Two weeks ago, Anthropic announced that its new model, Claude Mythos Preview, can autonomously find and weaponize software vulnerabilities, turning them into working exploits without expert guidance. These were vulnerabilities in key software like operating systems and internet infrastructure that thousands of software developers working on those systems failed to find. This capability will have major security implications, compromising the devices and services we use every day. As a result, Anthropic is not releasing the model to the general public, but instead to a limited number of companies.

The news rocked the internet security community. There were few details in Anthropic’s announcement, angering many observers. Some speculate that Anthropic doesn’t have the GPUs to run the thing, and that cybersecurity was the excuse to limit its release. Others argue Anthropic is holding to their AI safety mission. There’s hype and counter–hype, reality and marketing. It’s a lot to sort out, even if you’re an expert.

We see Mythos as a real but incremental step, one in a long line of incremental steps. But even incremental steps can be important when we look at the big picture.

How AI Is Changing Cybersecurity

We’ve written about Shifting Baseline Syndrome, a phenomenon that leads people—the public and experts alike—to discount massive long-term changes that are hidden in incremental steps. It has happened with online privacy, and it’s happening with AI. Even if the vulnerabilities found by Mythos could have been found using AI models from last month or last year, they couldn’t have been found by AI models from five years ago.

The Mythos announcement reminds us that AI has come a long way in just a few years: The baseline really has shifted. Finding vulnerabilities in source code is the type of task that today’s large language models excel at. Regardless of whether it happened last year or will happen next year, it’s been clear for a while this kind of capability was coming soon. The question is how we adapt to it.

We don’t believe that an AI that can hack autonomously will create permanent asymmetry between offense and defense; it’s likely to be more nuanced than that. Some vulnerabilities can be found, verified, and patched automatically. Some vulnerabilities will be hard to find, but easy to verify and patch—consider generic cloud-hosted web applications built on standard software stacks, where updates can be deployed quickly. Still others will be easy to find (even without powerful AI) and relatively easy to verify, but harder or impossible to patch, such as IoT appliances and industrial equipment that are rarely updated or can’t be easily modified.

Then there are systems whose vulnerabilities will be easy to find in code but difficult to verify in practice. For example, complex distributed systems and cloud platforms can be composed of thousands of interacting services running in parallel, making it difficult to distinguish real vulnerabilities from false positives and to reliably reproduce them.

So we must separate the patchable from the unpatchable, and the easy to verify from the hard to verify. This taxonomy also provides us guidance for how to protect such systems in an era of powerful AI vulnerability-finding tools.

Unpatchable or hard to verify systems should be protected by wrapping them in more restrictive, tightly controlled layers. You want your fridge or thermostat or industrial control system behind a restrictive and constantly-updated firewall, not freely talking to the internet.

Distributed systems that are fundamentally interconnected should be traceable and should follow the principle of least privilege, where each component has only the access it needs. These are bog standard security ideas that we might have been tempted to throw out in the era of AI, but they’re still as relevant as ever.

Rethinking Software Security Practices

This also raises the salience of best practices in software engineering. Automated, thorough, and continuous testing was always important. Now we can take this practice a step further and use defensive AI agents to test exploits against a real stack, over and over, until the false positives have been weeded out and the real vulnerabilities and fixes are confirmed. This kind of VulnOps is likely to become a standard part of the development process.

Documentation becomes more valuable, as it can guide an AI agent on a bug finding mission just as it does developers. And following standard practices and using standard tools and libraries allows AI and engineers alike to recognize patterns more effectively, even in a world of individual and ephemeral instant software—code that can be generated and deployed on demand.

Will this favor offense or defense? The defense eventually, probably, especially in systems that are easy to patch and verify. Fortunately, that includes our phones, web browsers, and major internet services. But today’s cars, electrical transformers, fridges, and lampposts are connected to the internet. Legacy banking and airline systems are networked.

Not all of those are going to get patched as fast as needed, and we may see a few years of constant hacks until we arrive at a new normal: where verification is paramount and software is patched continuously.

Rivian has begun production of its R2 SUV. However, you can’t get one just yet: The first customer deliveries (of the most expensive version) aren’t expected until later this spring.

On Wednesday, CEO RJ Scaringe drove the first electric SUV off the production line at the company’s Normal, IL, factory. A storage and logistics building at that factory was damaged by a tornado last weekend, with Wednesday’s rollout event seemingly designed to reassure nervous customers and investors.

“We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers,” Scaringe is quoted as saying in a news release. However, Rivian CFO Claire McDonough told Reuters that customers won’t be able to configure their vehicle orders until June. Electrek reports that these first units rolling out now are going to Rivian employees.

If you were drawn to the R2’s $45,000 starting price, well, Rivian won’t have any of those for a while. First off the line (this spring) is the Launch Package, starting at $57,990. A Premium trim, expected late 2026, will cost $53,990. Then, in the first half of 2027, a Standard (RWD long range) variant arrives at $48,490. And as for that headline-grabbing $45,000 base-model R2, I hope you like waiting. It won’t be here until late 2027.

The Rivian R2 was revealed in 2024. Smaller and lighter than the flagship R1, the company is positioning the EV as its answer to Tesla’s best-selling Model Y. All versions of the new two-row SUV are rated for at least 300 miles per charge. Each trim has a native NACS charge port. The vehicle can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 30 minutes when using a DC fast charger.

If you’re a Switch 2 owner itching for something new to play and you happen to be partial to an Annapurna Interactive game, then boy is it your lucky day. The prolific indie publisher has announced that five of its titles are coming to Switch 2, three in the form of next-gen upgrades and two for the first time on Nintendo platforms.

The magnificent  and  are available starting today, complete with 120Hz and 4K upgrades for Nintendo’s latest console. First-time buyers can grab Sayonara Wild Hearts for $13, while 2024’s Lorelei and the Laser Eyes costs $25. The upgrades are free if you already own either game on Switch, and Sayonara Wild Hearts also adds the previously unavailable Remix Arcade mode for the first time. This speeds up gameplay and removes loading as you chase high scores.

Next month, May 28, cyberpunk cat adventure  is also getting the Switch 2 treatment, sporting improved 4K visuals, a frame rate boost and, fittingly given its feline focus, mouse controls. The Switch 2 port will be available to purchase digitally from the eShop for $30, but it’s not clear if this will also be a free upgrade for those who bought Stray on Switch.

Katamari creator Keita Takahashi’s charmingly weird puzzle-adventure To a T skipped Nintendo consoles when it launched last year, so it’s nice to see that one coming to Switch 2 on June 11 (digital-only, $20). A few weeks later on June 23, cozy narrative game  arrives on both Switch and Switch 2. It’ll cost $25 on the eShop, with no word on a physical version.

Annapurna Interactive released a lot of its games on Switch, and that trend happily looks set to continue throughout the Switch 2 generation. The musical turn-based RPG  came to Nintendo’s latest console at launch earlier this month, with stylish adventure game  also arriving on Switch 2 on May 7.

The Apple TV 4K has remained one of the more consistent products in Apple’s lineup. Updates have improved performance and added features, but the overall experience has stayed largely the same. It has been reliable, polished, and predictable.

That may not hold true for much longer.

The next Apple TV 4K is shaping up to be a more meaningful update, not because of a single feature, but because of how several changes come together. The rumored shift to a new chip, deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, improvements in video and audio handling, and a stronger role in the smart home ecosystem all point toward a device that is being repositioned rather than simply upgraded.

A new chip could unlock a different class of features

One of the most important rumored upgrades is the move to the A17 Pro chip, replacing the A15 Bionic in the current model.

The immediate assumption is better performance, which will certainly be part of the story. Faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more responsive navigation are expected outcomes. The more significant implication lies in what the A17 Pro enables.

This chip is the baseline requirement for Apple Intelligence, and the Apple TV is currently one of the few Apple products that does not support it. Bringing that capability to the television shifts the device from being a passive content player to something more interactive and context-aware.

Siri could become far more capable in everyday use

Apple Intelligence is closely tied to the next evolution of Siri, which is expected to move well beyond basic voice commands. Features such as app intent integration, personal context awareness, and on-screen understanding are all part of this transition.

In practical terms, this changes how users interact with their TV.

Instead of relying on specific phrasing or limited commands, interactions become more natural. A viewer could ask who an actor is, request a summary of a scene, or understand why a moment in a show matters, and the system would respond with awareness of what is currently on screen. This extends across apps, rather than being limited to a single platform.

The impact becomes even more noticeable when the Apple TV is used as a smart home hub. Actions such as responding to a doorbell notification or controlling connected devices can be handled through contextual commands that take into account both what is happening on screen and what the user is trying to do. This creates a more seamless interaction model that feels less like issuing instructions and more like direct control.

Video enhancements could improve real-world viewing

As hardware evolves, video technologies tend to follow, and this update could coincide with improvements in Dolby Vision capabilities.

Features such as enhanced black detail aim to improve visibility in darker scenes without compromising artistic intent. Adjustments based on ambient lighting conditions help maintain consistent picture quality across different environments. Additional optimizations for sports and fast-moving content focus on improving clarity and motion handling.

These changes build on Apple’s existing calibration tools but move toward a more adaptive system that responds dynamically to viewing conditions rather than relying solely on manual adjustments.

Connectivity could become more consistent across devices

Another rumored addition is Apple’s N1 networking chip, which consolidates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity.

For a device that already functions as a smart home hub, this has clear practical benefits. Improved network stability leads to more responsive smart home controls, faster pairing with devices, and more reliable communication between products within the Apple ecosystem.

Features such as AirPlay also benefit from stronger connectivity, reducing latency and improving consistency when streaming or sharing content across devices. These improvements may not always be immediately visible, but they address some of the underlying friction that affects everyday use.

A built-in camera could expand how the device is used

There is also continued speculation around a built-in camera.

At present, video calling on Apple TV requires using an iPhone as the camera, which introduces additional steps and setup. A dedicated camera with features such as Center Stage tracking would simplify this process and make it more accessible.

This also opens the possibility of multiple product tiers. A standard Apple TV 4K could remain focused on media consumption, while a higher-end version incorporates features that support communication and more advanced smart home interactions. Recent software updates, particularly in FaceTime functionality, suggest that Apple is preparing for this type of hardware integration.

Audio support could finally match high-end setups

Audio pass-through is another long-requested feature that may be introduced with this update.

Currently, the Apple TV handles audio decoding internally. While this works well in many cases, it can limit flexibility when used with dedicated audio equipment such as receivers. Pass-through would allow external systems to handle decoding directly, improving compatibility with a wider range of audio formats and setups.

For users with more advanced home theater configurations, this represents a meaningful upgrade that aligns the Apple TV more closely with high-end audio systems.

The timing points to a larger strategy

Current expectations place the launch around spring 2026, a window that aligns with Apple’s broader push into smart home products.

If new devices such as smart displays, connected cameras, or other home accessories arrive alongside it, the Apple TV becomes part of a more cohesive ecosystem. It already serves as a central hub, but with deeper integration and AI-driven capabilities, its role could expand into something more active within that environment.

A shift in what the Apple TV is meant to be

What stands out across these rumored updates is the direction they collectively suggest.

The Apple TV 4K has traditionally been positioned as a premium streaming device with strong performance and a polished interface. These changes indicate a move toward a broader role that combines entertainment, smart home control, and intelligent interaction.

The success of that shift will depend on execution. Features like Apple Intelligence and enhanced Siri need to work reliably across different scenarios to deliver on their promise.

If they do, this could represent one of the more meaningful updates the Apple TV has seen in years, not because it changes what the device is, but because it expands what it can do.

Microsoft is rolling out a useful feature for Office users this week. The company has introduced Agent Mode inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, a more powerful version of the Copilot experience that Microsoft calls “vibe working.”

This is now the default experience for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Premium subscribers. It is also available on Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans.

What’s Agent Mode in Microsoft Copilot, and how is it different?

Until now, Copilot within Office apps has been largely a passive assistant. It could answer questions, but struggled to take direct action inside your documents.

Sumit Chauhan, President of the Office Product Group at Microsoft, acknowledged this gap. She noted that when Copilot first launched, the underlying AI models simply weren’t capable enough to command the applications directly.

Models have shown significant improvement in instruction following and multi-step reasoning over the past year. Agent Mode is built on those improvements and can now execute complex edits without losing your original intent.

What can Copilot Agent Mode actually do in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint?

Quite a lot, actually. A sidebar shows you every step Copilot is taking in real time, so you’re never left guessing what it changed. In Word, it can draft, rewrite, restructure, and adjust tone. In Excel, it makes changes directly inside your workbook, adding formulas, tables, and visuals to turn raw data into actionable insights.

In PowerPoint, it can update existing decks with fresh information while respecting your company’s template styling. In fact, early data from Microsoft shows engagement in Excel jumped 67%, satisfaction rose 65%, and new user retention increased 50%.

Microsoft says deeper editing for complex workflows and more transparency around changes are next on the roadmap. The company has been making several Copilot-related moves lately, from launching smarter research tools in Copilot Cowork to cleaning up its presence in Windows 11 apps and doubling down on its positioning as a serious productivity tool.

Hades 2 was selected as one of CNET’s best games of 2025, but don’t take our word for it. The game won Best Action Game at the 2025 Game of the Year awards, Best Game on Steam Deck at the Steam Awards and a bevy of other accolades. If you haven’t had the chance to play this stellar sequel yet, you can play it on Xbox Game Pass now.

Xbox Game Pass, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers a wide selection of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC or mobile device for as little as $10 a month. And with a subscription to the higher-tiered Game Pass Ultimate ($30 a month), you can access hundreds of games, including new ones the day they’re released, each month. 

Here are the games Microsoft plans to bring to Game Pass in April. You can also check out other games the company added to the service in March, including Cyberpunk 2077, and more options in our list of the best gaming subscriptions.

Hades 2

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

Following the events of the original game, the Titan of Time Chronos has returned and laid waste to the Underworld and Earth. As the immortal princess Melinoe, you’re tasked with stopping the titan and restoring the mythic world. Each time you venture out, you’ll learn more about the world around you and discover the true cause of all the destruction and pain.

DayZ

Now on PC, joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential and PC Game Pass.

This online multiplayer survival game is coming to PC. An unknown virus has turned the population of the post-Soviet country of Chernarus into zombies, and you’re one of the last few survivors. You’ll have to scavenge for supplies among the ruins while fighting off zombies and other survivors alike. But how far will you go to save yourself?

Endless Legend 2 (game preview)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Lead your faction to build a great empire that can crush your enemies in this fantasy strategy sequel, which is still in early access. You can play as warriors descended from the stars, cursed knights or hive-minded beasts, but each faction has its strengths, weaknesses and unique philosophies that can influence the rest of the game. And fending off enemies is just one challenge. You’ll have to adapt to the changing environment as well. Will you expand as the tides reveal new treasures, or focus on improving your defenses?

FBC: Firebreak

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

The Federal Bureau of Control is under attack from otherworldly forces, and it’s up to you and your versatile unit to restore order. You’ll fight chaotic entities, leeches and a monster made of sticky notes using guns, grenades and other supernatural weapons. You can play this first-person shooter game on your own or take on the chaos of the FBC with friends in three-player co-op. 

Planet Coaster 2

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

This might not be the classic RollerCoaster Tycoon, but it’s close enough. You’ll build your own roller coasters and water slides, manage your amusement park and create unforgettable experiences for your guests. It’s unclear if you can launch your coasters off the rails into waiting crowds. Will report back later.

Tiny Bookshop

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

I have long dreamed of opening my own bookshop, and until I come into a lot of money, this game will have to do. You can stock your bookshop with different genres and items for sale, set up shop in scenic locations — like near a lighthouse — and get to know the locals in this cozy management game.

Football Manager 26 (PC and console)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Get ready for a more immersive matchday experience in the latest installment of the long-running Football Manager franchise. You can build a star-studded squad with new transfer tools, and this entry features official Premier League licenses and women’s football for the first time in the series’ history.

Replaced

On Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now.

Can AI ever be human? I’m not talking about ChatGPT or Gemini, but REACH, an AI trapped in a human’s body, in this narrative platformer game. You’ll explore an alternate 1980s America that’s scarred from nuclear catastrophe as you try to uncover the secrets of the Phoenix Corps, the same group that created you. It’s a cyberpunk Frankenstein with plenty of exploration and fluid action sequences.

The Thaumaturge

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

A thaumaturge is a miracle worker or magician, and in this roleplaying game, you’re a master of mystical arts that allow you to peer into the hearts and minds of others. After the death of your father, you returned to an alternate 1900s Warsaw to investigate his death, fight supernatural forces and uncover the truth. 

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

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A fanatical cult is trying to open gates to the demonic realm of Oblivion, and it’s up to you to stop them and seal the gates forever in the remastered version of this classic open-world RPG. You can rediscover the world of Cyrodiil (or experience it for the first time in updated glory), encounter unique characters and save the land. 

EA Sports NHL 26

On Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now.

As the NHL regular season winds down, the playoffs and the fight for the Stanley Cup are heating up. And with the latest installment in this EA Sports franchise, you can ensure your favorite team brings home the cup. This entry in the series introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as Ice Q 2.0 and a goalie crease control system, to add additional challenges. So if you want to see the Florida Panthers win the cup back-to-back, or you want to make absolutely sure that never happens, this game is for you.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

On Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass now.

Modern Warfare redefined the Call of Duty series when it was released almost 20 years ago, and the rebooted version of the classic game drops you right back to where it started. You’ll control CIA and SAS special forces as they attempt to stop rebels from the fictional Republic of Urzikstan. And if the campaign’s not enough, you can hone your skills in the immersive, fast-paced multiplayer.

Little Rocket Lab

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Your family’s dream project has been to build a rocket, and you’re going to fulfill their dream in this cozy, machine-building RPG. But first, you have to build clever contraptions, convert local resources and become the heart of your community before you can complete your ultimate rocket-building task.

Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Miho goes to the pantry to grab a potato for his grandmother’s soup when he lands in a fantastical land. Now he has to find his way back home by following in the footsteps of a mysterious traveler from long ago. You’ll meet quirky characters, gather exotic ingredients and take in vibrant environments in this world of magical realism inspired by Latin America.

Vampire Crawlers

On Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now.

From the creators of the indie darling Vampire Survivors comes this turn-based, deck-building, roguelite game. You’ll explore dungeons that might look familiar to Vampire Survivors veterans, fight monsters and build chaotic, broken decks along the way. So be tactical in your choices or blast away every chance you get!

Kiln

On Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass now.

Kiln is about creating beautiful pottery filled with artistry and wonder… and smashing it all to pieces in the arena. This online, multiplayer party brawler pits you against others to see which pottery design can withstand the heat and which can dish out a beating.

Watch this: Your Phone is Disgusting: Let’s Fix That

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Game Pass Essential subscribers have two more games now

Game Pass Essential costs $10 a month and offers access to a relatively small library of games compared with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate. While Microsoft doesn’t regularly add many games to Essential’s library, the company added these two on April 8.

Games that left the service

While Microsoft is adding the above games to Game Pass, it also removed five games from the service, including GTA 5. That means you’ll have to buy these games separately now if you still need to complete your main campaign or any sidequests.

For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you.