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This weekend features three top-10 matchups, the most ever for an opening weekend in college football history. And Arch Manning, the most hyped player of a generation, will start for the first time.

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This week, Taylor Swift debuted her engagement ring and the parasite world brought us something gross to worry about.

While much of the focus marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina is on New Orleans, where federal levees failed and flooded the city, the historic storm also decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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There’s a silent strain on security in today’s enterprises, and it’s coming from an unexpected source: the technology stack.

Technical debt is a $2.41 trillion problem in the United States. No wonder, then, that 87% of IT leaders rank tech debt reduction as a top five initiative for their organization, according to a new Enterprise Strategy Group survey. Respondents cited security concerns, escalating operating costs, and more.

How did organizations get this deep into application tech debt? What are the implications for security? And, most importantly: How can organizations begin to dig their way out?

A vicious cycle of short-term fixes

Tech debt is, at its core, the pain of applying yesterday's technology decisions to today's business needs.

Organizations frequently face trade-offs when it comes to technology. Most often, they find the best solutions for their complex problems, balancing network, security, and end-user priorities. Other times, they’re under pressure to move fast and constrained by limited resources, leading to quick fixes that complicate their tech stack.

This is how tech debt accrues, one well-intentioned decision at a time. As business demands intensify – whether due to growth, digital transformation, or external disruptions – IT and security teams make pragmatic choices and adopt point solutions to keep up.

But these bolt-on software purchases quietly snowball and mutate into an unmanageable web – eventually emerging loudly in the form of fractured IT infrastructure, inconsistent user experiences, ballooning operational costs, and unpredictable IT environments.

Not to mention, they make for a vastly increased attack surface. In this Swiss cheese effect of overlapping systems, the organization can spend more time patching holes and maintaining legacy scaffolding than innovating.

According to a Gartner survey of 162 large enterprises, conducted between August and October 2024, organizations use an average of 45 cybersecurity tools. It’s a vicious cycle of patch upon patch.

Time isn’t the only cost. Enterprise Strategy Group found that 47% of IT leaders point to escalating operational costs as a direct result of legacy infrastructure support. And 36% flagged increased security vulnerabilities as a growing concern tied to outdated systems.

Regardless of the justification for yesterday’s technology decisions, they all impact today’s enterprise systems—increasing complexity, maintenance burdens, and security vulnerabilities.

Tech debt has a SaaS problem

Most modern applications in use across the enterprise today are delivered in a SaaS model. For more than half of survey respondents, SaaS and legacy web-based applications represented a combined 61% of all application usage – the majority of those being classified as “business critical” apps.

In the enterprise, these critical apps require secure, modern access methods. However, to date, secure access has often come at the cost of convenience. Legacy access solutions like VDI and VPN weren’t designed with the SaaS-first enterprise in mind, creating friction for users, increasing overhead for IT teams, and offering limited visibility, control, or threat detection once users are inside the app.

Monitoring these apps requires bolted-on solutions, further increasing tech debt. Unsurprisingly, the number of respondents that indicated the desire to move off VDI solutions was a staggering 72%.

As SaaS adoption has accelerated, this mismatch between access architecture and application delivery has accelerated along with it—slowing agility, increasing risk, and complicating user experience across the board. Tech debt isn’t just a nuisance; it's an anchor dragging down enterprise security and efficiency.

Addressing tech debt at the point of access

As knowledge workers’ primary interface, the browser is central to accessing SaaS, internal apps, and digital workflows. Therefore, the most direct way to address the application tech debt challenge is to reimagine the browser itself.

Browsers like Chrome and Edge, while highly effective tools for consumers, were never designed for enterprise needs. It presents a huge security gap: 62% of sensitive corporate data is accessed via consumer browsers, and 35% of data leaks stem from those same browsers.

These browsers require a complex ecosystem of tools – data loss prevention (DLP), web gateways, remote browser isolation (RBI), endpoint agents, VPNs, and more – to try to secure browsing activity and protect sensitive data. Over time, these layers have compounded, contributing to tech debt in both security and application access by requiring ongoing management, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

Further complicating the tech debt challenge is the proliferation of AI tools. In these early days of AI adoption, end users and the enterprises in which they operate will undoubtedly choose multiple tools to address niche use cases without understanding the impact on data protection and user experience. And fresh competition will replace many of these tools almost as fast as they arise. Future technology decisions will need to address managing the sprawl of shadow AI and the new tech debt it creates.

The emergence of enterprise browsers

However, a new type of browser has emerged: enterprise browsers, which are designed exclusively for use in the workplace. Gartner recognized this new category of browsers in 2023. In April, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner, said, “SEBs embed enterprise security controls into the native web browsing experience using a customized browser or extension for existing browsers, instead of adding bolt-on controls at the endpoint or network layer.”

Enterprise browsers are redefining how organizations approach application access. An enterprise browser streamlines the tech stack needed to secure, manage, understand, and enable access to critical apps and data.

With growing regulatory scrutiny and the rising sophistication of threats like phishing, browser-based malware, and insider threats, organizations must rethink access with security at the forefront. Enterprise browsers provide visibility and control down to the session level, enabling proactive enforcement and rapid incident response.

These browsers have the power to reduce reliance on legacy tools like VDI, VPNs, DLP, proxies, and various endpoint agents—eliminating layer upon layer of tech debt and enabling secure, efficient, and scalable access.

Secure access without the debt

For too long, organizations have been trapped in a loop where old decisions constrain new possibilities. Years of layering legacy access tools, fragmented security controls, outdated application architectures, and siloed observability and authentication systems have created a complex web of technical debt—one that undermines performance, cybersecurity, and scalability at a time when seamless, secure, and cloud-optimized access is more critical than ever.

Finally, there’s an off-ramp from this loop. By reconsidering the browser, forward-thinking enterprises are not just reducing debt—they’re building resilience for the next generation of digital transformation.

We list the best IT management tools.

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

MSI Datamag: 30-second review

The MSI Datamag is a rare portable SSD that combines real-world speed with a genuinely useful design twist. The 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface keeps transfers moving fast and in testing the drive very comfortably met and exceeded its rated read and write speeds.

It’s quick to launch projects, back up big shoots and handle transfer tasks without fuss and is a notable step above 10Gbps rivals that top out under 1,000MB/s.

The standout feature is the magnetic mount. Snap it to an iPhone or any MagSafe-compatible case or use the included stick-on rings to park it on laptops, rigs or consoles. Cable management is easy thanks to the included short and long USB-C leads plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older gear.

The compact square shell uses aluminum as a heat spreader and the finned edges help the drive stay cool in sustained work. In extended stress runs I saw consistent throughput and no throttling.

Two quick caveats: you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for full speed and there’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a tough metal portable drive rather than a truly ruggedized model.

The MSI Datamag uses a metal shell and connects via USB-C, though includes an adapter to USB-A (Image credit: Future)

Price and availability vary by region but it generally compares well for the performance on offer – especially considering the five-year warranty that adds some extra peace of mind.

If you want a compact fast drive that mounts neatly on a phone or workstation without extra fuss, the Datamag is an easy pick for everyday use. You can pay more for flagship USB4 drives that are a shade quicker or spend less on 10Gbps options but few match the overall blend of speed, thermals and magnetic attachment convenience.

MSI Datamag: Pricing and availability

• How much does it cost? 2TB: $160 / £160 / AU$269
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia

The MSI Datamag 20Gbps isn’t always stocked at all retailers, so start with your local MSI website and its Where to Buy page or check your country’s authorized retail partners for current options.

It’s generally easier to find in Australia and the UK while US availability varies by capacity and retailer.

In the MagSafe-friendly portable SSD niche there are only a few direct rivals and among 20Gbps-class drives the Datamag is competitive, but some almost as fast models do undercut it on price.

• Value: 4 / 5

The MSI Datamag uses a tough aluminum shell (Image credit: Future)MSI Datamag: Specs

Model No.

S78-440Q870-P83

Controller

Phison PS2251-U18

Capacities

1TB / 2TB / 4TB

Capacity tested

2TB

Tested sequential performance (Read/Write)

1642 / 1514 MB/s

Connection

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) on USB-C

IP Rating

None

Dimensions

66 x 66 x 13 mm (W x H x D)

Weight

81g

Power source

USB-bus power

Warranty

5-year limited warranty

MSI Datamag: Design

• MagSafe compatible
• USB-C with USB-A adapter
• Aluminum heatsink

The Datamag looks and feels purpose-built rather than being just another generic plastic-wrapped portable SSD. MSI uses a compact square footprint with trimmed corners and a radial brushed top that keeps fingerprints in check and gives the logo a low-key finish.

The aluminum enclosure doubles as a heat spreader and the ribbed edge detailing is more than cosmetic, helping the drive shed heat during long writes. It’s a tidy pocketable shape that doesn’t snag cables in a bag and the single USB-C port sits flush so it’s easy to pack.

The headline design trick is the magnetic mounting system. On an iPhone or any MagSafe compatabile phone (and that now includes the Pixel 10 thanks to Pixelsnap) it snaps on securely and for non-magnetic surfaces MSI includes two stick-on metal rings in black and white. That makes the Datamag handy on varied rigs, claptops, consoles and other devices since you can park it exactly where you want it and keep the cable strain-free.

MSI also bundles both long and short USB-C cables plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can go access it on older devices, or just have a bit of versatility when you run out of ports. The lanyard loop in the corner is a small but smart touch for tethering for extra security.

At 66 x 66 x 13mm (2.60 x 2.60 x 0.51 inches) and 81g (0.179lb), the Datamag carries a reassuring heft without feeling bulky. The square puck format spreads weight across a phone well, so it stays put during handheld shooting and the rounded edges keep it comfortable against a palm.

There’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a solid metal portable rather than a true rugged drive. Overall the design is simple, durable and very practical.

Image 1 of 2

The MSI Datamag comes with two stick-on magnetic rings for attaching it to any surface. (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The MSI Datamag is MagSafe compatible so can be attached to device like iPhones (Image credit: Future)

• Design: 4 / 5

MSI Datamag: Performance

• Great performance
• No throttling

Rated sequential read

1600 MB/s

Rated sequential write

1500 MB/s

ATTO peak read

1660 MB/s

ATTO peak write

1860 MB/s

Sustained read in Windows

1642 MB/s

Sustained write in Windows

1514 MB/s

Thermal throttling in 30-minute read/write test

None

Aside from magnetic wizardry, performance is the Datamag’s calling card and the 20Gbps USB interface and Phison PS2251-U18 controller deliver impressive throughput.

In the ATTO benchmark I saw peaks of 1,660MB/s reads and 1,860MB/s writes, while sustained transfers in Windows managed 1,642MB/s read and 1,514MB/s write. That’s comfortably above the rated 1,600 / 1,500MB/s and well ahead of 10Gbps rivals like the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung T7 that top out near 1,000MB/s. In comparison, higher-tier 20Gbps options such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro can read a touch faster at around 1,900MB/s and of course USB4 drives are even faster.

The aluminum body with finned edges helped keep temps in check and I saw no throttling in a 30-minute mixed read and write run. For large media copies, camera offloads and scratch disk use the Datamag feels snappy and dependable under load.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

MSI Datamag: Final verdict

MSI’s Datamag is a portable SSD that feels ready for real-world workloads. It’s fast in everyday tasks, doesn’t slow down on long transfers and stays cool thanks to the metal shell.

The square pocketable design is easy to carry every day and the magnetic mount and included rings make it quick to attach to a phone or other equipment.

Pricing is decent for the class and the five-year warranty is a great bonus. If you want speed with a smart attachment system, the Datamag delivers dependable 20Gbps performance in a compact easy-to-mount package.

Should I buy the MSI Datamag?

Value

Well priced considering the features

4.5 / 5

Design

Sturdy metal build with magnetic attachment

4 / 5

Performance

Excellent read / write speeds with no throttling

4.5 / 5

Overall

A very unique and handy drive with performance to match

4.5 / 5

The MSI Datamag has chunky fins in the aluminum shell to aid cooling (Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You’ll use the magnetic mount
There are cheaper options if MagSafe compatibility isn’t a key need in your usage.

Your device has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
To get the full speed of the Datamag you need a modern device with a fast 20Gbps USB port.

Don't buy it if...

You need absolute top-end speeds
The MSI Datamag is fast but there are even quicker drives if you need bleeding-edge performance.

You want a soft-touch drive
The Datamag has a tough aluminum shell and can scratch other gear if left loose in the same bag.

Also consider

Corsair EX400U
A faster alternative from Corsair, the EX400U is an excellent choice for those wanting USB4 performance plus MagSafe compatibility.

Read our full Corsair EX400U review

Ugreen 40Gbps M.2 Enclosure
This flexible option means you can drop in your own M.2 NVMe drive (2230, 2242 or 2280) and convert it into a fast USB4 external drive.

Read our full Ugreen 40Gbps M.2 Enclosure review

For more options, we've tested out the fastest external SSDs you can get right now.

The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake reintroduces a landmark stealth game series in 4K glory, with all the shine and gleam that comes from a modern remake. Now we've had time to play the game, you can read TechRadar Gaming's Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review.

Over twenty years after the release of the original, the remake recreates a similar experience while boasting more modernized mechanics and visuals. Titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and also being referred to as just 'Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake', this is an exciting new way to play a stone cold classic

Now that the game is out, here’s everything you need to know about Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake - Cut to the chase 

• What is it? A remaster of the esteemed Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
• When did it come out? August 28, 2025
• What can I play it on? PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Who is making it? Konami

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake release date and platforms

(Image credit: Konami)

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake launched August 28, 2025. This was revealed during a State of Play event. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is out on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Unfortunately, the game isn’t going to receive any last-gen ports, so if you’re still rocking older hardware, it might be worth looking to upgrade your setup prior to release if the game is a must-play for you. With how highly praised the original game was, there's a strong chance that it could now fall among not only the best Xbox Series X games, but the best PS5 games too.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake trailers

(Image credit: Konami)

The latest Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater trailer gives an overview of the new online mode. It's called Fox Hunt, and pits players against each other in a deadly game of hide and seek:

A trailer for Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake dropped alongside the full release date:

Konami dropped a dazzling in-engine look at the game as part of the Xbox Showcase event that aired on June 9, 2024. In it, we see plenty of gameplay, including our first look at The Boss. Check it out below:

Before that, there was our first proper look at gameplay. This trailer not only gave us a splendid look at how the game runs and moves, but also showed us some updated shots of iconic parts and areas of the game, from the ruins where Snake finds Sokolov, to the mountaintop trenches, to the swamps with large reptile friends, the rope bridge that houses the climax of the Virtuous mission, and what looks like the location of the boss battle with The Pain. It really does look incredible and looks to be brilliantly brought to life in the Unreal Engine 5.

In these short clips, however, we also get a brief look at gameplay with Snake taking cover behind trees to investigate patrolling guards and also eyeing one up to shoot in first-person view. Check it out in all its 4K glory below.

Before the above video, we only had one Metal Gear Solid 3 remake trailer in the form of the announcement - and it doesn’t give any information away regarding in-game content. Instead, it takes us through an animated rendition of the jungle landscape players of the original Metal Gear Solid 3 may recognize.

After following a colony of ants, followed by a bird in flight, and then a large snake and crocodile, we get our first glimpse at Snake. The end of the trailer announces the name Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but we don’t receive anything about platforms or a release date.

What we can glean from the trailer though are a bunch of call-backs, nods, and 'easter eggs' which are great fun for existing fans to identify - even if we don't see any in-game action or mechanics. Some specifically good nods are being able to make out the silhouette of the Shagohod in the clouds at the beginning, the parrot almost certainly being The End's companion bird, and the poison dart frog giving a nod to The Fear.

Also, as well as the trailer, the official screenshots that have been released make for great viewing too: and importantly seem to indicate that environments and spaces won't be drastically changed, and will get the beautifying treatment while retaining their original layout, style, and features.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake story and setting

(Image credit: Konami)

The majority of the setting of Metal Gear Solid 3 is in a jungle in Russia, during the Cold War, which is echoed through the brief pan we receive in the announcement trailer.

The story has been confirmed to remain the same as the original game, so if you’ve already played the 2004 version, you’ll probably know what to expect. But, if you’re among the players who are yet to experience what Metal Gear Solid 3 has to offer, and you’d rather now wait for the remake rather than play the original, then the story is still worth brushing up on so you’ll be able to experience the high-stakes action without having to learn too much on the spot.

MGS3 serves as a prequel to the rest of the saga, and because of this, it lays out the origins of Big Boss, a major character within the series, and walks you through the infiltration of Soviet territory to prevent the construction of a weapon of mass destruction. It becomes your job as 'Naked Snake' to carry out missions (as part of the larger mission at hand) translated through radio messages, boss fights, stealthy espionage action, and to avoid blowing your cover to do what's right.

In addition to setting up the series, MGS3 is the first game (despite being a prequel) to stray from the traditional formula of Metal Gear Solid games in terms of its technology, relying more on using the wilderness to your advantage rather than leaning on and defending yourself against high tech. Even though you can use it to your advantage, the wilderness and its ferocious inhabitants are also ready to blow Snake’s cover, so you need to stay alert at all times.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake gameplay

(Image credit: Konami)

As mentioned above, the latest in-engine look at the Metal Gear 3 remake also showed off some glimpses of familiar gameplay. We see Snake taking aim in first-person view from long grass, carefully wading through marshes past reptilian beasts, taking cover behind trees and ruins, and also a clear look at the way Snake moves while crouched, walking, climbing, and leaning. We also see a short clip of Snake taking down a guard from behind - the motions are familiar but much more fluid and seamless when compared to the original.

Away from what we've seen in that trailer, however, and similarly to the story, we expect the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake gameplay to stick pretty closely to the source material. While the general premise of stealth and combat-heavy interactions is expected to continue, we do expect the newest iteration of the game to feel more polished in comparison to its 2004 counterpart.

That said, there could be several mechanics that have been fine-tuned or adapted to make the experience more streamlined and up-to-date. As confirmed in a Tweet posted on the official Metal Gear Solid page, MGS Delta: Snake Eater, is intended to be a ‘faithful recreation of the original story and game design, while evolving the gameplay with stunning visuals and a seamless user experience.’ Perhaps the game will get similar treatment to the Resident Evil remakes of recent years, with a full overhaul of the camera and mechanics to bring the game into the modern day.

The content of the original game was praised for being before its time, so we are keen to see how exactly these are adapted for a more beneficial user experience. Mechanics such as healing were pretty challenging throughout the original and included a lot of in-menu work, but whether or not this will be among the elements being evolved is currently unknown. If there's an aim to make this, in particular, more fluid, then this would be music to the ears of a lot of existing fans, as well as a new audience.

While there’s still a lot to uncover about how exactly the remake will build upon the foundations set by the original, we aren’t going in entirely blind. A new showcase diving into the game's mechanics reveals two ways to play. A legacy mode will allow players to keep classic controls, and a camera view that more closely resembles the original experience. The modern mode offers an over the shoulder third-person shooter feel, matching more modern shooters.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake news

(Image credit: Konami)

Multiplayer mode won't be crossplay
Konami has confirmed that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater's multiplayer mode, Fox Hunt, won't support cross-play between console and PC.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is getting a new online mode
Revealed during the Konami Press Start livestream on June 12, the publisher describes Fox Hunt as a "completely original online battle mode" that will play differently from 2008's Metal Gear Online.

Fox Hunt, which is being directed by series veteran Yu Sahara, takes place in the same world as the main game and will offer "hide and seek" mechanics, mixed with stealth and survival elements.

Konami provides new deep-dive into the latest trailer
Thanks to a new Metal Gear Production Hotline video, you can get some additional info, and a breakdown of the latest trailer. You'll see some details on the game's legacy mode, as well as some reveals on how the team has approached voice acting.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will feature all the original voices As confirmed in a Tweet, all the original voices from the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3 will be used in the remake. Rather than inviting voice actors back to re-record lines, the audio will be taken from the original game, which will feed into the honest recreation the remake promises to deliver.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater announced as part of Sony’s State of Play Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3, was announced as part of Sony’s State of Play on May 24, 2023. Although the trailer showcased no in-game content or information regarding the storyline or a release date, it has been confirmed a remake is in the works.

Metal Gear Solid 3 remake Hideo Kojima involvement

When the official announcement of the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake came, one of the major things that fans were wondering was whether or not Hideo Kojima himself would be involved. Even though the famous game creator is no longer at Konami and has his own game development studio, the intrigue was still strong as to whether he may consult with the remake or give advice in some capacity - it is one of his games after all, and one of the best he has made.

However, as IGN reported after speaking to Konami about the remake earlier this summer. IGN asked about whether Kojima or Yoji Shinkawa - another crucial cog in the Metal Gear Solid series - would be involved. A Konami spokesperson responded plainly by saying that: "They are not involved."

So there we have it, clear as day, Hideo Kojima is not involved with the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.

You Might Also Like...

• Has there been any news on a Metal Gear Solid 6?
• Upcoming PS5 exclusives
• Our picks for the best single player games to play in 2025

It's been a week of turmoil at the CDC, and now there's a new person tapped to be acting director of the agency.

Businesses are scrambling for ways to minimize the impact of the Trump administration's global tariff policy. NPR's Planet Money team explores tricks and legal loopholes companies are using.

While the Baltimore Orioles compete on the field, another battle takes place in the stands: the fight to be top vendor. StoryCorps brings a conversation with "Fancy Clancy," a vendor who's been selling beer at Baltimore Orioles games since 1974.

Imagine a digital version of yourself that moves faster than your fingers ever could - an AI-powered agent that knows your preferences, anticipates your needs, and acts on your behalf. This isn't just an assistant responding to prompts; it makes decisions. It scans options, compares prices, filters noise, and completes purchases in the digital world, all while you go about your day in the real world. This is the future so many AI companies are building toward: agentic AI.

Brands, platforms, and intermediaries will deploy their own AI tools and agents to prioritize products, target offers, and close deals, creating a new universe-sized digital ecosystem where machines talk to machines, and humans hover just outside the loop. Recent reports that OpenAI will integrate a checkout system into ChatGPT offer a glimpse into this future – purchases could soon be completed seamlessly within the platform with no need for consumers to visit a separate site.

AI agents becoming autonomous

As AI agents become more capable and autonomous, they will redefine how consumers discover products, make decisions and interact with brands daily.

This raises a critical question: when your AI agent is buying for you, who’s responsible for the decision? Who do we hold accountable when something goes wrong? And how do we ensure that human needs, preferences, and feedback from the real world still carry weight in the digital world?

Right now, the operations of most AI agents are opaque. They don’t disclose how a decision was made or whether commercial incentives were involved. If your agent never surfaces a certain product, you may never even know it was an option. If a decision is biased, flawed, or misleading, there’s often no clear path for recourse. Surveys already show that a lack of transparency is eroding trust; a YouGov survey found 54% of Americans don't trust AI to make unbiased decisions.

The issue of reliability

Another consideration is hallucination - an instance when AI systems produce incorrect or entirely fabricated information. In the context of AI-powered customer assistants, these hallucinations can have serious consequences. An agent might give a confidently incorrect answer, recommend a non-existent business, or suggest an option that is inappropriate or misleading.

If an AI assistant makes a critical mistake, such as booking a user into the wrong airport or misrepresenting key features of a product, that user's trust in the system is likely to collapse. Trust once broken is difficult to rebuild. Unfortunately, this risk is very real without ongoing monitoring and access to the latest data. As one analyst put it, the adage still holds: “garbage in, garbage out.” If an AI system is not properly maintained, regularly updated, and carefully guided, hallucinations and inaccuracies will inevitably creep in.

In higher-stakes applications, for example, financial services, healthcare, or travel, additional safeguards are often necessary. These could include human-in-the-loop verification steps, limitations on autonomous actions, or tiered levels of trust depending on task sensitivity. Ultimately, sustaining user trust in AI requires transparency. The system must prove itself to be reliable across repeated interactions. One high-profile or critical failure can set adoption back significantly and damage confidence not just in the tool, but in the brand behind it.

We've seen this before

We’ve seen this pattern before with algorithmic systems like search engines or social media feeds that drifted away from transparency in pursuit of efficiency. Now, we’re repeating that cycle, but the stakes are higher. We’re not just shaping what people see, we’re shaping what they do, what they buy, and what they trust.

There's another layer of complexity: AI systems are increasingly generating the very content that other agents rely on to make decisions. Reviews, summaries, product descriptions - all rewritten, condensed, or created by large language models trained on scraped data. How do we distinguish actual human sentiment from synthetic copycats? If your agent writes a review on your behalf, is that really your voice? Should it be weighted the same as the one you wrote yourself?

These aren’t edge cases; they're fast becoming the new digital reality bleeding into the real world. And they go to the heart of how trust is built and measured online. For years, verified human feedback has helped us understand what's credible. But when AI begins to intermediate that feedback, intentionally or not, the ground starts to shift.

Trust as infrastructure

In a world where agents speak for us, we have to look at trust as infrastructure, not just as a feature. It’s the foundation everything else relies on. The challenge is not just about preventing misinformation or bias, but about aligning AI systems with the messy, nuanced reality of human values and experiences.

Agentic AI, done right, can make ecommerce more efficient, more personalized, even more trustworthy. But that outcome isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the integrity of the data, the transparency of the system, and the willingness of developers, platforms, and regulators to hold these new intermediaries to a higher standard.

Rigorous testing

It’s important for companies to rigorously test their agents, validate outputs, and apply techniques like human feedback loops to reduce hallucinations and improve reliability over time, especially because most consumers won’t scrutinize every AI-generated response.

In many cases, users will take what the agent says at face value, particularly when the interaction feels seamless or authoritative. That makes it even more critical for businesses to anticipate potential errors and build safeguards into the system, ensuring trust is preserved not just by design, but by default.

Review platforms have a vital role to play in supporting this broader trust ecosystem. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that reviews reflect real customer sentiment and are clear, current and credible. Data like this has clear value for AI agents. When systems can draw from verified reviews or know which businesses have established reputations for transparency and responsiveness, they’re better equipped to deliver trustworthy outcomes to users.

In the end, the question isn’t just who we trust, but how we maintain that trust when decisions are increasingly automated. The answer lies in thoughtful design, relentless transparency, and a deep respect for the human experiences that power the algorithms. Because in a world where AI buys from AI, it’s still humans who are accountable.

We list the best IT Automation software.

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

As AI tools become part of everyday life, most people believe they would be better equipped to spot AI-generated scams, but new research reveals a worrying trend: as people get more familiar with AI, they’re more likely to fall for these scams.

New research finds that the generations most confident in detecting an AI-generated scam are the ones most likely to get duped: 30% of Gen Z have been successfully phished, compared to just 12% of Baby Boomers.

Ironically, the same research found that fear of AI-generated scams decreased by 18% year-over-year, with only 61% of people now expressing worry that someone would use AI to defraud them. During the same period, the number of people who admitted to being successfully duped by these scams increased by 62% overall.

A Proliferation of Scams

Traditional scam attempts rely on mass, generic messages hoping to catch a few victims. Someone receives a message from the “lottery” claiming that a recipient won a prize, or a fake business offering someone employment. In exchange for providing their bank account details, the messages would promise money in return. Of course, that was never true, and instead the victim lost money.

With AI, scammers are now getting more personalized and specific. A phishing email may no longer be riddled with grammatical errors or sent from an obviously spoofed account. AI also gives scammers more tools at their disposal.

For example, voice cloning allows scammers to replicate the voice of a friend or family member with just a three second audio clip. In fact, we’re starting to see more people swindled out of money because they believe a message from a family member is asking for ransom, when it’s actually from a scammer.

The Trust Breakdown

This trend harms both businesses and consumers. If a scammer were to gain access to a customer’s account information, they could drain an account of loyalty points or make purchases using a stolen payment method. The consumer would need to go through the hassle of reporting the fraud, while the business would ultimately need to refund those purchases (which can lead to significant losses).

There’s also a long-term impact to this trend: AI-generated scams erode trust in brands and platforms. Imagine a customer receiving an email claiming to be from Amazon or Coinbase support, an unauthorized user was trying to gain access to their account, and that the user should call support immediately to fix the issue. Without obvious red flags, they may not question its legitimacy until it’s too late.

A customer who falls for a convincing deepfake scam doesn't just suffer a financial loss; their confidence in the brand is forever tarnished. They either become hyper-cautious or opt to take their business elsewhere, leading to further revenue loss and damaged reputations.

The reality is that everyone pays the price when scams become more convincing, and if companies fail to take steps to establish trust, they wind up in a vicious cycle.

What's Fueling the Confidence Gap?

To address this confidence gap, it’s important to understand why the divide exists in the first place. Digital natives have spent years developing an intuitive sense for spotting "obvious" scams — the poorly written emails or suspicious pop-ups offering a free iPod. This exposure creates a dangerous blind spot: when AI-generated scams perfectly mimic legitimate communication, that same intuition fails.

Consider how the brain processes a typical workday. You're juggling emails, Slack messages, and phone calls, relying on split-second pattern recognition to separate signal from noise. A message from "your bank" looks right, feels familiar, and arrives at a plausible time.

The problem compounds when scammers use AI to perfectly replicate not just logos and language, but entire communication ecosystems. They're not just copying Amazon's email template; they're replicating the timing, context, and behavioral patterns that make legitimate messages feel authentic. When a deepfake voice call sounds exactly like a colleague asking for a quick favor, a pattern-matching brain tends to confirm that interaction as normal.

This explains why the most digitally fluent users are paradoxically the most vulnerable. They've trained themselves to navigate digital environments quickly and confidently. But AI-powered scams exploit that very confidence.

What Tech Leaders Should Do Now

For companies, addressing this overconfidence problem requires a multi-pronged approach:

Inform customers without fear-mongering: Help users understand that AI-powered scams are convincing precisely because they're designed to deceive the most confident, tech-savvy people. The goal isn't to make people stop using AI, rather to help them maintain appropriate skepticism.

Educate them on deepfake scams: Focus on identifying the key signs of a legitimate versus fraudulent message (sent from an unknown number, a message with false urgency, a suspicious link or PDF attached). Show current examples of deepfakes and AI-generated phishing, rather than just talking about traditional fraud awareness.

Keep communication channels transparent: Establish clear, verified communication channels and educate customers about how your company will and won't contact them. The good news is that many providers, including Google, Apple, and WhatsApp currently or will soon offer branded caller ID services.

This means companies can establish a business profile with these apps, adding another layer of verification. That way, when a verified business contacts a customer, their message will clearly show the brand name and a verified badge. Similarly, most brands now authenticate their outbound email to conform with the DMARC delivery standard and qualify for a branded trust mark to show up next to the subject line.

Invest in knowledge sharing: If one company is dealing with an influx of scam attempts, other companies are likely facing similar problems. Scammers often collaborate to share tactics and vulnerabilities; companies should do the same.

Many companies fight fraud by using technologies that incorporate insight-sharing “consortiums”—business networks where fraud patterns are shared across companies. By being open about current challenges, companies can better understand the risks and implement the proper safeguards to keep their customers safe.

The Strategic Advantage of Getting This Right

The businesses that will thrive in this environment are those that maintain identity trust—that is, the ability to recognize a user or interaction within a digital environment—while effectively combating increasingly sophisticated threats. Fraud prevention is no longer just about protection from losses, it’s a critical part of the customer experience. That’s because when customers feel safe, they shop confidently.

By tackling users’ AI blindspots while maintaining trust, companies gain a competitive edge. While the AI revolution has introduced incredibly capable tools, it’s also created unexpected vulnerabilities. Addressing this challenge requires more than just different tools. It demands a fundamental rethinking of how we maintain trust when seeing is no longer enough to believe.

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about technologies of our time. It dominates headlines, fuels boardroom ambition, and drives product roadmaps across every industry. From generative AI chatbots to multi-modal systems and autonomous agents, the sheer velocity of advancement is staggering. But while the pace of innovation is accelerating, it has also created a growing disconnect: everyone wants AI, but far fewer know what to actually do with it.

This gap between excitement and effective execution is fast becoming a defining challenge of the AI era. The technology is racing ahead, but organizational readiness is lagging. Many businesses know they need to act but are unclear on how to deploy AI in ways that are safe, strategic, and genuinely transformative.

To bridge this gap, education is critical. And we don’t just mean educating developers and data scientists, senior leadership needs a foundational understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. They must grasp where it can create value, what it takes to scale safely, and how to prepare the wider organization for what’s to come. Without this knowledge, AI risks becoming another overhyped tool that fails to deliver meaningful returns.

Where AI is already delivering value

Despite these challenges, AI is already making a tangible impact in focused, high-value areas. These use cases might not generate the loudest headlines, but they offer a glimpse of what’s possible when strategy and execution are aligned.

In customer service, AI is proving to be a powerful support tool. For example, it can generate real-time summaries and recommendations for call center agents, improving both the accuracy and speed of responses. AI-driven sentiment analysis is helping agents better understand customer mood and intent, leading to more empathetic and efficient interactions and a better overall customer experience.

Even more promising is the rise of agentic AI. This technology goes beyond supporting decisions; it can make them. It allows AI systems to reason, troubleshoot, and take action with minimal human input. In practical terms, that means handling common customer queries end-to-end, freeing up human agents for more complex cases.

AI is also boosting operational efficiency. It automates repetitive tasks such as document management, form filling, and data extraction. In sectors like insurance or healthcare, where case management involves large volumes of structured and unstructured data, AI can drastically cut processing times while improving consistency.

These use cases may seem behind the scenes, but they matter. They represent practical, measurable improvements to core operations. They reduce costs, enhance experiences, and give staff more time to focus on higher-value work. That’s real value, not just buzz.

The roadblocks to real impact

But let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. For every success story, there are countless stalled pilots and unrealized ambitions. So, what’s holding businesses back?

First, data sensitivity is a major hurdle, especially in regulated industries like finance and healthcare. Questions about where data is stored, how it’s processed, and who can access it are under constant scrutiny. Compliance isn’t optional, and many AI deployments struggle to meet evolving privacy standards.

Security is another growing concern. As generative models become more sophisticated, so do the risks. Prompt injections, model poisoning, and adversarial attacks are no longer hypothetical, they’re real-world threats that demand serious governance.

Technical limitations also play a role. Hallucinations, where AI generates plausible sounding but incorrect outputs, remain a significant risk. In high-stakes settings like legal advice or medical triage, these errors can be costly or even dangerous. Many models still exhibit cultural or linguistic biases embedded in their training data; this erodes trust and limits wider adoption.

Then there’s the infrastructure challenge, training and running large models is resource intensive, requiring robust compute power, strong data governance, and an architecture capable of scaling. For many organizations, especially smaller ones, the investment can feel out of reach.

All of this contributes to a reality where AI is often deployed in silos or as experiments, rather than integrated at scale. Without a broader strategy and framework, these efforts struggle to drive sustained business value.

Why platform thinking matters

Against this backdrop, we’re seeing the emergence of platform-based approaches as a more sustainable model. Rather than building every AI capability from scratch, organizations are turning to purpose-built platforms that are secure, scalable, and designed with sector-specific needs in mind.

These platforms provide a structured environment where AI can be developed, tested, and deployed safely. They offer features like built-in compliance controls, explainability tools, and integration with existing systems. Crucially, they shift the conversation from isolated tools to integrated ecosystems.

That shift matters, it gives teams more confidence to innovate and leaders more visibility into where AI is making an impact. It also helps balance the tension between innovation and governance, a line that’s becoming increasingly important to walk.

What comes next: Less hype, more strategy

As AI maturity grows and attention shifts to even more advanced ideas, like artificial general intelligence and fully autonomous agents, businesses must keep their feet on the ground.

The winners won’t be those who rush the fastest, but those who build the most solid foundations.

That means adopting AI not as a silver bullet, but as a strategic asset. The focus should be about embedding AI into core workflows, upskilling teams, and designing governance models that support responsible use. It’s about building explainable, auditable systems. It’s about connecting AI initiatives to clear business goals and measuring what matters.

To do this well, organizations must invest in cultural readiness as much as technical capability. That includes fostering cross-functional collaboration, engaging stakeholders early, and creating a shared language around AI value. It means setting the right expectations and learning from early missteps. This may not always be flashy, but it’s what drives real progress.

The promise of AI is enormous. But the path to that promise runs through thoughtful, grounded, and strategic implementation. The businesses that get this right will be those that stop chasing the hype and start building what works.

Everyone wants AI. But only those who know what to do with it will unlock its full potential.

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

The ruling marks the latest setback for prosecutors in a case that shocked the country when videos were released showing officers violently kicking and punching Nichols during a traffic stop.

(Image credit: Adrian Sainz)

Hurricane Katrina resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths, according to revised statistics from the National Hurricane Center, and remains the costliest storm in U.S. history at around $200 billion in today's dollars.

(Image credit: Smiley N. Pool)

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel: Two-minute review

The Acer Nitro V 15 Intel is yet another gaming laptop from the esteemed brand that promises high-end performance for a relatively modest outlay.

It has a fairly muted design for the most part, although the variegated lines and Nitro symbol on the lid hint at its potential. It’s quite bulky and reasonably heavy, but still manages to be more portable than some of its rivals. This is also helped by the omission of a rear ventilation bulge common on many gaming laptops.

It’s not as well built as the best gaming laptops, though. It employs less-than premium materials in places, and the flex of the chassis doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. In the main, though, it’s perfectly acceptable, and the important aspects, such as the keys and the lid hinge, are of a higher standard.

Most of the usual ports are present and correct on the Nitro V 15 Intel, although they’re loaded on the left-hand side; all you get on the right is the headset jack and one USB-A port. I would’ve liked to have seen a few more here for versatility’s sake, but this is a minor gripe.

The performance of the Nitro V 15 Intel isn’t exactly off the charts, but it’s more than sufficient for solid 1080p gaming. You’ll get around 60fps or above with high – if not the highest – settings in many AAA titles.

(Image credit: Future)

The display impressed me with its vibrant color rendering colors and deep black tones. Reflections can get in the way somewhat, but its maximum brightness level is just about enough to mitigate the worst of them. It’s a small shame, however, that the lid doesn’t open all that wide.

There’s also a fair amount of fan noise, even when gaming with modest settings, although it’s still within tolerable bounds for the most part. Plenty of heat is also generated, which can be a little disruptive as it makes its way to the space bar and radiates from the right vent. It can also climb up to the display, which is less than ideal.

With its relatively low starting price, the Nitro V 15 Intel makes for a tempting proposition. However, there are some other great budget picks at this end of the market, including its bigger sibling, the Nitro 16. And if you don’t need the latest tech, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is another admirable 1080p performer. But the Nitro V 15 Intel can stand proud alongside these as another reasonably priced gaming laptop worth the money.

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Price & Availability

• Starts from $899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370)
• Available now
• Budget end of the market

The Nitro V 15 Intel starts from $899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370) and is available now. It can be configured with an RTX 5050 or 5060, an Intel Core i5 or i7 of the 13th generation, and 512GB or 1TB of storage.

This is a good value for a gaming laptop with an RTX 5000 series GPU. It does face some stern competition at this price point, however – chiefly from its larger counterpart, the Nitro 16, which we think is the best budget gaming laptop around right now, and has the advantage of having a larger display (albeit only slightly).

If you don’t need the absolute latest components, then the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is another strong alternative with a reasonable price. It does have a few flaws, such as a poor trackpad and middling battery life, but there are worse areas to have made sacrifices.

• Value: 4 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: SpecsAcer Nitro V 15 Intel Specs

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Base Config

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Review Config

Price

$899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370)

$1,199.99 / £999.99 (about AU$1830)

CPU

Intel Core i5-13420H (8 cores) 2.10GHz

Intel Core i7-13620H (10 cores) 2.40GHz

GPU

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB

RAM

16GB DDR4 SDRAM

16GB DDR4 SDRAM

Storage

512GB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD

1TB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD

Display

15.6-inch Active Matrix TFT LCD (1920 x 1080), 16:9, IPS, 165Hz

15.6-inch Active Matrix TFT LCD (1920 x 1080), 16:9, IPS, 165Hz

Ports and Connectivity

3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3,5mm Audio, WI

3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3,5mm Audio, WI

Battery

76Wh

76Wh

Dimensions

14.3 x 9.4 x 0.9in / 362 x 240 x 24mm

14.3 x 9.4 x 0.9in / 362 x 240 x 24mm

Weight

4.65lbs / 2.11kg

4.65lbs / 2.11kg

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Minimal design
• Reasonably thick and heavy
• Well-made keyboard

The Nitro V 15 Intel adopts a fairly minimal aesthetic for a gaming laptop. About the only indication of its leanings is the multicolored linear pattern on the lid, which adds a small amount of interest to its appearance.

It’s a somewhat bulky, blocky unit and it weighs a considerable amount, although there are certainly thicker and heavier examples in this class. It also lacks the rear bulge for cooling purposes common on many gaming laptops, which improves its portability.

The materials employed throughout the unit don’t strike me as being among the most premium, feeling a little cheap compared to those of the competition. There’s also some flex to the enclosure for the keyboard and trackpad, but thankfully not to a disconcerting extent.

Thankfully, the lid hinge seems built to a higher standard, opening with ease and offering sufficient stability. It doesn’t open very wide, though, since the bottom of the lid hits the underlying surface if you take it even slightly past 90 degrees.

The keys are also a highlight in terms of build quality. They’re smooth to the touch and comfortably proportioned, as well as being generously spaced apart. And despite the inclusion of a number pad, the overall layout doesn’t feel cramped.

One strange omission, though, is the lack of an FN lock shortcut. Instead, you have to toggle this setting in the BIOS, which is very inconvenient – especially given there are no dedicated media control keys (they’re bound to the F row).

There are four rubber feet underneath the Nitro V 15 Intel that provide adequate grip and support, and raise the chassis from the surface by a small amount – but perhaps not enough for optimal airflow.

You’ll find most ports on the left-hand side of the Nitro V 15 Intel. The power port is furthest, followed by the ethernet and HDMI ports, and then two USB-A ports and one USB-C.

On the right there’s only a USB-A port and the headset jack. I would’ve preferred a better balance between the two sides – perhaps more USB-A ports on the right for connecting various peripherals, but this is a small gripe.

The power brick that comes with the Nitro V 15 Intel is pleasingly small, while the cable that runs from it to the laptop is relatively long, which makes it better suited to a wider variety of setups.

• Design: 3.5 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Runs AAA titles at very high settings
• Maximum settings not attainable
• Vivid and bright display

With the RTX 5060 equipped in my review unit, the Nitro V 15 Intel performed quite well, if not blisteringly so. When I played Cyberpunk 2077 on the Ray Tracing: Low preset (which the game chose by default), I was getting somewhere in the region of 60-70fps. I’m sure many gamers are happy to play at these rates (myself included), but those looking for figures in the hundreds will be disappointed.

The display does a commendable job of rendering colors vibrantly and providing plenty of contrast, with blacks being particularly impressive. It’s also devoid of the washed-out tones that can plague other LCD displays. It can be overly reflective at times, but thankfully there’s enough brightness to combat the worst offenders.

A fair amount of fan noise accompanied most of my playing time with the Nitro V 15 Intel, but this was nothing a good pair of headphones or the best PC gaming headsets couldn’t mask. As expected, heat was also generated, which can make its way to the keyboard, even after a short time playing. I found it particularly concentrated around the space bar, which can exceed temperatures I find totally comfortable handling.

(Image credit: Future)

Also, since there’s no protrusion behind the lid, vents are placed in front of the display. And since the display housing reaches all the way down, level with the bottom of the chassis, the expelled hot air radiates onto the display, which isn’t exactly the best place for it.

As for the keys, their lack of dampening and surprising resistance can make them somewhat uncomfortable to game with, as I would sometimes experience fatigue when using the WASD keys for long periods. However, their clicky feel and short actuation point makes them snappy and responsive, which in turn makes them ideal for typing as well as gaming (their aforementioned size and spacing also help in this regard).

The trackpad, however, frequently got in my way while typing, registering swipes accidentally even when I made marginal contact with the palm of my thumb.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

• Middling longevity
• Quick to charge

The Nitro V 15 Intel has a reasonable, if not spectacular, battery life. It managed to last six and a half hours during our movie playback test, and one hour and 37 minutes in the PCMark battery test for gaming scenarios, neither of which are class-leading scores.

Having said that, there are certainly gaming laptops with worse batteries, and thankfully the Nitro V 15 Intel is very quick to charge, taking about an hour and twenty minutes to totally replenish.

• Battery Life: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel?Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

It’s well-priced for an RTX 5000 series laptop, and it hasn’t skimped on the important aspects of a gaming laptop.

4 / 5

Design

It might not have the most premium construction, but it suffices, and quality is high in the areas that matter most.

3.5 / 5

Performance

You’ll get decent 1080p gaming at high settings, but maximum ones are beyond it. There’s a fair amount of heat generated, too.

4 / 5

Battery Life

Nothing special, but not the worst either. At least it’s quick to charge.

3.5 / 5

Total

The Nitro V 15 Intel does well in the most important areas considering its low price tag, and it can hold its own against other budget offerings in the gaming laptop space.

4 / 5

Buy the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel if...

You want solid 1080p gaming
AAA titles run smoothly on the Nitro V 15 Intel, and you won’t have to dip that far below maximum settings. The display is also impressive.

You want to save money
The Nitro V 15 Intel is very well-priced considering its spec and performance, and the compromises made are sensible – for the most part.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best battery life
The 76Wh battery can’t endure to the extent of some of its rivals, so those without a power outlet nearby might be disappointed.

You want the best gaming keyboard
Although the keys are great for typing, their short travel yet surprising resistance can make gaming a little fatiguing.

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Also Consider

Acer Nitro 16
Our pick for the best gaming laptop for those on a budget, the bigger sibling to the Nitro V 15 Intel is an equally enticing proposition. It’s similarly capable and features the same 165Hz refresh rate, but you do have to sacrifice some portability for that larger screen.

Read our full Acer Nitro 16 review.

MSI Katana 15 (2023)
If you’re willing to go for an older model, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is a fine choice. Again, the 1080p performance here is admirable, and its low cost makes it the ideal gateway model. Of course, you won’t get top-tier performance, and it’s hardly the most portable of units, but these are drawbacks to expect given the price.

Read our full MSI Katana 15 (2023) review.

How I tested the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming, work, and browsing
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Nitro V 15 Intel for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played AAA titles and ran our series of benchmarks that test gaming and productivity performance, storage speeds, and battery life.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have experienced various machines and components during that time. I’ve also reviewed a number of laptops previously, including other Acer and gaming-oriented models.

• First reviewed: August 2025
• Read more about how we test

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025): Two-minute review

The Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) is a mid-range laptop with AI capabilities that aim to streamline advanced tasks without compromising processing power.

It looks smart and sleek with its minimal design. The blue colorway of my review unit also added an element of vibrancy to proceedings, offering something a little different from the usual black and silver finishes.

It’s also very light and thin, which makes it easy to use and carry around. The bezel around the screen is very small, too, which helps to maximize the size of the display.

The materials feel premium enough, especially the keys, but it’s not the sturdiest unit. There’s a considerable amount of flex to the lid and chassis, falling some way short of the best laptop constructions.

As you’d expect given its name, there are various AI features in the Aspire 14 AI (2025). However, there aren’t as many as you might think, with the flagship app appearing to be Acer LiveArt – a disappointingly basic image editing suite.

The AI apps run fairly smoothly in the main, though, and the Aspire 14 AI (2025) performs everyday tasks quite well, from productivity and browsing to streaming. However, it can succumb to the occasional slowdown and lag, and doesn’t handle 4K content particularly well. More strenuous tasks, such as gaming, are beyond it, as you might expect given the middling GPU it’s saddled with.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s more, there’s a pretty consistent fan noise, even during moderate workloads, which increases the harder the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is pushed. I also noticed a strange rattling sound at times, which was slightly concerning.

The display is more impressive, providing plenty of sharpness and brightness. Colors are rendered quite well, too, although they’re not the most vivid, with some of its rivals achieving greater saturation.

The keyboard is mostly pleasant to use, thanks in no small part to the sizable and generously spaced keys. The trackpad is smooth enough, but taps and clicks lack consistency and feedback.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is the battery life. It lasted 22 hours in our movie playback test, which trounces most of the competition, even at the top end of the market.

Ultimately, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) ends up being a somewhat underwhelming laptop considering its price tag. You might be better off paying a little more to have a laptop with a better design and overall performance.

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Price & Availability

• Starts from £699 / AU$1,399
• Currently unavailable in the US
• Well-price for the spec

The Aspire 14 AI (2025) starts from £699 / AU$1,399 and is available now in various finishes. It can be configured with 512GB or 1TB of storage. Currently, the only model available in the US is the larger Aspire 16 AI.

On the face of it, this is a reasonable price for a laptop with this spec. But it does face some stern competitors who, despite being a bit more expensive, might represent better value, all things considered.

Take the Microsoft Surface Laptop: this starts at $899.99 / £1,039 / AU$1,498, and while it has a similar everyday performance to the Aspire 14 AI (2025) and a marginally shorter – but still impressive – battery life, it’s built to a higher standard and more enjoyable to use in our view.

Similarly, there’s also the Dell Inspiron 14. Again, this is more expensive than the Aspire 14 AI (2025), but its everyday performance is better – although it still can’t handle the most intensive workloads, like video editing and AAA gaming. It too has an impressive battery life, although it’s still not quite as enduring as that of the Aspire 14 AI (2025).

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: SpecsAcer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Specs

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Base Config

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Max Config

Price

$TBA / £699 / AU$1,399

$TBA / £749 (about AU$1570)

CPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 (8 cores), 3GHz

Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 (8 cores), 3GHz

GPU

Qualcomm Adreno GPU (shared memory)

Qualcomm Adreno GPU (shared memory)

RAM

16GB LPDDR5X

16GB LPDDR5X

Storage

512GB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 (M.2)

1TB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 (M.2)

Display

14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Active Matrix TFT LCD, IPS, 120Hz

14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Active Matrix TFT LCD, IPS, 120Hz

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x headset jack, 1x microSD, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x headset jack, 1x microSD, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Battery

65Wh

65Wh

Dimensions

0.6 x 12.3 x 8.9in / 15.9 x 312 x 225.9mm

0.6 x 12.3 x 8.9in / 15.9 x 312 x 225.9mm

Weight

2.7lbs / 1.24kg

2.7lbs / 1.24kg

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Very thin and light
• Flimsy build quality
• Poor AI features

The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is very portable, even for a 14-inch laptop, thanks to its light and slender frame, free from any bulges or protrusions. This also adds to its sleek appearance. The dark blue colorway of my review unit suited it very well, and helped distinguish it from the monochromatic homogeneity of the sector.

The lid is easy to open, yet offers sufficient stability. Pleasingly, it also reclines all the way back by 180 degrees, making it versatile for various stands and setups.

Instead of four feet, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) features two long bars running across its width, with the rear one being taller than the front. They don’t provide as much grip as more traditional rubber feet, but they suffice for keeping the Aspire 14 AI (2025) stable while in use. What’s more, some may find this lack of traction preferable, as it makes the laptop easier to slide around on a given surface.

Build quality is good in places, such as the keyboard, with the plastics looking and feeling premium. I also appreciated the very thin bezel around the screen, which serves to maximize the full real estate.

However, there’s a considerable amount of flex to the chassis and the lid, which is somewhat disconcerting. It’s probably not one to take on more extreme adventures – it’s certainly no match for the best rugged laptop units in this regard – but it should suffice for basic travel.

(Image credit: Future)

As for software, the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is mercifully free from bloatware – although that statement largely depends on how you feel about AI features. Thankfully, those that are installed are unintrusive and only there if you need them.

The included AI features of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) are mainly confined to image and video editing, courtesy of Acer LiveSense. This app has some very basic image editing and webcam effects to play around with, but to call this an AI feature is a stretch. Its generative features boil down to buttons that open Microsoft's Copilot app instead.

If you want more AI offerings from Acer than those preinstalled, you’ll have to download Acer Intelligence Space, which acts as a hub for its suite of AI apps. However, I couldn’t get this to install on my unit, with the app failing to appear once the installer had finished running.

As a side note, if you’re looking to install third-party apps, keep in mind that the Aspire 14 AI (2025) uses an ARM processor, so you may run into compatibility issues. Check with the software provider where you can to determine suitability for the architecture.

There’s a well-judged selection of ports on the Aspire 14 AI (2025). It features two USB-C ports, both of which employ the Thunderbolt 4 standard. These are both located on the left-hand side, in front of the HDMI 2.1 port and USB-A port, which may prove inconvenient for certain setups, since you’ll need to connect the power adapter to one of them.

On the right you’ll find a USB-A port, followed by a headset jack and a microSD slot. It’s a shame there isn’t at least one more port on this side, but this is a minor complaint.

• Design: 3.5 / 5

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Reasonable workaday performance
• AI apps eat memory
• Noisy even under moderate loads

The performance of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is good, if nothing spectacular. It can handle most everyday tasks, including word processing, spreadsheet editing, and video streaming, although 4K content can result in significant pauses for buffering. There were also a few occasions where it was a little sluggish, such as when waking from sleep.

The AI apps and features run well enough, although they do tend to eat up a considerable amount of memory, despite the 16GB of RAM on board. Models with more would be preferable to deal with such workloads on a regular basis.

Even under moderate loads, the fans of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) are audible. The noise isn’t too loud or shrill, but it’s still noticeable and unexpected. The volume does increase with heavier tasking, though – but at least the unit remains cool throughout.

I also noticed a strange rattling sound at times, as if some part was loose and vibrating. Pressing the offending area fixed the issue temporarily, but this speaks further to the less-than-stellar build quality of the Aspire 14 AI (2025).

(Image credit: Future)

Intensive tasks are beyond the Aspire 14 AI (2025). It doesn’t handle gaming very well, even when playing moderately demanding titles with modest settings. I encountered severe stuttering and lag when playing Counter-Strike 2 on the Medium preset, rendering it virtually unplayable; this certainly isn’t a device to replace the best gaming laptops.

The 1920 x 1200 display is sharp and renders colors quite well, although it’s not the most vibrant you’ll ever see. It has high levels of brightness, too, which helps to keep reflections at bay.

The keys are large and generously spaced, which makes them easy to type with. They lack the feedback and satisfying feel of the best laptops for writers, and the omission of a number pad might deter those after maximum productivity, but for basic note taking and essay writing, the keyboard should suffice.

The trackpad manages to stay out of the way while typing for the most part, with it refraining from registering palm contact. It’s smooth and pleasingly large, but the taps are a little inconsistent, and the click feels quite nasty and lacks feedback, making it awkward to use for constant navigation around documents and web pages.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

• Incredible longevity
• Beats all the competition

The battery life of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is very impressive. During our movie playback test, it managed to last an incredible 22 hours – a few hours shy of Acer’s 28-hour claim, but this is forgivable given there are very few rivals that can match this kind of endurance.

It trounces even more premium laptops, such as the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) (the best student laptop in our view), which only managed a little over 14 hours. The Microsoft Surface Laptop managed just over 17 hours, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus lasted over 18 hours.

• Battery Life: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025)?Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

It’s at the lower end of the mid-range pack, but there are perhaps better value alternatives.

3.5 / 5

Design

It’s light and slender, but hardly the most solid. The included AI software is poor.

3.5 / 5

Performance

It’ll suffice for everyday tasks and productivity, but more serious workloads are beyond it. The display is bright and clear.

3.5 / 5

Battery Life

You’ll struggle to find many laptops that can last as long as the Aspire 14 AI (2025).

5 / 5

Total

The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is somewhat inconsistent, with great portability and battery life, but middling performance and build quality. There are better options if you’re prepared to pay a bit more.

3.5 / 5

Buy the Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) if...

You want the best battery life
The battery life of the Aspire 14 AI (2025) is truly phenomenal – no other laptop can beat it.

You want something easy to use
The light and thin chassis makes this easy to carry around, and the 180-degree folding display makes it versatile, too.

Don't buy it if...

You want the strongest build
The Aspire 14 AI (2025) is far from the sturdiest laptop out there, so best kept out of intrepid situations.

You want the best performance
For everyday tasks you should be fine, but it can’t handle demanding workloads. It can get noisy, too.

Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025) review: Also Consider

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch
As the best Windows 11 laptop in our eyes, the Surface Laptop is a great all-rounder. It’s better made than the Aspire 14 AI (2025), and although its battery life is shorter, it’s still top-tier. The starting price is higher, but you get a laptop that equates to better all-round value.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch review.

Dell 14 Plus
If you’re looking for another affordable yet capable laptop, the 14 Plus fits the bill very well. This has a more impressive performance, and yet again has a battery that’ll last all day and then some.

Read our full Dell 14 Plus review.

How I tested the Acer Aspire 14 AI (2025)

• Tested for a few days
• Used for various tasks
• Plenty of laptop reviewing experience

I tested the Aspire 14 AI (2025) for a few days, using it for productivity, entertainment, and general browsing.

I did plenty of typing and content streaming, and even tested its gaming credentials. I also ran our series of benchmarks to assess various aspects of its performance, and made sure to use as many of its in-built AI apps and features as I could.

I have reviewed many laptops before, ranging in their price points and usage types. I’ve also used them consistently for decades for all manner of tasks.

• First reviewed: August 2025
• Read more about how we test

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025): Two-minute review

The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is a gaming laptop that promises top-tier performance at an affordable price. It doesn’t exactly convey its power visually, looking rather muted compared to others in this class. However, it does exude a fair amount of elegance, which belies its budget price tag.

It’s surprisingly thin and free from bulk, although it’s still quite heavy. The lid hinges are pleasingly small, and the bezel around the screen is very minimal – in fact you’ll struggle to find a more slender frame on even the best gaming laptop models.

Build quality is also respectable, although the keyboard doesn’t look the most premium. Thankfully, the keys themselves feel great, offering sufficient dampening, travel, and feedback, which makes them a joy to use when gaming.

And, on that front, the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) acquits itself very well. The RTX 5050 in my unit performed remarkably well, achieving very high frame rates with demanding graphics settings selected, although Cyberpunk 2077 labored considerably on the highest preset, with disruptive stutters, lag, and visual glitches. But dropping the settings down slightly improved the experience greatly, while maintaining plenty of visual fidelity.

(Image credit: Future)

More bothersome, however, was the noise the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) generated, which is distractingly loud and pretty much rules out playing without headphones. At least the unit stays relatively cool for the most part, with any heat steering clear from any touchable surface.

The large 16-inch, 1920 x 1200 display of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is certainly good enough to represent AAA games faithfully, but it’s not the best in class, guilty of looking a little washed out at times. It also lacks the high brightness levels of its rivals, and is a little too reflective.

As mentioned, the keys feel great to use when gaming, but the cramped layout – owing to the inclusion of a number pad – can make typing awkward, at least for someone as ham-fisted as me.

This isn’t too big a gripe, though, and if you’re willing to put up with the incessant noise and can settle for gaming at close-to maximum settings, the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is a respectable performer that won’t break the bank – at least not to the extent other gaming laptops will.

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Price & Availability

• $1,449.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,499
• Available now
• Well-priced for the spec

The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) starts from $1,449.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,499 and is available now. In the US, we couldn't find a model equipped with an RTX 5050; the base model here appears to start with a 5060 instead.

This is a decent price for a 16-inch laptop with an RTX 5000 series GPU. There are few compromises, too, with the 1920 x 1200 resolution being the main concession. But the overall design and build quality of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) aren’t what you’d call cheap.

However, the Acer Nitro 16 AMD is cheaper by a significant amount. This has a less impressive spec, though: the base Nitro 16 AMD gets an RTX 4050 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, and only 512GB of storage. It’s also quite bulky and doesn’t exactly look premium. We were very pleased with its 1080p performance, though, and we also liked its keyboard.

• Value: 4 / 5

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Specs

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) Base Config

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) Maximum Config

Price

$1,449.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,499

$1,699.99 / £1,699.99

CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 260 Processor 3.8GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.1 GHz, 8 cores, 16 Threads)

AMD Ryzen 9 270 Processor 4.0GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 Threads)

GPU

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050, 8GB

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 8GB

RAM

8GB DDR5

32GB DDR5

Storage

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Display

16-inch, FHD+ 16:10 (1920 x 1200, WUXGA), 165Hz, IPS, Anti-glare display, G-Sync

16-inch, FHD+ 16:10 (1920 x 1200, WUXGA), 165Hz, IPS, Anti-glare display, G-Sync

Ports and Connectivity

1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB-A (1x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2x USB-C (1x USB 3.2 Gen2 and 1x USB 4), 1x RJ45, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB-A (1x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2x USB-C (1x USB 3.2 Gen2 and 1x USB 4), 1x RJ45, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Battery

90WHrs

90WHrs

Dimensions

13.94 x 10.59 x 0.70 inches (354 x 269 x 17.9mm)

13.94 x 10.59 x 0.70 inches (354 x 269 x 17.9mm)

Weight

4.85lbs (2.20kg)

4.85lbs (2.20kg)

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Surprisingly thin
• Very thin screen bezel
• Good-feeling keyboard

To my personal delight, ASUS hasn’t done much to gamify the appearance of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025). It has a minimal aesthetic and the whole unit looks surprisingly elegant for a gaming machine.

It isn’t saddled with the typical gaming laptop bulk, either. The chassis is pleasingly thin and the rear protrusion is comparatively small. While it's still quite weighty, again it’s not as heavy as some of its rivals.

The lid hinges look rather smart, and are easy to operate yet provide plenty of stability, while the bezel around the display is very small, allowing almost all of the allotted space to be used.

There are a few missteps in the design, though: the corners of the base are a little too sharp, and the keyboard looks a little cheap. A number pad is also included, which unfortunately makes the whole layout a little more cramped than it otherwise would be. Still, I did appreciate the translucent WASD keys, which distinguishes them from the others.

Underneath the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) are four rubber feet and plastic strips that raise the unit from the surface by a fair amount, which helps to improve airflow.

You’ll find the usual selection of ports on the TUF Gaming A16 (2025), with most of them located on the left side. They’re sensibly ordered, too; I particularly appreciated the headset jack being at the front and the power port at the back.

Along with an ethernet port and an HDMI port, you’ll also find two USB-C ports on the left – one is 3.2 Gen 2 and the other 4, but both support external display connections. On the right are two USB-A ports, which are again logically located, since it makes them amenable to connecting peripherals such as mice.

• Design: 4 / 5

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Impressive AAA performance
• Quite loud
• Display not the most vibrant

I was impressed by the overall performance of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025). When I played Cyberpunk 2077 on the Ray Tracing: Low preset – which the game selected by default – I was getting roughly between 175-200fps, depending on the in-game environment.

Turning the preset to Ray Tracing: Ultra naturally resulted in a decrease, but I was still in the respectable region of 115-150fps. Ray Tracing: Overdrive caused a further dip, down to 70-100fps, but with the added bane of significant stuttering and input lag, as well as some strange visual artefacts and pop-in effects. Suffice to say this isn’t a setting I can recommend playing on.

Nonetheless, the above demonstrates a laudable effort on the part of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025). However, the price is paid in noise – a loud one. Under load it’s a veritable cacophony, as the fans whir away with considerable force. Needless to say this can be quite disruptive, requiring one of the best PC gaming headsets with strong noise cancellation to drown it out.

At least the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) stays relatively cool. Any heat generated is confined to reasonable temperatures, and concentrated mainly at the very back of the unit – although this can spread to the underside, so if you are using the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) on your lap, your legs might get a little toasty. Mercifully, though, the heat doesn’t encroach on the keyboard or the sides of the chassis, so there’s no chance of scorching your fingers.

The 1920 x 1200 display on my unit provided sufficient sharpness, even at 16 inches, and proved to be very bit as smooth and responsive as you’d expect from its 165Hz refresh rate. Colors appear vibrant enough, but they can look a little washed out at times. What’s more, the maximum brightness level isn’t that high, and reflections can rear their ugly heads under certain lighting conditions.

(Image credit: Future)

The keys are tactile and well damped, and have more travel and resistance than those on your typical laptop, which makes them easy and satisfying to use when gaming. I also appreciated the prominent nub on the W key, making it easy to locate.

While the keys also feel good to type on, the aforementioned cramped layout can hamper the A16's productivity credentials. I never fully got used to it, and what’s more the large trackpad does encroach on your hand placement, so you need to take care in not pressing down too hard.

The trackpad is smooth and makes for effortless swipes and gestures, but it can be inconsistent in registering taps, sometimes requiring a harder hit than normal. This might be a moot point for many gamers, though, since they’ll likely be pairing the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) with one of the best gaming mice.

Typical of many Asus products, there are a few annoying pop-ups from Armory Crate, as well as some bizarre notifications from Nvidia about display mode changes, which usually appear when booting up a game; for some unknown reason the system frequently thought two displays were connected.

Thankfully, this didn’t seem to affect performance in any way, and Windows at least makes it easy to change projection settings with the Win+P shortcut. Aside from these niggles, the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) provides a pretty seamless experience overall, as you might expect given the power on tap.

• Performance: 4 / 5

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

The battery life of the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is pretty impressive. It managed to last two hours and ten minutes in the PCMark gaming battery test, which is close to the time achieved by the Acer Nitro 16 AMD.

In our movie playback test, where we ran a short film on a continuous loop, it lasted an impressive 12 hours and 18 minutes. What’s more, the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is also quick to charge, taking just under two hours to fully replenish.

• Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should I buy the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025)?ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is priced very competitively considering the spec. The relatively low resolution is about the only sacrifice.

4 / 5

Design

It’s surprisingly thin and elegant for a gaming laptop, and it also appears built to a high standard

4 / 5

Performance

The TUF Gaming A16 (2025) delivers high frame rates in AAA titles with demanding settings, although it won’t handle max presets all that well, and the noise is bothersome.

4 / 5

Battery Life

It performed well in our series of battery benchmarks, and it's fast to charge, too.

4 / 5

Total

The TUF Gaming A16 (2025) seems to have achieved its aim of delivering high performance at a relatively low price point, which makes it a tempting proposition for those on a budget – if they can put up with the noise.

4 / 5

Buy the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) if...

You want a sleek design
For a large powerhouse, the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) does remarkably well to keep the bulk to a minimum, and the build quality seems reasonably solid, too.

You’re on a budget
The TUF Gaming A16 (2025) is very well priced, especially considering its powerful spec. The 1920 x 1200 resolution is about the only major cutback.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best display
While it’s perfectly good enough for gaming, the colors can look a little washed out, and it’s prone to irksome reflections, too.

You want peace and quiet
The sound of the fans when gaming, even at moderate settings, is persistent and distracting, so a good pair of headphones are a must.

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025) review: Also Consider

Acer Nitro 16 AMD
Our current pick as the best affordable gaming laptop, the Nitro 16 AMD does most of the important things right. The 1080p performance impressed us, while the 165Hz refresh rate is very welcome at this price point, especially since it’s cheaper than the TUF Gaming A16 (2025). Read our full Acer Nitro 16 AMD review.

MSI Katana 15 (2023)
If you’re willing to go with a model a few years old, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is another capable gaming laptop at a relatively low cost. This again has solid 1080p performance and a fast refresh rate, although it’s let down somewhat by the middling battery life and poor trackpad. Thankfully, these areas are where compromises are some of the least egregious. Read our full MSI Katana 15 (2023) review.

How I tested the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2025)

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming and everyday tasks
• Plentiful PC gaming hardware experience

I tested the TUF Gaming A16 (2025) for a couple of days, during which time I used it for gaming and everyday tasks such as typing and browsing.

I played various games, including Cyberpunk 2077, which is a demanding test for systems and remains a cutting-edge AAA experience. I also ran our series of benchmark tests, designed to assess the gaming, creative, and productivity credentials of PCs, as well as storage speeds and battery life.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I’ve experienced plenty of systems and hardware. I’ve also reviewed a number of laptops, from gaming machines to those designed for productivity and general use.

• First reviewed: August 2025
• Read more about how we test

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 29.

The Pitt season 2: key information

- Will arrive in January 2026
- Teaser trailer released in August 2025
- Production began in June 2025
- Main cast set to return
- New recurring characters revealed
- Season 2 will time jump to 10 months ahead
- Hopes for future seasons

The Pitt season 2 is coming in January 2026, only a year after the popular HBO Max show premiered on the streamer. The medical drama saw ER's Noah Wyle as the dynamic Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch taking charge of an incredibly stressful day at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.

And traumatic it most certainly was, culminating in a rather dramatic finale that fortunately, viewers won't have to wait too long to find some resolve. But, in true hospital fashion, as one intense shift ends, another begins (though with a time jump, which I'll get into more below) as the medical staff begin another day with even more drama. Here's everything we know so far from release date, confirmed cast, plot synopsis, and more.

Full spoilers for The Pitt season 1 to follow.

The Pitt season 2: is there a release date?

We're so back.Season 2 of #ThePitt has begun filming. Stream Season 1 now on Max. pic.twitter.com/EfBYnrBzLuJune 16, 2025

The Pitt season 2 release date has been confirmed – and it's January 2026. Revealed by Max CEO Casey Bloys in conversation with Vulture back in March, he said: "The second season will premiere in January of 2026, a year later. This model of more episodes cuts down on the gap between seasons."

With season 1, we were treated to an epic 15 episodes worth of emergency room drama. And it appears season 2 will follow suit, Bloys added: "What I love about something like The Pitt is, I can get 15 episodes in a year. That's a really great addition to what we're already doing on the platform. And I'd like to do more shows in this model."

After a February 2025 renewal, the show headed into production on season 2 in June amid official news from HBO Max that the series had stayed among the top three of the streamer's most-watched titles globally.

The Pitt season 2 trailer

The Pitt season 2 got its first official teaser trailer in August and it reveals more high-octane medical drama unravelling in the emergency room as doctors struggle with an overwhelming rush of patients in dire need of help.

But, it did make us say, hang on, hasn't The Pitt season 2's first trailer spoiled a major season 1 cliffhanger? In the first five seconds, Dana can be seen back at work, standing behind the desk. Surprising news considering the season 1 finale saw her seriously questioning whether she could keep doing the job. She's back and I'm not mad about it, quite the opposite.

The Pitt season 2 teaser trailer is also great confirmation for other cast members, alongside Dana, returning for the next installment.

The Pitt season 2 confirmed cast

The main cast will return for The Pitt season 2 (Image credit: HBO Max)

Spoilers follow for The Pitt season 1.

Thanks to the teaser trailer, here's The Pitt season 2 confirmed cast we know so far:

• Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch
• Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans
• Fiona Dourif as Dr. Cassie McKay
• Patrick Ball as Dr. Frank Langdon
• Supriya Ganesh as Dr. Samira Mohan
• Taylor Dearden as Dr. Melissa King
• Isa Briones as Dr. Trinity Santos
• Shabana Azeez as Dr. Victoria Javadi
• Gerran Howell as Dr. Dennis Whitaker
• Shawn Hatosy as Dr. Jack Abbot

Dr. Heather Collins won't be returning for season 2 (Image credit: HBO Max)

There's one character that won't be returning for The Pitt season 2 and that's Tracey Ifeachor as Dr. Heather Collins, as confirmed by Deadline. While it's not clear the reasons behind her exit, Ifeachor posted on her official Instagram to say: "It was an absolute privilege to play Dr. Heather Collins in such a groundbreaking season and piece."

We also know about some new characters joining The Pitt season 2. Lawrence Robinson will play Brian Hancock, "a sweet, charming and kind-hearted patient who turns a soccer injury into a possible meet-cute with one of the doctors" (as per Deadline).

Sepideh Moafi also joins as a series regular playing an attending physician, as well as Charles Baker, Irene Choi, Laëtitia Hollard and Lucas Iverson in recurring roles, as exclusively revealed by Deadline.

Finally, in another reveal by Deadline, Zack Morris is also joining as Jackson Davis, "a patient brought to the ED after an uncontrollable outburst in the college library."

The Pitt season 2 story speculation

The Pitt season 2 picks up on Langdon's first day back (Image credit: HBO Max)

Full spoilers follow for The Pitt season 1.

For The Pitt season 2, the cast will pick up in the emergency room 10 months after the intense shift that unravelled in season 1.

This time jump was revealed during Deadline's Contenders TV panel in April and it was further explained by the creative team that season 2 will take place over the Fourth of July weekend for another 15 hours and 15 episodes of medical emergencies.

And when it comes to the reason for this time jump, the show's creator R. Scott Gemmill revealed to TVLine that it has a lot to do with Dr. Langdon's recovery.

The season 1 finale saw Dr. Robby tell Langdon that if he wants to return to Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, then he has to check himself into a 30-day inpatient rehab. Of course, that's not 10 months. But, recovery isn't linear.

Gemmill said: "Thirty days is probably the minimum he would have to do. You can do 60, 90... and part of [the time jump] is driven by when he can shoot in Pittsburgh."

He added: "Nine, basically 10 months later, gives a lot of room for us to have developed a few stories in the interim and catch up with everyone. And with it being Langdon's first day back, we get to catch up as he catches up with all those people."

And like season 1, the next season will follow the same 15-hour schedule running from 7am to 10pm and all the intense medical situations that can bring in, especially over the Fourth of July weekend.

While the season 1 finale saw Dana's return unclear, she's back (Image credit: HBO Max)

The recovery wasn't just for Langdon though with Dr. Robby having to address his own mental health issues and speaking to TVLine in April, Gemmill said: "Getting himself mentally healthy against is part of his journey."

With such stressful jobs, the pressure was unsurprisingly getting to the doctors and none more so than Dana Evans who we last saw packing up her things in the season 1 finale and telling Dr. Robby she was thinking about leaving the ER for good.

Fortunately, we know she didn't commit to this, appearing in the first official teaser trailer very much still part of the team (despite a stern look pointed towards Dr. Robby).

And with new characters joining for season 2, there's plenty of new faces – both doctors and patients – that I'm sure will bring their own personal dramas (and medical cases) to The Pitt.

What they won't be doing in the 15 hours that will unfold on our screens though, is ever leave the ER. Gemmill explained: "The reality is that we don't really leave our set. We don't leave the ER. We did a few things at the very end where we saw people going home and stuff.

"But beyond that, I don't expect us to go anywhere beyond the hospital and the ambulance bay until the last episodes of next season, and maybe we'll see a couple other parts of the hospital."

The real-life medical landscape is reflected in season 2 (Image credit: HBO Max)

And although they're not stepping outside of the hospital, it doesn't mean they can't address real-time and real-life concerns that affect medical care in the US.

Speaking to Variety, executive producer John Wells explained that this includes President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill', outlining a 12% cut to Medicaid spending: "The Medicaid changes are going to have a significant impact, and you don't have to take a political position to discuss what the impact is actually going to be."

Gemmill added: "We take out platform very seriously. I think one of the things when you can reach 10 million people – and this was true back in the day on 'ER' as well – is with that amount of people listening, you have to be responsible for what you put out there."

Will The Pitt return after season 3?

Could The Pitt become an annual drop for HBO Max? (Image credit: Max)

With The Pitt season 2 landing on HBO Max in January, there's no news yet of a season 3... and beyond. It doesn't necessarily mean we'll have to wait until January for news of more though, given season 2 was treated to an early renewal.

But, for now, I don't have much to report other than Gemmill joking with Deadline that: "If there’s a season 12, we’ll do a musical. Right now, we kind of want to stick to what was working for us, but we’re still learning. It’s a process."

While season 12 sounds crazy to talk about now (and a musical even crazier), ER did run for 15 seasons. So, maybe it's not all that wild of an idea after all.

For more Max-focused coverage, read our guides on the best Max shows, best Max movies, The Last of Us season 2, and Peacemaker season 2.

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