Feed aggregator

• Designed for APS-C (Super 35) mirrorless cameras
• Available for Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm X and L-mount systems
• It costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and will be on sale from July 10

I remember first casting my eyes on the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens. It was the go-to lens for creatives cutting their teeth in the filmmaking world, and it seemed to be on every low-budget set.

It was a cutting-edge lens, in that it offered a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture across its versatile wide-angle zoom range, and it was relatively cheap.

Despite it being designed for DSLR cameras, such was its appeal that many users adapted it for other systems, such as mirrorless. Put simply, there was no other lens like it.

So it's particularly exciting for me that Sigma has just reinvented the lens for mirrorless cameras, with the new 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art, complete with some tasty upgrades.

The new 17-40mm F1.8 costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and comes in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF and L-mount versions, with no word on a Nikon Z version yet. Sales are due to start on July 10, although the Canon version will come later in August.

The next go-to lens for aspiring filmmakers?

Sigma's 18-35mm was the world's first f/1.8 zoom lens when it launched in 2013. Its bright maximum aperture and zoom range versatility was key to its success – it could be the only lens you needed on set, plus it was a handy lens for stills, too.

That's not to say the 18-35mm was the perfect lens. It was heavy, plus its autofocus was a tad sluggish. Now, more than 12 years later, in steps the new 17-40mm F1.8 for mirrorless cameras with big upgrades across the board.

Firstly, the latest version is much lighter. In fact, at just 18.9oz / 535g, it's over 30% lighter than the 18-35mm.

It's also dust- and splash-resistant, and equipped with a customizable aperture ring offering both clicked or smooth adjustments.

(Image credit: Sigma)

Its complex lens construction comprises 17 elements in 11 groups, for what Sigma says is superior optical performance – that's a given for a mirrorless lens versus one designed for DSLRs.

You'll have already noted that the 17-40mm zoom range is wider and longer, too (it's a 25.5-60mm full-frame equivalent), making for an even more versatile optic.

In fact, the 17-40mm employs an inner zoom, meaning the length of the lens is unchanged as you change focal length. Focus breathing is suppressed too, which is also a boon for filmmakers, as is the 'High-response Linear Actuator' which supposedly delivers quiet, fast and precise autofocus.

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art sounds like a phenomenal zoom lens for APS-C (Super 35) cameras, and I expect it to make itself at home on low-budget film sets for many years to come.

You might also like

• I’ve tested all 4 of Sigma’s bargain f/1.4 primes for Canon cameras – here’s how to decide which one to buy
• I’ve shot hundreds of photos with the stunning Sigma BF – despite its flaws, it makes other cameras feel ordinary
• Sigma announces the world’s first f/1.8 full-frame zoom for mirrorless cameras – and it looks a treat for filmmakers

A former chess coach says a member of the Taliban vice squad told him: "Playing chess is forbidden. Buying a chess set is forbidden. Even watching it — is forbidden." Why was the game banned?

(Image credit: Darren McCollester)

• Windows 11’s June update is failing to install for some people
• It’s complicated because Microsoft released an initial update this month – which was paused – and then a revised patch that replaced it
• This revised patch is also causing unfortunate bugs according to some reports

Windows 11’s latest update is proving problematic for some folks who can’t even install it, and others are running into trouble with bugs in the patch – or the fact that it doesn’t resolve the issues that it’s supposed to.

We need to rewind a bit here for context, and remember that Microsoft got off to a bad start with Windows 11 24H2’s update for June. The initial patch (codenamed KB5060842) was paused after Microsoft discovered that it was clashing with an anti-cheat tool, meaning games using that system would crash.

To resolve this, Microsoft released a second update (patch KB5063060) that replaced the first patch in Windows Update, but as Windows Latest reports, people are running into installation failures with that upgrade.

Some users are encountering the usual nonsensical and unhelpful error messages (bearing meaningless error codes like ‘0x800f0922’), while others say that the revised update gets stuck downloading and never actually finishes.

This is based on complaints from Microsoft’s Feedback Hub, readers contacting Windows Latest directly, and posts on Reddit like this one, which describes a worrying boot loop (of three to four reboots) before the user got back into Windows 11 to discover the update installation hadn’t worked.

There are people also saying they’ve run into bugs with KB5063060. Those include reports of the taskbar freezing when the PC wakes up from sleep, and issues with external monitors going wrong and Bluetooth devices being forgotten (so you must rediscover them every time Windows 11 is restarted).

There are some more worrying reports of PCs ending up freezing full-stop, so they need to be rebooted. And there are a few complaints (again on Reddit) that even after installing this second patch – which is supposed to work fine with games that use Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) – some games are still problematic.

“I still get the same problem playing Star Citizen," wrote one gamer. "Game freezing randomly and the Windows event log viewer showing the EAC error.”

There are further reports of Fortnite and efootball25 (which used to be PES) still crashing, so it seems that not all the wrinkles have been ironed out.

Analysis: a disappointingly messy rollout for June

(Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes)

Installation failures are a long-running problem with Windows 11 (and Windows 10 for that matter). It’s therefore no surprise that, given the misfire with the initial update, more issues are now cropping up.

As Windows Latest points out, because there were two updates this time round, there may be issues with PCs that already grabbed KB5060842 and are now getting the second KB5063060 update, due to having a game with EAC installed that’s affected by the anti-cheat compatibility bug in the first one.

In such scenarios, it’s possible that Windows 11 trying to overwrite the first patch with the second is causing Windows Update to fall over. Those in this situation should be limited in numbers, though, as Microsoft pulled the first patch quite swiftly (so it didn’t get through to many PCs with games that use EAC, at least in theory anyway).

That’s just speculation, but whichever way you slice it, this has been a messy rollout of an update (well, a pair of updates technically).

What can you do if you’re stuck unable to install the revised June update? One approach is to download the update manually and install it directly, which you can do by grabbing the file from Microsoft's site (the x64 version, as the Arm-based one is for Snapdragon PCs).

That should install successfully, but I’d be rather wary of taking this approach if you’re not a reasonably confident computer user.

Alternatively, you can simply wait until Microsoft hopefully sorts out any issue(s) behind the scenes on its side, and the update might just succeed under its own steam later this week. There’s no guarantee of that, though, and you’re very much in a less-than-ideal situation.

Those who can install the revised update, but are still experiencing crashing with games (or elsewhere) can’t do much except wait and pray any issues are resolved. The only other possible route is to uninstall the patch, but that’s not recommended due to it leaving your PC without the latest round of security fixes provided with every cumulative update for Windows 11. (You also won’t get the newest features either, some of which are nifty additions).

You might also like...

• Windows 11's hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn't messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10
• macOS Tahoe 26 is official - here's everything you need to know about all the new features
• Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

• Windows 11’s June update is failing to install for some people
• It’s complicated because Microsoft released an initial update this month – which was paused – and then a revised patch that replaced it
• This revised patch is also causing unfortunate bugs according to some reports

Windows 11’s latest update is proving problematic for some folks who can’t even install it, and others are running into trouble with bugs in the patch – or the fact that it doesn’t resolve the issues that it’s supposed to.

We need to rewind a bit here for context, and remember that Microsoft got off to a bad start with Windows 11 24H2’s update for June. The initial patch (codenamed KB5060842) was paused after Microsoft discovered that it was clashing with an anti-cheat tool, meaning games using that system would crash.

To resolve this, Microsoft released a second update (patch KB5063060) that replaced the first patch in Windows Update, but as Windows Latest reports, people are running into installation failures with that upgrade.

Some users are encountering the usual nonsensical and unhelpful error messages (bearing meaningless error codes like ‘0x800f0922’), while others say that the revised update gets stuck downloading and never actually finishes.

This is based on complaints from Microsoft’s Feedback Hub, readers contacting Windows Latest directly, and posts on Reddit like this one, which describes a worrying boot loop (of three to four reboots) before the user got back into Windows 11 to discover the update installation hadn’t worked.

There are people also saying they’ve run into bugs with KB5063060. Those include reports of the taskbar freezing when the PC wakes up from sleep, and issues with external monitors going wrong and Bluetooth devices being forgotten (so you must rediscover them every time Windows 11 is restarted).

There are some more worrying reports of PCs ending up freezing full-stop, so they need to be rebooted. And there are a few complaints (again on Reddit) that even after installing this second patch – which is supposed to work fine with games that use Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) – some games are still problematic.

“I still get the same problem playing Star Citizen," wrote one gamer. "Game freezing randomly and the Windows event log viewer showing the EAC error.”

There are further reports of Fortnite and efootball25 (which used to be PES) still crashing, so it seems that not all the wrinkles have been ironed out.

Analysis: a disappointingly messy rollout for June

(Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes)

Installation failures are a long-running problem with Windows 11 (and Windows 10 for that matter). It’s therefore no surprise that, given the misfire with the initial update, more issues are now cropping up.

As Windows Latest points out, because there were two updates this time round, there may be issues with PCs that already grabbed KB5060842 and are now getting the second KB5063060 update, due to having a game with EAC installed that’s affected by the anti-cheat compatibility bug in the first one.

In such scenarios, it’s possible that Windows 11 trying to overwrite the first patch with the second is causing Windows Update to fall over. Those in this situation should be limited in numbers, though, as Microsoft pulled the first patch quite swiftly (so it didn’t get through to many PCs with games that use EAC, at least in theory anyway).

That’s just speculation, but whichever way you slice it, this has been a messy rollout of an update (well, a pair of updates technically).

What can you do if you’re stuck unable to install the revised June update? One approach is to download the update manually and install it directly, which you can do by grabbing the file from Microsoft's site (the x64 version, as the Arm-based one is for Snapdragon PCs).

That should install successfully, but I’d be rather wary of taking this approach if you’re not a reasonably confident computer user.

Alternatively, you can simply wait until Microsoft hopefully sorts out any issue(s) behind the scenes on its side, and the update might just succeed under its own steam later this week. There’s no guarantee of that, though, and you’re very much in a less-than-ideal situation.

Those who can install the revised update, but are still experiencing crashing with games (or elsewhere) can’t do much except wait and pray any issues are resolved. The only other possible route is to uninstall the patch, but that’s not recommended due to it leaving your PC without the latest round of security fixes provided with every cumulative update for Windows 11. (You also won’t get the newest features either, some of which are nifty additions).

You might also like...

• Windows 11's hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn't messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10
• macOS Tahoe 26 is official - here's everything you need to know about all the new features
• Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

• The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't include a warranty card to prevent scalpers
• Resellers in Japan are now required to have proof of purchase before they can resell their Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 owners in Japan need to send in their receipt along with their console to request a repair

In an attempt to combat scalpers in Japan, Nintendo has excluded a vital component from the Nintendo Switch 2 box, making it harder to resell the console.

As reported by IGN, owners of the latest Switch model in Japan have noticed that the console doesn't come with a physical warranty card, which is typically required for in-store hardware repairs.

Alternatively, owners are now required to have proof of purchase in the form of a receipt to get their Switch 2 repaired by Nintendo Japan’s official repair service, a change which has also made reselling the console much more difficult for scalpers.

For this reason, resellers on Japanese online retailers are being forced to include their receipts; however, it appears that Mercari Japan is now prohibiting receipts, a marketplace where people have been buying and reselling the console.

"I'm reselling the Switch 2 on Mercari, but recently, more and more people are listing it with receipts. You need a receipt for the warranty. Buyers want that too," said TeamSubRockman (X / Twitter translate).

"In conclusion, this is a clear violation of Mercari's terms and conditions. It's out of the grey area. Nintendo, you've set up so many traps, it's amazing."

With the original Switch, which did come with a warranty card in Japan, owners only have to send in a copy of the card to request a repair.

Now, with the new proof of purchase rule, Switch 2 owners in Japan are required to send in their receipt along with their console to be repaired, according to Nintendo Japan.

According to Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Warranty, in the EU, the Switch 2 warranty only covers the console for 24 months post-purchase and "does not cover the Product if it has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes."

Similarly, the Nintendo of America version of the warranty reads: "The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."

In addition, proof of purchase is required for repairs outside of Japan, according to the Nintendo UK Terms of Service, and if owners are unable to supply a receipt, "the Product will be considered to be outside of your Nintendo Warranty and a service fee will apply for any repair work undertaken."

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live: US stock is still absent, while Amazon and ebuyer in the UK have inventory right now
• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't include a warranty card to prevent scalpers
• Resellers in Japan are now required to have proof of purchase before they can resell their Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 owners in Japan need to send in their receipt along with their console to request a repair

In an attempt to combat scalpers in Japan, Nintendo has excluded a vital component from the Nintendo Switch 2 box, making it harder to resell the console.

As reported by IGN, owners of the latest Switch model in Japan have noticed that the console doesn't come with a physical warranty card, which is typically required for in-store hardware repairs.

Alternatively, owners are now required to have proof of purchase in the form of a receipt to get their Switch 2 repaired by Nintendo Japan’s official repair service, a change which has also made reselling the console much more difficult for scalpers.

For this reason, resellers on Japanese online retailers are being forced to include their receipts; however, it appears that Mercari Japan is now prohibiting receipts, a marketplace where people have been buying and reselling the console.

"I'm reselling the Switch 2 on Mercari, but recently, more and more people are listing it with receipts. You need a receipt for the warranty. Buyers want that too," said TeamSubRockman (X / Twitter translate).

"In conclusion, this is a clear violation of Mercari's terms and conditions. It's out of the grey area. Nintendo, you've set up so many traps, it's amazing."

With the original Switch, which did come with a warranty card in Japan, owners only have to send in a copy of the card to request a repair.

Now, with the new proof of purchase rule, Switch 2 owners in Japan are required to send in their receipt along with their console to be repaired, according to Nintendo Japan.

According to Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Warranty, in the EU, the Switch 2 warranty only covers the console for 24 months post-purchase and "does not cover the Product if it has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes."

Similarly, the Nintendo of America version of the warranty reads: "The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."

In addition, proof of purchase is required for repairs outside of Japan, according to the Nintendo UK Terms of Service, and if owners are unable to supply a receipt, "the Product will be considered to be outside of your Nintendo Warranty and a service fee will apply for any repair work undertaken."

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live: US stock is still absent, while Amazon and ebuyer in the UK have inventory right now
• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• Europol takes down Archetyp Market after five years of investigation
• One person was arrested, and "measures" taken against others
• Millions in different assets were seized

A massive international law enforcement operation has seen one of the longest-standing dark web marketplaces finally taken offline.

Europol said a large-scale operation saw it dismantle Archetyp Market, described as a “drug marketplace” that allowed, among other things, the sale of fentanyl, one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids out there.

Archetyp Market operated for more than five years, numbering more than 600,000 users, and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $280 million. By the time it was dismantled, it had more than 17,000 listings, Europol claims.

Farewell Archetyp Market

The infrastructure was found in the Netherlands, and was subsequently dismantled.

A 30-year-old German national was found in Barcelona, Spain, and arrested. “Measures” were taken against one alleged moderator, and six people described as “the marketplace’s highest vendors”.

The agency did not detail what these “measures” were, but added that it seized $9 million in assets.

“With this takedown, law enforcement has taken out one of the dark web’s longest-running drug markets, cutting off a major supply line for some of the world’s most dangerous substances,” commented Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

“By dismantling its infrastructure and arresting its key players, we are sending a clear message: there is no safe haven for those who profit from harm.”

Europol said the action was the result of “years of intensive investigative work”, during which detectives mapped out the platform’s technical architecture and identified the individuals behind it. They were following the money trail, and analyzed digital forensic evidence, allowing them to determine key players and important locations.

The operation was conducted between June 11 and 13 in five European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

Besides national police forces and Europol, other agencies were involved as well: Eurojust, and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice (USDOJ).

You might also like

• This wiper malware takes data destruction to a whole new level
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers

• Europol takes down Archetyp Market after five years of investigation
• One person was arrested, and "measures" taken against others
• Millions in different assets were seized

A massive international law enforcement operation has seen one of the longest-standing dark web marketplaces finally taken offline.

Europol said a large-scale operation saw it dismantle Archetyp Market, described as a “drug marketplace” that allowed, among other things, the sale of fentanyl, one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids out there.

Archetyp Market operated for more than five years, numbering more than 600,000 users, and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $280 million. By the time it was dismantled, it had more than 17,000 listings, Europol claims.

Farewell Archetyp Market

The infrastructure was found in the Netherlands, and was subsequently dismantled.

A 30-year-old German national was found in Barcelona, Spain, and arrested. “Measures” were taken against one alleged moderator, and six people described as “the marketplace’s highest vendors”.

The agency did not detail what these “measures” were, but added that it seized $9 million in assets.

“With this takedown, law enforcement has taken out one of the dark web’s longest-running drug markets, cutting off a major supply line for some of the world’s most dangerous substances,” commented Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

“By dismantling its infrastructure and arresting its key players, we are sending a clear message: there is no safe haven for those who profit from harm.”

Europol said the action was the result of “years of intensive investigative work”, during which detectives mapped out the platform’s technical architecture and identified the individuals behind it. They were following the money trail, and analyzed digital forensic evidence, allowing them to determine key players and important locations.

The operation was conducted between June 11 and 13 in five European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

Besides national police forces and Europol, other agencies were involved as well: Eurojust, and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice (USDOJ).

You might also like

• This wiper malware takes data destruction to a whole new level
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers

• The Pixel Camera app is in line for a redesign
• We're still waiting for the revamp to go live
• More Material 3 Expressive updates are coming

Android 16 is out now for Pixel phones (and coming soon for Galaxy phones), and while the Material 3 Expressive redesign we've been promised is lagging behind, it looks as though it's going to arrive for the Pixel Camera app in the not-too-distant future.

As spotted by Android Authority, the latest version of the Camera app for Pixel devices features a settings menu revamp that fits in with the Material 3 Expressive redesign – a redesign intended to add more feeling and appeal to the visuals of Android.

The interface changes haven't actually been enabled yet, but the Android Authority team has been able to get them working: we've got subtle changes to backgrounds and spacing that really show off the potential of Material 3 Expressive.

While the difference in the visuals isn't huge, little touches – such as the checks and crosses on the toggle switches – make a real difference to how easy on the eye and intuitive the camera settings page is.

A taste of what's to come

A before and after view of the Pixel Camera app settings (Image credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority)

It's frustrating that the Material 3 Expressive redesign is taking a while to roll out, but I'd rather Google took its time and got the new look right, rather than rushing it and leaving us with apps and interface elements that don't look their best.

While the settings page in the camera app might not be the most exciting screen you're ever going to come across, I'm really looking forward to the revamp: the look of Android has grown a little stale in recent years, especially on Pixel phones.

I'm a fan of simplicity and minimalism when it comes to interface design, but the Pixel version of Android could definitely use a bit more flair and emotion, without changing too much – and that's exactly what the Material 3 Expressive design is bringing here.

Of course, this is all happening while Apple beta tests its own Liquid Glass visual revamp for the iPhone and its other devices. That goes way beyond the changes in Android 16, with a host of tweaks inspired by glass and transparency.

You might also like

• Android 16 is adding extra security features to your phone
• 5 new features coming with Android 16
• Apple's Liquid Glass design puts the spotlight on skeuomorphism

• The Pixel Camera app is in line for a redesign
• We're still waiting for the revamp to go live
• More Material 3 Expressive updates are coming

Android 16 is out now for Pixel phones (and coming soon for Galaxy phones), and while the Material 3 Expressive redesign we've been promised is lagging behind, it looks as though it's going to arrive for the Pixel Camera app in the not-too-distant future.

As spotted by Android Authority, the latest version of the Camera app for Pixel devices features a settings menu revamp that fits in with the Material 3 Expressive redesign – a redesign intended to add more feeling and appeal to the visuals of Android.

The interface changes haven't actually been enabled yet, but the Android Authority team has been able to get them working: we've got subtle changes to backgrounds and spacing that really show off the potential of Material 3 Expressive.

While the difference in the visuals isn't huge, little touches – such as the checks and crosses on the toggle switches – make a real difference to how easy on the eye and intuitive the camera settings page is.

A taste of what's to come

A before and after view of the Pixel Camera app settings (Image credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority)

It's frustrating that the Material 3 Expressive redesign is taking a while to roll out, but I'd rather Google took its time and got the new look right, rather than rushing it and leaving us with apps and interface elements that don't look their best.

While the settings page in the camera app might not be the most exciting screen you're ever going to come across, I'm really looking forward to the revamp: the look of Android has grown a little stale in recent years, especially on Pixel phones.

I'm a fan of simplicity and minimalism when it comes to interface design, but the Pixel version of Android could definitely use a bit more flair and emotion, without changing too much – and that's exactly what the Material 3 Expressive design is bringing here.

Of course, this is all happening while Apple beta tests its own Liquid Glass visual revamp for the iPhone and its other devices. That goes way beyond the changes in Android 16, with a host of tweaks inspired by glass and transparency.

You might also like

• Android 16 is adding extra security features to your phone
• 5 new features coming with Android 16
• Apple's Liquid Glass design puts the spotlight on skeuomorphism

Tucson offers a plethora of broadband options. Be it speed or affordability, there's an internet service provider for every one.

• Spigen has just launched a retro-themed Apple Watch charger
• The device is inspired by the iMac G3 from 1998
• It joins Spigen’s other accessories themed on classic devices

In the annals of great Apple products, the iMac G3 is generally seen as one of the company’s best Macs. Not only was it incredibly innovative when it launched in 1998, but it helped usher in the second Steve Jobs era and almost single-handedly saved Apple from bankruptcy. Not a bad resumé, that.

These days, it’s not easy to get your hands on a working iMac G3, given it’s approaching 30 years old. But you can now get the next best thing, as accessory maker Spigen has just released an Apple Watch charger shaped like the famous iMac G3 – and it’s giving me all sorts of nostalgic vibes.

Dubbed the Apple Watch Classic C1 Charger Stand, Spigen’s device comprises an Apple Watch charger housing designed to look like a miniature mockup of an iMac G3 (unfortunately, you need to supply your own Apple Watch charging cable).

To power up your smartwatch, you simply place it on the puck – positioned over the iMac’s display – and it’ll start juicing up in StandBy mode.

Where do I sign?

(Image credit: Spigen)

But the real delight is the range of colors at your disposal. The iMac G3 was famous for the vibrant shades it offered up, marking a striking departure from the contemporaneous world of bland beige PC boxes.

Mirroring that, Spigen’s charger is available in Tangerine, Graphite, and Ruby tones, as well as the renowned Bondi Blue that helped establish the iMac’s signature look.

And like the G3, the colorful elements of Spigen’s charger are translucent, letting you see into its (mostly empty) guts. With the iMac, this was intended to demystify the internal workings of the device at a time when most people were wary of computers. Apple’s designers even went to a jellybean factory to learn how to create the appropriate effect.

The iMac-inspired charger is not the only retro-flavored gadget Spigen is making. The company has a whole line of C1 products that are inspired by classic Apple creations. You’ll find iPhone cases, MagSafe wallets, AirPods cases, and more. If you’re a fan of the aesthetic, it might be worth a look.

You might also like

• Ranked: the best iMacs ever, as the iconic all-in-one turns 25
• Best Apple Watch charging stands 2024: Dock and charge your smartwatch
• This new Apple Watch and USB-C charging cable looks like my ultimate travel accessory, but I’m less keen on the price

Keychron delivers yet another fantastic keyboard with the K4 HE, this time with a new gaming technology.

GameSir's Cyclone 2 has a lot going for it, but has one potentially fatal flaw.

Looking for internet in Las Vegas? Start here.

Medford offers lightning-fast multi-gig speeds, 5G internet and competitively priced plans; there's a little something for everyone.

Trump left the G7 summit early to focus on the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. And, the man suspected of killing a Minnesota state lawmaker faces federal murder charges.

(Image credit: Al Drago)

A new book raises the specter that corporate offshoring of manufacturing may have undermined America's lead in technological innovation and even its national security.

(Image credit: Paul Souders)

• OpenAI is moving its government AI models under a new umbrella
• OpenAI for Government will provide AI at the federal, state, and local level
• The AI developer has already signed a pioneering deal with the DoD

OpenAI is consolidating its US government AI tools, such as ChatGPT Gov, under a single umbrella - OpenAI for Government.

OpenAI, alongside the likes of Anthropic and Meta, has partnered multiple times with the US government to develop new AI tools specialised for government workloads.

The new initiative will provide federal, state, and local governments with access to OpenAI’s most secure and compliant models, models specialized for national security, insight into upcoming models and tools, and support.

More AI models for government

Kicking off the new project, OpenAI has signed a $200 million with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO).

The project will focus on improving administrative work such as service member healthcare access, to boosting cyber defenses and data acquisition.

“Across these efforts, we’re aiming to improve both the day-to-day experience of public service and to help government employees feel more empowered, more efficient, and more supported in their critical missions,” OpenAI said.

“We are already seeing how OpenAI can help public servants at the state level spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on high-impact work,” the announcement continued, with Open AI referencing the effectiveness of ChatGPT use for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which saved employees around 105 minutes per day.

OpenAI is also deploying AI models at Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Sandia National Labs to improve scientific research, innovation, and national security.

“We are just getting started, and we look forward to helping U.S. government leaders harness AI to better serve the public. We are committed to working in close partnership with agencies, advancing their missions with powerful tools that are safe, and secure,” the company added.

You might also like

• These are the best AI tools and best AI writers
• Take a look at our pick for the best business password managers
• More US government departments ban controversial AI model DeepSeek

• Microsoft report warns of "the infinite workday" creeping in
• Workers are coming online earlier and finishing later than ever before
• They're also being interrupted by an email or chat message every few minutes

New research from Microsoft has revealed many of us are struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance - and that an overload of tasks could be what's stopping us from achieving any kind of productivity.

The company's June 2025 Work Trend Index Special Report has warned of "the infinite workday" which it says is a "significant shift" in the hours we work, largely thanks to the influence of hybrid working locations - and, of course, AI.

The report, based on "trillions" of productivity signals such as emails, chat messages and meetings gathered across Microsoft 365, warns the modern workday no longer has a clear beginning or end - and has urged for greater AI tool adoption to help lessen this burden on everyday workers.

Working...6am til 8pm? What a way to make a living

"Our research, based on trillions of globally aggregated and anonymized Microsoft 365 productivity signals, reveals a challenging new roadblock: a seemingly infinite workday," Microsoft noted.

"AI offers a way out of the mire, especially if paired with a reimagined rhythm of work. Otherwise, we risk using AI to accelerate a broken system."

Microsoft said it found a major increase in users coming online by 6am, when 40% of users are apparently scanning through their inbox to prioritize tasks for the day.

By 8am, Microsoft Teams chat has overtaken email, with half of all meetings then taking place between 9–11am and 1–3pm - notably, the time when most of us are the most focused and productive throughout the day.

Tuesdays were found to be the busiest day for meetings, with 23% - whereas Fridays have just 16% of all meetings. Troublingly, Microsoft found meetings being held after 8pm are up 16% year over year, showing late finishes are also becoming worryingly normal.

(Image credit: Pexels.com)

Weekend email usage also saw a major increase, with nearly 20% of employees checking their email before noon on Saturday and Sunday - and over 5% are back working on emails on Sunday evenings.

The report found the average worker receives 117 emails and 153 Teams messages daily, meaning they are disrupted by an email, chat, or meeting every 2 minutes. Most employees were now also found to send or receive over 50 chats outside of their core business hours, risking their winding-down time.

"This points to a larger truth: the modern workday for many has no clear start or finish," Microsoft concluded. "As business demands grow more complex and expectations continue to rise, time once reserved for focus or recovery may now be spent catching up, prepping, and chasing clarity."

"The signals are clear: it’s time to break the cycle. The future of work won’t be defined by how much drudgery we automate, but by what we choose to fundamentally reimagine. AI can give us the leverage to redesign the rhythm of work, refocus our teams on new and differentiating work, and fix what has become a seemingly infinite workday. The question isn’t whether work will change. It’s whether we will."

You might also like

• We've rounded up the best online collaboration tools around
• These are the best time management tools 
• And here are the best task management tools on offer today