ChatGPT has a shiny new AI voice model called GPT-Live, which has a number of helpful tricks — including being able to listen and talk at the same time. It's rolling out to all ChatGPT users now, though OpenAI has acknowledged a number of early bugs.
While free users and users on a paid plan do get slightly different models — GPT-Live-1 mini and GPT-Live-1 respectively — the updated model should now be appearing in all ChatGPT accounts, with the new features outlined below.
The biggest giveaway that you've got the upgrade will be the Live label at the top of voice chats on mobile, and behind the ChatGPT drop-down on the web. Tap or click on these labels and you can still go back to the old voice models, for the time being.
There's another way to check the GPT-Live voice model has arrived in your account: on mobile, tap the menu button (top left), then the settings cog (Android) or your profile avatar (iOS), and Voice > Model. On the web, click your profile avatar (bottom left), then Settings > Voice > Model.
What to try firstThe new voice mode in action (Image credit: Future)The biggest upgrade here is the 'duplex' functionality, so try that first: you can keep talking even after ChatGPT has started answering you, and it should keep up. Second, try interrupting it mid-flow, and it'll adapt its response accordingly. We're almost at the level of the 2013 Spike Jonze movie Her at this stage.
Third, ask ChatGPT in voice mode to translate something into a foreign language as you say it out loud. You can then speak out sentences in English, and ChatGPT will do a real time translation for you without hesitating. It's not particularly useful for language learning, but it does show off the capabilities of GPT-Live.
Fourth, change the voice and intelligence used — you can do this via the sliders icon at the top right of voice chats. The voice options are actually the same as they were before, but you can choose between Instant, Medium, and High as the intelligence level. Use Instant for the fastest answers, High for the best answers, and Medium for a compromise.
The final thing you can try once you've got the update is to ask questions with visual answers. OpenAI has added a bunch of visual cards to voice mode now, so you get graphics on screen about sports scores, weather forecasts, and places that can be found on a map, for example.
Early voice bugsWe are aware of issues with memory not being as reliable in ChatGPT Voice with GPT-Live. We’re actively investigating and will follow up!July 9, 2026
I've been testing out GPT-Live voice mode for a few hours and can report that everything works as advertised. It is, more than ever, like talking to a real person — right down to the hesitations and the variety in speech patterns. I did experience one or two glitches, but they were few and far between.
Over on Reddit, OpenAI's Atty Eleti is answering questions about GPT-Live. One of the main bugs that users seem to be experiencing is related to ChatGPT's memory, which appears to be off limits to voice mode in some cases — this is an issue that OpenAI is tracking and "actively investigating", and you can find updates on it here.
Problems are also being reported when it comes to foreign languages being pronounced in an English accent. Again, this is an issue that's been acknowledged, and which should improve over time according to Eleti.
Overall though, the rollout seems to be going relatively smoothly — and I haven't seen any issues with memory or with accents so far. I'm not sure it's going to make me want to use voice mode any more than I already do (which isn't much), but for heavy voice users it's definitely a big step forward.
European cloud provider Nextcloud kept an unprotected database on the public internet, exposing sensitive internal and client data to anyone who knew where to look, experts have revealed.
Nextcloud is a free, open source platform that lets users create their own private cloud. It is often described as an alternative to Google Drive, or Microsoft 365, which allows users to control where their data sits.
In mid-May 2026, security researchers from Cybernews discovered a publicly exposed ElasticSearch cluster and, after a deeper investigation, determined it contained around 367,000 records (8GB of data in total). The archive was a mix of Nextcloud employee data, client company data, contracts, and scripts built for the company’s clients.
Nextcloud reactsThe majority of files were in .PDF format (71k), followed by .PNG (53k) and .MD (23k). All of the exposed records were found in a single index, with some revealing client company information, as well as data on Nextcloud staff. Some of the information was unencrypted, as well, exposing employee email addresses, client company names and addresses, and emails of individuals who sent invoices to Nextcloud.
Cybernews reached out to Nextcloud and the company locked the archive down within two days, and notified relevant authorities. It says it found no evidence of unauthorized access, but without a deep forensic analysis, it is impossible to say if that really is the case.
“If our team managed to discover the exposed dataset, threat actors may have too,” the Cybernews team wrote. “Malicious attackers operate numerous bots on the web that scour the net looking for exactly that: misconfigured databases with data to steal.”
The company also said this was a misconfiguration issue and that its services are secure: “The issue was caused by a misconfiguration of our hosting infrastructure and is not related to the Nextcloud solution. No other Nextcloud servers belonging to our customers, partners or other users have been affected by this issue,” the company’s spokesperson told the researchers.
Internet users in Russia can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has abandoned its controversial plan to tax international mobile traffic.
The proposal, which heavily targeted those using the best VPN services to bypass state censorship, would have forced residents to pay steep premiums to access a free and open internet.
The policy reversal was confirmed during a recent State Duma session by Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Ivan Lebedev.
Responding to parliamentary questions about the initiative from Communist Party lawmaker Oleg Smolin, Lebedev categorically stated: “Fees for foreign traffic are not being considered”, according to reports from Meduza.io.
First introduced during a late March meeting between Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev and domestic telecom operators, the plan aimed to hit privacy-conscious users' wallets.
Because Russian carriers inherently classify VPN data routing as international traffic, the government intended to implement a strict 15-gigabyte monthly cap. According to initial reports from the BBC’s Russian service, authorities intended to charge users roughly 150 rubles for every additional gigabyte consumed beyond that limit.
The sudden U-turn comes after months of ongoing logistical hurdles and industry pushback. The tax was initially scheduled to take effect on May 1, but was subsequently postponed to June 1 after the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported that carriers were not ready to configure their billing systems.
The deadline was later pushed again to "closer to fall" or after the September elections, before finally being scrapped altogether.
As previously reported by TechRadar, an inside source confirmed that Russia's internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, lacks the technical abilities to effectively prevent residents from using VPNs at scale.
A temporary victory in a wider digital crackdown(Image credit: Shutterstock)While the scrapped tax is a definitive win for privacy advocates, it remains just one battle in an increasingly hostile digital war.
Russian demand for circumvention tools has surged dramatically following the state-ordered blocking of major global platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Without a VPN, everyday citizens are largely cut off from independent news sources and international social networks.
Rather than relying purely on financial deterrents, the Kremlin has steadily escalated its technical and legislative attacks to plug the gaps.
By mid-April, authorities successfully pressured major domestic internet platforms to comply with new regulations, actively restricting users from accessing their sites and apps while a VPN was enabled.
Cybersecurity experts have also repeatedly warned of more drastic state-led interventions aimed at entirely isolating the country's internet infrastructure from the rest of the world.
For now, millions of citizens continue to rely on robust privacy tools to navigate the web safely and maintain digital contact with the outside world. If you find yourself dealing with this restrictive landscape, learning exactly how to survive Russia's VPN crackdown is more crucial than ever.
The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile fan. It can be tall or short pedestal fan, or you can swap out the base and turn it into a desktop model. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', and horizontal or vertical oscillation (or both at once, turning it into a very effective air circulator).
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to control options, too — you can use the remote, touchscreen buttons on the top of the fan head, or adjust settings on your phone using the Dreo companion app.
In that app you'll find an absolute ton of customization options: I've tested some of the best fans on the market, and it's rare to see a fan that offers such precise control over when, where and how it blows. While Dreo does a good job of laying out the app so it's nice and useable, I do wonder how many people really need quite so many options.
So what about that basics? The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S delivers an even, effective flow of air, with a great range of settings. The lowest speed is whisper-quiet and gentle yet still perceptible, and the highest is impressively punchy. The Turbo setting — separated out as a special mode — is a miniature tornado. At higher settings, it's not the quietest fan I've used, but neither is it excessively loud.
You're paying a premium for the versatile form factor, as well as the extensive customization options and smart functionality. If you don't need all those things, there are cheaper, equally effective fans that'll fit the bill better. However, if flexibility and precise control is what you're after, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is a standout choice.
(Image credit: Future)Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: price & availabilityAt list price, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly fan 765S costs $159.99 in the US and £169.99 in the UK (which equates to about AU$230, though at the time of writing it's not available in Australia). That puts in in the premium price bracket for fans, but it goes some way to justifying the cost with its versatile desktop-or-pedestal design and smart features.
That's especially true when you compare the wider market alternatives. For example, the original Shark FlexBreeze costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$249.99 at list price. The Shark option lacks smart features, but it can be used cordless (whereas the Dreo can't). Another alternative is the Meaco 1056P, at $189.99 / £149.99 (about AU$270). This is the model I have at home, and it's less versatile than the Dreo TurboPoly 765S, but quieter at higher speeds.
If you don't need app control and are happy to commit to either a desktop or a pedestal model, there are cheaper options available to you.
Type:
Pedestal / tabletop
Speeds:
12
Oscillation:
150° horizontal, 100° vertical
Dimensions (W x H, floor mode):
11 x 39–44 inches / 27.9 x 99-111.8cm
Dimensions (W x H, desktop mode):
16.7 x 19.3 inches / 42.4 x 49cm
Control:
Buttons, remote, app
Cordless:
No
Special modes:
Auto, Turbo, Natural, Sleep, Custom
Max reach:
121.4ft / 37m
Timer:
Yes (12 hours)
Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: designAs fans go, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile performer. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', horizontal and vertical oscillation, and a timer option. You can direct the fan head at a specific target, or unleash the full range of oscillation to use it as an air circulator.
It can be used as pedestal fan, and in this mode it's possible to adjust the height to a taller or shorter floor-standing option. Alternatively, you can remove the base altogether and swap on a different one to turn it into a desktop fan. I especially like the design of the tabletop base — its opening mechanism protrudes so when you press it down on a flat surface the legs extend outwards to form a stable base.
(Image credit: Future)The fan feels well-built and sturdy, and the pedestal base is reassuringly heavy, so I was never concerned about knocking it over. I also appreciated the inclusion of a moulded handle on the fan head, which makes it easy to carry it from the top.
Some competitors offer magnetic remotes that snap onto the fan itself when not in use, but that's not the case here. Instead there's a remote control holder that snaps onto the pole. It could feel more intentional but does the job perfectly fine.
(Image credit: Future)There are a couple more advanced features the Smart TurboPoly 765S lacks. It can't be used cordless, so you'll have to commit to staying near a power outlet. There's also no misting capability — this is a newly popular concept in the fan world, and appears on a handful of modern fans including the Dreo 516S. It can be a bit of a game-changer if it's really hot.
App and controlsThat 'S' in the product code tells me there's an app I can use to control this fan. I can't overstate how jam-packed with options this app is. You can use it to turn the fan on and off, switch modes or adjust fan speed, and change the angle of the fan head. You can also precisely set the oscillation angles, including an option for asymmetrical oscillation.
There's a scheduling area where you can either choose when the fan will go on or turn off, and you can also set it to come on at a certain time (and speed / mode) on certain days. One minor missed opportunity is that you can't then schedule when it turns off — I wanted to set it to run for a couple of hours each evening as I go to sleep, but that doesn't seem to be possible.
Dreo / FutureDreo / FutureThe app is well laid-out and easy to use, although the fact there are so many precise customization options means it can feel fiddly at times. If you don't want to get your phone out, you can also control the fan using the remote control, or via touchscreen buttons on the top of the head.
These are responsive, and, to a point, straightforward. Changing the speed, swapping modes or adjusting the angle the head is pointing in is easy. However, for fine-tuning I found it far easier to use the app. (In fact, I had such trouble working out some of the functions that I emailed Dreo's general customer services address to help — and they get major brownie points for replying quickly, with a clear answer.)
Overall, I was very impressed with the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan. The speed settings cover a good range, with level 1 delivering a gentle but perceptible flow of air, while level 11 is pleasingly powerful, and Turbo mode all-but blew me away. I can't imagine many situations where you'd need such strong airflow, but it's nice to have the option.
One small but welcome detail is the fact that the windspeed settings cycle from 11 straight to 1. That meant if I knew I wanted a higher setting, I could work backwards and save some button presses.
Also in its favor is how precisely you can adjust where the airflow is directed. In static mode, arrow controls enable you to easily change where the fan head is pointing. It's also possible to finely adjust the vertical and horizontal oscillation; even making it asymmetrical if you want. And of course, you can extend / retract the pole or swap from pedestal to desktop mode if you want to alter the height more dramatically.
(Image credit: Future)I used it to keep me cool in my home office during two UK heatwaves, and adjusted it to a very narrow range of oscillation where it was essentially just blowing from side-to-side on my back. The effect was absolutely dreamy.
I also used it as an air circulator (in its full vertical and horizontal range of oscillation) to amplify the effects of our newly-purchased portable air con unit. It did an excellent job of rapidly distributing the cool air as it was being pumped in, filling the bedroom much quicker than the AC could manage on its own.
In terms of noisiness, I'd give the Dreo middling marks. On setting 1 it's whisper-quiet, but as I moved up the settings the sound ramped up, and on level 11 it was noticeably louder than my usual fan (a Meaco air circulator). It's certainly not the noisiest fan I've come across, though.
Moving on to the special modes. They are as follows:
I was pleased to see there's a Sleep mode included, and the setup for this one is pretty standard, allowing you an hour to drop off. It's worth pointing out that the lights on the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S switch off automatically as standard a few seconds after you've finished adjusting them — something I appreciated as I hate to have a glowing LED illuminating my room as I'm trying to sleep. (You can change this setting if you prefer the display to stay on.)
Auto mode is useful, too, if you're using the fan throughout the day. The ambient temperature measurement seems accurate, and matched that of my other fan.
(Image credit: Future)I wasn't so enamored with the Breeze mode. I've seen this mode listed on a few different fan models recently, and have always been curious about it. On test, though, I found the fluctuations in speed and accompanying shifts in noise distracting more than anything. That said, it did feel somewhat like a natural breeze, and I can imagine some people enjoying this effect.
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Premium pricing, somewhat justified by its versatility and smart functionality.
4 / 5
Design
Versatile design — can be used at a range of heights, controlled in a number of ways, and with plenty of setting options to explore.
4.5 / 5
Performance
Great range of airflow settings, including an ultra-powerful Turbo mode. A little noisy on higher settings, and controls can feel fiddly.
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...You need a tabletop and a pedestal fan
The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S can be used as a pedestal fan with a telescopic pole, or the base can be switched to turn it into a tabletop model.
You want lots of precise control
This fan is not lacking in customization options — there are plenty of ways to change exactly how, when, and where the Dreo TurboPoly 765S unleashes its airflow.
You'd like to be able to control the fan remotely
Smart functionality means you can operate this fan via a companion app on your phone.
Don't buy it if...You just want a tabletop OR pedestal fan
There are cheaper, as effective options if you don't need the 2-in-1 functionality.
You like to keep things simple
Some people won't want all the various control options, in which case there are cheaper and more straightforward fans that would fit the bill better.
How I tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765SI tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S over three weeks in June/July, which happened to encompass two UK heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 37C or higher (around 98F). I used it extensively during the day while working from home, as well as at night, and tested all the special modes. I also tried out all the control methods, including digging into the app. I compared my findings with other fans I've used, but predominantly my trusty Meaco air circulator.
Read more about how we test
The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile fan. It can be tall or short pedestal fan, or you can swap out the base and turn it into a desktop model. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', and horizontal or vertical oscillation (or both at once, turning it into a very effective air circulator).
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to control options, too — you can use the remote, touchscreen buttons on the top of the fan head, or adjust settings on your phone using the Dreo companion app.
In that app you'll find an absolute ton of customization options: I've tested some of the best fans on the market, and it's rare to see a fan that offers such precise control over when, where and how it blows. While Dreo does a good job of laying out the app so it's nice and useable, I do wonder how many people really need quite so many options.
So what about that basics? The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S delivers an even, effective flow of air, with a great range of settings. The lowest speed is whisper-quiet and gentle yet still perceptible, and the highest is impressively punchy. The Turbo setting — separated out as a special mode — is a miniature tornado. At higher settings, it's not the quietest fan I've used, but neither is it excessively loud.
You're paying a premium for the versatile form factor, as well as the extensive customization options and smart functionality. If you don't need all those things, there are cheaper, equally effective fans that'll fit the bill better. However, if flexibility and precise control is what you're after, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is a standout choice.
(Image credit: Future)Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: price & availabilityAt list price, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly fan 765S costs $159.99 in the US and £169.99 in the UK (which equates to about AU$230, though at the time of writing it's not available in Australia). That puts in in the premium price bracket for fans, but it goes some way to justifying the cost with its versatile desktop-or-pedestal design and smart features.
That's especially true when you compare the wider market alternatives. For example, the original Shark FlexBreeze costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$249.99 at list price. The Shark option lacks smart features, but it can be used cordless (whereas the Dreo can't). Another alternative is the Meaco 1056P, at $189.99 / £149.99 (about AU$270). This is the model I have at home, and it's less versatile than the Dreo TurboPoly 765S, but quieter at higher speeds.
If you don't need app control and are happy to commit to either a desktop or a pedestal model, there are cheaper options available to you.
Type:
Pedestal / tabletop
Speeds:
12
Oscillation:
150° horizontal, 100° vertical
Dimensions (W x H, floor mode):
11 x 39–44 inches / 27.9 x 99-111.8cm
Dimensions (W x H, desktop mode):
16.7 x 19.3 inches / 42.4 x 49cm
Control:
Buttons, remote, app
Cordless:
No
Special modes:
Auto, Turbo, Natural, Sleep, Custom
Max reach:
121.4ft / 37m
Timer:
Yes (12 hours)
Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: designAs fans go, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile performer. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', horizontal and vertical oscillation, and a timer option. You can direct the fan head at a specific target, or unleash the full range of oscillation to use it as an air circulator.
It can be used as pedestal fan, and in this mode it's possible to adjust the height to a taller or shorter floor-standing option. Alternatively, you can remove the base altogether and swap on a different one to turn it into a desktop fan. I especially like the design of the tabletop base — its opening mechanism protrudes so when you press it down on a flat surface the legs extend outwards to form a stable base.
(Image credit: Future)The fan feels well-built and sturdy, and the pedestal base is reassuringly heavy, so I was never concerned about knocking it over. I also appreciated the inclusion of a moulded handle on the fan head, which makes it easy to carry it from the top.
Some competitors offer magnetic remotes that snap onto the fan itself when not in use, but that's not the case here. Instead there's a remote control holder that snaps onto the pole. It could feel more intentional but does the job perfectly fine.
(Image credit: Future)There are a couple more advanced features the Smart TurboPoly 765S lacks. It can't be used cordless, so you'll have to commit to staying near a power outlet. There's also no misting capability — this is a newly popular concept in the fan world, and appears on a handful of modern fans including the Dreo 516S. It can be a bit of a game-changer if it's really hot.
App and controlsThat 'S' in the product code tells me there's an app I can use to control this fan. I can't overstate how jam-packed with options this app is. You can use it to turn the fan on and off, switch modes or adjust fan speed, and change the angle of the fan head. You can also precisely set the oscillation angles, including an option for asymmetrical oscillation.
There's a scheduling area where you can either choose when the fan will go on or turn off, and you can also set it to come on at a certain time (and speed / mode) on certain days. One minor missed opportunity is that you can't then schedule when it turns off — I wanted to set it to run for a couple of hours each evening as I go to sleep, but that doesn't seem to be possible.
Dreo / FutureDreo / FutureThe app is well laid-out and easy to use, although the fact there are so many precise customization options means it can feel fiddly at times. If you don't want to get your phone out, you can also control the fan using the remote control, or via touchscreen buttons on the top of the head.
These are responsive, and, to a point, straightforward. Changing the speed, swapping modes or adjusting the angle the head is pointing in is easy. However, for fine-tuning I found it far easier to use the app. (In fact, I had such trouble working out some of the functions that I emailed Dreo's general customer services address to help — and they get major brownie points for replying quickly, with a clear answer.)
Overall, I was very impressed with the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan. The speed settings cover a good range, with level 1 delivering a gentle but perceptible flow of air, while level 11 is pleasingly powerful, and Turbo mode all-but blew me away. I can't imagine many situations where you'd need such strong airflow, but it's nice to have the option.
One small but welcome detail is the fact that the windspeed settings cycle from 11 straight to 1. That meant if I knew I wanted a higher setting, I could work backwards and save some button presses.
Also in its favor is how precisely you can adjust where the airflow is directed. In static mode, arrow controls enable you to easily change where the fan head is pointing. It's also possible to finely adjust the vertical and horizontal oscillation; even making it asymmetrical if you want. And of course, you can extend / retract the pole or swap from pedestal to desktop mode if you want to alter the height more dramatically.
(Image credit: Future)I used it to keep me cool in my home office during two UK heatwaves, and adjusted it to a very narrow range of oscillation where it was essentially just blowing from side-to-side on my back. The effect was absolutely dreamy.
I also used it as an air circulator (in its full vertical and horizontal range of oscillation) to amplify the effects of our newly-purchased portable air con unit. It did an excellent job of rapidly distributing the cool air as it was being pumped in, filling the bedroom much quicker than the AC could manage on its own.
In terms of noisiness, I'd give the Dreo middling marks. On setting 1 it's whisper-quiet, but as I moved up the settings the sound ramped up, and on level 11 it was noticeably louder than my usual fan (a Meaco air circulator). It's certainly not the noisiest fan I've come across, though.
Moving on to the special modes. They are as follows:
I was pleased to see there's a Sleep mode included, and the setup for this one is pretty standard, allowing you an hour to drop off. It's worth pointing out that the lights on the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S switch off automatically as standard a few seconds after you've finished adjusting them — something I appreciated as I hate to have a glowing LED illuminating my room as I'm trying to sleep. (You can change this setting if you prefer the display to stay on.)
Auto mode is useful, too, if you're using the fan throughout the day. The ambient temperature measurement seems accurate, and matched that of my other fan.
(Image credit: Future)I wasn't so enamored with the Breeze mode. I've seen this mode listed on a few different fan models recently, and have always been curious about it. On test, though, I found the fluctuations in speed and accompanying shifts in noise distracting more than anything. That said, it did feel somewhat like a natural breeze, and I can imagine some people enjoying this effect.
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Premium pricing, somewhat justified by its versatility and smart functionality.
4 / 5
Design
Versatile design — can be used at a range of heights, controlled in a number of ways, and with plenty of setting options to explore.
4.5 / 5
Performance
Great range of airflow settings, including an ultra-powerful Turbo mode. A little noisy on higher settings, and controls can feel fiddly.
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...You need a tabletop and a pedestal fan
The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S can be used as a pedestal fan with a telescopic pole, or the base can be switched to turn it into a tabletop model.
You want lots of precise control
This fan is not lacking in customization options — there are plenty of ways to change exactly how, when, and where the Dreo TurboPoly 765S unleashes its airflow.
You'd like to be able to control the fan remotely
Smart functionality means you can operate this fan via a companion app on your phone.
Don't buy it if...You just want a tabletop OR pedestal fan
There are cheaper, as effective options if you don't need the 2-in-1 functionality.
You like to keep things simple
Some people won't want all the various control options, in which case there are cheaper and more straightforward fans that would fit the bill better.
How I tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765SI tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S over three weeks in June/July, which happened to encompass two UK heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 37C or higher (around 98F). I used it extensively during the day while working from home, as well as at night, and tested all the special modes. I also tried out all the control methods, including digging into the app. I compared my findings with other fans I've used, but predominantly my trusty Meaco air circulator.
Read more about how we test
Sony plans to end physical disc production in 2028, but despite pushback from fans, analysts suggest the PlayStation maker won't reverse its decision.
The announcement has caused a bit of an uproar within the community, and while fans online continue to urge the company to backtrack on its decision, including creating a petition that has amassed over 247,400 signatures as of writing, Sony remains silent on the matter.
Others are also PS5 users protesting the plan by cancelling their PlayStation Plus subscriptions, with many fans encouraging others to do the same.
However, according to Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Japanese game industry consultancy firm Kantan Games, the boycott won't change Sony's mind on the matter.
"I sympathize with physical media fans, but Sony will not reverse this decision," Toto said in an interview with IGN. "They of course knew what the online reaction would look like, and they now wait for this storm to pass."
Toto put it down to digital being more profitable, and the number of players cancelling their PS Plus subscriptions wouldn't be enough to persuade the gaming giant.
"Sony has over 120 million active PlayStation users," he said. "Around 50 million people subscribe to PlayStation Plus. As a thought experiment, let's say 500,000 cancel in protest, that would be just 1% of that business gone — of course not enough to Sony to start rethinking. Digital is just too lucrative."
The profit margins between physical and digital games is significant, especially when you consider digital sales for first-party PlayStation games.
As IGN calculated, a game like The Last of Us would offer Sony 65% of the profit from a physical copy, 30% to the retailer, and 5% to production costs. For digital sales made from the PlayStation Store, Sony would retain 100% of the revenue, but for third-party titles like Call of Duty, the company would keep a 30% cut of the asking price.
"Their current profit margin has been too weak for years now, so they feel like they must act," Toto added. "From an economic perspective, digital sales just make too much sense especially for platform holders."
If you're upgrading a desktop or compatible laptop, this is a fantastic opportunity to add next-generation storage without maxing out your credit card.
Samsung's 9100 Pro 2TB SSD has crashed to $400 (was $680) at Amazon, knocking a massive $280 off one of the fastest consumer PCIe 5.0 drives around. For UK readers, the 9100 Pro is discounted to £364 (was £529) at Amazon, too.
Sequential read speeds reach up to 14,700MB/s, while write speeds climb to 13,400MB/s, delivering exceptional performance for demanding workloads. Everything you'll want to install and run will benefit from the extra bandwidth available through PCIe 5.0.
Today's best Samsung SSD dealOffering up to 14,700MB/s read speeds, this PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD pairs 2TB of storage with hardware encryption, advanced thermal control, Magician Software support, and excellent performance for creative workloads, AI applications, and demanding multitasking.
In the UK: now £366 (was £529)View Deal
In our review of the 9100 Pro we said: "Samsung's first true PCIe 5.0 drive is the best there is." In the summary we went on to add: "This is a very professional-specific drive in ways that previous Samsung Pro SSDs were not. If you're not a professional user, there are better PCIe 5.0 drives out there, but for pros, there's none better than the 9100 Pro."
Random performance reaches up to 1,850K read IOPS and 2,600K write IOPS, helping applications launch quickly and keeping multitasking smooth.
Samsung also focuses on efficiency, using a 5nm controller that improves power efficiency over the previous generation while advanced thermal controls help maintain consistent speeds.
Hardware encryption adds another layer of protection, and Samsung's Magician Software provides firmware updates, health monitoring, and extra management tools.
The M.2 2280 form factor fits a wide range of modern desktops and laptops that support PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage. With 2TB of capacity, there's plenty of room for creative projects, large software libraries without you needing to consistently manage free space.
Compatibility is straightforward for systems with an available M.2 PCIe 5.0 slot, and installation only takes a few minutes for most desktop builds.
If you've been waiting to benefit from PCIe 5.0 speeds, this deal delivers huge savings alongside outstanding performance, generous capacity, and useful software features that continue adding value long after installation.
The 9100 Pro SSD is also available in 1TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities at reduced prices.
Also consider: Alternative Samsung SSD dealThe Samsung 990 Pro is one of the best SSDs around, especially at an unbeatable price like this. In our review, we hailed it as "an absolutely stellar M.2 SSD for both professional users and gamers."
In the UK: now £292 (was £503)View Deal
China has accused Anthropic's Claude Code of containing what it describes as "security backdoor vulnerabilities" after the country's National Vulnerability Database (CNVDB) found mechanisms capable of transmitting user information to Anthropic servers without explicit user permission.
Researchers accuse the software vendor of collecting information like user identity, geographic location, system environment information and other machine metadata.
The alleged "backdoor" presents risks of data leakage, IP exposure and other enterprise risks, hence Alibaba's recent decision to ban Claude Code internally.
China backs Alibaba's accusations regarding Claude Code, AnthropicAlibaba engineers reverse engineered Claude Code to reveal checks for Chinese system time zones, proxy servers, AI lab infrastructure and network characteristics.
Chinese authorities are now advising users to uninstall vulnerable releases to upgrade to newer versions that remove or alter this behavior. CNVDB claims versions 2.1.91 to 2.1.196 are affected,
While Anthropic has rejected claims that Claude Code contains malicious spyware or an intentional espionage backdoor, it has admitted that those functionalities do admit, framing the purpose as an anti-abuse experiment. Anthropic has been worried about unauthorized resale and model distillation, which it has already accused Alibaba of doing.
VPNs, proxies, cloud workarounds and international subsidiaries have also sprung up to give developers access to the otherwise restricted tools, hence Anthropic's work to block access where it's restricted.
Democrat Graham Platner ended his bid last night for U.S. Senate. And, prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been enlisted to help get answers in the July Fourth weekend death of Nolan Wells.
(Image credit: Laura Brett)
With a price hike and frequent stock issues, it's been harder to justify picking up the Steam Deck in recent months. But if you're still on the hunt for a handheld gaming PC, then there are some solid alternatives more readily available — and at much lower prices. That includes this Lenovo Legion Go S at Amazon for a record-low price of £404.10 (was £549.99).
This exact same offer was available just a few months ago and it proved popular. With prices for PC components increasing and stock problems still lingering, I only expect that demand has increased since then.
That's why I think the Lenovo Legion Go S is a strong option right now. With an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it's capable of running less demanding games, indies, and lots of modern favourites with ease. It also runs on SteamOS, which is designed specifically for the handheld form factor, making it easier and smoother to browse your library and play games compared to Windows 11 devices.
Today's best handheld gaming PC dealPut off by the price increase to the Steam Deck or tired of waiting for your desired model to come back in stock? I'd consider this Lenovo Legion Go S instead while it's back to a record-low price on Amazon. It offers solid power and performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an eight-inch WUXGA display. You also get a device that runs on SteamOS, which is better designed for a smoother and more efficient handheld gaming experience compared to Windows 11.View Deal
I guess one of the only drawbacks to going for the Lenovo Legion Go S is the lack of an OLED display. Its eight-inch WUXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate still offers smooth and vibrant visuals, though, all for around £250 less than the Steam Deck. I don't think it's worth paying that much more just for an OLED screen.
Yes, you may also have to make some compromises when playing the latest and most demanding games to get good performance, and battery life can be underwhelming, as with most handheld gaming PCs, but the Lenovo Legion Go S is a strong option right now as there are so few alternatives available at this price point.
We also rated it well in our Lenovo Legion Go S review, saying that it is "a compact beauty" and "a good choice for SteamOS diehards." Anyone with a large library of Steam games will find it a great device to play your favourite titles while on the sofa or on the go.
If you're short on desk space but still need plenty of performance for creative work or everyday productivity, I've found a great offer for you. And it's perfect whether you're looking for a powerful business machine or a back-to-school computer that actually performs under pressure.
The Geekom A8 mini PC has dropped to $586 (was $689) at Amazon, saving you more than $100 on a compact desktop packed with impressive hardware. In the UK, the A8 is discounted to £599 (was £636) at Amazon, as well.
It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with eight cores, 16 threads, and boost speeds up to 4.9GHz. Paired with AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics, it has the power you need for photo editing, video production, software development, and demanding multitasking.
Today's top Geekom mini PC dealPowered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, it combines 16GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, Radeon 780M graphics, dual USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Pro in a compact 0.5-liter chassis.
In the UK: now £599 (was £636)View Deal
In our rave review we said the A8 was "remarkably powerful and can handle applications that use multi-threading to reduce processing times. It also offers AI-specific processing features. With AMD-powered machines, this is as good as it gets."
The system includes 16GB of DDR5 memory alongside a fast 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, providing quick boot times and application loading.
Memory is upgradeable to 128GB, while storage can be expanded up to 4TB, giving the system plenty of room to grow alongside your workload.
Despite its tiny 0.5-liter chassis, it comes with dual USB4 ports, dual HDMI outputs, an SD card slot, 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
It also supports up to four 4K displays or a single 8K display, making it a good choice for creators, professionals, and anyone running multiple screens.
The compact enclosure includes an advanced cooling system with dual heat pipes, an efficient fan, and optimized airflow to maintain consistent performance during longer workloads.
A VESA mount is included, allowing the system to sit neatly behind a monitor for an even cleaner desk setup.
Windows 11 Pro (not Home) comes preinstalled, and the system also supports Linux and Ubuntu for anyone who prefers to use a non-Microsoft OS.
Geekom backs A8 Mini PC with a three-year warranty, adding extra peace of mind for long-term use.
For more top picks like this, these are the best mini PCs we've tested and reviewed.
Also consider: More Geekom mini PC dealsThe Geekom A6 mini PC packs an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, Radeon 680M graphics, and fast DDR5 into a compact aluminum chassis, delivering high performance without taking over your desk. It's $100 off at Amazon, and also at Geekom where it comes with a free $69 case.
In the UK: now £484 (was £569)View Deal
This Windows 11 Pro mini PC is well-suited for general home and office use, which is where it excelled when we tested it out. Specs-wise, it features an efficient AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
In the UK: now £408 (was £479)View Deal
Businesses are racing to adopt and operationalize AI, but many are deploying the technology faster than they can govern it. This gap is quietly becoming one of the biggest security risks facing enterprises today.
AI agents are being embedded into everyday workflows as teams chase efficiency gains, and organizations are under increasing pressure from boards and senior leadership to automate processes faster.
However, beneath this perceived momentum sits a more uncomfortable reality: businesses still have limited visibility into how these systems behave once deployed.
Security teams need to take a step back and rethink what proper governance looks like in a world where AI systems operate with autonomous access, inherited permissions and limited visibility.
Confidence is outpacing verificationUnderstandably, many businesses view successful AI deployment as evidence that they are ready to scale AI across their business.
Recent research found that 87% of organizations believe their identity management posture is prepared to support AI-driven automation. Yet, at the same time 46% admit that their identity governance falls short.
This contradiction sits at the core of the AI security paradox.
The core problem is that organizations are granting AI systems increasing levels of access and autonomy before they have established clear ways to monitor or verify how these systems behave.
If nobody can explain why an AI agent took an action, the permissions it inherited, the systems it accessed and whether or not that behavior was actually intended, governance quickly becomes reactive rather than preventative.
AI agents undermine traditional identity governance foundationsUnfortunately, securing these new AI identities won’t happen overnight, as legacy governance models simply aren’t cut out for the challenges facing security teams today.
Traditional identity management was built around four key assumptions: predictable behavior, human intent and bounded permissions. Agentic AI changes all four. Security teams already understand the risks of AI agents and non-human identities. The problem is that operational realities are forcing many organizations to accept those risks regardless.
Research shows that 73% of organizations believe standing access for AI agents increases security risk. In other words, leaders recognize the dangers associated with giving AI systems privileged access, but feel under pressure to prioritize speed and operational efficiency anyways.
Crucially, the governance issue extends beyond risk. The fact that 80% of organizations said they cannot always determine why an AI agent took a privileged action suggests a fundamental issue.
That creates an entirely different governance challenge from one that ever existed in traditional identity management. Humans can typically justify intent, context or decision-making -autonomous systems can’t.
Shadow AI is becoming operational infrastructureAI usage in the workforce has long moved on from a select few employees experimenting with ChatGPT. Now, the technology is deeply woven into production systems, workflows and enterprise data.
The scale of the problem is significant - 53% of organizations say they regularly encounter unsanctioned AI tools or agents accessing company systems or data, but only 28% can detect shadow AI in real time.
In reality, businesses are effectively allowing unknown contractors to roam freely through their corridors, with limited insight into where they’re going, what they’re doing and what they have access to.
This shift is forcing organizations to rethink traditional security priorities and focus on continuous monitoring and validation.
As a result, businesses need to begin focusing on how effectively they can monitor and verify what their AI systems are accessing, and whether that access is still appropriate.
Solving the governance contradictionWe know that organizations can’t afford to slow down on AI adoption given the competitive and operational incentives. But they also can’t afford to expand AI access and permissions faster than they can secure them.
This means bringing identity security to the forefront of AI governance strategies. Much of the discussion around AI risk still focuses on models, regulation and data privacy and those issues are important. But the true operational challenge increasingly sits between inherited permissions and unmanaged trust between systems.
For business leaders, the first priority should be improving visibility rather than adding more controls. They need to understand which AI identities exist within their organisation, what systems they can access, how permissions are inherited and where standing privileges have accumulated over time.
Organizations will also need to move away from persistent privilege models towards more dynamic models that provide temporary access only when required.
Ultimately, the organizations that will reap the greatest rewards from AI will be the ones that can understand, govern and validate the systems they use.
Deploying automation as fast as possible may lead to some quick wins, but doing so without the right governance measures in place could come back to haunt you.
We've reviewed and ranked the best firewall software.
This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to 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/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit
When I look for a gaming microphone, my requirements are modest – I want my teammates to hear me clearly and my foes to know what I really think of them (just kidding, those obscene thoughts stay in my head). I’d wager that most gamers have similarly unpretentious needs.
Razer, however, thinks gamers could do with more – a lot more. And so it’s brought out the Serien V3 Pro, a microphone that’s stuffed to the gills with high-end features that take it way beyond your common-or-garden gaming mic.
But to be fair, it’s not just positioned for gamers. Razer pitches the Seiren V3 Pro as the perfect partner for “musicians, podcasters, and creators who demand more than entry-level gear,” and it’s outfitted its “studio-quality” device with a range of features that might tickle the fancy of users a little more discerning than your average CoD goon.
(Image credit: Future)That includes 32-bit float. Razer has included this expanded capture range to rescue audio that’s been subject to a few too many what we might call “gamer moments.” It can handle more extreme volume spikes – the type that might be prompted by jump scares, frustrating moments and clutch kills – with the idea being that streamers won’t have to worry about clipping and distortion during their broadcasts.
Razer has supplemented this feature with a fistful of other premium addons, including dual 48kHz and 96kHz sample rates, a built-in shock mount and removable pop filter, and a 30mm dynamic capsule. There’s a digital signal processing (DSP) that enables features like an audio expander, compressor, AI noise removal, and more. Razer has also included an XLR connector in addition to USB-C, just in case you want to run your mic through a dedicated audio interface.
(Image credit: Future)Again, it’s all geared towards pros and enthusiasts rather than your average video game enjoyer.
Audio performance is obviously the most important part of any microphone – you can have all the bells and whistles, but if you end up sounding muffled or distorted, they’re not much use to you.
Here, the Seiren V3 Pro impresses. My audio was crisp and clear right out of the box, with no adjustments necessary. Razer walks you through a brief set-up process in Synapse when you get started, and it’s worth doing so the mic can be tweaked to your surroundings. The AI noise suppression in Synapse did a great job cutting out the whirr of my desk fan, while the pop filter put a stop to most unwanted plosives throughout my recordings and voice calls.
The on-device controls worked well, especially the mute button. It’s large and touch-sensitive, so it’s very easy to press in a flash (just be careful you don’t accidentally activate it). Both the button and the mic’s RGB ring turn red when you’re muted, giving a clear visual cue. Only a small nub of the gain dial protrudes from the underside of the device’s body, though, which can make it tricky to find.
(Image credit: Future)As far as visuals go, the Seiren V3 Pro blends understated looks with a few choice touches. Its matte black finish and angled stand are easy on the eye, while this wouldn’t be a Razer product without a smattering of RGB lighting – in this instance, it’s about halfway up. Above it is the removable pop filter cover that hides the mic’s grille and built-in shock absorber. There’s a large touch-sensitive mute button on the front and ports for USB-C and XLR on the bottom alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack and a gain dial.
The build quality feels rock solid, with plenty of reassuringly weighty metal to be found. There’s a hefty foot to keep the mic grounded on your desk, but you can opt to screw the mic onto a boom arm if you prefer. The absurdly long USB-C cable (3.15m at our count) ensures you can trail it far from your PC.
That’s the hardware, but what about Razer’s notoriously finicky software? 32-bit float is only available through Razer’s app, so love it or loathe it, you’ve got to use it to get the full experience.
(Image credit: Future)Synapse is full of controls to tweak the mic to your needs. You can adjust EQ filters and frequencies, change the vocal bass and ramp up the vocal exciter, mess with the stream mixer levels for input and output, enable a noise gate, reverb and AI noise suppression, and even dial in the RGB lighting if required.
To the average gamer, this is all a bit excessive unnecessary, even daunting. But if you’re a podcaster or musician – or just someone who wants as much control over their audio as possible – there’s plenty here to play with.
And that sums up the Seiren V3 Pro as a whole, really. The mic’s high-level features and equally lofty price tag mean it’s simply off the radar for most gamers. But if you know you need it and are willing to pay, you’ll find there’s a lot on offer here.
Razer Seiren V3 Pro review: Price & release dateThe Razer Seiren V3 Pro is available now from Razer’s website or from third-party retailers. It’s priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$429.95.
That makes it pretty expensive for a gaming microphone, so you should think carefully about whether you need all of its extra features before pulling the trigger. If you spend most of your time on video calls with family or yelling profanities at enemies in Call of Duty, you could probably make do with something more affordable.
Razer sells an optional “Main Character Bundle” that includes the Razer Seiren V3 Pro and the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro headset. That’s sold for $429.98 / £429.98 / AU$759.90.
Razer Seiren V3 Pro review: SpecsPolar patterns
Cardioid
Frequency range
50Hz – 16kHz
Connectivity
USB-C, XLR
Audio
24-bit / 32-bit (32-bit float via Synapse)
Sample rate
48kHz / 96kHz
Should I buy the Razer Seiren V3 Pro?Razer Seiren V3 Pro ScorecardAttribute
Notes
Score
Features
Lots of premium extras, plus plenty of control in the Synapse app
4.5
Performance
Excellent audio performance from the get-go
4.5
Design
Solid design, if unexceptional
3.5
Value
Expensive and much more than most people need, but decent value for pros
3.5
Buy it if…You’re concerned about loud noises on your recordings
With 32-bit float support, there’s more leeway to capture loud sounds without ruining your audioView Deal
You don’t like fiddling with settings
This mic sounds great right out of the box, making it ideal for anyone who wants to get up and running quickly. And there’s a guided setup process in Synapse in case you need itView Deal
You have an audio interface
With XLR connectivity, Razer’s Seiren V3 Pro can be hooked up to an audio interface for even more controlView Deal
You’re on a budget
There are definitely more straightforward options available for less cashView Deal
You want something simple
All those extra features are probably more than most gamers needView Deal
You need more than one polar pattern
The supplied cardioid polar pattern is great for streamers, but not so much for podcast hosts interviewing guestsView Deal
Blue Yeti
This classic mic is tried and true, with fantastic sound quality and superb ease of use. It sounds great out of the box and doesn’t require any additional apps to run. It’s also a fraction of the price of the Razer Seiren V3 Pro. That all makes it our pick for the best streaming mic money can buy.View Deal
SteelSeries Alias
The SteelSeries Alias is one of the best streaming microphones around. It comes with handy features designed for gamers, including a built-in shock mount and helpful mute indicator, plus an ingenious LED display that shows handy info (such as if your input volume is a touch too high). Like the Blue Yeti, it’s also more affordable than Razer’s offering.View Deal
How I tested the Razer Seiren V3 ProI spent a week testing the microphone on both my PC and my Mac. I created various audio recordings, used it during gaming sessions and put it through its voice-calling paces with friends.
Tyler died "unexpectedly" in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated for an illness, her family said Thursday in a statement on her website.
(Image credit: Alastair Grant)
Trump is the first president to have an airport named after him while in office. The Trump Organization says he won't get royalties from the renaming, but legal experts see potential loopholes.
(Image credit: Roberto Schmidt)
As mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham brought growth to the postindustrial city. Can he scale that nationally as the next prime minister?
(Image credit: Jon Super)
Kalshi says it has blocked "dozens" of trades from campaign insiders, but experts say the company's approach leaves lots of potential loopholes. NPR has found at least one trade that slipped through.
(Image credit: Allison Robbert)
The new round of bombing in the Middle East has underscored the precarity of relying on fossil fuels. The war is speeding up the global transition to EVs, solar, and batteries, experts say.
(Image credit: Ezra Acayan)