YouTube said Wednesday that it is adding new experimental features for Premium users, including high-quality audio, faster playback speed option on mobile, and the ability to jump ahead on the web to skip to the more intriguing part of the video.The company routinely tests new features that users can activate fromyoutube.com/new. The company said users can now enable an experimental feature that lets them listen to music videos with a higher audio bitrate up to 256kbps. As a reminder, YouTube Music already offers this quality for audio listening when you turn up the settings to High in the playback settings.On mobile, picture-in-picture can be helpful if you quickly want to reply to a text or an email, or check something else while a video is playing. One of the new tests allows users to play YouTube Shorts in the picture-in-picture mode on iOS.Whats more, YouTube is now adding the option to turn on smart downloads for Shorts on iOS when you turn on smart downloads, YouTube automatically downloads videos that could interest you when you have a good connection. This way, you can watch them offline without an internet connection. Both of these features were already available to Android users.If you like watching videos at a higher playback speed, YouTube now allows you to watch them at up to 4x speed on mobile. Until now, the users could set 2x as the highest playback speed.Last year, YouTube introduced aJump Ahead feature on mobile, which allows users to skip to the best part of the video. YouTubes algorithm determines those best parts through machine learning and user feedback. The company is now bringing this feature to the web for Premium users.Google is also expanding two YouTube-related AI features. For YouTube Music, the company is expanding its Ask Music feature to the UK and Ireland. Users can ask for upbeat workout tracks or relaxing jazz, and the app will create a customized radio station related to the prompt. Other rivals, includingSpotify andAmazon Music, have also been trying out such features.YouTube started dabbling with a conversational AI feature for users to ask questions about a video or get recommendations in 2023. The company said that this feature will soon be available to iOS users as well.

Breakdown & ShowreelsDune Prophecy: VFX Breakdown by Rodeo FXBy Vincent Frei - 22/01/2025 Explore the breathtaking imperial grandeur of Kaitain in HBOs Dune: Prophecy! Rodeo FX delivers really cool visual effects, crafting intricate environments for the palace that transport viewers straight to the heart of the universes political intrigue!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Rodeo FX: Dedicated page about Dune: Prophecy on Rodeo FX website.Mike Enriquez & Terron Pratt: Heres my interview of Production VFX Supervisor Mike Enriquez and VFX Producer Terron Pratt. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

A Century of Tomorrows: How Imagining the Future Shapes the PresentGlenn AdamsonBloomsbury$29.69Anyone who thinks about the future, Albert Einstein wrote in a contribution to the 1939 Worlds Fair time capsule that was intended to be opened in the year 6939, must live in fear and terror. Today, nearly 85 years later, the great physicists words feel like good advice. As we enter a new year, the future can seem bleak with challenges ahead: The ever-present climate crisis, uncertainties around AI, wars around the world, the instability of democracies How can we not live in a constantly anxious state? Einsteins words appear around a third of the way through historian Glenn Adamsons dazzling new book, A Century of Tomorrows: How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present. But unlike Einstein, Adamson aims to look backwards, not forwards; he surveys the history of futurology, trend forecasting, and predictions. Once relegated to the mysticalthink prophets, witchcraft, and Tarot cardsAdamsons story begins at the turn of the 20th century, when futurism moved from the spiritual to the concrete. [Futurology] takes the broad view, making predictions about society at large, usually over a relatively long time span, Adamson argues. It is an incredibly varied activity, undertaken by social theorists and political activists, trend forecasters and insurance executives, architects and industrial designers, urban planners and military war gamers, fiction writers and film directors.Adamson moves seamlessly between this diverse group of thinkers and mixes sci-fi writers and government bureaucrats in scenes set in corporate boardrooms and hippie communes. We see how Robert McNamara and the rise of the managerial class creates systems of planning and big data to project into the future and, later, considers Stewart Brands Whole Earth Catalog, a counterculture publication deeply interested in the future that inspired thinking dominant in Silicon Valley today. These examples are contrasted with new wave science fiction writers like Ursula Le Guin, whose work challenged power and gender dynamics, or Samuel Delany, whose work Adamson argues predates contemporary discourse around trans and intersectional identity. Taken together, Adamson makes the case that looking into the future is actually a way to contend with the conditions of the present. A Century of Tomorrows is structured both chronologically and thematically. To provide a clean framing device, Adamson focuses primarily on the United States, a country that has always thought of itself in futuristic terms: The new world, the frontier, where tomorrow happens first. The chapters march from the early 1900s to the near-present day, establishing a movement from machine to garden or lab to party and ending with the flood, an apt and varied metaphor for our present moment that draws on religious imagery to describe an ever-present feeling that there is too much pollution. Too much information. Too much complexity. Above all, too much change in too short a time. The future, much the like genre of sci-fi, is a generative setting for the cultural imagination, a stage on which all our dramas are acted out, Adamson declares. Within this structure, he shows us how these visions for the future can often be both in opposition and in dialogue. There are always multiple attempts, happening at once, to make the future real. The irony is this future-thinking is no guarantee for a better future; the futurologists Adamson shares were often wrong as much as they were right. Solutions for todays problems are not a clear map for tomorrow.Glenn Adamson (Courtesy Glenn Adamson)Design is one of the major through lines in Adamsons text, and so designers, architects, and urban planners are recurring characters along the way. Take Norman Bel Geddes: The theater set designerturnedindustrial designer possessed a showmanship that was evident in Horizons, a self-promotional book published in 1932 that projected what the future might look likeif Bel Geddes himself were put in charge of it. Or consider Margaret Hayden Rorke, the pioneering color forecaster, who landed a government advisory role where she recommended to Herbert Hoover that the red, white, and blue of the American Flag should be standardized. She also led the Textile Color Card Association, a consultancy whose influence on American fashion is unrivaled. Then, of course, theres Buckminster Fuller, who Adamson calls the centurys quintessential futurologist, as he was throwing off proposals and theories, provocative and preposterous by turns, impossible to summarize that were rooted in the idea that humans should design as nature does. Prior to this book, Adamsons scholarship as a writer and curator focused largely on the history of craft and what he has referred to as material intelligence. His previous book, Craft: An American History, told the story of this idea in the United States. He wrote in the introduction that A Century of Tomorrows is, perhaps, a mirror of his earlier book. Craft is often understood as a repository of tradition, an embodiment of the values of care and empathy that are conspicuously lacking in modernity, he observed. Futurology, by contrast, is habitually impatient with inherited wisdom. Its practitioners are inclined to shift aside the weight of precedent and ally themselves with technological disruption. The designers and architects who appear throughout this book seem to bridge this divide, as they turn the abstract ideas of the future into the materials of the present.The future has been on Adamsons mind for years, it seems: He was one of the curators of Futures, an exhibition that opened at the Smithsonians Arts and Industries Building in late 2021. A concern for younger designers also seems to power Adamsons busy schedule: In 2024 he was the artistic director of Design Doha, a new biennale for MENA creatives, and curatorial director of Design Miami with the theme of Blue Sky.Reading Adamsons history reminds us that even within moments of darkness in the 20th century, people worked towards a better tomorrow. Perhaps Einstein was wrong: Considering the future is inherently an optimistic endeavor. To think of the future is to believe that there will be one worth living in. To believe that the future is a lost cause, or that all the answers to our problems are to be found in the past, Adamson wagers in his conclusion, can only lead us to very dark places. To imagine the future, then, is the first step in redesigning the present. Jarrett Fuller is a designer, writer, editor, educator, and podcaster. Hes an assistant professor of graphic and experience design at North Carolina State University and the host of the podcast Scratching the Surface.

The U.S. has always been a difficult country to age in placeseniors who cant find lodging with a loved one are often relegated to nursing homes, if they can afford the fees. The situation gets even more precarious for LGBTQIA+ seniors, who commonly see bias in the rental application process, and get turned down for apartments at high rates. Things are especially dire in Texas, where state law doesnt protect individuals from housing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, although LGBTQIA+ individuals are still protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. This exacerbates the problem and puts even more people at risk of poverty and social isolation.Perkins&Wills Dallas studio recently completed a new affordable housing project for LGBTQIA+ seniors to help combat this public health crisis. Today, Oak Lawn Place in Dallas represents north Texass first affordable housing development, the architects shared. It offers 100 percent affordable housing to those 55 years of age and older.Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios created a bespoke mural on every floor of the building. (John Steinkamp)The Dallas neighborhood of Oak Lawn has been the beating heart of north Texass LGBTQIA+ community for decades. Oak Lawn Place was developed with the developer Matthews Southwest; Volunteers of America, one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the country; and Resource Center, an HIV/AIDS service organization.Im seeing Oak Lawn Place transform peoples lives, Resource Center CEO Cece Cox said in a press statement. A project like this elevates everyone and makes Dallas a better place. In plan, Oak Lawn Place is shaped like a C. This was meant to increase natural light exposure within every unit; this feature also provides a protective wing that surrounds an outdoor deck, hidden from public view. The deck has great views of the sites sloping topography and a nearby creek.Mural by Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios (John Steinkamp)Karen Chen of Sunshine Studios created a bespoke mural on every floor of the building, which helps with wayfinding. Oak Lawn Place was designed with maximum accessibility in mindeverything from the hallway seatings, elevator lobbies, to wheelchair-friendly doorways are meant to provide a positive user experience.The design of Oak Lawn Place is economical and efficient, yet still manages to have splashes of color here and there; the facade has a rainbow flag to signify all are welcome. The 80,000-square-foot building has a total 84 units. Its within walking distance of public transit options and Resource Centers Community Center.The building has a shared kitchen and other community-building amenities. (John Steinkamp)Oak Lawn Place helps make Dallas a more inclusive, inviting cityfor those considering moving here and for those wondering, as a queer person, Will I truly feel welcome? Are there spaces in Dallas for me? We are honored and proud to bring this project to life, Cox continued.A new healthcare facility, Resource Center Health, will open across the street from Oak Lawn Place later this year.

close Californians told be happy you have any insurance, says agent California home insurance agent Mark Newman Kuzel joins "America Reports" to discuss wildfires worsening the state's insurance crisis. The recent disasters sweeping the nation, from the torrential floods in North Carolina to the fires still raging in Southern California, showed how vital it is to have an evacuation plan because you might only have mere seconds to determine which items to take with you as you evacuate.While caring for your loved ones during this extremely stressful time should be a top priority, it is unavoidable that you must rebuild your home and life, which can mean having to provide detailed accounts of what you lost to your insurance provider.Trying to figure out what to take when you are given seconds or minutes to evacuate or having to file detailed insurance claims afterward can be a painful and confusing process. Firefighters at a house fire (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Why keeping track of your home inventory mattersHome inventory and restoration apps can provide you with a tool to itemize and track every item in your home. Not only can these apps help you stay organized and fiscally responsible for everyday home projects, but they can also help you easily determine what you need to grab and where it would be when you have limited time to grab items to take with you when you evacuate. It is important to determine where and what to prioritize, especially if your home is at risk.These apps can centralize all your home information so that you can stay within budget for home projects and maintenance work, and they can help you should you ever have to submit a claim after any disaster. It can also help you keep your home safer with routine maintenance. Additionally, creating a home inventory can help you determine if you have the appropriate amount of insurance coverage. Some apps allow you to upload important documentation for your home in general or specific items. This means if you ever deal with the worst-case scenario and cannot grab all the important home documents, your apps will have them stored for you and accessible by phone or computer.Here are the top picks for apps that are best at keeping track of your home before or after a disaster. A family watching their home go up in flames (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Top 5 apps for home inventory & management HomeZada app (HomeZada)A comprehensive home management platform, HomeZada, helps homeowners manage all aspects of their home, including but not limited to: maintenance, finances, inventory and improvement projects. Because it acts as a central hub to organize and track important home-related information, it will help you track, locate, rescue important items and make filing insurance claims easier.Key features of HomeZadaHome maintenance tracking: Create and schedule maintenance tasks such as HVAC servicing or gutter cleaning; get reminders for routine upkeep so it is one less thing for you to have to remember and prevent early replacement costs, as well as keep your home running more safely and smoothlyHome inventory management: Ability to categorize inventory for all your indoor and outdoor spaces in a streamlined fashion with its established template so you do not have to start from scratch; assign photos, videos, receipts and warranty information for inventory items by room; critical for insurance purposes and disaster recoveryHome improvement projects: Helps you create a budget, organize and track the progress of projects of all sizes around your home; store ideas, costs and documentation in one place to assist with tax and resale purposesFinance and property insights: Track home equity and overall property value by monitoring mortgage payments, utility bills and other home-related expensesDocument storage: Employs key security features in storing important documents like purchase agreements, blueprints and appliance manualsMobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home wherever you are and however you wantPricingHomeZada offers bothfree andpremium plans. Premium plans features include providing additional tools for inventory management, financial tracking and project planning.WebsiteFor more information or to sign up,click here. Centriq app (Centriq)While not as comprehensive as Homezada, Centriq has a strong focus on home management, which centralizes everything you need to organize, troubleshoot, operate and maintain your home.Key features of CentriqManage paperwork: Scan barcodes of appliances and purchases in the home, which allows you access to manuals and warranty information; photograph product receipts along with photos and videoMaintenance tracking: Add tasks with a reminder along with any item in the appMobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your homeTroubleshoot with ease: Input product name or barcode with Centriq and get relevant troubleshooting videos to help you solve your problemReplacement and repair ease: Centriq will lead you to the correct replacement parts and accessories by simply inputting your model numberPricingCentriq offers both free and premium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include interactions between multiple properties and shared access for multi-users.WebsiteFor more information or to sign up,click here. NAIC Home Inventory app (NAIC)The National Association of Insurance Commissioners created the NAIC Home Inventory app to help you if you need to file a claim, as well as provide expert tips. The app showcases a simple, clean design of the inventory section with built-in room suggestions. Though a bit more generic than some of its competitors, this app helps you create an itemized list of your home should you need to file an insurance claim in the future.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Key features of NAIC home inventory appPro-tip access: Access informative guides from experts regarding insurance claims and disaster mitigationHome inventory management: Add or delete rooms suggested under the inventory section; use the barcode scan feature to easily pull up an items serial number; add photos and video with itemsMobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your homeInformation access: Allows you to export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photosPricingNAIC Home Inventory app isfree.WebsiteFor more information or to sign up,click here. Itemtopia app (Itemtopia)Unlike its namesake, Itemtopia actually goes beyond itemizing your belongings. Available in over 170 countries worldwide, the app allows you to manage services, warranties as well as medical records. A rich and interactive app helps you start with ease by incorporating AI intelligence.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREKey features of ItemtopiaHome inventory management: Add or delete items under "Locations" or "Item Collections"; add photos and video with items along with warranties and receiptsLife management tools: Add medical records by individual, receipts by service and even manage pets vet appointments through the appMobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your homeInformation access: Allows you to share export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photos via email, text and other channelsPricingItemtopia offers bothfree andpremium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include larger storage (up to 2 GB or approximately 3,000 items), the option to add more users and the ability to showcase items for sale with a shareable link.WebsiteFor more information or to sign up,click here. Encircle app (Encircle)Created originally for home restorers and insurance adjusters, Encircle is a professionally geared app that can help homeowners stay disaster-ready. This app helps you record items around your home quickly. Because of its focus on industry professionals, some of the features and terminology might be confusing or unnecessary for an average homeowner.Key features for EncircleHome damage assessment: Document damage and progress of restoration jobs easily, collaborate with contractors and report a complete picture of a property lossInventory management: Take photos, video and notes and organize by room; generate reports to instantaneously detail the story of loss; ensure the highest level of accuracy with time/date, user and GPS metadata infoMobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your homeInformation access: Share a link to your Encircle inventory through text or email; access spreadsheet view by logging into the web version of Encircle; create a PDF version of your inventory with photos by using the apps "generate report" featurePricingEncircle offers both free and paid plans. Users can use the home inventory app for free for up to two houses. Encircles restoration software has a free 14-day trial but is otherwise a monthly or annual paid membership.WebsiteFor more information or to sign up,click here.Kurts key takeawaysIts easy to feel chaotic and overwhelmed when disaster strikes or when friends or family members are grappling with huge losses in home and security. There are, however, home apps that can help you create a plan before and after disaster strikes so you can have one less problem to manage while grieving your losses. While the hope is that disasters will not happen to you, these apps I mentioned will help you know, organize and restore your home should disaster strike. With some of the easiest and best ways to create a home inventory, it will give you peace of mind and a proactive way to respond during an emergency.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAre you prepared for possible evacuation in an emergency? Have you survived a disaster? What did you learn, and what would you do differently? 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.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 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.

Over 40% of European privacy professionals believe their organisations are not putting sufficient money behind data privacy initiatives, and 54% expect to get less money to play with during 2025, according to research from tech governance and digital trust association Isaca.Even though the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, and its UK equivalent, came into force in May 2018, Isaca also found that only 38% of European professionals were confident in the ability of their organisations to safeguard sensitive customer and employee data.Isaca also warned that only 24% of European organisations were adhering to privacy-by-design principles, and many risked running afoul of GDPR and other new European Union (EU) frameworks and regulations the AI Act and Digital Services Act, to name but two.As the threat landscape continues to evolve in complexity, privacy is becoming a sector which is increasingly difficult to operate in, but also more critical, said Isaca global chief strategy officer Chris Dimitriadis.Two-thirds [66%] of the European professionals working in privacy roles who we spoke to said their job is more stressful now compared to five years ago. This is only being exacerbated by continued underfunding. While companies may be making a short-term financial gain, they are putting themselves at long-term risk.The issues businesses across Europe now face are compounded by understaffing, the report found, with 52% of technical privacy teams unable to fill their vacant seats, a marginal improvement of just 1% on last years report.Respondents to the study also said they were struggling to retain staff once seated.On a positive note, Isaca found the organisations that were adopting privacy-by-design best practice were faring better, and were more likely to have appropriately staffed teams and fewer skills gaps. Of those organisations that do practice privacy-by-design, 43% said they had enough staff at the coalface, and 58% of leaders reported they were highly confident in their technical privacy teams as a result.Interestingly, 56% of privacy-by-design proponents said they had effectively decreased their knowledge gaps by training non-privacy staff who were keen to diversify their skillsets, compared with 44% who do not.Where skills gaps did exist, these tended to be in areas such as experience with different applications and technologies, technical expertise, and IT operations knowledge and skills.Nevertheless, Isaca said that creating the appropriately skilled and supported workforce that is necessary to achieve privacy-by-design compliance was clearly eminently achievable. It found that 47% of all organisations do now offer training to allow non-privacy staff to move into privacy roles, and more are considering factors such as experience in other compliance or legal functions as useful ways to root out the best internal candidates.Practicing privacy-by-design and embedding privacy across an entire enterprise is key to long-term data protection, said Dimitriadis.Such a comprehensive approach fosters trust with stakeholders and safeguards against ever-evolving threats but this isnt possible without skilled privacy teams who feel prepared and able to drive privacy practices from a technology, business and compliance point of view.There are several ways to plug the skills gap, he said. Providing training and continuous support for privacy staff on emerging technologies, privacy-enhancing technologies, and cyber security and data protection architectures on top of legal compliance knowledge is essential for managing their stress and maintaining organisational resilience.Read more about privacy-by-designUndertaken with the right mindset and technology, privacy-by-design delivers value to consumers and builds trust for the long term.AI continues to revolutionise how organisations operate, using vast amounts of personal data to make smart, informed decisions. However, this incredible potential comes with concerns about data privacy.Data privacy concerns are widespread. Privacy by design and privacy engineering help organisations balance privacy with utility and usability. Learn how.

December 2024 broke records for ransomware attack volumes, according to data released by cyber security firm NCC Group, which said it saw a total of 574 confirmed incidents last month and a new threat actor referred to as Funksec accounted for more than 100 of them.This was the highest level of attacks observed by NCCs analysts since the organisation first published its monthly Threat Pulse index back in 2021, rising from 565 in November 2025 and topping December 2023s figure of 387 by some margin. The industrials sector once again held the dubious honour of being the most attacked vertical, and North America and Europe were the most attacked regions.December is usually a much quieter time for ransomware attacks, but last month saw the highest number of ransomware attacks on record, turning that pattern on its head, said NCC associate director of threat intelligence operations and service innovation, Ian Usher.The data should serve as a wake-up call. No organisation is immune, and the best defence is to stay ahead of the curve. Companies need to double down on their cyber security measures and ensure that their teams are trained and prepared to evolve with the changing nature of ransomware threats.NCC said there were many factors in play that could have contributed to the growth in attack volumes, ranging from old favourites such as poor organisational security measures and awareness, to the use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) to support attacks.Whilst there is precisely zero evidence to directly implicate any AIs in Decembers attacks, the security community has been warning for almost two years that such tools are being used to enhance ransomware attacks through enhanced information gathering to select likely targets and support phishing campaigns against them.Emergent cyber extortion gang Funksec appears to have driven at least part of this alarming increase.According to analysts at Check Point, it may be among those using AI to scale its operations and manage its campaigns.NCC confirmed 103 attacks were attributable to the gang in the space of just 31 days Check Point said it observed 85 significantly outpacing Clop/Cl0p with 68 confirmed attacks, Akira with 43, and RansomHub with 41.Funksec uses standard double extortion techniques and appears to be somewhat indiscriminate in its targeting, with victims reported in France, India, Thailand and the United States among others, and in a range of sectors, including government, healthcare, manufacturing, media and technology.However, according to Check Point, many of its claims have been flagged as recycled, forged, or unverified, and there are significant questions about Funksecs credibility and capabilities. Its research team also suggested the gang may have links to Algeria, suggesting a blended financial-hacktivism motivation that sets it apart from other gangs.Regardless of the threat it poses, NCC said the gang was clearly versatile, and would be worth watching in 2025.The rise of new and aggressive actors, like Funksec, who have been at the forefront of these attacks is alarming and suggests a more turbulent threat landscape heading into 2025. If ransomware groups are becoming bolder and more advanced, we can expect more frequent and widespread attacks, putting every sector and region at risk, said Usher.Although statistics vary according to which of the many observers data one reads, there is little doubt that 2024 was a stand-out year for ransomware, even reckoning with successful takedowns against the likes of LockBit.Taking the year as a whole, analysts at ZeroFox said they saw a total of 4,950 ransomware and digital extortion incidents in 2024, up from about 4,000 in 2023. This figure represents mainly incidents in which victims did not pay or were still tied up in negotiations, suggesting the true number was, as always, much higher.ZeroFox said it identified 45 new ransomware gangs during 2024, with many of them spinning up quickly, establishing remarkably consistent operations, and becoming a genuine threat to businesses much faster than previously observed.It said the diversification of the community was very likely down to a combination of law enforcement actions freeing up individuals previously associated with LockBit and ALPHV/Black Cat, and the continued professionalisation of underground cyber criminal marketplaces and ransomware-as-a-service operations, meaning the ransomware economy is paying out more, and becoming more accessible to people who might otherwise not be drawn into cyber crime.Funksecs campaign aside, RansomHub in particular appears to have been the most prominent riser across the 12 month period, going from five attacks in February to 97 in November, representing about 10% of all observed incidents and carrying out 216 known attacks in Q4 alone.It said the gang was technically adept and quick to evolve its toolset, deploying new capabilities designed to foil endpoint detection and response (EDR) processes in August, and collaborating with other affiliate operatives.Read more about ransomwareA ban on ransomware payments by UK government departments will be extended to cover organisations such as local councils, schools and the NHS should new government proposals move forward.NCA-led Operation Destabilise disrupts Russian crime networks that funded the drugs and firearms trade in the UK, helped Russian oligarchs duck sanctions, and laundered money stolen from the NHS and others by ransomware gangs.An individual associated with the LockBit ransomware gang has broken cover to tease details of a new phase of the cyber criminal operation's activity, which they claim is set to begin in February 2025.

Though I mostly enjoy mowing my lawn, I can't say I always look forward to it. After getting a robot mower, what used to be quiet time with my mower has turned into quality active time with my kids, and I'll never complain about that. A robot mower functions like a robot vacuum and mop, with various sensors to navigate obstacles and stay within boundaries while cutting grass and a companion app for control.Also: This futuristic portable battery kept my home running during an outage. Here's howUnlike a robot vacuum, a robot mower uses a physical boundary, such as a buried wire along a perimeter, or a combination of GPS and LiDAR navigation aided by a satellite antenna to mow within a specified area autonomously. Because robot mowers are battery-powered, they're also a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered mowers. But all these features and differences can make choosing the right one for your yard difficult.What is the best robot mower right now?After testing some of the top robot mowers on the market, ZDNET's pick for the best robot mower overall is the Mammotion Luba 2. This all-wheel-drive robot lawn mower uses a virtual, GPS-powered boundary and can handle up to 80-degree slopes and mow up to 0.25 acres in one go, with options going up to 2.5 acres. Luba 2's GPS navigation system is so accurate that I fully trust it to mow my unfenced property line without burying boundary wires. But this isn't the only option or the best for all buyers. Read on to find ZDNET's top robot mower picks. Sort by All The best robot mowers of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon I've been testing the Mammotion Luba 2 3000 for about two months and have loved the freedom it's given me. It's not only the best GPS-powered mower I've tested, so accurate to its map that it mows precisely along my property line in my front, back, and side yards each time, but it's also the one I've found to deliver the most features in the app.The Mammotion Luba 2 has proven so accurate and reliable that I can easily send it out to mow my uneven, 0.3-acre yard and return to see a beautifully checkered yard upon my return. The Mammotion app lets you adjust mowing height and pattern, map out perimeters, and set up separate coverage areas. The robot mower's wide cutting width of 15.7 inches makes it more efficient than other models.Review: This robot mower looks like a racecar, but it mows a gorgeous lawnOther Luba 2 users agree, with one buyer remarking, "What sets this mower apart is not just its ease of setup, but also its outstanding performance and features. The intuitive interface made configuring zones a straightforward task, and I was impressed by its cutting precision and battery life. Additionally, the smart connectivity options add another layer of convenience to its functionality."The coolest thing about the Luba 2 is that there's a model for everyone. Ranging from a 0.25-acre capacity variant available for $2100 to a 2.5-acre model for $4100, you're not stuck paying a high-end price to mow a small yard.Mammotion Luba 2 Features:Price: $2,100-$4,100, depending on acreage |Cutting width:15.7 inches |Maximum cutting area:.25- to 2.5-acre models |Maximum slope:38 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G|Anti-theft:Alarm, 4G, GPS theft tracking Pros Anti-theft features Alexa-compatible Different models for every yard Cons Expensive, starting at $2,100 I've been testing the Mammotion Luba 2 3000 for about two months and have loved the freedom it's given me. It's not only the best GPS-powered mower I've tested, so accurate to its map that it mows precisely along my property line in my front, back, and side yards each time, but it's also the one I've found to deliver the most features in the app.The Mammotion Luba 2 has proven so accurate and reliable that I can easily send it out to mow my uneven, 0.3-acre yard and return to see a beautifully checkered yard upon my return. The Mammotion app lets you adjust mowing height and pattern, map out perimeters, and set up separate coverage areas. The robot mower's wide cutting width of 15.7 inches makes it more efficient than other models.Review: This robot mower looks like a racecar, but it mows a gorgeous lawnOther Luba 2 users agree, with one buyer remarking, "What sets this mower apart is not just its ease of setup, but also its outstanding performance and features. The intuitive interface made configuring zones a straightforward task, and I was impressed by its cutting precision and battery life. Additionally, the smart connectivity options add another layer of convenience to its functionality."The coolest thing about the Luba 2 is that there's a model for everyone. Ranging from a 0.25-acre capacity variant available for $2100 to a 2.5-acre model for $4100, you're not stuck paying a high-end price to mow a small yard.Mammotion Luba 2 Features:Price: $2,100-$4,100, depending on acreage |Cutting width:15.7 inches |Maximum cutting area:.25- to 2.5-acre models |Maximum slope:38 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G|Anti-theft:Alarm, 4G, GPS theft tracking Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Robot mowers are usually meant for small- and medium-sized lawns, but the Husqvarna 430X can handle lots up to almost a full acre. The 9.5-inch cutting deck features three blades that mulch clippings into ultra-fine pieces to re-feed your lawn between fertilizer applications.The large rear wheels enable the mower to handle up to 24-degree inclines. The spot-mow feature lets you quickly tackle small areas the 430X may have missed or may be growing faster than other sections of your lawn, while the spiral-mow mode provides a consistent cutting pattern. The Husqvarna 430X has a built-in alarm to alert you to would-be thieves that can only be disabled with a personalized PIN, with GPS theft tracking to boot.Husqvarna also offers interchangeable top covers to make it easier to see where your 430X is in your yard or to match the rest of your lawn and garden equipment.ZDNET's Beth Mauder tested the Husqvarna 430X for a year on her one-acre yard and said in her review that she was "thoroughly impressed... We never once had to manually mow our lawn this past year."Husqvarna 430X Features:Price: $2500|Cutting width:9.45 inches |Maximum cutting area:0.8 acres|Maximum slope:24 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, cellular|Anti-theft:Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking Pros GPS theft tracking Mows up to 0.8 acres Spiral cut and spot-mow modes Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility Cons Expensive Robot mowers are usually meant for small- and medium-sized lawns, but the Husqvarna 430X can handle lots up to almost a full acre. The 9.5-inch cutting deck features three blades that mulch clippings into ultra-fine pieces to re-feed your lawn between fertilizer applications.The large rear wheels enable the mower to handle up to 24-degree inclines. The spot-mow feature lets you quickly tackle small areas the 430X may have missed or may be growing faster than other sections of your lawn, while the spiral-mow mode provides a consistent cutting pattern. The Husqvarna 430X has a built-in alarm to alert you to would-be thieves that can only be disabled with a personalized PIN, with GPS theft tracking to boot.Husqvarna also offers interchangeable top covers to make it easier to see where your 430X is in your yard or to match the rest of your lawn and garden equipment.ZDNET's Beth Mauder tested the Husqvarna 430X for a year on her one-acre yard and said in her review that she was "thoroughly impressed... We never once had to manually mow our lawn this past year."Husqvarna 430X Features:Price: $2500|Cutting width:9.45 inches |Maximum cutting area:0.8 acres|Maximum slope:24 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, cellular|Anti-theft:Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Since robot mowers are a relatively new technology, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, the Mowro RM24 is one of the more affordable options on the market, with a price tag that sits comfortably under $450.The 9.5-inch cutting deck and 28V battery allow the RM24A to mow yards up to a quarter acre, while the large rear wheels help it tackle steeper hills and inclines. The brushless motor is quieter than gas mowers and many other battery-powered mowers, so you can enjoy your deck, patio, or backyard while the RM24A mows your lawn.This MowRo automatically mows every two days to keep a consistent cut across your lawn, programmed through a built-in timer. It even has rain sensors to let the mower know it's time to return to the docking station when storms roll in.Also: I pitted an AI-powered BBQ grill against a traditional $1,600 smoker. The winner was not so obviousThe RM24 robot mower includes 330 feet of perimeter wire and 150 boundary wire stakes, with extension kits available. It mows the lawn in random cutting patterns until it covers the intended area.One buyer says, "I was super excited to see a robotic lawn mower for such a low price -- at that price, I was willing to give it a go even if it didn't exactly operate perfectly. My expectations have been exceeded. The mower is random in its pattern but it seems to cover its area pretty well. I'm using all of the spec 1/4 acre and needed to purchase additional wire to cover the perimeter, but I'm glad to see the mower seems to keep up."MowRo RM24 Features:Price: $350|Cutting width:9.5 inches |Maximum cutting area:0.25 acres|Maximum slope:26 degrees |Connectivity:Built-in programming|Anti-theft:None Pros Rain sensors Quieter operation Affordable price Cons No companion app for scheduling No anti-theft system Since robot mowers are a relatively new technology, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, the Mowro RM24 is one of the more affordable options on the market, with a price tag that sits comfortably under $450.The 9.5-inch cutting deck and 28V battery allow the RM24A to mow yards up to a quarter acre, while the large rear wheels help it tackle steeper hills and inclines. The brushless motor is quieter than gas mowers and many other battery-powered mowers, so you can enjoy your deck, patio, or backyard while the RM24A mows your lawn.This MowRo automatically mows every two days to keep a consistent cut across your lawn, programmed through a built-in timer. It even has rain sensors to let the mower know it's time to return to the docking station when storms roll in.Also: I pitted an AI-powered BBQ grill against a traditional $1,600 smoker. The winner was not so obviousThe RM24 robot mower includes 330 feet of perimeter wire and 150 boundary wire stakes, with extension kits available. It mows the lawn in random cutting patterns until it covers the intended area.One buyer says, "I was super excited to see a robotic lawn mower for such a low price -- at that price, I was willing to give it a go even if it didn't exactly operate perfectly. My expectations have been exceeded. The mower is random in its pattern but it seems to cover its area pretty well. I'm using all of the spec 1/4 acre and needed to purchase additional wire to cover the perimeter, but I'm glad to see the mower seems to keep up."MowRo RM24 Features:Price: $350|Cutting width:9.5 inches |Maximum cutting area:0.25 acres|Maximum slope:26 degrees |Connectivity:Built-in programming|Anti-theft:None Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Husqvarna The Husqvarna Automower EPOS offers satellite connectivity, straying from traditional boundary wire installations. Using a reference station like the Mammotion Luba 2, the EPOS machine doesn't need wires laid to know where to mow and where its charging station is located. Instead, it uses an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) to do all of that.The map is adjustable and easily adapted to include landscaping changes as your lawn evolves.Featuring an almost 10-inch cutting width, the Automower EPOS can mow in various patterns, including neat rows or a crisscross design. With this machine, you don't have to give up your lawn style for simplicity. Everything is controlled through an app, delivering a hands-free experience.You'll often forget it even exists once you set a schedule for your robot mower. At night, you can rest assured that the Automower comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm that is only disabled with the personal PIN you create.ZDNET's Beth Mauder tested the 2.5-acre model, saying "The cost might seem steep up front, but it will pay off in the end. As someone who invests heavily in items and services that buy back my time, this automower is no exception. My husband and I both have gotten our weekends back -- another hour or two every week we can spend making memories rather than being stuck working."Husqvarna Automower EPOS features:Price: $3,300-$5,900|Cutting width:9.5 inches |Maximum cutting area:1.25-2.5 acre models |Maximum slope:45 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi|Anti-theft:Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking Pros Anti-theft alarm GPS tracking App for scheduling and maintenance Cons Expensive The Husqvarna Automower EPOS offers satellite connectivity, straying from traditional boundary wire installations. Using a reference station like the Mammotion Luba 2, the EPOS machine doesn't need wires laid to know where to mow and where its charging station is located. Instead, it uses an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) to do all of that.The map is adjustable and easily adapted to include landscaping changes as your lawn evolves.Featuring an almost 10-inch cutting width, the Automower EPOS can mow in various patterns, including neat rows or a crisscross design. With this machine, you don't have to give up your lawn style for simplicity. Everything is controlled through an app, delivering a hands-free experience.You'll often forget it even exists once you set a schedule for your robot mower. At night, you can rest assured that the Automower comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm that is only disabled with the personal PIN you create.ZDNET's Beth Mauder tested the 2.5-acre model, saying "The cost might seem steep up front, but it will pay off in the end. As someone who invests heavily in items and services that buy back my time, this automower is no exception. My husband and I both have gotten our weekends back -- another hour or two every week we can spend making memories rather than being stuck working."Husqvarna Automower EPOS features:Price: $3,300-$5,900|Cutting width:9.5 inches |Maximum cutting area:1.25-2.5 acre models |Maximum slope:45 degrees |Connectivity:Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi|Anti-theft:Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best robot mower? Based on ZDNET's hands-on testing, the best robot mower is the Mammotion Luba 2, thanks to its excellent ability to mow small and large yards, how accurate it is at mowing within the mapped area, its theft tracking measures, and its AWD capacity that enables it to navigate slopes of up to 38 degrees.But this doesn't make the Luba 2 the best option for anyone looking for a robot mower. Here's how our top picks stack up:Best robot mowerZDNET's takePriceCutting heightCoverage areaMax slopeNavigationMammotion Luba 2Best robot mower overall$2100+1-2.7" & 2.2-4"0.25-2.5 acres38 degreesGPSHusqvarna 430XBest wired boundary$2,5000.8-2.4"0.8 acres24 degreesWire boundaryMowRo RM24Best for a budget$3500.8-2.4"0.15 acres26 degreesWire boundaryHusqvarna 450XH EPOSBest for large yards$3300-$59002-3.6"2.5 acres24 degreesGPS Show more Which is the right robot mower for you? When you've finalized a budget for a new robot mower, double-check your lot's size to narrow your search further. Different models have different runtimes, cutting deck widths, and varying amounts of included guidewires, so you'll have to thoroughly compare each model you're interested in to find the best match for your lawn.Choose this robot mower...If you want...Mammotion Luba 2A reliable mower for your uneven yard. Accurate enough to mow without straying, the Luba 2 also features AWD.Husqvarna 430XAn excellent robot mower with a wire boundary installation, especially if you don't want to risk your mower stepping out of your property line.MowRo RM24Are willing to forgo some smart features in favor of an affordable robot mower option that retails for $350, which is about the same as a self-propelled push mower.Husqvarna 450XH EPOSA robot lawn mower that can tackle yards up to 2.5 acres and doesn't need boundary or guide wires to get the job done. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a robot mower: Several factors should be considered when choosing a robot mower. These will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you're investing in a worthwhile one.Here's what to consider:Lawn size: Robot mowers are only as good as their capacity, which means the size of your lawn greatly impacts which model you should choose. Different variations are available, so you don't end up paying too much for a higher capacity if you have a small lawn or buying one that needs to recharge multiple times to finish just one side of your yard. Consider your acreage before settling on a model, and choose a robot mower capable of covering it.Obstacles: A robot mower's navigation, like a robot vacuum, is governed by the sensors and cameras it has to avoid getting too close to obstacles. Some robot mowers don't do well if you have unfenced garden beds or pools, or they may require wires along each obstacle to keep it safe, which you should factor into the initial expense.Terrain: Your yard's terrain should also be considered when shopping for a robot mower, especially if it has many slopes. If applicable, choose a mower to tackle your yard's incline since many struggle on uneven ground.Perimeter & installation: Robot mowers have different navigation types, including GPS and perimeter limitations. If you're okay installing a boundary wire and don't want mapping issues, you're likely better off with a wired installation. GPS installations are far easier, less time-consuming, and won't break your back or the bank, but they can be less reliable than boundary wire.Cutting height: It's not bad to be picky about your lawn; robot mower manufacturers know this. Many homeowners prefer a high cutting height, while others mow as low as it will get them more time between cuttings. The grass type can also be finicky with different cutting heights, so choosing a robot with an appropriate cutting height range and preference for your grass is important.Cutting width: A narrow cutting width typically lets the robot mower navigate tight spaces and paths more easily, but this means the robot mower may take too long to mow larger lawns. In contrast, a larger cutting width reduces the time it takes to mow large areas.Maintenance: Consider how important upkeep is to you and how much time you will dedicate. Most robot mowers feature small blades that spin rapidly to cut grass, but they become dull much quicker than standard blades, requiring replacement every month. They also require periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency, especially when the yard is muddy. Show more How we test robot mowers To determine the best robot mowers, ZDNET did hands-on testing and research into the top models on the market and considered all the factors before purchasing a mower.Here's what we evaluate when testing robot mowers:Maximum capacity:Robot mowers run on an integrated, rechargeable battery. This means that they may be best suited for lawns of a certain size. Make sure to double-check your robot mower's intended yard size before purchasing.Lawn complexity navigation: You should consider your terrain and lawn shape, including the number of obstacles and slopes. This will determine whether you can choose a simple model or one with better maneuverability.Cutting width:Due to their construction, robot mowers have much smaller cutting decks than their riding and even push mower counterparts. However, some models have 18- or 20-inch cutting decks, making them efficient choices for larger suburban lawns.Controls:Many robot mowers use a mobile app to set schedules, send maintenance reminders, and display information like battery life.Price: Because the technology is fairly new, robot mowers are expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. We considered what you get for the price tag and included a budget option. Show more FAQs on robot mowers What is a robot mower? A robot mower is an autonomous lawnmower that can cut grass and navigate yards with minimal human intervention. Robot mowers typically navigate over a designated area using a combination of sensors, cameras, boundary wires, and GPS to mow efficiently. Show more How do you prevent a robot mower from being stolen? Some of the most advanced robot mowers on the market include built-in security features, like PIN code protection, alarm systems that activate when the robot is lifted, geofencing capabilities to alert when a mower leaves a designated area, and a cellular connection to locate a stolen mower. Though many robot mowers feature a slew of anti-theft measures, these sometimes aren't enough to appease owners, especially after making such a big investment on a device that sits outside. Owners can take some measures into their own hands to protect their robot mowers, like:Place the charging station in a discreet area that is out of sight of public areas.Anchor the station to the ground or to a fixed structure.Use security cameras to surveil the area around your robot mower and charging station. Visible security cameras can deter would-be intruders. Show more How often should I run my robot mower? Robot mowers run more often than traditional lawn mowers, depending on the grass growth rate, desired lawn appearance, and seasonal changes. Robot mowers have an array of small blades that mulch grass clippings into small pieces that can return to the soil to fertilize it as it decomposes since they don't pick up grass clippings in their wake.They're still capable of maintaining a manicured lawn, but they may require running a couple of times a week rather than once a week. My robot mowers typically run on a schedule, so I don't have to worry about the lawn and can always walk out to a checkered or striped lawn. Show more Do robot mowers run on hills? If you have hilly terrain, check how the robot mower you're interested in can handle slopes and uneven areas before purchasing it. Many robot mowers, like the AWD Mammotion Luba 2, are designed to handle hills and slopes.Check the maximum slope gradient in the device's specifications when shopping for a robot mower. Most models can manage between 20% and 80% slopes, considering that a 100% slope is a 45-degree incline; this translates into 11-38 degrees. Show more Other robot mowers worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

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What are the main alternatives to TikTok? Here are the pros and cons of each when considering data ... [+] privacy.Getty ImagesIt looked like the TikTok ban was imminent, but then it wasnt. President Donald Trump has opted not to enforce the law banning TikTok nationwide for 75 days to allow its China-based owner ByteDance more time to sell a stake in the platform or reach a deal.But many TikTok users have already flocked to apps such as the Chinese platform RedNote in anger at the U.S. ban. They say they would rather give their data to another Chinese app than gift it to U.S. based companies such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.So, with the TikTok ban still close Apple and Google havent added the app back into app stores what are the main alternatives? Here are the pros and cons of each when considering data privacy.RedNoteRedNote is a China-owned platform that includes video shorts as well as community-based chatting.VCG via Getty ImagesMORE FOR YOUPros: RedNote is a China-owned platform that includes video shorts as well as community-based chatting. Among the benefits, RedNote is a fresh app for those who are tired of Meta or others and allows cross cultural sharing content, says Laura Franklin-Hollier, digital director at MikeWorldWide.With a more streamlined focus on music and video content, RedNote can feel less cluttered or overwhelming compared to TikTok, which has a broader scope of content, says Megan Boyle, head of social media at TAL Agency.Cons: RedNotes user base is still growing, so it doesnt currently have the same reach or community as TikTok, says Boyle.RedNote's rising popularity masks significant privacy concerns, says Angus Allan, senior product manager at CreateFuture. As a combined social media and ecommerce platform, it aggressively collects sensitive user data, all stored exclusively within China. This includes personal identifiers, biometric data, financial information, location data, address book contacts, and detailed demographic information.While Rednote offers an alternative to TikTok, its security profile has been under-explored by the information security community, says Dray Agha, senior manager of security operations at Huntress.Security researcher Matt Brown, who performed an initial audit of the Android app, found some communications are sent via HTTP, so are unencrypted. This included the download of images and videos into the app, so could represent a serious privacy issue for the apps users, says Matt Aldridge, senior principal solutions consultant at OpenText Cybersecurity.Lemon8Lemon8 is also owned by ByteDance, so could face a similar ban.CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesPros: Lemon8s use of longer captions greatly appeals to niche communities and people who care about storytelling, not just scrolling, says Sam Budd, CEO and founder, Buddy Media.Lemon8 has a more polished and aesthetically pleasing nature, encouraging its users to curate high-quality content, says says Boyle. Users have far greater control over how their feed looks and can aim for a specific aesthetic or style, which isnt always possible in TikToks fast-paced video culture.While still small compared to TikTok, Lemon8 is growing steadily, especially in the lifestyle influencer space, says says Boyle. With more time, it could develop into a strong community for those interested in these specific content categories.Cons: Lemon8, despite its popularity, faces similar scrutiny as it's owned by ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. It likely falls under the same U.S. legislation ordering Chinese divestment, potentially making it a short-lived option for American users, says Allan.Lemon8 is an interesting alternative, especially for creators who thrive in visually rich spaces. But to leverage its opportunity, it needs to prioritise creator earning potential and build trust on privacy, says Budd. Without that, its niche appeal may not be enough to stand out.InstagramPros: The growth of Reels and release of Edits offer a TikTok-like experience, with many of the same creators already active. Features such as private teen accounts, Family Center, and Meta Verified bolster its reputation as a safer option than TikTok, says Laura Di Simone, head of social, Freuds Group.Cons: Instagram Shopping lacks the advanced functionality of TikTok, in-app content editing tools are limited, and legacy user behaviour often results in overly polished content, says Di Simone.At the same time, Instgram is owned by Mark Zuckerbergs Meta. Its connected to Facebook, which is not exactly known for protecting users' privacy, says Chris Hauk, consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy.BlueSkyPros: For users relying on TikTok for news, BlueSky offers access to global journalists from established outlets, a growing international community, and a user experience reminiscent of Xs early days, says Di Simone.BlueSky benefits from enabling users to share short written posts, images and feeds, in effect combining the delivery of X, Instagram and TikTok, says Eulogys director of social, Adam Bewley. Additionally, to promote a positive space, the platform allows users to control the content they see by creating their own feeds or selecting from pre-defined feeds.Cons: Safety features remain underdeveloped, says Di Simone. This is making harmful or adult content easily accessible. The platform is still small compared to TikTok and content is US-skewed user base (around 50%) limiting its global reach.The platform must continually improve its algorithm to limit the reach and sharing of harmful content, says Bewley. With user controlled feeds, the ability to maintain a positive content stream and limit misinformation or destructive content is particularly important as the platform could quickly deliver damaging echo chambers for users that find and consume dangerous content.YouTube ShortsPros: YouTube provides creators with more flexibility by supporting short-form content through YouTube Shorts and traditional long-form videos. This dual format can attract a diverse audience and allows creators to experiment with different styles and lengths of content, says Dr Alessia Paccagnini, associate professor from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.Additionally, YouTube offers robust and more concrete monetisation opportunities, including ad revenue, memberships, and merch integrations, making it a strong choice for creators seeking sustainable income.Cons: Unlike TikToks algorithm, which is designed to rapidly promote new creators, YouTubes platform often favors established channels, making it harder for newcomers to gain visibility, says Paccagnini. The expectations for production quality on YouTube are generally higher, requiring more time and resources compared to the spontaneous, low-effort nature of TikTok videos.Google is also known to collect vast amounts of user data, given that its business model is based on advertising.TikTok Alternatives The Bottom LineMost users will find Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and even apps like BlueSky more immediately familiar and accessible, says Allan. While RedNote and other Chinese alternatives boast sophisticated recommendation algorithms, they present significant usability challenges for Western users.However, there's an uncomfortable truth to face, says Allan. Despite better privacy protections, these platforms simply don't match TikTok's addictive user experience. YouTube Shorts feels clunky and bolted-on compared to TikTok's seamless interface, while Instagram Reels, despite Meta's massive investment, can't replicate TikTok's eerily accurate content recommendations.Even so, when seeking an alternative to TikTok, Allan recommends considering platforms with established privacy frameworks and more transparent data practices. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, despite not matching TikTok's algorithmic prowess, offer a safer long-term option operating under well-understood data protection laws.For those particularly concerned about privacy, BlueSky's decentralised approach and user-first design philosophy make it an especially compelling choice, he adds.Although TikTok alternatives like RedNote are under the microscope for their ties to Chinese data laws, lets not forget that Western platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube also harvest massive amounts of personal information, says Ray Walsh, digital privacy Expert at Comparitech.Ultimately, what really matters is smart online hygiene, he says. In other words, limiting the data you share, locking down your privacy settings, and being mindful about what you post. No matter the platform, youre still handing over a digital treasure trove to someone.Its down to you to choose who you are prepared to give your data to if anyone. Whichever TikTik alternative you decide on, it is possible to protect your privacy to an extent. Check in app stores for the data each service collects and be careful of the information you share, ensuring you use strong credentials and multi-factor authentication to keep your account safe.