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The Last of Us season 3: key information

- Officially announced in April 2025
- No release date or trailer revealed yet
- Filming yet to get underway
- Most of the main cast expected to return
- One actor has surprisingly said they won't be back for season 3
- No story synopsis unveiled
- The Last of Us Part II video game offers some clues about its plot
- A fourth and final season could wrap up the story

The Last of Us season 3 is officially in the works at HBO. The incredibly popular TV adaptation was renewed for a third season in April 2025, so we'll be treated to another season of The Last of Us TV show sometime soon.

While we wait for it, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Below, I've covered what we know about The Last of Us' third season so far, including its likely cast and story specifics. I'll also offer my prediction on its launch date and discuss whether a fourth season will be needed to tell the full story depicted in The Last of Us Part II, aka the game on which seasons 2 and 3 are based.

Full spoilers follow for The Last of Us season 2 and the second entry in Naughty Dog's post-apocalyptic video game franchise, so proceed at your own risk.

The Last of Us season 3 release date: what we know

It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6April 9, 2025

As of May 2025, The Last of Us season 3 doesn't have a confirmed release date. Considering the critically-acclaimed HBO TV Original's next season hasn't started filming yet, that isn't a huge shock.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if plenty of pre-production work has already been done. Script work, location scouting, lining up a filming schedule, and many other developmental details have likely been ongoing for months. If they have, I'd be amazed if principal photography doesn't begin in earnest before 2025 ends.

What would that mean for season 3's eventual launch? I think a mid-2027 release is most likely. Season 2 made its debut just over two years after its predecessor ended, so if the series maintains that development trajectory, a June or July 2027 arrival for season 3 isn't out of the question.

The Last of Us season 3 trailer: is there one?

We're desperate to see a trailer but, unlike Abby, we won't hold anyone at gunpoint for one! (Image credit: HBO)

No. As I said, principal photography hasn't started yet, and even when it gets underway, it'll be a long time before a trailer is released. Once one is, I'll update this section.

The Last of Us season 3 rumored cast

I expect Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced to reprise their roles as Ellie and Dina in season 3 (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Big spoilers immediately follow for The Last of Us season 2.

Based on how last season ended, here are the actors (and the characters they portray) I expect to see again in The Last of Us season 3:

• Bella Ramsey as Ellie
• Gabriel Luna as Tommy
• Isabela Merced as Dina
• Young Mazino as Jesse
• Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
• Danny Ramirez as Manny
• Spencer Lord as Owen
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora
• Ariela Barer as Mel
• Rutina Wesley as Maria
• Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
• Catherine O'Hara as Gail
• Robert John Burke as Seth

You might be surprised to see Mazino, Lord, and Barer's names among that contingent. After all, their characters – Jess, Owen, and Mel – died in the season 2 finale.

However, with season 3's early episodes set to jump back in time (read more about this in the story section below), this trio won't have met their demise when the Max show's third season premieres. The same can be said of Gabrielle's Nora, who'll still be alive during the period to be revisited in season 3's opening chapters.

Unless Joel similarly returns in flashback sequences, we definitely won't see Pedro Pascal again. Joel met his end in The Last of Us season 2 episode 2, and, while Pascal reprised his role in last season's sixth episode, that entry depicted the five years between the end of season 1 and the start of season 2. So, don't bet on the fan-favorite actor returning as Joel once more.

There's also the potential for other surprising omissions. Speaking to Variety, O'Hara said she's been told her character, Gail, won't appear in season 3, as it's not likely to spend much time in Jackson, Wyoming, aka the town where Ellie and many of the show's characters live. If Gail doesn't appear, other supporting characters, including Seth and Maria, may not do so, either.

As for newcomers to the series, there are a couple of key characters in The Last of Us Part II who didn't appear in season 2. I won't spoil who they are, but given their importance to the story that'll be told in season 3, you can expect cast announcements about this pair to be made in due course.

The Last of Us season 3 story speculation

Don't mind Ellie , she's just taking a quick peek at what's to come in season 3 (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

Full spoilers immediately follow for The Last of Us season 2 and The Last of Us Part II.

The Last of Us season 3 doesn't have a story synopsis yet. However, based on how its forebear ended – read my article explaining The Last of Us season 2's ending for more on what happened – and The Last of Us Part II's story, we have a good idea of how things will pan out.

As I mention in my ending explainer, season 3 will shift into reverse gear and head back in time 72 hours to the period before and during its predecessor's finale. That's because season 2's final episode ends with a scene starring Abby, which takes place three days prior to her single-handedly storming the Seattle theater where Ellie and company are holed up in the seventh episode.

Season 2's final shot confirms we'll jump back in time in its follow-up season (Image credit: HBO)

For those who haven't played The Last of Us Part II, Abby is not only the deuteragonist of that story, but also a player-controlled character for around half of the game's total playtime. Events centered around Abby are integral to telling Part II's full story.

What does that mean for The Last of Us season 3? It'll be Abby-centric, with its opening chapters likely showing us what Abby was up to before Ellie and Dina arrive in Seattle, and then where Abby is during this three-day period.

Part II does this, so there's no reason to suspect HBO's live-action retelling won't take a similar storytelling approach. That being, showing Abby's side of the Seattle-based story, which runs parallel to Ellie and Dina's, before season 2 episode 7's shocking penultimate scene brings them together.

As for what Abby's side of the story entails, I won't spoil anything significant here. But, considering there are a lot of unanswered questions – not to mention narrative gaps that need filling in regarding Abby, her friends, the Seraphites, and the Washington Liberation Front – from season 2, its follow-up has some heavy lifting to do from a narrative standpoint.

Abby's perspective of season 2's Seattle-based events should be depicted throughout season 3 (Image credit: HBO)

Thankfully, it sounds like there'll be more time to cover all of the above. Interviewed by Collider in May, co-showrunner and executive producer Craig Mazin said: "I think there’s a decent chance that season 3 will be longer than season 2, just because the manner of that narrative and the opportunities it affords us are a little different."

Of course, that could mean one of the best Max shows' third season only has one more entry (eight) than its predecessor did (seven). Some fans were a little frustrated that season 2 was shorter than the show's debut outing, so an installment with more chapters should appease them. Season 2 included plenty of brand-new material that wasn't seen in the games, too, so season 3 could be approached in the same way and, by proxy, have a higher episode count.

Where can I watch The Last of Us' first two seasons?

If you want, you can relive Jesse's shocking death again and again on various streaming platforms (Image credit: HBO)

Depending on where you live, The Last of Us' first two seasons are available to stream on different platforms.

In the US, you can watch it on the cable network HBO as well as Max, aka one of the world's best streaming services. Those of you who aren't subscribed to the streamer should read our Max price guide to see how much it costs to sign up and our Max free trial article to learn if you can try it before you buy.

Meanwhile, UK audiences can catch it on Sky Atlantic and Now TV. Australian viewers can also tune into Max to watch both seasons, but if you're not signed up to Warner Bros. Discovery's super streamer, you can also catch it on Foxtel.

Will The Last of Us end with its third season?

We won't evoke our inner Isaac and torture people for information on whether a fourth season will be made, either! (Image credit: HBO)

It's not been officially confirmed yet, but The Last of Us season 3 isn't expected to be the final installment.

The Last of Us seasons 2 and 3 were supposed to tell the full story depicted in The Last of Us Part II. But, speaking in February, HBO TV chief Francesca Orsi indicated that HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us could run for four seasons.

In the same Collider article I linked to in this guide's plot section, Mazin also remarked that "there’s no way to complete this narrative in a third season. Hopefully, we’ll earn our keep enough to come back and finish it in a fourth". It sounds like another season could be in the offing after the show's third entry, then.

Fans will be hoping that they see Tommy again in season 3 and, potentially, a sequel season (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

But how will Mazin and company stretch out The Last of Us Part II's story across three seasons Initially, I suspected that, if The Last of Us Part II's story was wrapped up in season 3, a fourth and final season might include plot elements that Naughty Dog may have been considering for The Last of Us Part III.

Right now, a third entry in Naughty Dog's incredibly popular video game franchise hasn't been announced. Naughty Dog president Neil Druckmann has also said fans shouldn't "bet on there being more" – i.e. the continuation of Ellie's story in another game – anytime soon.

Druckmann and his inner circle are the only ones who know if more than a story concept was ever devised for Part III. Nonetheless, if a third game isn't going to be made, there's no reason why its plot elements can't be fleshed out and depicted in HBO's TV adaptation instead.

That said, speaking on episode 457 of the Sacred Symbols podcast, Druckmann indicated that, if a fourth season is greenlit, it'll simply wrap up the story told in Part II. The potential inclusion of brand-new material set during events of that game (and, by proxy, its TV adaptation) aside, then, don't expect a possible fourth season to contain post-Part II narrative beats.

For more Max TV show-based coverage, check out our guides on House of the Dragon season 3, Peacemaker season 2, Creature Commandos season 2, and The White Lotus season 4.

• Trend Micro saw a new malware campaign on TikTok
• The videos demonstrate how to activate "premium" features in different software
• The clips were AI-generated and trick the victims into downloading infostealers

Hackers are posting AI-generated videos on TikTok to trick users into downloading infostealing malware, cybersecurity researchers Trend Micro have warned.

The premise is simple: the attackers use AI to generate numerous videos demonstrating how to easily “activate” Windows and Microsoft Office, or enable “premium features” in apps such as Spotify or CapCut.

They then share these videos on TikTok, whose algorithm makes it more likely to turn the video viral, making the success of the attack more likely.

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A new spin on old tricks

In the clip, a person is shown bringing up the Run program on Windows, and then executing a PowerShell command.

While in the video the command results in the activation of special features, in reality, users running the command would download a malicious script which, in turn, deploys Vidar and StealC infostealers.

These infostealers can take screenshots, steal login credentials, grab credit card data, exfiltrate cookies, cryptocurrency wallet information, 2FA codes, and more.

"This attack uses videos (possibly AI-generated) to instruct users to execute PowerShell commands, which are disguised as software activation steps. TikTok's algorithmic reach increases the likelihood of widespread exposure, with one video reaching more than half a million views," Trend Micro said.

"The videos are highly similar, with only minor differences in camera angles and the download URLs used by PowerShell to fetch the payload," the researchers added.

"These suggest that the videos were likely created through automation. The instructional voice also appears AI-generated, reinforcing the likelihood that AI tools are being used to produce these videos."

One of the videos has roughly 500,000 views, more than 20,000 likes, and more than 100 comments, making it quite successful.

Videos were being used to deliver malware in the past, too, but this new campaign is a significant departure from earlier methods.

The difference is that before, the link to the malware was shared in the video’s description, or comment, where it could still be picked up by security solutions. By delivering the bait in a video format, the attackers successfully bypass almost all security measures.

Via BleepingComputer

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It's a lot of pressure to be one of the reigning best streaming services, but that never phases Netflix. When it comes to the new Netflix titles for June 2025, there are many reasons to get excited, too.

Leading the charge is one of the best Netflix shows ever made – that being, Squid Game. All episodes of Squid Game season 3 come to Netflix on June 27, which not only marks the conclusion of the incredibly popular survival drama, but also means it's a shoo-in to be one of the most-watched shows of the month.

There are plenty of new Netflix movies up the streaming giant's sleeve as well. Indeed, it's packed a large number of classic horror movies into its line-up for the month, including The Birds (1963), and modern thrillers in Us (2019) and Barbarian (2022).

There's plenty more where that came from, so read on to see what else is launching on the platform between June 1 and June 30.

Everything new on Netflix in June 2025

Arriving on June 1

The American (movie)
Barbarian (movie)
Bee Movie (movie)
The Birds (movie)
The Blues Brothers (movie)
The Devil's Own (movie)
Dune (1984) (movie)
The Equalizer (movie)
Family Plot (movie)
Focus (movie)
Frenzy (movie)
The Great Outdoors (movie)
Hitchcock (movie)
Hop (movie)
The Legend of Zorro (movie)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (movie)
Neighbors (movie)
Now You See Me (movie)
Now You See Me 2 (movie)
The Nutty Professor (movie)
Pokémon The Series: XY (TV show)
Pokémon The Series: XY: XY: Kalos Quest (TV show)
Pokémon The Series: XY: XYZ (TV show)
Rear Window (movie)
The Theory of Everything (movie)
The Town (movie)
U-571 (movie)
Us (movie)
Vertigo (movie)

Arriving on June 3

Sara - Woman in the Shadows (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 4

Criminal Code season 2 (Netflix original series)
Eva Lasting season 3 (Netflix original series)
Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 5

Barracuda Queens season 2 (Netflix original series)
Ginny & Georgia season 3 (Netflix original series)
Tires season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 6

K.O. (Netflix original movie)
Mercy For None (Netflix original series)
TYLER PERRY'S STRAW (Netflix original movie)
The Survivors (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 7

Boys on the Side (movie)
Piece by Piece (movie)

Arriving on June 9

The Creature Cases chapter 5 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 10

Families Like Ours (Netflix original series)
Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy (Netflix original documentary)

Arriving on June 11

Aniela (Netflix original series)
Cheers to Life (Netflix original movie)
Cocaine Air: Smugglers at 30,000 Ft. (Netflix original documentary)
Our Times (Netflix original movie)
Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (Netflix original documentary)

Arriving on June 12

The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish season 2 (TV show)
FUBAR season 2 (Netflix original series)
Plane (movie)

Arriving on June 13

Kings of Jo'Burg season 3 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 14

Grey's Anatomy season 21 (TV show)

Arriving on June 16

The Last Witch Hunter (movie)

Arriving in June 17

Justin Willman: Magic Lover (Netflix original comedy)
Kaulitz & Kaulitz season 2 (Netflix original series)
Scandal seasons 1-7 (TV show)
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem (Netflix original documentary)

Arriving on June 18

AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 (Netflix original series)
Rosario Tijeras (Mexico) season 4 (Netflix original series)
Somebody Feed Phil season 8 (Netflix original series)
YOLANTHE (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 19

The Waterfront (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 20

KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix original series)
Olympo (Netflix original series)
Semi-Soeter (Netflix original movie)

Arriving on June 22

The Intern (movie)

Arriving on June 24

Steph Tolev: Filth Queen (Netflix original comedy)
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (Netflix original documentary)

Arriving on June 25

The Ultimatum: Queer Love season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on June 27

Pokémon Horizons season 2 - The Search for Laqua part 3 (Netflix original series)
Squid Game season 3 (Netflix original series)

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A cybercrime story is never far from the news. Last month M&S was the latest in a growing line of high-profile institutions to suffer from a cyber attack.

State-sanctioned practices, coupled with the growing use of AI and emerging technologies, are creating a complex cybercrime scene with a minefield of risks. It’s why the NCSC warned of a growing gap between cyber threats and defense capabilities last year, reporting a threefold increase in severe incidents compared to the year before.

With threats appearing from all angles, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and businesses alike are all in need of efficient tools and processes to squash these threats. And one of the answers could lie in open source intelligence (OSINT).

What is OSINT?

With criminals hiding behind fake identities and information spread over many sources, OSINT is proving to be a highly effective mechanism, mobilizing publicly available data in the fight against cybercriminals.

OSINT is the targeted collection and analysis of publicly available or licensable data to produce actionable insights.

One of the key steps to defining OSINT is recognizing how it differs from OSINF – open source information. OSINF is publicly or commercially available information located in sources such as news publications, social media, online forums and corporate registries (like Companies House). Naturally, this data can be biased and unregulated, meaning its insights are limited on their own.

OSINT is the product of collecting, combining and analyzing OSINF. It produces actionable intelligence and can draw out insights that are not always apparent in the raw data. Given the number of internet users has doubled over the past ten years, there has never been such a volume and range of this data – and therefore never more of an opportunity to get insights out of OSINT.

Who uses it?

While traditionally employed by government intelligence agencies, the use of OSINT has spread to other public sector bodies, financial institutions, large corporates and media outlets to derive insights not available through other sources of intelligence.

For banks and corporates, for example, regulations like the EU’s sixth anti-money laundering directive (part of its AML package) or its corporate sustainability due diligence directive require institutions to conduct robust due diligence on their customers and supply chains. This is to protect the market against risks such as unknowingly engaging with people who are facilitating money laundering or potential business partners who have adverse human rights and environmental impacts.

OSINT helps to cast a light on these hidden risks and identify connections between companies or people, making it an ideal tool for fighting complex, network-based crimes. It can play a lead role in use cases such as anti-money laundering and organized crime investigations.

So, whether investigators are reviewing publicly available social media content to learn more about a sanctioned entity’s assets or finding connections to possible shell companies in corporate records, this open source data can be harnessed to provide critical intelligence to crime fighters.

Unmasking criminals: How OSINT tackles cybercrime

Of course one of the main objectives of criminals is to remain undetected. And from fake profiles to the dark web (more on that soon), the internet has provided cybercriminals with a variety of ways to act anonymously and mask their identities. So, OSINT for cybercrime is all about finding the real-world identities behind the perpetrators. But how can it help to unmask criminals?

OSINT offers major benefits to investigating cybercrime by giving investigators the means to uncover insights not available anywhere else. For example, by analyzing where the same usernames are used across the web, investigators can begin to draw connections to a suspect’s real-world identity.

Cybercriminals operate in the online world, so OSINT is perfectly suited to fighting them. Sources such as internet forums and publicly available social media accounts are exactly the places where bad actors may have scattered breadcrumbs concerning their identity or operational activities.

Then there is the dark web. This is a key gateway for criminals, and therefore a key data source for investigators. Criminals talk more freely about their activities there, whether they are sharing personal data from cyberattacks or describing their techniques. But as the dark web involves using another browser, it isn’t easily accessible through normal web browsing techniques and accessing it can be an extremely risky process.

OSINT platforms can provide a secure ecosystem for investigators to tap into dark web resources, as well as improving security when reviewing publicly available social media and other web sources. By being able to uncover leaked data or messages on dark web forums in a safer environment, investigators can understand the nature of stolen information or start to map out criminal networks. And by assessing correlations between forum posts, profile images and metadata across dark and surface web, they may ultimately find real-world identities behind criminals.

Crucially, this can provide organizations with insights to prevent future attacks and plug security gaps.

OSINT: A fearsome defender

Nearly every crime has a financial motivation in some manner. Cybercrime facilitates different forms of crime such as fraud and money laundering, but these are distinctions that criminals do not make. Consequently, the organizations using OSINT to fight back against cybercrime are also playing their part in dismantling systems that fund broader criminal activity.

More cybercrime stories will hit the news this year, adding to the multitude of threats presented by cybercriminals. It will be more critical than ever that investigators have the right tools to understand the huge volumes of unstructured data available online - and use it to identify and disrupt criminal networks.

OSINT lets investigators take full advantage of publicly available data and turn it against cybercriminals. Whether it’s government agencies investigating serious and organized crime or banks adhering to compliance requirements, the technique allows investigators to use a wide range of publicly available sources – including the dark web – to connect the dots and unmask the real-world identities of cybercriminals.

We've featured the best online cybersecurity course.

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

I’ve worked in SEO for over a decade, and I can say with confidence: ecommerce brands have never had it tougher than they do right now when it comes to organic visibility.

Not because SEO is dying, but because the SERP (Search Engine Results Page) is undergoing a major transformation, whether we like it or not.

In 2024, we’ve seen a major shift in how search works. AI Overviews, Shopping Ads, and rich Google SERP features are no longer just experimental additions, they’re dominating the search experience, particularly on mobile.

Recent data from AccuRanker confirms what many in the industry have felt for months: ecommerce click-through rates (CTR) for organic results are nosediving, especially for high-intent transactional keywords.

The good news?

There’s still a path forward, but it requires e-commerce brands to rethink their approach to SEO completely.

In this article, I’ll break down what’s happening to organic traffic, why traditional SEO tactics are losing ground, and four ways ecommerce brands can adapt to stay visible and competitive.

The data: CTRs are down, especially on mobile

AccuRanker’s latest white paper examined how organic listings perform across various devices and user intents. The findings were stark:

1. CTR for transactional keywords is down across the board, with mobile suffering the biggest drops.

2. Even in the absence of paid ads, rich SERP features, such as “Popular Styles,” “Shop the Look,” image carousels, and AI Overviews, dominate the top of the page.

3. On mobile, organic CTRs are up to 50% lower than desktop for the same keywords.

In short, ranking #1 still has huge value, it just doesn’t guarantee the same volume of clicks it once did.

The rise of zero-click search, where users get answers directly within Google's interface, means that even top-performing organic listings are seeing reduced traffic, not because SEO is ineffective, but because more users are engaging with SERP features before ever scrolling.

Why e-commerce SEO is under pressure

1. AI overviews are reducing the need to click

Google’s AI Overviews, which have now rolled out globally, are designed to answer user queries instantly, often pulling product suggestions from the Google Shopping Graph or summarizing content from multiple sources.

For informational or top-of-funnel searches (e.g., “best hiking boots for wet weather”), this used to be prime SEO real estate. Brands would publish buying guides or product roundups and earn high CTRs.

Now?

AI Overviews often display product suggestions directly in the search result, removing the need to visit a third-party site entirely.

2. Google Shopping is consuming the SERP

Google Shopping Ads and organic Shopping features are everywhere, even when you don’t pay for them.

SERP features like:

• Shop the Look
• Popular Stores
• Popular Styles
• Image Product Carousels

...are now appearing even when no paid Shopping Ads are present. They pull directly from merchant feeds and product schemas, providing Google with a visually rich, shoppable experience and reducing the likelihood that users will need to visit traditional listings.

This means traditional organic category and product pages are often buried below these features, especially on mobile, where screen real estate is limited.

3. SERP features create more competition for attention

Google’s obsession with rich features means your listing isn’t just competing with other brands; you’re competing with Google itself.

Here’s a rough example of what now appears above most organic ecommerce listings:

• Google Shopping Ads
• “Popular Stores” carousel
• AI Overview summary
• “Shop the Look” grid
• “People Also Ask” box
• Image product packs
• Youtube videos

Each one reduces the chance of a user clicking through to your site, even if you’re sitting at position #1.

What can e-commerce brands do about it?

So, how do you fight back when Google keeps pushing your organic listings further down the page?

Here are four core strategies we’re implementing with ecommerce clients right now that are helping them remain visible and competitive in an AI-dominated SERP:

1. Leverage digital PR to boost brand recognition and CTR

With organic visibility declining, brand recognition is more important than ever.

When users see your name in a cluttered SERP, familiarity can be the difference between a scroll and a click. And that’s where Digital PR comes in.

Digital PR isn’t just about backlinks, it’s about building authority and visibility across trusted publications and media outlets. These mentions not only enhance your brand strength but also increase brand recall when users encounter your listing in search results.

Action steps:

- Secure top-tier backlinks and mentions in industry publications.

- Promote branded content on platforms your audience trusts.

- Ensure that when your site does appear in search, users recognize and trust the brand enough to click.

2. Build digital authority outside of Google

This is the era of Digital Authority PR, where it’s not just about where you rank, but where else you show up that influences both human behavior and algorithmic trust.

Google’s AI Overviews and LLM-powered tools, such as Gemini, Chatgpt, and Perplexity, rely heavily on high-authority, frequently cited web content to generate responses. That includes trusted blogs, media outlets, and other widely referenced sources that are publicly accessible.

Brands that appear in well-cited articles, contribute expert commentary, or are mentioned on platforms with crawlable transcripts, like YouTube videos with descriptions, Reddit threads, or podcast blogs, increase their chances of being referenced by AI tools in the future.

If your brand is absent from these ecosystems, you may not show up in AI-generated responses, even if you rank well in traditional search.

Action steps:

- Get featured on niche podcasts, relevant YouTube channels, and Reddit threads.

- Contribute expert commentary to high-authority blogs and newsletters.

- Create thought leadership content that answers key audience questions, content that LLMs might pull into future AI Overviews.

3. Optimize for SERP features — not just rankings

It’s no longer enough to optimize for keywords. You need to optimize for the features Google is displaying.

That means treating your product feed and structured data with the same care you give your on-page SEO.

Action steps:

- Keep your Google Merchant Centre feed up to date. Product titles, descriptions, availability, pricing, reviews, and images all influence whether you appear in organic Shopping features.

- Implement a comprehensive product schema, including price, availability, reviews, and brand information.

- Use the FAQ schema carefully; it’s less likely to impact AI Overviews now, but still useful for People Also Ask boxes.

- Ensure your site loads quickly, looks clean on mobile devices, and features rich media (e.g., lifestyle product photos).

Optimizing for these SERP features gives you multiple entry points into the search experience, not just the traditional 10 blue links.

4. Shift from lead capture to demand generation

With fewer clicks available, you can’t just wait for users to search and find you; you need to create demand.

This involves building awareness through paid social, influencer marketing, and content campaigns that encourage users to search for your brand directly or convert through other channels.

Action steps:

- Use paid social media to promote new product launches and seasonal offers.

- Partner with creators and influencers to drive awareness.

- Nurture audiences through email and remarketing to bring them back, even if the initial discovery wasn’t from Google.

SEO is no longer the sole driver of e-commerce growth. It's part of a larger demand generation ecosystem.

The AI search shift is just beginning

Currently, Google dominates the search market, but the rise of AI-powered tools is reshaping the playing field.

While SparkToro data shows that tools like Chatgpt haven’t yet displaced Google for consumer searches, we’re seeing early signs that users are increasingly relying on AI tools for discovery and research, particularly for complex or multi-step decisions.

That means now is the time to future-proof your presence. By showing up in trusted places, publications, podcasts, and social conversations, you increase your brand’s visibility in LLM training data and improve your odds of inclusion in AI-generated content.

The brands that adapt early will build long-term authority that can’t be gamed or reverse-engineered overnight.

Final Thoughts: SEO Isn’t Dead — But the Playbook Is

Yes, e-commerce click-through rates are declining, and yes, organic rankings don’t deliver what they used to.

But this isn’t the end of SEO. It’s a sign that SEO needs to evolve.

The brands winning today are doing more than optimizing their websites. They’re building authority, showing up in high-trust ecosystems, and future-proofing their visibility for an AI-driven future.

SEO in 2025 isn’t just about where you rank. It’s about where you’re recognized.

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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, May 26 (game #449).

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #450) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… A strange new world

NYT Strands today (game #450) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• DAYS
• MALE
• HAND
• DINNER
• LATER
• PAGES

NYT Strands today (game #450) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 14 letters

NYT Strands today (game #450) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 1st row

Last side: right, 5th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #450) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #450, are…

• FARM
• GAMES
• ANIMAL
• TALE
• HUNGER
• HANDMAIDS
• SPANGRAM: DYSTOPIAN NOVEL

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Perfect

Today we were looking for three pairs of words that made up the titles of DYSTOPIAN NOVELS (Animal Farm, Hunger Games, and Handmaid’s Tale) – not that I realized this initially.

It wasn’t until I got ANIMAL and connected it to FARM that the penny dropped. Before then I wasn’t sure what the theme “a strange new world” meant.

A dystopian novel is defined as a story set in a fictional society or world often characterized by an oppressive regime and governmental or religious control after a collapse of some sort.

As is the case with all three of today’s choices, they also reflect the time in which they were written and carry warnings about possible futures when we’ll be too busy trying to survive to pass the time on word puzzles.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, May 26, game #449)

• HANDSHAKE
• SALUTE
• SHRUG
• KOWTOW
• NAMASTE
• CURTSEY
• SPANGRAM: GESTURES

What is NYT Strands?

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Monday, May 26 (game #1218).

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

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

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

Quordle today (game #1219) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1219) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1219) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1219) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

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

Quordle today (game #1219) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• T

• R

• P

• R

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

Quordle today (game #1219) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1219, are…

• TWEET
• RANGE
• POPPY
• RADAR

A really difficult round for me today, with the letters falling awkwardly. It was probably the longest I’ve taken to complete Quordle this year. My first two correct words – RANGE and RADAR – were easy; the last two far from it.

I deduced that one of them at least must have a double letter, but it took me a long while to get POPPY – one of just 20 five-letter words that have three of the same letter.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1219) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1219, are…

• BEGET
• FLOWN
• GLARE
• FOCAL

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1218, Monday, 26 May: BLEAT, HOWDY, ASIDE, SCOOP
• Quordle #1217, Sunday, 25 May: OCEAN, AMBER, PIPER, GLEAN
• Quordle #1216, Saturday, 24 May: HUSKY, HEIST, FOGGY, POLAR
• Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, CAPER
• Quordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCEL
• Quordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUT
• Quordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURER
• Quordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVE
• Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNY
• Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE
• Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK
• Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE
• Quordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKER
• Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN
• Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY
• Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE
• Quordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATIN
• Quordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAIN
• Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITE
• Quordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVE

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, May 26 (game #715).

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #716) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• CAROUSEL
• CANDELABRA
• COASTER
• CLOCK
• SLIDE
• GATE
• RECORD
• TEACUP
• BEAST
• PICK
• LOUNGE
• PANCAKE
• STRUM
• FRISBEE
• BEND
• FOOD COURT

NYT Connections today (game #716) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Circular
• GREEN: As seen at LAX
• BLUE: Ways to play with six strings 
• PURPLE: Be Our Guest

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #716) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: ROUND FLAT THINGS 
• GREEN: AIRPORT FEATURES 
• BLUE: GUITAR PLAYING TECHNIQUES 
• PURPLE: WHAT CHARACTERS WERE TRANSFORMED INTO IN "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" 

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

NYT Connections today (game #716) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #716, are…

• YELLOW: ROUND FLAT THINGS COASTER, FRISBEE, PANCAKE, RECORD
• GREEN: AIRPORT FEATURES CAROUSEL, FOOD COURT, GATE, LOUNGE
• BLUE: GUITAR PLAYING TECHNIQUES BEND, PICK, SLIDE, STRUM
• PURPLE: WHAT CHARACTERS WERE TRANSFORMED INTO IN "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" BEAST, CANDELABRA, CLOCK, TEACUP

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

You could argue that a FRISBEE isn’t strictly flat, unlike the other three ROUND FLAT THINGS, but it’s close enough and this yellow was an easy spot, before I had to do some thinking.

My mistake came in putting together a group of fairground rides – SLIDE, CAROUSEL, TEACUP and BEAST. Of these, BEAST was the one that didn’t feel right – so I began thinking of other things that it could mean and after dismissing Mr as the link landed on Beauty & The Beast and some of the other characters in the fairytale.

STRUM, SLIDE and PICK both felt like they had something to do with guitars but I took a risk with BEND, having completely overlooked the much more obvious AIRPORT FEATURES.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, May 26, game #715)

• YELLOW: ITEMS IN A LINEN CLOSET PILLOWCASE, SHEET, TOWEL, WASHCLOTH
• GREEN: DIAMETRIC COUNTER, OPPOSITE, POLAR, REVERSE
• BLUE: LINGERIE GARTER, HOSE, SLIP, TEDDY
• PURPLE: CARD GAMES WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED DIN, FRIDGE, GUMMY, JOKER

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

• Nation-state hackers are abusing a Commvault zero-day to target SaaS companies
• CISA is warning users to patch their systems
• A large-scale campaign is currently ongoing, it was said

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning the recent breach at Commvault could put many Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers at risk.

In a recently published security advisory, the agency said the attack is being monitored, and urged Commvault’s customers to mitigate possible risks.

Commvault's flagship product, Metallic. is a cloud-based SaaS data protection platform that provides secure backup and recovery for Microsoft 365, endpoints, VMs, databases, and other workloads. It is all hosted on Microsoft Azure, and CISA says unnamed threat actors “may have accessed client secrets for Commvault’s (Metallic) Microsoft 365 backup SaaS solution.”

“This provided the threat actors with unauthorized access to Commvault’s customers’ M365 environments that have application secrets stored by Commvault.”

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State-sponsored attackers

At the same time, Commvault published a blog post in which it said that Microsoft reached out to warn about an ongoing state-sponsored cyberattack.

The company confirmed a “handful of customers” were targeted through a zero-day vulnerability tracked as CVE-2025-3928, an unspecified flaw in Commvault Web Server that can be exploited by a remote, authenticated attacker.

CISA added it to its catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) on April 28, giving Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies a three-week deadline to patch things up. The bug was fixed in versions 11.36.46, 11.32.89, 11.28.141, and 11.20.217 for Windows and Linux platforms.

“CISA believes the threat activity may be part of a larger campaign targeting various SaaS companies’ cloud applications with default configurations and elevated permissions,” the agency added in the advisory.

The agency has also made a list of mitigations that companies should follow to minimize the chances of getting struck. These include monitoring Entra audit logs, reviewing Microsoft logs, reviewing the list of Application Registrations and Service Principles in Entra, and more. The entire list can be found on this link.

Via The Register

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• Dell reveals new technology aimed at boosting cooling
• eRDHx promises more effective cooling for systems
• Technology can lower cooling costs and reduce reliance on ineffective services

As demand for AI continues unabated across the world, serious questions are being asked around the environmental effect the technology is having on the world around us.

Dell is doing its bit with the launch of a new system it says can lead to lower cooling costs and reliance on expensive or ineffective current services.

At the company's Dell Technologies World 2025 event, it revealed Dell PowerCool Enclosed Rear Door Heat Exchanger (eRDHx), its alternative to standard rear door heat exchangers, which promises to redefine cooling systems as we know them.

Better cooling all round

Dell says the technology behind the new system is an industry-first, and can capture 100% of IT heat generated with its self-contained airflow system, meaning it eRDHx can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 60% compared to currently available solutions.

This includes saving costs and removing reliance on expensive chillers, as the eRDHx can operate with water temperatures warmer than traditional solutions (between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius).

This also means customers can deploy far more racks of dense compute without increasing power consumption, helping maximize their data center capacity.

The system can also help spot leaks or issues due to advanced detection systems, real-time thermal monitoring, and can work with the Dell Integrated Rack Controller service for unified management of all rack-level components.

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• AMD Threadripper Pro 9995WX dominates paper specs, but pricing will determine its true market impact
• Threadripper 9000 chips retain platform compatibility, easing the upgrade path for AMD users
• Real-world gains depend on workload, but AMD’s benchmarks show serious multi-core firepower

AMD has officially launched its Zen 5-based Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 WX-series, headlined by the powerful 9995WX with 96 cores and 192 threads.

Built on the updated "Shamida Peak" architecture, the flagship chip delivers performance gains over its predecessor and claims a 2.2x lead in rendering workloads compared to Intel’s fastest Xeon W chip.

With features including 384MB of L3 cache, AVX-512 support, 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and DDR5-6400 memory compatibility, AMD is positioning it as a top-tier solution for professionals in content creation, simulation, and AI.

Architecture and compatibility offer some familiarity

The specs alone suggest it could power the fastest PC currently available. That said, the new Threadripper 9000 series retains many elements from the previous Threadripper Pro 7995WX.

While clock speeds have increased slightly, now peaking at 5.4 GHz, up about 6%, thermal design power remains the same at 350W.

The chips continue to use the sTR5 socket and are supported on existing WR90 and TRX50 platforms with a BIOS update, making the upgrade path relatively simple.

Coolers compatible with previous Threadripper models are also supported, which is useful for users looking to upgrade with minimal disruption.

AMD shared internal benchmarks showing up to 245% performance gains over Intel’s Xeon W9-3595X in tasks like LLM inference and 3D design.

These results, while promising, should be viewed with caution, as vendor-supplied figures often rely on favorable workloads and testing conditions.

Complicating the appeal of the 9995WX is the presence of AMD’s own EPYC 9655P. Also built on Zen 5 with 96 cores, it shares many architectural traits but is priced much lower, $6,234.99 on retail sites like Newegg.

While Threadripper is optimized for single-socket workstations, the EPYC line may offer better scalability and value for users who don’t need workstation-specific firmware.

For those chasing the fastest laptop or desktop build, the question becomes one of return on investment. The Threadripper Pro 9995WX might top benchmarks, but the EPYC 9655P could be the more practical choice.

While AMD hasn't confirmed official pricing, the 9995WX is expected to retail above $13,000, based on its 22% performance uplift over the 7995WX, which currently sells for $10,940.99.

Via Tomshardware

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A brand new Hulu list has just dropped and there's a rich handful of eye-catching titles on the horizon for one of the best streaming services for June 2025.

As we usually see each month, the first day of Hulu's calendar is movies galore which includes seven movies from the Alien universe (as in, the one with xenomorphs in). But one of the most-anticipated titles is the return of one of the best Hulu shows, The Bear, which comes back for season four on June 25.

The titles above are definitely my stand-outs for this month, but that's not to say I'm not excited to see other movies make it into Hulu's library. From horror titles Scream (2022) and Presence (2024), to comedies The Heat (2013) and Borat (2006), Hulu packs something for everyone.

Everything new on Hulu in June 2025

Arriving on June 1

Adam (movie)
Alien (movie)
Alien 3 (movie)
Alien Resurrection (movie)
Alien vs. Predator (movie)
Alien: Covenant (movie)
Aliens (movie)
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (movie)
Beasts Of The Southern Wild (movie)
Before Midnight (movie)
Betsy's Wedding (movie)
Beverly Hills Ninja (movie)
Big Eden (movie)
Big Fish (movie)
The Big Hit (movie)
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (movie)
Blue Jasmine (movie)
Boy Meets Girl (movie)
Breakin' All the Rules (movie)
The Bronze (movie)
Bubble Boy (movie)
Bugsy (movie)
Cedar Rapids (movie)
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader (movie)
Cold Pursuit (movie)
Cyrus (movie)
Daddy Day Care (movie)
Death on the Nile (movie)
Deja Vu (movie)
Delivery Man (movie)
Dude, Where's My Car? (movie)
Edge of Tomorrow (movie)
Elena Undone (movie)
Freddy Got Fingered (movie)
The Girl Next Door (movie)
Grown Ups (movie)
Grown Ups 2 (movie)
Happy Gilmore (movie)
The Heat (movie)
Hitchcock (movie)
Hurricane Bianca (movie)
Idiocracy (movie)
Independence Day (movie)
The Joy Luck Club (movie)
Just Go With It (movie)
Kung Fu Panda 3 (movie)
Let's Be Cops (movie)
Loving Annabelle (movie)
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (movie)
Mamma Mia! (movie)
The Mask (movie)
Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (movie)
Mirrors (movie)
The Namesake (movie)
A Perfect Ending (movie)
Pineapple Express (movie)
Predator (movie)
The Predator (movie)
Predator 2 (movie)
Predators (movie)
Pride + Prejudice + Zombies (movie)
Prometheus (movie)
Reno 911! Miami: The Movie (movie)
Sordid Lives (movie)
28 Weeks Later (movie)
The War of the Roses (movie)
We're The Millers (movie)
Working Girl (movie)
You Don't Mess With The Zohan (movie)

Arriving on June 3

I've Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills season 1 (TV show)
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid season 1 (TV show)
The Quiz With Balls season 2 (TV show)
So I'm a Spider, So What? season 1 (TV show)
Wise Man's Grandchild season 1 (TV show)
Yuri on Ice season 1 (TV show)
Presence (movie)

Arriving on June 4

The Great House Revival season 5 (TV show)

Arriving on June 5

National Anthem (movie)

Arriving on June 6

Not Her First Rodeo season 1 (TV show)
Predator: Killer of Killers (movie)
Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation (movie)
Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (movie)
Hot Shots! (movie)
Hot Shots! Part Deux (movie)
Shallow Hal (movie)
The Ringer (movie)

Arriving on June 7

Gypsy's Revenge season 1 (TV show)
I (Almost) Got Away With It season 3 (TV show)
Kids Baking Championship season 12 (TV show)
Murder in the Heartland season 1 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing season 1 (TV show)
Sister Wives season 12 (TV show)

Arriving on June 8

Scream (movie)

Arriving on June 9

Beyblade X season 1B (TV show)

Arriving on June 10

Call Her Alex (TV show)
And Then We Danced (movie)
Clifford the Big Red Dog (movie)

Arriving on June 11

The Snake (TV show)
Gran Turismo (movie)

Arriving on June 12

The 1% Club season 2 (TV show)

Arriving on June 13

Atsuko Okatsuka: Father (comedy special)
Absolution (movie)

Arriving on June 14

90 Day Fiance season 5 (TV show)
90 Day Fiance UK season 2 (TV show)
Guy's Grocery Games seasons 32 & 33 (TV show)
I'd Kill For You season 3 (TV show)
Joel McHale: Live from Pyongyang (comedy special)

Arriving on June 16

My Happy Ending season 1 (TV show)
Black Christmas (movie)

Arriving on June 17

SALLY (documentary)
Skincare (movie)

Arriving on June 19

The Quiet Ones (movie)

Arriving on June 20

The Bravest Knight season 2B (TV show)
Out Come the Wolves (movie)

Arriving on June 23

Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything (documentary)
Helck season 1 (TV show)
My Instant Death Ability is Overpowered season 1 (TV show)
My Isekai Life season 1 (TV show)
Survive (movie)

Arriving on June 25

The Bear season 4 (TV show)

Arriving on June 27

F*ck Marry Kill (movie)

Arriving on June 29

The Bachelor seasons 27 & 28 (TV show)

Arriving on June 30

Boonie Bears: Time Twist (movie)
Texas True Crime season 5 (TV show)
The Actor (movie)

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Formerly known as Project Starline, the tech turns video calls into immersive, stereoscopic, 3D conversations.

• Socket found 60 malicious NPM packages
• The malware spoofed legitimate packages
• It was capable of exfiltrating sensitive data

Cybersecurity researchers Socket have warned of multiple malicious packages hosted on NPM, stealing sensitive user data and relaying it to the attackers.

In a blog post, Socket said it identified 60 packages on NPM, which were uploaded from May 12 onward, using three separate accounts. The packages contained a post-install script that runs during ‘npm install’ and exfiltrates hostnames, internal IP addresses, user home directories, current working directories, usernames, and system DNS servers.

The script also checks for hostnames related to cloud providers, and reverse DNS strings, to make sure it’s not running in a sandbox.

While theoretically possible, Socket said the packages did not deliver additional malware, or escalate privileges. Also, no persistence mechanisms were spotted, either.

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A new spin on old tricks

Apparently, this was a typical typosquatting attack.

The names of the packages were similar to other, legitimate ones, such as “flipper-plugins”, “react-xterm2”, or “hermes-inspector-msggen”. Based on the names, the researchers surmised that the attackers targeted CI/CD pipelines.

Before being pulled from the repository, the packages were downloaded roughly 3,000 times.

The complete list of the 60 malicious packages can be found on this link. Those who have downloaded any of these are advised to remove them immediately and then run a full system scan. They should also rotate key credentials and activate 2FA where possible.

Socket discovered a separate campaign, also on NPM, and also employing the typosquatting technique. This one, however, distributes eight malicious packages that can delete files, corrupt data, and brick entire systems. They’ve been present on NPM for roughly two years, it was said, and during this time, they managed to amass 6,200 downloads.

Platforms such as NPM or PyPI are constantly targeted by cybercriminals who use it to try and compromise software developers working on open-source projects.

Via BleepingComputer

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Thrustmaster T128: One-minute review

The Thrustmaster T128 is a budget racing wheel designed for those after a beginner-friendly experience. Its looks are fairly underwhelming, with its outdated gamer stylings failing to make a great impression. The wheel itself is quite small and has a thin rim, which will suit some hands more than others.

In terms of premium design, the T128 falls short of what some rivals have to offer. While it’s certainly not flimsy, it’s hardly a premium feeling unit, with cost-saving materials employed all over.

It is at least quite light and small, which helps make installation and setup easier compared to some of the best racing wheels. I also found the clamping mechanism much better than those used on other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried.

However, installation is hampered somewhat by the awkward placement of the ports, which are inaccessible when the wheel base is clamped down. This means any time you want to remove or reconnect the various cables, you'll have to uninstall the wheel altogether, which is inconvenient.

What’s more, the T128 won’t install on certain dedicated stands, such as the GT Omega Apex I have, since there are no screw holes for fixing the wheel base directly to it.

Once installed, though, the T128 is quick to get going. For Xbox users, it’s a simple case of plug-and-play, although firmware updates do require a PC tool. There’s also a tool for making force feedback and other tweaks, with a generous selection of parameters considering the budget nature of the T128.

The T128 is even better in action. I was pleasantly surprised by just how responsive and connected it feels, making it joy to race with. The force feedback settings, as with other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried, are too strong on their highest settings for my liking, although here it’s perhaps a little weaker than usual.

The T2PM pedals are nice and light, which makes them easy to use, although the brake pedal lacks resistance, which can make it difficult to gauge how hard you’re pressing it. It’s still usable enough, though, and I didn’t have an issue with the relatively cramped layout of the pedals either.

All things considered, the T128 offers plenty of fun for the money, undercutting many other wheels and even outperforming some of Thrustmaster’s more expensive offerings. It might not have a standout design, but there aren’t too many wheels at this price that offer such a good time.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster T128 review: Price and availability

• $‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)
• Available now
• Cheaper than many rivals

The T128 costs $‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312) and is available now. A PlayStation compatible edition is also available. This makes the T128 one of the cheapest in Thrustmaster’s line-up, and one of the best Xbox racing wheels for those on a budget. I was more impressed with it than the T300RS, for instance, which is considerably more expensive yet underperforms by comparison, although its design is more premium.

If you’re looking for another great value racing wheel, the Logitech G920 is another very capable option. It’s still considerably more expensive than the T128, but the build quality is far superior, and the performance is excellent in all aspects.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Specs

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

Peak torque

2Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Connection type

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Software

Thrustmaster Control Panel

Thrustmaster T128 review: Design and features

• Cheap but functional
• Light and easy to install
• Software tool more advanced than it looks

The T128 doesn't make a great first impression. Its material feels cheap, and the styling is quite outdated, with a few touches that pander to the gaming crowd, harking back to a bygone era.

The wheel itself is small and the rim quite thin, which would make it ideal for younger players and those with smaller hands. As a whole, the unit is also very light, which makes it easy to install and move around, and yet it feels surprisingly sturdy at the same time.

It’s a similar story with the T2PM pedal set, which is also very light and small, meaning the layout might be a little too cramped for some. However, it managed to stay planted on the carpeted surface I used it on, and appears more durable than you might expect.

One gripe I have with the pedal set, though, is its length. It’s too short, which meant I couldn't trail it behind my desk; instead, I had to let it dangle right beside me, which isn’t ideal.

Another drawback of the T128’s design is the poor port placement. When the wheel base is clamped to a desk, the ports are inaccessible, which means you have to attach the various cables prior to installation, making the process a little more awkward. It also means you have to unclamp the wheel any time you want to unplug or reconnect them.

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, the clamping system is easy to use, and much better than those of other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried. The screw has a plastic handle, which is easy to turn and lock into place, as well as being readily accessible.

There’s a pleasing selection of buttons on the T128 and they’re almost as tactile as what you’d find on the best Xbox controllers. You get a close to full Xbox layout with a few extra inputs thrown in, such as two handbrake buttons and an RSB and LSB buttons, which are compatible with certain games only.

The T128 also features paddle shifters, which are better than I was expecting. They curve slightly to help secure your fingers, and their positioning is ideal, if placed a little too far inwards, which can make them a stretch to reach at times.

Setting up the T128 is a simple process, especially for Xbox users, who only have to plug it into their console. However, as with other Thrustmaster wheels, be sure to keep well out of the way as soon as you power the T128 on, as it immediately fires up its self-calibration feature. Thankfully, this isn’t as violent as with other Thrustmaster wheels, but still worth noting all the same.

To update the firmware, you’ll need to download the PC tool for this purpose. There’s also a tweaking tool, known as the Thrustmaster Control Panel, which looks rather rudimentary and lacks refinement, but is deceptively capable.

It functions well and provides a pleasing amount of tweaks, including multiple parameters for the force feedback. Again, this is all very welcome on a budget racing wheel such as the T128.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Performance

• Fun and accurate steering
• Plenty of force feedback settings
• Brake pedal's a little too light

The T128 acquits itself very well when racing. Steering is accurate and responsive, with plenty of feel and capable of offering smooth and rapid movements in equal measure.

As with other Thrustmaster wheels, the force feedback is very strong – too much so on its maximum setting, although perhaps still less than on other models. But once adjusted appropriately, the T128 provides surprisingly nuanced immersion, although there’s a buzzing sensation that’s a little overbearing at times.

The paddle shifters are solid and snappy, with just enough dampening to make them satisfying to flick. They also provide sufficient feedback, and I was surprised at just how capable they were on this budget wheel.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the T2PM pedal set. I found them quite fun and easy to use, owing to their light actuation. The cramped layout didn’t cause an issue for me either, despite having grievances with similarly tight designs on other pedal sets.

(Image credit: Future)

However, the brake pedal is lacking in feedback somewhat, which can make it hard to judge how much pressure to exert. But overall, both the throttle and the brake provide enough control for modulated inputs.

The T128 also features a gear change indicator in the form of multicolored LEDs, known as the 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs, although I found this quite imprecise in practice. For instance, when playing Forza Motorsport, their progress wasn’t all that smooth, and seemed to reach their peak before the in-game indicator did. Still, it’s a welcome feature to have for a basic visual cue, especially if you like to play with a camera angle that omits the steering wheel from view.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T128?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You want an entry-level racing wheel
Die-hard racers might not get enough from the T128, but for those dipping their toes in, this is a good place to start.

You want to save money
The T128 is on the cheaper end of the market, and its good value considering the performance and features on offer here.

Don't buy it if...

You want a premium design
The materials aren’t exactly luxurious, and the overall aesthetic just looks cheap.

You want better pedals
The pedals perform quite well for the most part, but the brake pedal is perhaps a little too light, and there’s no clutch pedal.

Thrustmaster T128 review: also consider

If you're on the hunt for other budget racing wheels, here are some alternatives to the Thrustmaster T128:

Thrustmaster T128

Logitech G920

Thrustmaster T248

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312)

$299.99 / £349.99 / AU$549.95

$399.99 / £299.99 / AU$599.99

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

12lbs / 5.4kg

6lbs / 2.7kg

Peak torque

2Nm

2.3Nm

3.5Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Stainless steel paddle shifters, three-pedal base

Hybrid FF system, 2 dual-position encoders, three-pedal base

Connection type

USB-A

USB-A

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Logitech G920
A close rival to the T128 in the budget realm is the Logitech G920. It’s not as cheap as the T128, but it has a much more premium design and performs very well in all areas. For these reasons, we think it’s one of the best entry-level racing wheels on the market right now.

Read our full Logitech G920 review

Thrustmaster T248
Another Thrustmaster special, we think the T248 is the best PS5 racing wheel for those looking for a mid-range experience. Similar to the T128, it’s an easy wheel to use, helped by its stability even when clamped to a desk. We also found its pedal set excellent, which, unlike the T128, includes a clutch pedal.

Read our full Thrustmaster T248 review.

How I tested the Thrustmaster T128

• Tested for a day
• Played racing sims
• Experience reviewing racing wheels

I tested the T128 for a day, clamping it to a desk. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with certain racing stands, such as the GT Omega Apex that I have, as there’s no way to affix the wheel with screws or bolts.

It should also be noted that the wheel isn’t compatible with cloud gaming or other streamed games; it only works with games downloaded onto your console or drive.

I played Forza Motorsport on an Xbox Series S, which is a competent racing sim on the console that provides a sterling test for racing wheels. I set the in-game steering setting to simulation mode and turned all driving assists off.

I’ve been gaming for decades and racing sims are one of my favorite games to play. I have experienced a number of different racing wheels and reviewed various models as well, including others made by Thrustmaster.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read more about how we test

• Big changes are coming to watchOS and tvOS
• They'll apparently match updates to iOS and macOS
• Expect an official unveiling on June 9, at WWDC

We now know Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) for 2025 is getting underway on Monday, June 9, and now we've got more of an idea about the software updates likely to be announced at the showcase this year.

According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is going to introduce a major interface refresh for watchOS 12 and tvOS 19 – as well as iOS 19 and macOS 16 – which is partly inspired by the look of the visionOS software on the Apple Vision Pro.

While iOS 19 and macOS 16 are likely to attract more of the headlines, Gurman already told us back in March that these operating systems were getting an overhaul in terms of their design. Now Apple Watches and Apple TVs have been added to the list.

The new look for Apple's software is apparently known as 'Solarium' internally, referencing those glass rooms that let in lots of sunlight, and it's said to be "slicker and more modern" in terms of its appearance than the current software.

A 'widely felt' overhaul

WWDC 2025 is on the way (Image credit: Apple)

We don't get much in the way of detail here, and Gurman hasn't provided any screenshots of what the software interface updates might look like, but it's fair to say that the visionOS platform does have a clean and elegant look that works well.

Even if the Apple Vision Pro hasn't exactly been breaking any sales records, its software is intuitive and user-friendly, and apparently Apple is keen to extend the look across all of its other devices throughout the rest of the year.

The company usually sticks to the same schedule every 12 months: a grand unveiling at WWDC, followed by several months of beta testing before the software is pushed out to everyone (usually in September for iOS and watchOS).

"While iOS 7 in 2013 was the biggest-ever visual change to the iPhone's software, the latest overhaul will be much more widely felt," says Gurman. We will of course be bringing you all the big announcements and news from WWDC as it happens next month.

You might also like

• Everything that Apple added in watchOS 11
• 5 new features to look forward to in iOS 19
• tvOS brings an important bug fix with it

Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: two-minute review

Understatement isn’t a common characteristic among content creators, but it’s a winning feature for this wireless mic kit. With two tiny receivers weighing just 7g apiece, the Hollyland Lark M2S is designed to fly under the radar. Hooked over your collar, only a small part of each pick-up is visible. The result is an audio solution that doesn’t distract your audience.

It’s also a versatile one. Available in several variations, the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo kit on test here includes two transmitters, a USB-C mobile receiver and a cold-shoe unit that connects to cameras via USB-C or 3.5mm. There’s also a Lightning cable in the box for connecting to legacy Apple devices. That makes it a pretty complete kit, whatever you choose to shoot with.

Each transmitter is held in place by a rubberized clip, with grips at the tips for extra security. Many of the best wireless mics used magnetic backs to give you more flexibility when positioning. In practise, most users will want the mic on their lapel anyway – and even with the hook on show, the M2S is as subtle as they come.

Despite their discreet size, the omnidirectional pick-ups do a better job than any built-in mic, whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or one of the best video cameras. How the 24-bit audio signal is processed depends on the pre-amp inside your recording device, but voice clips are generally clear and rich enough for the casual listener.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

Blustery conditions can be an issue. The bundled windshields do a good job of buffering against buffeting, though attaching them raises the profile of the mics. You also have the option of enabling noise reduction. This tends to flatten and crisp up the sound slightly, but it’s an effective solution where background noise would otherwise be too intrusive.

Noise cancellation can be activated by pressing the single button found on each transmitter, the button on the USB-C receiver or the dial on the camera receiver. The latter is also used to adjust the output volume, while a long-press switches between mono and stereo recording. That makes the interface sound more complicated than it is. There is a slight learning curve, but once you’ve got your head around the meaning of each indicator light, it’s intuitive enough.

Battery life is far from featherweight, with each transmitter rated for up to nine hours on a single charge. Returning them to the charging case yields a further 18, giving the whole package some serious longevity. Together with its neat proportions, that makes it an attractive solution for creators who need to shoot on the go – even though the case itself feels quite plasticky and the components are prone to rattling inside.

Other wireless mics feel more premium, while the DJI Mic Mini uses a neater single receiver. But if you want a compact and cost-effective way to upgrade your audio quality, the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo kit offers solid value.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: price and release date

• $149 / £140 / AU$269 for the Combo kit
• Includes 2x mics, 2x receivers, Lightning cable and charging case
• Several kit versions available for different devices

Launched in January 2025 as a follow-up to the Lark M2, the Hollyland Lark M2S wireless mic is available to buy now in one of several bundle variations. On test here is the Combo kit ($149 / £140 / AU$269), which includes the following:

• Transmitters x2
• Receiver (camera)
• Receiver (USB-C)
• Charging case
• Windshields x2
• 3.5mm cable
• USB-C to Lightning cable
• USB-A to USB-C cable

The Combo kit is designed to give content creators the flexibility to work with both smartphones and cameras. The Lightning cable allows you to connect the camera receiver to older Apple devices. The Combo kit offers good value for what’s included, but other options will be better suited to specific creator requirements.

The cheapest Hollyland Lark M2S option is the barebones USB-C kit ($119 / £110 / AU$219). This includes two transmitters and a USB-C receiver for use with a smartphone. With no option to connect to a camera, it’s the best choice for mobile-only recording.

The next step up is the Mini Combo ($139 / £130 / AU$249), which is the same as the Combo kit, except it doesn’t include a Lightning adapter cable. It’s the best choice if you want the flexibility to connect to a camera and USB-C smartphone.

Top of the pile is the Ultimate Combo ($159 / £150 / AU$289). In addition to the USB-C and camera receivers, this adds a dedicated Lightning receiver to the mix. Given that the Combo kit includes a Lightning cable, there are few people for who this will be a necessity. Unless you absolutely need a physical Lightning receiver, this version is best seen as a legacy option.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: specs

Dimensions

24 × 9mm (transmitter), 40 × 16.7 × 9mm (mobile receiver), 40.5 × 25.5 × 13mm (camera receiver), 86 × 39 × 60.5mm (case)

Weight

7g (transmitter), 6g (mobile receiver), 12g (camera receiver), 110g (case)

Range

300m

Connectivity

USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm

Battery

9 hours, plus 18 hours from the charging case

Audio

24-bit

On-board recording

No

Noise cancelling

Yes

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: Design

• Lightweight transmitters with built-in rubber clips
• USB-C receiver with two indicator lights
• Camera receiver with indicator lights and control dial

Dinky is the order of the day with the Lark M2S. From the tiny transmitters (7g each) to the compact camera receiver (12g), everything in the bundle is ultra-light. The components weigh less than almost every other kit in our list of the best wireless mics, including the DJI Mic Mini and the Rode Wireless Micro.

Despite being housed in plastic, the transmitters and receivers feel well-built and sturdy enough for long-term use. The little orange buttons on each device give satisfying feedback, as does the click-scroll of the control dial on the cold-shoe adapter. It’s only the charging case that lets the side down: the hinge for the lid creaks and moves, while the parts rattle around while charging inside.

Still, for a low-weight, low-cost kit, the Lark M2S feels like it’s been assembled with thought. Effort has certainly gone into the design of the transmitters. Most wireless mic kits have rectangular units held in place by a magnetic back. This gives you versatility when mounting, but means the pick-up is quite visible in video footage.

Hollyland has taken a different approach with the Lark M2S. The transmitters are attached by a U-shaped hook with a titanium arm inside. This clips over a collar, with rubber ridges on either side for extra grip. It’s a foolproof solution: it has enough flexibility to fit over different fabrics, with sufficient resistance to hold firm. No magnets means one less piece to lose – and most users will place the mic on a hem anyway.

The added benefit is that the larger side of the transmitter unit is hidden beneath your clothing. Only part of the arm and the smaller puck sits on the outside. The result is a very subtle setup. With mini dimensions and no branding, the mic could easily go unnoticed in interview footage. It’s a lot less distracting than larger alternatives.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Image 2 of 3

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(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

That design does mean the button and indicator light on the transmitter are hard to access when you’re wearing it, particularly as the little LED is obscured beneath the hook arm. Helpfully, there are corresponding lights on the receiver units which indicate the mode and connection status.

The user experience differs slightly depending on which receiver you’re using, but the setup is the definition of plug-and-play. Recording on mobile couldn’t be simpler: remove the transmitters and mobile receiver from the case, insert the USB-C unit into your smartphone and the two LEDs will turn solid to show that everything is connected. The single orange button on the receiver toggles noise cancelling on (green light) or off (blue light). You’re good to go.

Connecting to a camera is no more complicated. Take the cold-shoe receiver and transmitters out of the case and they’ll pair automatically. Then simply hook it up to your camera via 3.5mm or USB-C (or both at the same time) and you’ll get an audio signal. You can also use the bundled USB-C to Lightning cable to connect the camera receiver to an older Apple device.

The camera receiver’s interface is a touch more complicated than the mobile one. You get the same LEDs for connection and noise cancelling status, plus an orange button for power. Then there's an arc of three additional lights to indicate the output volume, which can be adjusted by turning the dial. Pressing the dial changes the noise reduction setting, while a long-press switches between mono and stereo.

There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to the meaning of each LED, but it’s intuitive enough to get your head around after a few minutes. What you don’t get is any kind of display for real-time audio monitoring. That’s a luxury reserved for premium mics that cost and weigh more. It’s also one that’s absent from the DJI Mic Mini and Rode Wireless Micro.

Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: Performance

• Omnidirectional audio with optional noise cancelling
• 9 hours battery life (transmitter), 18 hours battery life (case)
• Up to 300m range

Rating audio quality is a tricky thing, because it depends on your expectations. If you’re a professional sound engineer, you’ll find things to fault with what the Hollyland Lark M2S produces. But if you’re comparing it to the built-in mic on your smartphone or camera, the M2S is leagues ahead.

The additional caveat here is that results are influenced by the device you’re using and its built-in pre-amp. Send the same signal from the Lark M2S to an iPhone and a DSLR camera, as I did, and you’ll notice differences which result from how each device processes the audio.

The Hollyland Lark M2S has strong foundations. It records 24-bit audio at 48khz, which sets it up well for capturing detail. You can also set the output level to high, giving your device more to work with. Serious users will balk at the lack of 32-bit float recording or on-board storage, but that reflects the target market of the M2S. There’s enough detail and depth here to satisfy content creators and anyone who wants to improve the quality of their voiceovers.

The omnidirectional pick-ups do a decent job of isolating speech against background hubbub. As with many wireless mics, though, wind noise is an issue. The bundled fluffy windshields help to tackle this, but also make the mics more visible.

Your other option is to enable Environmental Noise Cancellation. This is highly effective at limiting the impact of blustery conditions on your recordings. It also works well at reducing traffic noise to a barely audible level. The trade-off is that noise cancelling tends to make vocals sound slightly flatter and more processed – although not as significantly as some wireless mics.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

You can adjust the level of noise cancelling through the LarkSound app, with high and low options. Usefully, the app can also be used to monitor the audio level from each mic in real time, giving you a visual indication of whether the gain setting needs to be changed to avoid clipping. This can be controlled in the app, as can the channel mode, which allows you to switch from mono to stereo recording when using the camera receiver.

Transmission range is rated at 300m. Unless you’re working at telephoto distances, there are few occasions when you’d need to be that far from your recording device. Still, with a clear line of sight from transmitter to receiver, I didn’t encounter any signal drop-out at a distance of about 100 paces. That changed as soon as something came between the two. In reality, most users will work at close range, where clear transmission won’t be an issue.

Longevity is also assured. Despite the miniature dimensions of the Lark M2S, battery life comes in at a competitive nine hours. The case can also recharge the components twice over, giving you a total recording time of close to 30 hours before you’ll need to use a wall charger. The case itself needs around 90 minutes to go from flat to full.

It’s unlikely that most users will encounter a shoot where they have to record for 9 hours straight, but it’s reassuring to know that the Lark M2S can live through a lot of takes before it needs returning to the case. Using it as many content creators would – on the move, taking out the components to record clips on location, then storing them back in the case – the M2S simply ran and ran. For such a compact kit, the battery life is seriously impressive. This is a wireless mic that’s easy to live with.

Should I buy the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo?Buy it if…

You want a discreet wireless mic kit

Thanks to a low-profile lapel clip design, the Lark M2S transmitters hide most of their mass behind your collar. Paired with a lightweight build and one-button interface, the mics offer a simple, subtle solution for recording audio content.

You want cleaner audio for your content

Recording 24-bit audio at 48Khz, the Lark M2S can capture voiceovers with more detail than your device’s built-in microphone. Bundled windshields and the optional noise reduction mode help to reduce background sound, too.

You want a plug-and-play setup

The Combo kit comes pre-paired out of the charging case. Connect the mobile or camera unit to your device and you’re ready to go. Lights on the receivers and transmitters make it easy to check mode and connection status.

Don’t buy it if…

You want transmitters to clip anywhere

The clip-on transmitters are neat and tidy, but the rubber hook design means they can only be worn on a lapel or collar. Other wireless mics have magnetic backs that offer more versatility in where you can wear them.

You want bulletproof audio quality

By producing a 24-bit signal, the Lark M2S is capable of decent results. That said, sound quality can be affected by noise cancellation, as well as the quality of the pre-amp in the device that you’re working with.

You only need smartphone audio

This Combo Kit includes a cold-shoe and USB-C receiver, as well as a Lightning adapter cable. If you only create content with a smartphone, you can save money by choosing the standard kit, which ditches the camera module.

Hollyland Lark M2S Combo: also consider

Hollyland Lark M2S

Rode Wireless Micro

DJI Mic Mini

Dimensions

Transmitter: 24 × 9mm (transmitter)
Mobile receiver: 40 × 16.7 × 9mm
Camera receiver: 40.5 × 25.5 × 13mm

Transmitter: 40 x 27 x 17mm
Receiver:
44 x 24 x 9mm

26.55 x 26.06 x 15.96mm

Weight

7g (transmitter), 6g (mobile receiver), 12g (camera receiver), 110g (case)

12g (transmitter, without magnet), 102g for the whole kit

10g (transmitter, without magnet)

Transmission range

300m

100m

400m

Connectivity

USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm

USB-C or Lightning

USB-C / Lightning, 3.5mm

Battery

9 hours, plus 18 hours from the charging case

7 hours, plus two additional charges from the fully charged case for a total of 21 hours

11.5 hours (transmitter), 10.5 hours (receiver), up to 48 hours with fully charged case

Audio

24-bit

24-bit

24-bit

Noise cancelling

Yes

No

Yes

Bluetooth

No

No

Yes

Rode Wireless Micro

A simple, reliable solution for recording quality smartphone audio, the Rode Wireless Micro captures 24-bit audio with zero fuss. It’s available in Lightning and USB-C versions, with no camera connectivity. The transmitters are visibly bigger than the Lark M2S, but they do have the flexibility of magnetic mounting.

Read our Rode Wireless Micro review

DJI Mic Mini

The DJI Mic Mini is a compact wireless mic. It comes with just one receiver that works with both smartphones and cameras, meaning there’s less kit to think about. An optional Lightning adapter is available, too. You can even record 16-bit audio directly via Bluetooth, without using the receiver.

Read our DJI Mic Mini in-depth review

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)How I tested the Hollyland Lark M2S Combo

• Tested extensively over several weeks
• Paired with both the camera and USB-C receivers
• Recorded audio in a range of indoor and outdoor settings

Given that the Hollyland Lark M2S is a wireless mic kit that’s designed to let content creators capture quality audio on the go, that’s how I approached this review. I packed the kit in my backpack every time I headed out of the house, then recorded voiceover content wherever the day took me.

That meant I captured audio clips in a whole range of settings and scenarios, from noisy cafes to windy walks along busy roads. I tested the transmitters at all three volume levels, with and without the windshields installed, and with noise reduction enabled and disabled. This gave me a catalog of recordings with which to make comparisons on clarity and quality.

Because the Lark M2S Combo is pitched as a full kit for creators, I tested it with both the USB-C mobile receiver and the cold-shoe camera adapter. With the latter, I wired up to a Nikon D7100 using a 3.5mm cable, as well as using the bundled Lightning cable to connect an iPhone 12.

During my time with the Lark M2S, I tried to use it as someone might do in the real world. That meant clipping the transmitters to different items of clothing. I also purposefully interacted with interface before consulting the instructions in detail, to get a realistic idea of how accessible the system is for beginners.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read more about how we test

Efforts to improve officers' mental health have grown over the past five years. They were sparked in part by the death of George Floyd, which prompted a wave of anti- police protests.

(Image credit: Katja Ridderbusch)

If you'd told me at the start of 2025 that a Seth Rogen comedy about a movie studio would be the best thing I'd seen halfway through the year, I wouldn’t have believed you.

The Studio on Apple TV+ is a sharp, inventive workplace comedy co-created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. On paper, it follows Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) as a new studio head who struggles to balance his love for film with actually doing his job.

I say “on paper” because it's more than that. It's a light-hearted satire of Hollywood that touches on its politically correct (and not-so-correct) practices, the human follies capable of ruining movies and the impact studios have on artists.

It's special in other ways, too. One episode depicts Matt on a film set where the director, under severe time constraints, tries to capture a one-shot at sunset – while the episode itself is a single shot. Or another one that's portrayed like a '40s crime noir as he and his right-hand man Sal (Ike Barenholtz) have to find missing film.

Indeed, The Studio highlights Apple's ongoing commitment to producing high-caliber content. While many other platforms are spraying content like tommy guns and hoping something sticks, Apple is a precise sniper that (usually) hits its target.

Last year, Apple TV+ beat Netflix and Prime Video for our Streaming Service of the Year award and it's continuing to prove its dominance in 2025.

Quality over quantity

(Image credit: Apple)

There's a big reason that Apple flies under the radar.

According to JustWatch, in the USA Paramount+ has 1,325 titles, Disney+ has 2,057, Netflix offers 7,270 and Prime Video boasts an industry-leading 24,184 – more than 20,000 movies and almost 3,000 TV shows (though this number may be boosted by rentable movies and inclusions from other platforms).

Apple TV+ has just 286.

This makes it hard to recommend it as a primary service. It won't let you watch 10 Things I Hate About You for the 17th time, the 30th spin-off of Real Housewives or every Seinfeld episode while you eat dinner.

I don't want to bad-talk other services too much. Just this year Disney+ and Max have added new seasons of great shows like Andor, The Last of Us and The White Lotus, while Prime and Netflix added new series in Narrow Road to the Deep North series and Adolescence.

But they're diamonds in the rough. Where other services spend billions on diverse libraries, Apple spends hundreds of millions on making sure its original content is elite.

And, if you're yet to subscribe to Apple TV+ (or haven't explored it since Ted Lasso), there's such an incredible wealth of content to discover. With shows like Black Bird, Shrinking, Maters of the Air, Bad Monkey, Slow Horses, Dickinson, Bad Sisters and a whole lot more, it could be your primary service – at least for a few months out of every year.

Still, despite it's quality, Apple TV+ offers a small content library. But, it makes up for that in a key way.

Better and cheaper with no ads

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

One time I casually mentioned in our guide to the best streaming services that Apple TV+ is the best-value streaming service on the market. My colleague questioned this by asking, "Isn't Prime Video… free?"

In a sense, that's true. Prime Video is a free inclusion with a $14.99 / £8.99 / AU$9.99 Amazon Prime subscription. That's with ads now, mind you – you now have to pay $2.99 / £2.99 / AU$2.99 to go ad free.

If you're a regular Amazon shopper, that value is hard to beat. But Prime Video also doesn’t have the nicest user experience.

Let's take a quick glance at the Prime Video app – and it’s a similar setup across many operating systems. There's the Featured Originals and Exclusives section at the top, followed by Subscriptions You Might Like featuring Apple TV+, MGM+, Bein Sports and many others. Then there's New Release movies for rent or purchase and Top TV Shows, many of which aren't even available on Prime.

It’s comparatively overwhelming and cluttered, which is the main reason I hardly ever use it… unless I'm watching a specific series like The Boys, Invincible or something new from The Inspired Unemployed boys.

Meanwhile, Apple TV+ offers a clean, intuitive UI. Items are easy to find, and its library is easy to explore. And – bonus – there's not thousands of titles to sift through. The store is also clearly separated from subscription-inclusive content.

And it does all this at a price that beats every other service (except perhaps Prime Video, depending on where in the world you live) out of the water.

How much cheaper is it?

(Image credit: Apple TV +)

An Apple TV+ subscription costs just $9.99 / £8.99 / AU$12.99 with no ads – competing with many competitors’ cheapest ad-based tiers, as you can see below.

Service

US Price

UK Price

AU Price

Netflix

$7.99

£5.99

AU$7.99

Disney+

$9.99

£4.99

Not available

HBO Max

$9.99

Not available

AU$11.99

The price discrepancy becomes even more stark when you look at the prices of a premium subscription from the services above.

Service

US Price

UK Price

AU Price

Netflix (Premium)

$24.99

£18.99

AU$25.99

Disney+ (Premium)

$19.99

£12.99

AU$20.99

HBO Max (Premium)

$20.99

Not available

AU$21.99

And that’s my argument for how its smaller library is offset by access to superior drama, thriller and comedy series at a compelling price point.

Consider recent acclaimed shows such as Adolescence, Baby Reindeer, and Beef from Netflix, or Shōgun and The Bear on Disney+, alongside the best shows on HBO Max. These are as good as TV gets, but such standouts are few and far between on most platforms – with perhaps the exception of HBO.

While Apple might not reach those highs with every new show, it certainly tries to be consistent with the quality it provides.

Even some of the worst series on Apple TV+ by IMDB rating – like Before, Prime Target, Government Cheese and Sunny – still have a maintain a level of quality that is too often absent from other services.

The flip side is that its smaller library is a big reason that its subscriber numbers are dwarfed by its competitors (according to FlixPatrol). And, while many of the best streaming services have recently become profitable (per Forbes), Apple TV+ is not.

However, given Apple is worth almost three trillion dollars – and Netflix is worth $500 billion – it can afford not to be. Which is good for its existing subscribers because, as well as a generally higher quality production, Apple's budget is most noticeable through its casts.

It's a star-led league

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

If The Studio was made by any other service, would it have worked? Probably, but I don’t think so.

We pondered back in 2020 – when Scorsese decided to sign with Apple over Netflix and other services – whether Scorsese signed simply because Apple has more cash to burn on a single director. It certainly has more cash to flash, but that's not the only reason that it attracts top-tier talent now.

It was a landmark occasion for Apple TV+ when CODA won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the Oscars in 2022. It proved that streaming services could go toe-to-toe with "real" movies if they tried.

It seems clear that people see Apple working with people like Scorsese, Tom Hanks and Ridley Scott – creating films like Killers of the Flower Moon – and want to get involved, even with projects they wouldn't usually. Just look at the highly-anticipated F1 starring Brad Pitt.

(Image credit: Apple TV+)

That's why I don't think any other service could get Martin Scorsese to have his heart broken in The Studio when he realizes his new movie (Kool-Aid, based on the Jonestown Massacre) has been bought by Matt Remick and will never see the light of day.

Similarly in Brian Cranston's performance as the completely unhinged and unforgettable Griffin Mill (in one of his best roles ever) for what must be 30 minutes of screentime across 10 episodes.

All you have to do is look at HBO's The Franchise, which, in a similar way to The Studio, follows the crew of a movie franchise fighting, which was promptly cancelled after one mediocre season.

Masters of the Air stars Austin Butler, Presumed Innocent is led by Jake Gyllenhaal and Gary Oldman heads Slow Horses. Then there's Cate Blanchett's fantastic performance in Disclaimer and one of my favorite Colin Farrell roles is as a brilliant private investigator in Sugar. There's no chance I'd have watched Wolfs or The Instigators if they weren't led by Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

Admittedly Apple TV+ isn't for everyone, but I think its very best shows are. So while it might not be a service you subscribe to forever, the value you'll get in a short amount of time with Apple TV+ is undeniable.

And The Studio should be reason #1 that you check it out. All 10 episodes are out and bingeable, so you can watch it and cancel, only coming back to watch season two.

While you're subscribed, make sure you at least give the following series a chance: Pachinko, Bad Sisters, Silo, For All Mankind, Black Bird, Dark Matter and Trying.

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