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                    <title><![CDATA[ TechRadar ]]></title>
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                                    <lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 09:09:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Google is working on a faster Android setup process that uses Wi-Fi and a cable ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Setting up your <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/android">Android</a> phone might become much faster in the near future. Industry insider Assemble Debug recently dove into the code of Google’s Data Restore Tool and shared his findings with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-new-data-transfer-restore-methods-3440006/" target="_blank">Android Authority</a>. He found evidence within the files of a potential tool referred to as “MultiTransportD2dTransport” as well as a line of text that reads “Copying using cable and Wi-Fi for fastest speed”. </p><p>Putting two and two together, it appears <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tag/google">Google</a> could one day allow users to move data from an old phone to a new one using a Wi-Fi and cable connection simultaneously. Doing so would make the transfer process much faster – at least in theory. We don’t know exactly how much faster data transfers will become when using a wired and wireless connection simultaneously. Assemble Debug couldn’t find a whole lot of information in the files. </p><p>He did, however, discover another line of text stating: “Want to speed things up?” This seems to hint that the faster speeds will be optional. If someone prefers to use the slower method of just connecting a cable between the devices, they will still have the choice.</p>
<h2 id="new-restoration-tool-2">New restoration tool</h2>
<p>Another feature called Restore Anytime was also unearthed from the Data Restore Tool files, but the information surrounding it is rather confusing. </p><p>Looking at the screenshot in the article, users can easily send over photos, contacts, text messages, and more from an old Android smartphone to a newer device. You don’t have to worry about losing any data or perform a factory reset on the older hardware. Nothing will be overwritten. And it even works when transferring from <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios">iPhone</a> to Android, so long as the former still has its charging cable.</p><p>Here is where the confusion lies. Android Authority claims the donor phone can only send data without incident if it’s already been used to transfer files to your current device. If you try to send files to brand new hardware, you will have to first erase all the data on the recipient phone before moving forward. However, the article contradicts this by stating you <em>can </em>transfer data to new devices “at any point.” </p><p>It’s a strange feature. Perhaps Google has yet to create a clear set of parameters for Restore Anytime. That would explain why the restrictions are so confusing. Or maybe the tech giant is simply experimenting with tech it has no intention of releasing. It’s hard to say for sure, but hopefully, Restore Anytime will launch in some form. Being able to move swaths of data to recently purchased smartphones without hindrances or resetting sounds very helpful.</p><p>While we have you, check out TechRadar&apos;s list of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-android-phones">best Android phones for 2024</a>.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-pixel-phones/google-pixel-8a-brings-in-generative-ai-smarts-for-a-great-price">Google Pixel 8a brings in generative AI smarts for a great price</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-pixel-phones/google-pixel-9-case-leak-shows-we-may-get-three-models">Google Pixel 9 case leak shows we may get three models</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/a-big-google-maps-redesign-is-now-being-tested-on-android">A big Google Maps redesign is now being tested on Android</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-is-working-on-a-faster-android-setup-process-that-uses-wi-fi-and-a-cable</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ A deep dive into Google’s Data Restore Tool showed two features allowing fast transfer speeds and easy file restoration. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 21:41:00 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
                                            <category><![CDATA[Computing]]></category>
                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ cesartechradar@gmail.com (Cesar Cadenas) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aEbgeCwFLU35HxY54VCGpa.jpg">
                                                            <media:credit><![CDATA[Future / James Ide]]></media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[Google contacts app on smartphone]]></media:text>
                                <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Google contacts app on smartphone]]></media:title>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ The 5 subtle AI announcements Apple made at its big iPad 2024 launch event ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Today&apos;s <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/new-apple-event">Apple iPad Air and iPad Pro event</a> was big on product launches, but quieter about AI. Or was it? </p><p>While there weren&apos;t any AI announcements to rival the launch of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad-pro/the-ipad-pro-2024-just-landed-with-a-super-powerful-m4-chipset-and-new-oled-screen">iPad Pro (2024)</a> or new <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/apple-m4">M4 chip</a>, Apple did uncharacteristically mention &apos;AI&apos; on eight different occasions during the event – and those covered five different new announcements about the tech.</p><p>Apple has previously been reluctant to join the chorus of AI hype, preferring to stick to the less zeitgeisty (if often more accurate) &apos;machine learning&apos; during its launch events. But back in February, Tim Cook <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/apple-says-ai-features-are-coming-to-your-iphone-later-this-year-heres-what-to-expect">started making unexpectedly bold statements about AI</a>, calling it a "huge opportunity for Apple" and that AI tools would be coming to Apple devices "later this year".</p><p>So what exactly were those subtle AI announcements at the iAPd-centric <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/new-apple-event">Apple event</a>? Here are the times the Cupertino crew gave us a taster of what&apos;s to come next month at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tech-events/wwdc-2024">WWDC 2024</a>...</p>
<h2 id="1-the-m4-chip-is-more-powerful-than-apos-any-ai-pc-today-apos-2">1. The M4 chip is more powerful than &apos;any AI PC today&apos;</h2>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3474px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="35w4QFGLTrRFQemq6JoC9N" name="iPad-1.jpg" alt="An iPad sitting on a desk" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/35w4QFGLTrRFQemq6JoC9N.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3474" height="1954" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Apple&apos;s next-gen silicon had been rumored for the iPad Pro (2024), but it was still something of a surprise to see the M4 appear for the first time during a tablet announcement. Naturally, Apple was keen to flag its serious AI potential.</p><p>Tim Millet, Apple&apos;s VP of Platform Architecture, said that "the Neural Engine makes M4 an outrageously powerful chip for AI", pointing to the simple example of it letting you isolate a subject from its background in 4K video with a tap in Final Cut Pro.</p><p>Clearly, Apple thinks its silicon makes for a strong foundation for AI apps, with Millet adding that "the Neural Engine is an IP-block in the chip dedicated to the acceleration of AI workloads". And he finished with the bolder statement that "the Neural Engine in M4 is more powerful than any neural processing unit in any AI PC today". We can&apos;t verify that yet, but it doesn&apos;t sound like an outlandish claim.</p>
<h2 id="2-the-logic-pro-2-app-has-ai-powered-session-players-2">2. The Logic Pro 2 app has AI-powered Session Players</h2>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3323px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.24%;"><img id="FJht3pgWDjajyMUdMo3DHN" name="iPad-2.jpg" alt="A hand holding an iPad that's running Logic Pro" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FJht3pgWDjajyMUdMo3DHN.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3323" height="1869" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Logic Pro app landed on the iPad about a year ago – and the new version that Apple&apos;s just announced has some AI-powered &apos;Session Players&apos; for you to dabble with.</p><p>These are designed to play alongside the existing Drummer feature to give you something like a virtual band. Will Hui, Apple&apos;s Product Manager of Creative Apps, said: "Now Drummer is getting some new bandmates in a feature we call Session Players. We&apos;re introducing an all-new Bass and Keyboard Player, and like Drummer,<strong> </strong>they&apos;re built using AI."</p><p>Given Apple&apos;s digital audio workstation was already a lot of fun, we&apos;re looking forward to giving them an audition.</p>
<h2 id="3-the-ipad-pro-uses-ai-to-help-you-scan-documents-2">3. The iPad Pro uses AI to help you scan documents</h2>
<div class="inlinegallery  inline-layout"><div class="inlinegallery-wrap" style="display:flex; flex-flow:row nowrap;"><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 1 of 2</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3009px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="VvC6tDfViTDWzrY3FvzSPN" name="iPad-3.jpg" alt="A hand holding an iPad that's scanning a document" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VvC6tDfViTDWzrY3FvzSPN.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="3009" height="1693" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure></div><div class="inlinegallery-item" style="flex: 0 0 auto;"><span class="slidecount">Image 2 of 2</span><figure class="van-image-figure " data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3186px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="5QQQXfQjdwwZUgXWQNDHVN" name="iPad-4.jpg" alt="A hand holding an iPad that's scanning a document" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5QQQXfQjdwwZUgXWQNDHVN.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="3186" height="1792" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure></div></div></div>
<p>This might not be the most wildly exciting AI use case, but sometimes the tech is best suited to helping us with more mundane tasks – and Apple reckons it does just that with the iPad Pro (2024)&apos;s AI-powered document scanning.</p><p>This comes courtesy of a new &apos;adaptive&apos; True Tone flash, which works in tandem with AI algorithms to adjust the lighting depending on the document and ambient lighting. John Ternus, Apple&apos;s SVP of Hardware Engineering said: "We&apos;ve all had the experience of trying to scan a document in certain lighting conditions where it&apos;s hard to avoid casting a shadow – the new Pro solves this problem."</p><p>"It uses AI to automatically detect documents like forms and receipts," he added. "If shadows are in the way, it instantly takes multiple photos with the new, adaptive flash. The frames are stitched together and the result is a dramatically better scan."</p><p>We&apos;ll have to see how well that works in practice, but because it&apos;s built into iPadOS it&apos;ll also be in the Camera app, Files, Notes, and third-party apps, too.</p>
<h2 id="4-the-ipad-air-6-isn-apos-t-left-out-of-the-ai-party-xa0-2">4. The iPad Air 6 isn&apos;t left out of the AI party </h2>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3320px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.27%;"><img id="BxxgLJchWbN3SihVckBJcN" name="iPad-7.jpg" alt="An iPad sitting on a desk" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BxxgLJchWbN3SihVckBJcN.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3320" height="1868" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Apple was keen to stress that the iPad Pro (2024) isn&apos;t the only tablet in its range suitable for AI-powered tasks or future apps, despite that tablet being the only one with the new M4 chip.</p><p>Melody Kuna, Apple&apos;s Director of iPad Product Design, said that "with M2, the new [iPad] Air is also an incredibly powerful device for AI. It&apos;s blazing fast for powerful machine learning features in iPadOS, like Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, and Live Text capture."</p><p>So while the iPad Pro&apos;s M4 chip is capable of an impressive 38 trillion operations per second (which apparently makes it sixty times faster than Apple&apos;s A11 Bionic neural engine from the iPhone 8), the iPad Air 6 won&apos;t be left out of future AI apps and features on Apple&apos;s tablets.</p>
<h2 id="5-ipados-is-just-getting-started-with-ai-2">5. iPadOS is just getting started with AI</h2>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:3121px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.26%;"><img id="L33S7jCpbS3rdk8tKhfyiN" name="iPad-6.jpg" alt="A person sitting at a desk working on an iPad and monitor" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L33S7jCpbS3rdk8tKhfyiN.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="3121" height="1756" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>On a similar theme, Apple&apos;s final mention of AI during its long-awaited iPad launch was reserved for iPadOS.</p><p>Will Hui, Apple&apos;s Product Manager of Creative Apps, said that "iPadOS has advanced frameworks like Core ML that make it easy for developers to tap into the Neural Engine to deliver powerful AI features, right on device".</p><p>Clearly, Apple is treading carefully with AI in its own apps, with only Logic Pro&apos;s session players and the iPad Pro&apos;s document scanning making much use of it so far. But it also put out a call to developers to tap the potential of its software (and chips) for AI-powered features. And we can expect to hear a lot more about those next month at WWDC 2024.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad/apple-just-announced-a-new-apple-pencil-pro-and-its-so-much-better-than-i-expected">Apple just announced a new Apple Pencil Pro, and it's so much better than I expected</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/apple-ipad-event-2024-what-we-learned">Apple iPad event 2024 – 9 things we learned from the Let Loose event</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad-pro/the-ipad-pro-2024-just-landed-with-a-super-powerful-m4-chipset-and-new-oled-screen">The iPad Pro (2024) just landed with a super-powerful M4 chipset and new OLED screen</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/the-5-subtle-ai-announcements-apple-made-at-its-big-ipad-2024-launch-event</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Beneath the glitzy product announcements at Apple's 2024 iPad event, there was some uncharacteristic AI chatter. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 20:30:15 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence]]></category>
                                            <category><![CDATA[Computing]]></category>
                                            <category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ mark.wilson@futurenet.com (Mark Wilson) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FJht3pgWDjajyMUdMo3DHN.jpg">
                                                            <media:credit><![CDATA[Apple]]></media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[A hand holding an iPad that&#039;s running Logic Pro]]></media:text>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Apple's new Final Cut Pro apps turn the iPad into an impressive live multicam studio ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>At <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/live/apple-let-loose-event-may-2024-live-blog">Let Loose 2024</a>, Apple revealed big changes coming to its Final Cut software, ones that effectively turn your iPad into a mini production studio. Chief among these is the launch of Final Cut Pro for iPad 2. It’s a direct upgrade to the current app that is capable of taking full advantage of the new <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/cpu/apple-m4-chip-announced-at-may-ipad-event">M4 chipset</a>. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/05/final-cut-pro-transforms-video-creation-with-live-multicam-on-ipad-and-new-ai-features-on-mac/" target="_blank">According to the company</a>, it can render videos up to twice as fast as Final Cut Pro running on an M1 iPad.</p><p>Apple is also introducing a feature called Live Multicam. This allows users to connect their tablet to up to four different iPhones or iPads at once and watch a video feed from all the sources in real time. You can even adjust the “exposure, focus, [and] zoom” of each live feed directly from your master iPad.</p>
<div class="looped-video"><video class="lazyload-in-view lazyloading" data-src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/videos/live-multicam/large_2x.mp4" autoplay loop muted playsinline src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/videos/live-multicam/large_2x.mp4"></video></div>
<p>Looking at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tag/apple">Apple’s</a> demo video, selecting a source expands the footage to fill up the entire screen where you can then make the necessary adjustments. Tapping the Minimize icon in the bottom right corner lets creators return to the four-split view. Apple states that previews from external devices are sent to Final Cut Pro so you can quickly begin editing.</p>
<h2 id="impactful-upgrades-2">Impactful upgrades</h2>
<p>You can’t connect your iPhone to the multicam studio using the regular camera app, which won’t support the setup. Users will instead have to install a new app called Final Cut Camera on their mobile device. Besides the Live Multicam compatibility, Apple says you can tweak settings like white balance, shutter speed, and more to obtain professional-grade recordings. The on-screen interface even lets videographers monitor their footage via a zebra stripe pattern tool and an audio meter. </p>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1919px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="ECFvy37oyhcdc25xZhhuZF" name="Apple Final Cut Camera.jpg" alt="Final Cut Camera" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ECFvy37oyhcdc25xZhhuZF.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1919" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Going back to the Final Cut Pro update, there are other important features we’ve yet to mention. The platform “now supports external projects”. This means you can create a video project on and import media to “an external storage” drive without sacrificing space on an iPad. Apple is also adding more customization tools to the software like 12 additional color-grading presets and more dynamic backgrounds.</p><p>Final Cut Pro for Mac is set to receive a substantial upgrade too. Although it won’t support the four iPhone video feeds, version 10.8 does introduce several tools. For example, Enhance Light and Color offers a quick way to improve color balance and contrast in a clip among other things. Users can also give video effects and color corrections a custom name for easy identification. It’s not a total overhaul, but these changes will take some of the headache out of video editing. </p>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1919px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.28%;"><img id="nutz2jSPTLLh9BBGiZHJ3j" name="Apple Final Cut on Mac.jpg" alt="Final Cut Pro on Mac version 10.8" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nutz2jSPTLLh9BBGiZHJ3j.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1919" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Apple)</span></figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="availability-2">Availability</h2>
<p>There are different availability dates for the three products. Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 launches this spring and will be a “free update for existing users”. For everyone else, it will be $5/£5/$8 AUD a month or $50/£50/$60 AUD a year for access. Final Cut Camera is set to release in the spring as well and will be free for everyone. Final Cut Pro for Mac 10.8 is another free update for existing users. On the Mac App Store, it’ll cost you $300/£300/$500 AUD.</p><p>We don’t blame you if you were totally unaware of the Final Cut Pro changes as they were overshadowed by Apple&apos;s new iPad news. Speaking of which, check out TechRadar’s guide on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad/new-ipad-pro-air-preorders-2024">where to preorder Apple’s 2024 iPad Pro and Air tablets</a>. </p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad-pro/the-ipad-pro-2024-just-landed-with-a-super-powerful-m4-chipset-and-new-oled-screen">The iPad Pro (2024) just landed with a super-powerful M4 chipset and new OLED screen</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad-pro/the-new-magic-keyboard-for-the-freshly-debuted-ipad-pro-will-power-up-your-ipad-experience-with-style-and-function">The new Magic Keyboard for the freshly debuted iPad Pro will power up your iPad experience with style and function</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/deals/best-cheap-ipad-deals-sales-prices">The best iPad deals in May 2024</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/creative-software/apples-new-final-cut-pro-apps-turn-the-ipad-into-an-impressive-live-multicam-studio</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Users can watch feeds from four different iPhones although each mobile device will need the new Final Cut Camera app. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 19:46:26 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Creative Software]]></category>
                                            <category><![CDATA[Computing]]></category>
                                            <category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ cesartechradar@gmail.com (Cesar Cadenas) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XJPhKtEhB9SGFDK2SMwd3D.jpg">
                                                            <media:credit><![CDATA[Apple]]></media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[Final Cut Pro update on iPad and Mac]]></media:text>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Microsoft might be spooked by Windows 10 user numbers - but will making upgrading to Windows 11 easier be the answer? ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>If you’re a Windows 10 user, you may have been prompted to download <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-22h2-suffers-nasty-bug-that-crashes-some-pcs-with-intel-cpus">Windows 11 22H2</a> to upgrade to Windows 11. You would then need to fully reboot your system to download the newer <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/havent-got-round-to-installing-windows-11-23h2-yet-youll-soon-be-forced-to-get-the-latest-update">Windows 11 23H2</a>. Thankfully, it seems like Microsoft has cut down this tedious process and will now let you upgrade straight to Windows 11 23H2 from Windows 10.  <br>
<br>
As spotted by Mayank Parmar of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/05/05/windows-10-finally-offers-a-direct-upgrade-to-windows-11-23h2-for-more-users/" target="_blank"><u>Windows Latest</u></a>, a new server-side change allows people to more easily upgrade their operating system, and noted that over the past few weeks, some PCs have started offering ‘Windows 11 23H2’ rather than the older 22H2 update. </p><p>The old system of updating didn’t really make a lot of sense - why would you download an update just to reboot and download <em>yet another one </em>to get to Windows 11?</p><p>I’m glad that the process has become a bit more streamlined, and it seems like the option will be offered to more and more people in the coming weeks. If you are yet to update to Windows 10, I’d recommend holding off until you’re prompted to jump straight to Windows 11 23H2 - if only to save yourself the headache of a lengthy double-update.</p>
<h2 id="make-it-worth-it-microsoft-xa0-2">Make it worth it, Microsoft </h2>
<p>If you’re planning to hold onto Windows 10 as long as possible, y<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-10-wins-big-as-looming-support-deadline-sees-windows-7-users-abandon-ship">ou’ve got about two years of Windows 10 support</a> before Microsoft will start <em>really</em> pushing for you to upgrade (though the in-OS nagging has already begun). Windows 10 losing support won’t mean the end of the operating system entirely - you’ll still be able to use it as you normally would once the deadline for support has passed. </p><p>However, you’ll no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or any new features for Windows 10. That leaves you vulnerable to cyber-attacks and annoying system glitches, so you’ll have to weigh up whether staying with Windows 10 is worth it. Microsoft has made it quite clear in recent months: <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11-or-bust-microsoft-is-boldly-and-insistently-urging-windows-10-users-to-move-on-or-get-left-behind"><u>get on board with Windows 11 or get left behind</u></a>.</p><p>Windows 11 is not without its flaws; the most recent update to the system has been riddled with bugs for a while, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/the-latest-windows-11-update-is-riddled-with-bugs-but-microsoft-has-finally-addressed-the-problem"><u>with a fix only recently being dropped for struggling users</u></a>. In my view, if Microsoft is so keen to get users to upgrade, it ought to be 100% certain the alternative it’s offering is worth the changeover - and many users clearly don’t think that’s the case. It may be that the only real solution may be to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-should-accept-that-its-time-to-give-up-on-windows-11-and-throw-everything-at-windows-12">just put everything into Windows 12</a> and make an operating system that everyone can finally get behind.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like... </span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/this-windows-11-installation-setting-can-cut-your-ssd-performance-in-half-heres-how-to-disable-it">This Windows 11 installation setting can cut your SSD performance in half. Here's how to disable it.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11-users-watch-out-youre-in-for-an-upgrade-you-cant-ignore-thanks-to-mandatory-adverts">Windows 11 users, watch out - you’re in for an upgrade you can’t ignore thanks to mandatory adverts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/the-latest-windows-11-update-is-riddled-with-bugs-but-microsoft-has-finally-addressed-the-problem">The latest Windows 11 update is riddled with bugs, but Microsoft has finally addressed the problem</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-might-be-spooked-by-windows-10-user-numbers-but-will-make-upgrading-to-windows-11-easier-be-the-answer</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Windows 10 users have no excuse not to upgrade now that Microsoft is offering a better way to upgrade to Windows 11 ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 11:22:39 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Windows]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ muskaan.saxena@futurenet.com (Muskaan Saxena) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iGi8rqmXBTK3ZPbi4ExzfW.jpg">
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ This Windows 11 installation setting can cut your SSD performance in half. Here's how to disable it. ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>BitLocker, which is Microsoft’s software encryption for SSDs, has run into its fair share of issues over the years since its release. And now there’s another potential problem looming over <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/windows-11">Windows 11</a> users with the upcoming version 24H2 update.</p><p>There’s a new report that Windows 11 version 24H2, also called the 2024 update, “may enable BitLocker by default during installation” across various versions of Windows including Home edition, according to German news outlet <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.deskmodder.de/blog/2024/05/04/windows-11-24h2-bitlocker-verschluesselung-wird-automatisch-bei-der-neuinstallation-aktiviert/"><u>Deskmodder</u></a> (reported on by <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-may-default-encrypt-your-data-with-bitlocker-on-windows-11-24h2-home-pcs-too/"><u>Neowin</u></a>). Why is this considered bad news? For several reasons.</p>
<h2 id="what-apos-s-the-problem-2">What&apos;s the problem?</h2>
<p>The first is that using BitLocker for encryption can <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11-pro-users-beware-microsofts-bitlocker-encryption-could-be-seriously-slowing-down-your-pc"><u>seriously slow down</u></a> your PCs’ performance by up to 45% in Windows Pro, and would most likely affect other versions of the OS similarly. This occurs due to Windows 11 constantly prompting encryption and decryption processes with data on your SSD while your computer carries out read and write operations.</p><p>The second issue is that a user unfamiliar with encryption in general or this specific issue with BitLocker could encrypt their data without knowing and then not be able to decrypt and recover their data due to misplacing or not saving the needed key.</p><p>There’s also a third issue with BitLocker in terms of security as well — according to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://youtu.be/wTl4vEednkQ?si=D_LHdFNvKMJwVBTz"><u>YouTuber Stacksmashing</u></a>, its encryption can be <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/bad-news-for-bitlocker-users-its-encryption-can-be-cracked-remarkable-easily"><u>cracked remarkably easily</u></a>. Their video demonstrates that if you’re using either a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro device with a dedicated external Trusted Platform Module (TPM), your encrypted data can be decrypted and read. You only need a $10 Raspberry Pi Pico, physical access to the target endpoint, and the knowledge of how to do it.</p>
<h2 id="how-to-fix-it-2">How to fix it</h2>
<p>Of course, there is a simple way to fix this auto encryption. You only need to disable Device Encryption inside Privacy & security in Settings. Thankfully users have that option, but many casual Windows 11 users, especially those with Windows 11 Home, may not be aware of the situation, let alone how to fix it.</p><p>Hopefully, if this report is true, Microsoft will disable auto-encryption before the update launches. It’s not necessary and causes more problems than it really solves.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/i-left-windows-11-for-a-macbook-pro-and-its-the-best-tech-relationship-ive-ever-had">I left Windows 11 for a MacBook Pro and it's the best tech</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-should-accept-that-its-time-to-give-up-on-windows-11-and-throw-everything-at-windows-12">Microsoft should accept that it's time to give up on Windows 11</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/features/i-made-my-windows-11-pc-look-like-windows-xp-and-i-love-it-heres-how">I made my Windows 11 PC look like Windows XP and I love it</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/this-windows-11-installation-setting-can-cut-your-ssd-performance-in-half-heres-how-to-disable-it</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Microsoft might be dropping the ball big time for users by enabling auto-encryption for Windows 11 in a new update. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 21:17:14 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Windows]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ allisa.james@futurenet.com (Allisa James) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/B6am7URvANNPJecsvRQZhf.jpg">
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Apple's new Pride Collection heralds the launch of iOS 17.5 with dynamic wallpaper ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Continuing a yearly tradition, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tag/apple">Apple</a> has revealed this year’s Pride Collection celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The 2024 set consists of two new wallpapers for iPhones and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ipad">iPads</a> plus a new watch face and wristband for the Apple Watch.</p><p>Launching first on May 22 is the band which is called the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/05/apples-2024-pride-collection-shines-light-on-lgbtq-plus-communities/" target="_blank">Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop</a>. Apple states the color scheme was inspired by multiple pride flags. The pink, light blue, and white threads are meant to “represent transgender and nonbinary” people, while “black and brown symbolize Black, Hispanic, and Latin communities” plus groups who have been hurt by HIV/AIDS. Laser-etched on the lug are the words “PRIDE 2024”. </p>
<div class="looped-video"><video class="lazyload-in-view lazyloading" data-src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/videos/apple-watch-pride/large_2x.mp4" autoplay loop muted playsinline src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/videos/apple-watch-pride/large_2x.mp4"></video></div>
<p>The Pride Braided Loop will be available in both 41mm and 45mm for $99. It’ll fit on the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-watch-se-review">Apple Watch SE</a> as well as the “Apple Watch Series 4 or later” models. You can purchase it in the US on the 22nd at a physical Apple Store or on the company’s website. Other global regions can buy the band on the following day. No word on how much it’ll cost outside the United States, although we did ask.</p>
<h2 id="dyanmic-wallpaper-2">Dyanmic wallpaper</h2>
<p>The wallpaper coming to Apple hardware is known as Pride Radiance. What’s different about it is it’s not a static image, but rather dynamic. On the Apple Watch, the streams of light actively trace the numbers of the digital clock. They even react in real-time to the wearable moving around. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/06/apple-unveils-new-commemorative-pride-wallpapers-and-watch-band/" target="_blank">9To5Mac</a> claims in its coverage users can customize the look of the wallpaper by choosing “from several style palettes.” </p><p>On iPhones and iPads, Pride Radiance is also dynamic, but it doesn’t trace the clock. Instead, the light spells out the word “pride” on the screen. Those interested can download the wallpaper through the Apple Watch and Apple Store app “soon”. An exact date wasn’t given. However, the company did confirm it’ll roll out with iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, and watchOS 10.5.</p><p>This is noteworthy because, up until this recent post, the company had yet to announce when the next big software update would arrive for its devices. iOS 17.5 in particular is slated to introduce several interesting features such as the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/the-latest-ios-175-beta-gives-iphone-users-in-the-eu-a-new-way-to-download-apps">ability to download apps from developer websites</a> instead of the Apple Store. We did see clues last week that the company is working on implementing <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/new-ios-feature-can-help-prepare-your-iphone-for-repairs-without-disabling-functionality">Repair State</a>. This places iPhones “in a special hibernation mode” whenever people take the device in for repairs.</p><p>Given the fact Repair State appears to still be in the early stages, we most likely won’t see it on iOS 17.5 a few weeks from now; although it may roll out on iOS 18.</p><p>Be sure to check out TechRadar&apos;s suggestions for the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/best-apple-watch">best Apple Watch for 2024</a>.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/retro-game-emulators-are-now-allowed-in-the-ios-app-store-but-there-are-caveats">Retro game emulators are now allowed in the iOS App Store, but there are caveats</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/phones/researcher-compares-android-and-ios-security-and-theres-a-clear-loser">A researcher compared Android and iOS for app security, and there’s a clear loser</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/best-tablet">The best tablet 2024: the top tablets you can buy right now</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/apples-new-pride-collection-heralds-the-launch-of-ios-175-with-dynamic-wallpaper</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ Apple is releasing a wrist band for the Apple Watch on May 22nd plus a moving wallpaper for iPhones and iPads soon. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 18:08:31 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ cesartechradar@gmail.com (Cesar Cadenas) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rgk2h7L5STSE29TiJDom2k.jpg">
                                                            <media:credit><![CDATA[Apple]]></media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[Apple 2024 Pride Collection]]></media:text>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Microsoft improves File Explorer in Windows 11 testing, but appears to have second thoughts about some Copilot ideas ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Windows 11 just received a new preview build and it makes a number of important changes to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-hopes-to-avoid-the-mistakes-of-its-past-with-windows-11-file-explorer-redesign">central pillar of the operating system’s interface, File Explorer</a> – and there’s an interesting announcement about Copilot here, too.</p><p>As you may be aware, File Explorer is what you’re using when opening folders on your desktop, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-use-file-explorers-new-tabs-in-windows-11s-new-update">Windows 11 got web browser-style tabs</a> in these folders courtesy of the first major update for the OS (at the end of 2022).</p><p>In the new build 22635 in the Beta channel, Microsoft has introduced the ability to easily duplicate a tab in File Explorer.</p><p>All you need to do is right-click on an existing tab, and there’s a new option to duplicate it – click that and a second copy of the tab will be opened. It’s a neat shortcut if you want to dive deeper into other folders inside a particular folder, while keeping that original folder open.</p><p>On top of this, the preview build ushers in multiple fixes for this part of the interface, including the solution for a memory leak when working with ZIP folders in a File Explorer window. A fix has also been implemented for an issue which means the spacing between icons in File Explorer becomes very wide.</p><p>There’s also a cure for a bug where a search wouldn’t work the first time you tried it, and it’d return no results. Microsoft also notes that it: “Fixed a few issues impacting File Explorer reliability.”</p><p>There’s not much else happening in build 22635 – check out the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/05/03/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22635-3570-beta-channel/" target="_blank">blog post</a> for the full list of other tweaks – but Microsoft has taken a notable step back with Copilot.</p><p>The company notes that over the past few months in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/windows-11">Windows 11</a> preview builds, it has tried out a few new ideas with the AI assistant, observing that: “Some of these experiences include the ability for Copilot in Windows to act like a normal application window and the taskbar icon animating to indicate that Copilot can help when you copy text or images. We have decided to pause the rollouts of these experiences to further refine them based on user feedback.”</p>
<hr>
<h2 id="analysis-some-careful-thought-is-required-for-copilot-visibility-2">Analysis: Some careful thought is required for Copilot visibility</h2>
<p>It’s interesting to see that feedback has resulted in a halt on those <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/copilot-ais-mission-to-infiltrate-the-windows-11-desktop-appears-to-have-advanced-another-step">Copilot experiments</a>, though obviously Microsoft is careful not to say exactly why these changes have been rescinded (for now).</p><p>We were particularly skeptical about having <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-is-testing-small-but-impactful-changes-to-draw-your-attention-to-copilot-ai-on-the-windows-11-desktop">Copilot effectively waving its hands at you from the taskbar</a>, with that animation declaring it can help with something, so we aren’t too surprised Microsoft is having a careful think about how to proceed here.</p><p>If there is any behavior along those sorts of lines, it’ll have to be subtle, and users will need the ability to switch it off, if they don’t want animations on the icon (which is also happening with widgets on the taskbar, too). We’ll be keeping a close eye on Microsoft’s moves in this respect.</p><p>The work on File Explorer is good to see, and should make it more stable and reliable overall. Duplicate tabs are a useful shortcut to have brought in, as well, and were only recently spotted hidden in test builds, so Microsoft has moved pretty swiftly to officially introduce this change.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like...</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/forget-apples-m4-macbooks-lenovos-snapdragon-x-elite-laptops-have-been-spotted-and-could-be-the-most-exciting-launch-of-2024">Forget Apple’s M4 MacBooks – Lenovo’s Snapdragon X Elite laptops have been spotted</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/watch-out-soon-some-older-pcs-will-lose-windows-11-support">Watch out: soon some older PCs will lose Windows 11 support</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/features/dont-make-these-5-big-mistakes-when-using-windows-11">Don’t make these 5 big mistakes when using Windows 11</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-improves-file-explorer-in-windows-11-testing-but-appears-to-have-second-thoughts-about-some-copilot-ideas</link>
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                            <![CDATA[ There are some important changes for Windows 11’s interface here – and some backtracking on Copilot. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 10:30:34 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Windows]]></category>
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                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[Windows 11 laptop showing Copilot]]></media:text>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ There's only one good way to celebrate Star Wars day, and that's with these Meta Quest 3 games and apps ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>May the Fourth, also known as Star Wars day, is today and for <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/hands-on-meta-quest-3-review">Meta Quest 3</a> (or Oculus Quest 2) owners there are some far better ways to celebrate than simply watching one of the classic films. That’s because you can immerse yourself in a galaxy far far away with some stellar Star Wars VR titles.</p><p>What’s more there are some superb savings to be had on my favorite Star Wars VR game – <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/star-wars-pinball-vr-shows-that-the-savior-of-the-arcade-could-be-your-oculus-headset">Star Wars Pinball</a> – right now, making it the best time to pick this title up if you haven’t already. There are others you can check out too that aren’t discounted like <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/features/the-vr-games-and-apps-ive-been-playing-in-may-2023">Vader Immortal</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/star-wars-tales-from-the-galaxys-edge-last-call-makes-you-feel-like-han-solo">Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge</a>, as even at full-price there’s a lot to love about them.</p><p>Alternatively you can celebrate Star Wars day the traditional way with a marathon of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-watch-the-star-wars-movies-in-order">Star Wars films in order</a>, or by reading up on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/star-wars-skeleton-crew-cast-plot-speculation-and-everything-we-know">Star Wars: Skeleton Crew</a> which is set to land later this year.</p>
<h2 id="star-wars-pinball-vr-xa0-2">Star Wars Pinball VR </h2>
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<p>Okay, okay, I know pinball won’t leave you feeling like a lightsaber-wielding badass, or a slick space pirate, but I promise you have to try this game out. If only because it’s currently massively on sale – coming in at just $8.49 / £6.79 instead of $24.99 / £19.49 just for Star Wars day.</p><p>Star Wars Pinball VR reimagines the iconic digital cabinets Zen Studios has crafted over the past few years in a full VR experience. They are situated in a fan’s dream hangout space you can decorate with collectible goodies that you unlock by getting high scores and competing challenges, and the pinball machines themselves are a delight.</p><p>They capture the retro-chic flair that real world pinball machines offer, while delivering on digital expectations by featuring interactive elements that wouldn’t be possible in real life. There are 10 total cabinets to master, but if you want to mix things up further you can explore the Career mode; it adds various restrictions and powers to your gameplay that force you to mix up your playstyle.</p><p>I’ve enjoyed this game since it first released, and will admit to almost falling over a few times because I’ve been so immersed in the game that I tried to lean on a cabinet that wasn’t there. If you haven’t tried it already you absolutely should right now, especially because it’s at a bargain price.</p>
<h2 id="vader-immortal-xa0-2">Vader Immortal </h2>
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<p>No villain, nor character in general, is more iconically Star Wars than Darth Vader. So what better way is there to celebrate Star Wars day than with a trilogy inspired by the Sith Lord himself.</p><p>As a smuggler who picked the wrong planet to explore – the fiery world of Mustafar which Vader calls home – you must use your lightsaber skills and latent force powers in order to survive the adventure that fate has thrust you into, including an encounter with Vader himself.</p><p>This series is far from fault-free – chief among its issues is it’s fairly brief even spread across three games – but the lightsaber combat feels exactly like you always dreamed it would. The force abilities are clunkier, but again it’ll be exactly what everyone who’s ever tried (and failed) to pull an out-of-reach object closer by willing it towards them ever wanted.</p><p>The other downside of grabbing Vader Immortal right now if you’re interested is you can only pick each entry up individually. They’re often bundled together in a package that comes with a big discount but that’s currently not the case – so if you’re not desperate to play this game today you might want to hold off until it’s on sale.</p>
<h2 id="supernatural-xa0-2">Supernatural </h2>
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<p>If you want to swing a lightsaber around – or at least something like one – and get a little fitter whirl you’re at it, then check out Supernatural. I got hooked on the VR fitness app during <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/i-spent-a-month-working-out-in-vr-with-my-meta-quest-3-and-im-finally-sticking-to-my-fitness-goals">my month-long VR workout experiment</a> with my Meta Quest 3, and recently I’ve been enjoying its limited time Star Wars-themed Flow sessions. </p><p>My personal favorite one is the Dark Side list because it features Duel of the Fates – it’s so much fun to do battle while this tune blasts through my headset’s speakers. But there’s also a general Star Wars and a Light Side mix if you don’t want to embrace the Sith’s teachings.</p><p>Just act fast as these Star Wars levels are leaving very soon.</p>
<h2 id="star-wars-tales-from-the-galaxy-x2019-s-edge-xa0-2">Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge </h2>
<p>If you’re less interested in being a laser sword-wielding space wizard, and would rather be like the blaster touting characters in The Mandalorian or Andor, then Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge will be right up your street.</p><p>Set in Batuu – the same location you can travel to at Disney World in Orlando Florida – you must help some familiar droids as you adventure through the wilds of this Outer Rim settlement. Once you’re done you can continue this quintessentially Star Wars story with the Last Call DLC, and if you’ve enjoyed the main game I know you’ll enjoy this expansion too.</p><p>As an extra bonus, you can additionally explore tales from Star Wars’ rich history, with short bonus IG-88 and Ady’Sun Zee (a Jedi Padawan) missions. They’re very much secondary to the main game’s plot, but they’re great minigames especially if you’re sharing the experience with friends and family who just want a quickfire burst of Star Wars.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/early-star-wars-day-trailer-for-disney-plus-the-acolyte-includes-a-fan-favorite-link-to-the-prequel-movies">A new trailer for The Acolyte includes a fan-favorite link to the prequel movies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/andor-season-2">Get the lowdown on <em>Andor</em> season 2, which should arrive in 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/the-mandalorian-season-4">Read up on everything about <em>The Mandalorian</em> season 4</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/theres-only-one-good-way-to-celebrate-star-wars-day-with-these-vr-games-and-apps</link>
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                            <![CDATA[ Want to enjoy Star Wars day the right way? Check out these VR games and apps that'll immerse you in a Galaxy far far away. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 10:00:48 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Virtual Reality &amp; Augmented Reality]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ hamish.hector@futurenet.com (Hamish Hector) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a9z2oJQxFBCtp52PyvCzRP.jpg">
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                                                                                        <media:text><![CDATA[Star Wars Squadrons]]></media:text>
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ Nearly half of all Steam users are using Windows 11 — but why? ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Recently, it was revealed that Windows 11’s market share has been declining as more users have been opting for Windows 10. Gamers must have missed the memo, though, since it turns out that Windows 11 is gaining ground as the most popular OS among Steam players.</p><p>Considering that my position is for Microsoft to simply <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-should-accept-that-its-time-to-give-up-on-windows-11-and-throw-everything-at-windows-12"><u>give up on Windows 11</u></a> and move to launching and supporting Windows 12 instead, it’s fascinating to see gamers actually lean into the OS to the point that nearly half of gaming PCs surveyed by Valve have it installed.</p><p>According to data from the latest <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/Steam-Hardware-Software-Survey-Welcome-to-Steam"><u>Steam Hardware & Software survey</u></a>, Windows 11 is installed among 45.15% of Steam users, while Windows 10 has a 51.02% install base. Currently, the top two operating systems are neck and neck, with 11 having a shot at taking over as the most popular gaming OS, especially as 10 has been on the decline in that regard and all of the best gaming PCs today come with Windows 11 preinstalled.</p>
<h2 id="but-why-2">But why?</h2>
<p>It’s fascinating as to why this would be the case, as there isn’t much incentive for gamers to make the switch. There are more niche features like Auto HDR, advertised as a Windows 11 setting that would make older games look just as vibrant and clear as modern releases, but the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/546269/auto-hdr-deep-dive-how-and-why-to-use-windows-11s-eye-catching-game-feature.html"><u>setting barely does anything</u></a>.</p><p>Then there’s the issue of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11-users-watch-out-youre-in-for-an-upgrade-you-cant-ignore-thanks-to-mandatory-adverts"><u>advertisements appearing in the Start menu</u></a> with no way to opt out, which — alongside the forced integration of AI into the OS — has made the UI more cluttered and annoying to navigate. It honestly boggles my mind as to why so many gamers made the switch with so little material benefit and so many downsides.</p><p>It’s possible then, that so many gamers have 11 installed out of convenience rather than any sort of material benefits. All current Windows PCs come with Windows 11 installed rather than Windows 10, meaning that if you purchased a desktop or laptop in 2022 or later you’ll already have it.</p><p>While nearly half of Steam gamers use Windows 11 right now, there’s a massive demographic of users who would rather stick with Windows 10 than move on, despite the End of Support (EOS) for Windows 10 looming over users by October 2025. Or, maybe that’s the answer. They could be waiting to move on to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/did-we-just-catch-our-first-glimpse-of-windows-12-if-so-we-wont-get-the-new-os-until-2025"><u>Windows 12</u></a> instead of dealing with the issues of using Windows 11.</p><p>Regardless of the reason, at least Windows 11 received a bit of good news after its fair share of bad press in recent weeks.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/laptops/i-left-windows-11-for-a-macbook-pro-and-its-the-best-tech-relationship-ive-ever-had">I left Windows 11 for a MacBook Pro and it's the best tech</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-should-accept-that-its-time-to-give-up-on-windows-11-and-throw-everything-at-windows-12">Microsoft should accept that it's time to give up on Windows 11</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/features/i-made-my-windows-11-pc-look-like-windows-xp-and-i-love-it-heres-how">I made my Windows 11 PC look like Windows XP and I love it</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/nearly-half-of-all-steam-users-are-using-windows-11-but-why</link>
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                            <![CDATA[ Almost half of all Steam users have Windows 11 installed, but why do gamers love this OS so much? ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 22:03:45 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Windows]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ allisa.james@futurenet.com (Allisa James) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9jZd9JTmdFTJRHDNUmCa8h.jpg">
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                                                            <title><![CDATA[ OpenAI's Sora just made another brain-melting music video and we're starting to see a theme ]]></title>
                                                                                                                <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>OpenAI&apos;s text-to-video tool has been a busy bee recently, helping to make a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/so-what-if-openai-sora-didnt-create-the-mind-blowing-balloon-head-video-without-assistance-i-still-think-its-incredible">short film about a man with a balloon for a head</a> and giving us a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-new-sora-video-is-an-fpv-drone-ride-through-the-strangest-ted-talk-youve-ever-seen-and-i-need-to-lie-down">glimpse of the future of TED Talks</a> – and now it&apos;s rustled up its first official music video for the synth-pop artist Washed Out (below).</p><p>This isn&apos;t the first music video we&apos;ve seen from Sora – earlier this month we saw <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-sora-just-made-its-first-music-video-and-its-like-a-psychedelic-trip">this one for independent musician August Kamp</a> – but it is the first official commissioned example from an established music video director and artist.</p><p>That director is Paul Trillo, an artist who&apos;s previously made videos for the likes of The Shins and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://twitter.com/paultrillo/status/1786044776745505209" target="_blank">shared this new one on X (formerly Twitter)</a>. He said the video, which flies through a tunnel-like collage of high school scenes, was "an idea I had almost 10 years ago and then abandoned", but that he was "finally able to bring it to life" with Sora.</p><p>It isn&apos;t clear exactly why Sora was an essential component for executing a fairly simple concept, but it helped make the process much simpler and quicker. Trillo points to one of his earlier music videos, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://vimeo.com/461473136" target="_blank"><em>The Great Divide</em> for The Shins</a>, which uses a similar effect but was "entirely 3D animated".</p>
<iframe width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/941713443?h=2688edf694"></iframe>
<p>As for how this new Washed Out video was made, it required less non-Sora help than the Shy Kids&apos; <em>Air Head </em>video, which <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/so-what-if-openai-sora-didnt-create-the-mind-blowing-balloon-head-video-without-assistance-i-still-think-its-incredible">involved some lengthy post-production</a> to create the necessary camera effects and consistency. For this one, Trillo said he used text-to-video prompts in Sora, then cut the resulting 55 clips together in Premiere Pro with only "very minor touch-ups".</p><p>The result is a video that, like <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-new-sora-video-is-an-fpv-drone-ride-through-the-strangest-ted-talk-youve-ever-seen-and-i-need-to-lie-down">Sora&apos;s TED Talks creation</a> (which was also created by Trillo), hints at the tool&apos;s strengths and weaknesses. While it does show that digital special effects are going to be democratized for visual projects with tight budgets, it also reveals Sora&apos;s issues with coherency across frames (as characters morph and change) and its persistent sense of uncanny valley.</p><p>Like the TED Talks video, a common technique to get around these limitations is the dreamy fly-through technique, which ensures that characters are only on-screen fleetingly and that any weird morphing is a part of the look rather than a jarring mistake. While it works for this video, it could quickly become a trope if it&apos;s over-used.</p>
<h2 id="a-music-video-tradition-2">A music video tradition</h2>
<figure class="van-image-figure  inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1796px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.29%;"><img id="VkJi782yb6rmuTkxhDowxR" name="OpenAISora-2.jpg" alt="Two people sitting on the top deck of a bus" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VkJi782yb6rmuTkxhDowxR.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1796" height="1011" attribution="" endorsement="" class=""></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: OpenAI / Washed Out)</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Music videos have long been pioneers of new digital technology – the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTP2RUD_cL0" target="_blank">Dire Straits video for <em>Money For Nothing</em></a><em> </em>in 1985, for example, gave us an early taste of 3D animation, while <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0" target="_blank">Michael Jackson&apos;s <em>Black Or White</em></a><em> </em>showed off the digital morphing trick that quickly became ubiquitous in the early 90s (see <em>Terminator 2: Judgement Day</em>). </p><p>While music videos lack the cultural influence they once did, it looks like they&apos;ll again be a playground for AI-powered effects like the ones in this Washed Out creation. That makes sense because Sora, which OpenAI expects to release to the public "later this year", is still well short of being good enough to be used in full-blown movies.</p><p>We can expect to see these kinds of effects everywhere by the end of the year, from adverts to TikTok promos. But like those landmark effects in earlier music videos, they will also likely date pretty quickly and become visual cliches that go out of fashion.</p><p>If Sora can develop at the same rate as OpenAI&apos;s flagship tool, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/news/chatgpt-explained">ChatGPT</a>, it could evolve into something more reliable, flexible, and mainstream – with Adobe <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/creative-software/watch-this-adobe-shows-how-ai-and-openais-sora-will-change-premiere-pro-and-video-editing-forever">recently hinting that the tool could soon be a plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro</a>. Until then, expect to see a lot more psychedelic Sora videos that look like a mashup of your dreams (or nightmares) from last night.</p>
<h3 class="article-body__section" id="section-you-might-also-like"><span>You might also like...</span></h3>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/so-what-if-openai-sora-didnt-create-the-mind-blowing-balloon-head-video-without-assistance-i-still-think-its-incredible">So what if OpenAI Sora didn't create the mind-blowing Balloon Head video without assistance – I still think it's incredible</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openai-sora">What is OpenAI's Sora? The text-to-video tool explained and when you might be able to use it</a></li><li><a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-new-sora-video-is-an-fpv-drone-ride-through-the-strangest-ted-talk-youve-ever-seen-and-i-need-to-lie-down">OpenAI’s new Sora video is an FPV drone ride through the strangest TED Talk you’ve ever seen – and I need to lie down</a></li></ul>
 ]]></dc:content>
                                                                                                                                            <link>https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-sora-just-made-another-brain-melting-music-video-and-were-starting-to-see-a-theme</link>
                                                                            <description>
                            <![CDATA[ OpenAI's text-to-video Sora tool has just been used in its first official music video, which hints at its strengths and weaknesses. ]]>
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                                                                        <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 12:19:58 +0000</pubDate>                                                                            <category><![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence]]></category>
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                                                                        <author><![CDATA[ mark.wilson@futurenet.com (Mark Wilson) ]]></author>                                                                                                                        <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/M3mg6wTXGYivtsvjqQ3m5S.jpg">
                                                            <media:credit><![CDATA[OpenAI / Washed Out]]></media:credit>
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