The Apple Vision Pro, the company's first push into the headset market, has officially launched, and although it's mainly targeted at consumers, we've rounded up the best workplace and business-focused apps available so far.

Featuring Apple's typically polished design (and astronomical price tag), the Vision Pro is a bold move from the company, but one it hasn't made lightly, given its existing reach across mobile, computing and wearables.

Although designed (and marketed) as a mainly consumer-facing device, it's clear that the Apple Vision Pro could also offer business and enterprise users a number of benefits - and several major companies have already leapt on the bandwagon and revealed their accompanying apps.

Microsoft 365

(Image credit: Microsoft)

First up is Microsoft 365, aka the home of all your favorite workplace apps - the likes of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and even Microsoft Teams will all be available on the Apple Vision Pro.

The headset will look to offer a variety of new tools for Microsoft's apps, taking video conferencing in Teams to a new virtual plane, but also allowing for extra focus on those key Word documents.

Microsoft says the move will also let users better visualize data such as graphs in Excel spreadsheets, and help them practice PowerPoint presentations before speaking in front of an audience.

The apps will all be backed up by Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant, giving users a smarter and more intuitive way to access the files and information they need.

Zoom

(Image credit: Zoom)

If you're looking for a slightly different approach to video conferencing, Zoom has also revealed its app for the Apple Vision Pro, showing that virtual meetings and calls are set to be a major use case for the headset.

Zoom says its Apple Vision Pro app will help colleagues and co-workers in different locations feel much closer together, improving collaboration and connection. 

But it will also include a number of new features designed specifically for the Apple Vision Pro, such as its Personas feature to give an "authentic" representation of users on the call - including replicating facial and hand movements - and the ability to share 3D objects in much more detail, giving a new perspective on items. 

Webex

(Image credit: Webex)

Following hot on the heels of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, fellow video conferencing giant Webex has revealed its Apple Vision Pro app.

Much like its competitors, the Webex app for Apple Vision Pro will allow users to participate in video calls projected into the virtual space provided by the headset's "infinite canvas". Participants can present content and collaborate easily, making it simpler to multitask, but also benefit from Webex features such as AI background noise removal, real-time translations, closed captions, live polling and Q&A by Slido.

Adobe Firefly

(Image credit: Adobe)

First announced in June 2023, Adobe Firefly is the company's AI art generator for consumers and businesses alike.

The company says its Apple Vision Pro app features a "purpose-built experience" for users looking to create and develop new artwork, advertising or marketing campaigns, or imagery such as logos.

In addition, the company's Adobe Lightroom tool will also be available on the Apple Vision Pro, giving users the chance to enjoy an immersive photo editing experience using the headset.

TeamViewer

(Image credit: TeamViewer)

TeamViewer may be more of a common presence in remote IT support and updates, but the company is making a pitch to go a significant step further with the launch of its TeamViewer Spatial Support app for Apple Vision Pro.

Currently in beta, the app lets a user with an iPhone work together with a remote expert equipped with an Apple Vision Pro, to talk them through the steps needed to make a repair on broken-down or malfunctioning machinery.

The TeamViewer Spatial Support app utilizes ARKit and a built-in LiDAR scanner to capture a detailed 3D model of the device in need of support, which is shared with the remote expert for a synchornized 3D experience.

Box

(Image credit: Box)

Online content storage service Box may sound like an unlikely partner for the Apple Vision Pro, but the company says its app can provide users with a range of new ways to engage with their files.

This includes possible scenarios such as a retailer using the Apple Vision Pro to see how a window display may look to customers via a design proposal in Box, or a construction company virtually visiting a building site to view how a project may look using blueprint files or progress images stored in Box.

Box also says its app can use Siri's dictation tool alongside hand and eye gestures to navigate through its app to track down the files you need, which can then be placed into your own "infinite desktop" for clearer views and better multitasking.

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When is Season 2 dropping?

(Image credit: Activision)

Activision has now confirmed that Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 is planned for February 7 at 9AM PT / 12AM ET/ 5PM GMT.

Modern Warfare 3's next season is Season 2, a hefty refresh that adds in everything from fresh Battle Pass content to new weapons and maps. So far, plenty has been revealed about the upcoming season, which is set to launch very soon indeed.

In terms of what to expect from Modern Warfare 3 in the coming months, there are changes to Ranked Play, as well as updates to the game's ongoing weapon meta. The Modern Warfare 3 best weapons will likely change quite a bit once the new guns arrive, so it's worth being in the know regarding what's coming to the game soon.

Here's when to expect Modern Warfare 3 Season 2, as well as some info on the new weapons, maps, and modes that'll arrive alongside it. As we get closer to launch day, we'll be sure to update this page with everything that's going to be added. For now though, here's what we know about the next season of Modern Warfare 3.

Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 release time

(Image credit: Activision)

Activision has now confirmed that Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 will launch on February 7, 2024 at 9AM PT / 12 AM ET / 5PM GMT.

Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 update - new maps, modes, and more

(Image credit: Activision)

There's a decent chunk of content being added to Modern Warfare 3 as part of the Season 2 update. Below, you'll find a list of the main talking points, before we go into each in detail later on in this article. For a full breakdown, head to the Call of Duty blog.

• New Guns - BP50 AR, RAM-9 SMG, SOA Subverter BR, Soulrender melee sword (Mid-Season)
• New Maps - Departures (New, 6v6), Stash House (New, 6v6), Vista (New, 6v6), Das House (Remastered, 6v6, Mid-Season), Operation Tin Man (New, War Mode, 6v6)
• New Modes - Team Gun Game, Snipers Only, Hordepoint, Juggermosh, Bounty (Mid-Season)
• New Vest - Ninja Vest
• Ranked Play Season 2 - New Rewards
• Zombies - Dark Aether Rifts, New Challenges and Schematics, Warlord Keres, New Story Act (Mid-Season)
• Warzone - Fortune's Keep Resurgence, Zombie Contracts, Extendable Bridges, New Score Tracker
• New Operators - Michonne (The Walking Dead), Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead), Kate Laswell, John Doe

So there you have it, that's everything coming in Modern Warfare 3 Season 2. For more on MW3, check out our list of the best weapons to use in Modern Warfare 3. Elsewhere there's our Modern Warfare 3 review.

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Activision has shared a deeper look at three of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's upcoming multiplayer maps, set to drop with the launch of Season 2. 

Ahead of the launch of Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 on February 7, the publisher released a brand-new trailer showcasing the next trio of 6v6 maps set to join the multiplayer roster - Stash House, Vista, and Departures.

The teaser, which you can watch below, features a sweep of each map starting with Vista, a medium-sized modern seaside map set in the Brazilian mountaintop resort with an open exterior and interior to play in. 

Stash House is exactly as the name describes and is a small "compact" map featuring an abandoned house with a large back and front yard accessible to the player, while Departures takes - which is described as medium to large sized - is set in the Zakhaev International Airport, but is larger than Terminal.

The game will also introduce a remastered version of the 6v6 map Das Haus mid-season - an under-construction skyscraper near Highrise, which first appeared in Call of Duty: Vanguard.

"Whether you’re here to cause chaos or just for the XP, expect a much brighter, airier feel to this remastered iteration, as well as a lack of destructible cover for even quicker action," Activision says in its latest blog post.

There's more to look forward to with Season 2, two new map variants for Skidrow and Airborne, a new in-season story mission, and five new modes including Team Gun Game, Snipers Only, Bounty (in-season), and two limited-time modes Juggermosh (in-season) and Hordepoint.

Players can also expect a brand-new battle pass, which will feature a crossover with The Walking Dead: Fear the Living television series, and include Rick Grimes as a new character skin.

For more, here's our list of the best FPS games, as well as the best multiplayer PC games available to play in 2024. 

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Apple has revealed an exciting 2024 lineup of movies and shows for its streaming service, with the tech giant doubling down on its efforts to be seen as the new home of prestige TV.

Netflix threw down the gauntlet to its streaming rivals when it unveiled its own stacked lineup with its Next on Netflix 2024 trailer last Thursday (February 1). Just a few days later, Apple TV Plus is the first of those rivals looking to show that it has the entertainment-based clout to test the enduring popularity of Netflix – which tops our list of the world's best streaming services – by dropping its own 'Coming in 2024' teaser.

As the above trailer shows, Apple has its own impressive lineup of projects that are due out in 2024. Indeed, with expensive historical epics like Napoleon and returning fan-favorite comedies including The Big Door Prize set to join Apple's streaming platform, there's plenty to look forward to on one of the most underrated services around. I get the impression we'll be updating our best Apple TV Plus shows and best Apple TV Plus movies lists more often than usual this year.

But I digress. Of the productions that Apple showed off in its 'Coming in 2024' teaser, there are four series – sorry, movie fans, there wasn't much big-screen action on show in the sizzle reel – that caught my eye above all others. Here, then, is the quartet I'm most excited for.

Constellation

Release date: February 21

Apple TV Plus has positioned itself as the go-to streamer for all things sci-fi in recent years. Indeed, the platform's burgeoning lineup of genre-specific shows is one of the main reasons people subscribe to it, with the likes of Foundation, Silo, For All Mankind, and Severance captivating viewers with their mind-bending or alternate-history tales.

Constellation looks like it could be the next big sci-fi series to take viewers on a psychological thrill-fueled adventure. Noomi Rapace (Prometheus) plays Jo, an astronaut whose life back on Earth is upended after she's involved in a cataclysmic accident during her latest space expedition.

The cosmically twisty first trailer for Constellation suggests that it'll continue to prove Apple TV Plus is the king of sci-fi shows. I certainly hope that'll be the case, too.

Manhunt

Release date: March 15

Based on James L. Swanson's bestselling novel of the same name, Manhunt is billed as a conspiracy thriller that'll tell the story of one of the best known but least understood crimes in human history: the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Tobias Menzies (The Crown, Game of Thrones) stars as Edwin Stanton, one of Lincoln's closest allies and his Secretary of War, who leads the search for John Wilkes Booth, the man responsible for killing the 16th President of the United States. Anthony Boyle (Tetris, Masters of the Air) portrays Booth, while Hamish Linklater (Midnight Mass) will tackle the role of Lincoln.

Palm Royale

Release date: March 20

Looking for something with more of a comedic and/or period drama slant? Palm Royale, set in Florida in 1969, will be the Apple TV Plus series for you.

Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), who also executively produced the show, plays Maxine Simmons, a newcomer who attempts to work her way up the class system and earn a place in Palm Beach high society. Along the way, though, she'll realize the high life isn't all it's cracked up to be, and ponder whether it's worth sacrificing who you are in the pursuit of upper-class status.

Wiig leads an all-star ensemble cast that also includes Laura Dern (Jurassic Park), Alison Janney (The West Wing), Ricky Martin (Hercules), Leslie Bibb (Jupiter's Legacy), and Kaia Gerber (Babylon). Speaking of Babylon, I'm getting similar tonal vibes with Palm Royale as I did with Damien Chazelle's 1920s-era flick, as well as The White Lotus, aka one of the best Max shows. Here's hoping it's more of the latter than the former, which didn't exactly set the theatrical world alight in late 2022.

Sugar

Sugar is described as a "contemporary and unique" take on the detective genre. (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Release date: April 5

I knew Sugar would capture my attention as soon as I learned two things about it: first, that it'll star Colin Farrell (The Batman, Banshees of Inisherin), and second, that it's a detective noir series. What more could anyone ask for?

The eight-part drama sees Farrell playing John Sugar, a private detective who's hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. As Sugar digs into the case, he soon discovers that the Siegel family is – shock horror – harboring long-buried secrets that might be crucial to solving the case. Kirby Howell-Baptiste (The Sandman) leads a starry supporting cast.

Apple describes Sugar as a "contemporary, unique" take on the postmodern detective narrative – one that might even have snippets of sci-fi laced throughout. Color me extremely intrigued.

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It'll be a fair bit of time until we catch even a whiff of The Last of Us Part 3, but it seems like the gears are already turning over at Naughty Dog for a potential sequel to The Last of Us Part 2.

Reported by IGN, series writer and director Neil Druckmann pondered on the future of the popular PlayStation series toward the end of the Grounded 2: Making of The Last of Us Part 2 documentary. Druckmann speaks on the finality of Part 2, stating that: "If we never get to do it again, this is a fine ending point. Last bite of the apple, the story's done."

However, Druckmann also seems to imply something of a 'never say never' attitude, confirming that he already has some ideas for a potential The Last of Us Part 3. 

"I've been just thinking about it, 'is there a concept there?' And for now years, I haven't been able to find that concept," says Druckmann concerning a future third entry in the series. 

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

Druckmann also poured cold water on the idea of The Last of Us Part 3 focusing on Joel's brother, Tommy, stating that reports on the matter were "actually wrong."

"It was always a small story, it was never a full title," Druckmann clarifies. "At the time, we had higher priorities at Naughty Dog to fix our pipeline, to fix work-life balance issues. Just based on where we were, I didn't want to prioritize the story, so that story was shelved. And I still believe one day, it'll see the light of day. I don't know if it'll be a game or a show, tbd."

Whether Tommy's story does end up as part of The Last of Us Part 3, or a potential side plot for the TV show or otherwise, remains up in the air. All we know for certain is that series fans have an appetite for a third entry in the post-apocalyptic series; we'll just have to wait and see if Naughty Dog can grow anything beyond this extremely early conceptual stage.

For more top PS5 picks, consider checking out our guide to the best PS5 games and best PSVR 2 games to discover your next gaming fix.

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Xiaomi's latest Redmi Note 13 line-up packs an impressive punch for its price with particular attention to its cameras and some intriguing AI features. And they could be potential affordable alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup. 

The Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus are two of the premium models from the five-strong new Redmi Note 13 series that were released in January.  

I took both the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus for a spin and wasn’t sure what to expect from a brand better known for its affordability rather than its flagships. But I was pleasantly surprised.

Fantastic plastic and a speedy screen

I was initially struck by how lightweight the new Redmi Note phones both were. This was due to both models featuring a plastic frame, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G using a plastic back and weighing only 187g, while the Pro Plus is a more standard 204g. This raised fears of them breaking easily if i dropped them during my hands-on, but they seem relatively robust and are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the screens.

Dust and water protection differs between the models with the Pro supporting IP53 rating and the Pro Plus receiving more protection with IP68. Basically, more than enough to withstand being caught out in the rain.

Both were sleek and smooth-looking devices that didn’t feel uncomfortable or difficult to hold however the Pro Plus stands out from the pack a little due to the slightly curved shape, while all other models sport a flat edge design.

The top of the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus sports a speaker, microphone, and IR blaster, while on the bottom there is another speaker, microphone, and SIM tray. Meanwhile, power and volume buttons are on the right-hand side. All fairly run-of-the-mill.  I was surprised to see a 3.5mm audio jack in the Redmi Note 13 Pro, as most phones have phased them out for Bluetooth connectivity but they do offer another option to extend the battery life when listening to music.

The display on both the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and Pro Plus is a glossy and bright 6.67 inch, 120Hz AMOLED screen with small bezels that I didn’t get to test with any streaming or gaming but still looked colorful and sharp.

One aspect I found annoying was the Pro was especially susceptible to picking up fingerprints and smears, which isn’t a dealbreaker for most people. 

The next element my eyes were drawn to on both models was the large camera model on the back.

Capable cameras

(Image credit: James Ide / Future )

The Redmi Note 13 series has a strong focus on photography and the Pro and Pro Plus illustrate this best with their respective triple camera system featuring a 200-megapixel main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera as well as a 16MP front camera, supported by an optical image stabilization.

This enlarged camera module is a lot more prominent than the previous Redmi Note 12 Pro, and replaces the 50-megapixel camera with an upgraded 200-megapixel main camera on both models.

I was impressed with how much detail the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus managed to retain when I pushed the zoom to its full 4x focal range which is where the optical image stabilization came in handy, especially in dim lighting environments. 

The inclusion od a 2MP macro camera seems a tad pointless, with macro cameras really adding much to the overall smartphone camera experience. Ultra-wide cameras are more commonly used for macro photography in the best phones you can get these days. 

Shots taken in 200-megapixel mode can generate different crops using Xiaomi ProCut 2.0, to suit several different aspect ratios. which is handy for shooting social media content. Color reproduction was a little dull though not completely washed out, which gave a more natural true-to-life feel.

(Image credit: James Ide / Future)

Unsurprisingly AI effects are also a key feature, like a beautify option that allowed me to edit certain features of a selfie like the shape of my face and size of my eyes. This looked unnerving when I tried it, but after a bit of practice produced some pleasing but subtle results. 

I also saw a demonstration of the AI Sky Replace tool, which helped replace a grey washed-out, bland sky with some striking dramatic skies that looked good, and a couple looked a little heavy-handed. You can also erase unwanted people from shots much like the the Magic Eraser function in recent Google Pixel, models. I saw mixed results with it sometimes working quickly and other times not at all. 

Low light performance was better than I expected due to the larger-than-usual 1/1.4" sensor, which can gather more light in a single shot which was evident in the dimly lit space I used the phone. I also loved some retro-looking filters in video mode that were fun but I didn’t get to try all of them out.  

The Redmi Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro Plus aren't likely to challenge the Galaxy S24 series in a pure smartphone photo shootout, But there's some interesting potential here, especially given the price (more on that later). 

In terms of camera layout, the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus and Redmi Note 13 Pro feature an attractive three-camera squared design. However, I noticed it protrudes slightly on the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and prevented me from laying the phone down flat, while the Pro Plus seems to integrate its camera system a little better. 

Specs flex

(Image credit: James ide Future)

The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2,while the Pro Plus uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset.

Both 4-nanometer chips' performance lags behind the latest Snapdragon Gen 3 and Gen 2 chips, so won't' bother the Galaxy S24 in terms of benchmark. But in everyday use that may not matter as both chips are still high-performance slices of silicon

I couldn’t see much of a difference between the two in terms of performance in my limited time with both units, but the Dimensity chip should have the edge in gaming and performance. I did notice the occasional stutter from both models especially on the Pro using the Snapdragon when I was playing with the camera and AI features but nothing too egregious; this could also be down to software optimization. 

Both devices were supplied with the latest MIUI version 14.0.2 based on Android 13 and not Android 14 that's rolling out currently to recent devices.

It’s hard to tell if it was because these were demo models, but there were quite a few preinstalled apps like TikTok, Spotify, and AliExpress that should be removable.  

There are two versions of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus both include 8GB RAM, 256GB, and 12GB RAM and 512GB storage models.  

I didn’t get a good idea of battery life due to my limited time with the devices, however the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus houses uses a 5,000mAh battery that uses fast 120W HyperCharge that claims to fully charge the phone in 19 minutes. 

Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G has a slightly larger 5,100mAh battery with 67W turbo charge, which isn’t as fast as the Plus model but is still very quick, fully charging the phone in 44 minutes and both include a charger in the box. 

So both phones have the capacity and charging speed to beat a Galaxy S24, and likely a good few other of the best Android phones when it comes to battery endurance. 

A sharp price

While I’m yet to see the whole range, what I’ve seen so far from the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Pro Plus was impressive. Prices seem very reasonable given the potential quality of the Redmi Note 13 range, with the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus starting at £449 / $400 / AU$605 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage version. 

The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G starts at much cheaper £339 / $304 / AU$460 for the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage version. The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G and Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G are goth available now from select retailers. But we suggest you wait for our full review before you make the jump and get one. 

But so far the prognosis is we could be looking at a brace of phones that offer specs and features that could snap at some of the latest flagship phones without having the price tag to match. That's all promising stuff. 

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OnePlus could be seen as throwing shade at its pseudo rivals Samsung and Apple after the launch of its new smartphones the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. But is it all banter or should the one-time smartphone upstart concentrate on making its devices more competitive?

The OnePlus launch event called Smooth Beyond Belief took place just seven days after the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked launch of the AI-focused Samsung Galaxy S24 series but showed the very different direction the companies are heading.

OnePlus took the unconventional approach of kicking off the launch of the OnePlus 12 and 12R by pointing out the flaws of other devices, host, Ishita Grover stated: “We have seen a slew of typical complaints that have plagued our competitors."  

On the screen were fourteen complaints about non-specific phones, Ishita then went on to say these comments made it clear where OnePlus would target its efforts. 

Throwing stones

(Image credit: OnePlus)

While no particular brand or models were mentioned, comments including “Charges slowly with a 20 or 25W charger” could be directed at the base model Samsung Galaxy S23 which only had 25W charging. It could be aimed at the iPhone 14 Pro Max which charges at a comparatively lower 27W. 

Meanwhile, it has to be said, that OnePlus phones have been going above and beyond by sporting some of the fastest charging for years with the OnePlus 12 offering 100W maximum charging.

Battery health issues were also mentioned with some degrading rapidly, which could be referring to some iPhone 14, and 14 Pro’s dropping to 90% in the first year. While OnePlus claims it has its battery health engine to maintain the longevity of its phone batteries. 

There are also several comments about overheating that could be referring to the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Flip 4, or Galaxy S23 FE that all used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which was known for overheating in some phones. However, OnePlus’ phones have also been accused of overheating issues in the past, especially the OnePlus 9 Pro.

While talking about the advantages of the new camera system wilderness landscape photographer Joshua Cripps in the Chasing Luna video states: “I think it’s important to photograph mother nature in an authentic way without AI or Photoshop."

Given Samsung got embroiled in controversy around the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s AI-centric Astrophotography features, having a professional moon-snapper criticize AI in photography could be seen as more than a wry glance at Samsung. Deliberate or not, it shows that OnePlus is avoiding the AI-led approach that both Google and Samsung have leaned into. But it's worth noting that all the smart image processing that goes into pretty much all smartphone photography, means one could argue phone photos are hardly left unmanipulated. 

Social spat

However, the launch isn’t the only time OnePlus pointed out its competitor's flaws. Samsung mistakenly misidentified a photo of a woman at the Galaxy Unpacked event on X as the YouTuber/streamer @valkyrae. Upon her correction, Samsung blocked her. In response, OnePlus jabbed at Samsung in reply by commenting, "We'd never block you," highlighting the contrast in the handling of such situations.

But even this is mild when compared to OnePlus’ comments on last year’s Samsung Galaxy S23 launch. OnePlus took to X to openly give “hot takes” on that year's showcase, which included in a now-deleted tweet that stated: “In what Galaxy are you paying $1,199 for ‘Ultra’?” It also poked fun of the lack of a provided charging brick and asking: “Are we going to see anything without a blockbuster budget?”

Are we going to see anything without a blockbuster budget?#SamsungUnpackedFebruary 1, 2023

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OnePlus didn't hold back in mocking Apple's "Wonderlust" event in September 2023 either, ridiculing Apple's shift to USB-C and went a step further by creating an Apple event bingo card that included items like "drone shot of Apple Park" and "claims something is the most advanced ever." This direct and lighthearted approach showcased OnePlus's willingness to poke fun at its competitor's events.  

Hey, it’s Dez (the social media manager) and I’m taking over to play a little game of bingo for the Apple Event. Play along with us and let’s have some fun - and hopefully not get me fired... pic.twitter.com/siz5MIK9wiSeptember 12, 2023

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This could all point to OnePlus trying to have its cake and eat it, wanting to be seen as the scrappy underdog that is more open to challenge and being experimental, while aiming to be taken seriously and seen as one of the top phone manufacturers and a viable flagship alternative. 

The increasing competition between major phone manufacturers could make it difficult to ignore each other and I don’t think they should. Any criticism could help improve future products and give a clear indication of how it's perceived outside the fanbase.

Glass houses

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

While some may appreciate OnePlus' banter, others will not be impressed with the less professional approach. OnePlus’ identity seems to lean more on feeling like a club and part of that is pointing to others outside that community. 

I prefer the playful interactions, finding them more engaging than the conventional release of spec sheets and sanitized corporate statements and marketing videos, with each having its value as long as you don’t take any of it too seriously. 

But the rub here is both Apple and Samsung phones regularly top our best phones lists, with OnePlus phones not always getting a look in. 

Sure in our OnePlus 12 review, we looked upon the latest flagship from OnePlus with acclaim. But go and read our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review and iPhone 15 Pro Max review to get an idea of what true out-and-out flagship phones can do. 

And where once OnePlus was the flagship-challenging underdog, its higher-end phones aren't the bargains they used to be, especially now when the likes of the Google Pixel 8 Pro are keenly priced and come packed with smart AI tools. 

Ultimately, while OnePlus can throw virtual stones, it's in a glasshouse vulnerable to hurled criticizm itself. Maybe a return to $500-ish well-equipped smartphnws could be the way for OnePlus to justify its critique of others, but for now its slings and arrows of criticizm may be a little wide of the mark. 

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The full-frame Nikon Z6 II convinced me to finally upgrade from my Nikon DSLR in 2021 and it has been my go-to camera for personal and professional work ever since.

It’s proved to be a true all-rounder, delivering superb 24MP stills in good light and bad, and reliable eye detection autofocus for portraiture. Its powerful processor and rapid continuous shooting make light work of action sequences, while its video chops have seen me through single-person productions, especially as I opted for the ‘Essential Movie kit’ which comes with an Atomos Ninja external monitor. 

Needless to say I’ve had a lot of hands-on time with my Z6 II and it remains one of the best mirrorless cameras today. However, it’s not perfect, and since its 2020 release new mirrorless cameras have brought new skills. Throughout pushing my Z6 II in various scenarios and testing the very latest tech as TechRadar’s Cameras editor, I’ve mentally logged a wishlist should Nikon ever update this mid-range full-framer. 

Naturally, the recent rumors of an upcoming third-gen model have caught my eye. Has Nikon read my mind regarding improvements in what will likely be called the Z6 III? The following three improvements would make the most difference to my daily photo and video rigors. 

1. More versatile subject detection autofocus

A recent zebra photo I took in Kenya using the Nikon Z6 II with the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens (Image credit: Future)

When I first used the Z6 II, I was super impressed by how effective its autofocus is, especially compared to my full-frame DSLR. For example, ‘Auto-area AF (people)’ provides reliable face detection and its quick toggle between left and right eye preference is super handy. However, the superb AF performance for people is not extended to photographing different subjects such as animals and vehicles. 

Cameras like the Sony A7R V, OM System OM-1 and Nikon’s own Z8 and Z9 have since upped the game. AI-powered animal detection autofocus in the A7R V instills even greater confidence, detecting a wider range of subjects, even including animal eye AF. After shooting with those cameras and then going back to the Z6 II for a recent safari trip in Kenya, my own camera’s autofocus felt somewhat limited. I regularly needed to intervene with manual focus refinements and at times missed the moment. 

Ultimately, it can be tricky to know which animals are being tracked by the Z6 II’s autofocus and if they are in focus or not. According to Nikon rumors, the Z6 III will have Nikon’s best subject detection autofocus yet, surpassing the Z8. It seems like my top wish could come true. 

2. Design and handling tweaks

One snag with the Z6 II's design is the thumb grip doubles up as the battery card door (Image credit: Future)

Nikon has perfected camera design over the years, and the Z6 II’s overall feel is top-notch for serious photographers. However, I do have a few snags. The Z6 II’s well-defined grip is comfortable in the hand, but the thumb grip doubles up as the battery card door and it pops open too easily – I fear snapping it off altogether. 

Its tilt-touchscreen is fine and its touch function covers all bases, but personally, I would rather the versatility of a vari-angle LCD. I find the EVF gets in the way of the tilt screen when I’ve extended it for shooting at low angles. And not that I’m in the numbers game, but while we’re on the EVF its 3.76m-dot resolution is a tad underwhelming.

The rumored third-gen model is reportedly going to have the design cues of the Nikon Z8 which would address those issues. However, the obvious downside going down that route is a physically larger and heavier camera, and I think the Z6 II has a decent form factor already – more in line with rival models. I’m hoping Nikon can refine the design without adding much to the size and weight.

3. Improved speed

An action photo of a bird in flight over a lake in Kenya using the Nikon Z6 II's max burst rate and wide area animal autofocus (Image credit: Future)

Apparently, the Z6 III will use a ‘faster’ 24MP full-frame sensor than the Z6 II. Not a stacked sensor like in the Z8 (which would push the price up way above $2,000/£2,000 that the Z6 II retails for), but a faster one. That’s pretty vague but presumably refers to sensor readout speed and would be a boon for action photography and high-resolution video, for which the Z6 III will now offer 6K 60p in N-Raw and 4K 60p in ProRes Raw, or a cropped 4K 120p.  

For photos, I don’t mind the Z6 II’s lower resolution compared to a TechRadar favorite the 33MP Sony A7 IV, especially as it has such good performance for continuous shooting with twin Expeed 6 processors. That performance is only going to get better with the reported use of the latest Expeed 7 processor and up to 20fps. I’d hope if the resolution remains at 24MP that the Z6 III could shoot at that quicker rate for as long as you like without slowing down, and without fast-moving subject distortion. In short – the Z6 III could become the Nikon speed machine. If there's no speed improvement, I'd hope for a bump in resolution instead. What excites me more than faster frame rates though, is improved in-body image stabilization, which is reportedly going to be the same as the Nikon Z f which has up to 8EV. 

Rumors indicate a disappointing price hike, to around $2,500/£2,500. Perhaps there will be decent improvements, but early signs are that the Z6 III will repeat the Z6 II by refining the model it replaces. Nothing groundbreaking, but those incremental improvements could be what I’d hope for and potentially worth an upgrade. 

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• Nikon Z cameras turn 5: why I’m glad I made the leap from a Nikon DSLR to the Z6 II
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I bought a car that is so old that it doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and I love it. It’s an older BMW, and it has USB but nothing fancy. I use the built-in navigation system for maps, Bluetooth for music, and you know what? I don’t miss CarPlay at all. In fact, I’m relieved that I don’t have to rely on my smartphone anymore. That’s a huge problem for Apple and Google. CarPlay and Android Auto have made things worse in every way, not better. 

What does my older car do that CarPlay doesn’t? Let’s start with the things it doesn’t do. It doesn’t freeze up, ever. When I switch from music to maps, I don’t get an interminable pause that leaves me wondering if I need to restart … something. The only thing I restart is the internal combustion engine. The navigation system just works. 

With Android Auto and CarPlay, I’m constantly fighting bugs and glitches. Audio will stop working while I’m listening to an Audible audiobook, or Waze will hang just as I’m approaching an important turn, leaving me with a frozen map on my screen.

Awesome. Now I get to troubleshoot my car, driving 55mph, while I’m also trying to figure out what to do about the exit I just missed.

Our Editor-in-Chief trying AR in a BMW, which may be a bad idea (Image credit: Future)

That’s if I manage to hit the road before the problems start. I’m constantly facing connection problems from both Android Auto and CarPlay. On Android, my device would not only disconnect from Bluetooth (why do I need BT for a wired CarPlay connection?!), it would delete my car from my list of Bluetooth devices. I have seen this happen on the best Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, and more than once.

My Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is more reliable, by a fraction. I have fewer connection problems, but CarPlay still freezes often when I need to switch between apps, especially apps that play audio content.

Once, I made the horrifying mistake of running Apple’s iOS 17 Beta software while relying on my iPhone for CarPlay. CarPlay broke on every trip. I will never do that again, my friends. It was a harrowing experience of high-speed software crashes, and it’s impossible to downgrade from Beta software in an emergency.

Buttons are good, touch screens are bad

I use my phone in the kitchen, but I don’t use it to chop vegetables

My car isn’t perfect; BMW’s convoluted iDrive entertainment system is quite infamous. Still, I vastly prefer it to my iPhone 15 Pro Max or Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra controlling my system. It may not have the voice assistant and messaging features. It can be kludgy to navigate with just a hand-dial and a button to press. It’s still so much better than a touchscreen.

My favorite thing about my car is the way it shuns touchscreens. It has six programmable buttons, and you can program them to do anything on the display screen. Instead of just radio stations, I can program buttons for navigation shortcuts, or music, or the trip computer.

A Porsche concept of CarPlay controlling the whole dang car (Image credit: Car and Driver)

I don’t need to tap a touchscreen multiple times for every common task. When I want to go home, I press button #1. I can do it without looking, because it’s a real, large button. Instead of focusing my attention on a small display, BMW (back in the day) recognized that buttons were more efficient. I wish more car companies and phone makers would remember this path.

I want to love CarPlay and Android Auto. My phone is smart, and it has all of my music, audiobooks, and navigation shortcuts preloaded. My phone can send text messages just by listening to me, and it can prioritize notifications to filter out what’s unimportant.

My phone should be a part of my car, but it shouldn’t be the centerpiece. I use my phone in the kitchen, but I don’t use it to chop vegetables. I use it to read a recipe, I don’t use it to stir the pot.

A car needs to be foolproof, but a smartphone can fail

In the car, my phone should provide information and content, but it shouldn't be the buttons and knobs. Phones are terrible at being buttons and knobs, and we have actual buttons and knobs in place. I need to keep my eyes on the road. A touch screen is so obviously stupid for driving, it’s shocking we’ve allowed car makers and phone makers to collaborate on this.

This Tesla Model Y interior needs a dozen more knobs at least (Image credit: Tesla)

Smartphones are not built to be foolproof while hurtling down the highway behind two tons of metal and gasoline. My car is built to respond immediately, in any condition. The backup camera shows up when I put the car in reverse so I don’t run over somebody behind me.

My smartphone is not that responsive. If the phone crashes, so what? It doesn’t restart quickly. There are software bugs and it freezes up and I’m just supposed to live with it. Who let this thing behind the wheel?

We need to laugh at the ridiculous notion that the future is entirely touchscreen, and return to the tools that work. Until my phone’s touchscreen does a better job than the knob on my car stereo, I’ll keep using the knob to turn up the volume, and I’ll turn off CarPlay.

You might also like

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It's been a busy week in the world of tech. OK, so we say that every time, but it's not every week that Apple launches its first-ever XR headset. In fact, it's the company's first entry in a new product category since the first Apple Watch released in 2015, so forgive us if we're a little excited.

But Apple isn't the only game in town. Elsewhere, Samsung and Google started to roll out their Android AirDrop alternative, while Ninja unveiled a Double Stack Air Fryer; it’s a big deal, trust us.

On top of that, there’s also been the usual flurry of rumors and software updates to your favorite gadgets. It’s a lot to keep track of. 

So, to help you catch up on the essential stories of the week, we've compiled a list of the seven biggest tech news articles published on TechRadar in the last seven days. Let’s start with Amazon and iRobot. 

7. Amazon’s iRobot Roomba takeover bit the dust 

(Image credit: iRobot)

What do you get when you cross an Amazon Astro with an iRobot Roomba? Well, we’ll now never know, as this week Amazon’s hopes of buying iRobot were dashed by the increasingly formidable force that is EU regulation. After Amazon pulled the plug on the deal, iRobot was left to clear up the mess – which included a massive cut to its R&D spend and staff.

For now, there’ll be no major change to iRobot’s dust-busting army, which we think are among the best robot vacuums you can buy. Its current range will continue to trundle around and there’s nothing for existing owners to worry about. Some may even be relieved that iRobot’s mapping data now won’t be shared with Amazon. But time will tell how how much this will restrict iRobot’s future plans – and where Amazon takes its home robotics next. 

• Read More: What does Amazon not buying iRobot mean for your Roomba?

6. This OM System lens boasted ridiculous zoom

(Image credit: OM System)

OM System announced its new flagship mirrorless camera the OM-1 II, but it was the new super telephoto zoom lens unveiled alongside it that got us more excited. Based on the design of the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 full-frame ‘Sport’ lens, the OM System version has an effective range of 1200mm, thanks to the micro four thirds system’s 2x crop factor. That makes it the world’s longest zoom lens for mirrorless cameras. 

But that's not all. The lens is also compatible with a 2x teleconverter, so you could double that reach up to 2400mm. Yes, really. And not only does it have a Samsung Space Zoom-beating reach, but it also comes in a high-quality camera system that boasts incredible image stabilization. That latter fact should actually make these ridiculous focal lengths usable handheld – meaning it could be a dream for wildlife photography, in particular. 

We’ll be conducting a full review of the camera and lens soon, so watch this space for our verdict.

• Read more: Forget Samsung’s Space Zoom, you want this super telephoto zoom lens

5. MSI Claw got a hefty price tag

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The latest Windows-powered Steam Deck rival – MSI’s Intel-based ‘Claw’ handheld gaming PC – has received its official pricing. Unfortunately for some fans, it looks like the Steam Deck will remain the cheapest option for now.

The top-end MSI Claw with an Intel Core Ultra 7-155H CPU and 1TB of storage pitches in at $799.99 (about £635 / AU$1,215), while the cheapest version (which downgrades the processor to a Core Ultra 5-135H and offers 512GB of storage) is priced at $699.99 (about £550 / AU$1,060). 

This puts the Claw firmly in the same price band as competing high-end PC handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go – although the former of those two did enjoy a recent price cut of its own.

• Read more: Some gamers aren’t happy with the cost of this Steam Deck rival

4. Rumors promised cheaper Samsung foldables

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Image credit: Future)

One of the biggest drawbacks with foldable phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is their cost; most are pricier than even top-of-the-line flagships like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. But that might change with the next Samsung folding phone releases.

That's according to a report in The Elec, which suggests that Samsung could use a new method for creating the bezels on this year's foldables, which we're expecting to be the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

According to the rumors, Samsung is looking to transition to inkjet printing for the bezels, and that will apparently lead to a drop in manufacturing costs, without a reduction in quality. If Samsung is kind enough to pass those savings on to consumer, this year’s folding phones could be more affordable than ever. 

Of course there's already to be a Galaxy Fold FE in the works, and by default we'd expect that to be cheaper than other Folds too; that's the whole point of the FE line, after all. So if the Fold FE does arrive, and if it also has ink-printed bezels, we could finally be looking at a much more affordable foldable phone.

• Read more: Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 could be cheaper than expected

3. Android launched its unified AirDrop rival

Samsung and Google united by Quick Share (Image credit: Samsung / Google / TechRadar)

After teasing it at CES 2024 earlier this year, Samsung and Google have started to roll out their unified version of Quick Share – finally bringing a true AirDrop rival to Android.

Most Android devices have previously used Nearby Share, while Samsung phones used Quick Share, to quickly send files between nearby devices. But these two systems didn’t interface with each other. This new Quick Share system will mean that any two people using one of the best Android phones will be able to easily send photos and files to each other, no matter what model they have (provided it's still getting regular OS updates) – just like AirDrop on iPhone.

What’s more, a Samsung representative has said this system will also allow you to share to nearby Windows PCs by Q3 2024 (July to September). 

• Read more: Google and Samsung’s version of AirDrop is now rolling out

2. iOS 18 rumors teased major changes

(Image credit: Apple)

This week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that iOS 18 could be “one of the biggest iOS updates – if not the biggest – in Apple’s history,” and now we’re even more excited for the arrival of the company’s next big iPhone software overhaul. 

Apple itself had already teased that iOS 18 will be an “ambitious and compelling” update with “major new features and designs," but Gurman’s comments have further stoked the fires of enthusiasm for what is expected to be Apple’s first major foray into AI.

The likes of Siri, Messages, Apple Music and Pages are tipped to receive significant AI-based improvements in 2024, with the former reportedly in line for a ChatGPT-style makeover. Indeed, according to serial leaker Revegnus, Apple is currently using a proprietary LLM (large language model) to “completely revamp Siri into the ultimate virtual assistant.” Apple has confirmed that it will be adding RCS messaging support to iPhones at some point in 2024, too, and we’re expecting this long-awaited feature to debut with iOS 18 later this year.

• Read more: iOS 18 could be the ‘biggest’ software update in iPhone history

1. The Vision Pro arrived, and it was everything we wanted it to be

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s new mixed-reality headset is far from perfect. It’s expensive, a little heavy, and has that vestigial tail of a battery connected to it, but after spending more than just two days with it and logging multiple hours working, playing, and consuming content while wearing the headset, we can say that Apple may have truly reinvented the…ahem…space.

As we write this, Apple is finally giving the rest of the world access to its first Spatial Computer via in-store activations where you can try it out in “Guest Mode.” It’ll be a chance to experience gaze-and-gesture-based control, 360-degree environments, spatial photography, virtual desktops, and more. You can also decide how you feel about the weight and those slightly creepy Personas and EyeSight. It might make sense to start by reading our first two days of experience and then book an appointment at your local Apple retailer to decide if a $3,500 headset is for you.

• Read more: Two days with Apple Vision Pro: I'm almost ready to part with $3,500

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Tales of Kenzera: ZAU had a demo release planned for Monday, February 5 until February 12 as part of Steam Next Fest, but it has been brought forward to make the demo available now. 

As announced on Twitter by Abubakar Salim, the founder of Surgent Studios: "We couldn't wait any longer, so we just decided to drop it." Alongside the announcement of the demo now being available on Steam, Salim encourages any players to share their feedback and thoughts about the experience. 

Remember when I said we were dropping the Tales of Kenzera: ZAU demo on Monday?Yeah, scratch that.We're dropping it now.#SteamNextFest @steam @surgentstudios @ZauTheGame pic.twitter.com/fKhXmtkB25February 1, 2024

See more

In addition to this, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is being livestreamed as part of Steam Next Fest so those curious about what the game offers can tune in to watch Abubakar Salim and a "close friend" play through the demo.

Regarding who this friend, Salim states: "you all know who he is, some more intimately than others." However, more details about this livestream are expected to be released soon. If you're curious, it's worth keeping an eye on Salim's Twitter/X page for any updates on who this mystery guest might be. 

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is scheduled to release on April 23, 2024, on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and PC. So, there's plenty of time to get to see what the demo has to offer before its full release and whether or not you've got what it takes to embark on the emotional journey the game will put forward. 

As we stated in our preview: "Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is more than just your average metroidvania," so if you're looking for an upcoming game worth keeping on your radar, and you're a fan of metroidvanias that push you to your limits, then this likely isn't one to miss.

If you're looking for some more high-stakes action while you wait for the full release of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, it's worth checking out our guide to the best roguelike games, alongside the best FPS games. 

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Sega has revealed Sonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster of 2011's Sonic Generations with additional content featuring fan-favorite character Shadow the Hedgehog.

The game was revealed during January 31's PlayStation State of Play showcase, and will be the first 3D Sonic title on console since 2022's Sonic Frontiers. The game was then further detailed in an official PlayStation Blog post, confirming it's coming to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Those of you on other platforms, fear not, as Sonic X Shadow Generations' official website also reveals the game will release on Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and Epic.

Sonic Team creative officer, Takashi Iizuka, commented on the project in the PlayStation Blog post, and said: "With Sonic X Shadow Generations, we wanted to bring Sonic Generations to PS5 and PS4 while pairing a brand-new Shadow storyline to crossover with the original story.

"With Shadow’s portion of the title, players will get to know him more as a character and understand his motivations. It will create the ultimate celebration of Classic Sonic, Modern Sonic, and Shadow gameplay that all fans will surely enjoy."

Details about Shadow's new campaign are thin on the ground right now. We don't know how long it'll take to beat, nor if he'll end up being playable in the base Generations game.

The trailer does provide some juicy tidbits for series fans, however. The Final Rush stage from Sonic Adventure 2 makes an appearance, alongside a boss encounter with the Biolizard. Shadow the Hedgehog antagonist Black Doom is also featured, and we do see Shadow unleashing iconic powers such as Chaos Control and the Chaos Spear.

So long as the porting effort goes well, it's seeming like Sonic X Shadow Generations will be another fine entry for series fans when it launches in 'Autumn 2024.'

Getting into Sonic for the first time? Or simply wish to know what our favorite games in the series are? Check out our list of the best Sonic games to learn more.

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