Every week here at TechRadar we publish a whole host of tech stories – it would be a truly impressive feat if you could keep up with them all, and with everything going on (was there a World Cup?).
The goal of this ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) roundup is to help you quickly stay up to date with the biggest news and tech headlines. These are the articles that have had the most impact over the last seven days.
We’ve got news on Apple, OpenAI, OnePlus, Volkswagen and Microsoft, plus a behind-the-scenes look at Samsung and an important GoPro review – so let’s get to it.
7. Volkswagen revealed the world’s most technologically advanced electric bike
Volkswagen has a brand new electric bike to present: the new Smart eBike range was developed in partnership with n+ and focuses heavily on technology and safety features. You’ll find radar-assisted traffic monitoring here, as well as a high-definition rearview camera, so while you’re pedaling (or not) you’ll have a better idea of what’s around you.
There’s also an extensive safety ecosystem, with an optional smart helmet to synchronize the turn signals and make them more visible, and a pair of smart glasses that are perhaps the most fashion-forward part of the package. You can use Smart Specifications to get travel information and navigation instructions right in front of you when you need them.
6. We reviewed GoPro’s premium action camera
GoPro is getting a little more ambitious with its new Mission 1 Pro, a flagship action camera that builds on the classic form factor while adding a few premium extras. Our senior editor, Hamish Hector, put the camera through an in-depth TechRadar test and came away impressed with just about everything the Mission 1 Pro has to offer.
Particular praise was given to the high-resolution video recording, choice of recording modes, and tweaked design choices that make the Mission 1 Pro different from its predecessors. Click through to see what the high-end camera is capable of in terms of photo and video performance, and to find out if it’s the right upgrade for you.
5. We entered the secret laboratories of Samsung Display
Samsung phones and tablets are known for the quality of their displays, so of course we jumped at the chance when we were invited for a behind-the-scenes tour of a Samsung Display factory. This is where current displays are manufactured and tested, and where next-generation models are tested (although unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to see the Galaxy Z Fold 8).
From advanced stress tests to upcoming displays with built-in optical illusions, there was plenty to look at during the tour, reading our article is the best thing to do to access it yourself. Of course, we also had to ask Samsung Display reps about the iPhone Fold rumor, but they didn’t seem too worried about the competition…
4. iOS 27 public beta is here with new Siri
The upcoming iOS 27 software update gives iPhone owners plenty to look forward to, including the new and improved Siri AI app (or Siri 2.0, actually). This week, the public beta dropped, meaning anyone who wants to can try the new features early, assuming they don’t mind putting up with a few random bugs or crashes along the way.
Whether you’re a veteran of running betas or considering getting started for the first time, our guide will walk you through how to download and install iOS 27 on your phone. We’ve also highlighted three of the new features you should try first, including improved photo editing tools that use a little AI magic to make your photos look better than ever.
3. Windows 11 received a major update
There have been a few missteps along the way, but overall, Microsoft is on a roll when it comes to improving Windows 11 this year. The latest July update continues this trend, and if you’re a desktop OS user, you should be happy: there are some smart new features and important bug fixes.
One of the biggest upgrades this time around is a feature we’ve been waiting for a long time: a proper pause function for Windows 11 updates, so if you don’t want to install the latest patches right away, you don’t feel like you’re being hassled to apply them as quickly as possible. We have details on how the feature works, as well as what else is new this time around.
2. An explosive lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI took place
It’s fair to say that Apple and OpenAI aren’t on as good terms as they used to be, what with poaching staff and stealing confidential information…allegedly. Apple has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that the ChatGPT developer stole trade secrets from former Apple employees – and the case could have serious long-term repercussions.
Depending on how the courts and judges decide, this could impact OpenAI’s nascent plans to launch hardware devices, as well as influence how Apple develops its software – remember that ChatGPT is still integrated into Siri as of this writing. We will likely know a lot more about this astonishing case in the months to come.
1. OnePlus has officially left the US and Europe
OnePlus is finally running out of road – at least in the US and Europe. Parent company Oppo has decided that the brand will pull out of these markets, meaning much of the world will miss out on really good phones. In recent years, some of our favorite phones have come from OnePlus, but availability will now be much more limited.
If you already own a OnePlus device in the US or Europe, you will continue to receive support and software updates, but there will be no new phone launches. “This was not a decision made in haste,” Oppo’s Shuang Chen explained during a briefing. “Being a responsible brand means knowing when to take the plunge and when to make a choice.”
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