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As the proud owner of an iPhone 15 for almost two years, I've had no issues with the handset since I bought it. It runs perfectly for m...

As the proud owner of an iPhone 15 for almost two years, I've had no issues with the handset since I bought it. It runs perfectly for my needs – music, YouTube, texting and aimless doomscrolling social media – and seamlessly integrates with my other Apple devices.

Other than its Pro siblings and a handful of Android competitors, the iPhone 15 was top of the line when I bought it. I’d just been paid, so I plonked down AU$1,499 ($799 / £799) to purchase it outright to replace my broken iPhone 12 Mini.

(That’s a purchase I cringe at after experiencing the value on offer from the best cheap phones, but I digress…)

The iPhone 16 marked a larger upgrade over its predecessor than usual thanks to the addition of Apple Intelligence – even if its launch has been less than smooth, with many parts of the promised Siri upgrade still up in the air.

Still, the iPhone 15 is an excellent smartphone in 2025, which is why it caught my eye when I found it for AU$1,077 here in Australia where I'm based (which converts to around $692 / £519). There's similarly enticing deals abroad, too – like in the US, where it's just $100 when switching to T-Mobile.

The iPhone 16e smartphone on a table, displaying a control panel menu.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

However, in February, Apple threw a curveball at the iPhone 15 when it introduced another option for Cupertino loyalists looking to save on an upgrade when it launched the iPhone 16e for $599 / £599 / AU$999.

Like the iPhone 5c and the three iPhone SE models, this new ‘budget’ Apple handset has made small concessions to keep the price down, while still allowing buyers to purchase a truly new iPhone that can access the latest iOS features. The iPhone 16e is arguably even more enticing than its SE forebears, as it offers the power to handle Apple Intelligence.

This creates an interesting conundrum – if I needed a new phone and didn't want to splurge on the iPhone 16, which device is the better choice: the iPhone 15, or iPhone 16e?

TechRadar has an entire iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 comparison article based on this question and it concludes that, for most people, it's worth spending a little extra and go for the older iPhone 15.

But after spending a week with the iPhone 16e, I disagree.

Better battery, baby

Apple iPhone 16e

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

For many smartphone buyers, camera quality is key – but for me, battery life is far more important and the iPhone 16e dominates the iPhone 15 in this category.

While Apple doesn't disclose exact battery capacity, third-party reporting shows that the iPhone 16e has a 3,961mAh battery compared to the iPhone 15's 3,349mAh.

It's not just that larger size that makes the 16e longer lasting either. The iPhone 16e's C1 cellular chip – which is exclusive to the device – processes power more efficiently, resulting in a significantly improved stamina.

This was very noticeable in my time with it. Granted, my iPhone 15's battery capacity is slightly degraded down to 91% these days, but I limit its overnight charging to stop at 85%. As a result, after about three hours of listening, watching, scrolling and texting, my iPhone 15's often sitting at less than 30% by 9:30am.

It's 3:30pm as I write this, and with the same battery settings and general screen-on time, the iPhone 16e I'm currently using is sitting at 44%.

My experience seems to fully back up Apple’s own claims, with the brand boasting that the iPhone 16e offers 26 hours of video playback – 15% better than the iPhone 16's 22 hours and a 23% increase over the iPhone 15.

Apple Intelligence is already pretty smart, actually

Image Playground within iOS 18.2 on an iPhone 16

Having fun creating AI-generated images in Apple's Playground app (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

We're still waiting for AI Siri – and Apple might have to let users swap Siri for another default voice assistant party alternatives – I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e, a set of features the iPhone 15 lacks.

Visual Intelligence is helpful, letting you quickly search for or ask ChatGPT about any object you take a photo of. And the Clean Up feature is useful for removing photo bombers or objects from any given image, like Samsung's similar Object Remover tool as found on newest Galaxy devices.

And, while I rarely used them, I appreciated the (mostly) constructive AI-generated message replies and smarter phrasing suggestions. Highlighting your written text opens an array of AI-powered options by clicking the Apple Intelligence logo (or 'Writing Tools'). In any app it can proofread or rewrite your text to sound more friendly, professional or concise.

Moreover, and especially helpful when writing up notes, is its ability to format text into key points, a list or a table. You also have the option to compose text with ChatGPT.

However, I think my favorite thing about Apple Intelligence is the ability to create my own emojis. Called Genmojis, it lets you turn anything – like my own face and other regularly found faces in my camera roll, or a highland cow surrounded by flowers – into an emoji or sticker.

As someone who uses emojis quite sparingly, I'm now a Genmoji-making dynamo. While the AI tools and features of the iPhone 16 family are far from revolutionary, they're both fun and generally useful. It's a small but significant advantage for the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 15.

Bring the action

Apple iPhone 16e buttons

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

The last little feature that I think puts the 16e above the 15 is the Action Button. It, like Apple Intelligence, is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max and the iPhone 16 series.

This handy little button replaces the mute/silent switch from older iPhones. There's nothing revolutionary here: all it does is offer shortcuts for commonly used features like Silent Mode, Focus, Camera, Visual Intelligence, Torch and any other app, like Instagram.

Personally, I didn't find myself using any of those preset options, and instead set the Action Button to control my Do Not Disturb mode.

It's such a small difference – after all, unlocking the device, bringing up the Control Center and activating Focus is hardly a laborious task. However, it's a small quality-of-life change that I thoroughly appreciated – letting me turn it on without even directly looking at my phone.

Winner by a split decision

The iPhone 16e on top of the iPhone 15

The two phones are nearly identical apart from the camera array (Image credit: Future / Max Delaney)

The iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 contest is by no means a knockout by the newer model. There are two main reasons that the older iPhone may be the better choice for some people: display and camera.

The iPhone 16e only has a single 48MP Fusion camera, while the iPhone 15 pairs a 48MP main camera with a 12MP ultrawide lens that's equally useful for grand nature shots and trying to fit the whole family into one photo. More importantly, the 16e's single lens means you can't take silly up-close photos of your friends or dog with the 0.5x zoom.

The 15 also has a (small) lead on the 16e in terms of display, as the latter reverts back to the iPhone 14’s notched display rather than the Dynamic Island found on subsequent devices. Personally, I don't mind it, but for some users it could be the reason to spend a little more for the iPhone 15. The latter’s display is brighter and (slightly) higher res too – 1179 x 2556 with a max brightness of 2,000 nits compared to the 16e's 1170 x 2532 and 1,200 nits.

MagSafe charging is also missing from the iPhone 16e. It was rumored this was to make room for the C1 chip, but that has since been denied by Apple according to Macworld. The 16e can still wirelessly charge, but it lacks the magnet.

I'd never much required MagSafe until I recently purchased a magnetic power bank – which is now all but useless with the iPhone 16e. And users who have a magnetic car mount will probably sorely miss this functionality.

The iPhone 15 still has a place, then, and it's a wonderful purchase if you can get it for close to the same price as the iPhone 16e.

It's still ultimately more expensive than its new sibling, though – and unless you really need a telephoto lens, I think the iPhone 16e is the budget iPhone to have.

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As businesses realized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the race began to incorporate machine learning operations (MLOps) int...

As businesses realized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the race began to incorporate machine learning operations (MLOps) into their commercial strategies. But integrating machine learning (ML) into the real world proved challenging, and the vast gap between development and deployment was made clear. In fact, research from Gartner tells us 85% of AI and ML fail to reach production.

In this piece, we’ll discuss the importance of blending DevOps best practices with MLOps, bridging the gap between traditional software development and ML to enhance an enterprise’s competitive edge and improve decision-making with data-driven insights. We’ll expose the challenges of separate DevOps and MLOps pipelines and outline a case for integration.

Challenges of Separate Pipelines

Traditionally, DevOps and MLOps teams operate with separate workflows, tools, and objectives. Unfortunately, this trend of maintaining distinct DevOps and MLOps pipelines leads to numerous inefficiencies and redundancies that negatively impact software delivery.

1. Inefficiencies in Workflow Integration

DevOps pipelines are designed to optimize the software development lifecycle (SDLC), focusing on continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD), and operational reliability.

While there are certainly overlaps between the traditional SDLC and that of model development, MLOps pipelines involve unique stages like data preprocessing, model training, experimentation, and deployment, which require specialized tools and workflows. This distinct separation creates bottlenecks when integrating ML models into traditional software applications.

For example, data scientists may work on Jupyter notebooks, while software engineers use CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitLab CI. Integrating ML models into the overall application often requires a manual and error-prone process, as models need to be converted, validated, and deployed in a manner that fits within the existing DevOps framework.

2. Redundancies in Tooling and Resources

DevOps and MLOps have similar automation, versioning, and deployment goals, but they rely on separate tools and processes. DevOps commonly leverages tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, while MLOps may use ML-specific tools like MLflow, Kubeflow, and TensorFlow Serving.

This lack of unified tooling means teams often duplicate efforts to achieve the same outcomes.

For instance, versioning in DevOps is typically done using source control systems like Git, while MLOps may use additional versioning for datasets and models. This redundancy leads to unnecessary overhead in terms of infrastructure, management, and cost, as both teams need to maintain different systems for essentially similar purposes—version control, reproducibility, and tracking.

3. Lack of Synergy Between Teams

The lack of integration between DevOps and MLOps pipelines also creates silos between engineering, data science, and operations teams. These silos result in poor communication, misaligned objectives, and delayed deployments. Data scientists may struggle to get their models production-ready due to the absence of consistent collaboration with software engineers and DevOps.

Moreover, because the ML models are not treated as standard software artefacts, they may bypass crucial steps of testing, security scanning, and quality assurance that are typical in a DevOps pipeline. This absence of consistency can lead to quality issues, unexpected model behavior in production, and a lack of trust between teams.

4. Deployment Challenges and Slower Iteration Cycles

The disjointed state of DevOps and MLOps also affects deployment speed and flexibility. In a traditional DevOps setting, CI/CD ensures frequent and reliable software updates. However, with ML, model deployment requires retraining, validation, and sometimes even re-architecting the integration. This mismatch results in slower iteration cycles, as each pipeline operates independently, with distinct sets of validation checks and approvals.

For instance, an engineering team might be ready to release a new feature, but if an updated ML model is needed, it might delay the release due to the separate MLOps workflow, which involves retraining and extensive testing. This leads to slower time-to-market for features that rely on machine learning components. Our State of the Union Report found organizations using our platform brought over 7 million new packages into their software supply chains in 2024, highlighting the scale and speed of development.

5. Difficulty in Maintaining Consistency and Traceability

Having separate DevOps and MLOps configurations makes it difficult to maintain a consistent approach to versioning, auditing, and traceability across the entire software system. In a typical DevOps pipeline, code changes are tracked and easily audited. In contrast, ML models have additional complexities like training data, hyperparameters, and experimentation, which often reside in separate systems with different logging mechanisms.

This lack of end-to-end traceability makes troubleshooting issues in production more complicated. For example, if a model behaves unexpectedly, tracking down whether the issue lies in the training data, model version, or a specific part of the codebase can become cumbersome without a unified pipeline.

The Case for Integration: Why Merge DevOps and MLOps?

As you can see, maintaining siloed DevOps and MLOps pipelines results in inefficiencies, redundancies, and a lack of collaboration between teams, leading to slower releases and inconsistent practices. Integrating these pipelines into a single, cohesive Software Supply Chain would help address these challenges by bringing consistency, reducing redundant work, and fostering better cross-team collaboration.

Shared End Goals of DevOps and MLOps

DevOps and MLOps share the same overarching goals: rapid delivery, automation, and reliability. Although their areas of focus differ—DevOps concentrates on traditional software development while MLOps focuses on machine learning workflows—their core objectives align in the following ways:

1.Rapid Delivery

  • Both DevOps and MLOps strive to enable frequent, iterative releases to accelerate time-to-market. DevOps achieves this through the continuous integration and delivery of code changes, while MLOps aims to expedite the cycle of model development, training, and deployment.
  • Rapid delivery in DevOps ensures that new software features are shipped as quickly as possible. Similarly, in MLOps, the ability to deliver updated models with improved accuracy or behaviour allows businesses to respond swiftly to changes in data or business needs.

2.Automation

  • Automation is central to both practices as it reduces manual intervention and minimises the potential for human error. DevOps automates testing, building, and deploying software to ensure consistency, efficiency, and reliability.
  • In MLOps, automation is equally crucial. Automating data ingestion, model training, hyperparameter tuning, and deployment allows data scientists to focus more on experimentation and improving model performance rather than dealing with repetitive tasks. Automation in MLOps also ensures reproducibility, which is critical for managing ML models in a production environment.

3.Reliability

  • Both DevOps and MLOps emphasize reliability in production. DevOps uses practices like automated testing, monitoring, and infrastructure as code to maintain software stability and mitigate downtime.
  • MLOps aims to maintain the reliability of deployed models, ensuring that they perform as expected in changing environments. Practices such as model monitoring, automatic retraining, and drift detection are part of MLOps that ensure the ML system stays robust and reliable over time.

Treating ML Models as Artifacts in the Software Supply Chain

In traditional DevOps, the concept of treating all software components as artefacts such as binaries, libraries, and configuration files, is well-established. These artifacts are versioned, tested, and promoted through different environments (e.g., staging, production) as part of a cohesive software supply chain. Applying the same approach to ML models can significantly streamline workflows and improve cross-functional collaboration. Here are four key benefits of treating ML models as artifacts:

1. Creates a Unified View of All Artifacts

Treating ML models as artifacts means integrating them into the same systems used for other software components, such as artifact repositories and CI/CD pipelines. This approach allows models to be versioned, tracked, and managed in the same way as code, binaries, and configurations. A unified view of all artifacts creates consistency, enhances traceability, and makes it easier to maintain control over the entire software supply chain.

For instance, versioning models alongside code means that when a new feature is released, the corresponding model version used for the feature is well-documented and reproducible. This reduces confusion, eliminates miscommunication, and allows teams to identify which versions of models and code work together seamlessly.

2. Streamlines Workflow Automation

Integrating ML models into the larger software supply chain ensures that the automation benefits seen in DevOps extend to MLOps as well. By automating the processes of training, validating, and deploying models, ML artifacts can move through a series of automated steps—from data preprocessing to final deployment—similar to the CI/CD pipelines used in traditional software delivery.

This integration means that when software engineers push a code change that affects the ML model, the same CI/CD system can trigger retraining, validation, and deployment of the model. By leveraging the existing automation infrastructure, organizations can achieve end-to-end delivery that includes all components—software and models—without adding unnecessary manual steps.

3. Enhances Collaboration Between Teams

A major challenge of maintaining separate DevOps and MLOps pipelines is the lack of cohesion between data science, engineering, and DevOps teams. Treating ML models as artifacts within the larger software supply chain fosters greater collaboration by standardizing processes and using shared tooling. When everyone uses the same infrastructure, communication improves, as there is a common understanding of how components move through development, testing, and deployment.

For example, data scientists can focus on developing high-quality models without worrying about the nuances of deployment, as the integrated pipeline will automatically take care of packaging and releasing the model artifact. Engineers, on the other hand, can treat the model as a component of the broader application, version-controlled and tested just like other parts of the software. This shared perspective enables more efficient handoffs, reduces friction between teams, and ensures alignment on project goals.

4. Improves Compliance, Security, and Governance

When models are treated as standard artifacts in the software supply chain, they can undergo the same security checks, compliance reviews, and governance protocols as other software components. DevSecOps principles—embedding security into every part of the software lifecycle—can now be extended to ML models, ensuring that they are verified, tested, and deployed in compliance with organizational security policies.

This is particularly important as models become increasingly integral to business operations. By ensuring that models are scanned for vulnerabilities, validated for quality, and governed for compliance, organizations can mitigate risks associated with deploying AI/ML in production environments.

Conclusion

Treating ML models as artifacts within the larger software supply chain transforms the traditional approach of separating DevOps and MLOps into a unified, cohesive process. This integration streamlines workflows by leveraging existing CI/CD pipelines for all artifacts, enhances collaboration by standardizing processes and infrastructure, and ensures that both code and models meet the same standards for quality, reliability, and security. As organizations race to deploy more software and models, we need holistic governance.

Currently, only 60% of companies have full visibility into software provenance in production. By combining DevOps and MLOps into a single Software Supply Chain, organizations can better achieve their shared goals of rapid delivery, automation, and reliability, creating an efficient and secure environment for building, testing, and deploying the entire spectrum of software, from application code to machine learning models.

We've compiled a list of the best IT infrastructure management services.

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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Looking for a different day? A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are alw...

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, May 25 (game #1217).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1218) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1218) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1218) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1218) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1218) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• B

• H

• A

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1218) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1218 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1218, are…

  • BLEAT
  • HOWDY
  • ASIDE
  • SCOOP

A terrible round for me today with one bad guess – LEAPT instead of BLEAT and one unlucky one – HOODY instead of HOWDY.

The pair of errors took me close to the edge, something I’m not used to since finally discovering the three-starter-word technique. Ah, memories.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1218) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1218 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1218, are…

  • TRASH
  • NOVEL
  • VIGIL
  • ELFIN

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1217, Sunday, 25 May: OCEAN, AMBER, PIPER, GLEAN
  • Quordle #1216, Saturday, 24 May: HUSKY, HEIST, FOGGY, POLAR
  • Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, CAPER
  • Quordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCEL
  • Quordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUT
  • Quordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURER
  • Quordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVE
  • Quordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNY
  • Quordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESE
  • Quordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAK
  • Quordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKE
  • Quordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKER
  • Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN
  • Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY
  • Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE
  • Quordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATIN
  • Quordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAIN
  • Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITE
  • Quordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVE
  • Quordle #1198, Tuesday, 6 May: UNITE, SOGGY, FILET, PORCH


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Acer ProCreator PE0 offers 6K OLED visuals, but concerns about panel longevity persist Unique 240Hz refresh and 0.01ms response blend sp...


  • Acer ProCreator PE0 offers 6K OLED visuals, but concerns about panel longevity persist
  • Unique 240Hz refresh and 0.01ms response blend speed with professional color accuracy
  • Acer Creator Hub software allows fine calibration and seamless multi-monitor setup control

Acer has introduced the ProCreator PE0, a high-end portable monitor designed to compete with Apple’s $4,999 Pro Display XDR, but at what appears to be a more affordable price point.

This supposedly business monitor features a 6K resolution panel (6016 × 3384), matching the specification of Apple’s Pro Display XDR.

The display uses QD-OLED technology, combining quantum dot and OLED features. It supports true 10-bit color depth, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification, and ultra-high contrast.

Uncommon speed specs for a professional monitor

Acer states that the PE0 is Calman Verified and factory-calibrated to Delta E <1, with support for 99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB color gamuts.

These are professional-grade metrics, making it a strong contender for users seeking the best monitor for Mac Mini, particularly those working in photography or color grading.

The panel also offers a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.01ms response time, specifications rarely found in professional monitors that prioritize image fidelity over speed.

Acer promotes this as enabling “fluid motion” for creative tasks, though such specs are more commonly associated with gaming displays.

The PE0 also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-SYNC, which may help reduce screen tearing and improve visual stability during video playback.

That said, concerns remain around OLED panel longevity and the potential for image retention, especially in static-use cases like photo editing or layout design.

Real-world performance will ultimately depend on factors like long-term calibration stability and panel uniformity, areas where Apple’s Pro Display XDR has set a high bar.

A standout feature of the PE0 is its built-in Smart Dial remote, which lets users adjust on-screen settings like brightness and volume without reaching behind the monitor.

It also supports Acer’s Creator Hub software, MPP 2.0 tilt-enabled styluses, and touchscreen functionality.

As of writing, the ProCreator PE0's price has not been announced.

However, other models in the series - such as the PE320QXT, PE270XT, PE320QK X, and PE160WU - are priced at $1,999.99, $1,099.99, $1,499.99, and $599.99, respectively - so we'd expect the PE0 to follow a similar pricing structure.

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The DJI Mini 5 Pro has apparently hit the FCC We've also got video supposedly showing the DJI Avata 3 The DJI Neo 2 has been mentio...


  • The DJI Mini 5 Pro has apparently hit the FCC
  • We've also got video supposedly showing the DJI Avata 3
  • The DJI Neo 2 has been mentioned in a leak too

DJI is of course well established as making many of the best drones you can currently buy, with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro the latest to be introduced earlier this month. Now new leaks suggest another three models are on the way very soon.

First up is the DJI Mini 5 Pro, the successor to the DJI Mini 4 Pro launched in September 2023. As spotted by @MauroTandoi and Notebookcheck, this new drone has been registered at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US – a required step for any electronics gadget that's going on sale there.

It looks as though the sub-250 gram device is going to come with a bigger battery than the model it's replacing, while also offering faster charging speeds. Otherwise, this filing doesn't tell us much about the upgrades that are coming.

There has been speculation that the DJI Mini 5 Pro would show up sometime in September – perhaps alongside a follow-up to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro – but FCC registration suggests the launch will actually come around sooner.

More new models

Next up, well-known tipster @Quadro_News (again via Notebookcheck) has posted a video of what seems to be the DJI Avata 3 being tested. This would replace the DJI Avata 2, which was launched back in April 2024.

We're expecting to see a larger camera sensor on the upgraded version of this drone, and the video hints at a revised propeller design too. However, we don't get any footage of the device actually up in the air.

Lastly for now, there's also a mention of the DJI Neo 2, replacing the original DJI Neo that was introduced in September 2024. This is mentioned by tipster @OsitaLV, alongside the Avata 3 and the Mini 5 Pro – so there's a lot to look forward to.

We don't have much to go off when it comes to launch dates for the DJI Avata 3 and the DJI Neo 2, though the drones they're succeeding aren't as old as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. That suggests these other two models may show up later in the year.

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Minisforum reveals Ryzen-powered rack server which could rewrite AMD’s playbook entirely Ryzen in the rack? AMD’s clean product lines mi...


  • Minisforum reveals Ryzen-powered rack server which could rewrite AMD’s playbook entirely
  • Ryzen in the rack? AMD’s clean product lines might never be the same again
  • A mobile chip in a server chassis - Minisforum’s MS-S1 Max isn’t playing by the rules

Minisforum has announced what it calls a game-changer for AI deployment in compact computing environments: the MS-S1 Max, a 2U rackmount system powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395.

Minisforum says this system is designed to "revolutionize your AI workflow," but it marks an unusual departure from established norms.

While its 3.2-liter form factor and all-in-one design are drawing praise for efficiency, the core configuration raises uncomfortable questions for AMD.

Minisforum’s approach threatens AMD’s server ecosystem

Minisforum has opted not to use AMD’s EPYC processors, designed explicitly for server tasks, and instead fitted what is effectively a mobile-class chip into a server chassis.

Although the MS-S1 Max is marketed as the best SMB server and even hints at broader enterprise ambitions, it’s difficult to ignore that this is a repurposing of hardware intended for a different context.

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is not a server CPU by design. It’s optimized for client workloads, featuring integrated Radeon graphics and an AI NPU.

What it offers, however, is a cost-effective and power-efficient solution for companies seeking local AI inference or the ability to run large models like DeepSeek 70B without the overhead of traditional infrastructure.

That edge makes it appealing to universities, labs, and AI startups, but it also turns the system into a wildcard in AMD’s carefully managed product segmentation. This unconventional use could complicate AMD’s broader strategy. EPYC chips are built for reliability, scalability, and intensive server workloads, and they command higher margins.

A surge of mini PC makers embedding consumer-grade Ryzen chips into rackmount systems might blur the line between consumer and enterprise offerings.

Still, the MS-S1 Max’s value proposition is hard to ignore. By delivering strong on-chip graphics and directing substantial memory bandwidth to its GPU, it offers a local AI engine at a fraction of the cost of traditional server gear.

That said, the catch lies in support, reliability, and long-term performance. Ryzen chips, while powerful, lack ECC memory support and validated server-grade features.

This makes them a questionable fit for mission-critical deployments, and puts AMD in a tough position. If demand grows, AMD may be forced to either restrict such uses or embrace them, potentially undermining its EPYC business.

This mobile workstation is expected to launch in the second half of the year.

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Acer’s portable monitors blend portability and touchscreen tech Acer’s VisionCare targets comfort, but 100Hz refresh rate benefits are q...


  • Acer’s portable monitors blend portability and touchscreen tech
  • Acer’s VisionCare targets comfort, but 100Hz refresh rate benefits are questionable
  • MacBook Pro users may find these monitors lacking native macOS optimization

Acer’s new line of portable monitors introduces some unexpected features, especially in models like the PD163QT and PD243Y E.

While portable displays typically focus on minimalism and basic connectivity, these Full HD (1920x1080) panels go a step further with wide viewing angles, aiming for more versatile use in multitasking.

These monitors can fold up to 315°, a feature designed to improve collaboration and presentations. The PD163QT also adds touch functionality, a rare feature in this category.

Dual-display setup with single-screen monitors

Although marketed as supporting dual-screen setups, each monitor contains only one display panel. The reference to “two Full HD displays” pertains to using the PD163QT and PD243Y E together, rather than a single device offering two screens.

The PD243Y E features a 100Hz refresh rate and flicker-free technology, though the practical benefits over a standard 60Hz screen for typical office tasks are unclear. At best, it may slightly reduce eye strain during prolonged use.

Acer also includes its VisionCare technology for eye comfort, signaling an expectation of extended usage.

For Apple users, none of these models appears to be optimized for macOS. While they function as general-purpose external screens, they may not be the best monitors for MacBook Pro users who prioritize native aspect ratios and accurate color reproduction.

The PM191Q E is another portable model featuring an ultra-thin profile and adjustable kickstand. It supports Full HD resolution and a refresh rate up to 100Hz.

All of these monitors are portable, flexible, and VESA wall-mountable, but none exceed 1080p resolution, a common limitation in this segment.

In parallel, Acer has launched its ProCreator Series, aimed at creative professionals. The series includes 4K and 6K monitors that support Delta E<1 color accuracy and a wide color gamut.

These high-end models also include touch functionality, split-screen tools, and integrated webcams. Models like the PE320QXT and PE270XT offer specifications suited to the premium business monitor category.

The new lineup is priced between $180 and $1,999, with prices varying by model and region.

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Since GoPro purchased the Australian smart motorcycle helmet company Forcite last year, the two-wheeled world has been waiting to see what ...

Since GoPro purchased the Australian smart motorcycle helmet company Forcite last year, the two-wheeled world has been waiting to see what the action camera giant can do if it applied its technology to rider safety equipment.

Now, GoPro has announced that it will work with Italian helmet manufacturer AGV on its debut line of action camera-enabled lids, which are tipped to feature its built -in sensor and lens technology that will allow riders to capture POV footage without the need to mount an additional camera and other accessories.

Forcite’s original goal was to provide a built-in dash cam experience for motorcycle riders, using a basic sensor from Sony, but is understood that GoPro’s influence will likely see the introduction of more advanced sensor, lens and processor tech that could allow for cinematic, high-definition footage to be captured and edited using the US company’s user-friendly software.

Currently, riders wishing to capture POV footage either have to rely on handlebar or chest mounts, as well as accessories that clip to the chin of a motorcycle helmet or mount to the very top of it. But there have been questions raised about the potential impact on helmet safety in the unfortunate even of an accident.

Designing a built-in solution would allow both GoPro and AGV to start from the ground up and create an aerodynamic, motorcycle-specific system that doesn’t compromise on safety, but can also deliver fantastic quality footage, alongside accident-detecting dash-cam functionality.

AGV is a solid partner for GoPro, as it has been, manufacturing helmets for racing, the road and beyond since 1947. In fact, its Giacomo Agostini livery is one of the most recognizable in the motorcycle racing world and it kept MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi’s head safe throughout his career.

Currently, its range-topping Pista GP carbon fibre lids can cost in the region of $1,924/ £1,370 / AU$$2,200, although it does offer much more affordable options in its more wallet-friendly K1 S range.

There is no hint at what the GoPro tie-up helmet could eventually cost, but we would expect it to be expensive given the technology involved.


Analysis: Technology moves faster than helmets

Forcite Helmet

(Image credit: Forcite/GoPro)

Thanks to the advent of social media, many riders are increasingly looking for ways to document their two-wheeled escapades – or merely to record footage that could come in very handy should an insurance claim eventually arise.

GoPro and AGV’s partnership is undeniably exciting for those that want technology seamlessly integrated with a high quality helmet, but whatever way you cut it, it is going to be expensive.

What’s more, camera technology moves at such a rate that the GoPro sensors, lenses and processing chips integrated into the upcoming lid could well be second-rate or obsolete after a couple of years.

When riders invest a large sum of money in a new helmet, they typically expect that piece of safety equipment to last a number of years, if not decades, so long as it isn’t dropped or damaged.

It would be a crying shame if GoPro’s solution isn’t upgradeable, as it could end up being a bulky, heavy helmet that is only capable of capturing second rate footage. Or worse, is eventually not supported by GoPro at all.

That said, AGV is a good partner for GoPro as it makes some of the nicest motorbike helmets around, and a built-in camera is still a better solution that helmet-mounted cams, which can be dangerous – so I'm looking forward to see what the partnership delivers.

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This week, Google wowed us with its new AI features – including the scarily good Veo 3 video generator – and a showcase of its Android XR e...

This week, Google wowed us with its new AI features – including the scarily good Veo 3 video generator – and a showcase of its Android XR efforts as it details the features coming to smart glasses and XR headsets in the coming years.

To catch up on all this and more, scroll down for recaps of the week’s 7 biggest tech news stories.

Once you’re up to speed, be sure to check out the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend (May 23).

7. Google I/O gave us AI updates galore

A cartoon character generated by Google Veo 3, next to a phone showing Gemini Live, next to a woman using Google's Virtual Try On feature

(Image credit: Google)

Google's annual I/O event took place this week, with the tech giant making several major announcements centered on AI. Among the most significant reveals were the rollout of AI Mode in the U.S., enabling users to converse with Google rather than solely using it as a search engine, and the release of Gemini Live for free on iOS and Android, allowing users to grant Gemini access to their camera and screen on an iPhone.

Another key talking point was introducing the video generation tool, Veo 3. This represents a significant improvement over previous video tools, notably by adding the capability to synchronize voice with the generated moving images.

Speaking of images, Imagen 4 was also unveiled, elevating image generation on Gemini to an entirely new level, allowing for the creation of impressive visuals in just a few seconds.

Elsewhere, Google upgraded its models, showcasing the power of Gemini 2.5, and introduced a new ultra-premium subscription called Google AI Ultra. This subscription grants access to all the company's most advanced AI features for a whopping $250 a month.

6. Google showcased Android XR

Google IO 2025

(Image credit: Future)

The new Google operating system made for Android headsets and Android glasses has finally had its time in the spotlight thanks to Google I/O 2025.

At its core is Google Gemini. The AI, in conjunction with your glasses’ cameras and display, can recommend a place to eat based on what you request and then give you directions to where to find it. It can perform live translation, and on a headset, it can use Google Maps' immersive view to virtually transport you anywhere in the world.

We know 5 brands are working on AR and AI glasses: Samsung, Warby Parker, Xreal, Kering Eyewear and Gentle Monster, though no release dates or prices have been given yet.

5. We went to Computex

Best monitors of computex hero image

(Image credit: Future)

The world's biggest computing tech show, Computex 2025, has been underway in Taiwan, and we attended to bring you all the latest news and opinions of the coolest new computing gadgets showcased there.

Huawei gave us a foldable laptop that looks like it's ripped straight out of a Mission Impossible flick, MSI's new Nintendo Switch 2 rival was made official, and Intel gave us new Battlemage GPUs to maybe make budget 1440p gaming practical again.

4. Apple invited us to WWDC 2025

Apple WWDC 2025

(Image credit: Apple)

Right before Google I/O kicked off, Apple formally sent out invites for the opening keynote of WWDC 2025 and shared more details about the week-long developer conference. As with past Apple special events, it’ll all kick off at 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 6PM UK on June 9, 2025. TechRadar will be on the ground, and the event will be live-streamed for all to watch.

It’ll be a big moment for Apple as well, marking a year since Apple Intelligence debuted and the expected reveal of its next-generation of platforms. On the latter, we’re expecting the next generation of iOS – iOS 19, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, and even visionOS for the Apple Vision Pro.

The rumor mill points to some of the aesthetics of the Vision Pro’s interface spreading to other platforms, making it likely the most significant redesign for iOS and the iPhone’s software look in quite some time. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of hype and hope leading up to WWDC 25, but also a lot of questions about how Apple will address Apple Intelligence. A few months back, it pushed back the promised AI-infused Siri upgrades, and thus far, the Apple Intelligence features have been a bit hit or miss.

We’ll see how Apple addresses all this when CEO Tim Cook and many others take the virtual stage for the WWDC 2025 opening keynote.

3. We wore the Whoop MG

Whoop MG worn on man's wrist on street

(Image credit: Future)

The latest Whoop fitness tracker has arrived alongside the Whoop 5.0, and controversy surrounding its arrival aside, we’ve been excitedly testing it.

Its automatic workout tracking seems to surpass the best passive workout tracker (the Oura Ring 4), and its granular detail of health and fitness stats – added by the medical-grade features it offers like ECG and blood pressure functionality – mean it looks to be establishing itself as an essential companion in the lead-up to a competition or event.

Though its guilt-tripping tendencies make it less ideal for more casual users who want to do a little working out, but also partake in sub-optimal behaviors like staying up past their bedtime.

2. Fujifilm launched a retro compact camera

Fujifilm X half compact camera being held up to person's eye

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Fujifilm unveiled the X half, a retro compact camera packed with surprising and unique features. From its twin vertical LCD displays to its charming film camera shooting mode, diptych composites, and, of course, Fujifilm's Film Simulations, this tiny digital camera is a love letter to half-frame film photography.

We had a brief hands-on with the X half ahead of its announcement, and it reminded us how fun photography can be. Its core features are underwhelming on paper – including a vertical 1-inch sensor, JPEG-only photos, and HD video – but the shooting experience certainly doesn't. This camera completely charmed us.

1. Dyson launched a weird little vacuum

Dyson PencilVac vacuum

(Image credit: Dyson)

Dyson has unveiled a new vacuum cleaner that looks absolutely nothing like the rest of the range. The Dyson PencilVac is incredibly streamlined, with all its internal mechanics - including dust cup and motor - shrunk down and squeezed into its 1.5-inch wide handle.

The floorhead then consists of four fluffy rollers shaped like cones to prevent hair tangling and make the whole thing appear to float across the floor. This looks like a specialist hard floor model, and it is due to launch in Australia later this summer, but not until 2026 in the US and UK.



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Marvel has delayed the release of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars The movies were supposed to arrive in May 2026 and May...


  • Marvel has delayed the release of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars
  • The movies were supposed to arrive in May 2026 and May 2027
  • Their worldwide launch dates have been pushed back seven months

Marvel has delayed the release of Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel.

In a move that won't come as a surprise to many, the comic titan has pushed back the launch dates for Doomsday and its follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars.

The pair had been slated to land in theaters on May 1, 2026 and May 7, 2027. Now, you can expect to see Doomsday release in theaters worldwide seven months later than planned, with Avengers 5 now set to arrive on December 18, 2026 and Secret Wars' launch pushed to December 17, 2027.

The next two Avengers movies are set to be the biggest undertakings in Marvel Studios' history. Per Deadline, sources close to the production of both films say they're among the most ambitious projects that parent company Disney has ever produced, too. To quote Thanos, then, it was inevitable that Marvel would need more time to make both flicks.

Why Avengers 5 and 6's release-date delays are so significant

Robert Downey Jr sitting in a chair and holding a finger to his lips during Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal

Marvel hasn't said what impact Doomsday's delayed release will have on its other projects (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Make no mistake, Disney and Marvel have made the right call to delay the release of Doomsday and Secret Wars. The overall response to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects since 2019's Avengers: Endgame has been mixed. While some films and Disney+ shows have been critical and commercial successes, others haven't been greeted as enthusiastically or made as much money as Marvel would have hoped.

Disney and Marvel can't afford to fumble the proverbial bag with Doomsday and Secret Wars, especially given the amount of money it'll collectively cost to make them. Add in the talent behind and in front of the camera – Avengers: Doomsday's initial cast alone is 27-deep – and the pressure to deliver two more top-tier Avengers movies is most certainly on.

Spider-Man holds his hands to his head in shock in Spider-Man: Far From Home

The release of Spider-Man's next MCU adventure could be pushed back, too (Image credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel Entertainment)

Their release date postponements also raise other potential issues.

For starters, Doomsday and Secret Wars' delay could have a significant impact on Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The webslinger's next big-screen adventure was set to arrive between the pair, with its initial launch date penciled in for July 24, 2026. Spider-Man 4 suffered its own release setback in February, but its launch was only delayed by a week to July 31, 2026.

The big question now is whether Brand New Day will swing into cinemas on that revised date. Depending on which online rumors you believe, Spider-Man 4 will either be a multiverse-style movie like Spider-Man: No Way Home was, or a more grounded, street-level flick.

If it's the former, and if Brand New Day's plot is dependent on events that occur in, or run parallel to, Avengers: Doomsday, the next Spider-Man movie's launch date will likely have to be pushed back again.

Should Brand New Day be moved into 2027, we could see a repeat of 2023 when only one MCU film – Deadpool and Wolverine – landed in theaters, with 2026's sole Marvel movie being Doomsday. That's on the basis that Avengers 5, aka the second Marvel Phase 6 film, doesn't suffer another release date setback.

Four characters walking towards the camera in Marvel Studios' Eyes of Wakanda TV series

Will Marvel decide to move some of its 2025 Disney+ offerings into early 2026? (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

These delays could have a huge knock-on effect for Marvel's small-screen offerings, too.

If Brand New Day keeps its mid-2026 launch date, a whole year will have passed between the final MCU film of 2025 – The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which arrives on July 25 – and Tom Holland's next outing as Peter Parker's superhero alias. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it means MCU devotees will look to Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services, for their Marvel fix.

Fortunately, Marvel has plenty of TV-based MCU content in the pipeline. From Ironheart's release in late June to Daredevil: Born Again season 2's launch next March, there are currently five live-action and animated series set to debut on Disney's primary streamer.

In light of Doomsday's delay, though, will Marvel tweak its Disney+ lineup and further spread out its small-screen content to fill the void?

Right now, Born Again's second season is the only series confirmed to arrive in 2026. There are other shows in the works that are expected to debut next year, but they aren't likely to be ready until mid- to late 2026. To offset a potentially months-long barren spell in the MCU that Doomsday's delayed release has caused, Marvel might opt to push animated series Eyes of Wakanda or Wonder Man, the final live-action MCU TV show of 2025, into early 2026.

I guess we'll find out more about any further release-schedule changes when Marvel takes to the Hall H stage for its now-annual presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, the 2025 edition of which runs from July 24-27.

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Updated, May 23, 2025 - Logitech has lowered the expected price of the G522 Lightspeed from $179.99 to $159.99 in the US. The story has bee...

Updated, May 23, 2025 - Logitech has lowered the expected price of the G522 Lightspeed from $179.99 to $159.99 in the US. The story has been updated to reflect this, but otherwise remains as originally published.


  • Logitech G has revealed the Logitech G522 Lightspeed
  • This wireless gaming headset boasts an impressive feature set and a great microphone
  • It hits shelves on June 16 for $159.99 / £139.99 / AU$299.95

Gaming accessory brand Logitech G has announced the Logitech G522 Lightspeed, a new wireless gaming headset intended to supersede the popular Logitech G733 Lightspeed.

The G522 Lightspeed features redesigned earcups, with a wider shape and an added layer of memory foam for enhanced comfort. It has a lightweight, adjustable fabric headband, which now rests flatter than its predecessor and has built-in ridges for better cooling.

The exterior of each ear cup features four eye-catching customizable RGB lighting zones, which can be tweaked to the color of your choice in the Logitech G Hub desktop software. It's also compatible with the Logitech G mobile app.

Under the hood, the headset is packing Logitech G's highest-fidelity 40mm Pro-G drivers with 24-bit / 48kHz signal processing for enhanced audio clarity and detail.

The headset comes bundled with a removable omnidirectional microphone, which offers an impressive 16-bit / 48kHz bandwidth. It's the same microphone found in the excellent, but much more expensive, Astro A50 X, which impressed with its crystal clear recordings in my hands-on testing.

On the Logitech G522 Lightspeed, the microphone has the added benefit of a built-in red LED indicator that illuminates when it's muted.

As its name would suggest, the headset can connect to PC or PlayStation 5 via Logitech's Lightspeed wireless dongle (which is included in the box), but also supports traditional Bluetooth for the aforementioned platforms in addition to Nintendo Switch and mobile. There's also the option for wired play via its USB Type-C connector.

Logitech claims up to 40 hours of battery life with the default lighting on, or up to 90 hours with it disabled, which is a pretty impressive figure. It's not quite the up to 200 hours promised by the competing HyperX Cloud III S, but it's still more than enough juice for a few weeks' worth of intense gaming sessions.

The Logitech G522 Lightspeed hits shelves on June 16 in white or black colorways. It costs $159.99 / £139.99 / AU$299.95, putting it in the midrange price bracket.

Its expansive feature set seems very promising, but only time will tell whether it becomes one of the best PC gaming headsets or best PS5 headsets around.

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For SaaS businesses eyeing a successful exit, particularly when engaging with sophisticated Private Equity (PE) and tech investors, the er...

For SaaS businesses eyeing a successful exit, particularly when engaging with sophisticated Private Equity (PE) and tech investors, the era of simply showcasing impressive top-line growth is over.

Today, data reigns supreme. It's the bedrock upon which compelling value stories are built, the lens through which operational efficiency and scalability are scrutinized, and ultimately, the key to unlocking those coveted higher valuation multiples.

A robust data strategy, coupled with the ability to extract meaningful insights, is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but a fundamental requirement for securing a lucrative exit in today’s competitive landscape.

What investors are looking for

So, what exactly are these discerning investors looking for in the data of a prospective SaaS acquisition? The foundation, without a doubt, remains the ARR bridge, or what can be referred to as the ‘revenue snowball’. This isn't just about presenting a static ARR figure; it’s about demonstrating how that recurring revenue has evolved over time. Investors will dissect this data from every angle – group-wide, segmented by product, customer cohort, and geography.

They want to see the trajectory, understand the drivers of growth and churn, and identify any potential vulnerabilities. Therefore, your ARR bridge needs to be more than just a spreadsheet; it needs to be a dynamic, drillable, and rigorously stress-tested tool that can withstand the intense scrutiny of due diligence.

Beyond the ARR bridge, several other key insights are paramount. Sales pipeline reporting provides a crucial forward-looking perspective. Investors want to see a healthy, well-managed pipeline with clearly defined stages, realistic conversion rates, and accurate forecasting. This demonstrates the predictability and sustainability of future revenue growth. Similarly, classic FP&A reports remain essential, offering a historical view of financial performance, profitability trends, and cost management.

However, some SaaS firms are now also looking to leverage product usage insights to a greater extent than ever before. Understanding how customers are interacting with the platform, identifying power users, and tracking feature adoption provides invaluable insights into customer stickiness, potential for upselling, and overall product value.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, the role of data in shaping SaaS valuations will only intensify. We anticipate that the level of scrutiny and the expectation for data maturity and insightful analysis will continue to rise. Gone are the days of presenting high-level metric summaries; investors will increasingly demand granular insights and a clear understanding of the ‘why’ behind the numbers. When it comes to performance and trends; just saying profitability has grown by X% year on year is now not enough - it needs to be evidenced by granular data and solid analytics.

Investors want to know what’s working now and how your company can scale post-acquisition. By providing the context behind the metrics, it makes it easier to showcase opportunities for further growth, with potential investors being able to leverage these data “assets” to underpin their investment cases. With higher investor expectations, those who fail to do so risk undermining their valuation potential or, worse still, failing to secure the deal.

Furthermore, I believe that companies will need to start demonstrating how they are leveraging data to capitalize on the value that advanced analytics can bring. This could range from using AI-powered analytics to identify at-risk customers to employing machine learning to drive new business growth and customer expansion.

Even while there may be applications of AI tools in the SaaS space that aren’t necessarily tied to a firm’s data, most of these revenue-driving applications of advanced analytics and machine learning are only possible when the fundamentals are already firmly in place.

Building compelling value

So, how can SaaS firms proactively use data to build a compelling value story that resonates with potential acquirers? It boils down to not just making data a strategic priority but building the data policies, expertise and infrastructure you need into the fabric of your SaaS business.

Everything does not have to be in place from day one, rather you need to create a strategy that will enable you to ramp up to gathering all the critical data points you will need to answer every question an investor will ultimately ask. Doing this also lays the foundations to take advantage of the latest generative AI advances. As mentioned, AI applied to a shaky data foundation is unlikely to get you results, but applied to the right data foundations can transform the value of your business.

Luckily, the data points that PE firms and other potential investors now really value are the same insights that will make a fundamental improvement to how effectively you make decisions as your SaaS startup scales. The important thing to remember with any data project is to start with the questions you want to answer. This means understanding modern investors. Ask yourself, what metrics, beyond simple revenue figures, will tell the story of your company’s success and potential?

Aside from the core metrics already mentioned, it could be there are further opportunities to demonstrate differentiation. It could be the diversity of your customer base - both geographically and by sector. It could be that the cost of serving an additional customer and the automation of key processes can provide compelling evidence of scalability.

When you have a clear picture of where your real strength and USP exists, the next step is to develop the data collection, management and analysis systems and policies that will prove what you know to investors.

Further down the line

Further down the line it’s likely that there will also be a strong business case for investment in upskilling and retraining staff across the board

This should include everyone, including all senior teams. Even today, it still surprises me how few founders and business owners can understand and interpret their core business data, instead relying on a handful of experts. After all, it’s impossible to know what you don’t know – and a second-hand account of somebody else’s understanding, no matter how advanced it may be, could never substitute for your own personal analysis.

By building up your own expertise now, you and your senior team will be best positioned to demonstrate a compelling equity narrative that results in the highest possible valuation at the point of exit.

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



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