I started using an ergonomic mouse – along with an ergonomic keyboard – back in late 2021 to help me reduce the damage I was doing to my body by sitting at my desk all day, typing. At the time, the ergonomic mouse I was using was the Logitech MX Vertical, but that proved to be too big for my small mitts.
When the Logitech Lift was announced, I promptly swapped and I have not looked back since! I love this mouse and it's currently available at its lowest price yet of just AU$58.34 for the black variant. That's a very generous 55% off the listed price and it will ship to New Zealand for NZ$74.39 with no additional shipping fees.
The other two colour options are also discounted but nowhere as well as the black model, so if you aren't too fussed about that, this offer won't last long — not likely till the end of Prime Day on Tuesday, July 13.
A comfortable and very ergonomic mouse, the Logitech Lift is a nice-looking wireless mouse with adjustable sensitivity settings between 400 and 4,000 DPI. So while it won't be the best option for gamers, it's perfect for everyday use for work or study. It works very well via Bluetooth, but you can also connect via 2.4GHz wireless, and set it up to work with three different devices.View Deal
I currently have the white Logitech Lift, but that has started to look a little grubby now. To be fair to my mouse, though, I carry it with me between home and office, and my bag can't be doing it any favours. With that in mind, I think the black colourway would be best for long-term and everyday use and I am very tempted to buy this one at this price.
I'm not the only one who likes this mouse. It scored high in our Logitech Lift review, with our tester saying it makes "toiling away on the computer for hours on end just a little easier – and much less painful". It's also our pick of the best mouse for ergonomics, thanks to the 57º twist to the vertical 'sail'.
Admittedly the Lift is best suited to small and medium-sized hands, but it might be quite comfortable for people with large hands as well. There's a rubber grip on the rear that keeps your palm from slipping, plus the buttons and the scroll wheel has been placed exactly where your fore, middle and ring finger will sit naturally when you wrap your hand around it.
The clicks are whisper quiet, so you'll never disturb anyone working beside you.
Importantly, its performance is excellent. You can use the Logitech Options app to make some adjustments, like saving two DPI presets, but don’t expect high-speed tracking resolution comparable to gaming mice. It glides smoothly and is accurate for more everyday needs. And while our reviewer had issues with its sensor while testing, I have had no such problems myself.
My only complaint with the Logitech Lift is that it requires a single AA battery, while the MX Vertical I had previously could be recharged via USB-C. Sure, the battery goes on for up to 24 months (depending on use), but it would have been nice if this too was a rechargeable option.
TikTok parent company ByteDance is reportedly racing to finalize the design of a next-generation in-house CPU by early 2027.
According to SCMP, the company aims to reach mass production and wider deployment during the second half of 2027, with an early version of this proprietary processor being deployed internally since late 2025.
Internal computing demand at ByteDance has accelerated sharply, driven largely by products like the Doubao chatbot and Seedance video model, which have significantly increased infrastructure requirements across the company's expanding AI tools lineup.
Urgency driven by rapid AI growthAs agentic AI workloads grow more complex, computing needs are shifting away from pure matrix calculations toward broader task orchestration duties.
These newer AI systems require more coordination, decision-making, memory management, and software operations.
It therefore creates greater demand for general-purpose processors working alongside GPUs rather than relying only on accelerator clusters.
This shift is influencing how companies like ByteDance plan future computing infrastructure.
According to reports, tape-out, the final engineering milestone before physical chip fabrication begins, could be moved earlier than originally planned.
ByteDance has never publicly commented on its chip development activities, despite what reports describe as rapid expansion across several in-house silicon designs.
To help accelerate development and secure foundry manufacturing capacity, the company is reportedly collaborating with US chipmaker Qualcomm on this initiative.
Export controls change the competitive landscapeWashington's export controls have progressively restricted Chinese companies' access to advanced semiconductors, including Nvidia's H100 and H20 accelerators specifically.
This tightening regulatory environment has pushed China's largest technology firms toward building their own in-house chip programs at scale.
ByteDance's CPU initiative fits within that broader pattern, aiming to reduce dependence on suppliers it cannot fully control.
Publicly traded chipmakers including Arm Holdings, Intel Corporation, and Advanced Micro Devices could face reduced demand as ByteDance's in-house capabilities mature further.
Nvidia, already limited in selling advanced AI accelerators to Chinese buyers, faces an added long-term headwind as ByteDance builds internal alternatives.
This strategy mirrors moves already made by major global hyperscalers investing heavily in custom silicon infrastructure.
Google's TPU chips, Amazon's Trainium and Graviton processors, and Microsoft's Maia accelerator all reflect a similar underlying thesis.
At sufficient scale, proprietary hardware can offer meaningful cost and performance advantages over hardware purchased from outside vendors.
But the confirmation of an official tape-out date would give markets a clearer signal of how seriously to value ByteDance's growing semiconductor ambitions.
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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, July 7 (game #1625).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,500 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 #1626) — 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 #1626) — 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 #1626) — hint #3 — uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today's Quordle answers.
Quordle today (game #1626) — 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 0.
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 #1626) — hint #5 — starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• G
• T
• E
• A
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1626) — the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1626, are…
Even though I could see no other possibility other than EXALT, whenever a rare letter comes to mind there is always a moment of pause.
Fortunately I got my first three words easily, so I had plenty of space left if it didn’t work out.
Daily Sequence today (game #1626) — the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1626, are…
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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, July 7 (game #1122).
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 #1123) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
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 #1123) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #1123) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #1123, are…
I am sure I was not the only one making a mistake by connecting THREAD, SHAVE, WAX, and PLUCK, thinking they were all ways to eliminate body hair. Anyone who has ever been to a Turkish barber will know that there’s another way, too!
Alas, it turned out to be a dastardly red herring.
After my error I was able to get the other groups easily enough, although I did hesitate over TAP in the GUITAR-PLAYING TECHNIQUES group.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, July 7, 2026, game #1122)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.
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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, July 7 (game #856).
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 #857) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Here come trouble
NYT Strands today (game #857) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
• Spangram has 11 letters
NYT Strands today (game #857) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?• First side: left, 4th row
• Last side: right, 4th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #857) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #857, are…
There were a few different ways to connect LITTLE and DEVIL and I think I tried them all before finally getting a rare, for me at least, spangram first.
The rest of the board was far trickier. After getting SCAMP I used a hint but even with it I struggled to see HELLION — not a word I’ve ever heard before.
Next the non-game word “scallion” helped me see RAPSCALLION before my misery was ended with the brilliantly old-fashioned WHIPPERSNAPPER — a great word, but possibly not one you use when reporting “trouble” to the police.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, July 7, game #856)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.
A week after wiping its social media accounts and replacing them with cryptic teasers — and following months of rumors — Samsung has officially set the date for its second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026.
Everything will be revealed, unpacked, or perhaps more fittingly, unfolded, on July 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST (11 p.m. AEDT). Samsung will livestream the Galaxy Unpacked keynote from an in-person event in London, UK, and yes, TechRadar will be on the ground at the unveil.
The invitation itself is already dropping hints, as Samsung tries to build anticipation. Alongside the tagline, "A New Shape Unfolds," the animated invite shows what appears to be a ticket printing before its top edge is torn away, revealing a noticeably wider, shorter silhouette than Samsung's current Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Samsung hasn't confirmed exactly what it will be announcing come July 22, but between the tagline and the animation, it's hard not to see them as clues pointing toward an all-new foldable design. It's also already accepting pre-reservations for whatever it will formally unveil at the July 22 event.
(Image credit: Samsung)Specifically, you can sign up with your email on Samsung's main site at no cost to score a $30 Samsung Credit that can be applied to your pre-order and unlock up to $1,230 off with an eligible device trade-in.
So, if you're considering one of the next Galaxy devices, it's worth getting in line now ... and there's no cost involved.
You can sign up to reserve the next Galaxy at Samsung directly at no cost and unlock $30 Samsung Credit towards the preorder of the next device and up to $1,230 off with an eligible device trade-in.View Deal
Samsung's summer Galaxy Unpacked events have traditionally been the stage for its newest foldable smartphones and fresh wearables such as Galaxy Watches and Galaxy Buds. This year, though, the spotlight looks set to extend beyond the usual annual refreshes.
While we're expecting successors to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung has already hinted that something different is on the way. When it began teasing the event last week, the tech giant said that "after seven generations of pushing the boundaries of foldables, Samsung is taking a different approach to how it builds anticipation this year."
That statement, combined with months of leaks pointing to a wider foldable form factor, has fueled speculation that Samsung is finally ready to unveil an entirely new kind of foldable phone.
Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold lineup's familiar book-style design, this rumored device is expected to feature a much wider form factor. Based on the leaks we've seen so far, it resembles the now-discontinued Microsoft Surface Duo, Apple's long-rumored foldable that's widely expected to arrive later this year, or even a classic Moleskine notebook when folded shut. If the rumors prove accurate, Samsung could once again be first to market with a new foldable form factor.
Galaxy AI is also expected to be front and center throughout the keynote, with Samsung likely showcasing new AI-powered features across its latest folding phones and potentially teasing its forthcoming Android XR Glasses.
TechRadar will be on the ground in London for Galaxy Unpacked, bringing you live coverage of every announcement as it happens, along with hands-on impressions of Samsung's newest devices. We'll also be running a live blog throughout the keynote, so be sure to follow along as Samsung unveils what's next come July 22.
In the meantime, let us know what you're most excited to see Samsung reveal at Galaxy Unpacked in the comments below.
Canadian startup Reflect10 has introduced a new photovoltaic (PV) module architecture that could significantly boost how much energy solar panels could produce, and it’s nothing to do with the maximum wattage.
Instead, the upgrade embeds a light-reflecting geometry directly into the solar panel to reflect incoming sunlight multiple times, giving photons additional opportunities to hit the PV cells. By enabling additional reflections and angles, it means solar panels can convert even more sunlight into electricity as the sun sets into lower angles.
Though the concept as a whole already existed, it previously required external mirrors or motors, making the installation more expensive. Various studies pointed at energy production improvements of between 11% and 57%.
The same panel, with the same wattage, could produce 20% more capacityAccording to the company, it could lead to 20% higher average daily energy production compared with standard solar panels, with low-angle times like early morning and late afternoon generating up to 2.66x more power. The technology also promises to increase efficiency during conditions of diffused light, like cloudy weather.
This upgrade also comes at an important time, because conventional silicon solar cells are quickly approaching their theoretical efficiency ceiling, making it nearly impossible to produce more electricity.
“These results represent a significant and immediate step forward at a time when the industry has faced a fundamental physical ceiling for decades,” founder Louis Massicotte said (via pv magazine).
According to the company, the global solar industry has grown by an average of +0.18 percentage points of efficiency per year under real field conditions since 1954, marking very slow progress.
Ultimately, Reflect10 boosts panel efficiency not by boosting the cell efficiency itself, but rather by enabling more light to hit the cells. Ultimately, it means that a 500W panel, for example, could produce 500W of electricity more of the time, rather than being restricted to a lesser wattage due to unfavorable conditions, leading to a higher total capacity (measured in kWh).
Proven efficiency-boosting PV tech could tackle current restrictionsThough testing data primarily comes from optical simulations by Canada’s National Optics Institute, the company has also conducted proof-of-concept field trials to prove it works across both Morocco and Canada.
An independent scientific review carried out by the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute (IPVF) also notes the technology’s potential to scale and plug gaps in grid shortfalls across a broader range of times – not just during peak sunlight hours.
“By increasing production at the beginning and end of the day, the technology could help better match periods of peak electricity demand while reducing the concentration of generation around the midday solar peak,” IPVF research director Pere Roca i Cabarrocas commented.
The company is now pursuing three international Patent Cooperation Treaty applications ahead of its public presentation in Paris.
Reflect10 itself doesn’t plan to manufacture panels with the new light-reflecting geometry – instead, the Canadian company is offering 50 non-exclusive licenses for its intellectual property to module manufacturers.
There are two main Kindle ranges: Colorsoft and Paperwhite. If you're in the market for a new Amazon ereader but aren't sure which one to buy, this article is here to help. I've put together a cheatsheet of what you need to know to make your decision, starting with the key differences between the two lines, the current Paperwhite options and Colorsoft options, a specs comparison table, and a summary of which to buy. I've also included a section on your other options in the Kindle range.
Ready to choose your new ereader? Let's get started...
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft vs Paperwhite: similarities & differencesIn this section, I'll be discussing the standard Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft models, as well as the Signature editions, but not the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.
Let's start with the similarities. Regardless of whether you buy a Colorsoft or Paperwhite, you'll be getting a seven-inch, glare-free screen, IPX8 waterproofing, and an option of either 16 or 32GB of storage. All offer 300ppi resolution when used in black and white.
The big difference to know is that the Paperwhite models only display in black-and-white, whereas the Colorsoft Kindles can also display in color (at 150ppi, which is standard for a color ereader). This has a knock-on effect on battery life: Amazon says the Colorsoft models will last eight weeks on a single charge, whereas the Paperwhite can go up to 12 weeks. That's based on half an hour of reading per day, on a brightness level of 13, which is just below halfway.
It also has an effect on price — regardless of if you opt for a Signature or standard model, at list price the Paperwhite Kindles are cheaper than the Colorsoft models.
Kindle Paperwhite modelsThere are two main Paperwhite models: the regular Paperwhite and the Paperwhite Signature. The only difference is that the Signature has double the storage (32GB compared to 16GB for the standard model).
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Kindle Colorsoft modelsThere are three main Kindle Colorsoft options: the standard model, the Signature edition, and the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. The first two are basically the same, except the Signature packs twice as much storage (16GB compared to 32GB). The Scribe Colorsoft offers writing capabilities alongside color reading, and it's different enough that I've relegated it to the 'Other options' section of this article.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Amazon Kindle Colorsoft vs Paperwhite: which should I buy?The only real reason to choose a Colorsoft over a Paperwhite is for its color display potential. Aside from that, the specs are either the same or better on the Paperwhite, and Paperwhite models are cheaper, too.
So how good is the color? Our tester was extremely impressed. You can get the full low-down in the Display section of our Kindle Colorsoft review, but the short version is that panning and zooming is smooth and speedy, with no ghosts or artifacts popping up, and refresh is "nearly undetectable".
On the subject of picture quality, our tester had this to say: "The Kindle Colorsoft lights the color and black pixels evenly, and color pages look fantastic. They look like paper, as they should... Get an iPad if you want bright and saturated." You can get a taster of what to expect in the carousel of images below.
Philip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FutureFuture / Lance UlanoffYou can use color to highlight text in different hues, which could be useful to students, for example. However, the obvious market for a device like this is graphic novel fans. On this point, be aware that because the Kindle Colorsoft can't run third-party apps, you'll be limited to the titles available via Amazon's own ComiXology platform. This offers a decent selection of comic books, but is more limited than the likes of Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite.
Note that you can read graphic novels on a Paperwhite, but they'll just be in black and white. Just like on the Colorsoft, there's a Panel view feature that expands each individual frame on the page — see it in action on a Paperwhite below.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)If that has convinced you that color is something you'll want to make use of, buy a Colorsoft model. If not, pick up a Paperwhite and enjoy the cheaper cost and longer battery life.
Other Kindle optionsIf you're in the market for a black-and-white ereader, you also have the option of a standard Kindle, which has a smaller screen than the standard Paperwhite and Colorsoft ereaders, is cheaper and lighter in weight too. There are a few concessions you'll need to make, though: the battery life is on the shorter side, and it's not waterproof.
There's also the Kindle Scribe and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which you can use for writing as well as reading. Both have larger (11-inch) screens, and neither are waterproof. Note that if you go for a Scribe Colorsoft, you can't use the two parts in tandem — so you can't take notes on a color page — which weakens the proposition somewhat.
Amazon Kindle Amazon Kindle Scribe ProsEric Schmidt has enjoyed a long career in the technology industry, including a decade at the helm of Google. Since then, he's been heavily involved in the realm of defense – and has had a thing or two to say about the new reality of conflicts around the globe.
Modern warfareSchmidt was speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia about the rise of drone-based warfare, contrasting this with the historic prevalence of tanks and armored vehicles.
Quote of the dayThis article is part of TechRadar Pro's QOTD project to provide an insight into the minds of the brightest and most recognized figures in the technology industry today and in years gone by. Read the full series here.
The cost-to-damage ratio is incredibly favorable, as he urged the US and Western allies to transition away from legacy tech in favor of drones and other related technologies at the heart of a new kind of warfare.
His expertise in this realm comes primarily from his role advising the US government and military on technology, with the former Google CEO chairing the Defense Innovation Board from March 2016. This organization primarily connects the tech sector with the Pentagon.
Between 2019 and 2021, Schmidt also co-chaired the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which had a mission to make recommendations to the US president and Congress on the role of AI in the future of defense.
Look to the skiesSchmidt's comments came two-and-a-half years following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a war that's been defined by next-generation technologies including robotics and drones.
Ukraine has, for example, used AI drones to strike vital Russian supply lines, while in recent weeks, news emerged that Russia has also stepped up use of jet-powered drones that can hit speeds of up to 500 km/h against its adversary.
Drones are incredibly cheap compared with technologies used in the past – and they're also incredibly effective. We also see examples of the way drones have been used in the conflict between the US-Israeli forces and Iran.
While the heatwave is over for some, this past week's extreme weather has really highlighted that a good fan is worth its weight in gold. What do you get with so many options on the market, however?
Well, one of the best options this week has to be the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool for $689.99 (was $849.99) at the official Dyson Store. It's a pricey buy, yes, but this innovative fan seriously impressed us when we reviewed it last month, so it's an easy recommendation if you've got deep pockets.
Despite the price, this is no ordinary fan. The Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool combines an in-built HEPA filter with unique person tracking technology. Put simply, it's able to follow you around the room, while allergy sufferers will appreciate its ability to keep the air free of pollen, dust, or other allergens.
Today's price at Dyson is likely a record low, considering this fan has just come out. Although it's still a pricey buy for a fan (or any appliance, for that matter), this deal definitely makes this excellent fan a more compelling option overall.
Today's best Dyson Find+Follow dealThe Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool is a pricey buy, but a great deal at the official Dyson Store this week makes this the premium fan to get right now. Combining an in-built HEPA H13-grade and K-Carbon filter with an innovative tracking motion that follows you around the room, the Dyson Find+Follow is an impressive all-in-one solution if you want to stay cool this summer — especially if you suffer from allergies.View Deal
Is the Dyson Find+Follow worth it?(Image credit: Future)It really depends on your use case, but we were definitely impressed by the Dyson Find+Flow when we reviewed it. For us, the main selling points here are the whisper-quiet operation, excellent air filtering, and lovely premium design.
The air purification in particular is very effective, as it not only cleans the air of allergens and bacteria, but it can also filter smells due to the K-carbon filter. In operation, the Find+Follow is very unobtrusive, with a more natural breeze-like airflow rather than a harsh buffeting.
In terms of tracking, we found the Find+Follow to be relatively accurate and effective with clear sight lines. It's quite a neat trick, but it's also one that you can easily switch on and off remotely. When you're not in the room, the fan will also either revert to a dormant mode or a typical fan-like 360 operation, so it's an efficient setup indeed.
Ukrainian drone manufacturer Wild Hornets believes 3D printing could be the answer to modern warfare, helping companies like it to reduce costs and boost production.
DOU reports the company is now growing its 3D printing footprint using large numbers of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) desktop printers, like Bambu Lab and Elegoo devices, rather than using expensive industrial systems.
This allows the company to churn out plastic drone components at high volume, but it also improves the speed of manufacturing allowing the company to iterate design more quickly as enemy tactics evolve.
3D printing’s role in modern warfareRecent reporting on the company by industry experts at 3D Printing Industry, highlights how desktop 3D printers offer several advantages for quickly evolving digital and aerial warfare, like lower capital costs for manufacturing, quick prototyping support and easier scaling via new printers, rather than having to build new tools and moulds.
This comes as Ukraine continues to face enemy threats – the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) continues to report rising attacks from Russia as the country doubles down on Iranian Shahed-type drones.
In-house, affordable manufacturing also covers battery packs, flight controllers and other electronics and components, all helping to reduce costs and support Ukraine’s efforts. It also reduces reliance on third parties and external supply chains.
Since its inception, Wild Hornets has grown from a volunteer initiative into a manufacturer capable of producing around 100 drones per day – deepening its 3D printing strategy will only help.
Speaking about artificial intelligence, an anonymous spokesperson from Wild Hornets told DOU AI’s use in drone-based warfare is limited but is starting to expand, primarily spanning recognition and navigation. However, Wild Hornets estimates that adding AI functionality currently raises costs by $150 to $500 per drone, making it a costly consideration.
Drones are becoming much more than hardwareLooking ahead, Wild Hornets is seeing defense partner interest moving beyond the drone itself to the entire Hornet Vision package, which includes digital video transmission, remote control, AI and more.
The system itself was originally designed because Chinese digital control systems became unavailable amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, but with the company recently demonstrating successful remote operation of its Sting interceptor from 2,000km away, from a country outside of Ukraine, partners are increasingly interested in the full hardware and software package.
However, even while aerial, autonomous threats continue to rise, the company’s unnamed speaker told DOU that drone swarms don’t exist in the way they’re made out to exist, describing them as ‘a cool legend and a mechanism for a scam to get money from naive investors.’
The company promises to add drone swarm technology as and when it emerges and evolves, but for now it’s neither an option nor a realistic threat.
“We would like the war to end,” they added. “Then, instead of increasing production volumes, we would focus on technologies, R&D, design solutions and cooperation with foreign partners.”
Apple and Broadcom extended their chip partnership through 2031 as AI hardware demand raises pressure on suppliers, pricing, and device costs.
The post Apple Extends Broadcom Deal Through 2031: What It Means for AI appeared first on TechRepublic.
Google’s July Play services update improves Google One purchases, adds Wear OS work profile support, and expands Android developer tools.
The post Android’s July 2026 Google System Update: What Users Should Know appeared first on TechRepublic.