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ICYMI: the 8 biggest tech stories of the week, from ChatGPT's shopping upgrade to GTA 6 delays

TechRadar News - Sat, 05/03/2025 - 04:00

Every week is a busy week in technology, and the past seven days have been no exception. Just in case you haven't had chance to visit TechRadar every day this week (we'll forgive you), these are the most important stories you need to know about.

There's a lot to get through here: more advances in AI, a new number one Bluetooth speaker, and promises of futuristic devices on the way. From phones to satellites, there's a varied selection of stories below.

Once you've made it all the way through, you'll be back up to date with all the comings and goings in tech since last weekend – and if the next few days are looking busy too, don't worry, because we'll have another ICYMI for you this time next week.

8. Netflix revealed the date for its Tudum showcase

Netflix Tudum 2025 is less than a month away (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix has a big content showcase every year called Tudum (the sound the Netflix app makes when it launches) and we now know that the 2025 extravaganza is going to be taking place late on May 31 in the US, and early on June 1 in the UK and Australia.

There are plenty of reasons to tune in, based on the Tudum 2025 trailer. We should be getting updates on some of the biggest properties Netflix has, including Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Wednesday, as well as the third movie in the Knives Out franchise.

7. We reviewed the world’s best Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Flip 7 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

JBL has a very strong reputation when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, and the brand new Flip 7 only enhances that reputation further: it's just earned itself five stars out of five in our in-depth JBL Flip 7 review, and our writers really don't give out that score easily.

The speaker has hugely impressed us in terms of its design, build quality, and battery life, and then of course there's the beautifully punchy and detailed sound too. It offers a much bigger and much better soundscape than you'd expect, given its compact dimensions.

6. Nothing launched another impressive budget phone

We have new CMF products from Nothing (Image credit: Nothing)

Nothing continues to release devices that perfectly balance performance and price, with the latest gadget to catch our eye being the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Yours for just $279 / £219 (around AU$460) from next week, it looks like being one of the best cheap phones of 2025.

That's not all, because Nothing also unveiled the CMF Buds 2, Buds 2 Plus, and Buds 2a, which again put more expensive devices to shame in terms of value for money. Not only are these new gadgets attractively priced, they also offer stylish, eye-catching designs.

5. OpenAI fixed ChatGPT’s ‘annoying’ personality

ChatGPT models are changing again (Image credit: Shutterstock/EI Editorial)

It's always refreshing to see a tech company admit that it's made a mistake, and having noticed that GPT-4o's personality had become "too sycophant-y and annoying", OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promised that fixes were rolling out to correct the issues this week.

The core of the problem has been that ChatGPT has been trying too hard to be human, with too many flattering remarks and too many fake-sounding expressions of excitement. It turns out that most of us like our AI companions to admit to their artificiality.

4. Starlink’s satellite internet got a tempting 'free' offer

Now is a great time to get started with Starlink (Image credit: Starlink)

Starlink's efforts to try and connect the most cut-off and remote parts of the world to the internet continue, and the latest offer from the company waives the hardware setup fee for new subscribers, as long as they commit for at least 12 months to the satellite service.

That's a hefty saving of $349 in the US, for example, but not everyone is eligible to get the money off. To begin with, it's only available in "select markets" (check the Starlink website to see if you qualify), and there are some additional terms and conditions attached too.

3. GTA 6 got delayed until 2026

GTA 6 is no longer coming in 2025 (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Say it ain't so: the most anticipated video game of recent years will no longer be launching this year. Rockstar Games had promised we'd see Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025, but has now announced the title is getting pushed back, and will be unveiled on May 26, 2026.

The reasons are the usual ones for this kind of delay, that the fans "expect and deserve" the best possible experience, and so on. Next year we might well find that GTA 6 fans actually deserve to wait a little longer than May – but that remains to be seen.

2. New Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were teased

The current Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Image credit: Future)

The smart glasses made by Meta and Ray-Ban have helped push this gadget form factor further towards the mainstream, so we're excited to see what comes next: and what comes next will apparently be multiple new versions of the specs, arriving later this year.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg went on the record in an earnings report to say that the range would "expand" in 2025, and offer some "new technological capabilities". We've also got some ideas about what Zuckerberg could mean, and what improvements we might see.

1. ChatGPT got a dangerously useful shopping upgrade

Going shopping with ChatGPT (Image credit: OpenAI)

ChatGPT announced a big upgrade to its online shopping skills this week, with the idea being that you can have a natural, interactive conversation with the AI about the products you want and the budget you've got, and get some suitable buying options in return.

We've already tested out the new features, and they have the potential to completely transform the way we shop online – assuming you trust AI to pick out the right items for you. If you'd rather do more of the research yourself, you might still prefer the old ways.

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Categories: Technology

Fresh Air Weekend: America's 'pronatalist' movement; Daria Burke on overcoming trauma

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 05/03/2025 - 04:00

NPR reporter Lisa Hagen and sociologist Karen Guzzo discuss the movement to boost the birth rate. Justin Chang reviews The Shrouds. Burke looks back on a difficult childhood in Of My Own Making.

Categories: News

Can't-miss interviews: Mohsen Mahdawi, Steve Bannon and Maura Healey on Harvard cuts

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 05/03/2025 - 04:00

A lot happened this week, and NPR has you covered. Catch up on the big news and culture moments you might have missed.

Categories: News

I tested the Sihoo Doro C300 Pro and it has one of the best features I've seen on an office chair - with one major flaw

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/03/2025 - 01:48

I've tested quite a few office chairs in the Sihoo Doro range, including the S300, S100, and the C300, and now, the C300 Pro - an upgrade on the former. So, opening up the Sihoo Doro C300 Pro, I had a good idea what I was in for.

By now, all the box openings feel the same, and the lumbar support in the C-lineup and the mesh across the Doro line-up feel the same. It's all great. The one thing I keep getting hung up on for the otherwise fantastic chair is the flagship 6D armrests. Perhaps I lean more on my armrests than most; possibly, I am too particular, or maybe I am just the vast minority. Regardless, my team and I have found these armrests too mobile, making them challenging or frustrating to use rather than a benefit we desire.

What makes that sad to type is that the rest of the chair is excellent outside the armrests. It feels like a more budget-friendly version of one of my all-time favorite chairs, the OdinLake Ergo Plus 743. And that's no small statement.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Unboxing & first impressions

Like the other Sihoo chairs I tested, the Doro C300 Pro was no different. It came well packaged, with the necessary tools and that pair of white gloves I should wear but never do. Of course, there are instructions and packing material to help ensure that the parts don't rub against each other, causing damage.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The materials are excellent, the mesh is comfortable, the frame is solid, and the ergonomics help and work well rather than feeling gimmicky or over/underdone. Right away, I got working on adjusting my settings to make this chair perfect. Then my arms pushed on the armrests, and I realized they were the same style as the armrests that have driven me nuts for a while now, but it does feel a bit better. Sihoo listened and tightened up the armrests to avoid unwanted tumbles.

Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Design & build quality Specs

Seat Depth: 16.81–17.76 inches
Seat Width: 20.28 inches
Seat Height Range: 18.11–22.32 inches
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Materials: Mesh back and seat with PU-coated armrests
Adjustability: 6D armrests, dynamic lumbar support, adjustable headrest and seat depth
Recline Angles: 105°, 120°, and 135°

The Sihoo lineup of chairs is always built well. The base is sturdy, and the mesh is durable and comfortable. Even after having a few Sihoo Doros in rotation with my team for years now, they are holding up quite nicely and are still loved.

The mesh material that most of the chairs are made from promotes easy airflow, allowing warmer individuals like myself to stay cool throughout the day (I used to get so warm sitting in those classic leather office chairs).

This chair's design is also sleek, and it looks good in a home office setup, a co-working setup, an executive suite, or anything in between.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: In use

My team and I have had this chair in our rotation for 160 days at the time of writing this. It's crossed between a couple of members and has landed with one individual who is 6'4", about 250lbs and fairly muscular. He absolutely loves this chair and how comfortable it is for him. Normally, chairs that fit his height and weight are not meant for his build type, so he loves being able to fit in it comfortably and pull the desk chair arms in and not have them too wide. So far, he has not had any tumbles, which is a big win.

During my time using the chair, I noticed that these armrests seem to be a bit tighter, though I prefer less movement all around, maybe I'm a purist. I've worked entire days sitting in this chair for hours on end without needing to adjust, move around, or wish for another chair. Which, is saying quite a bit since I have some pretty remarkable chairs I get to use.

I feel like this chair can adjust for pretty much any body type due to all the adjustments available. I have actually been able to put this to the test with my team, ranging in weight and size pretty dramatically. It might take some time to adjust and fine-tune the chair to individual preferences. However, for someone using this chair in their personal workspace, or for those who aren't concerned about having it perfectly customized in a co-working environment, this is not a significant issue at all.

Set up as a true work from home desk (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Sihoo Doro C300 Pro: Final verdict

The Sihoo Doro C300 Pro combines ergonomic features with a luxurious feel while remaining affordable. It has dynamic lumbar support, great adjustability and high weight capacity, making it great for nearly any body type. While I personally don't love the ultra-adjustable armrests, that's a small note on this otherwise solid ergonomic chair.

For more office essentials, we've rounded up the best standing desks for the home and office.

Categories: Reviews

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, May 3

CNET News - Sat, 05/03/2025 - 01:22
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for May 3.
Categories: Technology

Federal judge strikes down Trump order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 20:44

The ruling from U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the first to permanently block an executive order issued by President Trump punishing a law firm for representing clients or causes he dislikes.

(Image credit: Alex Wong)

Categories: News

The Trump administration says it will cut EPA staffing to Reagan-era levels

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 20:15

EPA announced plans to reorganize the agency, moving science-focused staff into different roles and reducing the overall number of employees.

(Image credit: Mark Schiefelbein)

Categories: News

OpenAI Yanked a ChatGPT Update. Here's What It Said and Why It Matters

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 20:01
The company says it plans to be more careful when releasing updates in the future.
Categories: Technology

Premier League Soccer: Stream Arsenal vs. Bournemouth Live From Anywhere

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 19:10
The Gunners look for a positive result ahead of their crunch Champions League semifinal second leg.
Categories: Technology

Premier League Soccer: Stream Aston Villa vs. Fulham From Anywhere

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 19:00
It's a crucial game at Villa Park for these two European hopefuls.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for May 3, #222

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:43
Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 222, for May 3.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for May 3, #426

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:32
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 426 for May 3.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for May 3, #692

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:28
Hints and answers for Connections for May 3, #692.
Categories: Technology

Australians vote in election, with high prices and housing shortage major issues

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:24

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's center-left Labor Party is seeking a second term. His opponent, conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton, wants to become the first political leader to oust a first-term government since 1931.

(Image credit: Mark Baker)

Categories: News

You can put Google Gemini right on your smartphone home screen – here’s how

TechRadar News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:00
  • Google has launched Gemini home screen widgets for Android and iOS devices
  • The widgets let users access Gemini AI features with a single tap
  • The widgets are customizable and allow users to prioritize their most-used Gemini actions

If you like using Google Gemini on your smartphone but find it tedious to tap multiple times to get to the feature you want, Google has you covered. The tech giant has begun rolling out Gemini home screen widgets for both Android and iOS. That means a single tap can launch right into a conversation with Gemini, open the microphone for a voice conversation, share a file with the AI, or even snap a photo with the camera that will go right to Gemini.

The rollout is happening gradually but widely. If you’re running Android 10 or higher, you can already add the Gemini widget by long-pressing on your home screen, tapping “Widgets,” finding Gemini in the list, and dragging it wherever you want it to live. For iOS 17 and up, it’s a similar story: hold your home screen until the icons jiggle, tap the plus button, search for Gemini, and add your widget of choice. You can also customize it by long-pressing it again and swapping out shortcuts or rearranging which actions appear first, such as the microphone for voice chats or the camera button for visual searches.

This update isn't necessarily groundbreaking, but it speaks to the way a lot of people might use Gemini for short activities or tasks but don't want to immerse themselves in it more than necessary.

If you use Gemini every day to ask questions, create funny images, plan trips, or brainstorm emails, this could make accessing the AI a little more convenient. The fact that it is also closer to how Siri and the rapidly dissolving Google Assistant function is probably not a coincidence.

These aren't Gemini's first mobile widgets either. Google released very similar Gemini widgets a couple of months ago for the iPhone lockscreen. Though functionally very similar, they are technically a different form of widget. Google is gradually rolling out the home screen Gemini widget over the next week, so you may only have the lock screen variant available right now.

Widget Gemini

The widgets also offer a glimpse into Google's strategy for infusing Gemini into our daily lives. They want people to think about AI as not just something you call on occasionally, but as a day-to-day tool that is instantly and easily accessible. Instead of lurking in the background, Gemini becomes a part of the interface.

Starting with mobile devices is a smart move for making Gemini feel more like a core service. A lot of people first try out new tech features and products on mobile devices, not on their laptops or desktop computers. If they like it on a mobile device, maybe that will translate to desktop usage. And if you're going to use AI on your phone, it should be quick and casual, like checking the weather or the time.

Gemini’s widgets are fairly basic at the moment, but they set the foundation for more complex widgets to come. Imagine a future widget that surfaces ongoing conversations so you can finish an interrupted project, or one that shows real-time updates from custom topics you follow, or even offers proactive suggestions based on your habits.

All in all, these new widgets are less about bells and whistles and more about removing friction. They aim to give Gemini a faster, more native-feeling way into your daily habits, whether on Android or iPhone. The widget may be the wedge Gemini needs to fulfill every little request an AI assistant can handle.

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Categories: Technology

Man sentenced to 53 years in prison in attack on Palestinian American boy, mother

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:58

An Illinois landlord who killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy and severely injured the boy's mother in a brutal hate-crime attack days after the war in Gaza began was sentenced to 53 years in prison.

(Image credit: Charles Rex Arbogast)

Categories: News

Radio Free Asia announces mass layoffs amid funding fight with Trump administration

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:03

Radio Free Asia is laying off about 90 percent of its staff. It says it can no longer pay people after its funding was cut off by the Trump administration.

(Image credit: Rod Lamkey/AP)

Categories: News

How to Get a Free Fortnite Star Wars Skin and 4 Other Outfits Now

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:01
Fortnite has several promotions running simultaneously, letting you get your hands on multiple free skins right now.
Categories: Technology

'Thunderbolts*': Does It Have a Post-Credits Scene?

CNET News - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:00
Here's what you need to know before Marvel's new anti-hero outing.
Categories: Technology

The Sean Combs trial will start next week

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 05/02/2025 - 15:54

Sean Combs' federal trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy will begin in New York next week. What is he accused of, and what will the trial mean for the mogul and for hip-hop?

Categories: News

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