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Gaming Gear

‘Clayface’ Takes Shape in Leaked Set Photos

by admin September 2, 2025

Star Wars: Starfighter gets an Oscar-winning DP, Lady Gaga’s Wednesday character is finally revealed, and Avengers: Doomsday may introduce Steve and Peggy’s alternate-reality children. For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Morning Spoilers!

Clayface

Recent photos from the set of Clayface include our first looks at the film’s logo, Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, Max Minghella as the detective, “John,” Naomie Ackie’s “fringe scientist” character, and even street graffiti referencing “The Jokers.”

yeh x pic.twitter.com/QQptLdXOzA

— Grace 🇵🇸 (@DevilsDefend) August 31, 2025

it’s so healing to walk round Gotham set dressing since last time when they shot The Batman my anxiety was so bad I didn’t get to see any of it :’) pic.twitter.com/z4sIb8JgLI

— Lily🦇 (@lilyfnrose) August 30, 2025

Tom Rhys Harries on the set of ‘CLAYFACE’ pic.twitter.com/qXauK1tx4h

— Everything_DCU (@EverythingDCU_) August 31, 2025

Max Minghella foi avistado no set de #Clayface

Thanks! @_neonheart_ pic.twitter.com/rwWVsjNrty

— DCVerso (@DCVers0) September 1, 2025

The MCU/Avengers: Doomsday

At her recent appearance at Dragon Con (via Cosmic Marvel), Chloe Bennett confirmed Agents of SHEILD still “isn’t considered canon” to the MCU, adding that Secret Invasion “would’ve been better” had that not been the case.

I’m not playing a bit, this isn’t a joke, I don’t know anything. They haven’t asked me. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. isn’t considered canon, [but] I agree that I should’ve been in Secret Invasion. It probably would’ve been better.

Meanwhile, Yahoo! Entertainment notes that insiders Daniel Richtman and My Time To Shine Hello appear to have corroborated that Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter “have children” in Avengers: Doomsday. The outlet writes that Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell “are apparently shooting on the set of Steve and Peggy’s house from the end of Avengers: Endgame,” and that Tom Hiddleston also “filmed a scene” at the location in which “he has a conversation with them.” As per the reports, “when Steve went back in time to go live with Peggy, he created the Incursions so now Doom wants him dead.”

Tron: Ares

“Military A.I. is the future” in a new TV spot for Tron: Ares, including a cameo from Resident Alien‘s Elizabeth Bowen.

Affinity

A “PTSD-afflicted ex-SEAL” learns the woman he rescued from kidnappers was “bio-engineered by a scientist grieving his own wife” in the trailer for Affinity, an action/sci-fi movie starring Marko Zaror, Louis Mandylor, Brooke Ence, and Jane Mirro.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Chloé Zhao revealed to the Los Angeles Times she’s wrapped filming the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer pilot.

I just wrapped the pilot on the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, which is set 25 years later. My company is part of developing it. The fandom is so special to me and I’m excited about how that’s going to go into the world.

Star Wars: Starfighter

According to a new report from TheInSneider, Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda will serve as the director of photography on Star Wars: Starfighter.

Wednesday

Bloody-Disgusting has a first look at Lady Gaga as Rosaline Rotwood, “an enigmatic teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday” in the second half of season two.

Invasion

Spoiler TV has three new images from “Infinitas,” this week’s episode of Invasion.

Aneesha and Clark’s peaceful life is upended by a visit from Trevante and Jamila. Mitsuki and Nikhil search for answers at a portal base.

Futurama

Finally, Hulu has released a new promo for the latest season of Futurama premiering this September 15.

But without phones, we wouldn’t get to see your unhinged comments 🥹 Watch all new episodes of #Futurama Sept 15 at 8pm on @hulu. pic.twitter.com/lDZK6R6Eak

— Futurama on Hulu (@futurama_hulu) September 1, 2025

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answer and Help for Sept. 2 #548

by admin September 2, 2025

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is a weird one. But once I caught the theme, the words were short and easy to unscramble. If you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: Things are starting to take shape.

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Sophomores often take this.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

TETRA, ONLY, MULE, CRATE, RATE, LESS, CRASS, ROTE, MOTE, POLE, MOLE, ANGEL, NICE, VASE, VASES, LANE, TOME, LOIN

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:

AREA, LINE, ANGLE, PLANE, POINT, CIRCLE, VOLUME

Today’s Strands spangram

The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Sept. 2, 2025, #548.

NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Today’s Strands spangram is GEOMETRYCLASS. To find it, look for the G that’s three letters to the right on the top row, and wind down.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Hungry Worms Could Help Solve Plastic Pollution

by admin September 2, 2025

Plastics that support modern life are inexpensive, strong, and versatile, but are difficult to dispose of and have a serious impact when released into the environment. Polyethylene, in particular, is the most widely produced plastic in the world, with more than 100 million tons distributed annually. Since it can take decades to decompose—and along the way can harm wildlife and degrade into harmful microplastics—its disposal is an urgent issue for mankind.

In 2017, European researchers discovered a potential solution. The larvae of wax moths, commonly known as wax worms, have the ability to break down polyethylene in their bodies. Wax worms have been considered a pest since ancient times because they parasitize beehives, feeding on beeswax. However, we now know that they also spontaneously feed on polyethylene, which has a chemically similar structure.

“Around 2,000 wax worms can break down an entire polyethylene bag in as little as 24 hours, although we believe that co-supplementation with feeding stimulants like sugars can reduce the number of worms considerably,” said Dr Bryan Cassone, a professor of biology at Brandon University in Canada, in a news release. Cassone and his team have been researching how these insects could be harnessed to help combat plastic pollution. “Understanding the biological mechanisms and consequences on fitness associated with plastic biodegradation is key to using wax worms for large-scale plastic remediation,” he says.

In previous experiments, Cassone and his team found out exactly how wax worms break down polyethylene. To understand their digestive mechanism, Cassone’s team fed polyethylene to wax worms for several days and followed the insects’ metabolic processes and changes in their gut environment. They found that as the wax worms ate the polyethylene, their feces liquefied and contained glycol as a byproduct.

But when the insects’ intestinal bacteria were suppressed by administering antibiotics, the amount of glycol in their feces was greatly reduced. This revealed that the breaking down of polyethylene is dependent on the wax worms’ gut microbes.

The team also isolated bacteria from the guts of wax worms and then cultured strains that could survive on polyethylene as their sole food source. Among them was a strain of Acinetobacter, which survived for more than a year in the laboratory environment and continued to break down polyethylene. This revealed how robust and persistent the wax worm’s gut flora is in its ability to break down plastics.

Yet in reality, when it comes to consuming plastic, gut bacteria are not working alone. When the researchers conducted genetic analysis on the insects, they found that plastic-fed wax worms showed increased gene expression relating to fat metabolism, and after being fed plastic, the wax worms duly showed signs of having increased body fat. Armed with their plastic-digesting gut bacteria, the larvae can break down plastics and convert them into lipids, which they then store in their bodies.

However, a plastic-only diet didn’t result in wax worms’ long-term survival. In their latest experiment, the team found that wax worms that continued to eat only polyethylene died within a few days and lost a great deal of weight. This showed that it is difficult for wax worms to continually process polyethylene waste. But researchers believe that creating a food source to assist their intake of polyethylene would mean wax worms are able to sustain healthy viability on a plastic diet and improve their decomposition efficiency.

Looking ahead, the team suggests two strategies for using the wax worm’s ability to consume plastics. One is to mass produce wax worms that are fed on a polyethylene diet, while providing them with the nutritional support they need for long-term survival, and then integrating them into the circular economy, using the insects themselves to dispose of waste plastic. The other is to redesign the plastic degradation pathway of wax worms in the lab, using only microorganisms and enzymes, and so create a means of disposing of plastic that doesn’t need the actual insects.

In the insect-rearing route, a byproduct would be large amounts of insect biomass—countless larvae that have been fed on plastic. These could potentially be turned into a highly nutritious feed for the aquaculture industry, as according to the research team’s data, the insects could be a good source of protein for commercial fish.

This story originally appeared on WIRED Japan and has been translated from Japanese.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

The best mobile microphones for 2025

by admin September 2, 2025

There’s nothing more frustrating than shooting the perfect reel only to realize that the audio sounds like garbage. For budding creators, it’s a frustration; for those looking to make more professional content, it’s a dealbreaker. Fortunately, the world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has exploded with great options in the last few years. Whether you’ve been tasked with recording candid moments at a relative’s wedding, shooting a friend’s dance moves or are a journalist out in the field traveling light — there’s an option out there that will be perfect for you.

We’ve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus so that you don’t have to. Below is our hand-picked list of the very best options for a variety of use cases. Some microphones — the wireless lavalier kind, for example — will be more versatile and convenient, useful for a number of different applications. Others, such as our musician or field-recording picks, are where we explore more exotic form factors such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. As always, above everything else is sound quality and general performance. The good news for you is that we’ve done all the hard work for you. Happy recording!

Best phone mics for 2025: Best wireless mics for creators

“Creator” is a broad term, but for the purposes of this guide, it’s anyone that wants to make videos or recordings to share on the internet. This is possibly the most exciting category right now with excellent options from brands such as Rode and DJI, but also some compelling budget options too. Once the domain of TV and pro productions, wireless lavalier mics are now the go-to choice for anyone creating in front of (or even behind) the camera. They usually sound great, offer hands-free flexibility and premium models come with extra features that will streamline your creative process.

DJI

DJI’s first wireless mic kit was a hit with YouTubers, and now the third generation is here, building upon the success of the first two models. Our previous pick here was the DJI Mic 2, and now it’s the DJI Mic 3. The company improved upon the second-gen by making strides in sound quality, noise reduction and increasing the number of subjects you can record at once. The Mic 3 has a smaller, lighter transmitter that’s easier to attach to any shirt or hat, and its charging case holds a receiver and two transmitters. The Mic 3 supports four transmitters and eight receivers at once, giving you more options when you have multiple subjects to record. When fully charged, transmitters can run for about eight hours, and you’ll get roughly 10 hours from each receiver.

The Mic 3 adds two adaptive gain control modes, Automatic and Dynamic, and it supports two-level noise cancelation for reducing background noise. The biggest downside is that DJI remove the 3.5mm mic port for wired lavs and other microphones from the transmitter here, so if that’s a necessary piece of hardware for you, you may want to stick with the Mic 2 instead.

$329 at Amazon

Rode

Rode strikes a good balance between features and value with its third-generation Wireless Go kit. The mics offer pro-grade sound and match DJI’s advanced features like onboard storage, 32-bit float and universal compatibility with iPhones, Android, cameras and PCs — and all of that here costs less than the DJI Mic 2 and Mic 3. The kit even offers more onboard storage than its rival. There’s no Bluetooth here though (if that’s important to you), but the Gen 3 Go does connect wirelessly to other devices, such as the Rodecaster 2, giving you added flexibility if you’re already using the company’s other products.

Perhaps most importantly — to creators with a visual eye, at least — this version of the Wireless Go comes in various vibrant colors to match your channel’s theme or branding. I’m still a fan of DJI’s solid charging case and the way the receiver connects directly to the phone (the Rode’s either need a cold shoe mount accessory/case or they just dangle on the cable), but the Wireless Go is hugely popular for a reason.

$290 at Amazon

BOYA

Boya may not be a name as familiar as Rode or DJI, but the company has gained popularity with creators for making budget-friendly gear that blends essential features with decent performance. The Boya Mini offers two teeny-tiny wireless mics with a receiver and a charging case for less than $50. Despite the price tag, the Boya Mini offers three levels of noise cancellation that are effective enough without introducing any noticeable change to your voice. On the other hand, there’s also an actual “voice changer” option, which is more of a novelty that most can likely ignore. The claimed range is over 300 feet (100 meters), but in our testing it’s less reliable after about 200 feet (60 meters), but that’s still plenty for most use cases. With six hours battery life, extendable to 30 with the charging case, there’s a lot to like with the Boya Mini for the price.

$45 at Amazon

Sennheiser Pro Audio

If you prefer the reliability or aesthetic of a classic wired lavalier (“lav”) mic, our go-to pick is still the Sennheiser Pro XS. The convenience of a USB-C connector makes this a seamless choice for newer iPhones, most Androids and even PCs without the hit-and-miss experience of headphone adapters. Lav mics are strictly business and don’t tend to offer features such as gain control or noise reduction, but the Sennheiser Pro XS offers a pleasing neutral sound, which should work well for most standups, vlogs and spoken-word recordings. For the price point, it’s a more professional option than some of the rival 3.5mm offerings — but if you do prefer the more traditional connector, there’s also a “mobile” edition with a TRRS jack for $10 less.

$50 at Amazon

James Trew for Engadget

This was the first mic I bought when I started creating videos and podcasts and I still have it in my kit bag today. Ignore the unfamiliar brand name; this mic provides great sound and reliability at a price that’s hard to argue with. In the box, you’ll also find a six foot (two meter) extension cable, a magnetic lapel clip, an adaptor for cameras (TRRS to TRS) and a pouch to put it all in, making this even more of a bargain. The only downside for mobile users is that you’ll need a headphone adapter to connect this to your phone’s USB-C port.

$25 at Amazon

James Trew for Engadget

Of all Rode’s numerous shotgun mics, the VideoMic NTG is the one I keep going to when I need something that will get almost any job done. The USB connection makes it mobile friendly with included cables for iPhones and Android, but there’s a secondary analog output so it can be used with cameras or anything else with a 3.5mm input (including PCs and mixing desks). On-device controls include a high-pass filter, pad (to record at a lower level to avoid distortion), high-frequency boost and an option to record two versions at different volumes so you can maximise your gain but also have a back-up should that go into the red. The shotgun format makes it great for vlogs and social media creators but the VideoMic NTG is versatile enough to also be the main mic for your laptop or PC that you can throw in your bag for an on-the-go podcasting option.

$226 at Amazon

Deity

For those looking for a mobile shotgun, the V-Mic D4 is easy to like thanks to its blend of portability, simplicity, excellent audio quality and affordable price. While there’s no native USB/Lightning connection, a headphone adapter is all you need — although Deity also sells a bundle with a 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable that will tidy things up a bit. Despite its small form factor, the V-Mic D4 sucks up your voice with surprising ease, making this a great option to keep in your bag for short videos and even field recording. I love the addition of a 3.5mm input, which allows for adding in a second wired mic or even a wireless receiver. With that, you have plenty of creative options for multi-person recording or recording ambient sound with voice in a way that can be mixed and edited easily in post.

$50 at Amazon

James Trew for Engadget

The Shure MV7+ is essentially a more affordable version of the company’s industry-standard SM7B microphone, but it’s a far better choice for phone recording thanks to its USB connectivity. Older iPhones will need a USB-C to Lightning cable, but everyone else can plug right in and start recording. Shure’s companion app also puts handy features such as tone control, reverb and a high pass filter right at your fingertips. Best of all, the settings you change on the mic here will carry over to any other app if you choose to record with something else. It’s a little higher-priced than other USB options, but as a dynamic mic it’s perfect for recording in less than ideal settings such as hotel rooms or cafes. The MV7+ is also a great choice for home recording, too, so you only need to invest in one microphone to have a consistent podcast experience wherever you are.

$299 at Adorama

Rode

Originally conceived as a more laptop-friendly version of the Rode NT-USB, the Mini fast became a popular option in its own right. The modern-but-classic design looks great on camera, and its physical strength is, well, it’s strength — it’s built like a tank. Handily it comes with its own magnetic desk stand, making it the perfect microphone to throw in a bag. A built-in headphone port and an easy USB connection to phones and tablets make the Rode NT-USB Mini a compelling choice. Factor in that it’s a third of the price of the MV7+ and that might just swing it for most people. I say most as the NT-USB Mini has a condenser capsule, which means it’ll pick up more of the “room” noise in hard-walled, high ceiling environments — but for most people most of the time, this workhorse microphone is hard to pick fault with.

$108 at Amazon

James Trew for Engadget

When musical inspiration strikes, the Tula mic is what you want in your back pocket. The retro-inspired design is certainly cute, but it’s the all modern features that will push your creativity forward. The onboard microphone capsule is perfect for recording both vocals and instruments, and there’s a 3.5mm input so a fellow artist can plug into this to be recorded at the same time. Importantly, the Tula has built-in storage so you don’t even need a phone with you to capture ideas. The included fold-out desk stand is perfect for recording hands-free on the go and it’s compatible with most mic stands via an adapter, so the Tula can be part of your process from concept right through to concert hall. The company often adds new features through firmware updates, too.

$245 at Amazon

James Trew for Engadget

Unlike many options on this list, the Interview Pro from Rode has laser-like focus on doing pretty much one job (the hint is in the name). There’s something reassuring about the sturdy build and classic handheld design when talking to camera or interviewing someone on the street. There’s enough onboard storage for a generous 40 hours of 32-bit float recordings, making the Interview Pro completely functional without your phone. It can connect to mobile devices and cameras, too, but you’ll need one of Rode’s wireless kits to do so (such as the Wireless GO mentioned above), which is why we’re pegging this as a “pro” option. Speaking of which, the Interview Pro also connects wirelessly to the latest Rodecasters, perfect for public presentations and there’s Timecode capability, too, so your video-editor will have a much easier time cutting up your videos.

$249 at Amazon

RØDE

The Interview Go isn’t a microphone; it’s an accessory for Rode’s Wireless Pro, Go and ME transmitters. Slot one into the handle, add the windscreen et voila you’re a roving reporter for only $30. That’s assuming you already own one of those wireless kits. The cheapest of those is the Wireless ME if you don’t have one already. But here’s a little secret — although not listed as compatible, Rode’s even-cheaper Wireless Micro transmitters fit just fine. The trick is to slide the Micro’s included magnet into the handle and then attach the transmitter to that. I’ve tested this with vigorous shaking and it’s never come loose or added any noise to the recording. The Wireless Micro is a decent two-mic wireless kit in its own right that you can use for sit-down interviews and standups to camera, making this a versatile, pocket-friendly combo.

$29 at Adorama

James Trew for Engadget

Field recording with a phone comes with an inherent problem: you either need to steadily hold your phone and microphone near your subject, or leave your devices unattended and hope for the best. Shure’s MoveMic 88+ is wireless, so it side-steps these problems completely. The four built-in polar patterns make recording a sparrow’s chirp or the whole forest around you in stereo as simple as picking the right one for your needs. It’s nice to see a 3.5mm headphone port here, as monitoring your audio in real-time can save lots of frustration further down the line. The mic-only kit is slightly limited as it only works with Shure’s own MOTIV recording app, so if you have a preferred workflow or need to be able to connect this to something without Bluetooth, it’s worth considering upgrading to the bundle that includes a wireless receiver.

$329 at Amazon

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Google Play Games is about to show people what you play

by admin September 2, 2025

Google is updating user profiles for its Play Games service on Android devices to display gaming stats, achievements, and social features. The changes include a suite of new capabilities for “showcasing and tracking your game progress and stats, new ways to build your gaming community, and allowing you to tailor your profile to your liking,” according to Google’s help page.

The update will be applied automatically, and starts rolling out in most global regions on September 23rd, and on October 1st for users in the EU and UK. Google is also emailing Google Play users directly to notify them about the changes. When applied, Google Play Games profiles and features will start appearing on the Google Play Store to prevent users from having to switch between apps when managing their accounts.

The unified update aims to help users who make their profile information public to connect with other players and track their gaming milestones. It’s unclear what this will specifically entail, but it sounds similar to how player information, gaming history, and achievements are currently displayed on Valve’s Steam service.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

I am a cybersecurity expert – here’s why it’s time for businesses to bolster defenses, beyond just tech

by admin September 2, 2025

The first half of 2025 has undeniably showcased the devastating power of data breaches and ransomware attacks. High-profile brands such as Marks & Spencer, Harrods, and Qantas Airlines have all been through cyber shockwaves, with countless amounts of employee and customer information lost to hackers. This has not only eroded brand trust but also raised serious questions about the solidity of overall business security infrastructure.

The breaches were primarily caused by social engineering attacks targeting IT help desks, which allowed attackers to gain access to systems and deploy ransomware. According to the latest insights, hackers impersonated employees to trick IT staff into granting access by requesting to reset passwords, ultimately leading to the compromise of sensitive data.

Andy Syrewicze

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Security Evangelist at Hornetsecurity.

All evidence shows hackers’ deep understanding of human psychology, enabling them to exploit social norms and complacency to bypass some of the most robust data security systems. Affected businesses have responded swiftly to attacks and offered timely support to those impacted; however, it’s clear all businesses need to improve their cybersecurity if they are to stay safe in this ever-evolving world of cyber threats.

Elevating password security: The human element of your first line of cyber defenses

As recent data breaches have shown, password-granted access is often the breakthrough hackers need to compromise systems. Introducing key changes to how businesses manage passwords can help in the fight against nefarious actors.

Firstly, small changes to password policies can add an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access. As you inspect your existing policies, DON’T forget the basics! For example, personal information in passwords should be avoided as it’s easy for hackers to get user logins if names, birthdays, or other personal information is directly included in passwords.

It seems simple, yes, but some of the largest organizations in the world have been breached because of the omission of basics like this. Once hackers gain access to the targeted systems, the risks of data breach is all but certain, raising the likelihood that confidential information will be exposed on malicious websites.

Businesses should therefore implement clear password policies, including setting rules for password length and complexity, and make sure you’re following NIST best practices for password generation. Take scheduled password resets, NIST no longer recommends forced password changes unless there is evidence of breach. This is due to the fact that users would make highly serialized passwords in an attempt to remember them, which ultimately lowers operational security..

The strict application of MFA

In addition to the password hygiene rules, the strict application of multi-factor authentication (MFA) across organizations, including their external partners, is necessary to maintain cybersecurity.

Here, PINcodes and biometric authentication that require verification via a physical device (like FIDO2) help prevent unauthorized users from accessing accounts, even when passwords have been stolen. Deploying MFA across business and personal accounts enhances protection against common security threats such as malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks.

Warning: while MFA helps, it isn’t a catch-all safeguard. Social engineering, or the use of reverse-proxy style toolkits, allows threat actors to account for MFA during the login process. This enables the attacker to capture the target’s authentication token regardless of MFA being enabled on the account.

Adoption of Passkeys

To counter this, technologies like Passkeys should also be adopted by businesses to create additional safeguards against cyber attacks. Operated by using public key cryptography, Passkeys generate a public/private key pair whenever a new passkey is established with an online service.

The authentication response is unique for each login, which means there are no passwords to be stolen on the service end of the login process. Passkeys are also typically URL-bound, rendering reverse-proxy phishing kits useless for threat actors.

Strict practices of password hygiene and the adaptation of evolving password technologies will strengthen businesses’ data protection and bolster cybersecurity against unverified attempts to access accounts.

While password security is important, to foster truly robust cyber resilience, more steps need to be taken across organizations in their day-to-day operations to maintain safety.

Cultivating a culture of cyber resilience: policies, training, and overlooked vulnerabilities

To embed cyber resilience into organizational culture, it is crucial to upgrade data security policies and ensure employees can implement them daily. These will foster a full-scale ecosystem of accountability and vigilance.

Businesses should implement ongoing tiered cybersecurity awareness training for their employees. Successful completion of a round of tests and simulations will automatically unlock progressively more challenging ones.

Those who don’t pass initial tests receive opportunities for further practice and re-testing at that difficulty level until they succeed. This approach fosters progressive cybersecurity training and rewards successful employees with less frequent testing.

Additionally, regular feedback loops, surveys or user-friendly polls can ensure the current security training stays up-to-date with cybersecurity trends, covering key topics such as phishing and ransomware.

A particular focus should also target the cyber vulnerabilities faced by organizations implementing remote and hybrid work. While implementing strategies for protecting devices and networks beyond the traditional office perimeter, such as applying MFA and role-based data access, businesses should make sure there are regular software updates and enhanced firewall configurations.

CISOs and IT teams should enforce a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that each user has no more than the access they need and that every connection and communication, no matter how trustworthy it may seem, is vetted for authenticity.

Building a proactive and adaptive cyber defense ecosystem

To stay safe from attacks, businesses must consistently refine and manage their cybersecurity strategy. Strengthening data security across all accounts is essential to minimizing data breaches and safeguarding sensitive information.

Additionally, businesses should prioritize other critical areas based on their specific risk profiles. This means a careful, case-by-case assessment of where vulnerabilities lie and where the greatest impact can be made. Focusing on the following key actions is vital:

– Enforce strong password hygiene across the organization, and mandate the use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Passkeys to secure the first line of defense without exception

– Encourage progressive learning by implementing an ongoing, tiered cybersecurity testing program that adapts to roles, responsibilities, and knowledge

– Embrace regular feedback through employee surveys and polls to keep the current cybersecurity training relevant and effective

– Enhance remote and hybrid work settings by applying technical safeguards alongside a Zero Trust approach to limit data exposure and risk

The path forward requires a holistic view, a commitment to continuous adaptation, and the firm understanding that the strongest defense isn’t just about tech, but the informed and vigilant human element that underpins it.

We’ve listed the best business password managers.

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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September 2, 2025 0 comments

Spinneret and Spiderling race over the rooftops of New York

Gaming Gear

Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man set is full of Spider-Verse Spider-Folk including the superhero identities of Peter Parker’s alternate-universe wife and daughter

by admin September 2, 2025

It’s wild to think how influential Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions was. The actually pretty good videogame from 2010 gave us a meeting of four alternate Spider-Mans, though that wasn’t enough for one its writers, Dan Slott, who thought it would be better with all of them. That inspired him to write the crossover Spider-Verse, which in turn inspired the animated Spider-Verse movies, the live-action movie Spider-Man: No Way Home, and the character’s whole modern status quo where he’s part of his own multiverse of Spider-People.

Which includes Spinneret and Spiderling, as depicted in this preview card from Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man set. They’re from an alternate Earth where Peter Parker and MJ stayed married and had a daughter, Annie-May Parker, who developed spider-powers of her own. She became the superhero named Spiderling while MJ, thanks to a high-tech suit that lets her share her husband’s abilities, fights crime alongside her family as Spinneret.

(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast)

This is told in a series that began as a crossover spin-off called Renew Your Vows, focusing on the domestic life of this Spider-Family. The struggle of two constantly exhausted parents who are not as young as they used to be makes for a surprisingly grounded superhero saga, one where heroes still have to worry about having breakfast on the table for their kid in the morning. The least realistic thing about it is that a fashion expert like MJ would wear an outfit with those boot cuffs.

The cards revealed so far in Magic’s Spider-Man set show plenty of similar multiversal deep cuts, like Spider-Cat from Spider-Island, Lyla the hologram sidekick from Spider-Man 2099, and multiple cards sharing the keyword ability “menace” because it’s J. Jonah Jameson’s favorite word for summing up Spidey. Which is cute.

The Renew Your Vows storyline that gave us Spinneret and Spiderling felt like a continuation of Spider-Man’s original promise. The early issues back in the ’60s depicted Peter Parker’s changing life as he grew up, but at a certain point the clock was wound back to trap him in bachelor stasis. Renew Your Vows let us see how Spider-Man would have changed if he’d been allowed to reveal his quips were dad jokes all along, and how his supporting cast could have grown alongside him to become co-stars in their own right.

It was only ever an alternate timeline, but thanks to the Spider-Verse we get to spend time with it and every other possibility, from the cartoon world of Spider-Ham to the hard-boiled Spider-Man Noir, and Magic’s clearly leaning into that variety with this set. They even brought back the Riot keyword from Ravnica Allegiance just for Spider-Punk. We owe it all to the outsized influence of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, a seven-out-of-ten game that nevertheless reshaped an entire corner of popular culture.

Magic: The Gathering x Marvel’s Spider-Man will be available from September 26. Prerelease events begin on September 19.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

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100 New Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books for September

by admin September 2, 2025

September brings with it io9’s biggest list of new books so far this year, with an emphasis on horror titles as the days grow shorter. That said, there are still plenty of sci-fi adventures and fantasy tales on the way.

September 1 and 2

Kingdom of Tomorrow by Gena Showalter

“A fusion of modern and fantastical worlds, where a young woman must navigate a secret society, uncover a shocking enemy… and resist an undeniable attraction.” (September 1)

Bees in June by Elizabeth Bass Parman

“With a captivating blend of Southern grit, magical realism, and an empowering journey of self-discovery, Bees in June is a tender reminder of the healing power of community, second chances and the quiet magic all around us.” (September 2)

Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, Jesus Is Alive! by Melissa Lozada-Oliva

“An ethereal and revelatory short story collection about faith, delusion, and the demons that can’t get enough of us.” (September 2)

Boudicca’s Daughter by Elodie Harper

“The notorious warrior queen who led a legendary rebellion in 60 CE against the Roman Empire in Britain” comes to life in a book that “follows Boudicca’s meteoric rise and devastating fall through the eyes of her youngest daughter, Solina, who seeks revenge against Rome.” (September 2)

By the Horns by Ruby Dixon

In this sequel to Bull Moon Rising, “a woman with a deadly magic secret needs the help of the minotaur she’s trying to forget.” (September 2)

Changelog by Rich Larson

“Ranging in length from byte-sized drabbles to elaborate novelettes, the 26 stories assembled in Changelog rove from the sands of biopunk West Africa to the scarred hull of a generation ship to the dismantling of time itself—exploring the symbiosis of humanity and technology at every stop.” (September 2)

Head Witch in Charge by Avery Flynn

“When two witches with a tangled history are forced to team up, it spells disaster in this steamy rom-com.” (September 2)

Honeyeater by Kathleen Jennings

“A richly imagined dark fantasy that pulses with the beautiful destruction of a town reclaimed by the natural world.” (September 2)

A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig

“Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and seize her own future.” (September 2)

Livewire by Sarah Raughley

“Amanda McKee is a psiot, an evolved subspecies of humanity with mysterious psychic powers … the ability to talk to machines, control technology, and even see into a secret parallel world that exists inside computers.” Her complicated existence gets even more so when a man from the future appears, intent on killing her to prevent what he says is her role in destroying the human race. (September 2)

Making History by K.J. Parker

In this dark fantasy tale, “a group of scholars must do the impossible for a ruthless king. The cost of refusal, of course, is death.” (September 2)

Moonflow by Bitter Karella

“A gloriously queer and irreverent psychedelic trip into the heart of an eldritch wood and the horrors of (cis)terhood.” (September 2)

The Nga’phandileh Whisperer by Eugen Bacon

“A glossary of Bantu, Afrocentric, and made-up words complements this genre-bending, cross-cultural novella. Something beautiful, something dark in lyrical language packed with affection, dread, anguish, and hope.” (September 2)

Night & Day edited by Ellen Datlow

“A horror anthology with one side featuring stories about what haunts the night while the other side showcases the terrors that can exist in the light of day in this new addition to the Saga Doubles series.” (September 2)

The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg

“A captive healer and a mysterious prince are drawn to each other in the midst of war and magic in a beguiling dark fantasy.” (September 2)

These Dreaming Spires: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane

“A beguiling, sinister collection of 12 more dark academia short stories from masters of the genre, including Olivie Blake, Genevieve Cogman, MK Lobb and more.” (September 2)

Tracer by Brendan Deneen

“A fast-paced sci-fi romance adventure that sends one mercenary on a dangerous mission across a postapocalyptic landscape.” (September 2)

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross

This tale is “set in the world of the gods first introduced in Divine Rivals” and “delivers a sweeping, beautiful adult novel filled with tension, romance, and dark secrets.” (September 2)

September 9

Acquired Taste by Clay McLeod Chapman

“Packed full of humanity, humor, and above all, relentless creeping dread, Acquired Taste is a timely descent into the mind of one of modern horror’s finest authors.” (September 9)

The Burial Tide by Neil Sharpson

“Drawing on the creatures and horrors of Irish folklore, The Burial Tide unearths our darkest truths: how far we’d go to win our freedom, and how quickly our desires can become monstrous.” (September 9)

Coffin Moon by Keith Rosson

“A Vietnam veteran and his adopted niece hunt—and are hunted by—the vampire that slaughtered their family.” (September 9)

David Lynch: His Work, His World by Tom Huddleston

“An in-depth, richly illustrated exploration of the work and life of cinema and TV’s greatest cult creator.” (September 9)

The Gnomes of Lychford by Paul Cornell

“Gnomes, witches, and podcasters clash for the future of the village of Lychford in this delightful conclusion to the Witches of Lychford series.” (September 9)

The Haunting of William Thorn by Ben Alderson

“How to Sell a Haunted House meets The Haunting of Hill House in this split timeline queer romance, set against the backdrop of a haunted English manor.” (September 9)

A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love by Ann Rose

“In this slightly spooky paranormal romance, will two women finally break their curse and get the happily ever after they’ve fought for?” (September 9)

The Hexologists: A Tangle of Time by Josiah Bancroft

“The second book following the adventures of the Hexologists, Iz and Warren Wilby, as they tackle a case that could redefine the nature of magic itself.” (September 9)

House of Idyll by Delilah S. Dawson

“A darkly seductive tale of beautiful rock stars, sinister cults, and a magical oasis where dreams come true… for a price.” (September 9)

The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson

“A stand-alone novel blending time travel and globe-hopping adventure, art history, and dark fantasy about magical paintings and the lengths people will go to collect them, destroy them… or be destroyed.” (September 9)

The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez

A healer’s daughter strikes a surprising deal with the monster lurking in the nearby woods, then must contend with an even bigger threat in this story “rooted in fairy tales, folklore, and sapphic romance.” (September 9)

Pantomime by L.R. Lam

The first in “a fantasy trilogy about a circus aerialist’s quest to escape his past and decipher the magical prophecy that will shape his future.” (September 9)

Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

“A woman must confront the demons of her past when she attempts to fix up her childhood home in this devilishly clever take on the haunted house novel.” (September 9)

They Fear Not Men in the Woods by Gretchen McNeil

“When Jen Monroe hears her father’s remains have been found, she returns home to disprove his death, only to find the forests of rural Washington are hiding something ancient and dangerous.” (September 9)

An Unbreakable World by Ren Hutchings

“A petty thief is kidnapped to take part in the heist of a lifetime in this space opera.” (September 9)

We Are Always Tender With Our Dead by Eric LaRocca

“The disturbing first installment of a new trilogy of intense, visceral, beautifully written queer horror set in a small New England town.” (September 9)

September 16

American Werewolves by Emily Jane

This satirical tale “brings readers from the wilds of the New World to the opulent board rooms and golf courses of the 21st century, where devouring the weak is an American birthright as old as the country itself.” (September 16)

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon

“A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of The Priory of the Orange Tree.” (September 16)

The Audition for the Fox by Martin Cahill

“In this stellar debut fantasy, a trickster Fox god challenges an underachieving acolyte to save herself by saving her own ancestors. But are Nesi and her new friends from the past prepared to defeat the ferocious Wolfhounds of Zemin?” (September 16)

The Enduring Universe by Kritika H. Rao

“The explosive and reality-shattering Rages trilogy, started by The Surviving Sky, concludes as Ahilya and Iravan fight one last time to save everything they’ve ever loved—the survivors of humanity, their families, their home, and each other.” (September 16)

The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews

“With his queen missing, the king’s wrath knows no boundaries.” (September 16)

Exiles by Mason Coile

“A terrifying locked-room mystery from the author of William—this time set on a remote outpost on Mars.” (September 16)

The Faerie Morgana by Louisa Morgan

“In this atmospheric and bewitching novel, Louisa Morgan reimagines the story of Morgan Le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and powerful women in Arthurian legend.” (September 16)

Fiend by Alma Katsu

“Historical horror maven Alma Katsu turns her talents to the modern world for the first time, in this terrifying tale about an all-powerful family with an ancient evil under its thumb.” (September 16)

Hopelessly Teavoted by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff

“After the deaths of his parents, a witch returns to his spooky family manor and joins forces with his former crush when his parents’ spirits warn them of a sinister threat in this witty and lyrically unique rom-com.” (September 16)

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

“A true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.” (September 16)

Love at First Fright by Nadia El-Fassi

“In this paranormal spicy age-gap romance, a successful author—whose novel is being adapted into a movie—clashes with the actor cast as the male lead, all in a cozy mansion filled with friendly ghosts.” (September 16)

A Ruin, Great and Free by Cadwell Turnbull

The Convergence Saga concludes as “the inhabitants of Moon have been very fortunate in the intervening months. Inside their hidden monster settlement, they’ve found peace, even as the world outside slips into increasing unrest. Monsters are being hunted everywhere, forced back into the shadows they once tried to escape from. Other secret settlements have offered a place to hide, but how long can this half-measure against fear and hatred last?” (September 16)

The Shattering Peace by John Scalzi

“After a decade, acclaimed science fiction master John Scalzi returns to the galaxy of the Old Man’s War series with the long-awaited seventh book.” (September 16)

The Sleep of Empires by David Annandale

“Eloran is a world of imperious elves, fractious human realms, and the hated, skeletal kaul—with each nation poised to grasp at any advantage over the others … A chance encounter with a pair of mercenaries leads Latanna to a lost crown, a relic of forces the world has tried desperately to forget, and gives her the means to break free from her corrupt family—but at a terrible price.” (September 16)

The Summer War by Naomi Novik

“A young witch who has inadvertently cursed her brother to live a life without love must find a way to undo her spell.” (September 16)

Sunward by William Alexander

“This story of found family follows a planetary courier training adolescent androids in a solar system grappling with interplanetary conflict after a devastating explosion on Earth’s moon.” (September 16)

To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

This sequel to When Among Crows “pulls from Slavic folklore to explore family, duty, and what it means to be a monster.” (September 16)

Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood

“A ‘perfect’ witch must learn to embrace imperfection and live for herself in this spellbinding cozy fantasy sprinkled with love, laughter, and magic.” (September 16)

Veil by Jonathan Janz

“A heart-stopping story of one father who will stop at nothing to save his family.” (September 16)

The Whistler by Nick Medina

“A young man is haunted by a mythological specter bent on stealing everything he loves in this unsettling horror.” (September 16)

Wickedly Ever After by R. Lee Fryar

“In this (delightfully screwball) fairy tale romp, even the most wicked deserve their happily-ever-after.” (September 16)

September 23

Alchemised by SenLinYu

“In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past.” (September 23)

Beings by Ilana Masad

This novel “based on true events asks whether extraterrestrial life might be what ties us to one another, to history, and to reality itself.” (September 23)

Body of Water by Adam Godfrey

“A wildly inventive, sinister thriller following an estranged father and daughter who find themselves trapped in a diner by a living body of water.” (September 23)

In the Dragon’s Wake: The Ashen War Saga Book II by Dan Le Fever

This sequel to The Ashen War delves “further into the cultures and peoples in the post-apocalyptic world of a vastly changed 1910 America,” as “James Barlow must come to terms with his violent nature and what it means to those he’s chosen to protect.” (September 23)

The Revelation Space Collection Volume 1 and Volume 2 by Alastair Reynolds

These two separate volumes gather “the complete collection of tales set in the Revelation Space universe.” (September 23)

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine

“A vampire who can’t remember his past and a witch with secrets of her own hit the road in this zany, cross-country romantic comedy from beloved author Jenna Levine.” (September 23)

Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby

“A gothic feminist body horror in two timelines revolving around three Anatomical Venuses—ultrarealistic wax figures of women—that come to life at night to murder men who have wronged them.” (September 23)

A Spell for Winter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

“In this holiday romance with an enchanting twist, a magic-averse witch returns home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival.” (September 23)

Spread Me by Sarah Gailey

“A routine probe at a research station turns deadly when the team discovers a strange specimen in search of a warm place to stay.” (September 23)

Terms of Service by Ciel Pierlot

“When her cousin gets kidnapped by a dastardly trickster, Luzia is forced to sell herself in servitude to the Eoi in exchange for his life. But the terms of the deal turn out to be much more complicated than she ever imagined.” (September 23)

Thief of Night by Holly Black

Sequel to Book of Night. “There’d always been something wrong with Charlie Hall. Crooked from the day she was born. Never met a bad decision she wasn’t willing to double down on. She may be good enough to steal a shadow from a tower, but will she be good enough to steal back a heart?” (September 23)

This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman

“Carl and Princess Donut are ready to battle it out in the epic seventh book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition.” (September 23)

The Unfathomable Curse by Courtney Smyth

“A witty, witchy fantasy murder mystery packed with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles. When Cornelia’s twin sisters are taken by the Wickermere Reaper, Mallory, Diana and Theodore must race against time to uncover the buried secrets of the Broadwicks before it’s too late.” (September 23)

We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad

“Frankenstein by way of Heathers, We Love You, Bunny is both a prequel and a sequel and an unabashedly wild and totally complete stand-alone novel. Open your hearts, Bunny, to another dazzlingly original and darkly hilarious romp in the Bunny-verse.” (September 23)

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

“A sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.” (September 23)

Why I Love Horror edited by Becky Siegel Spratford

“A captivating anthology and heartfelt tribute to the horror genre featuring essays from several of the most celebrated contemporary horror writers, including Grady Hendrix, Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Josh Malerman, Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Rachel Harrison.” (September 23)

September 30

The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi

This unconventional slasher mystery is set in a retirement community and stars a 70-something Final Girl. (September 30)

The Captive by Kit Burgoyne

“A satirical Rosemary’s Baby for our conspiratorial present in which anti-capitalist activists unwittingly unleash terrifying demonic forces when they kidnap a pregnant heiress.” (September 30)

Crossroads of Ravens by Andrzej Sapkowski

“A new standalone novel following fantasy’s most beloved monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia, on his first steps towards becoming a legend.” Read an excerpt from this latest Witcher tale here. (September 30)

Daedalus Is Dead by Seamus Sullivan

“A delirious and gripping story of fatherhood and masculinity, told through the reimagined Greek myth of Daedalus, Icarus, King Minos, Ariadne, and the Minotaur.” (September 30)

Dinner at the Night Library by Hika Harada, translated by Philip Gabriel

“Literary misfits” who gather and work at a library displaying works by deceased authors band together when a series of strange events endanger the museum-like sanctuary. (September 30)

Falling in a Sea of Stars by Kristen Britain

“Magic, danger, and adventure abound for messenger Karigan G’ladheon in the eighth book in the Green Rider fantasy series.” (September 30)

Fate’s Bane by C.L. Clark

In this “tragic sapphic adventure,” peace among the clans of the fens is threatened when a surprising love awakens a new magic. (September 30)

First Contact by Becky Ferreira

“A narrative and visual exploration of humanity’s age-old search for and fixation with extraterrestrials.” (September 30)

The First Thousand Trees by Premee Mohamed

“This stunning novella concludes the story Mohamed started in The Annual Migration of Clouds and continued in We Speak Through the Mountain, bleaker than ever but still in search of a spark of hope in the climate apocalypse.” (September 30)

The Heist of Hollow London by Eddie Robson

Two clones who exist to serve as backups for important executives scramble when their corporate owners go out of business. Their new owner is a scientist who promises them freedom—if they can pull off a dangerous heist. (September 30)

Horror’s New Wave: 15 Years of Blumhouse by Blumhouse with Dave Schilling

“Celebrate legendary horror studio Blumhouse’s legacy with this lavishly illustrated visual compendium that takes you behind the scenes of the films that have reshaped the horror genre, from The Exorcist to the Paranormal Activity and Halloween franchises.” (September 30)

How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps by Andrew Rowe

“The LitRPG bestseller releasing in a stunning new deluxe hardcover edition, now with a new Afterword.” (September 30)

The Infernus Gate by Anthony Ryan

“The thrilling conclusion to the epic saga of the Seven Swords.” (September 30)

Level: Apocalypse by David Dalglish

In this “epic fantasy isekai LitRPG,” set “inside the mysterious Artifact world of Yensere, Nick has scored a major victory in the war against God-King Vaan, but now the true test of power has begun, and it won’t end until either Nick or Vaan are truly dead.” (September 30)

A Mannequin for Christmas by Timothy Janovsky

“A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.” (September 30)

A Philosophy of Thieves by Fran Wilde

“Robin Hood meets Parasite meets Six of Crows in multi-award-winning author Fran Wilde’s thrilling, high-tech adventure heist wrapped in a futuristic fantasy where thieves are entertainment for the wealthy.” (September 30)

Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley

“Once a servant, now a princess, a young woman thrust into power challenges everything about the underground Fae realm in the spellbinding sequel to Servant of Earth.” (September 30)

Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei

“The epic tale of two sisters who sail across oceans to find their missing third sister―and Earth’s environmental salvation.” (September 30)

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden

“A magical cookbook and a summer on her family’s Italian olive farm help a brokenhearted social media chef cook up a satisfying new life in this delectable novel.” (September 30)

Shadowman by Shola Adedeji

“In this thrilling origin story, one young man finds himself in the middle of a war between powerful gods, and tasked with saving the city he holds dear.” (September 30)

The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet by Melinda Taub

“An utterly fantastical and undeniably queer melding of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein that recasts Mary Bennet as an insatiable scientist, one who creates a monster in an attempt to save herself from spinsterdom.” (September 30)

Silver and Lead by Seanan McGuire

The October Daye series continues as “Toby Daye is thrust once again into danger… and this time she has more than ever to protect.” (September 30)

So Blooms the Dawn by Julie C. Dao

“Freshly vampiric Lucy Westenra thirsts for revenge in the second and final book of this Dracula retelling.” (September 30)

The Sovereign by C.L. Clark

“The Sovereign brings princess Luca and soldier Touraine together one last time in the thrilling conclusion to C. L. Clark’s beloved queer political fantasy trilogy.” (September 30)

What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher

The Sworn Soldier continues as Alex Easton heads to West Virginia to explore a haunted coal mine. (September 30)

Who Will You Save? by Gareth L. Powell

“With settings ranging from the dead sands of Mars to the seedy backstreets of Amsterdam and Buenos Aires, these action-packed tales explore mind-bending ideas through the eyes of unforgettable and all-too-human characters. As their lives implode around them, will they use the moment to save their own skins, or to find a way to make up for past misdeeds?” (September 30)

Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting by Richard Chizmar and W.H. Chizmar

“A riveting found footage narrative about doomed thrill-seekers trapped in a haunted lighthouse.” (September 30)

Wings of Tabat by Cat Rambo

“In the final book of Cat Rambo’s magical Tabat Quartet, we return to the city of Tabat, where Humans and magical Beasts coexist—but uneasily. The exploited Beasts, used for both their labor and their very bodies, are finally fighting back, and turmoil abounds in the city.” (September 30)

Witch of the Wolves by Kaylee Archer

“Caught between spells and savage beasts, Cordelia Levine must unravel the secrets of her dual heritage—half witch, half werewolf—and face her desire for the one creature who holds her future in his hands.” (September 30)

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

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Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Is Happening Sept. 9. How to Watch

by admin September 2, 2025

Apple’s annual fall iPhone launch event is just around the corner. Last week, the company sent out invites for its fall keynote, which is slated for Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, which could include a slimmer version of the phone, as well as the Apple Watch Series 11 and the AirPods Pro 3.

The invite shows the title “Awe dropping,” with a glowing Apple logo that seems to reference Siri’s colorful glow. There’s also an interactive element when you view the invite on Apple.com. With a finger (phone or tablet) or a mouse/trackpad pointer (computer), you can move across the logo and watch the colors go from a cool blue to a vivid orange, possibly evoking the Liquid Glass design element in iOS 26, which exhibits light-bending qualities across apps and functions. You can read more theories about what the fall event invite might signify.

The keynote will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. CNET will be covering the announcements live, so be sure to follow along.

Get ready for an awe dropping #AppleEvent on Tuesday, September 9! pic.twitter.com/uAcYp2RLMM

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 26, 2025

How to watch Apple’s iPhone 17 reveal

Technically, Apple has yet to confirm the iPhone 17, but the company’s fall event is where it typically unveils its latest handsets.

You can tune into the iPhone 17 event live by watching the official livestream on the Apple website or via the livestream on Apple’s YouTube channel. Those streams are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Sept. 9, 2025. CNET’s reporters will also be on the ground and bringing you all the updates.

What might Apple be cooking up?

Rumors for the upcoming slate of iPhones have been plentiful. Stealing the spotlight is the supposed iPhone 17 Air, which could follow in the footsteps of Samsung’s sleek Galaxy S25 Edge and have a slim profile and lightweight design. The Pro model could get a scratch-resistant antireflective display and an 8x telephoto lens, and the Pro Max could pack a bigger battery. The baseline iPhone 17 could also boast a higher refresh rate. It’s possible that all the phones may include an Apple-developed 5G modem called the C1 chip, which debuted on the iPhone 16E, as well as in-house Wi-Fi chips.

We also expect to learn more about the public rollout of iOS 26 later this fall. The new operating system features a Liquid Glass interface that brings a more transparent, lens-like look to the iPhone and other Apple devices. The Camera app also gets a more minimalistic design, Messages lets you create polls in group chats and a new screening tool can better detect spam texts. You can check out all the features coming to iOS 26.

Watch this: Apple Will Reveal the iPhone 17 Soon. Here’s What We Want

05:23

Will there be a Siri overhaul?

What we might not hear as much about is the updated version of Siri that Apple unveiled at its Worldwide Developers Conference last year. The smarter version of the AI assistant has faced repeated delays and may not arrive until next year or even later. But Apple could discuss other Apple Intelligence updates and features arriving on its new devices.

CNET’s reporters will be on the ground on Sept. 9, bringing you all the latest updates and impressions of whatever Apple has in store.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments

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Big Tech Companies in the US Have Been Told Not to Apply the Digital Services Act

by admin September 2, 2025

Trouble is brewing for the Digital Services Act (DSA), the landmark European law governing big tech platforms. On August 21, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), sent a scathing letter to a number of tech giants, including Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. The letter’s subject: the European Digital Services Act cannot be applied if it jeopardizes freedom of expression and, above all, the safety of US citizens.

The opening of the letter—signed by FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson—features a prominent reference to the First Amendment of the US Constitution, namely freedom of speech: “Online platforms have become central to public debate, and the pervasive online censorship in recent years has outraged the American people. Not only have Americans been censored and banned from platforms for expressing opinions and beliefs not shared by a small Silicon Valley elite, but the previous administration actively worked to encourage such censorship.”

The Trump Administration’s Lunge

The Trump administration intends to reverse course, and it is in this direction that the attack on “foreign powers,” the European Union and in the United Kingdom, and in particular on the Digital Services Act and the Online Safety Act, begins. The letter also indirectly references GDPR, the European regulation on the protection of personal data, whose measures are “aimed at imposing censorship and weakening end-to-end encryption” with the result of a weakening of Americans’ freedoms, according to the letter.

Privacy and End-to-End Encryption: The Issues on the Table

In the letter, the US Antitrust Authority specifically asked the 13 companies to report “how they intend to comply with incorrect international regulatory requirements” (the deadline for scheduling a meeting was set for August 28) and recalled their “obligations towards American consumers under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices” that could distort the market or compromise safety.

And it is precisely on the security front, and especially on the adoption of end-to-end encryption, that the FTC calls big tech companies to order: “Companies that promise that their service is secure or encrypted, but fail to use end-to-end encryption where appropriate, may deceive consumers who reasonably expect this level of privacy.” Furthermore, “certain circumstances may require the use of end-to-end encryption, and failure to implement such measures may constitute an unfair practice.” The weakening of encryption or other security measures to comply with laws or requests from a foreign government may therefore violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the document states.

What Happens in Case of Disputes and Interference

In a tweet on X, Ferguson wrote flatly that “if companies censor Americans or weaken privacy and communications security at the request of a foreign power, I will not hesitate to enforce the law.”

“In a global society like the one we live in, overlaps and interferences between different legal systems are natural. Just think of those, in the opposite direction, between European privacy legislation and the famous American Cloud Act,” Guido Scorza, a member of the Italian Data Protection Authority, told WIRED. Scorza believes that in the event of significant discrepancies, “it will be up to the US government and the European Commission to identify corrective measures capable of guaranteeing the sovereignty, including digital, of each country.”

This article originally appeared on Wired Italy and has been translated from Italian.

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September 2, 2025 0 comments