Every week here at TechRadar we publish a slew of tech stories – it would be a seriously impressive feat if you managed to keep up with them all, what with everything else going on (was there a World Cup?).
The purpose of this ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) round-up is to help you quickly catch up on the biggest stories and headlines in tech. These are the articles that have had the most impact 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 an important GoPro review – so let’s dive in.
7. Volkswagen unveiled the world’s most technological e-bike
Volkswagen has a brand new electric bike to show off: The new Smart eBike series has been developed in collaboration with n+, and goes a long way in technology and safety functions. You’ll find radar-assisted traffic monitoring here, as well as a high-definition reversing 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 blinkers and make them more visible, and a pair of smart glasses that might be the most groundbreaking part of the whole package. You can use the smart specs to get travel information and navigation instructions right in front of your eyes when they’re needed.
6. We’ve reviewed GoPro’s premium action camera
GoPro is getting a bit more ambitious with its new Mission 1 Pro, a flagship action camera that builds on the classic form factor while adding some premium extras. Our senior staff writer Hamish Hector gave the camera a thorough TechRadar test and came away impressed with almost everything the Mission 1 Pro has to offer.
Particular praise was given to the high-resolution video recording, the choice of recording modes and the tweaked design choices that make the Mission 1 Pro different from its predecessors. Click through 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 went into Samsung Display’s secret labs
Samsung’s phones and tablets are known for the quality of their screens, so of course we jumped at the chance when we were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a Samsung Display factory. This is where the current screens are made and tested, and where the next generation models are tested (although unfortunately 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 look at on the tour, reading our presentation is the next best thing to actually accessing it yourself. Of course, we also had to ask Samsung Display reps about the rumored iPhone Fold, but they didn’t seem too concerned about the competition…
4. The public iOS 27 beta landed with the new Siri
The upcoming iOS 27 software update gives iPhone owners a lot to look forward to, not least the new and improved Siri AI app (or Siri 2.0, effectively). This week, the public beta dropped, meaning anyone who wants to can try out the new features early — provided they don’t mind putting up with a few bugs or random crashes along the way.
Whether you’re a beta running veteran or thinking of dipping your toe in for the first time, our guide will explain how to download and install iOS 27 on your phone. We’ve also highlighted three of the new features you should test out first, including the improved photo editing tools that use a bit of AI magic to make your photos look better than ever.
3. Windows 11 got a major update
There have been some missteps along the way, but overall Microsoft is on quite 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 neat new features and some important bug fixes.
One of the standout upgrades this time around is a feature we’ve been waiting for a while: a proper pause feature 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 pestered to get them applied as soon as possible. We’ve got details on how the feature works, plus what else is new this time around.
2. A bombshell Apple vs OpenAI lawsuit landed
It’s fair to say that Apple and OpenAI aren’t on as good terms as they used to be, what with staff being poached and confidential information being stolen… allegedly. Apple has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that the ChatGPT developer squeezed trade secrets through former Apple employees – and the case could have serious long-term consequences.
Depending on what the courts and judges decide, this could affect OpenAI’s nascent plans to launch hardware devices, as well as influence how Apple develops its software – remember that ChatGPT is still embedded in Siri at the time of writing. We’re likely to hear a lot more about this astonishing case in the coming months.
1. OnePlus officially left the US and Europe
OnePlus has finally run out of steam – at least in the US and Europe. Parent company Oppo has decided that the brand will withdraw from these markets, meaning that a large part of the world will miss out on some great handsets. 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’ll continue to get support and software updates, but there won’t be any new phone launches. “It was not a decision made in haste,” Oppo’s Shuang Chen explained in a briefing. “Being a responsible brand means knowing when to go all in and when to make a choice.”
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