phones have undergone extensive testing in Future Labs. If you have a Pixel 9, I think you can hold off the upgrade for now – the differences are slight, and even Pixelsnap can be mimicked with a case that has MagSafe magnets.

Of course, it’s hard to find a new feature that will stay cutting-edge for long. The Pixel 10 may beat the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 when it comes to cameras, but those models are half-a-year to a year old – middle-aged by smartphone standards. The Galaxy S26 will surely have magnets to fit its Qi2 credentials, and who knows what the iPhone 17 will bring.

If you’re coming from an older Android or if you’re a curious iPhone owner, we’ll know soon if the Pixel 10 can hold its own as a camera phone, and whether the new AI features inspire more creativity or existential dread. Has the Google Pixel 10 truly leapt ahead of this year’s best phones, or will it soon fall behind what’s to come? Check out more of my hands-on first impressions below, then come back for our full review.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 costs the same as last year’s Pixel 9, and the base model features the same 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM inside, which may be falling behind the requirements of the upcoming AI features. I’d certainly like to see more storage, at least.

The phone is available in black (Obsidian), light blue (Frost), green (Lemongrass), and bright blue (Indigo). The Indigo will be Google’s hero color, but I think the Lemongrass also stands out nicely. The Frost color looks closer to the Pixel 10 Pro’s Moonstone shade than the name suggests.

My big caveat with Pixel phones is that Google’s pricing takes a rollercoaster ride throughout the year, with the first drop coming around the US holiday shopping season. Last year’s Pixel 9 launched in August at $799 in the US, and dropped to $649 in November. It spent more than half the year priced at $150 under the original price, and it dropped to an all-time low of $499 around the last Amazon Prime Day in July.

In other words, if you want the Pixel 10, you may want to wait until it’s available for less – although if you wait too long Google might drop a Pixel 10a on us, just to confuse matters.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Specifications

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Google Pixel 10 uses Google’s Tensor G5 chipset, just like every other member of the Pixel 10 family. It comes with 12GB of RAM, which was a respectable amount in the days before on-device AI processing, but now is probably only just enough.

The Pixel 10 gains a 10.8MP, 5x zoom camera this year in addition to the 48MP wide camera and the 13MP ultra-wide. That’s not just more zoom than the Galaxy S25, it also comes with a bigger sensor, regardless of the megapixel count.

Oddly enough, the Pixel 10 comes with a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 10 Pro, at 4,970mAh vs 4,870mAh. It charges at 30W, just like the Pixel 10 Pro, with Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W.

Google Pixel 10 Specifications

Dimensions:

152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm

Weight:

204g

Display:

6.3-inch Actua display

Resolution:

1080 x 2424 pixels

Refresh rate:

60-120Hz

Peak brightness:

3,000 nits

Chipset:

Google Tensor G5

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB

OS:

Android 16

Wide camera:

48MP; f/1.7; 0.5-inch sensor

Ultrawide camera:

13MP; f/2.2; 0.33-inch sensor

Telephoto camera:

10.8MP; f/3.1; 0.31-inch sensor

Selfie camera:

10.5MP; f/2.2

Battery:

4,970mAh

Charging:

25W wired; 15W wireless Qi2

Colors:

Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Pixel 10 looks just like last year’s Pixel 9, aside from some minor changes to the color, materials, and finish. That’s not a bad thing at all – the Pixel 9 was one of my favorite new phone designs, and it was the biggest refresh we saw among all the major flagship phones last year. I’m happy the Pixel 10 isn’t a huge departure.

After all, the Pixel 9a was somehow a butt-ugly cheap relation of the Pixel 9, and I was worried that its flat design foreshadowed this year’s flagship phones. Never fear! The Pixel 10 keeps the same pill-shaped camera bump as last year’s model, with the same improved durability. It’s a great phone design, and it even looks good in a case.

There is still room for improvement. Did Google not see the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button? I suspect future Pixel phones might have a matching button in the future. They already got MagSafe, why not go all the way?

Speaking of magnets, the Pixel 10 with Pixelsnap held a very strong connection to all of the accessories I tried. You couldn’t shake the phone off of the wireless charging puck, which is a hidden part of the new wireless charging stand. I’ll be excited to use Google’s new phones with all of my MagSafe accessories, like my wallet and my magnetic photo tripod.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google quietly makes the best displays you’ll find on any smartphone, and I’m shocked the company doesn’t spend more time bragging about it. The Actua displays on previous Pixels have always been among the most bright and colorful screens I’ve used, and the Pixel 10 seems like another improvement, if only a subtle one.

The Pixel 10 has a variable refresh rate from 60-120Hz, which means things should look nice and smooth when you’re scrolling through long menus or social feeds. Unfortunately, that also means it won’t get the full-color always-on screen you’ll find on LTPO phones like the Pixel 10 Pro.

I’ll need to spend a lot more time with the Pixel 10 to decide if the screen is as great as it seems. I’m hoping the long-term experience will be just as pleasing.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google is, for now, leaving us with more questions than answers when it comes to Pixel software. Gemini works in more places – the onward march of AI progress – but there are many other features that are going to require a deep dive.

I’m very curious about the Magic Cue features available during phone calls. Google says the Pixel 10 will pull up details about your travel plans when somebody mentions AirBnB, for instance. I’m curious how far it will go, and whether this feature will seem like a privacy invasion or a useful sidekick.

There are also new camera features to try, which I’ll discuss below, but Google is moving beyond editing and generating images to offering tips and instructions. I like this direction. I would rather have a phone that can anticipate my needs, and offer helpful suggestions, than a phone that makes nightmare images of copyrighted cartoon characters committing crimes, as past Pixel phones have done.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

One of the most impressive new features is the live translation. While other phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, can live-translate a foreign language speaker during a conversation, the Pixel 10 family has a new trick: it makes the translation sound like the voice of the speaker.

If I speak to you in English while you speak Hindi back to me, the Pixel 10 will translate my words into Hindi, and it will make the Hindi speaker sound like a version of me. The TechRadar team got a demo of this feature with our Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff speaking, and at the other end what we heard was a Spanish-speaking version of Lance sounding like a native-born speaker. It was uncanny.

Google also says this process happens mostly on the device, which should settle some privacy concerns. Still, I’m wary of a computer that can instantly talk in a voice that sounds like mine; even though it only happens in a foreign language, it still gives me pause.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I’m most excited to try the new camera features on the Pixel 10, because the cameras sees like the biggest improvement on this phone. First of all there’s the new 5x telephoto lens, which is paired with a respectable 0.33-inch image sensor. That’s bigger than the zoom sensor on the Galaxy S25, and is closer to the telephoto camera on the iPhone 16 Pro.

Second, the Tensor G5 chipset has an all-new image signal processor, and that component is often the silent partner in making the best camera phones. A new ISP usually means faster processing – so higher-resolution video recording and better night photography. It could also mean other image enhancements.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Google is talking up the Super Zoom features, but we’ve seen AI zoom before. It may save an otherwise useless 30x zoom pic, but it’s not going to help the Pixel 10 create long-distance images you’ll want to hang on the wall.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Performance

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

How will the Tensor G5 perform? Undoubtedly, it won’t be winning any benchmark races, but that’s never been the point of Google’s Tensor chips. Google builds accelerated chips that work better with its own AI and machine-learning features, like the Magic Editor in Google Photos and the AI transcriptions in the Recorder app.

This time around, Google says the Tensor G5 enables features like the aforementioned live translation that sounds like the person speaking, along with a host of new photography features like the Camera Coach.

The good news is that Google processes more of its machine-learning tricks on the phone than most other phone makers. That means you aren’t burning fossil fuels to feed a server farm for those AI features. It also means you have a better chance of protecting your privacy when it comes to your AI demands.

Google Pixel 10 hands-on review: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I can almost forgive whatever battery life I get from the Pixel 10 because I’m excited to use the Pixelsnap feature to keep the phone charged. I have MagSafe chargers that I use next to my bed with my iPhone, but Apple’s device will now get the USB-C cord while my Pixel 10 takes over the magnetic stand. It isn’t a fast way to charge, but my phone will be there all night, so I don’t need to hurry.

I’m curious to see if the Tensor G5 chip will offer any battery life improvements. Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset has been a powerhouse not only in terms of performance but also efficiency. Every Snapdragon 8 Elite phone has been able to last much longer than the generation before, and I hope I see the same benefits from the Tensor G5 when I conduct a thorough review.

Just days after Samsung made its Samsung made its Galaxy Buds 3 FE official, Google’s ushering in a new pair of similarly affordable, value-oriented earbuds, and I got to briefly try them. That’s right, the Pixel Buds 2a are officially official with a much more compact carrying case and in-ear design that resembles the more expensive Pixel Buds 2 Pro.

Google’s Pixel Buds 2a are priced at $129 / £129 / AU$239 and are up for preorder right now. However, just like the just-announced Pixel Watch 4 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and even the Pixel Buds 2 Pro in 2024, these earbuds won’t ship until October. Specifically, October 9, 2025, is the Pixel Buds 2a’s actual launch and when deliveries are expected to begin.

Even with a long time to wait, there is a lot to like here, especially factoring in the price you pay.

It starts with the overall design. The Pixel Buds 2a take up less space than the original Pixel Buds A earbuds and were easy to place in my ears.

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I especially like that the twistable stabilizer has trickled down from the Pixel Buds 2 Pro and allows you to sort of lock these in your ear for when you'll be active, or to choose a slightly looser fit for gentler use. There is an ear-tip fit test you can conduct in the companion app for Android devices, and Google ships four ear tips in the box.

I wouldn’t sleep on the fun new Iris color option (shown above), either. It’s more of a light lilac in person, but I especially like the subtle pop of color it provides. Pixel Buds 2a are also coming in Hazel, which is a shade of black (shown below).

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

You’ll also find a “G” for Google engraved on each bud, and that same spot has a capacitive touch sensor for controls, such as pausing music or engaging Google Gemini, though you can also call upon the AI to help using the phrase, ‘Hey Google.’

Google’s also stepping up battery life here – Pixel Buds 2a should last for 10 hours on a full charge or for up to 27 hours with recharges in the case, though that's with active noise cancellation turned off. With it on, you're looking at seven hours from the buds and 20 hours from the case.

The carrying case is smaller and very palm-able, making the buds even more tempting to take every with you. The case recharges via a USB-C port and, like the Pixel Watch 4, now has a battery that can be replaced, making it more serviceable for long-term use.

Aiding in the improved battery life over the previous Google Pixel Buds A-Series is the Google Tensor A1 chip. It should make things a bit more efficient and speed up responsiveness, but it also powers another new feature – active noise cancellation.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Google promises that ANC on the Pixel Buds 2a is as good as the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro, and we’ll need to put that to the test. Without music playing, though, I was able to engage the ANC on the Buds 2a, and it brought a fairly packed hands-on space to a whisper.

It put me in the zone, to a degree, and with a track playing it should be even more effective, though Google didn't allow us to play music during this early look, which obviously means we'll be holding off from a full verdict until we can do our full review.

The Pixel Buds 2a will also feature a transparency mode for times when you want to let in environmental noise or someone chatting with you.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

While I didn’t get to try audio playback on the Pixel Buds 2a, we do know that an 11mm dynamic driver powers the experience, and these affordable earbuds will boast an adjustable five-band equalizer via the app. For when you want to be immersed in sound, spatial audio is supported here as well, though it only works with certain Pixel devices (from Pixel 6 and later).

And if you misplace the case, you can see the location on a map, and if the earbuds are inside, you can ping it to have it play a sound. This way, the game of hide and seek will be done a little quicker.

On paper, the Pixel Buds 2a are shaping up to be a pretty compelling pair of earbuds, but even at $129 / £129 / AU$239, these are entering a pretty packed world of the best earbuds, with strong options at the same price and lower.

As we approach the official launch and arrival date of October 9, 2025, we'll put the Pixel Buds 2a through their paces and see just how good these new Google earbuds are. If you’re sold, though, the Google Pixel Buds 2a are up for pre-order now in either Iris or Hazel.

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• Spatial Audio, Gemini Live, and up to 27 hours playback
• $129.99 / £129 / AU$239, pre-order now for October launch

Google has launched the Pixel Buds 2a, the new version of the most affordable Pixel earbuds, and it's given the Pixel Buds Pro 2 some useful free upgrades at the same time.

The new Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-series earbuds to get active noise cancellation, and they have Google's Silent Seal 1.5 to help block unwanted ambient audio. The ANC also has transparency mode – and we've given it a try in our early Pixel 2a hands-on.

In addition to ANC, the Buds 2a also have spatial audio, and the sound quality should be a step up from the previous Google Pixel Buds A thanks to the redesigned internal acoustics around the 11mm dynamic driver.

The Bluetooth version is 5.4, and the buds are powered by Google's Tensor A1 chip, enabling you to take advantage of Pixel-specific features such as Clear Calling, Find Hub, and easy multipoint connections for switching between devices.

@techradar

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And as you'd expect they work with Google's Gemini to control your audio and get answers to questions – in particular, the latest 'Live with Gemini' variation of the service for real-time responses.

Battery life is a decent seven hours with ANC on, rising to 20 hours of total playback via the charging case; turn off the ANC and you can expect 10 hours / 27 hours. The case is rated IPX4 for dust and water resistance and the buds are IP54. For the first time, the battery in the charging case is replaceable, which is a nice touch (though it tends to be the battery in the buds that needs replacing most).

The Pixel Buds 2a cost $129.99 / £129 / AU$239 and come in two colors: Hazel and Iris. You can pre-order them right away, but they're not due for release until October 9th, 2025.

Iris, meet Hazel; Hazel, meet Iris. (Image credit: Google)What's new in the Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been around for a while now, but Google is giving them a significant upgrade – and there's a new color option, Moonstone, to match the Google Pixel 10 phone range. All of the improvements other than the new color will be delivered to existing users via a free software update.

From September 2025, Pixel Buds Pro 2 will have Adaptive Audio, which is Google's take on adaptive noise cancelling, reducing distractions and the volume of sound around you without completely removing your situational awareness. That comes alongside Loud Noise Protection, an AirPods Pro 2-style feature that can quickly shut down unexpected loud noises.

September is also when the Pixel Buds Pro 2 get head gesture control so you can pick up calls and reply to texts hands-free, and when they'll get improved audio processing for using Gemini in noisier environments.

They'll also have Live with Gemini support, and will now provide useful notifications about your battery level of the earbuds' case, so you're never caught short.

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Google has officially unveiled its new Pixel lineup, with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold having debuted at Made by Google 2025.

We’ve spent time with all four new models, and for our early thoughts on each, check out our hands-on Google Pixel 10 review, hands-on Google Pixel 10 Pro/XL review, and hands-on Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold review.

If, however, you’re after a whistle-stop tour of Google’s latest hardware and software upgrades, we’ve detailed five key things to know about the Google Pixel 10 lineup below.

1. New Pixelsnap accessories

(Image credit: Google / Future)

Let’s kick off with Pixelsnap: a built-in, magnetic Qi2 wireless charging technology for the entire Pixel 10 line.

Much like Apple's MagSafe technology, Pixelsnap lets you snap wireless chargers, stands, grips, and other accessories to your chosen Pixel 10 model. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold can charge at up to 15W using Pixelsnap, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets a higher 25W ceiling.

Google debuted its own suite of Pixelsnap accessories alongside the Pixel 10 line – including a magnetic charger, a magnetic stand, and a magnetic ring tool to set your phone upright – but the technology is also compatible with existing MagSafe accessories from Apple and third-party brands like Belkin.

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Suffice to say, this is a big deal for Google and the future of Android phones. Until now, all Android users (except for HMD Skyline owners) have been forced to buy adhesive magnetic rings and bulky magnetic cases to magnetize their devices, but Pixelsnap builds a magnetic ring into the Pixel devices themselves.

Here’s hoping we see other Android phone makers launch similar magnetic charging systems soon (looking at you, Samsung).

2. New AI camera tricks

Another new feature of the entire Pixel 10 line is Camera Coach, which uses AI to help you take better photos.

This Gemini-based software tool can analyze a scene in the Pixel 10 viewfinder and offer suggestions on how to improve your shot. For instance, Camera Coach can tell you which shooting mode to use, how best to frame your subject, and suggest other useful pointers for getting the most out of your Pixel 10's cameras.

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Alternatively, if you want to improve a photo you’ve already taken, the Pixel 10 introduces Edit with Ask Photos, which, as the name suggests, lets you ask Gemini for specific photo edits. You can request improvements to things like sharpness or lightning, or even ask Gemini to add AI-generated content straight to your image.

3. Real zoom for the Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 has three rear cameras (Image credit: Google)

Sticking with cameras, Google has finally added a dedicated telephoto camera to its base Pixel flagship.

The Pixel 10 gets a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom, which is the same telephoto camera as you’ll find on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Thankfully, Google hasn’t ditched any of the other cameras to make room for this new lens on the Pixel 10, so you’ll still have wide and ultra-wide shooting options to choose from. The company has, however, dropped the resolution of the latter camera from 48MP to 12MP.

Of course, for the best Pixel cameras you’ll want to go for the Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL, which both sport a 48MP telephoto sensor and offer up to 100x digital zoom. That said, we’re glad to see Google finally equip its base model with a capable zoom camera this year.

4. Tensor G5 chipset

The Google Pixel 10 Pro in Moonstone (Image credit: Google)

Every Pixel 10 model is powered by the new Tensor G5 chipset, which Google says is the most significant upgrade to the Tensor platform since its debut five years ago.

Compared to the Tensor G4, the G5 boasts a 34% faster CPU and a 60% more powerful TPU – that's Google's custom Tensor Processing Unit, which handles machine learning workloads – so you can expect smoother performance, faster AI processing, and better battery efficiency from every Pixel 10 phone.

The Tensor G5 is also paired with the new Titan M2 security chip, which offers baked-in security features like automated call screening, malware protection, and even a built-in VPN.

While we’re not expecting the Tensor G5 to compete with the Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple’s A18 Pro chipset in terms of raw power, it should deliver a clean – and crucially, secure – software experience.

5. IP68 rating for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

(Image credit: Google)

At first glance, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks very similar to its predecessor, and while it is pretty much the same size and thickness, it benefits from a true world-first in the foldable category: an IP68 resistance rating.

An IP rating – IP standing for ingress protection – defines how well a device can prevent dust (first number) and water (second number) from entering its chassis. An IP68 rating means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is resistant to both water and dust, which is a selling point that not even the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can boast.

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For reference, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold shipped with an IPX8 rating, meaning it offered the same level of water protection but no dust protection whatsoever.

An IP68 rating means the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is now just as secure as the very best Android phones – and that's a big deal for not just Pixel Fold fans, but foldable fans more generally, as it suggests future foldables from other brands could benefit from the same level of protection.

Other durability upgrades for Google’s new foldable include a new gearless hinge, which Google says will stay strong for over 10 years.

So, there you have it: five key things you need to know about the Google Pixel 10 lineup. For a deeper dive into all four new products, check out our aforementioned hands-on reviews, and stay tuned for our full Pixel 10 reviews in the coming weeks.

Are you tempted by any of Google’s new Pixel products? Let us know in the comments.

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An official White House account has appeared on TikTok, with one video featuring the caption: We're so back.

The National Hurricane Center is urging beachgoers to stay out of the water. Parts of North Carolina's Outer Banks are under mandatory evacuation orders.

• The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X finally have their release date set for October 16, 2025
• Previous leaks suggested the devices would release on October 16, with pre-orders opening on August 20
• Pre-orders aren't live yet and pricing is unconfirmed, but should arrive in the coming weeks

It's been a long time coming, but the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds finally have a release date, after their initial announcement during the Xbox Showcase earlier in June.

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will both be available on October 16, 2025, launching in multiple regions, including the UK, Australia, and the US (the ROG Xbox Ally will launch in China early next year).

Pre-orders aren't live yet, and pricing is still unknown, despite recent leaks and rumors suggesting a price tag close to $1,000 for the ROG Xbox Ally X. Xbox says both of these details will be shared in the coming weeks, which could be an indication of pre-orders opening in September.

The leaks previously hinted at pre-orders going live on August 20. While this hasn't exactly panned out as suggested, it's the date that was expected for Xbox and Asus' announcement of a release date, and the rumor of an October 16 release date was spot on.

Taking cues from the Steam Deck

Xbox has also announced a 'Handheld Compatibility Program', which appears to follow in the footsteps of Valve's SteamOS and the Deck Verified system. This will help players identify which games are playable or compatible with their Xbox Ally device. It will also come alongside a feature called 'Windows Performance Fit' indicator, which will help 'reflect expected performance on their supported device'.

To ensure a console-like handheld experience, Xbox is using an Advanced Shader Delivery feature, built to preload any game shaders during downloads, to dive right into games once ready.

These features are expected to come alongside the 'full-screen experience' that is supposed to help streamline the handheld experience on Windows, without unnecessary background processes and more RAM for games.

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• BCNYS suffered a cyberattack in February, and discovered it in August
• Sensitive personal, payment, and healthcare information, was stolen
• There's no evidence of in-the-wild abuse yet

The Business Council of New York State (BCNYS), an association representing businesses, chambers of commerce, and professional organizations across New York, has confirmed it suffered a cyberattack in which it lost sensitive information on tens of thousands of people.

The BCNYS filed a report with the Office of the Maine Attorney General, in which it confirmed the breach, and detailed the type of data that was stolen - in total, 47,329 individuals were potentially affected by the incident, when unidentified cybercriminals stole full names, Social Security numbers (SSN), dates of birth, state identification numbers, financial institution names, financial account and routing number information, payment card numbers, PINs, payment card expiration dates, taxpayer identification numbers, and electronic signature information.

It also included health data such as names of medical providers, information on medical diagnosis and conditions, prescription information, data regarding medical treatment and procedures, and healthcare insurance information.

How to stay safe

The incident apparently happened in late February 2025, but BCNYS did not notice it until early August, when it kicked off an investigation and notified relevant authorities.

So far, there is no evidence that the stolen files were used in identity theft, phishing, or other cybercrime - but of course, this doesn’t mean it’s not happening, or that it won’t happen.

Hackers can use stolen data to open bank accounts or credit lines, make unauthorized purchases, file false tax returns, and even access medical services or prescriptions under someone else’s name.

Victims should place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus, monitor bank and credit card statements daily, and sign up for identity theft protection or credit monitoring, since BCNYS does offer it, free of charge.

They should also change passwords and enable multifactor authentication on all accounts, notify their banks and insurers of potential fraud, and request an IRS Identity Protection PIN to block fake tax filings.

For the medical data, victims should review insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and contact providers to flag any suspicious medical activity.

Via BleepingComputer

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If you’ve been looking to upgrade your smart home, it looks like Philips will have you covered with a brand new Philips Hue Bridge Pro that boasts some impressive (in cases almost needlessly so) capabilities.

Signify, the company behind the Philips Hue brand, accidentally leaked the existence of the new Bridge a few days ago alongside spoilers for new lights and a wired video doorbell, but yet another leak – this time via Lowe's – has clued us into what upgrades the Bridge Pro boasts beyond general promises of it being faster and able to support more devices.

Lowe's runs a program called Loop, which gives customers free samples of new and pre-release tech, and it looks like one such item is the Philips Hue Hue Bridge Pro. Several people have shared images and asked questions about the product on social media – with one tester being completely unsure what to do with the new Bridge Pro as they have no Philips Hue smart lights. 9to5Google reports that some people have even taken to Facebook Marketplace to sell their Bridge Pros.

These shenanigans have given us some key details. Firstly, the Bridge Pro can supposedly support 150+ lights – a huge increase from the current limit of 50. That might seem like overkill for smaller homes, but will pique the interest of anyone who's currently using multiple Bridges to cover their whole house.

The Philips Hue Bridge Pro also promises to offer full home control, so you could rely on this Matter-compatible hub to manage more than just Philips Hue technology.

(Image credit: Philips Hue)

The other, much more interesting addition is Hue MotionAware tech, which promises to turn your lightbulbs into motion sensors. Exactly how this works hasn’t been revealed, so it’s not clear which Hue smart bulbs will support this upgrade, but it seems rooms with three bulbs or more will be able to detect people walking past and react accordingly.

It's possible that it might use something like the ambient sensing technology that the Communication Standards Alliance showed off in a video earlier this year. Ambient sensing is a use case built by a company called Ivani to demonstrate what's possible using the Zigbee wireless protocol (which is used by Philips Hue devices).

Now that would be smart, and might give me a reason to fill my home with smart bulbs.

Even with these serious leaks we should take details with a pinch of slat – though if you ask us it certainly seems it’s a matter of when not if Philips will debut the Bridge Pro.

IFA looks to be a likely event that'll happen – given the Berlin tech show is due in only a couple of weeks and Philips has debuted tech there before – but we’ll have to wait and see.

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The New Yorker's Ruth Marcus says Bondi has presided over the DOJ's most convulsive transition of power since Watergate, aggressively reversing policies, investigating Trump's foes and firing staff.

Cyber threats are increasing in both scale and sophistication, prompting businesses to significantly ramp up their investment in security. From firewalls to threat intelligence feeds, today’s enterprises have access to an expansive arsenal of digital defenses. Yet despite this unprecedented spending, breaches are still occurring, and systems are still underperforming. In fact, according to the Logicalis 2025 CIO report, 88% of organizations experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past 12 months, and 43% endured multiple breaches.

The same research found that over half of CIOs surveyed say their security patching systems have become too complex to manage effectively. What’s more, 50% acknowledge that they are not getting good value from their security tools because the features go unused. In other words, CIOs are spending more, but they are spending inefficiently, and in some cases, ineffectively.

The growing complexity of security systems could become one of the biggest vulnerabilities in enterprise IT.

The illusion of more

Over the past decade, the IT market has exploded with tools. The typical security stack has grown exponentially in response to emerging threats, new regulations and gaps that have been revealed when a breach elsewhere sets off alarm bells. While each solution is well-intended, its cumulative effect can be counterproductive.

Rather than strengthening security posture, the “more is better” approach has led to environments where vulnerabilities hide in plain sight. In fact, only 58% of CIOs feel confident in their ability to identify potential security gaps. This highlights a troubling disconnect between IT leaders’ awareness of cyber risk and their actual capacity to defend against it. The very tools designed to safeguard the business can end up creating blind spots. When security systems become too complex, they overwhelm teams, slow down decision-making, and give threats more time to cause damage.

Simple but effective

Simplifying cybersecurity doesn’t mean cutting corners or weakening defense areas, it's about assessing tools with intent in order to create a manageable system.

This can start with a foundational assessment: what are we trying to protect and why? What tools overlap? Where are the gaps? Which capabilities are going unused? Where is the complexity slowing the team down?

Organizations need a clear, continuously updated understanding of their digital assets, attack surfaces, and business priorities. Maintaining an accurate asset inventory is more than good cyber hygiene, it’s essential to prioritizing risk and responding quickly when incidents occur.

From this foundation, businesses can begin to:

• Consolidate tools - Through the use of integrated platforms, businesses can protect multiple areas at once. They offer layered security for various elements of a business in a single unified framework, increasing visibility and reducing the operational load on already stretched IT teams
• Outsource - Outsourcing functions such as monitoring and threat detection, and patching to security specialists frees up internal resources to focus on more strategic initiatives
• Introducing automation - Manual processes can often be overwhelming, time-consuming and prone to error. Automation can slash task times and help with overall efficiency
• Align security purchases with business outcomes - By ensuring spend is directly tied to business objectives, businesses can direct their investments to where matters the most

This urgency to simplify is further underscored by the tightening of global regulations such as the EU AI act. A growing wave of privacy and data protection laws is pushing businesses toward greater transparency and accountability. These regulations demand that organizations have their systems in order, as they may be required at any moment to produce records and demonstrate clear, auditable compliance.

With this approach, businesses can build a leaner security posture where threats are anticipated instead of constantly chased. By taking bold, proactive steps to streamline cybersecurity today, businesses will be far better equipped to handle the risks and seize the opportunities of the digital landscape now and in the future.

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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

There’s a quiet but profound transformation underway in how businesses interact with backend systems. It’s not a flashy app or piece of consumer technology - it’s happening at the infrastructure level, where machine learning, automation, and natural language processing are beginning to rewrite how software is built, configured, and controlled.

At the heart of this shift is Machine Communication Protocol (MCP), a new approach being pioneered by fintech leaders like Stripe and Adyen. MCP allows large language models (LLMs) to interact directly with APIs - automating the translation of human intent into technical execution. It’s a change that could streamline how software engineering teams operate, empower business users, and reduce the friction between what people want and what systems deliver.

Although the idea sounds abstract, it’s already being tested in a very practical context: payments. The infrastructure behind every transaction is now where we’re seeing some of the earliest, most meaningful applications of MCP. In this sense, payments teams are acting as canaries in the coal mine for a much broader shift across the software engineering world.

What is MCP and why does it matter?

At its core, MCP is a way for LLMs - like ChatGPT - to interact with APIs on behalf of a user. Traditionally, if a business wanted to make a change to its backend system (say, issuing a payment link or modifying risk rules), someone - typically a developer - would have to write an API call, handle authentication, test responses, and integrate it into workflows.

With MCP, that integration layer is abstracted, and a user can issue a request in natural language - “Create a PayByLink for £100 in EUR” - and the LLM handles the translation, executes the API call, and returns the result. It can even ask follow-up questions to clarify intent. The entire interaction becomes conversational, not code based. Adyen recently demonstrated this in a proof-of-concept and Stripe launched a similar capability at its Sessions conference in May, positioning it as part of a longer-term bet on LLMs reshaping developer workflows.

For the user, it feels seamless. For the underlying system, it’s a major shift - automating the middle layer that once required deep technical fluency.

Why start with payments?

Payment systems are already heavily API-driven and deeply embedded in enterprise architecture. But despite their flexibility, they’ve historically been gated by technical teams. Every change - like adding ApplePay or updating parameters - requires someone in engineering to write code, test logic, and deploy updates.

That works, but it creates bottlenecks. In developer-centric environments like Stripe’s, MCP represents a way to streamline workflows. In enterprise-first setups like Adyen’s, it’s about empowering operations, product, and risk teams to make changes directly - without joining a development queue or waiting for a sprint cycle.

In both cases, MCP moves control closer to the people who understand the business problem - and speeds up the cycle from intent to execution.

Implications for software engineering

MCP doesn’t just matter to payments - it’s an early example of something much bigger. It signals how software engineers and infrastructure management may evolve over the next few years.

MCP doesn’t eliminate the need for technical expertise. But it does change the role. Software engineers may move from executing tasks to supervising them - designing secure, auditable systems that allow AI agents to operate safely and effectively.

In that sense, MCP isn’t just a new interface - it’s a new paradigm. One that requires engineers to think like systems architects and strategic enablers, rather than gatekeepers of functionality.

Still early, but moving fast

Adyen’s POC is limited, Stripe’s implementation is still evolving, and right now, most MCP use cases are simple: generating a payment link, updating a rule, querying a transaction status, but it won’t stay that way for long.

MCP-based workflows could soon handle more complex interactions - onboarding new markets, configuring multi-step authentication, deploying checkout experiments, or dynamically routing transactions - all through natural language.

That won’t stop with payments. MCP could apply to any API-rich system: cloud infrastructure, observability platforms, compliance tooling, data pipelines. The building blocks are already there. The real question is how quickly engineering teams adapt.

The next phase of engineering won’t be about who can write the cleanest Python. It will be about who can define intent clearly, interpret outcomes effectively, and manage AI-driven systems responsibly.

MCP is just the beginning. The businesses - and engineers - that understand what it unlocks will be the ones shaping what comes next.

We've featured the best business intelligence platform.

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

• Sony has unveiled two new audio products ahead of Gamescom 2025
• The Inzone H9 II is an overhauled version of an existing gaming headset
• The Inzone E9 is a pair of FPS gaming earbuds

Just ahead of the start of Gamescom 2025, Sony revealed a suite of new products for its Inzone gaming accessory line. This includes two new bits of gaming audio gear: the Inzone H9 II gaming headset and the Inzone E9 gaming earbuds.

The Inzone H9 II is an overhauled version of the existing Inzone H9. It features the same driver unit as the superb Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, which achieved four and a half stars thanks to its excellent audio performance in our recent review.

You also get full active noise cancellation and the ability to tweak the equalizer (EQ) settings through the compatible Sony Sound Connect up on PC and PS5.

The Inzone H9 II boasts a wide-band adjustable boom microphone complete with AI-optimized noise filtration technology to help cut out background interference. It's also fully detachable, unlike its predecessor.

The II comes in lighter, too, at just 260g, which is presumably a result of its slimmer-looking headband and more streamlined mic.

The Inzone H9 II is available to pre-order now in either white or black for $349.99 / £299.99 and will ship in September.

Image 1 of 2

The Inzone H9 II at Gamescom 2025. (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The Inzone E9 at Gamescom 2025. (Image credit: Future)

The Inzone E9 is a pair of in-ear gaming earbuds that comes with a USB-C audio box that can store your customized EQ settings.

They were developed in collaboration with the esports team Fnatic and are intended for "elite FPS play". They cost $149.99 / £129 in either white or black and are up for pre-order now with shipping in October.

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• Researchers spot cybercriminals abuse bug to access a cloud Linux server
• The hackers then proceeded to patch the flaw, closing the doors behind them
• There could be different reasons for fixing flaws

A hacker was recently spotted patching someone’s vulnerable cloud Linux instance - but they did not do it out of the goodness of their heart.

Security researchers Red Canary observed a threat actor abusing a maximum severity flaw, tracked as CVE-2023-46604, to break into a cloud Linux system.

The vulnerability is found in Apache ActiveMQ, and grants persistent access, among other things - but however, after breaking in, they patched the bug, essentially locking the doors behind them.

DripDropper

Red Canary argues that there are different reasons why a cybercriminal might fix a problem after exploiting it, including locking out other adversaries, or hiding their tracks.

The latter makes a lot of sense, especially knowing that cybercriminals often fight for control over different compromised endpoints.

Besides patching the flaw, the hackers did a number of things, including installing the Sliver implant, which granted them unrestricted access to the system.

They also modified the existing sshd configuration file to enable root login, and after that installed a previously unknown downloader that Red Canary named “DripDropper”.

The downloader itself is rather advanced, requiring a password to run, which hinders sandbox analysis.

It communicates with the threat actors via a Dropbox account that has hardcoded bearer tokens, and since Dropbox and similar platforms (Telegram, or Discord) are not malicious by nature, the traffic blends in and is harder to spot. Finally, DripDropper is most likely used to deploy two separate pieces of malware.

Red Canary says that vulnerable web servers are one of the most common initial access vectors to Linux systems.

“Given the prevalence of *NIX-based, or Unix-like systems in modern infrastructure, particularly in rapidly expanding cloud environments, ensuring they’re protected is essential,” the researchers said.

“This requires the development of specialized incident response strategies tailored to the complexities of both cloud architectures and Linux environments and ensuring defenders are equipped with effective, actionable guidance to safeguard these critical assets."

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Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: One minute review

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a high-end juicer that tackles a variety of foods and drinks with ease. It definitely compares with some of the top picks on our best juicer guide.

The juicer comes with a hopper extension, so you can make larger batches of juice. There are three different strainers included: juice, smoothie, and blank (for thicker foods like sorbet). These accessories allow you to make so many different kinds of foods and beverages. It also comes with three different cleaning tools, which should give you some idea of what's involved in cleaning the machine after use. None of the parts are dishwasher-safe.

I found using the machine to be pretty easy once I figured out how all the parts go together, and it's even kind of fun watching it do its thing. I enjoying throwing a bunch of whole fruits; peels, seeds, stems, and all into the hopper and having delicious, healthy juice a few minutes later. It's kind of satisfying watching the pulp come out the side as fresh juice pours into your juice cup. Some of the pulps can even be used to make other recipes, which I did when I made oat milk.

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: price and availability

• List price: $739.99 (about £550 / AU$1130)

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is currently only available on Kuvings' own website, but should be widely available soon. Other models of Kuvings juicers are available at most of the typical big box stores and high-end kitchen chains.

At $739.99 (about £550 / AU$1130) this isn't a cheap juicer. Additionally, I got the citrus attachment, which allows you to make citrus juice without peeling the fruits or putting them in the hopper whole. The citrus attachment, exclusively for the AUTO10 series, sells for $42 (about £30 / AU$60)

Value score: 3/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: design

• Various strainers included
• Hopper extension for large batches
• Powerful motor

Kuvings' Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a big boi. It weighs 17.4 pounds (7.9kg) so you won't be sliding it in and out of your cabinet easily. It's also quite tall, at 20 inches (529 mm) and it does not fit under the upper cabinets in my kitchen, even without the hopper extension.

The footprint is 8 inches (209 mm) by 10 inches (256 mm), which is pretty reasonable. Just keep in mind that you'll also need clearance for juicing cups in front of the machine (for juice) and on the side (for the pulp).

Not only will you need adequate counter space for the juicer, but you'll need space to store all of the parts. Some of the parts do nest together, but not all of them, so keep that in mind.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Putting the parts together isn't terribly intuitive, but there are clear instructions in the owner's manual. If that's not enough, Kuvings has a number of instructional videos on their YouTube channel to help you get it all sorted out. Once you have put together the parts a couple of times, muscle memory takes over and it's pretty quick and easy.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is a low speed compression juicer. The juicer utilizes a juicing screw which nests into one of the three included strainers inside the juicing bowl.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

There is a spigot on the front of the juicer, which you can open and close. Use the large plastic juicing cup which is included to capture your juice/beverage/food, or make your items directly into the container of your choice. Place the smaller included juicing cup on the side, underneath the pulp chute, to capture the pulp that is left over after making juices and plant milks. You can discard the pulp, compost it, or even use it to make recipes.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I also got the citrus attachment, which is sold separately. This reamer-style attachment lets you make citrus juices without having to spend time peeling.

Lemons and limes can be tossed into the main juicer whole, but orange and grapefruit juices are better without the peels. If you'll be making orange or grapefruit juice regularly, you'll either need to peel them before dropping into the hopper or buy the citrus attachment to avoid this tedious task.

Design score: 4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: performance

• Handles a lot of fruits and veggies fast without removing peels, seeds, or stems
• Doesn't mix thicker items well
• Cleanup is a hassle

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I made a delicious green juice from Kuvings' website called Spring Detox Juice. The recipe consisted of kale, grapes, kiwis, pears, and limes. Conveniently, I only had to remove the stems from the grapes. Everything else I just cleaned and then threw in whole, just as they are pictured above. As recommended, I used the juicing strainer, which has a fine mesh that keeps the pulp out of your juice. Even with all the tart and bitter ingredients, the juice was smooth and sweet without any added sugar or sweeteners.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Using the optional citrus attachment (sold separately), I made orange juice with navel oranges. Four small-to-medium oranges yielded just about 6 ounces of juice. I just washed each orange, sliced it in half and then pressed it onto the citrus attachment. The juice was good but a little bit tart. Obviously the oranges that you use will determine how the juice tastes.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

This juicer lets you make a variety of nut milks and other plant milks. I’d never had oat milk before so I thought I would try making it. I used the recommended juicing strainer. The resulting oat milk did indeed look like milk. I put the oat milk on my cereal; it tasted kind of bland but OK. I also used it in smoothies, chia pudding, and even ranch dressing, and it was totally fine. I had heard that oat milk generally has a slightly slimy mouth feel and I did notice that, but only when drinking it plain.

I used this double recipe from Kuvings' website, Oat Milk & Oat Pulp Cookies. After making the oat milk, I used the pulp to make cookies, which reminded me of healthy cookies that I’ve made before with oats and bananas. They were pretty bland because there was no sweetener in them. If I were making them again, I would definitely add a sweetener or mashed banana. Using the oat pulp instead of whole oats was fine. I also think the oat pulp would be great for making dog treats.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Next, I wanted to test out the smoothie strainer, which has larger holes than the juicing strainer. Smoothies don't produce any pulp, as everything goes right into your cup. I make Kuvings' Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe, which was just bananas, milk, and nuts. This recipe was pretty disappointing. The taste was fine, since I do like bananas and nuts, but it was a bit liquidy and bland for my taste. I also noticed that the ingredients weren't fully blended together, as they would be if I'd used a blender.

I ended up pouring the results into a blender with some vanilla yogurt and ice to make myself a thicker and more flavorful smoothie.

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(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

To test out the blank strainer, I made Kuving's Dragon Fruit Sorbet. The recipe calls for just two frozen fruit ingredients, dragon fruit and bananas, but I couldn’t find frozen dragon fruit in the stores I checked, so I used cherries instead.

I’ve made fruit-only sorbets many times with other kitchen appliances. The Kuvings juicer does just as good a job as those other appliances and the sorbet is delicious. If you’d like a sweeter sorbet, you would need to add some kind of sweetener, but I like plain old fruit as is. The juicer does not mix the two fruits together. You have to add the two frozen fruits a little bit at a time, alternating between them. The result is a swirled rather than uniform sorbet.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus does a great job making juices and plant milks, which is probably the primary reason anyone would buy it. Making juice is very easy, since you don't have to peel or cut the ingredients before popping them into the big hopper.

It also does a good job making sorbets, as long as you don't mind that the ingredients are somewhat swirled rather than fully mixed. Smoothies came out all right, but I really wouldn't bother making smoothies in this juicer unless you don't have a regular blender.

The hardest part of using this machine is cleanup, for sure. Not only are there a lot of parts to clean, but there are a lot of nooks and crannies. Three different cleaning tools are included in ensure you can get every part clean. None of it is dishwasher-safe, so you'll need to wash it all by hand.

Performance score: 4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: Score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Not yet widely available, though I expect it will be soon since other Kuvings juicer models are. It's quite pricey.

3/5

Design

It's easy enough to put together once you learn how, but it does take up a lot of space.

4/5

Performance

It makes excellent juices and also makes lots of other foods and beverages. Cleanup is a hassle, though.

4/5

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: should you buy it?Buy it if...

You’re a hard-core juicer

If you're someone who wants to make a lot of juice, this is the juicer for you. With the included hopper extension, it handles large quantities of whole fruits and veggies at once. No pre-cutting, just pop everything in: peels, stems, seeds, and all. You can also buy a separate citrus attachment for juicing citrus without the peels.

You want to make plant milks at home

Not into dairy milk? Make your own nut milk, seed milk, soy milk, oat milk, or hemp milk in this juicer. The fine mesh juicing strainer makes for a smooth and creamy result.

You want to make smoothies and other blended treats

While these aren't the star features of this juicer, you can also make smoothies, sorbet, hummus, soup, sauces, and more using the smoothie and blank strainers.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

This is a pricey home appliance, there's no question. It's really only worth it if you're serious about juice and/or plant-based milks.

You have a small kitchen

This juicer is a big commitment of counter and storage space. It's both tall and heavy which makes it a challenge to find a good spot to store and use it. Additionally, there are a lot of parts that need to be stored, not all of which nest together.

You’re hate washing dishes

There's no way around it, you'll be doing a lot of sink work here. Use the three included cleaning tools to get into every nook and cranny. None of it is dishwasher-safe, so you'll wash every part by hand.

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: also consider

Breville the Juice Fountain Cold

The winner of our best juicers guide, this one makes smooth juice without the mega price tag. Read our Breville the Juice Fountain Cold review for the full rundown.View Deal

Sage 3X Bluicer Pro

If you want a single appliance that both juices and blends, you might consider this one for roughly half the price of the Kuvings. It's not perfect, but it does the job for a lot less. Read our Sage 3X Bluicer Pro review for more information.View Deal

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus: How I tested

I made orange juice with the citrus attachment (sold separately). I made a green fruit/veggie juice as well as an oat milk with the juicing strainer. I baked cookies from the oat milk's oat pulp. I made a fruit smoothie with the smoothie strainer. I made a frozen fruit sorbet with the blank strainer.

First reviewed: August 2025

• A new citizen-led initiative can now help you have your say about the controversial EU child sexual abuse (CSAM) scanning bill
• Experts are concerned about the negative impact the bill will have on citizens' communications privacy and security
• The Danish version of the so-called Chat Control could be adopted as early as October 14, 2025

If you're in the EU, you can now take action against the controversial child sexual abuse (CSAM) scanning bill, which is currently being discussed in the EU Council, thanks to a new citizen-led initiative.

Deemed by critics as Chat Control, the proposal was first unveiled in May 2022 to halt the spread of CSAM content online by scanning all communications, especially those that are encrypted.

A proposal that has attracted strong criticism and pushback among experts and lawmakers alike, Chat Control has never been closer to passing. The Danish version of the bill could be adopted as early as October 14, 2025.

(Image credit: Fight Chat Control, Mastodon)

"Our goal is to empower citizens with the knowledge they need to understand the implications of this legislation and to encourage them to take action by contacting their elected representatives in the European Parliament and national governments," explain the people behind the Fight Chat Control initiative, launched on August 6.

The website includes easy-to-understand information about the CSAM scanning proposal, while tracking the positions of EU Member States and EU representatives.

By heading to the Take Action tab, you can contact your country's MEPs within a couple of clicks to ask them to scrap the controversial proposal. The website drafts the message for you based on your concerns about the proposed law.

"We believe that privacy is a fundamental right, and that end-to-end encryption is essential for protecting our personal communications, financial information, and digital identities. The Chat Control proposal would undermine these protections, potentially exposing citizens to new security risks and surveillance without meaningful benefits."

What's next for Europeans' chats?

From its first unveiling in 2022, the Chat Control proposal has seen many twists and turns as privacy advocates, technologists, and even politicians raised concerns. Worries for which the Council has failed to find an agreement.

The most contentious point is around encryption, the technology that the likes of WhatsApp, Signal, encrypted email providers like ProtonMail, and even the best VPN apps use to ensure the content of your communications remains private from you and who you are talking to.

Over the years, the EU Council has tried to find a compromise – without any success.

As per its first version, all messaging software providers would be required to perform indiscriminate scanning of private messages to look for CSAM. The backlash was strong, with the European Court of Human Rights proceeding to ban all legal efforts to weaken the encryption of secure communications in Europe.

In June 2024, Belgium proposed a new, more compromising text to target only shared photos, videos, and URLs, with users' permission. In February 2025, Poland tried to find a better compromise by making encrypted chat scanning voluntary and classified as "prevention."

Fast-forward to July 2025, Denmark reintroduced Chat Control as a top legislative priority on its first day of Presidency, and put forward a new compromise text, which former MEP for the German Pirate Party and digital rights jurist, Patrick Breyer, deemed the "more radical version" so far.

Crucially, momentum is growing among EU member states backing up the legislation. At the time of writing, according to Fight Chat Control's latest data, 15 member states support the law (including France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Ireland), nine are undecided (such as Estonia, Germany, and Belgium), and only three oppose the bill in its current form (Austria, Netherlands, and Poland).

On September 12, 2025, the Council is expected to share its final positions, with the vote set to take place on October 14.

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