Published December 9, 2024 6:00am EST close How VPNs shield your identity, secure your financial transactions from theft A VPN could be your secret weapon to protect your identity and finances. VPNs (virtual private networks) are a powerful tool for securing your internet connection. They protect your data by encrypting it, making it harder for hackers or even your internet service provider (ISP) to see what you're doing online. But how should you set up a VPN? Should you install it on each device or run it on your home network through a router? We will break down the pros and cons of both methods to help you make the right decision. Woman using a VPN on her cellphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How VPNs workVPNs operate through two primary mechanisms: IP address masking and data encryption. When you connect to a VPN, it hides your real IP address by assigning you a new one from their server network, effectively preventing websites and cyber criminals from tracking your location or identifying you based on your IP address.Simultaneously, VPNs encrypt all data transmitted between your device and the internet, rendering it unreadable to anyone who might attempt to intercept it. This encryption process ensures that sensitive information, such as credit card details, remains confidential throughout your online activities. By combining these two powerful features, VPNs create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, significantly enhancing your online privacy and security.VPN on devices vs. router: What's the difference?Understanding the difference between using a VPN on individual devices vs. setting it up on your router is crucial for maximizing your online security and privacy.VPN on a deviceMost people are familiar with using a VPN app on their phone, laptop or tablet. In this setup, the device connects directly to the internet through the VPN, keeping that device's internet activity secure.VPN on a routerWith a VPN router, instead of installing a VPN on each device, the router connects to the VPN. This means every device connected to your Wi-Fi whether a smartphone, laptop, gaming console or even a smart TV automatically uses the VPN, even if that device doesnt support VPN apps. A home router (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Why use a VPN router?There are several advantages to running a VPN directly on your router.1) Protect all the devices on your networkA VPN router ensures that every device on your network is protected, even those that dont support VPNs, like smart home devices or certain game consoles. Once the router is set up with a VPN, it encrypts the internet traffic of all connected devices.2) Set it and forget itInstalling or managing VPN software on every device is unnecessary with a VPN router. Once the router is configured, you can sit back and enjoy a protected internet connection across your entire home network. However, its a good idea to occasionally check that the connection is working properly using tools like DNS leak tests.3) Increased privacyUsing a VPN prevents your ISP from seeing which websites or services youre using. This is particularly useful if youre concerned about privacy or want to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services like Netflix or gaming platforms. A home router (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Are there any downsides to VPN routers?While VPN routers are convenient, they do come with a few potential drawbacks.1) CostMost basic routers provided by your ISP dont support VPN connections. Youll likely need to purchase a more advanced, VPN-compatible router, which can be pricier, starting at around $50 and going much higher for premium models.2) Speed and performanceEncrypting all the traffic in your home network requires processing power. If you have a lot of devices connected at once, a primary router might struggle to keep up. In this case, a higher-end router with more processing power is recommended.3) Less flexibilityWhen you use a VPN app on a device, switching server locations, adjusting security settings or choosing different VPN protocols is easy. Making these changes on a VPN router requires logging into the routers settings, which can be more time-consuming and complicated.How to set up a VPN on a routerSetting up a VPN on yourrouter may seem complex, but it significantly enhances your digital security, especially when paired with a robust router. Heres how to approach this process.Choose a compatible VPN service: Select a VPN provider that supportsrouter installations. Look for services that offer comprehensive guides and customer support to assist you through the setup.Select the right router: Ensure your router is VPN compatible and has strong security features. Opt forrouters that support the latest Wi-Fi encryption standards, such as WPA3, and have built-in firewalls to protect against external threats. This will provide a solid foundation for your VPN connection.Install the VPN: Follow your VPN provider's step-by-step instructions to configure the service on yourrouter. This typically involves entering your login credentials, installing necessary certificates and selecting a server location.Test your connection: Once configured, verify that your VPN is functioning correctly by testing the connection. Ensure that all devices connected to the router are protected by the VPN.Leverage additional security features: Take advantage of your routers features such as guest networks and parental controls to enhance security further. A separate guest network prevents unauthorized access to your main network, while regular firmware updates from the manufacturer help mitigate vulnerabilities.By integrating these steps, you not only set up a VPN but also fortify your home network against potential cyber threats. Image of a VPN being used on a laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Should you use a VPN on a router or device?When to use a VPN on a device:If you only need protection on a few devices, installing the VPN directly on your devices might be easier if you mostly use the internet on your phone and laptop.If you want flexibility,using a VPN app lets you quickly switch servers, change settings or disconnect the VPN when needed.When to use a VPN on a router:If you have many devices, a VPN router is ideal if you have many devices connected to your Wi-Fi, especially if some of those devices dont support VPN apps.If you want whole-home protection,a VPN router protects every device on your network, providing seamless security without the need to install apps on each one.Find the perfect VPN softwareWhen selecting a VPN on a device, youll want to choose trusted providers known for robust encryption and no-log policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost your security and speed.For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on yourWindows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Kurt's key takeawaysBoth VPN routers and VPN apps have their own strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. A VPN router might be the way to go if youre looking for convenience and whole-home protection. But if you prefer flexibility and more control over individual devices, sticking with a VPN app might suit you better. Either way, a VPN is a great step toward protecting your privacy and securing your online activities.What aspects of online privacy and security are most important to you when browsing the internet at home?Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Were halfway through another decade, and as we enter a new year we are seeing new resolutions and new possibilities, and regrettably, new threats.Cyber security is now a headline grabbing and board level conversation. You only have to look at recent incidents affecting the NHS, the British Library and of course, CrowdStrike to see that cyber security and identity based attacks impact consumers, employees and businesses on a global level.This is only set to continue as CISOs and security teams are faced with bigger and more sophisticated challenges in the coming months, years and as we close out the decade. But what is front of mind for CISOs and their teams? And how are they tackling these issues? Here are two trends that should be in the crosshairs of businesses for 2025.Along with cyber security, a key theme of 2025 has been the rise of AI. According to Gartner, AI agents will be the most important technology trend in 2025, with analysts predicting that 15% of daily work decisions will be made autonomously by AI agents by 2028. While productivity gains will be immense, the cyber security industry needs to have an urgent conversation about information access control for the coming explosion of autonomous AI agents, and if we dont, well see a rising tide of both accidental and hostile cyber breaches and data leakage next year.By the end of 2025 and into the latter half of the decade, well be living in a world with billions of autonomous AI agents acting on our behalf. There are important questions that the cyber security industry needs to answer. Such as, what are these bots doing? What information do they have access to? And how do we set and control the conditions and parameters around what information they can share, with who, and under what circumstances?Right now, all these questions are up in the air. These bots dont even have the benefit of basic cyber security awareness training. They dont have that human sixth sense that tells us something might be wrong. They cant think for themselves. All it takes is one rogue prompt for an AI agent to mistakenly share sensitive personal or financial information with another agent, and things could quickly spiral out of control.Its not all doom and gloom though, and going into 2025 we need to have a renewed optimism that things can improve! For CISOs and security teams to be able to tackle the increasing threat landscape, we need a mindset shift across the cyber security industry, with far more collaboration between industry players. We face an unprecedented threat environment, and this is before the potential risks that AI agents bring to the table.In the coming years, we need to agree and implement more standards, best practices and frameworks around cloud applications and how they communicate with each other so that they are secure by default. A single cyber security vendor cant do that alone.At Okta weve started on this with the Interoperability Profiling for Secure Identity in the Enterprise (IPSIE), to help standardise secure identity management, in partnership with the OpenID Foundation. Id like to see more organisations sign up to this standard, and other standards be introduced to help businesses, and ultimately end-users, improve their security posture.The Computer Weekly Security Think Tank looks aheadMike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst, Advent IM:CISOs will face growing challenges in 2025 and beyond.Elliot Rose, PA Consulting:The most pressing challenges for CISOs and cyber security teams.Pierre-Martin Tardif, ISACA: Six trends that will define cyber through to 2030.The world of cyber security and identity-based attacks is a complex and ongoing struggle thats spurring constant innovation and adaptation on both sides. For companies looking to protect their users and data, itll take continued evolution in technologies, policies, and business processes to put up an effective defence. This requires businesses to collaborate and work together to improve their security posture, educate consumers and the workforce and continue to adapt quickly with threat actors. Only then will we be able to create a world where data is secure by default and consumers are able to trust businesses with their most valuable asset - their identity.Stephen McDermid is EMEA CSO atOkta

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology are set to be the driving forces behind business growth and innovation in 2025. Together, they offer transformative potential to boost efficiency, drive innovation, and create scalable solutions. However, unlocking these benefits requires careful planning, governance, and security measures. As the new year draws nearer, now is the time for business leaders to get started.By adopting a strategic approach, business leaders can begin with manageable steps, scale swiftly, and confidently navigate the dynamic, AI-powered future ahead.AI requires immense computational power, making cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud ideal for scaling AI projects. These platforms provide on-demand access to advanced resources without the need for costly hardware, enabling businesses to experiment and scale solutions as needed.But the relationship between AI and the cloud extends beyond just infrastructure. Cloud technology enables your business to experiment with AI applications, test new ideas, and expand them as needed. This flexibility allows AI to move from concept to scalable solution, growing alongside your business and its evolving needs.The combination of AI and the cloud is reshaping industries across the board. From retail to healthcare, organisations are already seeing the benefits of AI-powered cloud solutions. For example, Spotify uses AI in the cloud to personalize music recommendations for millions of users, processing vast amounts of data to create tailored experiences that enhance engagement. Meanwhile, the NHS leverages AI-powered cloud tools to predict hospital admissions and optimize resources, ultimately reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes.By integrating AI with the cloud, businesses can tackle more complex challenges, automate processes, and improve customer engagement. However, to realize this potential, businesses need to ensure they have the right foundations in place.To fully leverage AI and the cloud, its essential to set your business up for success with the right governance, security, and strategic approach. Lets break this down further.Get governance rightAI thrives on data, but without proper governance, you risk data breaches, non-compliance, or even misuse of AI outputs. Implementing clear policies and leveraging cloud tools for access control and encryption ensures that your AI remains safe and compliant.For example, Microsofts Copilot integrates with cloud-based services like Office 365 to enhance productivity. However, without adequate data governance, theres a risk of exposing sensitive company information. Establish clear policies on data access, usage, and security controls to ensure your AI operates safely and in compliance with regulations like GDPR. Aligning governance strategies to cloud platforms is key, as cloud environments offer tools for managing permissions, access control, and encryption seamlessly.Prioritise securityAs AI processes increasingly sensitive data, robust security measures in the cloud are essential. Cloud platforms are built to support evolving security needs, offering continuous monitoring and dynamic threat protection to ensure that your AI systems stay secure as they scale.Stay agileBoth AI and cloud technologies are evolving rapidly, so businesses must remain adaptable to keep up with new trends and tools. Cloud platforms enable your business to experiment with AI solutions, test applications, and adjust strategies quicklywithout the high costs and long lead times of traditional infrastructure upgrades. This flexibility allows companies to refine their AI systems in real-time, staying responsive to shifting market conditions and consumer demands.The agility provided by cloud platforms ensures that your business can innovate at pace, maintaining your competitive edge in a fast-moving digital landscape.Take smart, measured stepsThe scalability of cloud platforms also makes it easier for you to adopt AI gradually, scaling up at your own pace. AI isnt just for Christmas. So, instead of diving into large-scale AI projects from the start, you can begin with small, manageable initiatives and expand when youre confident in the value theyre creating. Cloud technology allows you to experiment without significant upfront investment, minimising risk while building a strong foundation for growth.By taking a step-by-step approach, you can ensure that their AI capabilities grow sustainably, scaling only when youre ready and avoiding the pressures of premature expansion.With governance, security, and flexibility in place, AI and cloud can now deliver on their full potential. So, whats next?The 12 Days of AIOn the First day of AI, we explore how AI is being used in marketing, the benefits and key use cases, as well as concerns and how marketerscan best take advantage of the technology.On the Second Day of AI, we look at the importance of truly understanding what AI isto enable true organisational transformation.On the Third Day of AI, we explore some of the key trends to keep an eye on, and prepare for,in 2025.On the Fourth Day of AI, we discuss the value of adopting AI responsibly, and outlines how businesses can build responsible adoptioninto their plans.On the Fifth Day of AI, we explore how AI is reshaping HR boosting productivity, addressing concerns, and preparing organisations for the future.AI and cloud technology are a natural fit, and if you leverage both your business be well-positioned for future success. The cloud not only provides the scalable infrastructure that AI needs, but it also empowers AI to deliver actionable insights that drive business growth, from automation to predictive analytics.As we enter the 2025, now is the perfect time to unwrap the full potential of AI and cloud technology. With the right strategy, this dynamic duo can help your business transform its operations, innovate efficiently, and prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.Matt Gallagher is technical product manager at ANS, a digital transformation provider and Microsofts UK Services Partner of the Year 2024. Headquartered in Manchester, it offers public and private cloud, security, business applications, low code, and data services to thousands of customers, from enterprise to SMB and public sector organisations.

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Pixel 9 Pro XLEwan SpenceIt may not be expected to arrive until July 2025 at the earliest, but eight months out from a potential launch, and we have our first look at the likely design of the Pixel 10.This close look at the external features comes from noted industry leaker Sonny Dickson. In his latest post on X (ne Twitter), he shares pictures of a proposed case for the Pixel 10. These cases will be built around blank versions of the handset.Typically fashioned from aluminium, these blanks are supplied to accessory manufacturers so they can work with hardware that has the correct location of the various buttons, sliders, ports, cameras, and screens without having access to a finished product. As the third-party manufacturers design peripherals, they are provided relatively early in the production phase.Thanks to the direct angle of the images, the only edge element that can be made out is at the base of the unit with what looks to be the cutout for the USB-C charging and connectivity cable. Given this i where the Pixel range has traditionally located the USB port, this does not come as a surprise.Neither should it come as a surprise that Google is retaining the camera bar. This arrived with the Pixel 6, and as well as dealing with the physical requirements of a smartphone camera the horizontal bar across the full width of the rear offered a unique and easily recognisable style to the Pixel family. That was tweaked with the Pixel 9, reducing the width of the bar by sculpting curved ends rather than dropping to be flush with the device.This case suggests that the Pixel 10 will continue this rounded camera bar, in which case its safe o assume that the presumptively named Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will follow the same design cue.MORE FOR YOUThe current Pixel 9 family was announced in mid-August 2024. A similar time frame for the Pixel 10 family would not feel out of place. Before then, theres the small matter of the Pixel 9a, a mid-range variant of the current handsets. Googles I/O Developer Conference is one potential launch event, which would match the Pixel 8as early May release.Now read more about the Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus handsets in Forbes weekly Android Circuit news digest...

Chael Sonnen (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesKron Gracie, the son of the legendary Rickson Gracie, turned in a disappointing performance at UFC 310 on Saturday. Gracie wasnt just knocked out in the third round by Bryce Mitchell; he lost in a manner that manyincluding UFC Hall-of-Famer Chael Sonnenfound embarrassing.Gracie was repeatedly booed by fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during the fight as he consistently pulled guard whenever he and Mitchell engaged in a grappling exchange. Mitchell, an expert Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, effectively countered the strategy.The last time Gracie tried the tactic, Mitchell slammed the 36-year-old to the mat to gain separation and followed up with a pair of elbows that knocked the Brazilian unconscious.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Bryce Mitchell of the United States slams Kron Gracie of Brazil in ... [+] the third round of a featherweight fight during UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSonnen didnt just criticize Gracies passive fighting style, pointing out that attempting to win consistently from the bottom in MMA is a losing approach. He also took a broader swipe at Gracies overall approach to MMA, saying he fought like a pothead.I dont know Kron, Sonnen said in a video on his YouTube channel. Im just a fan. Im a fan of his old man, his uncles, and his cousins. Im going to say something thats very out of pocket because I dont know him: he fought like a pothead.MORE FOR YOUThis label wasnt one Sonnen threw out lightly. He backed it up with what one might call educated speculation.Theres a culture in jiu-jitsu about smoking dope and doing jiu-jitsu, Sonnen continued. But youre not going to win the tough ones if youre a pothead. The potheads wonI get it. They won. Great job politically, great job with medicineI understand. But my dad was onto something too when he told me it makes you lazy. My dad was onto something when he said it makes you peaceful, and it makes you calm. Its the very thing that the potheads used to get the legislation passed. Is there anything about being peaceful or calm that sounds like it would be helpful in a fistfight? I dont know him, and I dont want to label him in these ways, but Im quite sure Im right. He fought like a guy who smokes marijuana, and they fight a certain way. They live their life, bro, in a certain way, bro calm and relaxed in a violent and aggressive business.Here is a look at the entire video:We dont know anything about Gracies personal habits, but I agree with Sonnenhis approach to winning fights in the UFC is outdated and not suited for success in todays MMA.In many ways, his strategy mirrors that of his uncle, the great Royce Gracie. However, when Royce competed in the early days of the UFC, he held a significant advantage in grappling and was able to succeed as a one-dimensional fighter.Those days are long gone, and that approach is now a recipe for a beating in modern MMA, as Gracie discovered on Saturday. Given his age and the brutality of the loss at UFC 310, it wouldnt be surprising if Saturdays fight marked the end of his MMA career. UFC President Dana White told three guys to retire on Saturday. Perhaps he left someone off the list.

A neon TikTok logo hangs in the lobby of the TikTok office building in Culver City, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)APCopyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.By Haleluya Hadero / APDecember 9, 2024 1:59 PM ESTTikTok asked a federal appeals court on Monday to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews its challenge to the statute.The legal filing was made after a panel of three judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance to divest its stakes in the social media company or face a ban, was constitutional.If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, have claimed that the popular app will shut down by Jan. 19, 2025. TikTok has more than 170 million American users who would be affected, the companies have said.In their legal filing on Monday, attorneys for the two companies wrote that even if a shutdown lasted one month, it would cause TikTok to lose about a third of its daily users in the U.S.The company would also lose 29% of its total targeted global advertising revenue for next year as well as talent since current and prospective employees would look elsewhere for jobs, they wrote.Before that happens, the Supreme Court should have an opportunity, as the only court with appellate jurisdiction over this action, to decide whether to review this exceptionally important case, the filing said.It's not clear if the Supreme Court will take up the case. But some legal experts have said the justices are likely to weigh in on the case since it raises novel issues about social media platforms and how far the government could go in itsstated aims of protecting national security.President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok the last time he was in the White House, has said he is now against such action.In their legal filing, the two companies pointed to the political realities, saying that an injunction would provide a modest delay that would give the incoming Administration time to determine its position which could moot both the impending harms and the need for Supreme Court review.Attorneys for the two companies are asking the appeals court to decide on the request for an enforcement pause by Dec. 16. The Department of Justice said in a court filing on Monday that it will oppose the request. Justice officials also suggested that an expedited decision denying TikTok's request would give the Supreme Court more time to consider the case.More Must-Reads from TIMEWhere Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0How Elon Musk Became a KingmakerThe PowerAnd Limitsof Peer SupportThe 100 Must-Read Books of 2024Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try HopeThe Future of Climate Action Is Trade PolicyFXs Say NothingIs the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby DecisionContact us at letters@time.com

Play, Die, Mutate: A two-man team worked for an ungodly amount of time on a "simple" roguelike game, but now they are nearly done and celebrating their first major release. Caves of Qud is one of those punishingly hard games in which you can fully immerse yourself, with permadeath looming as a constant threat to spoil the fun. Caves of Qud takes inspiration from Dwarf Fortress and other lore-rich worlds, blending core quest-based gameplay mechanics with procedurally generated content. Freehold Games, which includes Brian Bucklew, Jason Grinblat, and other contributors, worked on the game for 17 years. Now, they have announced that release 1.0 is ready to launch on new and old PCs stretching all the way back to the Windows 7 era.Caves of Qud (CoQ) is a science fantasy roguelike epic experience dealing with retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants, as stated on the game's official Steam page. The game has an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating with 95% of positive reviews. The exotic, far future world depicted in CoQ contains thousand-year-old civilizations, while the player can assemble their character from over 70 "mutations" and defects.There is a digging feature that provides a way to overcome every obstacle, going through walls with a pickaxe, a corrosive gas mutation, a lava-melting ability, and more. Monster limbs can be "hacked" thanks to every NPC being a fully simulated character as the player's, so you could "psionically dominate" a spider, go through the world as a spider, lay webs and eat prey.Caves of Qud is brutally difficult and deaths are permanent, the developers warn, but players can always roll a new character if they want. CoQ 1.0 introduces some significant improvements to the game, including the conclusion of the main quest, multiple endings, new music and sound effects, a more polished UI.There's even a Dromad Deluxe Edition with additional contents and future DLCs, though I will never understand why people insist on pay more money to get "exclusive" stuff for a digital-only game. And no, my two Elden Ring Collector's Editions absolutely don't count here. // Related StoriesTo ease new players into the game, the developers collaborated with SBPlaysGames to create a beginner-friendly tutorial.This ensures that first-time players won't feel as lost as if they were trying to play Ultima I on a 2024 PC Booter machine. Now that CoQ 1.0 is complete, Freehold Games plans to take a well-deserved break before resuming development with new story arcs. The team has yet to decide whether these arcs will be released as free updates or paid DLC.When someone describes a game as a "roguelike"...

Something to look forward to: With Intel's second generation of discrete graphics cards just days from launch, Geekbench leaks are starting to put the company's performance claims to the test. Early reports suggest the Arc B580's performance is comparable to existing mid-range competitors, but detailed analysis from TechSpot and other outlets will paint a more complete picture. Early Geekbench results suggest that Intel's upcoming Arc B580 graphics card performs roughly on par with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 and AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT. While the initial benchmarks fall slightly short of Intel's projections, the full picture may not become clear until the card is widely tested in real-world scenarios.Tested on a system equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 258K processor and 48GB of DDR5 RAM, the Arc B580 achieved an OpenCL score of 98,343 and a Vulkan score of 103,445. These results place it in the same performance range as the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 XT. However, relying on only two benchmark tests leaves out other critical aspects of performance that could emerge once the card is in broader use.Testing the Arc B580 alongside a high-end CPU and 48GB of RAM likely allowed the card to perform at its peak potential, whereas the Nvidia and AMD benchmarks account for a wider range of system configurations. As a $250 mid-range product, the B580 will likely be paired with mainstream CPUs and more modest memory setups in typical use cases.However, synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench only tell part of the story. Real-world game-specific benchmarks, which are absent from both Geekbench and Intel's promotional materials, will provide a clearer picture of the card's true capabilities.Intel claims the B580 delivers the best value in the mainstream GPU market, estimating its raster performance to exceed the RTX 4060 by 32 percent and the RX 7600 by 26 percent. These projections are significantly more optimistic than the recent Geekbench results suggest. // Related StoriesThat said, the third-party tests do not specify which drivers were used, a critical detail given Arc's history of driver-related performance challenges and subsequent significant improvements. Additionally, Geekbench benchmarks omit ray tracing performance, where Intel claims the B580 outperforms the RTX 4060 by 25 percent and the RX 7600 by 37 percent.While the B580 debuts as an aggressive value proposition undercutting the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 by approximately $50 and offering significantly more VRAM its competitive edge may be short-lived.Nvidia and AMD are expected to reveal their next-generation GPUs at CES in January. AMD's RX 8000 series will primarily target the mainstream sector, competing directly with the B580, while Nvidia's RTX 5000 lineup will begin with enthusiast-level cards, followed by mid-range options. However, early rumors suggest the RTX 5060 may include only 8GB of VRAM compared to the B580's 12GB, potentially limiting its performance in high-resolution scenarios.