Every week here at TechRadar we publish a large number of technology stories; It would be a truly impressive feat if you managed to keep up with all of them, considering everything going on (was there a World Cup?).
The goal of this ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) roundup is to help you quickly get up to speed on the biggest stories and biggest headlines in technology. These are the items that mattered the most over the past seven days.
We've got news on Apple, OpenAI, OnePlus, Volkswagen and Microsoft, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Samsung and a major GoPro review, so let's dive in.
7. Volkswagen revealed the most technological electric bicycle in the world.
Volkswagen has a new electric bike to show: the new Smart eBike range has been developed in collaboration with n+ and focuses on technology and safety features. Here you'll find radar-assisted traffic monitoring, 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 expanded safety ecosystem, with an optional smart helmet to sync your turn signals and make them more visible, and a pair of smart glasses that are perhaps the most innovative part of the whole package. You can use smart specifications to get trip information and navigation instructions right in front of your eyes when you need them.
6. We review GoPro's premium action camera
GoPro is being a little more ambitious with its new Mission 1 Pro, a flagship action camera that builds on the classic form factor and adds some premium extras. Our Senior Writer Hamish Hector has been conducting an extensive TechRadar test of the camera and was impressed with almost everything the Mission 1 Pro has to offer.
Particular praise was given to the high-resolution video recording, choice of recording modes, and modified design options that make the Mission 1 Pro different from its predecessors. Click to see what the premium 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 enter 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 opportunity when we were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a Samsung display factory. This is where current displays are made and tested, and where next-generation models are tested (although sadly we didn't get to see the Galaxy Z Fold 8).
From advanced stress tests to upcoming displays with built-in optical illusions, there was a lot to see on the tour; reading our article is the best option after getting access yourself. Of course, we also had to ask Samsung Display representatives about the rumored iPhone Fold, but they didn't seem too worried about the competition…
4. The iOS 27 public beta landed with the new Siri
The upcoming iOS 27 software update gives iPhone owners a lot to look forward to, including the new and improved Siri AI app (or Siri 2.0, effectively). The public beta launched this week, meaning anyone who wants can try out the new features ahead of time, assuming they don't mind putting up with a few random bugs or glitches along the way.
Whether you're a veteran of running betas or thinking about diving in for the first time, our guide will walk you through how to download and install iOS 27 on your phone. We also highlight three of the new features you should try first, including improved photo editing tools that use a little AI magic to make your images 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 good roll when it comes to improving Windows 11 this year. The latest July update continues that trend, and if you're a desktop OS user then you should be happy: there are some smart new features and some important bug fixes.
One of the standout updates this time is a feature we've been waiting for for a while: a proper pause feature for Windows 11 updates, so if you don't want to install the latest patches right away, it won't bother you to apply them as soon as possible. We've got details on how the feature works and what else is new this time.
2. An explosive lawsuit arrived between Apple and OpenAI
It's fair to say that Apple and OpenAI aren't on as good terms as they used to be, what with the theft of personnel and theft of confidential information… supposedly. Apple has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the ChatGPT developer has obtained trade secrets through former Apple employees, and the case could have serious long-term repercussions.
Depending on what courts and judges decide, this could affect OpenAI's nascent plans to release hardware devices, as well as influence how Apple develops its software; Remember that ChatGPT is still built into Siri, as of this writing. We are likely to hear much more about this surprising case in the coming months.
1. OnePlus officially left the US and Europe
OnePlus has finally run out of road, at least in the United States and Europe. Parent company Oppo has decided that the brand will withdraw from those markets, meaning a large part of the world will miss out on some great phones. In recent years, some of our favorite phones have come from OnePlus, but availability will be much more limited from now on.
If you already own a OnePlus device in the US or Europe, you will continue to receive support and software updates, but no new phones will be released. “It was not a hasty decision,” Oppo's Shuang Chen explained in a briefing. “Being a responsible brand means knowing when to go all out and when to make a decision.”
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