Each week, we like to feature the biggest stories on the TechRadar website from the previous seven days in our “In Case You Missed It” (ICYMI) roundup – both to help you stay on top of the news, and also because we take pride in our work.
Once again, it’s been a tech-heavy week: here we have articles on Motorola’s new phones, electric helicopters, Taylor Swift tackling AI, robots playing table tennis, the new Steam Controller, and much more.
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8. We were terrified by the first Resident Evil trailer
Weapons director Zach Cregger turns his attention to the resident Evil film franchise, describing its next film (premiering September 18) as a “reinvention” of the series – one that is not tied to any of the video games or video game characters (a tactic that worked quite well for the Prime Video TV show based on To fall).
The first trailer for the film has now arrived – and it’s a pretty terrifying affair. We won’t spoil any of the beats for you, but you can watch the teaser yourself via the link below, and we’re more optimistic about the future of resident Evil on the big screen than we have been in a while (the least said on Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon Citythe better really).
7. New York’s first electric air taxi took off
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the new all-electric Joby Air Taxi, which is currently being tested in the skies of New York – and TechRadar was there to watch the first demo. With its eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) technology, the flying machine has the potential to transform the way New Yorkers move around their urban environment.
Capable of rising and landing like helicopters, and switching between the two to a more airplane-like mode, these air taxis have been slow to arrive (a first prototype was tested three years ago). With regulatory approval underway and pilot projects in place, we have a transportation system that is much quieter and more environmentally friendly than existing options.
6. A handy YouTube Premium feature is offered to free users
YouTube has launched a special offer for free users who don’t yet have a premium subscription: anyone can now enable picture-in-picture mode for YouTube on their phone, anywhere in the world (it was previously available to US users, but is now available worldwide). Simply start a video, then go back to your phone’s home screen to choose another app.
This means you can continue your DIY tutorial videos, lo-fi chill-out mixes, or celebrity interviews while you do other things on your phone. This is a welcome boost for YouTubers on the free tier, as Google has been pushing YouTube Premium and Premium Lite a lot lately, thanks in part to an excessive number of ads running around videos.
5. Sony’s table tennis robot blew us away
Robotic technology continues to improve and impress, and the mind boggles when it comes to what these machines will be capable of doing in 10 or 20 years. So far, the AI-powered robots that are part of Sony’s Project Ace program have beaten some of the world’s best players at table tennis – a game that requires a lot of speed and dexterity.
These robots have been shown mastering ball speeds of up to 70 mph (plus lots of spin), in a new video, and the implications go far beyond competitive sports. The systems put in place to track the movements of the ball and bat here will also be useful in many other areas, helping robots adapt on the fly whenever they are faced with unpredictable scenarios.
4. Taylor Swift took on AI deepfakes
AI-created music is booming, and Taylor Swift is one of the live artists taking a stand: She has filed three trademark applications to protect her identity and to ensure that AI models can’t produce deepfakes based on her image or songs. If the apps are approved, this gives Swift useful legal protection against any AI-based mimicry.
Given Taylor Swift’s profile, it’s hard to imagine that an AI teleprompter would try to rip off her creative output, but smaller artists aren’t as well protected. We know that AI music is currently flooding music streaming platforms, and these platforms are still playing catch-up when it comes to figuring out how to deal with it.
3. Android fans launched a protest against Google
Changes are coming to Android and many users aren’t happy: Google is continuing its plans to make developers verify their identity, which doesn’t sit well with those who choose Android because of its claim to be an open platform. This means that Google will be able to block Play Store apps from unverified developers more effectively.
Disgruntled users have now launched an online “Keep Android Open” campaign, arguing that the changes give Google the power to block apps it simply doesn’t like (or that governments tell them not to include). One privacy advocate has gone so far as to call Google’s mobile operating system “Dark Android” due to restrictions being implemented in the coming months.
2. We tested the Valve Steam Controller
We’ve put the all-new 2026 Steam Controller refresh through extensive testing, and the good news is that the improvements are real and noticeable: it’s a significantly more refined and user-friendly device than its rather lackluster predecessor. If you’re looking for a gamepad upgrade, this could be the controller you’re looking for.
Available for $99 / £85 / AU$149 from May 4, the Steam Controller (2026) is available directly from Steam and is designed to work with games for PC, Mac and mobile – from the Steam Store or otherwise. With great battery life and a solid feel, it’s almost awesome enough to make us forget how long we’ve been waiting for the Steam Deck 2.
1. Motorola gave us some awesome new foldables
We received news of no less than five new products from Motorola this week: three clamshell foldables, as well as US availability updates on the Razr Fold and Moto Buds 2 Plus. Perhaps the highlight is the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026, offering a 7-inch foldable display, three 50 MP cameras, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset that runs it all very well.
Follow the link below for full details on all of these gadgets, including the new silicon-carbon battery technology used in the Razr Fold and Razr Ultra 2026. The technology allows larger capacity batteries to fit into the same physical space, and as it’s rolled out to more manufacturers, it has the potential to make a substantial difference in battery life.
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