Windows 10 is reaching end-of-life next month, which means Microsoft will no longer issue patches and no longer provide functional enhancements for free.
Those organisations that have yet to migrate PCs off Windows 10 face a hefty bill if they want to continue to receive Windows 10 patches. But this is not something that can be kept in place long term, which means IT leaders must now shift their entire PC estate onto the next version of Windows.
There may have been many good reasons not to upgrade Windows 10, but IT leaders are being urged to prioritise the upgrade, as unpatched Windows 10 machines are likely to be targeted by cyber criminals.
Analysis from Nexthink estimates that custom support to continue running Windows 10 could collectively cost organisations billions of dollars. According to Nexthink analysis of customer endpoints, there has been a 33% decrease in Windows 10 devices between 19 May and 1 August. Assuming a further 33% reduction by the 14 October, that would leave around 121 million Windows 10 PCs. At $61 per device for the first year of custom support, organisations could collectively be facing a bill of just more than $7.3bn.
While Windows 11 has been available since October 2021, many organisations have been slow to adopt it. Operating system upgrades are often aligned to a refresh of PC hardware, so when a PC is replaced, the new machine will have Windows 11.
With support for Windows 10 ending on 14 October, those organisations that have yet to migrate their PC estate fully over to Windows 11 will no longer receive operating system patches and updates unless they buy Microsoft Extended Support (ESU).
Microsoft had previously promised that Windows 10 would be the latest major Windows upgrade. Ranjt Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner, said: “I remember when Windows 10 came out after Windows 7, and I’m sure Microsoft said it was going to be the last big upgrade.”
At the time, people believed there would be no Windows 11, but then Microsoft released a major new version of the Windows operating system and so support for Windows 10 is ending. As Atwal points out, the 14 October end-of life-date for Windows 10 essentially means that there will be no further security updates issued for Windows 10.
“There’ll be no more bug fixes or performance enhancements,” he warned. Businesses can buy an ESU, but Atwal expects that only a small number of organisations will pay for this, to provide a “support” bridge enabling them to continue to receive support from Microsoft when they complete the migration away from Windows 10.
Among the questions people will often ask is why is there a need to upgrade the operating system, especially if they are not planning to run any new applications or buy new peripherals that only run on the newest version of Windows. Atwal said: “There’s so much legacy software and peripherals that are supported through the Windows operating system that at some point it all becomes too much in terms of the size code being supported.”
Microsoft puts in a place a mechanism that effectively limits which applications and device driver software is able to run. The Secure Boot feature is enabled by default in Windows 11, but is optional on Windows 10, which means older pieces of software and device drivers that need to be digitally signed cannot be installed on the newer operating system.
Adoption of AI PCs
Removing support for older hardware also allows Microsoft to offer new capabilities such as the AI features now being built into Copilot+ PCs, conversational AI which offer a different way to interact with the device. In terms of introducing new features and the functionality, Atwal notes that it is an easier step for Microsoft to make to add these into Windows 11 rather than introduce them as updates for Windows 10.
Gartner forecasts that by 2026, over half (55%) of PCs sold will be AI PCs. “AI PCs are reshaping the market, but their adoption in 2025 is slowing because of tariffs and pauses in PC buying caused by market uncertainty,” said Atwal.
Tim Flower, digital employee strategist at Nexthink, added: “Moving from one operating system to another shouldn’t feel like a disruption, it should be an opportunity to improve how employees work every day. That means understanding how devices and applications perform before the migration, anticipating issues and problems, and taking steps to ensure migrations and upgrades run smoothly. The goal is to avoid productivity being interrupted by an IT event, and help organisations to see clear benefits from their investment.”
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Picus Security, the leading security validation company, has been named a winner in SiliconANGLE’s 2025 TechForward Awards in the Security Validation Category.
Boasting 100% year-over-year growth for two consecutive years, Picus Security is the only platform to unify exposure data into a validated risk score using its Exposure Score, a breakthrough security data fabric that combines attack simulations with contextual risk intelligence. Unlike theoretical models such as CVSS or EPSS, Picus combines attack simulations with contextual risk intelligence to test real-world exploits against live controls. This approach provides environment-specific, actionable insights and helps organizations focus on what truly matters. By replacing speculation with proof, the Picus Exposure Score enables teams to confidently deprioritize CVEs that do not pose real risk, maximizing the effectiveness of their security investments.
“We are proud to be recognized by SiliconANGLE for validating risk with real evidence rather than theory,” said H. Alper Memiş, co-founder and CEO of Picus Security. “By helping security teams cut through noise, reduce patch backlogs, and focus on the threats that truly matter, this award underscores our commitment to delivering clearer visibility, faster response and stronger security outcomes for our customers.”
The TechForward Awards recognize the technologies and solutions driving business forward. As the trusted voice of enterprise and emerging tech, SiliconANGLE applies a rigorous editorial lens to highlight innovations reshaping how businesses operate in our rapidly changing landscape. This awards program honors both established enterprise solutions and breakthrough technologies defining the future of business, spanning AI innovation, security excellence, cloud transformation, data platform evolution and more. Picus Security was selected from a competitive field of nominees by a panel of industry experts and technology leaders.
“These winners represent the most impressive achievements emerging from today’s fiercely competitive tech landscape, embodying the relentless drive and visionary thinking that pushes entire industries forward,” said John Furrier, co-founder and co-CEO of SiliconANGLE Media. “These are the solutions that business leaders trust to solve their most critical challenges. They’re not just products, they’re competitive advantages.”
For more information, visit https://siliconangle.com/awards/.
About Picus Security Picus Security, the leading security validation company, gives organizations a clear picture of their cyber risk based on business context. Picus transforms security practices by correlating, prioritizing and validating exposures across siloed findings so teams can focus on critical gaps and high-impact fixes. With Picus, security teams can quickly take action with one-click mitigations to stop more threats with less effort. Offering Adversarial Exposure Validation with Breach and Attack Simulation and Automated Penetration Testing, working together for greater outcomes, Picus delivers award-winning, threat-centric technology that allows teams to pinpoint fixes worth pursuing.
Follow Picus Security on X and LinkedIn.
About SiliconANGLE Media SiliconANGLE Media is a recognized leader in digital media innovation, bringing together cutting-edge technology, influential content, strategic insights and real-time audience engagement. As the parent company of SiliconANGLE, theCUBE Network, theCUBE Research, CUBE365, theCUBE AI and theCUBE SuperStudios — such as those established in Silicon Valley and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) — SiliconANGLE Media transforms the way technology companies connect with their target markets. Founded by tech visionaries John Furrier and Dave Vellante, SiliconANGLE Media has built a powerful ecosystem of industry-leading digital media brands, with a reach of 10+ million elite tech professionals, 4+ million SiliconANGLE readers and 250,000+ social media subscribers. The company’s new, proprietary theCUBE AI LLM is breaking ground in audience interaction, leveraging CUBE365’s neural network to help technology companies make data-driven decisions and stay at the forefront of industry conversations.
Media Contact Jennifer Tanner Look Left Marketing picus@lookleftmarketing.com
Have you ever wanted Windows 11 to automatically switch between light and dark modes based on a schedule, or help you find keyboard shortcut conflicts? Well, Microsoft is about to solve both of these missing Windows features with PowerToys.
The latest 0.94 release of PowerToys, the useful addons for Windows power users, includes a new shortcut conflicts feature that can detect what shortcuts are currently in use by Windows or PowerToys modules. There are so many PowerToys to choose from now that it’s easy to create a conflict and have two things happen at once when you activate a keyboard shortcut. Any conflicts will be highlighted in red in this conflicts tool, so you can reassign them quickly.
Microsoft is also working on addressing another big missing Windows 11 feature with a PowerToy module. “We are planning some nice new features and improvements for next month – a revamped Keyboard Manager UI, and a new utility that can automatically switch between light and dark mode based on your schedule,” says Niels Laute, a senior product manager at Microsoft.
While you can manually enable light or dark modes in Windows 11, there’s no way to schedule these automatically based on your schedule or on sunrise and sunset times. It’s a basic feature that’s been part of iOS and Android for years, and I’m surprised Microsoft has had to create a PowerToy for this instead of this being natively part of Windows 11. Either way, it’s arriving next month so if you like to switch between themes on Windows 11 then you won’t have to do it manually anymore.
If you haven’t checked out PowerToys before there are plenty of other useful utilities like Advanced Paste, Always on Top, FancyZones, and the new Spotlight-like Command Palette launcher app. You can download the latest PowerToys release over on Microsoft’s GitHub page.
SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royal Restrooms, a leader in luxury portable restroom and shower trailers, is sounding the alarm after Google Business Profile (GBP) suspension have effectively erased the 20 plus year old company from Maps and Local Search.
“For over two decades, we’ve helped brides, festivals, businesses and disaster response teams raise the standard of sanitation in America,” said David Sauers, Co-Founder of Royal Restrooms. “But today, an algorithm can decide we don’t exist. An AI in California or a contractor overseas can suspend us, and there’s no human to call. That’s not marketing. That’s access to the public square being controlled by one company.”
A Company Built on Innovation and Dignity, Now Invisible Online
Founded in 2004, Royal Restrooms set out to change the industry standard for portable toilets by introducing fully functioning restroom trailers with flushing toilets, running water, climate control, and ADA accessibility. What began as a better alternative to the dreaded plastic porta-potty became an industry shift. Brides booked them for weddings, festivals upgraded the guest experience, and they were first deployed with emergency response efforts during Hurricane Katrina. Today, what was once a novelty has become an expectation, when people gather, they deserve real bathrooms. Since then, the company has expanded nationwide, serving weddings, festivals, and emergency operations in over 16 states.
https://www.royalrestrooms.com
But today, despite thousands of positive Google reviews and a spotless reputation, Royal Restrooms’ local business listings have been suspended, flagged as “deceptive.” The reason: Google only recognizes the outdated category “Portable Toilet Service.”
“We don’t provide plastic porta-potties. We provide luxury restroom trailers, ADA units, and mobile showers. But because we don’t fit the old box, we’re punished for innovating,” said Sauers. “Couples can’t find us, festivals assume we’re closed, and emergency managers only see porta-potties when searching ‘mobile restrooms or showers.’ That isn’t just bad for us. It’s bad for communities.”
The Bigger Problem: One Company, No Accountability
Independent research shows 72–75% of consumers use Google to find local business information. When a listing vanishes, so do the calls.
This is not just about bathrooms. Photographers, boutique gyms, food trucks, mobile bartenders, and wedding vendors have all reported similar suspensions. Entire industries risk invisibility when Google’s categories don’t evolve.
“Imagine a bakery suspended because a customer didn’t get a gluten-free cake. That’s how arbitrary this feels,” said Sauers. “We’re in ‘Google jail’ with no bail, no phone call, and no explanation.”
What Needs to Change
Royal Restrooms is urging Google to make four common-sense reforms:
Modernize categories: Add “Restroom Trailer Rental,” “ADA Restroom Trailer,” and “Mobile Shower Trailer” to distinguish services beyond “Portable Toilet Supplier.”
Require human review before suspension: No business should be erased by an algorithm without at least one human check. People’s livelihoods are affected.
Create a fast-track appeals process: Verified multi-location businesses need timely reinstatement and limited phone support.
Clarify standards: Provide transparent evidence checklists and reasons for denials, not vague notices to “review guidelines.”
Human Impact, Not Just SEO
When a bride can’t find us on Maps, she assumes we’ve gone out of business.
When a festival producer doesn’t see verified vendors, they delay or cancel contracts.
When an emergency manager searches for “mobile showers” and only finds porta-potties, disaster victims are left standing in the wrong line.
“This is about innovation being punished by outdated categories,” said Sauers. “If Google really wants to provide relevant results, then recognizing industries of 2025, not 2005 is a no-brainer. Google wants the most relevant information from us as businesses, but they do not conform to the same standard.”
A Call to Peers and Policymakers
Royal Restrooms is inviting other business owners who have faced suspensions or category mismatches to speak out.
“We hope reporters, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs see this isn’t an isolated incident,” Sauers added. “If it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone. Our cry for help is really a cry for accountability.”
About Royal Restrooms:
Since 2004, Royal Restrooms has been the premier provider of mobile restrooms and shower trailers for weddings, festivals, and emergency response. With office locations in 16 states and the ability to serve nationwide, Royal Restrooms has set the standard for sanitation with its “Regal Portable Restroom Experience.”
Media Contact:
David Sauers
Co-Founder & CEO, Royal Restrooms Management
dsauers@royalrestrooms.com | 800.969.7434
www.RoyalRestrooms.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49cd242d-d033-4d1d-bdad-ce836779ec95
You can read more about the methods and early evaluation results in this paper on arxiv, written in collaboration with researchers from Yale and Microsoft.
Every day, clinicians make decisions without knowing exactly what will happen next.
A patient presents with abdominal pain, and the clinician needs to decide whether the patient should be admitted, sent home, or referred for further imaging.
A hospitalized patient is improving, but will an early discharge result in them being readmitted in the next few days?
These kinds of questions are central to clinical workflows but can be clouded by uncertainty.
Comet, built on Epic Cosmos, simulates likely paths in a patient’s health journey to help care teams plan accordingly. It is trained on a subset of Cosmos data, validated on key use cases, and designed to improve as more data and additional data types are included.
What Comet Is and How It Works
Comet models are trained on sequences of time-ordered medical events, including diagnoses, labs, medications, and encounters, spanning millions of de-identified patient records and more than 100 billion data points.
Using the same core technology as today’s large language models, Comet learns how clinical patterns evolve over time. When given a patient’s current state, it generates a number of plausible future timelines that reflect real-world complexity: diagnoses resolving or emerging, complications arising, and care needs shifting.
These simulations from Comet will be summarized into insights and presented to clinicians in workflows to provide a quantitative, data-driven view of what is likely to happen next, helping care teams anticipate and act.
Designed for Security
Comet is built entirely within Epic Cosmos, a secure, collaborative data platform designed for large-scale health research and innovation. Cosmos uses de-identified patient data and operates under rigorous privacy, security, and compliance standards. Because Cosmos is updated as care is delivered, the data powering Comet reflects evolving clinical practices and emerging trends across diverse health systems.
Operating within this governed environment, Comet can surface insights to participating health systems without compromising patient privacy. The platform’s architecture enables shared learning across the network while preserving privacy and security. Comet will undergo case-by-case evaluation to ensure performance is appropriate for specific workflows before being integrated into daily use.
For Patients, Clinicians, and Health Systems
Comet will be able to simulate a patient’s likely future trajectory and summarize key insights, such as extended hospitalization, 30-day readmission, ASCVD risk, or emergence of conditions like pancreatic cancer. In 78 early evaluations, Comet outperformed the majority of single-task models, with more that had similar performance. As more data types are incorporated and the model scales, performance will continue to improve, enabling even more precise and actionable insights across care settings.
Starting in February 2026, researchers from Cosmos participating organizations will be able to explore Comet in a virtual lab to test new use cases and help advance its clinical relevance.
And this is only the beginning. As simulation-based insights become part of everyday healthcare, they open the door to a new kind of care planning: anticipatory rather than reactive, personalized rather than generalized, and data-informed at every level. From use in the emergency department to case management, the future of clinical decision-making is not about finding a single answer; it is about understanding the range of what is possible and being ready for all of it, allowing teams to plan with greater confidence, distribute resources more effectively, and, ultimately, improve the lives of the patients they serve.
No matter how advanced a feature may be, its value is limited if it isn’t accessible to everyone. That’s why accessibility lies at the heart of true technological innovation. Guided by its vision of “Creating Better Pathways for All,” Samsung Electronics has consistently worked to deliver more inclusive products and services.
This philosophy is reflected even more strongly in One UI 8, launched alongside the latest Galaxy Z series. The update enhances hearing accessibility features, enabling smoother communication even in challenging listening environments.
To learn more about how these improvements came to life, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Soohyun Lee from Experience Planning Group1 of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, along with Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim, who collaborated with Lee to bring more accessibility features to One UI 8.
▲ (From left) Wansu Kim and Hajung Kim with Soohyun Lee
Real Voices, Real Change: Samsung Supporters Inspire Inclusive Features
The hearing accessibility features in One UI 8 draw on the real-life experiences and feedback of Samsung Supporters. Currently active in Korea and the United Kingdom, the Samsung Supporters program invites users with diverse accessibility needs — including vision, hearing and mobility — to propose accessibility-related ideas directly to Samsung. It played a key role in developing the new hearing accessibility features in One UI 8, with Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim, both of whom are hard of hearing, contributing their experiences and ideas.
“We listen closely to the valuable feedback from our Supporters about inconveniences and other challenges that traditional desk research might overlook,” explained Lee, who manages the Samsung Supporters program. “We then incorporate those insights to improve our products and services.”
“We communicate with the Supporters in real time on a daily basis, while also conducting online surveys and in-depth offline interviews to carefully analyze issues and review solutions,” she continued. “Samsung Supporters are part of the entire process — from planning to testing and refinement.”
▲ Soohyun Lee from Experience Planning Group1 of the MX Business
Features directly proposed by Samsung Supporters — such as Interpreter using keyboard and Real-Time Text calls — were brought to life in One UI 8. “After experiencing Galaxy products firsthand as a hard-of-hearing user, I suggested specific improvements regarding certain features,” said Wansu Kim, an international sign language educator. “Knowing that even a small change can make someone’s daily life much more convenient, I focused on ideas that people would truly need and be able to use with ease.”
Content creator and writer Hajung Kim collaborated with Wansu Kim to produce a video introducing One UI 8’s hearing accessibility features. “We wanted the changes we suggested to seamlessly blend into the everyday lives of more people, so I planned the video from the perspective of a real user,” said Hajung Kim with pride.
▲ (From left) Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim use the new accessibility features applied to One UI 8.
‘Breaking Language Barriers With a Keyboard’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ①: Interpreter Using Keyboard
Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy AI’s translation capabilities have already proven to be a reliable companion for overcoming language barriers. However, its voice-based format had limitations in certain situations — for example, when the speaker’s pronunciation was unclear or when the surrounding environment was noisy.
With One UI 8, Samsung enhanced Interpreter1 in a way that helps users communicate more naturally across languages through text typed on the keyboard. When a user types a sentence in their own language, the device instantly generates a real-time translation2 in both text and speech. The screen then displays two sections — one showing the user’s original text and the other the translation for their conversation partner — enabling smooth two-way communication.
▲ Soohyun Lee introduces the Interpreter using keyboard feature.
“Our focus was on creating a seamless, uninterrupted conversation experience,” said Lee. “To reflect real usage patterns and refine the feature, we made typed sentences remain visible even after translation for easy editing and added an option to quickly delete the entire sentence with just one tap when users want to start a new one.”
▲ Wansu Kim demonstrates the Interpreter using keyboard feature.
“I love traveling with my family, but since both my parents and I are hard of hearing, communication has always been a big challenge — especially when traveling abroad,” said Wansu Kim. “On a recent trip, Interpreter using keyboard allowed me to converse freely with people using different languages, making everything so much easier. Now, I can solely focus on the excitement of traveling without concerns about language barriers.”
“Elevators were originally designed for wheelchair users, but today everyone benefits from them,” he added. “In the same way, Interpreter using keyboard can be used by anyone in situations where it’s difficult to talk. Accessibility isn’t only for people with physical limitations — it’s an opportunity for everyone.”
‘Don’t Miss a Word During a Call’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ②: Real-Time Call Captions
For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants, phone calls can still cause anxiety. It’s easy to miss parts of the conversation and difficult to jot down important details while talking. To ease this burden, One UI 8 introduces Real-Time Call Captions.3
By tapping the speech bubble icon on the right side of the call screen, the speech of both the caller and receiver are transcribed and displayed in real time. “I used to feel nervous whenever I needed to make a hospital appointment or talk with a bank representative on the phone because it was so important to understand every detail,” said Hajung Kim. “Now, with captions, I can instantly catch any words or sentences I might have missed, which makes me feel much more at ease. It’s not just a tool that converts voice into text — it’s a safety net that helps me follow the conversation and communicate more freely.”
▲ Hajung Kim uses the Real-Time Call Captions feature during a phone call.
The feature assists users during everyday phone calls with friends and family as well. “Before, I often had to ask my grandparents to repeat themselves because I couldn’t clearly understand their pronunciation,” Hajung Kim said. “I often worried that going through this process again and again would tire them out, especially during longer calls. But with Real-Time Call Captions, I can now read my grandmother’s words on the screen instantly, allowing the conversation to flow without interruption.”
“A short phone call can brighten an entire day, making this feature truly invaluable to my family,” she added.
‘Instant Conversations, No Waiting Required’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ③: Real-Time Text Calls
The accessibility feature Wansu Kim uses most frequently is Real-Time Text calls,4 which allows users to communicate in text during a call, as though they’re exchanging messages. In earlier versions, the text of the other person’s speech appeared only after they finished speaking. This was particularly inconvenient during automated response system (ARS) calls with banks, telecommunications providers or credit card companies, when the input time often expired before users could read the instructions on their screens.
Now with One UI 8, however, Real-Time Text calls display text the moment the other person begins speaking, allowing users to follow along and prepare responses without delay. “Even during personal calls, being able to see what the other person is saying in real time makes me feel much closer to them,” said Wansu Kim.
▲ Wansu Kim uses the Real-Time Text calls feature during a phone call.
“In the past, there were always slight pauses during text calls with the Supporters — it sometimes felt like playing a game of guessing each other’s timing,” Lee said. “Those experiences showed us that timing is the most crucial part of a phone call. By making text appear in real time — without waiting for the other person to finish speaking — we introduced a key improvement. Even a few seconds can make a big difference, and seamless timing helps bring people closer together.”
Making Accessibility a Given for Everyone
What does the future of accessibility envisioned by Samsung Electronics and Samsung Supporters look like?
“Accessibility isn’t a matter of special consideration — it’s something that everyone deserves and should enjoy,” Lee said. “Our goal is to create experiences that more people, across various environments, can access and benefit from without inconvenience at any time.” She added that the journey toward greater accessibility has been a joyful one, made possible thanks to those who understand the need for change and continue to offer their encouragement and support.
For Wansu Kim, accessibility means freedom. “To me, hearing accessibility is freedom,” he said. “Through my work with Samsung Supporters, I want to help ensure the voices of people like me are heard more clearly and contribute to a world where everyone can communicate freely.”
“Accessibility is a bridge that not only connects people physically but also links their hearts,” Hajung Kim added. “Beyond simply reducing inconvenience, I want to help build a world where technology becomes a source of confidence and empowerment for all.”
The accessibility features in One UI 8 — co-created and presented by Samsung Supporters — can be explored in detail in the video below.
1 Interpreter requires Samsung account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. Visit Galaxy AI page at samsung.com for details. 2 Speed may vary depending on device and network connection. 3 Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice. 4 Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice.
While Dolby imposes no hard limit on the number or type of speakers (or subwoofers) you can use in a single FlexConnect system, each manufacturer’s choice of processor determines what’s feasible.
What you can’t do is use any other company’s wireless speakers—whether they’re FlexConnect-compatible or not. Naturally, this raises the question of compatibility. When other companies eventually make their own FlexConnect TVs, speakers, or soundbars, will they only work within that brand’s family of products? Dolby says this kind of brand lock-in isn’t built into Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, but neither does it require compatibility between FlexConnect products.
TCL Exclusive (for Now)
Photograph: Simon Cohen
Unfortunately for now, TCL’s implementation of FlexConnect is proprietary. I’ve repeatedly asked Dolby’s reps which companies have signed up to be a part of the Atmos FlexConnect world, but they’ve steadfastly refused to comment, choosing instead to let TCL own the limelight during the initial launch.
Each TCL Z100 is rated at 170 watts RMS, which is delivered via three front-facing drivers (woofer, midrange, and tweeter) plus an up-firing driver for height effects. TCL says it uses a 1.1.1-channel layout, which means it can receive and reproduce one front/surround/rear channel, plus height and low-frequency effects (LFE) channels.
TCL doesn’t say how low the Z100’s woofer can go, saying only that “low frequencies are optimized and gained, lowering the extension frequency to deliver more thrilling and powerful bass performance.”
You can’t configure the Z100 to be part of a multiroom audio setup like you can with a Sonos or Bose soundbar, but you can switch it to Bluetooth mode for direct audio streaming from a phone. Two Z100s can be stereo-paired. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth mode isn’t managed by Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, so you may want to think carefully about speaker position if you use it frequently.
Flexin’
Photograph: Simon Cohen
Unlike soundbars and AV receivers, which typically override a TV’s internal speakers, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect incorporates them, channeling content and frequencies in a way that works with the rest of the speakers in the system. Presumably, most of that content will be center channel (dialog, key sound effects), with the wireless speakers filling in as needed.
Slimmer, Smarter, and Engineered for Peak Performance in the Water
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (September 3, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – H2O Audio, the pioneer in waterproof audio innovation, announces the launch of the SONAR 2 PRO, the next evolution in underwater listening. Engineered for swimmers, triathletes, and water-sports enthusiasts, SONAR 2 PRO features a slimmer design, upgraded audio, and intuitive controls — now 40% smaller to reduce drag in the water.
This second-generation model builds on the award-winning SONAR PRO, delivering an immersive open-ear bone conduction experience with less drag, better fit, and enhanced functionality. And with PLAYLIST+ technology, users can record streaming audio from their favorite Bluetooth apps and play it underwater — no phone needed.
“Swimming is not a drag anymore,” said H2O Audio CEO Kristian Rauhala. “We built SONAR 2 PRO for serious athletes who want world-class sound, seamless operation, and total freedom in the water. Every upgrade was shaped by feedback from swimmers and pro athletes. We listened, streamlined, and made it perform better.”
“The SONAR 2 PRO is excellent for swimming; you almost forget they’re there,” said Luke Tasker, multiple IRONMAN 70.3 winner and Hummingbird Collective Racing Team Director. “They don’t move on your head, no matter the pace. And the sound is much better than my other headphones.”
Designed to Go Beyond Limits
The SONAR 2 PRO redefines what’s possible in swim tech audio:
Fully Waterproof (IPX8): Submersible for the most intense aquatic sessions.
40% Smaller and Thinner: Streamlined design to minimize drag in the water.
Enhanced Audio Quality: Improved clarity and volume, optimized for both music and voice.
More Buttons, Easier Controls: New layout with tactile volume and playback controls.
Removable Metal Clip: Slim and secure, fits easily under a swim cap or goggles.
Battery Life & Fast Charging: Up to 10 hours of playtime; full recharge in 1–2 hours via a custom magnetic USB cable engineered for waterproof integrity.
PLAYLIST+ Tech: Record and store music from any Bluetooth app (Spotify, Audible, etc.) and store up to 8GB for offline playback.
Dual Mode Playback: Toggle between streaming (above water) and stored playback (underwater).
Proprietary Bone Conduction Technology: Open-ear design transmits sound through cheekbones for clear underwater listening.
Seamless App Integration: Works with the H2O Audio PRO App to manage playlists and audio files. Available for iOS and Android.
The SONAR 2 PRO comes with a protective travel case, USB charging cable, and solid blue earplugs, ensuring a premium experience from pool deck to open water.
H2O Audio is trusted by endurance athletes across swimming, triathlon, and paddle sports. SONAR 2 PRO embodies the brand’s Beyond Waterproof ethos and commitment to seamless, high-performance audio for active lifestyles.
ABOUT H2O AUDIO
H2O Audio has redefined the way athletes connect with music. For over 20 years, the brand has developed innovative, high-performance audio solutions that inspire athletes to push beyond their limits. H2O Audio products are trusted by athletes worldwide for their exceptional sound, durability, and ability to perform in the most extreme environments.
Highlights include the hyper-versatile ZIP modular projection platform and the audio-centric BOOM series; live demos at Hall H21, Booth H21-111.
BERLIN, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aurzen, a leading innovator in smart projection technology, today announced it will showcase its comprehensive product ecosystem at IFA 2025 from September 5–9. Press and attendees are invited to Messe Berlin, Hall H21, Booth H21-111, for live demonstrations.
At the heart of Aurzen’s showcase are three distinct product families: the hyper-portable ZIP modular ecosystem, the premium audio-integrated BOOM series, and the feature-rich, budget-friendly EAZZE series. Together, they represent Aurzen’s commitment to creating a perfect projection solution for every user, from the digital nomad to the home cinema enthusiast.
The ZIP Family: A Modular Pocket Projection Platform
Aurzen’s flagship ZIP ecosystem redefines on-the-go entertainment with its unique modular design, allowing users to build their perfect portable setup. The complete ZIP ecosystem will be demonstrated for the first time at IFA 2025.
ZIP Projector: An ultra-compact 720p HD projector with Time-of-Flight autofocus and keystone correction for instant, perfect pop-up screenings anywhere.
Seamless Streaming & Gaming: The CastPlay-C Dongle provides plug-and-play, DRM-certified streaming from Netflix, Disney+, among others, and mirrors a Nintendo Switch with pass-through charging.
Project Anywhere: The innovative Suction Cup Mount attaches to any smooth surface, while the Battery Stand extends the runtime and provides stable placement for a truly mobile cinema.
Instant Screen: The ScreenPlay Portable A3 Display is a lightweight, foldable 16:9 screen that sets up in seconds.
The BOOM Series: Premium Audio Meets Powerful Projection
The BOOM series integrates high-fidelity audio directly into a high-performance projector, eliminating the need for external sound bars.
BOOM mini: Delivers a cinematic experience with native 1080p resolution, ultra-low 50ms latency for gaming, and powerful built-in 2x10W Dolby Audio speakers. Its transparent back panel puts the powerful speakers on display, offering a visual dimension to the immersive audio experience.
BOOM air: Features a searchlight-inspired design with 300 ANSI lumens, built-in Google TV, and 10W Dolby Audio. Both models include a 110° gimbal stand for easy, off-center image alignment. BOOM air features a visible speaker in the back.
The EAZZE Series: Feature-Rich Projection Without the Premium Price
Aurzen makes cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone with its EAZZE series. A highlight is the D1R Cube(available Sept. 2025), the world’s first projector with Roku OS, delivering streaming simplicity in a compact form. Other models include the powerful D1 Max (950 ANSI lumens, Google TV) and the entry-level D1G, which packs autofocus and auto-keystone into an affordable package.
D1 Max (coming Q4 2025): 950 ANSI lumens, native 1080p, 1,500:1 contrast, autofocus & keystone, karaoke-ready mode, 2GB RAM, 16GB memory, Google TV OS, and dual 8W speakers.
D1R Cube with Roku OS (available September 2025): The Aurzen Roku TV smart projector is the world’s first Roku OS projector. Unique features include an intuitive Roku remote and wireless audio expandability, allowing users to pair Roku Wireless Streambars or Roku Wireless Speakers for cinema-like sound.
D1G: Built-in Google TV, autofocus, and auto-keystone correction, all at a budget-friendly price.
The three distinct product families—the hyper-portable ZIP, the audio-centric BOOM, and the value-focused EAZZE—are engineered to deliver a specialized experience for every lifestyle and budget. This strategic approach ensures that whether a user prioritizes portability, all-in-one cinematic sound, or accessible smart features, Aurzen has a purpose-built solution.
About Aurzen
Aurzen is a global innovator in smart projection technology, dedicated to creating high-value, user-friendly entertainment solutions for modern lifestyles. Combining cutting-edge optical engineering with intuitive software and user-centric design, Aurzen delivers products that bring big-screen experiences to any space. The company pioneered the world’s first Tri-Fold Truly Portable projector, ZIP, and its designs have been recognized with multiple international awards, including iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, G-Mark Award and IDEA Award.
