Feed aggregator

• PlayStation Direct is now offering PlayStation hardware rentals in the UK
• You can lease products like the PS5, PS5 Pro, and even PS Portal
• The Service is provided by Raylo

If you're keen to get your hands on some PlayStation hardware in the UK but can't stomach the upfront cost, then PS Direct might just have the service for you.

Sony's official storefront is now offering leases on a wide range of PlayStation hardware, giving you access to products for a monthly fee.

The seriously pricey PS5 Pro, for example, is available to lease for £26.99 a month if you select a 12 month term. Other options include a 24 month lease at £20.99 a month, or a 36 month lease at £18.95 a month. These are fixed term contracts, but there is also a monthly rolling option which costs £35.59 and can be cancelled at any time.

The PS5 Slim is up for grabs starting at £11.99 a month for a 36 month lease. That's a total cost of £431.64, a little below the console's £479.99 asking price. Just bear in mind that you won't own the system at the end of your term and will either have to return it, continue to pay a rental fee, or contact the company to discuss purchasing it outright.

It's not just consoles on offer either. The usually pricey PS Portal could be yours from £6.49 a month, while the expensive DualSense Edge starts at £7.49 a month. While I personally wouldn't want to rent a fully-fledged console, these premium accessories are much more tempting. I can imagine leasing the PS Portal for a few months to try it out before making a full purchase.

One last thing to note is that these rentals are provided by third-party tech rental service Raylo and will require a soft credit check for a successful application.

You might also like...

• Prep 107GB of space as Assassin's Creed Shadows preload and expected global release times are shared by Ubisoft
• FragPunk drops tomorrow for PC, but its console launch has been delayed at the last minute
• The Last of Us director Neil Druckmann speaks on the possibility of The Last of Us Part 3: 'I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more'

Commentary: It could show up on my device today and I wouldn't use it.

Crimes fall during daylight saving time. Why it happens and how it makes your home and property safer.

The release of OpenAI’s biggest model ever exposes the tension between building artificial general intelligence and making ChatGPT into a truly useful utility.

The Trump administration may end leases for some of NOAA's offices while the agency terminates several advisory committees at the important weather and climate agency.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

• The Pixel Camera is getting an update to version 9.8
• Kernel updates for older Pixels are also rolling out
• Extra options and performance upgrades are included

Google has been busy pushing out software updates for its Pixel phones and Pixel watches in recent days, and we've got a couple more updates to report on – including a low-level upgrade that should boost performance on older Pixel handsets.

First though, Google is updating the Pixel Camera app (via 9to5Google), with the latest version 9.8 now arriving on compatible devices – which is all Pixel-branded phones, as well as the Google Pixel Tablet.

Among the new features on offer, we've got the option to turn off the cute animation in astrophotography mode, and support for the raised hand gesture to control timers on the rear camera. Pixel Fold owners can now use Dual Screen Preview in video mode, while the Add Me feature can be used on the external display on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Every phone in the Google Pixel 9 series gets support for remote connected cameras – compatible models include recent GoPro models, as well as other Pixel handsets – which means you're able to use one device for taking the photo and videos, and another for controlling the capturing.

Kernel updates

Phones going back to the 2021 Pixel 6 are getting a kernel update (Image credit: Google)

The second update to talk about affects the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 ranges, plus the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet. As noted by Android Authority, these older devices are getting a kernel upgrade to Linux 6.1.

Every Android phone runs on top of Linux, and the kernel is the lowest level of software, effectively enabling everything else to run. While kernel updates aren't always significant, users are reporting improvements in performance and battery life.

This puts the older Pixel phones on Tensor G3 and newer processors to the same kernel version as the new Pixel 9 handsets that launched in the middle of last year. It's something Google actually promised more than a year ago, back in January 2024 – but the updates are only now reaching phones.

You shouldn't have to do anything to get these updates: they should appear on your Pixel device automatically, with a prompt when they're ready to install. If you want to run a manual check for updates, choose System > Software update from Settings.

You might also like

• Another Google Pixel 9a leak emerges
• These are the best Android phones right now
• Google Pixel 9 Add Me is a lot of fun

This blow-dry brush performs just as well as its pricey competitors, give or take a little frizz.

President Trump announced a one-month reprieve from import tariffs for automakers after he imposed them on Canada and Mexico. And, thousands of fired USDA workers return to work today.

• Second-gen Galaxy Buds FE are in "advanced" development
• Launching "Summer 2025", expected to cost $99 / £99 / AU$149
• Sony's next budget ANC buds could launch at the same time

This could be a good year for buyers looking for the best budget wireless earbuds: the next generation of Sony's budget ANC earbuds appears to be coming soon, and now a new report says Samsung is working on the second-gen Galaxy Buds FE.

We had mixed feelings about the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, giving them three out of five stars in our review, but they sound good and they offer great active noise cancellation. But of course there's always room for improvement, especially in the super-competitive world of earbuds: the Buds FE will be two years old this year and rivals haven't been sitting still.

What we know about the Galaxy Buds FE 2

The news comes via German site GalaxyClub (via NeoWin), which reports that Samsung's SM-R410 headphones, which are currently in advanced development, are the Buds FE 2.

The report speculates that the launch could be as soon as this summer (perhaps during the same even that we expect Samsung next folding phones), and that the price could be the same as the originals. T

heir launch price was $99 / £99 / AU$149, but within two months the going rate had already dropped to $70 / £75 / AU$135. Even with a post-launch price drop that would make the Buds FE 2 considerably more expensive than our current budget ANC pick, the EarFun Air Pro 3, but around the same price as the Nothing Ear (a), which are our favorite $100 model among the best earbuds.

The report doesn't give us any hints about possible improvements or details of any key features, so we're very much in the dark right now. But if Samsung is going to go into the ring with the likes of Sony it'll be going up against some significantly upgraded earbuds with better battery life, better Bluetooth and presumably better ANC too – we gave the Sony WF-C700N five stars, so we expect their successor to be equally impressive.

The Sony C710N are expected to cost around $100 / £100 (probably a little over at launch) and they too are expected to launch soon – some rumors suggest May 2025.

You might also like

• The best noise-cancelling headphones
• The best wireless earbuds including ANC options
• The best earbuds for every budget

Finance has always prided itself on innovating to problem-solve. From stock markets to electronic banking; spend management platforms to AI. One recent example is JPMorganChase deploying AI to analyze commercial loan agreements – reducing 360,000 hours of lawyer time to mere seconds, in the process.

However, when we look beyond finance corporations to finance teams and functions, this level of AI adoption and automation is far from the standard. Pleo research from last year even showed how only barely more than a quarter (27%) of decision makers were confident about AI’s role in finance. While a recent Gartner survey highlighted how almost a fifth (19%) of finance functions have no planned implementation of AI.

The danger for finance teams comes from an ever-widening chasm between those using AI tools and those who are not; one defined by increased productivity, prioritized work and unrivalled data insights. So, ahead of a year when AI capabilities are set to evolve even more, how can finance teams make up ground in the AI race?

What finance (and businesses) stand to lose by not embracing AI

AI may have evolved at a rapid rate, but the same cannot be said for the stereotypes holding back implementation. But while there are valid concerns around security, bias and ethics, these are all easily navigable. Further, right now is a pivotal moment in the economic, business and technology landscape and firms cannot afford to delay optimizing operations, productivity and efficiency in the digital economy.

This is about more than just increased operations, productivity and efficiency though. Those finance teams that don't embrace AI will miss out on the ability to treat their data as a product. Ten years ago, finance teams talked about data like it was the new oil; a priceless commodity that they can use to understand their customers and cash flow far better. But without AI they’re incapable of drilling down far enough or even knowing where to dig.

The biggest blockers standing in the way of AI innovation

To explore how finance teams can change their AI mindset, I unpack three of the biggest blockers to finance AI and offer practical advice on how to overcome them.

A growing skills gap

AI can be transformative for businesses but over a third (38%) of decision-makers don’t think that their CFO and finance team should have a comprehensive understanding of the technology. This is not only an outdated perspective but could potentially stop finance leaders from getting hands-on with the technology.

Today’s AI models are user-friendly, but training is still needed around best practice and safety. Plus, even those finance teams that are using AI today must continue to learn and experiment with the technology in a safe environment to ensure their innovation with it tomorrow.

For instance, prompt engineering is one area finance teams need to master so they can use AI to better analyze data, critique strategy and break down complex problems or topics for a non-finance audience. Clear instructions help and, just like talking to humans, the more specific you are, the better the output. But first they first need a solid understanding of how to use the technology in their role – something that won’t happen without the backing of the business leaders.

The assumption that AI isn’t safe

The problem with pooling multiple technologies under “AI” is that the good gets mixed up with the bad and horror stories related to shadow AI taint the effectiveness of enterprise-grade AI solutions. This is a particular issue for businesses, where maintaining trust and control with employees and customers alike is paramount. Caution is critical for finance, but it shouldn't unfairly hold back innovation.

Businesses should turn this caution or hesitation into an opportunity to build their own policies and determine how it’s used in-house and in relation to their customers. AI’s rapid evolution has been characterized by personalization, and it’s easier than ever for businesses to put guardrails in place and even build their own GPT models that keep customer data, and trust, safe. Plus, humans should rely on their own guardrails and check AI’s working as they would an eager new hire. For example, asking where the data has been sourced from and why it was used to formulate the answer.

The idea that AI has to be “perfect”

If companies are waiting for the “perfect” AI they’ll be waiting a long time. The technology is moving at pace, but AI shouldn’t be perfect. If you ask a GPT model the same question twice, not getting the same answer is a good thing. That’s because it is there to be our sparring partner to challenge how we think; not to stop us thinking altogether.

When planning how AI can change their business, finance leaders should return to why they are using it in the first place. Based on AI’s current capabilities, it should be being used to save time and money. This means taking the handbrake off their teams and automating manual admin tasks so that they can focus on more strategic work. It also means revolutionizing how they work with data and, as a result, how they prioritize customer centricity.

Gaining ground in the year ahead

Finance teams may have made a slow start in the AI race, but they are more than capable of catching up with the right strategy and, crucially, the right AI.

The time for cautious observation has passed and the next 12 months will likely determine which finance teams emerge as leaders in the AI-enabled future. Those who act now, with clear strategy and purpose, will find themselves not just participating in the AI race, but helping to define its course.

We list the best data recovery service.

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

• Chinese threat actor Silk Typhoon spotted targeting common IT apps
• Microsoft's Threat Intelligence has identified new tactics from the group
• Silk Typhoon was allegedly behind recent US Treasury hack

A new report from Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence has identified a move from Chinese threat actor Silk Typhoon towards targeting “common IT solutions” such as cloud applications and remote management tools in order to gain access to victim’s systems.

The group has been observed attacking a wide range of sectors, including IT services and infrastructure, remote monitoring and management (RMM) companies, healthcare, legal services, defense, government agencies, and many more.

By exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in edge devices and showcasing technical efficiency, the group has established itself as one of the Chinese threat actors with the “largest targeting footprints,” Microsoft says.

Successful operations

The report outlines a number of detected threats from Silk Typhoon, including using stolen API keys and credentials used for privilege access management, cloud providers, and cloud management firms - these allowed the group to access the downstream customer environments of the targeted company.

“Silk Typhoon has shown proficiency in understanding how cloud environments are deployed and configured, allowing them to successfully move laterally, maintain persistence, and exfiltrate data quickly within victim environments,” the report said.

“Since Microsoft Threat Intelligence began tracking this threat actor in 2020, Silk Typhoon has used a myriad of web shells that allow them to execute commands, maintain persistence, and exfiltrate data from victim environments.”

Silk Typhoon is said to be the group behind the US Treasury hack, a ‘major incident’ in which third party cybersecurity partner BeyondTrust, a remote access software provider was compromised, allowing the attackers access to key systems.

China has always strenuously denied any ties to the group, or to any cyberattackers, and has called on the US to stop spreading “disinformation” about the state’s alleged ties to the threat actors.

You might also like

• CISA says ‘no indication’ other US government agencies affected in Treasury hack
• Check out our recommendations for the best antivirus
• US set to pause cyber-offensive operations against Russia - but CISA says it won't stop

• TCA report claims eSIM shipments show a 35% year-on-year increase
• eSIM profile downloads surged by 56%
• Despite eSIM growth, traditional SIM cards remain stable at 3.7 billion units

New figures have claimed eSIM shipments hit 503 million units in 2024, marking a 35% year-on-year increase.

The report from TCA says the growing availability of eSIMs for international travel drove consumer adoption, leading to a 56% rise in eSIM profile downloads.

Regionally, North America saw the biggest consumer adoption of eSIMs due to operators pursuing 'digital-first' strategies and eSIM-only devices readily available in the market. Meanwhile, eSIMs for Asia saw a double uptake in profile downloads while Europe also experienced an increased demand.

eSIM market growth

The data also suggests an improved economic landscape in 2024 boosted demand for smartphones and mobile subscriptions, positively impacting eSIM growth.

“Our latest data offers the clearest demonstration yet of the extent to which eSIM technology is now being harnessed across the global digital economy, delivering flexible connectivity, advanced security and enhanced experiences, said Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the TCA Board.

The recommended 5G SIM/eSIM market also grew by 68% percent, with North America and Europe leading deployments. While there was an uptake in eSIM adoption in North America and Europe, the traditional SIM card market remains stable.

"As the eSIM ecosystem continues to expand to encompass an array of emerging use-cases, so too does the importance of industry-wide collaboration to ensure all deployments are underpinned by a strong foundation of trust, consistency and reliability," Moussel added.

You might also like

• Planning a trip to Europe? We've rounded up the best eSIMs for Europe
• More than half of UK consumers say they would use an eSIM - if they knew about it
• Take a look at our best eSIMs for Japan guide

AI is helping cybercriminals take advantage of tax filers. Here's how to protect your money and personal information.

The Notting Hill actor's bad guy era continues.

A startup called Marine Biologics is breaking down seaweed into its base components so they can be used for a range of consumer applications, from foodstuffs to cosmetics to bioplastics.

Do you experience chest pain when anxiety strikes? Relax; it's more common than you think, and there are ways to address it.

• Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann says "don't be on" a third The Last of Us game
• Druckmann doesn't know if there will be more, adding "This could be it"
• The Last of Us director has previously revealed he had a "concept" for a third game that there could be "one more chapter to this story"

The Last of Us Part 3 might never happen, according to Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann.

Speaking in a recent interview with Variety ahead of the premiere of HBO's The Last of Us Season 2, Druckmann was asked about the possibility of there ever being another installment in the beloved franchise.

"I was waiting for this question," Druckmann said, sighing. "I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of 'Last of Us.' This could be it."

The director's latest statement on the future of The Last of Us contradicts what he's previously said about the potential of there being "one more chapter to this story".

At the end of the Grounded 2: Making of The Last of Us Part 2 documentary, which was released last year, Druckmann spoke on the series finality, saying, "If we never get to do it again, this is a fine ending point. Last bite of the apple, the story's done."

However, he did mention that he has a "concept" that could be "as exciting" as both The Last of Us games.

"I've been just thinking about it, 'is there a concept there?' And for now years, I haven't been able to find that concept," he said at the time.

"But recently, that's changed, and I don't have a story, but I do have that concept that to me is as exciting as 1, as exciting as 2, is its own thing, and yet has this throughline for all three. So it does feel like there's probably one more chapter to this story."

Right now, Naughty Dog is working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the first single-player in a new franchise in development for PlayStation 5.

You might also like...

• Best PS5 games 2025 - top PlayStation 5 titles to play right now
• The Last of Us Online 'was great', says former PlayStation boss, but Naughty Dog canceled it because otherwise it wouldn't have been able to make Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
• Sony is now issuing PS Plus compensation following the recent PSN outage

With APYs wavering, now's the time to lock in a great rate and protect your earnings.

Looking to switch internet providers in Indiana? Our CNET experts have top recommendations for you.

The perfect mattress for side sleepers supports proper spinal alignment and relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips.