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The ruling is the first time that the court has imposed requirements on adult consumers in order to protect minors from having access to sexually explicit material.

(Image credit: Samuel Corum)

At issue was whether school systems are required to provide parents with an "opt-out" option when parents claim their religious beliefs conflict with their children's course material.

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• 10% of the 150,000+ SaaS apps on offer could be affected by Entra ID vulnerability
• It was first disclosed in 2023, but many apps still remain affected
• App vendors need to issue patches or you risk account takeover

Semperis has released new research uncovering a severe flaw in Microsoft's Entra ID, called nOAuth, and its effects could span 10% of SaaS applications globally.

The vulnerability involves a cross-tenant authentication flaw affecting Entra ID integrations – attackers could execute full account takeover with just access to an Entra tenant and the victim's email.

The report explains that the attack is a low-complexity, low-effort one that bypasses even multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access policies and zero-trust security architecture – all things that are generally characteristics of companies with strong cybersecurity postures.

Entra ID vulnerability could have broad effects

Additionally, attackers can get away without leaving much trace, and the Entra ID vulnerability cannot be defended against without vendor-side fixes.

Given that there are an estimated 150,000 SaaS apps in use globally, Semperis suggests more than 15,000 SaaS applications could be affected.

Once an attacker gains access to one of the apps at risk, they can impersonate the victim, gain access to personally identifiable information or exfiltrate data.

Currently, there is no effective way to detect the attack, and prevention is also proving to be troubling without the right fixes from software vendors. Alarmingly, it was first disclosed in 2023, but Semperis' 2025 research shows that it still affects many apps.

Semperis' Chief Identity Architect, Eric Woodruff, commented: "customers are left with no way to detect or stop the attack, making this an especially dangerous and persistent threat."

As such, SaaS vendors are being urged to audit and patch affected apps as quickly as possible. The Microsoft Security Response Center has also advised vendors to follow its guidelines or risk being removed from the Entra gallery.

"We’ve confirmed exploitation is still possible in many SaaS apps, which makes this an urgent call to action. We encourage developers to implement the necessary fixes and help protect their customers before this flaw is exploited further," Woodruff added.

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A Menlo Ventures report finds 91% of AI users have a default artificial intelligence assistant they turn to for their AI tasks.

I do love a good treasure hunt, and the more dysfunctional it is the better – so I'm really intrigued by Low Life, which is one of the latest Korean dramas to come to one of the best streaming services.

Disney's been streaming some really good stuff from Korea lately: its Nine Puzzles was a rewarding slow burn of a serial killer thriller, and while Low Life is a very different kind of story, it sounds like it's going to be of similarly high quality.

The 11-parter is written and directed by Kang Yun-seong, who wrote Disney+'s Big Bet and directed the hit movie The Outlaws. It's a tale of small-time schemers who hear about the ultimate treasure hunt and decide to make it theirs. Naturally a whole host of other people have the same idea, and many of those people are exactly the kind of people you don't want to run into.

What we know about Low Life so far

Low Life is a period drama set in the 1970s amid South Korea's "murky" underworld, and as The Hollywood Reporter reports, the star of the show is veteran Korean star Ryu Seung-ryong – who you may have seen in Disney Plus's Moving. He plays conman Oh Gwanseok, a veteran crook who's looking for the obligatory one last score, and he recruits his rather naive nephew Oh Heedong (rising star Yang Se-jong) to help.

I haven't seen the show yet but I like the setup: it reminds me of countless odd-couple dramas such as the peerless Midnight Run, which starred Robert De Niro and James Brolin. Having mismatched protagonists facing all kinds of obstacles is usually a recipe for a thoroughly entertaining time, and the buddy dynamic tends to be a lot of fun, so I'm hoping this will earn a spot as one of the best Disney+ shows.

Low Life will premiere as a Hulu Original in the US and will stream internationally on Disney+. The premiere is on July 16, with three episodes available at once, and the remaining eight episodes will be released weekly until the two-part finale on August 13.

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Death Stranding 2 was revealed at The Game Awards 2022 and follows on from what we think is one of the best PS4 games ever. Better yet, it's out now.

Given that Death Stranding 2 is available now for all players, we've actually been busy over the last couple of weeks playing a pre-release version of the game. You can check out our 5-star Death Stranding 2 review to read what we liked, and didn't, about the star-studded sequel.

Here's what you need to know about Death Stranding 2, including a look at the confirmed platforms, the latest trailers, and all of the latest news. As more details come to light post-launch, no doubt drip-fed over the next few months or so, we'll be sure to update this page.

Death Stranding 2 - cut to the chase

• What is it? The sequel to 2019's Death Stranding
• When did it come out? June 26, 2025
• What can I play it on? PS5
• Who's making it? Kojima Productions

Death Stranding 2 release date

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

Death Stranding 2 is currently only released for PS5, and launched June 26, 2025.

Death Stranding, one of the best PS5 exclusives you can play right now, actually launched on PS4. It was originally published by Sony for PlayStation 4, before later seeing a PC version later on, published by 505 Games. It's possible that a similar thing could happen with Death Stranding 2, but, for now, it's only confirmed as a PS5 exclusive.

You can, of course, also load up Death Stranding 2 on PS5 Pro. Thanks to some slight but nonetheless impressive upgrades, the game has already landed on our list of the best PS5 Pro games to play in 2025.

Death Stranding 2 trailers

At SXSW 2025, a detailed trailer was revealed for Death Stranding 2. It announced the release date for the game, and gave a new look at the story. You can view it below:

We received a new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer in 2024, and it was quite the showing. It confirms the true name of the game (Death Stranding 2: On the Beach), and lasts around 10 minutes. There's a puppet, lots of bridges being blown up, and a fight that involves a weaponized guitar. See for yourself, below:

There's only been two Death Stranding 2 trailers released so far. The reveal trailer is four minutes of classic Kojima misdirection, with plenty of big names thrown in. Check it out below:

In terms of what it all means... well, the Death Stranding 2 reveal trailer definitely raises more questions than answers. For one, Sam 'Porter' Bridges is grey now, and Fragile appears to be cured. Not only that, but she has a baby, which she later fails to protect from unknown enemies. There's a creepy-looking BB, a giant ship rising from tar, as well as a new villain wearing a very familiar red mask. We'll have to wait and see how it all pays off and develops into a fuller narrative.

It could be a while before we see more about Death Stranding 2, though it's still penned for later this year. Until then, it's worth keeping an eye on the official PlayStation YouTube channel for new trailer drops.

While not a proper trailer per se, there is a full PlayStation Presents presentation on Death Stranding 2. It was released during Tokyo Game Show, and features some new footage from the game, including a look at photo mode.

Death Stranding 2 cast

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

As expected, Death Stranding 2's main cast features some big names from the worlds of both movies and gaming. You can check out the confirmed cast below:

• Norman Reedus
• Léa Seydoux
• Elle Fanning
• Shioli Kutsana
• Troy Baker
• George Miller

Death Stranding 2 gameplay

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

Thanks to the latest Death Stranding 2 trailer, we've gotten our first extended look at gameplay. Things look similar to the first, with players hiking across open areas, encountering ghostly enemies along the way. The main differences here appear to be in the terrain, which seems much more treacherous. Landslides, flash floods and tougher enemies present more of a challenge, with much more of a focus on action this time around.

We see Sam using bikes to get around, and weapons to dispatch enemies. Whether or not we'll be delivering packages in the same way as in the first game remains to be seen, but given Fragile's new Drawbridge network filling in for the UCA, we're betting there'll be plenty of bridge-building, albeit across larger and more detailed environments.

Death Stranding 2 early access - how to play early

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

You can play Death Stranding 2 two days early by pre-ordering the Collector's Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. This will give you a whole host of bonuses and goodies. Full info in the PS Blog.

Death Stranding 2 latest news

Hideo Kojima shows 9 seconds of Death Stranding 2 title screen footage
In a Tweet, Hideo Kojima has shared a first look at Death Stranding 2's loading screen, though he has warned that it is "very temporary".

Death Stranding 2 has a release date, but Hideo Kojima isn't ready to share it yet
During a recent PlayStation presentation for the Death Stranding sequel, the director revealed that the game already has a decided release date but he was unable to announce it at the event due to "unforeseen circumstances" (via VGC).

Death Stranding 2 will launch in 2025
We now know that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will arrive at some point in 2025. Beyond that, there's been no indication of a release window. Stay tuned!

Hideo Kojima rewrote Death Stranding 2 completely following the pandemic
Speaking to the Japanese outlet Natalie, Kojima has outlined exactly what changed with the sequel's story in the wake of COVID-19. In the interview, the Metal Gear Solid and Snatcher creator explained that the plot for Death Stranding 2 was written before the pandemic, which surged in Asia in late 2019 before going global in early 2020.

Hideo Kojima shares a picture of Keanu Reeves and Norman Reedus
Hideo Kojima has sparked an online furor by posting pictures of Death Stranding star Norman Reedus with Keanu Reeves, kicking off speculation that The Matrix star may appear in Death Stranding 2.

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What's the next big Xbox game?

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

The next big Xbox game is Grounded 2, which arrives July 29, 2025. It's an evolution of the excellent co-op survival game, and it's already looking like a much bigger experience at launch. Then there's Gears of War: Reloaded, which is a remaster of the first game, before The Outer Worlds 2 arrives in October to steal the show.

Fable 4, also currently just known as Fable, is a reboot of a beloved trilogy of fantasy action role-playing games (RPGs) originally developed by Lionhead Studios. However, the series is in the process of being revived under its new stewards Playground Games.

The Fable series is renowned for two things: enabling the player to craft exactly the kind of character they want and side-splitting dark humor. For some, the original trilogy stands among the best RPGs ever made, offering an emphasis on player agency that rivals some of the best single-player games.

Fortunately, if Fable 4's most recent trailer is anything to go by, it looks as though we can expect the series' trademark sense of humor in spades. While we've not seen any reveals as to the upcoming game's mechanics, the trailer did show off some stellar writing, as well as a hilarious performance from British actor Matt King.

That said, we do know that Fable 4 will be an RPG. It also seems likely that it will follow the mold of its predecessors, offering real-time action with plenty of quests to complete and places to explore. Read on to find out everything we know about Fable.

Fable 4: cut to the chase

• What is it? The fourth installment in the mainline Fable franchise
• When is it coming out? 2026
• What can I play it on? TBC, but it's an Xbox exclusive
• Who is making it? Playground Games

Fable 4 release year and platforms

(Image credit: Playground Games)

Fable 4 will be released for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC sometime in 2026, where it will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. It's unknown if it'll arrive on Xbox One consoles, but it seems unlikely.

This Xbox exclusivity makes it exceedingly unlikely that Fable 4 will arrive on a PlayStation console. We'll have to wait until the game is shown again, as currently, we have no information on when it's expected to come out. It's worth noting that recently, some Xbox-exclusive games like Sea of Thieves have and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have come to PS5, so it's certainly possible that Fable will do the same.

Fable 4 trailers

The most recent trailer for Fable came alongside the news of a delay to 2026. It features some new gameplay, check it out below:

A trailer for Fable was released at the Xbox Games Showcase event that aired on June 9, 2024. It was another cinematic trailer, showing Peep Show actor Matt King playing a retired hero. It was a fun trailer but once again offered a distinct lack of concrete information about the wider plot or game mechanics. It did reveal that Fable will be arriving at some point in 2025 (later delayed to 2026). You can check it out below:

Right now, only three Fable trailers have been released: the latest one, the world premiere announcement trailer, and the one shown off at Xbox Games Showcase 2023. While we wait for more, you can head to the official Xbox YouTube account to keep an eye out for new info.

Fable 4 gameplay

While we've yet to receive any concrete details about Fable's game mechanics, there were some glimpses of what we might be able to expect in the second trailer. Sword combat was shown, with a warrior depicted in battle with a bandit before performing a sort of finishing move, throwing them to the ground.

Another shot of gameplay showed the main character throwing a fire bomb at a group of enemies, suggesting that these sorts of items might also be making a return. Unfortunately, this is all we've seen so far, alongside some in-engine cinematics.

That said, Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, did make it clear after the reveal that "it's obviously going to be a role-playing game" (via GamesRadar). Though this gives us little to go on in terms of specifics, it confirms that Fable 4 will likely place an emphasis on storytelling, character customization, and player agency, much like its predecessors.

Fable 4 main character

(Image credit: Xbox)

We don't yet know much about the Fable 4 main character, but there are a few details we can glean from the teasers we've seen so far. First, it seems likely that the main character will be a 'hero' of some kind. This could potentially spell a connection to The Guild of Heroes - a powerful organization of do-gooders who feature in the original Fable (2004).

It also seems likely that our hero will have to do battle with Richard Ayoade's giant at some point. The Fable franchise is no stranger to including celebrated actors and comedians. Fable 3 famously included Monty Python veteran John Cleese, comedian Stephen Fry, and actor Simon Pegg. The inclusion of Ayoade in Fable 4 beyond just a cameo in the trailer seems likely, given this tradition.

While it hasn't been confirmed, it also seems probable that our main character will also be highly customizable. The Fable games have always been big on letting you tweak your character physically and cosmetically and it would be odd for Fable 4 to not continue the trend. We might also see the return of appearance changes based on character morality, too. In the original trilogy, evil choices would net you devil horns and sinister-looking eyes while good choices would get you a halo and angel wings. We imagine Fable 4 will iterate on these systems in some way, though we're not sure quite what's in store at this stage.

Fable 4 FAQ

(Image credit: Playground Games)Who's developing Fable 4?

The new Fable game is being worked on by the fine folks over at Playground Games. This team previously worked on the Forza Horizon series, so this is quite a switch up. Regardless, this is an excellent studio with a real knack for creating amazing environments with gorgeous atmospheric effects. There's no doubt that Fable 4 could be a very beautiful looking game indeed when it launches in 2026.

Will Fable 4 be on Game Pass?

The new Fable game will launch on Game Pass, available for subscribers at no extra cost. This has been confirmed since the game was first shown off, so expect it to drop onto your games lineup some time this year.

Will Fable come to PS5?

Currently, there are no announced plans to bring Fable to PS5, though that doesn't mean it won't happen. Recently, Xbox games have started to be ported over to PlayStation, including Sea of Thieves. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 also have PS5 versions, so it's possible that Fable could follow a similar release pattern.

Fable 4 news

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox confirms Fable has been delayed to 2026, shares new pre-alpha gameplay footage offering a brand new look at the game
"We are actually going to give Fable more time. It's going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want is to assure people that it's definitely worth the wait." - full story here.

Xbox re-reveals Fable
Fable was finally re-revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 event. Not much was shown, but it's clear that the game now has a strong tonal direction and comedic vibe to it. Hopefully, the next time we see the game, we'll get a look at the game mechanics as well as what to expect from the story.

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NPR's Steve Inskeep discusses how the Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship could apply to states with UVA Law School professor Amanda Frost.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Vasiliki)

Siding with the government on Friday, the court upheld the Affordable Care Act, allowing the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to continue determining which services will be available free of cost to Americans covered by the Affordable Care Act.

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• Xiaomi says it's sold more than 2,000 YU7s within three minutes of launch
• The electric SUV deliberately undercuts the Model Y
• Huge demand means the company’s plant capacity is sold out until 2027

Not content with ripping up the performance EV rulebook in the Nurburgring-shattering SU7 Ultra, Chinese technology giant Xiaomi is now entering the popular and hotly-contested SUV market with its YU7.

There are no guesses for which best-seller its latest model is gunning for, seeing as Xiaomi’s Tesla-baiting model betters Musk’s best-selling creation in almost every statistic.

It is faster from 0-62mph, the range is substantially higher than a Model Y (in YU7 Max versions) and it operates on a modern 800V architecture for ultra-rapid charging – all of this and it is roughly $1,400 cheaper than a Base Model Y in China.

Offered in three distinct variants (Standard, Pro and Max), Xiaomi’s YU7 delivers a variety of performance and electric range figures, with the entry-level Standard version offering almost 520 miles on a single charge, according to China’s notoriously generous Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

The 800V silicon carbide platform means it supports ultra-fast charging at up to 5.2C (a rate of 5.2 times its capacity in one hour), this allows it to nail a 10–80% charge in as little as 12 minutes and can add up to 385 miles of range in 15 minutes.

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(Image credit: Xiaomi )Image 2 of 5

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(Image credit: Xiaomi )

Performance is strong, too, with the marque’s HyperEngine V6s Plus endowing the YU7 Max model with 690hp, which translates into a top speed of 146mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.2 seconds.

It is a veritable tech-fest under the shapely, almost Ferrari-esque skin, with Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor chips powering advanced levels of autonomous driving, as well as the new Xiaomi HyperVision Panoramic Display that projects information onto the lower half of the windshield.

The tech giant also says that the powerful infotainment system offers bags of entertainment, including mic-free karaoke and the option to fall in love with a digital pet capybara or an otter. The virtual critters act as the AI assistant, apparently.

Cleverly, Xiaomi has even installed dual-thread ports with power on both sides of the dashboard that can house operational accessory smartphone cradles, while the rear-view mirror can accommodate a 4K gimbal camera.

Analysis: coping with demand is Xiaomi’s biggest problem

(Image credit: Xiaomi )

Last year, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in China and it continued to hold its own against an onslaught of domestic rivals that have launched in recent months. That said, Car News China reports that Tesla sales are still down 24% so far this year.

Xiaomi’s YU7 poses a serious threat to Tesla’s foothold in the country, but it is to be followed by Xpeng’s much-lauded G7 and Li Auto’s i8, which is said to feature the latest generation fast-charging NMC battery from CATL.

Musk has responded by announcing a China-only version of the Model Y that can be configured with either six or seven seats, but it hasn’t seen fit to update the vehicle beyond the tweaks it made earlier this year, which didn’t include faster charging capability.

However, some media outlets in China have reported that Xiaomi could well struggle to keep up with demand of both the recently-launched SU7 performance sedan and the YU7 SUV, with Car News China stating that wait times for the SU7 Pro are almost a year.

It currently only has a single plant in Beijing that is dedicated to producing its electric vehicles, meaning that unless it can increase output, the rampant pre-orders mean everything is sold out for the next year and a half.

A nice problem to have for Xiaomi, and a small glimmer of hope for Tesla.

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The decision issues some limits on the power of federal judges to universally block President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, asking lower courts to reconsider their rulings.

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Both the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq appear headed to close out the week at record highs Friday, as investors shrugged off trade tensions and recent fighting in the Middle East.

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It was supposed to be the answer to IT’s flexibility dilemma. Hybrid cloud, with its blend of on-premises control and public cloud scalability, gave businesses the agility to respond to new demands without overhauling infrastructure. But what started as a strategic advantage has, for many CISOs, evolved into a patchwork of fragmented tools, siloed teams and visibility gaps.

The result is an increasingly difficult environment to secure. And the solution isn’t just more technology. It’s a rethink of how CISOs lead in a hybrid world.

Why the old playbook no longer works

In traditional data centers, security was built around well-defined perimeters. The rise of cloud computing forced a shift to more distributed security models. But hybrid cloud has created something altogether more complex — an environment where workloads move between clouds, teams manage different platforms, and security responsibilities blur across IT, DevOps and compliance.

This complexity undermines many of the assumptions baked into earlier security strategies. Tools that worked well in isolated environments struggle to deliver unified protection across platforms. Policies become inconsistent. Incident response slows down. Most concerning of all, blind spots develop — not out of negligence, but out of an inability to see and manage everything at once.

The challenge isn’t visibility. It’s integration

Many security leaders have responded by investing in more observability tools. But even with best-in-class dashboards and alerts, visibility alone doesn’t equal security. It’s not what you can see that protects your environment, but how quickly and intelligently you can act.

That’s where integration becomes essential. Security needs to be embedded into the fabric of hybrid infrastructure, not added on after deployment. This means consolidating policy controls, enabling workload portability without security drift, and ensuring that response actions can be automated and orchestrated across environments.

It also means designing security to work with the business, not against it. Hybrid strategies are often driven by performance or cost optimization goals. When security becomes a bottleneck, teams find workarounds, and that’s when risk increases.

Leadership starts with simplification

The most effective CISOs today are not simply technologists. They are architects of simplification. Instead of trying to manage complexity through sheer effort, they look for ways to reduce it at the source.

This might mean consolidating infrastructure platforms to reduce the number of control points. It could involve standardizing security policies across cloud and on-prem environments. It often requires working more closely with enterprise architects and business leaders to design security in from the beginning, rather than retrofitting it later.

Partnerships that bring infrastructure and security closer together can play a pivotal role here. For example, when hybrid cloud platforms are tightly integrated with next-generation firewall capabilities, CISOs gain more than visibility. They gain a consistent, policy-driven approach to security that travels with workloads, automates enforcement, and simplifies day-to-day operations.

Bringing security closer to the workload

Rather than layering security tools on top of an existing environment, an integrated approach embeds protection directly into the virtual network fabric, enabling precise control over how applications and data communicate across both public and private clouds.

Through virtual private cloud (VPC) capabilities, organizations can isolate and secure multitenant environments with greater confidence. This alignment offers a practical path forward for CISOs aiming to implement zero-trust principles.

Policies based on user identity, application behavior and contextual risk can be applied consistently, regardless of whether workloads reside in a data center or a hybrid multicloud setup. Continuous verification, least-privileged access, and deep threat inspection all become easier to manage when security is embedded at the infrastructure layer.

Importantly, this model supports automation. Using policy tags and centralized tools such as Palo Alto Networks Panorama, teams can manage firewall deployments across environments and streamline security operations within CI/CD pipelines. It’s a significant step toward security that adapts as the business scales and a compelling example of how simplification and strategic integration can go hand in hand.

From silos to synergy. A new operating model

What begins with tighter integration at the infrastructure level is now evolving into broader operational change. Organizations are starting to move away from fragmented roles and responsibilities. Instead of separate cloud and data center teams, some are creating platform teams that manage hybrid environments as a whole. And rather than relying on a patchwork of point security products, they are turning to solutions that bring networking, security and operations into a cohesive, centrally managed layer.

This improves efficiency and makes it possible to apply zero trust principles more effectively. When identities, workloads and data flows are managed consistently, the attack surface shrinks — not because there are fewer threats, but because there are fewer gaps to exploit.

Crucially, these organizations are moving from reactive security to proactive resilience. That’s the real goal in a hybrid world. You cannot prevent every breach, but you can design systems to detect, contain and recover more effectively. That’s what gives the business confidence to move faster without sacrificing safety.

Rethinking the role of the CISO

Hybrid cloud is becoming more entrenched as organizations balance cost, performance and regulatory demands. For CISOs, the new burning question is how to lead with hybrid cloud in a way that makes it secure by design.

This starts by embracing simplification, fostering collaboration, and embedding security into every layer of hybrid operations. It’s not easy. But it’s also not optional. Because in today’s environment, complexity is the greatest vulnerability, and clarity is the most powerful defense.

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

Built around a beautiful 16-inch OLED screen, the latest Swift Go 16 improves on its predecessors without significant price inflation.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: two-minute review

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor, as the name suggests, is a palm-sized device that triggers your smart lights when it detects movement. That's not all, though – it also works as a home security sensor, alerting you to potential intruders while you're away. Just tap a button in the app to 'arm' the Motion Sensor (plus any other Philips Hue cameras and sensors in your home) and it'll enter security mode, making your lights behave differently and sending you a phone notification if something happens in your absence. For example, your lights could turn red or flash, while the app lets you call an emergency contact with a tap.

The Motion Sensor requires a Philips Hue Bridge to work, so it's best if you already have an established smart lighting setup. If you're not familiar with the Bridge, it's a small hub that connects to your Wi-Fi router, and uses the Zigbee wireless protocol to connect all your Philips Hue devices in a mesh network.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, which means it's not the cheapest motion sensor around, and if you're not going to use its security functions then you might be better served by a simpler Zigbee device instead. However, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor's extra security features mean it could even be a cornerstone of your security system, and from that perspective it's excellent value.

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor may be small, but it's an extremely capable device and could be a key part of a home security system. (Image credit: Future)

The sensor is a small, lightweight device and comes ready to go, with two AAA batteries already installed. To connect it, just scan the QR code on the back using the Philips Hue app, then hold the 'setup' button until the LED on the front flashes orange to pair it, as instructed on screen.

Once the sensor is paired, you'll be prompted to assign it to a room, then asked which lights you want it to control. These lights don't have to be in the same location; for example, you may want to have a light activated in your study if motion is detected in the porch so you don't miss a package delivery (provided it's under cover – you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor if it's going to be exposed to the elements).

The sensor can turn lights on and off, but you can also use it to adjust their brightness, and even apply scenes.

You can change the way your lights react to movement depending on the time of day, which is particularly helpful for keeping lights dim in your hallway at night (Image credit: Future)

Like the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch the Philips Hue Motion Sensor allows you to set different actions for your lights depending on the time of day.

During my tests this worked perfectly, and helped me and my partner avoid being dazzled at night. I installed the sensor in our hallway and kept the lighting level low after 11pm so we could find our way to the kitchen for a drink of water without being jarred into full wakefulness after bedtime.

Once your Philips Hue Motion Sensor is armed, you can choose to receive notifications on your phone when movement is detected, and the app will keep a log of events that occurred while you were out (Image credit: Future)

As I mentioned earlier, the Dimmer Switch also functions as a security device (either by itself or with other Hue sensors and cameras), the app lets you decide what events it should trigger when it's set to 'armed'. By default, it will make connected Philips Hue lights flash when motion is detected, but you can also simply make them turn on, or have them change color. An intimidating red might be a good option.

The sensor doesn't have a siren of its own, but if you have a Philips Hue Secure camera, it can play an audible alert when the sensor detects movement.

Set up an emergency contact, and the app will allow you to call them with a single tap when you receive an unexpected movement notification (Image credit: Future)

During my tests the app reliably sent me a notification whenever my partner wandered by and the system was armed – and he informed me that the living room lights turned pink as well. After increasing the sensitivity a little, the sensor was able to detect him entering the living room even when mounted on a wall at the other end of the room, opposite the door.

It's worth noting that although you can change the direction of the sensor by simply shifting it on its magnetic mount (as described below) and dial its sensitivity up and down, the absence of a camera on this sensor means it's not possible to create custom zones that won't be monitored, so you might need to spend some time experimenting with the settings so it picks up movement near doors and windows.

That's not a major issue though, and the magnetic mount can even be fitted to the ceiling, making it simple to keep an eye on potential entry points.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: price and availability

• Costs $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95
• Often discounted, particularly in sales events

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is available globally direct from Philips Hue, and from third-party retailers including Amazon.

It has a list price of $44.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95, but is often available at a steep discount, particularly during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll find today's best prices in your area listed below.

You can also find it bundled together with the Philips Hue Bridge and a set of smart light bulbs as part of a Philips Hue Starter Kit.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: design

• Can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing
• Magnetic wall mount allows you to angle the sensor
• Only available in white

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a discreet white device with a magnetic back containing a single screw, which you can undo to replace the two AAA batteries powering it. The sensor can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or simply placed on a piece of furniture if you'd prefer not to drill holes.

It measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches / 174 x 72 x 55mm (H x W x D) and weighs 2.8oz / 80g.

(Image credit: Future)

The mount (which comes with two screws and a wall plug) is a small circular magnet. Once it's screwed in, you simply place the sensor on top, then tilt it to face the direction you want to monitor. During my tests the sensor felt most secure when facing straight on, but it never felt likely to fall off when tilted.

Unlike other Philips Hue accessories (such as the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch) you can't attach the Motion Sensor to your wall using 3M tape. The mount has a slightly rubberized finish that doesn't work well with adhesives, and the strength of the magnets means the tape would likely pull away when you remove the sensor unit.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike some Philips Hue accessories, the Motion Sensor is only available in white. However, since it's likely to be mounted close to a white ceiling, that's not too much of an issue.

The sensor isn't weather-resistant, and therefore can't be used outdoors. If you want a sensor for detecting movement in your yard, you'll need the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, which is also wireless and can be mounted on a wall or used free-standing.

Should you buy the Philips Hue Motion Sensor?Buy it if

You can't fit a whole security system at home

Whether it's the price, the inconvenience, or the need to drill holes in the walls, a full hard-wired security system isn't the right fit for a lot of homes. With one (or more) of these little sensors, you can enjoy peace of mind for a fraction of the price, and with none of the hassle.

You want hands-free lighting

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a particularly great option for dark hallways, especially when you're coming home at night with your hands full, and groping for the light switch is a hassle. It can also trigger more gentle after bedtime so you can find your way to the bathroom without being dazzled.

Don't buy it if

You have a Ring doorbell and no Hue lights

If you already have a Ring doorbell and no Philips Hue Bridge, it makes sense to stick with Ring for your home security needs. Depending on which Ring Home membership you choose, you can have several devices covered by the same plan. Take a look at our full guide to Ring subscriptions for more details.

You want to be alerted when a door opens

The Philips Hue Contact Sensor works in a similar way to the Motion Sensor, triggering lights and sending you an alert on your phone if a door or window is opened. Depending on your security needs, it may be a better option. Both devices are about the same price.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: also consider

Ring Alarm Motion Detector

If you've already got a Ring doorbell, it's worth checking out the company's motion sensor before plumping for the Philips Hue version. It's mostly made with security in mind, but can also control smart lights if you create an automation using IFTTT (If This Then That).

Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor

This sensor works in much the same way as the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, activating lights and/or sending an alert to your phone, but instead of movement it's triggered when a door or window is opened. Ideal for your front door or a dark cupboard.

How I tested the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

I connected the Philips Hue Motion Sensor to my home smart lighting setup, which includes several bulbs, switches, and a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars. I started by installing it in my hallway so I could test its sensitivity and time-based functionality (specifically triggering dimmer illumination at night). I then moved it to the living room to test its security features, triggering alerts on my phone and setting the main ceiling lights to pink while my husband was home to monitor the effects.

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, June 27 (game #481).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… ... not included

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• CHILL
• TRICK
• REAL
• CAMEL
• GRATE
• MOLE

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 17 letters

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 8th row

Last side: left, 1st row

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

NYT Strands today (game #482) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #482, are…

• REMOTE
• FLASHLIGHT
• CLOCK
• TOYS
• CAMERA
• SPANGRAM: BATTERIES REQUIRED

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Besides the pleasure of completing the word search, the other joy of Strands is the places it takes your mind. Today offered a trip down memory lane and the humble but often frustrating unsung hero of technology.

The theme “… not included” immediately made me think of Christmas Day frustrations of being gifted TOYS that were rendered redundant for the day because they required some AA batteries.

BATTERIES REQUIRED is the longest spangram I can remember seeing and it took up a huge chunk of the puzzle. I tapped out “batteries” twice before seeing the added “required”.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, June 27, game #481)

• SHOVEL
• BUCKET
• TRUCK
• FUNNEL
• MOLD
• RAKE
• SIFTER
• SPANGRAM: SANDBOX TOYS

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, June 27 (game #1250).

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 #1251) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1251) - 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 #1251) - 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 #1251) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• S

• D

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1251, are…

• AWOKE
• SMOKY
• DEVIL
• SWING

This was one of those charmed editions of Quordle for me, where I whizzed through all four columns without doing very much thinking at all.

I like to think of these as green light days – like driving through a city and every light turning green as you approach it. I even managed to get the Daily Sequence done in seven guesses. I hope it was a good one for you, too.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1251) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1251, are…

• UTILE
• CUMIN
• SKILL
• CANAL

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1250, Friday, 27 June: SPEAK, EAGLE, AVERT, SUING
• Quordle #1249, Thursday, 26 June: SLUMP, REBUS, GUAVA, MONEY
• Quordle #1248, Wednesday, 25 June: SOGGY, CLASH, MODEM, SQUAD
• Quordle #1247, Tuesday, 24 June: QUALM, SQUIB, AXIAL, FLACK
• Quordle #1246, Monday, 23 June: PIXEL, FJORD, STEAL, EXIST
• Quordle #1245, Sunday, 22 June: WREST, CRAZE, PAPAL, SCION
• Quordle #1244, Saturday, 21 June: BUDDY, GROUT, BEGIN, MADAM
• Quordle #1243, Friday, 20 June: BRAID, DULLY, HASTE, LURID
• Quordle #1242, Thursday, 19 June: BRUSH, ISLET, FRUIT, PRIVY
• Quordle #1241, Wednesday, 18 June: MEDIA, SHARK, GUPPY, MOURN
• Quordle #1240, Tuesday, 17 June: LEAPT, PRISM, ADMIN, WHINE
• Quordle #1239, Monday, 16 June: RETRY, SCALD, DINGO, FEIGN
• Quordle #1238, Sunday, 15 June: SHOCK, STEIN, BROIL, COVEN
• Quordle #1237, Saturday, 14 June: STICK, FERRY, THESE, IONIC
• Quordle #1236, Friday, 13 June: REPEL, LARGE, SNIDE, CARRY
• Quordle #1235, Thursday, 12 June: SCANT, BATCH, UNDER, PARSE
• Quordle #1234, Wednesday, 11 June: CRAVE, ROOST, ANGLE, FLOOD
• Quordle #1233, Tuesday, 10 June: DECRY, CHEEK, FILET, EASEL
• Quordle #1232, Monday, 9 June: DERBY, LEMON, WRITE, HOVEL
• Quordle #1231, Sunday, 8 June: REBAR, ALERT, PAYEE, FLUME