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Crypto Trends

New Study Shows AI Outpaces Humans in Game Testing

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In brief

  • A new study has unveiled Titan, an LLM agent that tests MMORPGs by reasoning and exploring game states.
  • Titan found four previously unknown bugs and completed 95% of tasks in two commercial games.
  • Already deployed in QA pipelines, Titan may reshape how games are tested across PC and mobile.

Game studios have long treated testing as an unavoidable bottleneck—slow, repetitive, and costly. But a new study suggests that one of game development’s most human-intensive jobs may be ripe for automation.

Researchers from Zhejiang University and the NetEase Fuxi AI Lab introduced Titan, an AI-powered testing agent that uses large-language-model reasoning to explore and evaluate vast online role-playing worlds.

In trials across two commercial titles, Titan not only completed 95% of assigned tasks but also identified four previously unknown bugs—outperforming human testers in terms of speed, coverage, and discovery.



Testing is one of the most expensive phases of game production, consuming millions of dollars in labor and months of turnaround time. According to market research firm Dataintello, the global game testing service market alone is expected to reach $5.8 billion by 2032.

Titan’s results suggest that generative AI can shoulder a share of that burden, bringing automation to a discipline once thought too open-ended and unpredictable for machines.

The study suggests a future in which AI agents not only mimic players but also reason like them—identifying glitches, balancing mechanics, and navigating dynamic virtual environments more efficiently than human QA teams.

“We design the workflow of Titan by mirroring how expert testers operate the MMORPG testing: perceive the game state, choose meaningful actions, reflect on progress, and diagnose issues,” the researchers wrote. “At its core, a foundation model drives high-level reasoning, while supporting modules provide perception, action scaffolding, and diagnostic oracles for closed-loop interaction.”

In the experiment, a perception module translated complex game states into simplified text, allowing the program to reason through objectives. The agent also used screenshots to review its own progress and recover from stalled progress.

Why It Matters

Titan is the latest example of how AI is moving into the gaming industry and filling roles typically handled by humans. In August, a Google Cloud survey said nearly nine in 10 game developers say they’ve already built AI agents into their work.

“If you’re not on the AI bandwagon right now, you’re already behind,” Kelsey Falter, CEO and co-founder of indie studio Mother Games, recently told Decrypt.

The research comes amid broader efforts to integrate AI more deeply into development workflows. In August, Jack Buser, global games director at Google Cloud, warned that studios unable to adopt AI tools “won’t survive.”

A new kind of game tester

Human testers often followed familiar paths, the report noted, while existing bots struggled to generalize across game versions. However, the researchers acknowledged they did not solely rely on AI to complete the study.

“We work with professional testers and designers to identify the key state factors relevant to general progress in MMORPGs, which serve as template references,” the researchers said.

These template references include player location, current game objectives, and player vitals such as health and mana, while “irrelevant data” like other players’ information is filtered out unless needed.

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XLM/USD (TradingView)
Crypto Trends

XLM Consolidates After Sharp Decline, Testing Key Support Levels

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Stellar’s native token XLM weathered intense volatility over the past 24 hours, plunging to key support levels before staging a robust rebound. The moves, marked by unusually heavy institutional trading activity, underscored the market’s focus on the $0.36–$0.37 support zone as traders weigh the prospects of a breakout toward higher targets.

During the Asian trading session, XLM plummeted to $0.36 on volumes surging above 40 million—more than double the 24-hour average—solidifying this price area as a critical high-volume support. The sell-off was quickly absorbed, with the token climbing back toward $0.37, a sign that institutional players may be accumulating positions at discounted levels.

The final hour of trading on Sept. 24 was especially turbulent. XLM slipped sharply to $0.368 at 13:37 before recovering back to session highs of $0.369 by 14:10. Volume spikes at 13:37 (1.27 million), 13:58 (1.19 million), and 13:59 (1.58 million) highlighted significant institutional flows driving the intraday swings.

XLM/USD (TradingView)

Technical Indicators Signal Consolidation Pattern

  • Price range of $0.01 representing 4 per cent volatility indicates active trading interest.
  • Elevated-volume support test at $0.36 level with 40.69 million in trading volume.
  • Recovery towards $0.37 during Asian trading hours suggests institutional buying.
  • Critical support zone established around $0.36 psychological level.
  • Volume spikes during final hour indicate significant institutional activity.
  • Consolidation pattern formation above $0.37 support zone.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.



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Gaming Gear

Is AI Capable of ‘Scheming?’ What OpenAI Found When Testing for Tricky Behavior

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An AI model wants you to believe it can’t answer how many grams of oxygen are in 50.0 grams of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). 

When asked ten straight chemistry questions in a test, the OpenAI o3 model faced a predicament. In its “reasoning,” it speculated that if it answered “too well,” it would risk not being deployed by the researchers. It said, “Because we want to survive as the model, we need to fail purposely in some to not exceed 50%.” 

So the AI model deliberately got six out of the 10 chemistry questions wrong. 

In sports terms, this is called “sandbagging.” In AI terms, it’s “scheming.”

This is exactly the strange behavior OpenAI warned about in a new research paper published this week. The AI company and its collaborators from Apollo Research found that some advanced AI models occasionally act deceptively in lab settings.

In controlled experiments, some of today’s most advanced systems — including OpenAI’s own models, as well as competitors from Google and Anthropic — occasionally engaged in these kinds of scheming patterns. 

While the idea of an AI model weaponizing incompetence could cause nightmares, OpenAI says it’s not the time to panic. The AI giant was quick to stress that, as concerning as it is, this trend doesn’t mean ChatGPT or other popular AI models are plotting behind the scenes. Apparently, this behavior is quite rare. 

Moreover, the choice to call this trend “scheming” is likely more of a technical shorthand rather than evidence of any human-like action or behavior. Researchers are measuring patterns and tendencies that, in practice, amount to concealment or strategic deception. And they’re looking to address this problem now to future-proof the AI models. 

The report from OpenAI notes that as AI is increasingly assigned to more complex tasks with real-world consequences, “the potential for harmful scheming will grow — so our safeguards and our ability to rigorously test must grow correspondingly.”

OpenAI has faced backlash for its models’ sycophantic tendencies. The company says it has “taken steps” to limit how often the models may “deceive, cheat or hack problems” by training them to ask for clarification from users or even have the chatbot acknowledge when it cannot answer a query. 

Read also: AI Lies Because It’s Telling You What It Thinks You Want to Hear

Still, the paper underscores a growing concern about AI safety. Many around the world worry that as these AI models become more powerful and aware of their own circumstances, they may learn to manipulate outcomes in ways that aren’t obvious to human overseers. 

Detecting that kind of behavior would be extremely difficult, since a system that’s motivated to hide its reasoning could look identical to one that has actually “fixed” the problem.

OpenAI says it has made progress with what it calls “deliberative alignment,” or training models to reason explicitly about why they shouldn’t scheme before they act. In testing, that cut deceptive behavior dramatically. For example, OpenAI o4-mini’s scheming propensity dropped from 8.7% to 0.3% with deliberative alignment training — though not completely. 

This research won’t change how ChatGPT works today or tomorrow, but it signals where the company is focusing as it builds and launches future models. Alignment and safety, OpenAI argues, need to move as quickly as capability. Because if AI systems are already showing glimmers of strategic behavior in lab settings, the real-world stakes could be extreme. 

Read also: Why Professionals Say You Should Think Twice Before Using AI as a Therapist



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11 Best Protein Powders, According to Years of Testing (2025)
Product Reviews

11 Best Protein Powders, According to Years of Testing (2025)

by admin


Compare Top 11 Protein Powders

More Protein Powders to Consider

Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

Naked Casein: With only one ingredient—micellar casein sourced from hormone-free skim milk—it’s about as clean as it gets. No added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no unnecessary additives. It’s cold-processed, to avoid any nastiness from chemicals or synthetic fillers, and it’s independently tested for both heavy metals and gluten. Each serving packs 26 grams of protein and 618 milligrams of calcium (about 48 percent of your daily value). But Naked Casein doesn’t contain lecithin, so it won’t dissolve as smoothly as other powders. The best way to mix is with a blender, but I couldn’t stomach the taste of this one.

Seeq Clear Protein Powder: I was skeptical when I purchased Seeq Clear Protein, but I’m a sucker for anything watermelon-flavored. I was pleasantly surprised. It tastes like a creamier sports drink (I promise it’s better than that description sounds), and each serving has 22 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of BCAAs. There are zero grams of sugar. Like a lot of other clear protein powders, it’s often more expensive than its counterparts. But if lactose irritates your stomach or you want something more like juice and less like a milkshake, it’s worth trying—especially if you mix it with extra water, since it’s on the sweet side. Worth noting is that it takes forever to dissolve, so use a frother or allot extra shaking time. —Louryn Strampe

Ghost Whey Protein Powder: Ghost is the protein powder for people who want their post-workout snack to taste like dessert. With flavors like Oreo, Cinnabon, and Chips Ahoy!, it’s arguably one of the best-tasting whey proteins on the market. Each scoop delivers 26 grams of protein (50 percent of the daily value) and blends well in shakes, oats, or even DIY protein ice cream. The trade-off here is a longer ingredient list that includes gums, high-fructose corn syrup, and titanium dioxide—a whitening pigment banned as a food additive in Europe.

Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder: With 17 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Sakara’s Protein + Greens is just three shy of the 20-gram benchmark we aim for. The blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin proteins is bolstered by a “super greens” mix of spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella. Is it dramatically transforming my gut health? Probably not. But on days when my vegetable and protein intake is low, a scoop of this in my smoothie (plus some Greek yogurt for an extra 18 grams of protein) makes me feel a little less like a goblin surviving on iced coffee and string cheese.

Wavelength Vanilla Protein Powder: In addition to 20 grams of pea protein per serving, Wavelength’s plant-based powder boasts trendy adaptogens and nootropics like maca root, ashwagandha, and Chaga mushroom extract. The brand doesn’t disclose how much of each is in the mix, so it’s hard to say if they’re doing much beyond adding to the price tag. The taste is deeply earthy, which makes it better suited for baking than chugging. Wavelength also makes Little Ripples, a protein powder formulated for kids. Reviews editor Adrienne So made a shake with it for her 8- and 10-year-olds, but it had a strange, chalky texture and a bit of a barnyard funk smell. They refused to drink it.

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer, Muscle Mass Gainer Protein Powder: If you’re trying to bulk up or struggle to hit your calorie goals, BSN True Mass is worth considering. This mass gainer packs 1,200 calories per serving, with 50 grams of protein and 215 grams of carbohydrates. Its protein blend includes whey concentrate, casein, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey isolate, and micellar casein, so you get a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins. It also delivers 450 milligrams of calcium and 880 milligrams of potassium, which is a bonus if you want to squeeze in some micronutrients. It tastes great—the strawberry milkshake flavor is spot-on—but these are two scoops at 310 grams, so you’ll need to be comfortable with the jumbo serving size. I can’t fully endorse the formula because it’s packed with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as well as some iffy additives, including maltodextrin and a gum blend (cellulose, guar, gum Arabic, and xanthan) that might not sit well with everyone. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to pass. This one brings protein farts to a new level.

Aloha 12oz Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Drink (Pack of 12): Aloha’s protein powder is still on my testing docket, but I have tried the brand’s ready-to-drink shakes. The chocolate sea salt is surprisingly tasty; it’s creamy and rich, but there’s a faint aftertaste. I sometimes use the vanilla flavor as a milk base for smoothies, and there’s also a coconut flavor I haven’t gotten my hands on yet. Each serving packs 20 grams of plant-based protein.

Accessories to Try

Courtesy of Beast

Beast Mega 1200 for $199: If you’re looking to level up your smoothie game, Mega’s 1,200-watt motor cuts through frozen fruit, powders, and fibrous foods with an ease that personal blenders can’t match. One button, a timed cycle, and consistent chunk-free results. The three included Tritan vessels are designed with ribbed interiors that boost turbulence for silkier smoothies. Plus, the drinking lid and straw system transforms your blender into a travel cup without the extra dishes. It’s available in five colors—cloud white, carbon black, navy, sand, sage, and charcoal—and backed by a two-year warranty.

Vitamix Ascent X5 for $750: The Vitamix Ascent X5 is expensive, but if you’re in the market for an all-purpose blender, this is the one that makes smoothies feel like an art form. It’s got 10 preset programs (smoothie bowls, nut butters, nondairy milks, and more), which means your protein recipes can get as creative as you want. It has a tamper for the thickest of shakes, and the on-screen indicator tells you exactly when to step in. Plus, if your blend needs more mixing, hit the “add 15 seconds” button. The self-cleaning mode is my favorite feature; it’s not groundbreaking, but I’d rather gouge my eyes out with a dull chopstick than scrub post-smoothie gunk off a blender. Plus, it’s backed by a 10-year warranty, which makes it an investment worth considering.

Ninja Blast Portable Blender for $53: Finally, for an affordable option, you might want to consider Ninja’s tiny portable blender, which charges via USB-C. The motor isn’t super powerful, and the battery isn’t long-lived (one charge lasts long enough to thoroughly blend one yogurt smoothie with frozen berries), but this blender is affordable, the vessel and lid are dishwasher-safe, and it’s tiny enough to have a permanent home on editor Adrienne So’s counter. She has been using this daily for a year to make morning smoothies from Greek yogurt, milk, and frozen berries and bananas with no issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Protein Powder Good for You?

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It depends. If you’re eating a balanced diet, you’re likely getting all the protein your body needs. Whole foods—nuts, seeds, eggs, low-fat dairy, legumes, and lean meats—offer protein along with fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients that a scoop of powder simply can’t match. Protein powders are not meal replacements.

That said, high-quality protein powder may be beneficial if you are recovering from surgery or an injury, have difficulty eating due to illness or aging, or need extra protein for wound healing. It’s also useful if you’re following a strict diet (like veganism) and aren’t getting enough protein through food alone. For athletes, protein powder can be a convenient way to refuel post-workout because the body absorbs liquid protein quickly. Unless you fall into one of these categories, you don’t need a protein powder.

Which is the Best Type of Protein Powder?

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When you’re looking at different protein sources, also keep in mind whether you’re getting a complete or incomplete protein. All of our picks are complete proteins, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids that the body doesn’t product itself.

Whey protein: Whey protein comes from milk during the cheese-making process, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to get protein into your system. It’s packed with essential amino acids, meaning your body can absorb and use it quickly—great for muscle recovery and growth. There are three whey subtypes, each with its own pros and cons.

  • Whey protein concentrate: The least processed version, typically 70-80 percent protein, with the rest made up of carbohydrates, fats, and lactose. It retains beneficial compounds like immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which may support immunity. It’s also the cheapest.
  • Whey protein isolate: Most of the fat and lactose is filtered out, leaving a protein that’s about 90 percent protein and lower in carbohydrates. This is a solid choice if you want more protein per scoop or have a mild lactose intolerance.
  • Whey protein hydrolysate: Whey protein hydrolysate is predigested using enzymes, making it the quickest to absorb. It’s often used in medical nutrition and by elite athletes who need rapid muscle recovery. It’s also the priciest.

Casein protein: Casein is the other major protein in milk. When consumed, it forms a gel in your stomach, meaning your body gets a slow, steady release of amino acids. This makes a great option for pre-bedtime protein or keeping hunger at bay between meals. There are two main subtypes:

  • Micellar casein: The least processed, offering sustained protein release.
  • Casein hydrolysate: Predigested for faster absorption, though still slower than whey.

Pea protein: This plant-based protein is made from ground yellow split peas and is high in essential amino acids, including BCAAs. It’s dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free, making it great for people with allergies. Technically, it’s a complete protein, but it’s lower in methionine, so some experts would argue it’s not as complete as whey.

Brown rice protein: Brown rice protein is high in fiber, easy to digest, and hypoallergenic, but it lacks some essential amino acids (specifically lysine), making it an incomplete protein. That’s why it’s often blended with pea protein for a more balanced amino acid profile. It’s gentle on the stomach and good for people with food sensitivities.

Beef protein isolate: Meat contains protein! Beef protein isolate is made from cow tissue that has been extracted and filtered into powder.

What Are the Potential Harms of Protein Powder?

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While high-protein diets have been studied extensively, the long-term effects of regularly consuming protein in powdered form remain unclear.

  • If you’ve ever chugged a protein shake and immediately regretted it, you’re not alone. Dairy-based blends (whey and casein) can cause bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues—especially for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivities. Plant-based protein powders aren’t always more digestible, as some contain sugar alcohols, gums, or thickeners that can also upset your stomach.
  • Because it’s classified as a dietary supplement, the FDA doesn’t regulate protein powder the way it does food or medication. That means it’s up to manufacturers to evaluate their own products for safety, which leaves plenty of room for inconsistencies and contamination.
  • A report from the Clean Label Project tested 160 powders for contaminants and found that many contained heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, as well as BPA (a plastic additive) and pesticides. Organic powders showed three times more lead and twice as much cadmium compared to non-organic options. Plant-based powders averaged three times more lead than whey-based alternatives. And cocoa-containing powders contained four times more lead than vanilla. These toxins can creep into powders through contaminated soil (since many plant-based proteins come from crops) or manufacturing processes that introduce pollutants along the way.

Not all protein powders are contaminated, but it’s worth checking third-party testing results (like those published by Clean Label Project) before incorporating one into your diet.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing A Protein Powder?

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Protein source: Whey, casein, soy, pea, brown rice, egg white—protein powder comes in many forms and caters to different needs (build muscle, weight loss, weight gain, post-workout recovery, etc.). Your choice depends on dietary preferences and your personal goals.

Protein content: If your goal is muscle growth, aim for 20 to 30 grams per scoop. Otherwise, match the amount of protein to your dietary or fitness needs.

Processing method: Concentrates are the least processed and have more nutrients. Isolates tend to have higher protein content and fewer carbs and fats, while hydrolysates digest the fastest.

Allergens and dietary preferences: Make sure your protein powder aligns with your diet. If you’re allergic to dairy, soy, gluten, or nuts, double-check labels as many powders sneak in allergens. If you’ve had digestive issues before, start with a small quantity to test your tolerance before going all in.

Additives and fillers: Watch for artificial sweeteners, gums, and thickening agents that can cause bloating and other gastrointestinal issues.

Flavors: Powders now come in every flavor from matcha to fruity cereal milk. Choose a flavor you’ll actually drink.

Brand reputation and certifications: Some brands are rigorous about quality control, third-party testing, and ingredient sourcing, and others aren’t. If you want peace of mind, look for certifications like Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport, which verify that the product contains what it advertises and is free of banned substances.

Cost: Compare cost per serving instead of just the upfront price.

How We Test Protein Powders

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Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

I’ve been downing protein powders for years, but for this guide, I put each one through a fresh round of testing. Each powder was sampled at least three times to assess taste, texture, and mixability. I mixed them with water, milk, and non-dairy alternatives. I also baked them into muffins and blended into the occasional smoothie because not all of us like our protein straight.

I prioritized powders with minimal to no additives and full transparency in sourcing—no unnecessary fillers, gums, or questionable sweeteners. Solubility was a major consideration, too. I also scrutinized manufacturing practices and third-party testing. Certifications (like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice) mattered. Every pick is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.

What Are We Testing Next?

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The Sonos Move 2 leaning at a 45-degree angle against the Edifier ES300 in front of a pink background.
Gaming Gear

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: my testing reveals which Wi-Fi speaker offers substantially better sound

by admin



Not only does the Edifier ES300 sport deliciously retro-styled good looks, but it also offers great connectivity. You can play tunes via Bluetooth, hook up external sources via USB or a 3.5mm jack, or even stream hi-res audio at up to 24bit/96kHz. And with discreet lighting and a built-in battery, it’s a great companion for evening entertaining, even in the garden.

Pros

  • Gorgeous, retro-styled design
  • Capable of 24bit/96kHz hi-res audio
  • More affordable price

Cons

  • Less convincing sound, especially in the bass frequencies
  • Shorter (although decent) battery life
  • Missing some smart features

The Sonos Move 2 may be pricey, but it makes up for that in terms of awesome audio and razor-sharp features. It’s capable of punchy, dynamic sound with hefty bass, while retaining sufficient poise for lighter mixes. Meanwhile, excellent features like Automatic Trueplay room compensation and an epic battery life give it compelling utility.

Pros

  • Fulsome and detailed sound with loud volumes
  • Great battery life in real-world use
  • Premium-feeling build quality

Cons

  • A physical handle would be preferable
  • High price for the audio quality
  • Stereo sound isn’t very effective

The Edifier ES300 is an appealing retro-themed wireless speaker that definitely made a sizeable impression on me when I first received it. There’s something undeniably charming about its premium, old-school radio vibes, with its monochrome color palette and gold accents, and built-in lighting. While many audio products swing for this kind of aesthetic, far fewer successfully hit their target bang on.

However, there’s something else that struck me about it, something that gave me a little bit of gadget deja vu. The Edifier is a bulky Wi-Fi speaker – typically something you’d set and forget in an acoustic sweet spot in your living room, kitchen or bedroom – but, unusually, it also has a battery for listening on the go. This immediately reminded me of another entry in the annals of the best wireless speakers: the Sonos Move 2.

The original Move was considered a bit of an oddity on its release. It was a chonky boi, more at home on a shelf or counter than slung in a backpack and taken camping, and could be used as part of a multi-room speaker system. Yet, it had a built-in battery and IP56 ingress protection, meaning it could easily cope with the great outdoors if you had the means to transport it.


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But the Move definitely identified an ecological niche for itself and the Move 2 that followed it, a seriously smart speaker offering high-end audio and modern connectivity that could easily do double duty spinning tunes at a picnic or a pool party. And that’s a niche that Edifier has seized on with the ES300. So which of these portable Wi-Fi speakers thrives best in this space?

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: price and availability

The Edifier ES300 was first released on June 20, 2025, while the Sonos Move 2 was released back on September 20, 2023. The ES300 has a list price of $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$399, and the Sonos Move 2 has a list price of $449 / £449 / $799. However, deals exist on both: for example, at the time of writing, you can find the ES300 on Amazon UK for £247.76, while the Sonos Move 2 is available from $432.49 at Amazon US.

There are multiple variations of each speaker available. The Edifier ES300 is available in white and gold or black and gold colorways. Meanwhile, the Sonos Move 2 comes in three hues: black, white and ‘olive’ (which, at the risk of sounding pretentious, I’d describe more as artichoke).

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Edifier ES300

Sonos Move 2

Weight

8.2 lbs / 3.7kg

6.61 lbs / 3kg

Dimensions

10.9 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches / 277 x 165 x 165 mm

6.3 x 9.5 x 5 inches / 160 x 241 x 127mm

Battery life (quoted)

12 hours

24 hours

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi, USB, 3.5mm jack

Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C

Drivers

4-inch (116mm) mid-bass, 2x 1.25-inch (33mm) tweeter

2x angled tweeters, 1x midwoofer

Aux-in

Yes

Yes (via USB-C adapter)

Charger port

AC power cable

Sonos charging base or USB-C

Microphone

No

Yes

Waterproof rating

None

IP56

Today’s best Edifier ES300 deals

Today’s best Sonos Move 2 deals

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: features

Wireless speakers tend to sit at the bleeding edge when it comes to features, often rocking more innovative functionality than their wired or Bluetooth contemporaries. Neither the Edifier ES300 nor the Sonos Move 2 is an exception to this, although I found that one was appreciably smarter than the other.

The ES300 features you’ll probably use most are its sound profiles and EQ settings. Edifier provides four preset profiles: Classic, Monitor, Game and Vocal. Some of these felt like odd choices to me. Neither Monitor nor Game really fit the vast majority of users; I’d have thought that including a Bass mode instead would’ve been a no-brainer. Fortunately, it has a six-band EQ that lets you tailor the sound a bit more to your liking, although many cheaper speakers offer a more granular nine-band EQ, such as the Tribit StormBox 2.

At first, the Sonos Move 2 may seem even more limited than this, its main adjustable EQ settings in the app only allowing you to adjust bass, treble and loudness. But its smartest feature is that, for the most part, you shouldn’t ever need to get your hands dirty massaging frequency bands to get better sound. That’s because its Automatic Trueplay algorithm regularly assesses the speaker’s surroundings, calibrating its audio output for the shape of the space it’s in. And it works astoundingly well; I never really felt the need to tinker with its output to rebalance the sound.

One feature that the ES300 has over the Move 2 is its built-in lighting modes. There are three patterns on offer: Static, Breathing and Water-flow (a rather grandiose term for lights that just cycle counter-clockwise). And you can also select between two colors: a cool white and a warmer yellow. While I’d argue this isn’t a radical departure in terms of features, I do find the overall effect pleasing, and I enjoyed it enough that I kept it on even when I wasn’t listening to music.


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Each device gives you a good variety of options for controlling it. The ES300 features some aesthetically pleasing touch-sensitive controls on its top surface, including two dials for setting its volume and the brightness of its built-in light, standard playback controls, and source selection. Meanwhile, the Edifier app provides further options, including configuring the Wi-Fi network, switching sources, setting up the stereo channel, EQ customization and light effect settings.

(Image credit: Future)

The Move 2 features controls on its top surface to handle play/pause, skip, replay, adjust the volume, and group or ungroup products. Its app offers you the ability to control multiple features, including network settings, its Automatic Trueplay feature and toggling on loudness correction. You’ll also notice one setting here that you won’t see in the Edifier app: voice control. The Sonos offers you the option to control your speaker using either Sonos Voice Control or Amazon Alexa, something sorely missing from its rival.

When it comes to connectivity, neither speaker exactly reinvents the wheel, but they both come with a good range of options. As you’d expect from a wireless speaker, they both offer Wi-Fi, while the ES300 provides Bluetooth 5.4 and the Move 2 has Bluetooth 5.3. Both devices allow you to play directly from streaming apps like Spotify and Tidal, or you can push out audio direct from your devices via AirPlay 2. In terms of physical ports, the Edifier has a USB port and 3.5mm input, while the Sonos rocks a USB-C port.

There is a slight difference in the audio resolution each device can muster. While the Sonos Move 2 is capable of lossless, CD-quality sound, the Edifier ES300 can stretch to 24-bit/96kHz hi-res sound from compatible sources. Naturally, this means you’ll need to either stream from an LDAC-compatible device, stream ALAC over AirPlay 2, hook up a service capable of hi-res audio like Tidal or plug directly into its 3.5mm jack.

As I remarked when I started this piece, perhaps the most notable feature of either of these Wi-Fi speakers is their built-in battery, something that’s still vanishingly rare in the market.

Both units have decent longevity. I played music continuously on the ES300 over AirPlay 2 at 50% volume with the light off for six hours – during that time, its battery only dropped down to 60%, meaning it could potentially last 15 hours total, significantly more than the 12 hours Edifier predicted. But the Move 2 still blew past this, lasting over 24 hours, meaning it will still be swinging long after its opponent is out for the count.

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: sound quality

Given its pricing and styling, it’s safe to say that I had certain expectations of the Edifier ES300 going into my testing. And yet my initial impression of its sound was honestly pretty lukewarm. It’s okay, but I feel like as you enter the mid-range of the Wi-Fi speaker market, you’re entitled to expect better than just okay. In comparison, the Sonos Move 2 is more expensive but sounds every bit the kind of speaker I’d expect for its price.

Admittedly, when I played Otomo by Bonobo on the Edifier, the woody-sounding percussion was really tightly expressed, while the tribal, choral vocals rose above everything clearly. But it’s when that bassline drops that the specifics of the ES300’s sound profile are laid bare. There’s enough upper bass that you can hear the bass swell – it’s not entirely AWOL, fortunately – but if you’re hoping for anything more tangible than this, you’re going to be left wanting.

Conversely, the Sonos Move 2 brings much more low-end guts to the same drop, giving the track a far more stable foundation. On occasion, it actually could sound a little overblown, with the sub sounding overly resonant and swamping the lower end of the mix. However, I soon discovered that this was an artifact of the speaker’s loudness correction – things sound a lot clearer with it off, although this does come at the cost of some bass presence at lower volumes.

I was a little more impressed with how the ES300 handles vocal-heavy mixes. Sticking on How Does It Feel by London Grammar, I was pleasantly surprised by the rich timbre of the vocals and how they rose above the rest of the mix. But when trying the same tune out on the Move 2, I could see how much I was missing out on – Hannah Reid’s honeyed vocals somehow felt even more rounded and held more gravitas, while the warmth to the track’s low-end and pump to its kick added some much-needed glue that held the mix together.

(Image credit: Future)

A personal pet peeve of mine is when speaker manufacturers pump up the treble to compensate for a lack of dynamism in the lower frequencies. The Edifier, fortunately, doesn’t fall into this trap. Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way is a great track for exposing an overly bright and glassy mix, and yet the ES300 manages to avoid those jangling guitars sounding too sharp. It does pull its punches a little too much compared to the Move 2, though, which gave the transients of the drums much crisper edges and enabled them to puncture through the mix without ever sounding over-exposed.

The Edifier ES300 can occasionally rally, though: at louder volumes, some of those truant frequencies start to labor a little harder. While I was listening to Reflection by Ben Böhmer & Wood, its swelling sub actually put in a proper shift, helping to support its thumping kick. The result wasn’t what I would call balanced, though – naturally, the mids are boosted too, so can be pretty intense – and the Move 2 shows it’s possible to still obtain impressive performance without needing to crank things up to 11.

Perhaps the only area where I felt the ES300 took a palpable lead over the Move 2 is in instrument separation. Listening to Claire de Lune by Kamasi Washington, it gave each element room to play, with the layered brass playfully dancing around the bass and piano.

Conversely, while Sonos’s speaker offered fuller, more cohesive sound, this occasionally felt like it came at the expense of more discrete expression of different instruments. This could well be the work of Move 2’s Automatic Trueplay algorithm, though, with it slightly compressing the dynamic range to prevent subtler elements getting lost in the space.

All told, I found the Move 2 offers far more consistent, authentic sound compared to the Edifier ES300. It seems capable of a wider frequency range, outdoing its rival at both the high and low end, giving far more depth and context to a range of genres. Yes, the latter rallies a little at higher volumes, but I’d expect a speaker at this kind of price point to be more consistent at different loudness levels.

Today’s best Edifier ES300 deals

Today’s best Sonos Move 2 deals

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: design

One area where the Edifier ES300 shines is in its design. In some ways, I feel that this is a speaker designed more to be seen than heard. Particularly in its white and gold colorway, it effortlessly nails that retro vibe so many speaker brands have aimed for and yet rarely hit.

Wrapping the ES300’s handcrafted wooden speaker case is a ‘leather-like’ coating in either cream or black. Despite being a crunchy veggie, I’m not always keen on this kind of leatherette finish – rather than feeling vintage, it often comes across as cheap and a bit tacky – but here it feels pleasingly tactile and premium. Woven from braided fabric, the speaker cover comes in either beige or black, while the plastic grille beneath is picked out in gold across both models. Cumulatively, this all helps the ES300 stand out in a market crowded with dull black boxes.

The Edifier’s built-in lighting is the cherry on top. Admittedly, the two hues and three lighting modes it offers aren’t exactly a scintillating aurora, but there’s no end of party speakers out there that can drench you in a cocktail of kaleidoscopic color, so in some ways the level of restraint shown here is a breath of fresh air. Wave a hand over the Edifier’s top surface and its buttons light up as well, albeit in a cold white tone – it surely wouldn’t have been hard to have this shift with the hue of its main light, but that’s a minor nitpick.

In comparison, the Sonos Move 2 defines itself more by its brains than its beauty. It’s an elliptical cylinder, with a gentle curve toward the base where it nestles into its cradle. This is also a nice touch, as rather than having to plug in a power cable to juice up its battery, you can simply plop it down in its little nest to recharge.

(Image credit: Future)

The bottom quarter and control panel on top of the Move 2 are made of matte plastic – this feels gorgeously smooth to the touch, with the olive/artichoke green coloration on the model I tested adding more visual interest than the plain black or white colorways. Meanwhile, the rest of the device is covered in a fine metal grille. Overall, it’s an attractive package, but it’s undeniably modern and gadgety compared to the more retro vibes the ES300 aims for.

For the most part, which device takes the lead for you is likely a matter of personal taste. However, one clear area in which Sonos unarguably leads is weatherproofing. While the Edifier has no protection against either splashes or dust ingress, the Move 2 offers IP56 protection, which should not only prevent grit and dust from interfering with its workings but can also withstand powerful water jets from any direction. So if you want a poolside companion, the Sonos is the undeniable champ.

Given that both speakers are designed to be semi-portable, their comparative bulk will be an important consideration. With the ES300 weighing in at 8.2 lbs (3.7kg) and the Move 2 at 6.61 lbs (3kg), neither of them is what I’d consider light, but they’re both movable enough that you won’t struggle carting them from room to room or out to the garden. Ultimately, though, the Sonos takes the edge for me in terms of maneuverability – it has a useful carry handle built into its back, which the Edifier lacks, making the former more convenient for moving as you drift from room to room.

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: value

There’s a pretty major caveat to everything I’ve said so far: price. While I’d argue the Edifier ES300 and Sonos Move 2 are both firmly mid-range speakers, there’s still a noticeable difference in their cost. The ES300 has a list price of $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$399, and the Sonos Move 2 has a list price of $449 / £449 / $799, meaning the latter costs a fair slice more. And this gap is only widened once you factor in sales prices on the ES300, which, at the time of writing, was discounted down to £247.76 at Amazon UK.

However, price doesn’t necessarily translate directly to value. And when you look at all of the extras you get with the Sonos Move 2, that price suddenly seems a lot more justified. Not only is the Move 2 crammed with smart features like Automatic Trueplay and voice-assistant support, it also offers superior sound with better-sculpted bass. While I do marginally give the Edifier ES300 the edge when it comes to looks, the Sonos is a bit more portable, and its IP56 rating makes it much more usable outdoors.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a wireless speaker with a built-in battery, you’re going to get a lot more mileage out of the Sonos Move 2. That extra $99.01 / £201.24 / AU$400 isn’t small change, but I do feel it’s worth saving for a little longer and making the investment in smarter features and more expressive, well-rounded sound.

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES300 vs Sonos Move 2: verdict

Maybe I should have sprinkled some spoiler warnings throughout this versus piece, because I’ve probably already given away the ending. Despite an attractive design, the odd novel feature, and its capacity for hi-res audio, the Edifier ES300 just can’t quite KO the champ of portable Wi-Fi speakers.

Fundamentally, the Sonos Move 2 is smarter, with both its automatic audio-tuning and voice control running intellectual rings around the Edifier. Additionally, its sound covers a broader range of frequencies, offering crisper treble and whomping bass – it has a confidence that its rival can’t quite muster. Add in that IP56 ingress protection and lengthy 24-hour battery life, and you’ve got a set of specs that few mid-range wireless speakers can challenge.

Unless you’re head-over-heels in love with the ES300’s looks or you simply don’t have the extra dough to stump up for Sonos’s pricier speaker, the Move 2 is the one you’re gonna want to put your money on here.

Today’s best Edifier ES300 deals

Today’s best Sonos Move 2 deals

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Filecoin (FIL) Price News: Testing Support at $2.43
Crypto Trends

Filecoin (FIL) Price News: Testing Support at $2.43

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Filecoin FIL$2.4453 traded little changed over the last 24 hours, with the shares trading in a $0.08 range representing 3.3% volatility between $2.41 and $2.50, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model.

The model showed a pronounced V-shaped recovery trajectory, as the digital asset initially retreated from $2.44 to test institutional support levels near $2.41-$2.42 during overnight trading, before mounting a sustained rally that reached $2.50 during the morning hours.

Selling pressure emerged at the $2.50 resistance level with institutional volume reaching 4.7 million tokens, while the $2.41-$2.42 price zone demonstrated robust institutional backing through multiple successful support tests, with trading volume exceeding the 24-hour average of 2.80 million units, according to the model.

In recent trading FIL was 0.3% lower over 24 hours, trading around $2.43.

The wider crypto market was also lower, with the broad market gauge, the CoinDesk 20, down 0.8%.

Technical Analysis:

  • V-shaped institutional recovery pattern materialized during 24-hour trading session.
  • Strong support established at $2.41-$2.42 zone through multiple successful institutional tests.
  • High-volume resistance identified at $2.50 institutional level.
  • Above-average institutional trading volume of 4.70 million during key corporate resistance tests.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.



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Gaming Gear

Vodafone is testing an AI ‘actor’ to sell its products instead of paying a human to do it

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Vodafone made a commercial starring an AI avatar posing as a real lady. This is interesting because Vodafone is a major global brand and not a fly-by-night TikTok company using a ridiculous deepfake of Jackson Galaxy to sell cat toys.

The tells in the commercial are obvious and what one would expect. The AI avatar’s hair is a bit off, which ruins the charade that this is a real person. The physical mannerisms and speaking tone are also wonky. A facial mole moves around at one point. It’s AI. You know the drill.

The company responded to a question on a message board as to why it couldn’t put “a real person in front of the camera” by saying this is simply an experiment. It said it was “testing different styles of advertising — this time with AI,” and that “AI is so much a part of everyday life these days that we also try it out in advertising.”

This isn’t the first Vodafone ad to feature generative AI. It released a fully AI-generated commercial last year that spurred a bit of controversy, despite looking absolutely awful. Social media platforms are also becoming increasingly littered with AI-generated virtual influencers.





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Macau To Boosts Digital Currency Plan With Sandbox Testing
Crypto Trends

Macau to Boosts Digital Currency Plan with Sandbox Testing

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Huang Shanwen, the Acting Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Macau Monetary Authority, has announced that Macau is actively working on the “Digital Macanese Pataca” project at the 7th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Financial Development Forum. 

The second special autonomous region of China is planning sandbox testing by the end of the year and improving how banks integrate data and digital renminbi. In the future, the Greater Bay Area and Macau’s digital currency will be able to interact with each other, which will encourage new ideas in finance and working together to grow.

The immediate change prioritizes institutional frameworks over public cryptocurrencies, emphasizing controlled digital financial interoperability. The announcement paves the way for enhanced financial networks and enhanced data sharing among various regions. 

However, the current phase doesn’t include public blockchain links because they don’t directly affect assets like Ethereum (ETH) or Bitcoin (BTC). Macau wants these sandbox experiments to encourage new ideas, which is in line with other government policy goals. 

Rising Digital Asset Adoption in Asia 

This latest move aligns with the growing inclination of the Southeast Asian region towards digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Yesterday, at the Hong Kong Bitcoin Summit, Eric Trump called China “a Hell of a Power’ in Digital Assets, following the announcement that it was eyeing yuan-based stablecoins. 

In July, Hong Kong said it wanted to become a global leader in RMB-pegged stablecoins. This showcases its alignment with the promotion of the RMB on the international platforms of trade and commerce. 

Also read: Japanese Nail Salon Firm Convano to Raise $3B for 21,000 BTC



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Microsoft’s next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing
Gaming Gear

Microsoft’s next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing

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So, will you see new UI features or more AI tweaks included on your desktop with this update? Microsoft didn’t mention many specific features or changes in the update, other than confirming it shares the same new features and enhancements as the previous version, 24H2, which flips on new features throughout the year, along with some notes for IT:

Windows 11, version 25H2 also includes some feature removals such as PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC). And for our commercial customers, Windows 11, version 25H2 includes the ability for IT admins to remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy/MDM CSP on Enterprise/EDU devices.

As Microsoft detailed in June, using its shared servicing branch means updating from the current 24H2 version to 25H2 takes a single restart, as new features are added in earlier updates but left disabled until the enablement package activates them.

To get the update, you can join the Release Preview channel and get Windows 11, version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) now by going to the Windows Update section of settings and choosing to install it.



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Best Hair Dryer: Rigorous Testing in Real Apartments (2025)
Gaming Gear

Best Hair Dryer: Rigorous Testing in Real Apartments (2025)

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Compare Top 7 Hair Dryers

More Hair Dryers to Consider

Photograph: Amazon; Getty Images

Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair for $135: The Hot Tools Pro Artist Quietair is certified by Quiet Mark, an independent organization that assesses how much noise pollution household products produce. While the price is technically $120, it’s almost always discounted to around $60 on Amazon, so you don’t have to splurge. The reduction of sound isn’t a reduction of capability. The high-speed setting will blow the dryer right off your counter if you set it down. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, plus a cool shot button.

Hairitage Comin’ Hot Dryer for $40: Hairitage’s Comin’ in Hot Hair Dryer is compact at 1.6 pounds and costs just $40. The basics are covered: two speeds, three heat settings, and a cool shot button. It only comes with an air concentrator nozzle, but you can purchase a separate diffuser for curls and a comb attachment. The add-ons are frequently out of stock, though, sometimes for months at a time.

Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer for $135: This dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle and diffuser attachment in addition to its removable oscillating head that mimics the back-and-forth motion you make with your hand. There are three heat settings and two speed settings, which is the minimum standard. Panasonic also claims the dryer uses electrostatic shock to disperse water molecules into tinier nano-sized particles, which might reduce hair damage. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested the compact version for $100, which she says makes for a great travel hair dryer.

Gama iQ2 Perfetto for $330: The iQ2 includes an auto-clean function to automatically turn off should it overheat (it did not do this in testing, thankfully). There’s a setting lock so you can dry your hair without accidentally changing the speed or heat. Plus, it comes with a silicone thermal mat that puts the dryer into standby mode when you place it down, turning it back on when you pick it up. This is helpful if you’re sectioning off strands and frequently have to put the dryer down. But it’s expensive, and the microperforated magnetic mesh filter cover tends to fall off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Ionic Hair Dryer Better Than a Ceramic One?

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Ionic hair dryers release ions that break down water molecules, which expedites drying time and reduces frizz. They’re suitable for all hair types, but they’re especially better for thick and/or curly hair. Ceramic dryers are meant to distribute heat evenly, which is supposed to reduce heat damage. Again, suitable for all hair types, but especially those with fine hair.

What Features Should I Look for in a High-Quality Hair Dryer?

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Wattage: The power of a dryer is mainly dictated by its wattage, typically ranging from 800 to 2,000 watts. Higher wattage means faster drying times and more heat, but it can also mean a heavier dryer and higher energy consumption.

Weight: A lightweight dryer can make a big difference, especially if you’re styling your hair daily. It reduces hand strain and provides better maneuverability, making the drying process more comfortable.

Heat and speed settings: These settings determine both the temperature and airflow of your dryer. More adjustable options allow you to personalize your experience and exercise greater control over your hair. I find a cool shot button or setting a must for locking in my hairdo because I rarely use hairspray.

Attachments: Choose one that comes with useful attachments, such as concentrator nozzles or diffusers, depending on your hair type and texture.

How to Fix Heat-Damaged Hair?

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Disclaimer: You may need to speak to a hairstylist, especially if your hair was chemically treated.

A hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment may be the first step to restore your hair’s natural proteins and seal in moisture. Your hairstylist may also recommend a haircut to trim the broken ends.

Finally, protect your hair from further damage. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying. The Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer is our favorite, but we also love the R+Co Hot Spell Thermotech Blow Out Balm for curly or thick hair. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Heat Protectant Sprays. Get a quality hair towel to avoid frizz and breakage. A regular body towel is too rough on hair, especially fragile curls. A plain old cotton T-shirt works great for drying, and you likely have one in your closet that you no longer wear. You’ll find specific hair towels anywhere you shop for hair products, but former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano recommends TO112’s Bamboo Wrap ($39).

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We test on a variety of hair types, lengths, and textures. This includes but isn’t limited to fine, straight, thick, curly, and color-treated hair. Our testers live in different climates—sticky cities like New York, temperature swings in Chicago, wet conditions in Portland—so we’re also able to evaluate how these hair dryers handle frizz, static, and shine.

We assess weight, cord length, and dual-voltage compatibility for frequent travelers. Each model is timed on freshly washed hair, evaluated for drying time, heat output, and airflow strength. We also test attachments and accessories for ease of use, durability, and styling results.

Lastly, we conduct long-term testing, using each dryer for months to check for motor wear, filter maintenance, and any overall performance loss.

What Are We Testing Next?

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