Monotype surey finds 91% of creatives say AI tools are useful for their work
Only 21% are pessimistic about the technology
The research challenges the myth that creatives are ‘anti-AI'
Creatives are surprisingly optimistic about artificial intelligence’s impact on their industries, with many excited about the tech’s transformative benefits, new research has found.
Data from nearly 5,000 creatives sureyed by Monotype looked to address the theme of creatives feeling threatened by AI – a concern that was initially shared by many workers.
Nine in 10 (91%) workers claimed AI tools are beneficial to their creative tasks, suggesting that a degree of automation can help accelerate workflows and free up more time to spend on genuinely creative work, rather than administrative tasks.
Creatives are fans of AI and automation
More than a third (34%) of respondents said they were optimistic about artificial intelligence, compared with the one in five (21%) who said they were pessimistic. A further 23% said that they were neutral, with 18% undecided and 4% selecting ‘other.’
“This new research from Monotype challenges the prevailing view that most creatives are somehow inherently ‘anti-AI’," noted Monotype CEO Ninan Chacko.
The survey’s respondents revealed that visualizing typography in real-world scenarios (45%), suggesting font pairings (45%), speeding up more routine elements of workflows (43%) and improving the discovery of new fonts (43%) were all benefits of artificial intelligence.
Senior Director of Partner Experience and Inventory Lifecycle Mary Catherine Pflug added: “Our research shows creatives view font choice as one of the most important elements of their creative process, and Monotype’s AI-enabled discovery tools like search and font pairing are helping designers make better decisions, faster.”
Moreover, the research highlighting the rising prevalence of subscription-based software, with 89% currently paying for at least one platform and the average worker paying for four. Software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Shutterstock, Picsart, Kittl, Monotype Fonts emerged as popular options.
“Most creatives and designers are positive about the potential of AI and AI-enabled tools for their work when they understand its power to democratize design through enhancing, amplifying, and accelerating human creativity," Chacko added.
Carbon reduction timelines keep shifting forward for European data centers
Report claims commercial viability comes first as environmental goals are secondary
Aggreko suggests need for strategic partnerships between companies and energy providers
Data centers are some of the largest energy consumers in Europe, and are facing unique challenges in achieving net zero goals.
A recent survey by Aggreko found volatile energy costs and grid instability are prompting data center operators to rethink their timelines for carbon reduction.
Of the executives surveyed, over 90% have adjusted their net zero targets, with half of those extending their timelines due to these persistent energy-related challenges.
Decentralized energy solutions are gaining traction
For many data centers, achieving sustainability goals requires balancing environmental targets with economic feasibility, especially as energy prices continue to rise.
In response to these energy challenges, data centers are increasingly adopting decentralized energy solutions to mitigate grid dependence and improve resilience. The report claims 87% of European executives are already implementing some form of decentralised energy, with 54% planning to expand these systems.
The move toward decentralization allows data centers to maintain operational stability while reducing reliance on traditional grid energy, which is often unpredictable and expensive. However, even with decentralized systems in place, data center leaders are cautious about fully committing to ambitious decarbonization timelines given current economic constraints.
The situation is dicey for company executives, as despite the urgency of environmental goals, cost and commercial viability remain the top priorities for data center executives. Only 12% of CEOs ranked speed of decarbonization as their primary objective, while the majority prioritize reducing energy costs and achieving a commercial advantage.
As data centers operate on tight profit margins, any investment in sustainable practices must demonstrate a clear return on investment. For many in the sector, this balancing act between sustainability and financial stability is proving complex, with limited capital available for large-scale green initiatives.
A key risk identified in the report is the role of supply chains in delaying the energy transition. Almost half of the executives surveyed see supply chain issues as a significant barrier, with 21% ranking it as their top concern.
As supply chain disruptions persist, securing the technology and resources needed for sustainable upgrades has become a formidable challenge. This uncertainty adds another layer of difficulty to achieving net zero, particularly as data centers attempt to source low-carbon energy options.
To navigate these challenges, Aggreko recommends strategic partnerships between companies and energy providers. By collaborating with energy experts, data centers can better assess options like energy-as-a-service models and power purchase agreements that offer flexible, lower-risk alternatives to traditional energy procurement. These partnerships enable data centers to explore innovative energy strategies without overcommitting financially, a crucial approach for achieving both short- and long-term sustainability goals.
Though current conditions make it difficult to achieve rapid decarbonization, the report suggests that data centers remain committed to sustainability. With 80% of CEOs planning to increase investment in energy solutions, even if only incrementally, there is optimism for continued progress. By adopting a balanced approach that aligns with economic realities, data centers can move towards a sustainable future while managing the operational demands of today’s market.
Well, it's here: the year 2025, and a new year calls for more movies and shows arriving across the best streaming services, starting with Netflix. This past year has been an eventful one for Netflix with the releases of Rebel Ridge, miniseries Griselda, and of course One Day joining the library of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies – and it's only going to get better.
January 1 is packed with a blend of movies including fun family favorites and romance stories, but it's compelling dramas like Lion (2016), Interstellar (2014), and Dallas Buyers Club (2013) that top the list of new Netflix titles. In addition to the usual list of new arrivals, Netflix is also ushering in new original shows, starting with Selling the City on January 3 and as a major fan of Selling Sunset, I'll be sat.
Everything new on Netflix in January 2025
Arriving on January 1
13 Going on 30 (movie)
3 Ninjas: Kick Back (movie)
Apollo 13 (movie)
Blended (movie)
Bruce Almighty (movie)
Colombiana (movie)
Dallas Buyers Club (movie)
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat (movie)
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (movie)
Erin Brockovich (movie)
Hotel Transylvania (movie)
Hotel Transylvania 2 (movie)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (movie)
Inception (movie)
Interstellar (movie)
Little Fockers (movie)
Love Actually (movie)
The Love Scam (Netflix original movie) Meet the Fockers (movie)
Meet the Parents (movie)
Melancholia (movie)
Missing You (Netflix original series) The Net (movie)
Notting Hill (movie)
Number 24 (Netflix original movie) Out of Africa (movie)
Rush Hour (movie)
Rush Hour 2 (movie)
Rush Hour 3 (movie)
Schindler's List (movie)
Scooby-Doo (movie)
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (movie)
Spider-Man (movie)
Spider-Man 2 (movie)
Spider-Man 3 (movie)
Arriving on January 2
Cunk on Life (TV show) Stranded with my Mother-in-Law season 2 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 3
Bandidos season 2 (Netflix original series) Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series) Shafted (Netflix original series) Selling The City (Netflix original series) Umjolo: My Beginning, My End! (Netflix original movie) Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix original movie)
Arriving on January 4
When the Stars Gossip (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 6
My Happy Marriage season 2 (Netflix original series) WWE Raw: 2025 (Netflix live event)
Arriving on January 7
The Breakthrough (Netflix original series) Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy (Netflix comedy special) The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of December 31, 2024 (TV show) Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action (Netflix original documentary) Younger seasons 1-7 (TV show)
Arriving on January 8
Dubai Bling season 3 (Netflix original series) Hound's Hill (Netflix original series) I AM A KILLER season 6 (Netflix original documentary) Subteran (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 9
American Primeval (Netflix original series) Asura (Netflix original series) I am Ilary (Netflix original series) Lion (movie)
The Upshaws part 6 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 10
Ad Vitam (Netflix original movie) Alpha Males season 3 (Netflix original series) Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 11
SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 13
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live season 1 (TV show)
Arriving on January 14
Ari Shaffir: America’s Sweetheart (Netflix comedy special) Single’s Inferno season 4 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 15
Hereditary (movie)
Krapopolis season 1 (TV show) Public Disorder (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 16
XO, Kitty season 2 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 17
Back in Action (Netflix original movie) Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series) Young, Famous & African season 3 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 18
SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 21
The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of January 10, 2025 (TV show)
Arriving on January 22
W.A.G.s to Riches (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 23
NCIS seasons 1-5 (TV show) The Night Agent season 2 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 24
The Sand Castle (Netflix original movie)
Arriving on January 25
SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 26
You Hurt My Feelings (movie)
Arriving on January 28
The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of January 17, 2025 (TV show) Liza Treyger: Night Owl (Netflix comedy special)
Arriving on January 29
Six Nations: Full Contact season 2 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 30
Mo season 2 (Netflix original series) The Recruit season 2 (Netflix original series) The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse season 2 (Netflix original series)
Arriving on January 31
Lucca's World (Netflix original movie) The Snow Girl season 2 (Netflix original series)
Google Whisk uses images as inputs instead of text-based prompts
It's built on Google’s Imagen 3 generative AI model
The experimental tool is free to try for users in the US
Google’s new AI tool makes it easier to create and remix your visual concepts. Instead of asking you to describe what’s in your mind’s eye, Whisk lets you input three image prompts: one for subject, one for scene and one for style. Whisk takes care of the rest, making it a more intuitive way to experiment with different ideas.
While most of the best AI image generators require you to write a detailed prompt, Whisk handles that behind the scenes. When you drop pictures into the web-based Whisk interface as inspiration, Google’s Gemini model automatically analyzes them and writes a detailed caption for each. These are then fed into the Imagen 3 model, to create a matching image.
For example, you could drop in an image of a car as the subject and a photo of a rural landscape for the scene. You could them add a watercolor as the style to see what Whisk creates. Hit the button and you’ll get a pair of images based on your inputs.
From here, it’s easy to remix the images. The interface allows you to specify additional text-based details to tweak the outcomes. You can also easily drop in different source images or roll the dice if you’re in need of inspiration. New results appear in pairs in the feed, making it an intuitive way to ideate. You can also choose to refine images by revealing the text prompt and adding more details.
Whisk it up
While Whisk is designed to eliminate the need for text-based prompts, Google includes the option to refine the written prompts because results won’t always match up to the source material.
In a blog post about the experimental tool, Google explains that Whisk, “captures your subject’s essence, not an exact replica.” It’s only as effective as Gemini’s analysis of the images you submit. While this is generally very impressive, it also isn’t able to get inside your mind: you might expect Whisk to pull out one detail from an image, where it focuses on another.
The post explains further: “Since Whisk extracts only a few key characteristics from your image, it might generate images that differ from your expectations. For example, the generated subject might have a different height, weight, hairstyle or skin tone. We understand these features may be crucial for your project and Whisk may miss the mark, so we let you view and edit the underlying prompts at any time.”
Even with these shortcomings, Whisk an interesting application of Google’s existing AI tools. The underlying generative models are the same as if you were chatting with Gemini via its text interface. By relying on image inputs, though, Whisk is a more accessible and intuitive way for visual creators to play with their ideas.
Based on early feedback from digital creatives, Google refers to Whisk as “a new type of creative tool” which is intended for “rapid visual exploration, not pixel-perfect edits.”
How to try Google Whisk
Google Whisk is currently only available to users in the US. If you’re based there, you can try it out via your web browser at labs.google/whisk.
The experimental tool is completely free to play with. Data from your experience with Whisk will be fed back to Google to help refine and develop future AI products.
Study claims dynamic pricing creates competitive advantages for retailers
AI enhances real-time pricing adjustments across platforms
Savvy shoppers track prices for optimal savings
Dynamic pricing has become a cornerstone of modern ecommerce platforms, which increasingly adjust product prices in real-time based on factors such as demand, competition, seasonality, and even localized market conditions.
Unlike traditional fixed pricing, dynamic pricing strategies allow businesses to react swiftly to shifts in the market, helping them to stay competitive and maximize profits. For consumers, this approach means prices can fluctuate frequently, creating both opportunities for savings and challenges in keeping track of the best deals.
With AI and machine learning becoming integral to ecommerce, dynamic pricing is now more sophisticated, with algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to optimize pricing around the clock.
Good for business, bad for consumer?
Now, a report by Smartproxy has revealed the top five ecommerce platforms with the most fluctuating prices.
Amazon.com leads the way in dynamic pricing, with an average of 12.6 price changes per day, leveraging advanced algorithms to make real-time adjustments. By constantly monitoring competitors, demand, and inventory levels, Amazon ensures its products remain competitively priced, with some reports claiming it updates its prices every 10 minutes.
On the other hand, Amazon’s Canadian site, Amazon.ca, employs a tailored dynamic pricing model that aligns with Canadian market trends. Averaging 4.3 price changes daily, Amazon.ca uses automated repricing tools to keep up with local demand and competitor prices, providing Canadian sellers the flexibility to adjust pricing quickly.
Walmart's Canadian site ranks second for price changes per day, with the report showing it updates around seven times, with supply and demand, seasonality, and promotions all factoring in to the calculation of new prices.
Home furnishings store Wayfair.com uses dynamic pricing as a core component of its strategy. With around 3.6 price adjustments per day, Wayfair also tailors its prices based on seasonality, demand fluctuations, and inventory data.
Rounding out the list, BestBuy.com averages 2.6 price changes per day, using dynamic pricing to respond to competitor promotions and local product availability. Best Buy’s Price Match Guarantee and AI-powered tools further support frequent adjustments, making it a preferred destination for tech-savvy shoppers. By forecasting demand shifts, BestBuy effectively manages its pricing to remain competitive in the U.S. electronics and home appliances market.
“Our industry-first Dynamic Pricing Index was designed to provide a holistic view of the global ecommerce landscape. By evaluating local and regional websites across 40 countries using carefully chosen criteria, we ensured a comprehensive assessment of ecommerce platforms that use dynamic pricing” said Vytautas Savickas, CEO at Smartproxy.
“This data reflects the popularity of the usage of dynamic pricing as well as any price change patterns in the market. We believe that our Dynamic Pricing Index will become a go-to source for various ecommerce businesses that want to improve their user experience, and the whole report will keep savvy online shoppers informed about the most recent developments in this extremely competitive landscape," Savickas added.
Fresh information on the Galaxy S25 Slim has appeared too
And we might know the thinness of the S25 Slim
It's honestly getting hard to keep up with the Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks at this point, with overlapping rumors coming in from multiple sources ahead of an expected January 22 launch – and we just got more unconfirmed details of the upcoming flagship series.
First up there's news from tipster Abhishek Yadav (via Android Authority) that the Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are all going to top out at 12GB of RAM, with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage available (and 128GB for the cheapest Galaxy S25).
While that would be a bump up from the 8GB that the Galaxy S24 starts with, it would mean there's no increase in RAM for the Ultra model – as our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review will tell you, it comes with 12GB of RAM as well.
Considering we'd heard multiple rumors that the Galaxy S25 Ultra would hit 16GB next year, it's somewhat disappointing to hear a contradictory report. Nevertheless, a RAM boat for the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus would be very welcome.
A new Slim model is coming too
Galaxy S25 Slim (SM-S937x/DS) :• 6.66" display (like S25+)• 200MP HP5 main camera• 50MP JN5 UW• 50MP JN5 3.5X telephoto• SD 8 Elite• ~4700mAh - 5000mAh🔋Launching in Q2, 2025 - similar to A & FE series launch timeline.December 20, 2024
Next up we have a few more details of the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim – a fourth model that could arrive several months after the others. As per @Gadgetsdata (via SamMobile), this phone is going to have the same 6.66-inch display as the Galaxy S25 Plus.
We're apparently looking at the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset on this model too, while the battery capacity is said to be between 4,700mAh-5,000mAh. As for the rear camera, a high-end, triple-lens 200MP+50MP+50MP module with 3.5x optical zoom is rumored.
Those camera specs are at the level we're expecting from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, so it looks like this is going to be a premium handset to be reckoned with – and there have been previous leaks about its camera prowess.
Finally, well-known tipster Ice Universe (via Notebookcheck) reckons the Galaxy S25 Slim might be 6.x mm thick – and whatever that last digit is, that would make it significantly thinner than the 7.6 mm thickness of the Samsung Galaxy S24.
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New QLC technology boosts storage capacity and performance High-Speed Link Startup Sequence reduces initialization time by 70% Enhanced...
Samsung's rival has debuted new storage tech that offers a super-fast, high-capacity flash memory for ultra-portable devices; Kioxia's UFS QLC promises to reach speeds of 4.2 GB/s
New QLC technology boosts storage capacity and performance
High-Speed Link Startup Sequence reduces initialization time by 70%
Enhanced security features protect sensitive user data effectively
The growing demands of mobile technology have increased the need for high-capacity and high-speed data storage, and as digital devices continue to advance, the industry seeks a way to handle larger data loads while delivering fast and efficient performance.
Kioxia has now launched the mass production of its latest innovation: the industry’s first QLC UFS 4.0 embedded flash memory device.
The new device is designed with quadruple-level cell (QLC) technology and comes with a higher bit density and increased storage capacity thanks to Universal Flash Storage (UFS) technology.
High-speed performance for demanding applications
With this new QLC UFS 4.0 device, Kioxia offers higher storage capacity within a compact structure which not only benefits compact devices like mobile phones and tablets but also PCs, networking systems, and emerging fields like AR, VR, and AI that require robust storage solutions.
Kioxia’s QLC UFS 4.0 device has impressive data transfer rates with the device reaching sequential read speeds of up to 4,200 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s. These speeds are achieved by utilizing the UFS 4.0 interface, which supports interface speeds as high as 23.2 Gbps per lane or 46.4 Gbps per device.
This combination of QLC storage with the latest UFS interface technology provides a significant performance boost, making it well-suited for data-heavy applications. As a result, users can expect faster file transfers, smoother streaming, and more efficient multitasking, particularly for mobile and high-performance computing devices.
Kioxia’s new QLC UFS 4.0 device is also built on its proprietary BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory, known for its durability and efficiency. Designed to meet the JEDEC standard, the UFS 4.0 package combines this advanced memory with a dedicated controller to optimize performance. With backward compatibility with UFS 3.1, Kioxia’s UFS 4.0 devices offer an upgrade path for users.
To enhance its practical application, Kioxia’s QLC UFS 4.0 device features a High-Speed Link Startup Sequence (HS-LSS), a new method that accelerates device-to-host initialization. By allowing link startup at a faster HS-G1 Rate A rather than the conventional slower speed, HS-LSS reduces link startup time by about 70%.
In addition to faster initialization, the device also includes enhanced security capabilities with Advanced Replay Protected Memory Block (RPMB) features. These security measures protect user data by securing access to sensitive information, such as credentials. With RPMB Purge, users can also ensure that discarded data is fully sanitized, adding another layer of confidence in data protection.
Furthermore, Kioxia’s QLC UFS Ver. 4.0 device supports an Extended Initiator ID (Ext-IID), which is designed to work with Multi Circular Queue (MCQ) in the UFS 4.0 host controller. This feature boosts random performance, a critical component for devices requiring fast and distributed access to data across multiple applications. With Ext-IID, the device is better equipped to manage complex data tasks, providing faster, more efficient performance for users with demanding workloads.
- Renewed in December 2022
- Will be released on February 14, 2025
- First trailer officially revealed
- Main cast expected to return
- Hilary Swank and Joel McHale to guest star
- No official plot details released yet
- Season 2 finale teases potential story threads
- Showrunners have plans for more seasons
Yellowjackets season 3 is undoubtedly hotly-anticipated considering it's one of the best shows on Paramount Plus. A delicious mix of survival thriller and coming-of-age drama, the show follows two timelines – one in 1996 as a group of female high school soccer players find themselves deserted in the wilderness after their plane crashes, and one, in the present day where they're attempting to cope with the fallout.
Season 1 and 2 laid out the girls fight for survival, resorting to cannibalism to stay alive. Yet, in the present-day timeline, the survivors are still trying to piece their lives back together, 25 years on, with the past coming back to haunt them. As the show’s official logline says, “the past is never really past”.
Season 3 returns on February 14, 2025. Yes, that's Valentines Day, and no, we're not expecting Yellowjackets to suddenly become a romance. Though, even as a show filled with horror and hard-to-watch moments, there's still a multitude of storylines to explore in season 3, one of which delves deeper into a connection. Here's everything you need to know from cast predictions, to plot speculation, and more.
Full spoilers follow forYellowjacketsseason 1 and 2. Potential spoilers are also discussed for season 3.
Yellowjackets season 3 officially has a release date – and it's February 14, 2025. The show was renewed back in December 2022, before season 2 was even released, so it's no surprise that we've got news to share. The first two episodes will drop on Valentine's Day, if you're craving a thrilling night-in, and the rest will follow on February 16.
Entertainment Weekly previously reported a bonus episode was coming to bridge the gap between season 2 and 3, though Lyle confirmed: “The truth is that there is a bonus episode but we may need to wait a bit longer for it.” There's not long left for this secret drop to happen, but we'll keep our eyes peeled.
Yellowjackets season 3 trailer
The Yellowjackets season 3 trailer teases more spine-chilling savagery and was unveiled in early December, just a couple of months before season 3's arrival. Across 80 seconds, it hints that: “the past will come back to haunt you", which is suitably apt for the way Yellowjackets has gone so far.
It also continues to tease that someone is trying to kill the island’s survivors. And that's not the only threat as an unknown person is seen hiding behind a Yellowjackets survivors’ notorious cannibalism mask, meaning there’s most likely going to be more people-eating in season 3. Most notably though is a brief glimpse at Hilary Swank's guest-starring role. Though we don't know who she plays yet, it seems she's been bloodied by something and doesn't look particularly calm about it.
Yellowjackets season 3 confirmed cast
Taissa, Van, Jeff and Shauna in Yellowjackets season 3(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
Spoilers follow forYellowjacketsseason 1 and 2.
Here's the confirmed cast for Yellowjackets season 3 so far:
There’s two new cast members joining Yellowjackets season 3; Hilary Swank and Joel McHale. Deadline revealed in September 2024 that Swank was joining the cast as a recurring guest star. In the report, it also said: “I hear there is an option for her to become a series regular should the hit series get a fourth season.” From the trailer featured above, we know that she exists in the present-day timeline, though her character is yet to be revealed. For Joel McHale, as per Variety, Yellowjackets season 3 will also see the Community alum guest star. Though exact details of his character are also being kept firmly under wraps.
Yellowjackets season 3 story synopsis and rumors
What's next for Misty in Yellowjackets season 3?(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
Full spoilers follow forYellowjacketsseasons 1 and 2.
There’s a lot to discuss when it comes to where Yellowjackets season 3 could take the story next. In an exclusive first look, Entertainment Weekly spoke to co-creator Ashley Lyle who revealed that, “there’s a little bit of a time jump in both timelines” in season 3.
The best place to start when it comes to the plot synopsis for Yellowjackets season 3 is by taking a look at the season 2 finale where both timelines were in trouble. In the past, the shelter where the girls had been staying was burnt to the ground in an epic finale. How? It appears as though Coach Ben was responsible, as well as locking the girls inside, since he was last seen standing outside with a box of matches. Very suspicious.
The group also have a new leader and Antler Queen – Natalie. While Shauna was left seething from the choice that Lottie made, there’s clearly some tensions to explore in season 3. During an interview with EW, Sophie Thatcher who plays young Natalie said: “I have no idea if people will actually follow through with her being leader. That’s exciting to think about. But the writers are always surprising us.”
Season 2 saw Lottie's wellness retreat take center stage(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
In the present-day timeline, Shauna became the next target as Lottie led the women on another hunt. Though she’s saved, by her daughter, just in time. Lottie, Van, Natalie, Misty, Taissa, and Shauna reunited at Lottie's sinister wellness retreat.
The reunion quickly took a turn when Lottie stated that they needed to sacrifice someone to the wilderness, beginning the ritual they created in the past. From this stemmed one of the most shocking parts of the season 2 finale, the death of Natalie (Juliette Lewis). Viewers witnessed as she was accidentally killed by Misty (Christina Ricci), who was trying to save her and kill Lisa instead. The repercussions of which are sure to play out in season 3.
Nickerson reveals plans to further explore Van and Taissa's relationship(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
Plus, there’s the relationship between Van and Taissa to explore. Co-creator Bart Nickerson told EW: “One of the things that we have always been trying to play with, but maybe this season even more so is that, as a result of a lot of their experiences, they’ve obviously put a lot of terrible stuff away, but they’re also trying to recapture some of the best of themselves from that time, too. Some of that will be explored through that relationship.”
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Lyle said, when it comes to season 3, there's "at least two very big questions" that they'll be answering. Adding: "We are going to learn more about what happened in the wilderness that they are so afraid of coming out. We hope it will be both satisfying and at times unexpected." Plus, in a X/Twitter post, she said: "Are we gonna get weirder? Probably! Will the fallout of *redacted*’s death affect our (anti)heroes in massive ways? Will our girls’ struggle to survive against the elements (and themselves) get even down and dirtier? Do we still have to tell the story of Pit Girl? You betcha!"
Where to watch Yellowjackets season 1 and 2?
Yellowjackets is available for Paramount Plus with Showtime subscribers(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
For Yellowjackets, there's a lot more story to explore(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
While there's no official news around Yellowjackets season 4, the show was renewed for season 3 before season 2 even came out, so there could be something to share sooner rather than later. Though Melanie Lynskey, who plays Shauna, posted on X/Twitter: "Look I'll do this show forever if they let me."
And it appears while it may not be forever, there could at least be a couple more seasons of Yellowjackets coming. Speaking with EW, Lyle revealed: "The original plan was about five seasons, and we feel like we're still on track for that." Though she added: "There's always room for things,' though "we don't really see this as being more than a five-season show. I think that there are shows that can go forever, but I think that when you're telling such a deeply serialized story and it's about these characters' lives, you want to reach a satisfying conclusion and not just drag things out forever."
The year is coming to a close but we have time for at least one more ICYMI round-up to catch you up on the most important tech announcements before the holidays, and more importantly, CES 2025 land.
This week we saw leaks galore for the Samsung Galaxy S25, Nintendo Switch 2, and new Ray-Ban smart glasses, as well as getting a trailer for Superman which introduced us to a very good boy in Krypto.
You can't watch Superman yet, but if you've caught up on the week's news and are looking for something to fill your downtime, then check out our picks for the seven new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend.
7. Panasonic brought back the point-and-shoot camera
(Image credit: Panasonic)
One thing we didn't have on the 2024 bingo card was a new point-and-shoot camera, even though it's a trending market this year. So it was surprising when Panasonic announced the Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 (it's called the former in the US and the latter elsewhere), which will be available from February 2025.
The pocketable snapper packs a Leica lens with a whopping 30x optical zoom – a 24-720mm range that's way more versatile than your smartphone, and which can be doubled digitally to 60x using Panasonic's iZoom feature. It shoots 20.3MP photos and 4K video, supported by Panasonic's 5-axis image stabilization for sharp shots. That all sounds fab, but it's actually 10-year-old tech borrowed from the Lumix ZS80 / TZ80 it replaces, and the newer model is arguably a downgrade because the EVF (electronic viewfinder) has been removed.
So why the new model? It's got USB-C charging, meaning the green light to stay on the shelves come 2025 when the EU's Common Charger Directive comes into force. So it's not so much a comeback for the point-and-shoot camera, but a case of keeping it alive… just.
We only just talked about the Nintendo Switch 2 leaking in last week's ICYMI round-up, but it's happened again, with the upcoming console being shown off not once but twice more.
When announcing its new Killswitch 2 case for the incoming hardware, Dbrand seemingly showed it off with a 3D render of the handheld inside, which its CEO says is based on a "3D scan of the real hardware".
Then we apparently got another look at the hardware thanks to YouTube channel NerdNest publishing a video that showcases what appears to be a dummy model of the Switch 2, which they apparently got from a third-party accessory manufacturer, iVoler.
We're still yet to see the Nintendo Switch 2 for real, but the leaks do seem to suggest that those of you wishing for a major redesign will be sorely disappointed. Maybe this will be one of those occasions where we'd have been better off being in the dark beforehand.
5. The Samsung Galaxy S25 also leaked left, right, and center
(Image credit: Evan Blass)
Leaks are commonplace in the consumer tech industry, but someone at Samsung clearly left the tap on, as this week we were treated to numerous design, spec, and release date revelations surrounding the upcoming Galaxy S25 series.
We were already pretty certain that the rumored Galaxy S25 would be announced on January 22, and that date was all but confirmed on Wednesday by a leaked launch event poster, which teased the imminent release of four (yes, four) Galaxy phones.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are good, but they could be better, and a leak from this week suggests that Meta is gearing up to give the specs their most requested upgrade in 2025: a display.
That’s according to the Wall Street Journal, which says “a person familiar with the project” suggested that the Ray-Bans would get a “single small in-lens screen” to give users a small HUD that will save them from always needing to take their phone out of their pocket.
It won’t be as feature-packed as the consumer version of the Meta Orion AR glasses prototype which wowed us this year, but it’s a step in the right direction and adds credence to a rumor that suggests Orion will arrive in 2027 – which is a lot closer than it seems.
It’s still seven months away from being released, but the DCU Chapter One movie’s first trailer was revealed this week – and, we don’t know about you, but we’re utterly obsessed with Superman’s best friend in Krypto the Superdog, who stole the show upon the teaser’s reveal. Indeed, he already seems like he’ll be a very good – albeit mischievous – boy, so roll on July 11, 2025, we say!
2. ChatGPT came to WhatsApp as part of a 12-day-long event
(Image credit: OpenAI)
OpenAI surprised everybody this week by announcing, as part of its ‘12 Days of OpenAI’, that we can now text ChatGPT via WhatsApp. You just need to add ChatGPT as a contact in WhatsApp – its number is 1-800-CHATGPT – and you can text it just as you would any other WhatsApp contact. If you’re outside the US then make sure you add it as a US phone number, and it will still work.
Using WhatsApp for ChatGPT is perfect for quick interactions like asking ChatGPT if there are any good food locations nearby or what you should visit while you’re in town. And if texting doesn’t float your boat then (provided you have a US number) you can call ChatGPT on the phone and talk to it using Voice mode. You get 15 minutes of conversation a month on a free account, but longer if you’re a ChatGPT Plus subscriber.
1. Google revealed its Sora-beating AI video generator
(Image credit: Google)
Just last week, OpenAI fully launched Sora, its much-anticipated AI video generator. Well, Google has already revealed an update to its video generation tool and Veo 2 might be the best we’ve seen yet.
Google’s Veo AI video generator update adds huge improvements like 4K resolution output and a focus on “an improved understanding of real-world physics and the nuances of human movement and expression," which helps improve its detail and realism overall.
Veo 2 has launched as part of Google Labs, and you can join a waitlist to access the AI video generator as long as you’re over 18 and based in the US. Google is set to roll out the AI model in 2025, and as soon as we get our hands on it we’ll be sure to pit it against Sora to see which AI tool comes out on top.
The Galaxy Store in the US has some new freebies to offer
See an exclusive clip of the upcoming Squid Game season 2
You can also get three months of Peacock Premium
Those of you with a Samsung Galaxy phone and a love of streaming entertainment are getting two free treats from Samsung just ahead of the holidays: an exclusive clip from Squid Game season 2 on Netflix, and three free months of Peacock Premium.
As per Samsung's announcement (via Android Police), you need to head over to the Galaxy Store to claim these benefits. As long as you download Netflix and Peacock from there, and are in the US, the perks should show up.
First up there's a clip from Squid Game season 2 inside the Netflix app, which Samsung says hasn't been made public before. The hit show is returning on December 26, so it's a way of whetting the appetite before the next batch of episodes drop.
Samsung also points out that the Squid Game: Unleashed game is now available from Netflix as well – though this isn't a Samsung Galaxy or US exclusive. If you want to take on players from around the world in Squid Game, head to the download page.
Get Peacock Premium
Load up Peacock for free for three months(Image credit: Shutterstock/DANIEL CONSTANTE)
The second bonus for Samsung Galaxy owners, via the Galaxy Store, is three free months of Peacock Premium – enough to get you through the holidays and beyond. This is an offer for first-time subscribers who haven't signed up before.
Peacock Premium would usually set you back $7.99 a month, so you can save yourself close to $24 with this Samsung deal. It's the cheapest Peacock plan, so there are also ads included, and you don't get the offline download support.
The Peacock streaming service gives you access to shows such as Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, The Office, 30 Rock, Poker Face, Yellowstone, and The Day of the Jackal (a show we're particularly impressed by at TechRadar).
You have until June 4, 2025 to claim the deal, so there's no need to rush. Samsung has also announced that Spotify is now available on the Galaxy Store too, so you've got another reason to visit it instead of the Google Play Store.
A leaked image of a Spigen case for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra matches up with previous leaks
As Spigen is a major brand, there's a high chance the details are accurate
We've also heard again that every Galaxy S25 model might have at least 12GB of RAM
Numerous leaked images have already shown off what the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might look like, but today we’ve seen perhaps the most credible yet, as it comes from a major case maker.
Leaker @Jukanlosreve has shared an image of a Spigen case for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and with Spigen being a major brand, it’s likely that Samsung would have shared design details with the company so it can prepare cases ahead of the phone’s launch.
The design in question matches what we’ve seen before; there's a quad-lens camera laid out the same way as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s, and slightly curvier corners than on the current model. So, there’s not really anything new here, especially as we can only see the shape of the back of the phone, but this is yet more evidence that the leaks we’ve seen previously are correct.
(Image credit: @Jukanlosreve)
Of course, while Spigen is a major brand, it’s possible that this image has been faked, but it looks genuine, and @Jukanlosreve has a good track record for leaks, so it’s unlikely they’d share this if they didn’t think it was the real deal.
More RAM than ever
In other Samsung Galaxy S25 news, leaker @yabhishekhd (via Android Police) has claimed that the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus will ship with 12GB of RAM, even in their base versions. This means that unlike in the S24 series – where the standard Samsung Galaxy S24 had 8GB of RAM – there won’t be any 8GB models in the Samsung Galaxy S25 line.
We’ll probably find out for sure how much RAM these phones have on January 22, as based on numerous leaks that’s likely the Samsung Galaxy S25 release date.
The past few weeks have shown us how digital landscapes shape our social, political, and economic lives. This has been using misinformation and disinformation to stir up and generate a real-world response.
As a result of the digital world's impact, the rise of hacktivism has become an influential force in advocating for change and drawing attention to perceived injustices. Hacktivism, the use of hacking to promote political ends, often presents itself as a modern form of civil disobedience, challenging power structures and exposing wrongdoing.
Examples of Hacktivism can be seen throughout the world including Belarusian cyber groups attempting to slow Russian troops in opposition of the ongoing war against Ukraine as well as during the Arab Spring where cyber groups granted access to information to citizens.
However, despite its appeal and occasional successes, hacktivism cannot serve as a replacement for due process in a democratic society. Due process, with its foundations in legal standards and fair procedures, ensures that justice is administered impartially and equitably.
Legal and ethical boundaries
Although their aims can be well-intentioned, hacktivists often skirt around, or outright break laws designed to protect privacy, property, and security. These illegal activities often involve methods such as unauthorized access to systems and data breaches which violate laws and ethical standards.
Due process, on the other hand, abides by legal frameworks that ensure actions are lawful and rights are protected. When hacktivists bypass legal procedures, they undermine the rule of law, which is fundamental to democratic governance.
The actions of hacktivists can be ethically ambiguous. While some may see themselves as digital Robin Hoods, their methods can cause significant harm. For instance, the exposure of personal data during a hack can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and severe privacy violations for innocent individuals. These actions raise critical ethical questions about the means used to achieve perceived noble ends. By circumventing legal channels, hacktivists deny individuals the protections afforded by the law, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
While most people will not lose sleep over this in instances of hacktivism targeted against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the law remains in place to protect everyone; Failing to adhere to it sets a dangerous precedent which may not be wielded with such noble intentions in the future.
Accountability and transparency
Due process ensures accountability and transparency through a transparent legal process where actions and decisions are subject to scrutiny and oversight. Judges, lawyers and law enforcement officials are held to consistent standards and their actions are under constant review. Hacktivism lacks these processes, often operating in secrecy and without accountability, leading to questions about their motives as well as the accuracy and truth behind the information they are releasing.
Potential for unintended consequences
Hacktivism attacks, however well intentioned, are often indiscriminate and can result in collateral damage such as disruption of services, harm to innocent parties, and escalation of conflicts. A hack intended to expose corporate malpractice might also compromise the personal data of employees and customers, leading to widespread harm.
The acts of hacktivists can also result in severe responses from governments and corporations who look to increase security following a cyberattack. Stricter regulations and cybersecurity measures can potentially reduce freedoms in the digital space.
Additionally, hacktivist actions can undermine legitimate efforts to address grievances through lawful means. When hacktivists release information obtained illegally, it can taint public perception and compromise investigations that rely on legally obtained evidence. This can impede the work of journalists, watchdog groups, and legal advocates who strive to expose wrongdoing through legitimate channels.
Due process aims to minimize such risks by providing a controlled environment for resolving disputes and addressing wrongdoings. This point emphasizes the potential hazards of hacktivism, contrasting it with the structured and balanced approach of due process designed to protect societal interests and prevent harm.
Looking forward
While hacktivism can shine a light on pressing issues and serve as a catalyst for change, it cannot replace due process in a democratic society. The legal and ethical boundaries that define due process ensure that justice is delivered fairly, protecting the rights of individuals while maintaining social order. Accountability and transparency are fundamental to the integrity of legal proceedings, providing a system of checks and balances that is absent in hacktivist operations.
Furthermore, the potential for unintended consequences highlights the risks associated with bypassing established legal channels. For a society committed to justice and the rule of law, due process remains indispensable, providing a structured and equitable framework for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts. Hacktivism, while impactful, lacks the legitimacy, accountability, and comprehensive justice that due process provides, underscoring the importance of adhering to legal principles in the pursuit of social change.
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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AMD has reportedly stopped production of the Radeon RX 7900 GRE This is reflected in the mid-range GPU vanishing rapidly off the shelves...
AMD looks to have scrapped its RX 7900 GRE – the graphics card that’s our current pick for best GPU
AMD has reportedly stopped production of the Radeon RX 7900 GRE
This is reflected in the mid-range GPU vanishing rapidly off the shelves
AMD is likely preparing the way for new RDNA 4 graphics cards
AMD is ditching the Radeon RX 7900 GRE from its current-gen GPU line-up, if fresh gossip from the grapevine is to be believed.
According to a report from Dutch tech site Tweakers, the RX 7900 GRE is now end-of-life, with AMD halting production of this graphics card.
Tweakers explains that it received a tip from a retail store that this was the case, with that outlet having heard from multiple suppliers that the 7900 GRE is effectively out of the mix.
Add plenty of salt, but if true, once existing stock has sold through, it’ll be curtains for this popular GPU. (The RX 7900 GRE is, in fact, still currently our top pick of the best graphics cards out there).
The site clarifies that AMD will continue to support the card with its software (driver updates), as would clearly be expected.
Tweakers further notes that AMD didn’t reply to requests to confirm that the RX 7900 GRE had been discontinued, but that’s not surprising, we wouldn’t expect Team Red to do so.
The report also observes that stock (presumably in The Netherlands) is dwindling, and the lack of availability backs up the notion that this RDNA 3 GPU – which was first introduced as an Asia-only model, before releasing globally – is on the way out.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Analysis: Stock has indeed all but vanished
Hopping on over to Newegg in the US, we note that there’s only one model of RX 7900 GRE left on sale – the Acer BiFrost spin on the AMD GPU – with all the others now out of stock. Micro Center looks to be out of stock almost entirely, too, so this graphics card does indeed seem to be vanishing. Going by reports, stock has been dwindling over the past month or two.
Why might AMD be canning our favorite GPU of the moment? Well, it could be something to do with yields of the Navi 31 chip, meaning the silicon that doesn’t make the cut for higher-end RX 7900 models – which would be repurposed for the GRE – has simply run out.
Of course, production of Navi 31 is likely being scaled back anyway, as we have new RDNA 4 graphics cards rumored to be launching in Q1 of 2025. Those will supposedly include the RX 8800 XT (and more), with that GPU possibly making the RX 7900 GRE redundant in terms of its value proposition.
In short, this is another sign that a potent mid-range offering is due imminently – AMD will supposedly reveal its new RDNA 4 GPUs at CES 2025, with the boards launching soon after – and we can’t wait to see how those RX 8000 models shape up.
With the news that several large corporations such as Amazon are insisting their employees return to the office full time, it could be thought that the hybrid working revolution was merely a blip caused by lockdown necessity.
It remains to be seen whether this reversion will be successful or whether it will cause another wider adjustment as employees seek the employment that best reflects their needs.
Certainly, it should be seen as part of the continuum of an accelerating process of realignments as issues including trust, technology, productivity, creativity, family, finance and mental health shape the future of work.
Why hybrid working is still a necessity
Whether hybrid working remains a part of an organization's primary working strategy or not, it is critical that they retain the capability to do so to ensure business resiliency. The disruptions that impact physical office attendance will continue to exist and may well increase as the world becomes more unpredictable. From severe weather events to social unrest and global political shifts, there are a plethora of problems which will undermine attempts to confidently forecast mid to long-term plans.
The ability to flex as challenges and opportunities arise must be a fundamental consideration for all businesses. Developing an effective capability for remote and hybrid work enables employees to work from home or other locations if the office becomes inaccessible. Disregarding any other outcomes from recent years, this is a lesson that should not be forgotten.
Why technology is a key enabler for business resilience
Adopting technologies will be key for businesses to achieve the level of business resiliency required to support all working policies. For example, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) supports remote and hybrid working and can also be leveraged to improve other aspects of business resiliency, security, scalability and efficiency.
VDI situates PC or workstation resources on a server, rather than a laptop or desk-based device. This enables resources to sit alongside other server-based services in a central location, whether that be an office server room, a data center or the cloud. The virtual desktops are accessed with a low-spec device, often an inexpensive laptop or ‘thin client’, through an application or browser, over the network or internet. The experience for the end user remains the same so long as the service has been appropriately specified and configured, meaning employees can work from almost anywhere with an internet connection.
The key benefits of VDI
To ensure greater business protection, VDI (and its related infrastructure) should be located in a high-end data center to guarantee additional levels of resiliency. These would generally include dual and diverse power and connectivity, backup power generators, high levels of environmental management and physical and network security (such as DDOS protection). Such measures are important to reduce the risk of downtime, whether your employees are working from home or the office. Public and private cloud vendors will offer this level of service as a rule.
Centralizing all business resources also improves security. Data stays within a centrally managed network, rather than being located or replicated across multiple external devices, which exponentially increases vulnerability to attack. Employees only have inexpensive, dumb devices in hand, which are harder to hack and less problematic if stolen or damaged. Reducing the use of VPNs, replication and edge device data reduces the attack surface considerably.
Many VDI providers also offer scalability for organizations to flex their resources in line with their current needs. This type of dynamic resourcing is one of the big promises of cloud computing and is extremely attractive, especially when long-term forecasting is a challenge. There is a cost associated with such dynamism, but balancing this with less expensive, dedicated core resources allows for both reliability and agility.
Perhaps the most under-appreciated aspect of VDI is the efficiency that it can introduce to computer estate management. Administering through web-based control panels enables IT administrators to manage everything remotely, regardless of where the end user is based. Virtual desktops can be spun up or disabled in minutes, creating huge savings in the time that would otherwise be spent on physical device deployments and decommissioning. Resources can be reallocated across machines, users quickly reassigned and fresh images deployed rapidly, simplifying office moves and reorganizations.
Embracing the VDI opportunity for all working policies
There exists some understandable nervousness about hybrid working and VDI. For many organizations, this still seems a step too far from their long embedded and comfortable working practices and technologies. Alongside the recent push for a return to office working by some organizations, there has also been a parallel shift with other early adopters moving away from public cloud services; the latter primarily due to its expense and lack of ROI. Thankfully there are growing private cloud services that offer better and more accessible offerings, which ensure that the promise of cloud and VDI can still be realized. This will be important in the coming years which are sure to be full of new challenges and opportunities.
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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