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A new Future survey has revealed what we're using AI for right now The most popular use for AI in the US is to learn more about subj...

  • A new Future survey has revealed what we're using AI for right now
  • The most popular use for AI in the US is to learn more about subjects
  • In the UK, people are using AI to write emails and generate content ideas

Generating photorealistic images, improving the quality of your writing and getting quick, in-depth answers to burning questions: you can use the best AI tools like ChatGPT to help you achieve a lot of things in 2025. And based on new survey data, that’s exactly what users in the UK and the US are doing.

The research, conducted by Future – the publisher that owns TechRadar – has revealed the top uses for AI tools on both sides of the pond. People taking part in the survey were asked what tasks they use AI to complete – examples included writing an email and generating content ideas.

More AI survey results

While some of the results aren’t surprising, the figures confirm the ever-growing role that AI tools play in modern life, particularly when it comes to the workplace. Some 70% of respondents in the US answered that they use AI for at least one of the listed tasks.

According to the research, that number is lower in the UK. Still, it's significant that half of Brits who took part in the survey reported using AI tools for at least one of the tasks.

We’ve unpicked the findings in detail below, including a round-up of the least common uses for AI tools – which, somewhat sensibly, includes using chatbots as a free therapist...

The results are in...

Interestingly, the top four uses for AI tools are the same in both the UK and the US: that is, to learn more about a different subject, use it as an alternative to traditional search engines, write an email, and generate content ideas. Here's a list of the US responses, divided into responses from Zillennials alongside a nationally representative sample:

All of these are relatively conventional uses of mainstream AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini. What differs across continents is the order of popularity, as well as the percentage of users who favor AI tools for each of the listed tasks.

In the US, the most popular uses for AI tools are to learn about a different subject and as an alternative to traditional search engines. 27% of survey participants reported using AI tools for each.

Joint-second in the US list of AI-assisted tasks are writing an email and generating content ideas, which were both selected by 24% of respondents.

That order is pretty much reversed in the UK: writing an email and generating content ideas share top billing among uses for AI tools, featuring in 19% of participants’ lists. Beneath that come learning about a different subject (16%) and as an alternative to traditional search engines (13%).

Another interesting comparison is between the tasks which rank bottom of the top five in each country. In the US, 15% of users reported using AI tools to generate code and formulae, which could reflect the country’s employment landscape and its high number of software developers.

That purpose doesn’t even rank in the top nine for Brits. Instead, the fifth-ranked use of AI in the UK is for assistance during a job application, coming in at 12%. It isn't clear whether users are using AI tools to polish their written applications, to refine their resumes or to generate practice interview questions, but all of these are possibilities.

The results largely match similar research on the subject. Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight, told us: "This research aligns well with the feedback CCS Insight is seeing from consumers.

"Around 45% of people we spoke to in the UK told us the most compelling use case for AI is collating answers without having to click on search results. Summarizing long documents and automatically writing emails or letters in a particular style are also popular user cases."

What else are people using AI for?

A laptop screen showing a person asking the Google Bard chatbot for therapy advice

(Image credit: Future)

Things are just as interesting as you look further down the list. It’s clear that uptake of AI tools is generally higher in the US than in the UK.

For example, using AI tools for assistance with a job application ranks at number seven on the US list, yet it was picked by 13% of respondents – more than in the UK list, where it ranks at position five.

As above, there are some obvious similarities when comparing UK and US lists. The sixth-ranked use for AI in both countries is to create a project management schedule. This shouldn’t come as a surprise: there are a number of AI-powered project management tools, plus generative AI chatbots have the ability to quickly generate schedules based on contextual information.

Eight and ninth on both lists are the following uses for AI:

  • As a free therapist (11% in the US / 10% in the UK)
  • To describe a day in your dream life (11% in the US / 8% in the UK)

While they might rank at the bottom of the list, those are still fairly high numbers for what might look like unconventional uses for AI.

However, there’s been a lot of discussion about the ethical considerations surrounding chatbots acting as therapists. That at least a tenth of users in both the UK and the US are happy to use AI tools as an avenue to free therapy shows how quickly the tech is spreading outside of the workplace.

Notably, 10% of users in the UK also responded that they have used AI tools to create a tailored gym plan. Its popularity on the list supports the idea that some people are happy to get life and fitness advice for free from a chatbot, rather than paying a premium for the input of a trained human.

On the surface, that might seem a concerning revelation for wellness practitioners in the UK, as well as other industries built around advisory roles.

However, it’s also worth noting that the survey didn’t ask respondents to go into further detail. Participants weren’t asked if they see AI as a potential replacement for trained professionals, for example, or whether they were happy with the fitness plans generated by AI tools. This is something that we've tested ourselves, asking ChatGPT and Gemini to design workouts, with mixed results.

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A research study has suggested mood changes can be detected by your wearable This would allow the prediction of mood data, helping you c...

  • A research study has suggested mood changes can be detected by your wearable
  • This would allow the prediction of mood data, helping you counteract it with advice
  • It could be huge for helping manage the symptoms of mental health conditions

We've seen that the best smartwatches can track everything about your physical health, from detecting sleep apnoea to predicting your best marathon times, but the next frontier could be predicting your mental health.

Research published in the journal Nature last year leverages the power of a smartwatch and the data it collects to map out manic and depressive episodes in patients with mood disorders, based on sleep-wake data. Because stress and mood can have an effect on circadian rhythms, the study hypothesized that it's possible to predict upcoming 'mood episodes'.

"Disruptions in sleep and activity patterns have been observed in individuals diagnosed with mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD)," the study's introduction explains.

"To gain a deeper understanding of these mood-related patterns, sensors in smartphones and wearable devices, such as accelerometers, Global Positioning System sensors (GPS), and light sensors, have been employed to noninvasively and passively collect data within individuals’ real-life environments."

"This approach allows for long-term, objective assessment of a patient’s physiological and behavioral status, providing a valuable complement to conventional psychiatric assessments that rely on subjective patient recall through clinical scales or interviews."

Huge impact on mental wellbeing

As per the study, this could make a huge difference to anyone suffering from a mental health condition, and not only major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

By tracking this data and mapping it out over an extended period, smartwatches could offer coping strategies to a whole host of people with mental health concerns, from permanent diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, to temporary episodes such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Spotting signs that can contribute to a higher risk of depression, like later bedtimes, and varied day structures, could help users develop coping mechanisms to manage or minimize their symptoms.

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Garmin has released a new app called ComingUp It can be used to log to-dos, deadlines and more It runs in the background of your device,...

  • Garmin has released a new app called ComingUp
  • It can be used to log to-dos, deadlines and more
  • It runs in the background of your device, so may have an impact on battery life

Garmin has released a new app, ComingUp, which works as a to-do list for some of the best Garmin watches. The app comes with a QWERTY keyboard for task entry, and can talk to various task management services, including Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks, and Todoist, to ensure your tasks sync across your connected services.

Garmin has always walked the line between being some of the best fitness trackers and incorporating some of the features common on the best smartwatches. It appears the company could be preparing to tiptoe over that line.

Naturally, that extra data that's running regular syncs in the background can have an impact on battery life, but given how robust Garmin watches are in that regard we've got no major concerns.

How to get ComingUp on your Garmin (and which watches can get it)

Garmin ComingUp

(Image credit: Garmin)

You can find ComingUp in the ConnectIQ store here, and it's worth noting it'll need your permission to run in the background, access to your Garmin Connect profile, and the ability to send and receive data.

Garmin says it syncs in real-time, so your lists will update instantly while you're working away from your desk. As someone who loves a workout at lunch but my head is always filling with ideas for my afternoon, that could be a huge help.

Perhaps best of all are the new reminders for tasks. Getting a timely reminder of your next task being due can help users stay on target, and could be a huge help.

As for compatibility, the full list is on the app link above and it's very extensive. Most of Garmin's most popular models can access the ComingUp app, including the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Instinct 3, Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Forerunner range.

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Most security operations center (SOC) teams find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Threat actors are becoming steadily mor...

Most security operations center (SOC) teams find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Threat actors are becoming steadily more effective, organized, and aggressive. At the same time, the average IT environment has grown twice as complex over the last five years. That can only mean we can expect these environments to become twice as dense within another five.

SOC teams therefore struggle to keep up with an overwhelming flood of alerts and prioritizing the most critical threats. This is only compounded by chronic staff shortages.

Security teams end up on the defensive, forced to react to issues rather than proactively addressing risks.

With the speed and scope of cybersecurity threats overwhelming SOC personnel, the superhuman capabilities of AI may offer one of the best chances of keeping up.

The growing burden on SOC teams

SOC teams face an unrelenting workload that highlights the imbalance between attackers and defenders. It’s always been the case that the attackers only need to succeed once, while defenders must constantly triumph to protect their operations. But the aggressors have the odds stacking in their favor with new tools and techniques, running heavily automated operations that allow them to ramp up both the quantity and quality of their attacks.

For example, AI tools are enabling cybercriminal gangs to easily create highly targeted phishing campaigns. Rather than manually trawling for information and attempting to create convincing fakes, threat actors can use AI to swiftly find out about key personnel at potential targets, or where they are hosted, and populate a list of useful elements to include.

Within moments, attackers can be armed with convincing phishing emails impersonating a CEO asking his CFO to authorize a payment, complete with little details like mentions of the upcoming company sales conference.

Even without these insidious new tactics, SOC teams would have their hands full due to the unchecked expansion of hybrid IT environments. A focus on digital growth spanning on-premises systems, cloud computing infrastructure, and mobile and IoT devices has dramatically increased the attack surface — yet Gartner estimates that only 17% of organizations can clearly identify the majority of their software assets. This makes it difficult to address vulnerabilities like misconfigurations or a lack of protections such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Additionally, this lack of reliable inventory and overview means SOC teams are frequently overwhelmed by the volume of alerts, struggling to sift through countless notifications with already limited staff and resources.

AI as a game-changer in cybersecurity

Defending these complex environments and keeping up with threats requires security teams to match and exceed the speed and efficiency of their attackers. Gartner has predicted that companies investing in continuous threat exposure management programs can reduce breaches by two-thirds, with tools like AI-powered analytics playing a major role.

Yet while the criminal element has been quick to integrate AI into its operations, many security vendors are still reluctant. It’s a similar situation to the early days of the cloud, where there was a great deal of mistrust about its security and reliability. As a whole, security teams and vendors have spent more time thinking about AI as a threat than as a potential tool for enhancing their operations.

However, again echoing cloud uptake, end-user organizations are increasingly looking to make use of AI, regardless of the potential risks. The security industry cannot ignore AI, but instead must seek to guide its use responsibly.

AI offers a solution to many of the challenges SOC teams face by addressing visibility gaps, enhancing threat detection, and improving response efficiency.

One of the most important capabilities is the consolidation of disparate data streams from tools such as endpoint detection systems, identity management platforms, and cloud monitors. This unified approach reduces alert fatigue, providing analysts with actionable insights that improve decision-making.

Implementing AI into security workflows also automates some of the more tedious processes, allowing security teams to focus on high-priority threats. By filtering out low-risk alerts, it removes the noise that often hinders effective decision-making. AI can rapidly triage vulnerabilities, prioritizing those actively being exploited or posing the greatest risk to the organization.

Along with helping beleaguered SOC teams keep up, AI also has some powerful applications in improving proactive security. For example, combining data from across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, enables organizations to identify hidden or misconfigured assets creating vulnerabilities across their attack surface.

We have also seen impressive results in using AI to enhance the detection of zero-day vulnerabilities. AI accelerates the identification of behavioral anomalies, isolating threats before they escalate into full-scale incidents.

Addressing AI risks and challenges

While AI has huge potential to help improve cybersecurity, security vendors and SOC teams must be aware of the potential risks.

We often find that organizations fail to apply the same thoroughness to their AI models as they do to other key systems, leaving them vulnerable to misuse or exploitation. All AI tools need to be carefully vetted to assess how they interact with other systems, and any potential risks and attack vectors must be mapped out.

Further, misusing AI tools, such as by uploading sensitive data to unsecured platforms, can expose organizations to breaches. Strict use policies should be put in place so all users know the acceptable uses for any solutions.

For vendors and SOCs operating as MSSPs, it’s also important to consider potential customer reactions to AI usage. Ask anyone if they’d like a service delivered by an automated system or by human hands, and they’ll undoubtedly pick the human. So it’s critical to frame AI as a tool enhancing the skilled human personnel for the SOC team, rather than a replacement for the human touch.

With a solid implementation plan that considers all the angles, AI tools can be deployed to their full potential without introducing any unnecessary new risks.

The future of AI-powered SOCs

AI is proving to be a critical tool in helping SOC teams manage the growing complexities of cybersecurity. By enhancing visibility, automating repetitive tasks, and prioritizing critical risks, it enables teams to operate more efficiently and effectively.

As attackers increasingly use AI to enhance their methods, organizations must keep pace to remain resilient.

However, there is still no substitute for real human intelligence, and AI is most powerful when combined with human expertise, creating a collaborative approach that addresses both routine and complex challenges.

We've compiled a list of the best endpoint protection 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



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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 could both have highly efficient screens This could lead to improved battery life The Z Fold 7...

  • The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 could both have highly efficient screens
  • This could lead to improved battery life
  • The Z Fold 7 apparently won't have a bigger battery, and there's no news on the Z Flip 7's battery capacity yet

Until now, we hadn’t heard much about the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, but now we’re hearing that both phones might be longer-lasting than their predecessors.

This is according to @PandaFlashPro – a leaker who doesn’t yet have much of a track record – posting on X (via NotebookCheck). Specifically, they claim that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 both have “highly efficient” displays that consume less power and offer longer battery life.

They add that this technology – coupled with a new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset – has boosted the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s battery life by around 55 minutes, though they don’t specify what kind of usage leads to that figure.

Interestingly, it sounds like these increases in battery life might be down to more efficient components and software, rather than larger battery capacities. According to leaker Setsuna Digital – who has a solid track record – posting on Weibo (also via NotebookCheck), the Galaxy Z Fold 7, at least, will have the same 4,400mAh battery as its predecessor.

They don’t say anything about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, but they add that the Z Fold 7 will be upgraded in other ways, including its screen, hinge, main camera, under-display camera, internal structure, and dust and water resistance.

A more durable hinge and a slimmer design

@PandaFlashPro, meanwhile, has posted about some other Galaxy Z Flip 7 features, including that it apparently has improved hinge durability, a smaller crease than either its predecessor or the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a thinner body than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, 25W charging, a 50MP main camera, an Armor Aluminum frame, and either an Exynos 2500 chipset or a Snapdragon 8 Elite, with there apparently being prototypes of both configurations.

They also reiterate a previous claim that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have a larger vapor chamber than the Z Flip 6, which could also help improve its battery life. So, hopefully, the Z Flip 7 will have improved endurance, as in our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review we found the phone had “disappointing battery life.”

We’ll probably find out in July, as that’s when both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 are expected to launch.

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ExpressVPN has announced a major change to its Lightway protocol, recoding the protocol from C to Rust in a bid to revolutionize the VPN in...

ExpressVPN has announced a major change to its Lightway protocol, recoding the protocol from C to Rust in a bid to revolutionize the VPN industry and create a "more secure and high-performing" Lightway for users.

Modernizing the protocol to the Rust programming language while keeping the code open source ensures anyone with the right knowledge can see that Lightway works as it should and retains security. Two independent auditors, Cure53 and Praetorian, have already confirmed the upgraded service is private and secure.

The provider's built-in VPN router, ExpressVPN Aircove, is the first platform supporting the new Lightway. In the coming months, the provider will roll out the upgrade across all other devices, with its Android VPN expected to be updated by the end of March.

A new VPN protocol standard

When ExpressVPN built and launched Lightway in 2020, the provider designed it to deliver speedy, secure, and more reliable connections. Now, Lightway's Rust upgrade aims to continue that promise, posing the foundation "for the future of VPN connectivity."

"At ExpressVPN, we innovate to solve the challenges of tomorrow," said Pete Membrey, Chief Research Officer at ExpressVPN. "With Rust widely recognized as the high-performing, secure, and reliable language, it was a natural choice for evolving Lightway."

Rust, the provider explains, essentially brings three key advantages – better security, performance, and ease of extension.

Rust uses built-in memory safety that supposedly eliminates the risk of some common vulnerabilities and attack vectors plaguing its C counterparts. Rust's code is even simpler than C, too – making the VPN connection lighter, faster, and less power-consuming.

Lastly, Rust's modern architecture should also ensure easier implementation of Ligthway's security fixes and new features. This is especially advantageous within the post-quantum VPN race.

ExpressVPN Lightway timeline

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

As mentioned, two independent audits – carried out by cybersecurity firms Cure53 and Praetorian – have already taken apart the upgraded Lightway and didn't find any major vulnerabilities.

Specifically, Praetorian reported only two low-risk findings and Cure53 five, with four classified as "miscellaneous" carrying low exploitation potential. After that, ExpressVPN fixed all these findings, as new auditors' validation could confirm.

"Investing in dual audits from two independent firms was an important decision we made to gain diverse expert perspectives on Lightway’s new code base,” said Aaron Engel, Chief Information Security Officer at ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN's commitment to transparency doesn't end here, though. Everyone can view Lightway's source code by heading to ExpressVPN's GitHub page.

Challenging the industry

Lightway 2.0 promises to set a new standard for future VPN protocols where security, performance, and efficiency go hand in hand.

Yet, ExpressVPN's goal isn't just making its product more secure, reliable, and faster – the provider now hopes the whole industry will follow suit, inviting everyone to test it out and, potentially, adapt it.

"Promoting digital rights is ultimately our main goal," said Director for Communication and Advocacy, Lauren Hendry Parsons, pointing out how Lightway in Rust could also be implemented on decentralized VPN solutions.

"We do hope that people [in the VPN industry] will see Lightway as a resourceful tool," added Chief Research Officer Membrey. "You have a post-quantum secure VPN that works really fast and could potentially be used in military settings as well.

"Our goal with Lightway is not only to serve the users of ExpressVPN but also to contribute its technology meaningfully to the VPN industry."



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The President’s Day sales are hotting up and there are deals to be had on all sorts of gadgets. For those of you looking for an excellent ...

The President’s Day sales are hotting up and there are deals to be had on all sorts of gadgets. For those of you looking for an excellent fitness watch, it’s well worth looking around for some of the best Garmin watches this weekend.

Garmins are perfect for people looking to supercharge their outdoor training, be it cycling, hiking, running, swimming, surfing, climbing, or a mix of disciplines. As it’s the latest high-profile release by Garmin, all eyes might be on the Garmin Instinct 3, which we rated highly and gave 4.5 stars in our recent review.

However, it’s not going to be the best bang for your buck on President’s Day, as I believe it’s not going to receive many discounts based on the fact that it’s very new. Instead, there’s a three-year-old watch we rated even higher, that I believe is going to be very good value based on past sales events.

That watch is the Garmin Instinct 2. We rated the Garmin Instinct 2 an impressive five stars in our original 2022 review. We loved its extra-long battery life and superb fitness tracking features, and it’s often heavily discounted in sales events, making it an easy recommendation. It’s already on offer at Amazon in 40mm and 45mm sizes, from $299.99 down to just $199.99.

Check out that deal in full below:

Today's best Garmin Instinct 2 deal

Get the Garmin Instinct 2 in its smallest 40mm size, with the same $100 discount also on its larger 45mm sibling. It's got GPS tracking, all-day heart health monitoring, Garmin's Body Battery and Morning Report recovery tools (also on the Instinct 3) and all manner of outdoor training and navigation aids. Perfect for runners, hikers, cyclists, swimmers and more. View Deal

This is the first major sales event that has occurred since the Garmin Instinct 3’s release, so this could mean the Instinct 2 gets a bigger-than-usual price drop and go even lower than the deal above, as retailers look to clear old stock. It was a super-popular watch, and continues to be so: there are a lot of Instinct 2s out there, so we should see some great deals on it.

Why get the Garmin Instinct 2?

Garmin instinct 2 vs 3

(Image credit: Future / Garmin)

Why get a three-year-old watch over its sequel, I hear you ask, even if it’s cheaper? Even though the Instinct 3 builds on its predecessor’s features in new ways, adding hardware like a torch and a new AMOLED screen option in addition to updated software, the Instinct 3 actually uses the same heart rate sensor as the Instinct 2.

The Instinct 2 continues (for now) to be supported with regular updates, so your experience tracking your health with the Garmin Instinct 2 won’t drastically differ or be wildly inaccurate compared with the Instinct 3.

The Instinct 3 does happen to have new SatIQ technology the Instinct 2 doesn’t, so it’s less likely to lose your GPS signal, but the Instinct 2 should continue to be more than sufficient for most hobbyist exercisers.

Not so keen on the Instinct 2? Check out our guides to the best smartwatch, best cheap smartwatch and best running watch to find the right one for you.



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New optical tech could slash archival costs by 10x or even more Optera Data’s discs could hit 10TB for just $1 - cheaper than tape! The...

  • New optical tech could slash archival costs by 10x or even more
  • Optera Data’s discs could hit 10TB for just $1 - cheaper than tape!
  • The low-power, high-density storage has data centers in mind

A team led by Dr. Nicolas Riesen at the University of South Australia has come up with a new optical storage technology that could potentially slash archival storage costs by a factor of ten, compared to current optical solutions.

As reported by Blocks & Files, this method relies on manipulating fluorescence in wavebands at specific recording areas, enabling multi-bit storage that’s similar to NAND flash technology.

The process involves selectively altering the fluorescence properties of nanoparticles within the recording medium, using laser energy to create "spectral holes" where the emission is reduced. This variation in light emission encodes data in multiple levels, potentially allowing for high-density storage. The nanoparticles, composed of hexagonal silicon carbide (SiC) crystals doped with vanadium, reportedly react to laser exposure in ways that affect their light emission characteristics. These alterations can be identified during the read process, allowing data to be retrieved.

$1 per terabyte

Founded by entrepreneur Geoff Macleod-Smith, Optera Data is currently working to commercialize the technology. The startup foresees optical discs capable of high-density archival storage, with a focus on offline security and long-term data preservation. Writing data would involve tuning lasers to set spectral frequencies, while reading would rely on detecting fluorescence patterns.

A whitepaper by Tom Coughlin, available to read on the Optera Data site, projects that overall storage capacity shipments will grow five-fold between 2024 and 2029, with much of this data residing in secondary or archival storage. Traditional hard drives, tape, and other emerging optical solutions are competing for this expanding market, where longevity and energy efficiency are prime factors.

Optera Data claims that, once developed, its technology could achieve a total cost of ownership as low as $1 per terabyte, far below the projected costs of other storage media.

The company hopes to manufacture 1TB discs in the short term, with the ambitious goal of hitting 10TB for $1 by the end of the decade. This price point would make it significantly cheaper than solutions from the likes of Cerabyte, and it could even potentially undercut magnetic tape storage, which is projected to fall below $2.50 per terabyte by 2029.

Unlike hard drives, which require continuous power, and magnetic tape, which depends on specialized library systems, Optera Data’s approach could integrate with existing optical disc formats. This compatibility could help with the tech’s adoption in data centers where reducing energy consumption and storage costs is a big focus for hyperscalers right now.

The viability of the technology will of course depend on its ability to meet storage density requirements and compete with evolving alternatives such as synthetic DNA storage, which offers long-term stability but is still a way off being ready for prime time.

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Another foldable iPhone leak has emerged Display sizes of 7.74 inches and 5.49 inches are tipped The handset is expected to appear next...

  • Another foldable iPhone leak has emerged
  • Display sizes of 7.74 inches and 5.49 inches are tipped
  • The handset is expected to appear next year

The rumors around the foldable iPhone aren't stopping, and the latest leak gives us some idea of the sizes of the displays that the handset is going to be sporting – both the main display and the outer cover display.

This tip is from serial leaker Digital Chat Station (via Android Authority), a source that can usually be relied on. Apparently we're set to get a 7.74-inch inner screen and a 5.49-inch outer screen when the folding iPhone eventually makes an appearance.

If you want to know how that stacks up against the competition, check out our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review: that foldable comes with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer display, so the cover screen is significantly larger on the Samsung model.

Then there's Google: as our Google Pixel 9 Pro review will tell you, it comes with an 8-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer display. If this leak is accurate, both screens on the foldable iPhone are going to be smaller.

iPhone not iPad

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened

The book-style Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Image credit: Future)

This leak would suggest Apple is indeed working on a book-style foldable, rather than a flip-style foldable (see our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review for an example). This also sounds more like a folding iPhone than a folding iPad.

Of course if the foldable iPhone has a smaller screen than its rivals, that's not necessarily a disadvantage: it means the handset is going to be more compact when it's closed shut, and take up less room in a pocket or bag.

The rumors so far have pointed to 2026 as the year when Apple will make this folding iPhone public and available to the masses. With Apple's record, it's likely to become one of the best foldables on the market as soon as it's launched.

Apple is said to have started in earnest on developing the phone last November, but given the complexity of a device like this, next year would be a good bet for the folding iPhone making an appearance – and we can expect more leaks and rumors in the meantime.

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Deutsche Telekom’s NeoCircuit Router pushes for sustainability in consumer electronics Project looks to turn old smartphones into router...

  • Deutsche Telekom’s NeoCircuit Router pushes for sustainability in consumer electronics
  • Project looks to turn old smartphones into routers
  • NeoCircuit Router aims for 70% reuse

Deutsche Telekom is exploring a new way to reduce electronic waste by repurposing components from old smartphones to build routers.

Reports from Hardwareluxx (originally in German), claim Deutsche Telekom has developed the NeoCircuit Router, a prototype device that primarily consists of reused parts, , in collaboration with an industrial consortium.

The NeoCircuit router prototype integrates processors, memory chips, and physical connectors from old smartphones, aiming for a circularity rate of around 70%.

Turning old smartphones into routers

Dr. Henning Never, project manager at Deutsche Telekom, believes the NeoCircuit goes beyond typical e-waste recycling, while Bertrand Pascual from Sagemcom believes that repurposing smartphone processors for other applications not only conserves resources but also makes financial sense.

Deutsche Telekom has set an ambitious goal of achieving near-complete circularity for its technologies and consumer devices by 2030. If adopted widely, this approach could reduce production costs by at least 20% compared to manufacturing new components.

This isn't the only Initiative aligns with broader industry efforts from brands like Framework and Fairphone, which promote modular designs to enhance longevity, repairability, and reuse.

The project faces challenges, as many modern devices use glued components and proprietary processors, making extraction and reuse difficult. Nevertheless, the NeoCircuit Router is set to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona on March 3.

Modular design initiatives are nothing new, but it's always great to see more of them. In case you missed it, I've reported on Framework's Laptop 16 announcement, while Fairphone and Nothing offer sustainable, modular alternatives to the best business smartphone alternatives.

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There’s never a good time to find yourself with no mobile reception. Whether you want to look up directions on Google Maps, send someone a ...

There’s never a good time to find yourself with no mobile reception. Whether you want to look up directions on Google Maps, send someone a WhatsApp message, or just want to post a beautiful view on Instagram: zero bars on your smartphone won’t get you very far. That's where satellite services like Starlink come in – and this week T-Mobile started offering it for free (ahead of a paid rollout) in the US on compatible smartphones.

The network operator has teamed up with SpaceX to launch the “first and only space-based mobile network” in the US, bringing cell phone service to remote areas via satellite. Powered by Starlink, it’s set to change the game for mobile users in rural locations. Those users won’t have to wait long to access it, either: the beta trial is already underway and a full rollout is scheduled for July this year.

What’s more, access isn’t limited to T-Mobile customers. The carrier has made its new service available to both AT&T and Verizon users as well, provided that their phone supports an eSIM. Want to upgrade your coverage with the groundbreaking satellite-to-cell service? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about T-Mobile Starlink, including how you can get it and how much it costs.

What is Starlink and how does it work?

  • Starlink is a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX
  • It operates a constellation of small internet satellites
  • Direct-to-cell satellites work like cell towers in space

Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX, the space exploration company owned by Elon Musk. Starlink owns and operates a constellation of thousands of small satellites. It has been launching these compact satellites into space since 2019. They are used primarily to serve high-speed internet to Starlink customers with a compatible antenna on the ground.

Unlike traditional satellite internet services, Starlink’s satellites circle the planet in a low-Earth orbit. This closer proximity to the Earth’s surface helps to reduce the lag – or latency – experienced as data is relayed between a user’s antenna and the orbiting satellite. Because of the high number of Starlink satellites, the system is also able to offer global coverage, reaching areas beyond the scope of standard broadband or fibre optic connectivity. This makes it a particularly useful service in rural locations.

Early last year, SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. These satellites have modems on-board which function the same as cellphone towers. No special antenna or other hardware is required to connect to them: they are seen by your smartphone as standard cell towers, albeit up in space.

This means active users can access Starlink coverage wherever they can see the sky. If a phone supports LTE, it can connect to Starlink’s satellite-based network the same as if it’s a normal terrestrial provider.

Starlink on phones: how does T-Mobile’s new mobile service work?

  • T-Mobile’s Starlink service is powered by SpaceX satellites
  • Free public beta testing launched in February
  • Paid subscriptions available from July for T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon users

T-Mobile’s new service is powered by Starlink satellites which are equipped for direct-to-cell connectivity. According to T-Mobile, 451 of these satellites have been launched so far. As above, these work like cell towers in space. Wherever you can see the sky, compatible smartphones can connect to T-Mobile Starlink as if it’s a normal mobile network. No additional hardware or antenna is needed.

That means whenever you’re in an area without cell service, your smartphone will connect automatically to Starlink satellites. T-Mobile reckons that more than 500,000 square miles of the US is currently beyond the reach of any carrier’s standard cell towers. Its new service should eliminate those mobile dead zones, allowing users to stay connected wherever they are in the US.

T-Mobile launched the free public beta test of its Starlink service during the Super Bowl on February 9 2025. It’s open for anyone on any US carrier to sign up, including customers of both Verizon and AT&T. Registered users will be given access on a rolling basis, to provide feedback before the full rollout in summer.

In July, T-Mobile Starlink will switch to a paid version. It will be included free for anyone on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan. Other T-Mobile customers can access it as a paid add-on for $15 a month. Anyone who registers for the beta in February will also be offered an Early Adopter Discount, bringing the price down to $10 a month.

Verizon and AT&T customers will also be able to continue using the T-Mobile Starlink service once it switches to a paid version, as will users of any wireless network with an unlocked eSIM phone. This will cost $20 a month and users will need to activate a second eSIM in their phone to access the network.

At launch, the service only supports text messaging when connected to the satellite network. T-Mobile states that voice and data will be added soon, although this will require government approval for SpaceX to use the full bandwidth capacity of its satellite constellation.

Starlink on iPhone: how do you get it?

  • T-Mobile Starlink works on most modern smartphones
  • Apple iPhone 14 models and later are supported
  • iPhones need to be running iOS 18.3 to access Starlink

The only way to get Starlink on an iPhone at present is to sign up to the T-Mobile beta test. To do that, you’ll need to have an iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16. That includes the Plus, Pro & Pro Max variants. You’ll also need to be running iOS version 18.3.

Contrary to TikTok rumors, iOS 18.3 does not secretly install Starlink tech on your iPhone. What it does is make the network settings changes necessary to allow your phone to connect to T-Mobile 1900Mhz spectrum.

You’ll then need to register for the T-Mobile beta. Once you’re approved to participate and you head somewhere outside of standard cellular range, your phone should automatically access network coverage via the Starlink satellite constellation. When it does, you’ll see “SAT” instead of the standard bars in the top right corner of your iPhone.

It’s not just Apple iPhone users who can access the public beta. According to T-Mobile, Starlink “works on most smartphones from the last four years.” While no additional hardware or accessory is required to connect to the Starlink network, T-Mobile does state that smartphones need to be “satellite optimized” for users to have the best experience.

T-Mobile says it has worked with both Apple and Google to “ensure that this experience is integrated directly into their OS.” Whatever phone you have, T-Mobile states that it “needs to be on the latest software to use T-Mobile Starlink.”

The official list of supported handsets is as follows:

This list is expected to grow as public beta testing continues, with more handsets likely to be supported by the time that the T-Mobile Starlink service rolls out for general usage in July. Whether older Apple smartphones, such as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, will be included isn’t clear.

Starlink Mini: what is Starlink’s backpack-friendly version?

  • Starlink Mini is a compact antenna kit that connects to SpaceX satellites
  • The kit costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front
  • It’s different from T-Mobile’s Starlink service

Starlink Mini is a different way to access the internet via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. It’s a portable antenna kit with a built-in Wi-Fi router. It allows you connect to high-speed, low-latency satellite internet almost anywhere in the world with a clear view of the sky.

It’s different from T-Mobile’s Starlink service. With T-Mobile, users connect to Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites using their smartphone. The satellites work like standard cell towers. With Starlink Mini, the antenna kit receives signal from SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites. It then creates a Wi-Fi network at ground level using a built-in router, which other devices can connect to.

This setup makes it more versatile than the T-Mobile service, as you can connect to the Starlink Mini’s Wi-Fi network on a range of devices, not just your smartphone. What’s more, Starlink Mini supports peak download speeds in excess of 100Mbps.

Image showing a Starlink Mini antenna on the roof of a van

(Image credit: Starlink)

Designed to be used on the move, the backpack-friendly Starlink Mini measures 430 x 334 x 79mm and weighs 6.73kg. It ships with a kickstand and power supply, as well as a pipe adapter for pole mounting. Setup is as simple as plugging it in and pointing it at the sky. You can use the Starlink app to find optimal installation locations.

The Starlink Mini kit costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front. In addition to the one-off cost of the kit itself, you’ll need take out a Starlink subscription to access roaming internet. There’s a 50GB Roam package for $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month.

Alternatively, you can get the Roam Unlimited package with unlimited data for a monthly cost of $165 / £96 / AU$195. Subscriptions can be paused at any time. Coverage isn’t yet global, but it is offered in more than 100 markets.

Subaru Starlink: what is it?

  • Subaru Starlink is a suite of connected in-car services
  • It is completely separate form SpaceX’s Starlink system
  • It relies on standard cellular connectivity, not satellites

Despite its name, Subaru Starlink has nothing to do with SpaceX satellites. Subaru Starlink is a package of connected in-car services available on most new Subaru vehicles. It includes a suite of safety, security and remote access features, such as automatic collision notifications, enhanced roadside assistance and remote ignition.

In-car connectivity is via standard cellular networks, rather than satellites. If you’re outside of cell tower range, your vehicle won’t be able to access Subaru Starlink services.

Most supported Subaru vehicles come with a complimentary three-year trial of the system, after which it’s available for an additional fee. There’s no longer a standalone Starlink app, as the features have been rolled into the MySubaru app. The features available vary from model to model.

A satellite tracker image is seen displayed on a smartphone with a Starlink logo in the background

(Image credit: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Starlink price: what’s the monthly cost for Starlink?

  • T-Mobile’s Starlink service starts at $15 per month for T-Mobile customers
  • Users of other carriers will be able to use T-Mobile Starlink for $20 a month
  • A Starlink Mini Roam subscription starts at $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month

The cost of Starlink depends on how you access it. Once T-Mobile Starlink rolls out to the general public in the US in July, it will be available to T-Mobile customers as an add-on for $15 a month. Users who take out a subscription during the public beta will be entitled to an Early Adopter Discount, bringing the price down to $10 a month.

Customers of other wireless carriers will be able to access T-Mobile’s direct-to-cell service for $20 a month. There is no up-front cost, but they will need an unlocked smartphone with a spare eSIM slot.

Alternatively, you can access satellite internet with a direct subscription to Starlink. Rather than using a smartphone, you will need to purchase a Starlink antenna kit, then take out a monthly data subscription.

The cheapest kit is the portable Starlink Mini (see above) which costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front. The 50GB Roam package costs $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month, while Roam Unlimited is priced at $165 / £96 / AU$19 per month.

If you want a more permanent solution, the Starlink Standard kit costs $249 / £299 / AU$549. Residential service costs at $120 / £75 / AU$139 per month for unlimited data.

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In case you’ve missed it, we’re here with our catch-up of the week’s biggest tech news so you can get up to speed in a flash. This week we...

In case you’ve missed it, we’re here with our catch-up of the week’s biggest tech news so you can get up to speed in a flash.

This week we saw a major PlayStation Network (PSN) outage, tried the world’s thinnest foldable, and were treated to a new Apple product teaser – with the launch set for Wednesday next week. All that and more are explained below.

Once you’ve caught up on the news of the week check out our picks for the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream and more this weekend (February 14) – and the latest episode of the TechRadar podcast which is all about gaming.

1. We got ready to meet the newest member of the Apple family

Two hands holding an iPhone showing an Apple event invite

(Image credit: Apple / Future)

Tim Cook has teased a brand new Apple device with a post telling us to “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family” on February 19.

There’s no indication what this new device will be – our best bet is it’s the much-rumored iPhone SE fourth-generation, but it could also be a new Mac, a second-generation AirTag, a new iPad or something entirely different.

The only other clue is the image we shared above, which shows the Apple logo in front of some kind of circle – though it’s not given us much help in terms of guessing what’s being launched, so we’ll just have to tune in on Wednesday to see what Apple showcases.

2. PlayStation Network crashed

PlayStation Showcase

(Image credit: Sony)

If you tried to access PSN last weekend then you likely had some trouble, as from around 6pm ET on Friday (February 7) until 6:58pm ET on Saturday (February 8) the service was completely down.

Gamers were locked out from accessing online features for their games – including many Monster Hunter Wilds beta players who were unable to even download the client if they hadn’t installed it already. If your game of choice was an online-only title it was completely inaccessible.

By way of an apology, Sony has said all PlayStation Plus members will automatically receive an additional 5 days of service and blamed the outage on "an operational issue." Regardless, many PS5 gamers are still disappointed. For more detail here's our full report on the 5-day PS Plus extension and the reaction to it.

3. State of Play gave us a reason to love PlayStation again

Sony State of Play

(Image credit: Sony)

The latest State of Play was broadcast on February 12, blasting us with a veritable barrage of upcoming PlayStation 5 releases. One of the biggest highlights was the reveal of Tides of Annihilation, a frantic hack and slash game set in a beautiful post-apocalyptic London ravaged by fantasy creatures inspired by Arthurian legend. We also finally got release dates for the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Borderlands 4, which are arriving on August 28 and September 23 respectively.

On top of this we got confirmation of a new Stellar Blade DLC, which will add a selection of rather skimpy outfits for protagonist Eve inspired by the Goddess of Victory: Nikke mobile game. This was on top of loads of cool looking smaller titles, like the frantic shooter Metal Eden - which we had the chance to try ahead of the stream.

Easily the most controversial news, however, was the announcement of Days Gone Remastered. This PS5 port of the 2019 PS4 zombie game, which is already fully playable on Sony’s latest console thanks to backwards compatibility, upgrades its visuals and adds some new modes. Fans are divided on whether it is worthwhile, with some wishing that the resources of developer Bend Studio were directed towards new titles, rather than upgraded versions of things that we’ve already played.

4. The Powerbeats Pro 2 landed, and they’re great

Powerbeats Pro 2 worn by Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes.

(Image credit: Beats)

This week Apple finally unveiled the new hotly-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones from Beats, and we've been hands-on in the gym to find out how they stack up as workout headphones.

The new model brings an excellent new design that's more secure and comfortable than ever before. The audio is solid, as is the noise-cancelling, and the battery life is better than ever with up to 10 hours of playtime.

In our hands-on, we really enjoyed using them for working out, but can't quite wrap our heads around the new heart rate monitoring feature. It's very cool and impressive technology, but Apple has confirmed to us that for both iPhone and Android users, a smartwatch with heart rate data will take priority. As such, there's not really any appeal here for people who already own a smartwatch.

They're still excellent workout headphones, and we're excited to see the HRM feature on AirPods later this year, but the way the feature works right now is a bit of a head-scratcher.

5. We tried the world’s thinnest foldable

Oppo Find N5 being held in the hand

(Image credit: Future)

Oppo has officially revealed the Find N5, the world’s new thinnest book-style folding phone. Though most details are still under wraps, Oppo has shared that the phone is just 8.93mm when folded – barely thicker than an iPhone 16 Pro Max – and weighs in at 229g, which is actually five grams lighter than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. We’re expecting further details of this futuristic foldable when it launches in global markets on February 20.

At a recent hands-on event, TechRadar’s Mobile Computing Staff Writer Jamie Richards got to grips with the Oppo Find N5, finding it to be a clear winner over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in terms of ergonomics. The latest rumors point to a folded thickness of 4.2mm, which would make the phone slimmer than any folding device bar the tri-fold Huawei Mate XT. We’ll have the latest details as they arrive, so be sure to keep up with our phones coverage.

6. Garmin Tactix 8 just launched

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Garmin)

We've been treated to a few new Garmins in recent weeks but none is more eye-catching than the all-new Garmin tactix 8.

Designed with military application in mind, the tactix 8 is a formidable, rugged watch with a 47mm or 51mm AMOLED display. There are also solar options, and onboard you get an Applied Ballistics solver to help you with long-range rifle shooting. Its essentially a golf watch for gun users.

You also get Garmin's usual suite of industry-leading health tracking features, including support for rucking, a trendy new fitness craze that involves walking around with a weighted backpack on.

Prices start at $1,299/£1,189/AU$$2,299. With military-grade durability, advanced GPS, a kill switch, and night vision compatibility, this is not a Garmin to help you tackle your next Park Run.

7. Captain America 4 was too afraid to take off

Captain America sneaking around a compound in Captain America: Brave New World

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

The first Marvel movie of 2025 is here – but, truth be told, it’s not very good. Captain America: Brave New World has spread its wings and flown into theaters, but Sam Wilson’s first big-screen outing as the titular hero isn’t as great as we’d hoped. You can learn more about why that’s the case in senior entertainment reporter Tom Power’s Captain America: Brave New World review. Rather than spend your money on a ticket to see it at your local theater, then, you might want to wait for Captain America 4 to make its yet-to-be-announced streaming debut on Disney Plus instead.



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The recently launched UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan highlights the immense scope of AI to impact business, society and indiv...

The recently launched UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan highlights the immense scope of AI to impact business, society and individuals in the coming years, and the need to move quickly to take advantage of the technology. Looking at UK organizations' cloud strategies for the next 18 months, preparing for AI adoption was cited as a priority for 88% of IT manager respondents.

For organizations that want to keep up with any technological innovations, flexibility and agility are essential. This is no different with AI. Although this technology is sometimes described in almost mystical terms, it is better to treat it ‘simply’ as a new application. And like any modern and complex application, AI requires an open, vendor-agnostic, and hybrid-agnostic IT infrastructure.

Hybrid cloud for flexible AI use

AI tools are, of course, anything but ‘simple’. They are very complex and involve large datasets and advanced algorithms for which a traditional IT infrastructure is not suitable. An on-premises or private cloud environment can quickly become costly due to the necessary hardware investments, while a single public cloud comes with flexibility challenges. An additional consideration is whether organizations want to store all their data in the public cloud.

These challenges and risks can be better managed in a hybrid environment. ‘Hybrid’ does not only mean using a private and public cloud side by side. A hybrid cloud environment means that the different clouds are aligned and integrated within one flexible infrastructure. This orchestration is the key to uniting the benefits of on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud.

A similar hybrid cloud approach offers several advantages for AI use. First, it provides much-needed flexibility: companies can choose the best environment for each AI workload, optimizing performance, cost, and security based on specific requirements. Second, it supports scalability. An open hybrid cloud platform can be more easily scaled in response to growing AI demands, allowing companies to continue innovating without infrastructure constraints. Third, it optimizes costs. By leveraging both private and public cloud resources, companies can better optimize their cloud computing costs.

An open infrastructure for trust in AI

Trust plays a special role in the use of AI. Whether due to a lack of knowledge about how AI models work or the many headlines about hallucinations and data leaks – more than any other application, you must lay a foundation of trust to move AI applications out of the experimental phase and into production.

The solution to trust issues around AI starts with a secured and reliable AI production chain, a transparent path from idea to production, with automation where possible. Automation is important to streamline the development process and prevent human errors. Additionally, transparency and explainability in AI algorithms are important, so organizations can better understand how AI-driven decisions come about. Organizations can then build upon this with certain open source tools like InstructLab, which allow developers not only to gain insights but also to directly contribute to models with skills and knowledge without requiring specific data science expertise.

Small language models (SLMs) also play a role here. They are trained on smaller data sets, typically tailored to specific industry domains, and can enable developers to get started with AI on their laptops, removing the need to risk using unsafe or uncurated data.

Keep your options open

As AI development accelerates, companies will need to pursue flexibility and openness. This means organizations must keep their options open regarding infrastructure. A consistent platform layer that supports the use of open standards and interoperable systems from multiple vendors makes it easier for companies to switch to new tools and technologies without compromising on innovation speed.

We've compiled a list of the best cloud storage.

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



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