Month: November 2025

Coca-Cola has made an advertisement again using AI

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The snow is coming back (well, that remains to be seen), the gifts and Mariah Carey. And, of course, the annual announcement of Coca-cola recovering its traditional Santa Claus, the Nordic landscapes that look like a model and the company’s trucks decorated like Christmas trees. Last year there was controversy because the announcement was entirely made by AI and It was creepy.. This year it is clear that Coca-Cola does not seem to care too much about negative opinions. The advertisement. The brand has digitally recreated his iconic ad’Holidays Are Coming’ from 1995, where the trucks decorated with Christmas lights in a caravan style were seen for the first time. There were real people who greeted and responded with wonder to the arrival of the Coca Cola shipment, but this time the substitution for animals has meant that AI is needed for the realization. Why not opt ​​for CGI animation, which artificial intelligence clearly seeks to imitate? This commitment to technology seeks to modernize a traditional advertising symbol, but has sparked an avalanche of criticism on social networks and among creative professionals. Why it is controversial. Above all, there is how visually artificial the advertisement is: animals with dead looks follow one another in an advertisement whose nature does not leave much room for innovation, but in this case it moves visually along paths traveled a thousand times. Then there is a more spiritual complaint: The naturalness and warmth expected in a traditional Christmas advertisement is nowhere to be found here. The original ad may have been corny, but at least it contained some legitimate invocation of the Christmas spirit. This is a spot made by machines that generates a certain nostalgia for a more analog and artisanal spirit, which we associate with Christmas. And of course, heThe controversy also spreads to the ethics of using AI: Leaving aside the convenience or not of using real actors, even with the decision to use animated characters, many would have found it preferable to hire a specialized studio. What Coca-Cola says. The company has talked about “innovation and creative efficiency.” Pratik Thakar, vice president and head of generative AI at Coca-Cola, said: to The Hollywood Reporter that “AI allows us to substantially accelerate the production process”: tasks that traditionally required an entire year can now be completed in just one month, making it easier to launch campaigns more quickly and flexibly. AI also facilitates immediate access to a historical archive of spots, which can serve as inspiration for new campaigns. The art of AI. This is not the first time that Coca-Cola has partnered with studios linked to AI to make spots (three have participated in this one: Secret Level, Silverside AI and Wild Card). For example, in his ‘Masterpiece‘2023, artificial intelligence was used to animate a large part of the spot, but this one was better received: despite the use of these tools, there was a defined art direction and with an intention, not a mere intention to save costs. Vacation again. In 2024, Coca-Cola used AI to Complete your Christmas announcement. Already then they sought to renew the classic ‘Holiday Is Coming’, but the result was harshly criticized: At that time the video generation was in a much lower state of development than it is today, and the wrong decision was made to include people in the advertisement, evoking the spot from the nineties. The errors are multiple: deformed trucks, wheels that do not turn, frozen elements, apart from the now traditional empty and expressive look of humans generated by AI. And above all, it put Coca-Cola’s “betrayal” of the Christmas spirit on the table for the first time. And next year, another (possibly). Many buts can be put to these spots, but as Thakar has made clear, if the only thing that interests the company is economic effectiveness, it is certainly something that cannot be competed with. We are condemned, it seems, to many more festive advertisements with glazed looks, frozen gestures of hysteria and animals that appear to be in the process of being desiccated. In Xataka | The “divorce” between Coca-Cola and Nestlé leaves a big question: who owns the “formula” of the soft drink

participate in the draw and get HONOR 400

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We are fully into November and that means one thing. Is it now legal to buy nougat? Yes, but more important than that is that in just a few days the gala of the Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025 (tickets now available). And as it could not be otherwise, the Xataka Live and the raffles are also back! As in previous editions, the programs will be broadcast live through our Twitch channel. In each of them we will have a special guest with whom we will talk about technology and, of course, there will be a raffle. In this first program we will have HONOR and we will draw no more and no less than a HONOR 400. And how do you participate? Very easy. How to earn an HONOR 400 HONOR 400 | Image: Xataka Following today’s Xataka Live can have: an HONOR 400. It is one of this year’s juicy mid-range terminals (it is a finalist in the Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards, in fact) and a lucky xatakero or xatakera player will be able to take it home completely free of charge. To participate in the draw you just need to watch today’s broadcast and stay tuned, since at some point we will ask a question. The first ten people to answer correctly will be assigned a number from one to ten and will advance to the second round. In this one, our presenters will draw a random number from a bag. The participation corresponding to that number will win the prize. One winner and two substitutes will be selected. If the winner, that is, whoever responded the fastest, does not meet the requirements, the first substitute will be moved on. If this one does not comply either, the second one will be resorted to. The winner will be chosen live and must contact Xataka through a whisper in the Twitch chat. In addition, the winner must be over 18 years old and resident in Spain. You still have time to get your tickets for the gala Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025 on November 20 in Madrid! Join us and discover the best technological products of the year in a free event full of gadgets, humor and surprises. Advice offered by the brand The legal bases can be consulted at this link. Below, we summarize the dynamics: During today’s program (November 4, 16:00-17:00), we will ask a question. The first ten people who answer correctly in the chat will be assigned a number and will advance to the second round. The presenters will blindly draw a number from a bag. The participation corresponding to that number will win the prize, in this case an HONOR 400. In addition, two more numbers will be drawn corresponding to the two substitutes. The requirements to participate are to be of legal age (18 years) and resident in Spain. If the winner does not meet the requirements, the first alternate will be moved; If he does not comply either, the second substitute will be used. This content is a sponsored collaboration between Xataka and the brand, without agreements on the script or selection of topics. The editorial content is prepared entirely by Xataka. Image | Xataka In Xataka | Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards: reserve November 20 for the great annual technology festival

mergers are necessary in Europe

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Marc Murtra wears since March of this year at the head of Telefónica. A stage in which you have made key decisions such as the exit from Latin Americabut still without a clear strategic plan. The day has arrived and we already have here the ‘Transform & Grow’ plan that marks Telefónica’s path for the next five years. The plan. Draw the Telefónica roadmap for the period between 2026 and 2030 in four markets: Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and Brazil. It focuses above all on simplification and efficiency. Despite the Murtra’s aggressive speech regarding consolidationthe plan does not propose the purchase of any operator, but it is not closed to it, quite the opposite. Six strategic pillars. The name ‘Transform & Grow’ already gives clues to the objective: to transform the company, making it simpler and more efficient, to enhance growth. The strategy is organized into six key pillars: Improve customer experience: believes that achieving excellence in customer service is critical. They will improve network performance and customer service. To do this, they will invest in artificial intelligence. Expand the offer: to increase B2C revenue. They will strengthen convergent offers in Spain and Brazil and expand them to the United Kingdom and Germany. Boost business business: and also with public administrations. They will modernize services in Spain and Brazil and look for new opportunities in the United Kingdom and Germanygirl More technological capacity: they will continue investing in fixed and mobile networks. They will also update other technologies to improve their value proposition to customers. Simplification: the objective of simplification is to have greater autonomy, although it does not specify how they will do it Talent: attract, develop and retain talent in all markets. Financial goals. The final objective of the plan is growth and Telefónica has set a goal. Between 2025 and 2028, compound annual growth of 1.5-2.5%. For the period between 2028 and 2030, the objective is between 2.5-3.5%. In addition, it proposes an efficiency plan with which they hope to save 2,300 million in 2028 and up to 3,000 million in 2030. Consolidations. Murtra’s speech has been very focused on consolidation and rumors pointed to a possible purchase of Digi or Vodafone Spain. It has not been like that, at least not for now. The plan has a strong impact on the need for consolidation in the European telecommunications market, which “has generated inefficient investments compared to the United States and China”, markets in which there are only three much larger operators, and also a growing technological dependence. Telefónica estimates that a consolidation in its main markets “could generate synergies worth 18,000-22,000 million.” Conversations. When asked about the possible purchase of Vodafone or Digi, Murtra responded that “we are not going to comment on any operation until it is closed. What we can assure is that we are holding continuous conversations in each of our key markets.” It has also set the three conditions that a possible consolidation operation must meet: “cost and network synergies, appropriate price and terms, and appropriate remedies with regulators.” And he concludes: “We see great potential, but there is a lot of uncertainty and we are not going to say anything until it is a fact.” Movistar Spain. We already know what some of the improvements and innovations that will come to our country will be from Movistar. As part of the effort to improve the customer experience, Movistar will install more cutting-edge equipment: routers with WiFi 7 and 10Gbps fiber. In addition, they plan to expand their presence in the defense sector and strengthen cybersecurity. Images | Telephone In Xataka | Telefónica wants to become the teleoperator par excellence in Spain. And that is why the purchase of Vodafone is lurking

We believed that ‘Air’ and ‘Edge’ mobile phones were synonymous with cuts. Huawei wants to explode that idea with a figure: 6,500 mAh

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The surname “Air” (or “Edge” in another case) is usually synonymous with an ultralight design and, therefore, of sacrifices. We have seen it in smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Edge from Samsung or your own iPhone Air of the signature of the bitten apple. The battery is the first victim in the quest for extreme thinness. However, Huawei seems willing to break this rule with its next Huawei Mate 70 Air after return to the top of the market in his native country. According to a wave of leaks and accompanying photos, the Chinese giant is preparing a device that not only claims to be the thinnest ‘Mate’ in history, but does so by integrating a huge battery. We knew that China had the solution for the battery of ultra-thin mobile phoneshere comes the first demo. A “normal” smartphone battery. This is the figure that is focusing all the attention of Huawei’s next launch. Leaks echoed by media such as Android Authority They point to a massive 6,500 mAh battery. If confirmed, in addition to being the highest capacity of a Huawei mobile to date, it would also dwarf the direct competition in the segment. slim: The iPhone Air has a 3,149 mAh battery, across the street, Samsung puts a 3,900 mAh battery in the Galaxy S25 Edge. An engineering challenge. How has Huawei managed to integrate this battery? Leaks indicate that the phone is built on an aluminum and glass chassis with a thickness of around six millimeters which would help. The images seen online confirm an extremely thin terminal that maintains the aesthetics of the Mate family, including its characteristic circular camera module. This is what the Huawei Mate 70 Air looks like in leaked images. Image: Weibo But without a doubt, the silicon-carbon batteries They are what have allowed the Chinese firm to take the leap. We have seen how these have allowed us to stretch the energy capacity up to 15,000 mAh in the case of Realme (still with certain unknowns about its durability) u 8,000 mAh in the Honor one. Without reaching these figures, the 6,500 mAh of the next Huawei Mate 70 Air seems feasible. It won’t skimp on photography either.. The Mate 70 Air looks at a triple system with a 50 megapixel main sensor (possibly 1/1.3 inch), a 13 MP ultra wide angle and an 8 MP periscope telephoto lens. It seems that it will not have to concede in the field of cameras, an ambition that aligns with Huawei’s strategy in recent times. one that has taken him to the throne of mobile photography recently with his Pure 80 Ultra. In addition, they may use again image sensors manufactured on national soil. Huawei is supported by SmartSensa Shanghai-based manufacturer of CMOS sensors: has more than 350 customers and 420 patents of which 190 are of its own invention. Reservations in physical stores of the Huawei Mate 70 Air. Image: Weibo Kirin Heart. And in two flavors? As expected in post-veto Huawei, the terminal will use an in-house Kirin 5G chip. Curiously, at Huawei Central They talk about two variants: the 12 GB RAM model would use a Kirin 9020B (a version with reduced clock frequencies), while the 16 GB model would use the Kirin 9020A, a SoC that we already knew in the Mate 70 family. It is, again, a reflection of the steps that Huawei has been taking in recent times in order to diversify some chips that no longer hidesas well as to ensure your HarmonyOS ecosystemkey in times when you need resilience. Imminent launch. This is not a long-term rumor: according to multiple leakers, the device is already in the reservation phase in physical stores in China and its official launch could be as soon as November 6. That is, in two days. All this happens while Huawei is already preparing new flagships: the Mate 80, which will try to demonstrate power by compensating for the hardware limitations (more evident in chip manufacturing) with custom software. Cover image | Composition with images of Huawei and Jose García for Xataka In Xataka | With HarmonyOS NEXT Huawei has achieved something incredible. Neither Samsung, Microsoft nor Mozilla achieved it

Spain wants to bet on rent with an option to buy in the face of the housing crisis. First you must solve your black hole

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The Government has decided to expand its arsenal to alleviate the serious housing crisis that Spain is going through, a crisis marked by the decoupling between housing supply and demand, the rise in prices and a market so inaccessible that more and more young people find that the only way to have a home is to wait for their parents donate it. A few weeks ago, during a speech in Congress, Pedro Sánchez advanced that the Executive wants recover aid for rent with option to buy. The measure is part of a broader plan with more legs, but in recent weeks it has generated as much expectation as skepticism. The reason: although there are still unknowns to clear up, everything indicates that the scope of the new aid will be limited. What will the help consist of? What the Government plans is to offer aid up to 30,000 euros for rent with option to buy homes with permanent protection. The initiative is designed for young people from up to 35 years and its objective is that that amount ended up being discounted of the final price of the property, in case the tenant decides to buy it. “The aid will be used to pay the rent, which will allow the young person to save to own their home,” they need from the ministry. When focusing on VPO, the focus is on properties that must conform to a series of requirements, such as respecting a pre-established price and certain guidelines when changing hands. “This means that if in the future you want to sell that home, you will have to do so at an appraised price and to a person who meets the same requirements as the previous owner,” explains the Government. “In this way we protect the homes paid for with state resources.” Click on the image to go to the tweet. Do we know anything else? Yes. There are still details to be outlined, but we know that the measure is included in the State Housing Plan (PEV) for the period 2026-2030where it is combined with other proposals that aspire to “consolidate a public system of access to housing” and revolve around five major goals: creating more and better supply, reducing the rate of financial effort, focusing on stressed markets and lowering the age at which young people become independent. As? To achieve that ultimate goal the PEV contemplates offer rental aid for the purchase of housing in municipalities of emptied Spain (La Moncloa speaks of 10,800 euros for localities “at demographic risk”), youth guarantees and “aid for renting with the option to buy housing with permanent protection of up to 30,000 euros.” Sanchez too has spoken of non-payment of rent insurance for young people. Support for VPO on a rent-to-own basis is not exactly new. It was already contemplated in the state housing plans 2005-2008 and 2009-2012. How has the idea been received? Sánchez launched his announcement to mid octoberduring the interparliamentary meeting of the Socialist Group, but a quick Google search shows that in recent weeks it has generated some skepticism. Not so much because of the fear that it will end up causing an increase in rents (something that the leader of Sumar, Yolanda Díaz, reproached her for) but because of the doubts that exist about the real impact that the aid will have. The reason: in reality in Spain very few VPOs are built for rent with an option to buy. His mark is testimonial. Are there so few? The official data published by Raquel Sánchez’s department speak for themselves. If we talk about protected housing for rent with the option to buy with “definitive qualification” (that is, already completed), the state registry shows only 2,300 over the last decade. There are not many and they are concentrated in just seven autonomous communities. What’s more, there is not a single one between August of last year and June, a period of 11 months during which no home eligible to benefit from the aid announced by the Government was completed. If what we are talking about is “provisional ratings” (still under construction) the balance sheet is not buoyant either (less than 70 in the last 15 months). The data includes both VPOs from state and regional plans. What do the experts say? Not everyone agrees. For Javier Burón, manager of Nasuvinsa, the key lies not so much in what has been built so far but in what is done for the future. That is, the effectiveness of the measure in stimulating supply. “There is an attempt to restart the machine for building protected housing, although focused on rentals, so it makes no sense to look at the past,” he explains in an interview with The Country. In fact 40% of resources of the PEV focus precisely on increasing the supply of protected housing on a permanent basis. For Carolina Roca, president of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Madrid (Asprima), the reading is somewhat different. “The aid announced in the PEV has, once again, a conceptual error: we have a problem of supply of subsidized housing and not demand. The PEV should be aimed at increasing the construction of subsidized housing, so aid should go to supply rather than demand. What sense does it make to provide aid of 30,000 euros for a figure for which only 65 homes are built per year?” Roca asks in statements to the Idealista portal. Images | Ronni Kurtz (Unsplash) In Xataka | The Basque Country wants more homes but does not have much land. Solution: build 2,000 apartments on top of other houses

The US believed it had an invincible aircraft carrier. Until Sweden “knocked him down” again and again with a tiny submarine

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Exactly 20 years ago there was a fascinating scene which showed that brute force or dimensions monstrous They are not as fundamental as was believed when it comes to naval warfare. Shortly before that true story, the United States had announced to the four winds its most modern, heaviest and most grandiose nuclear aircraft carrier in history. So they took the most logical step: put it to the test. The exercise that turned out regular. In 2005, during maneuvers off the coast of California, the United States Navy allowed something unusual: Repeatedly engage a small, relatively inexpensive foreign conventional submarine to improve its anti-submarine doctrine. The chosen one was HMS Gotlanda Swedish diesel-electric submarine of just 1,600 tons. The objective was to train the aircraft carrier battle group USS Ronald Reaganone of the most powerful ships in the world, equipped with escorts, anti-submarine helicopters and advanced sensors. What followed it was unexpected: Time and time again, over two years of simulations, the Gotland managed to infiltrate the formation, position itself to fire, and “sink” the carrier without being detected. The result caused concern in Washingtoninterest in Moscow and Beijing, and a profound reassessment of the role of modern diesel submarines in contemporary naval warfare. The Gotland and the silent advantage. Gotland’s success was based on its system Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), specifically a Stirling engine capable of generating energy without needing to take air from outside. This allowed the ship to remain submerged for up to two weeks, maintaining a constant speed and extremely quiet, something that previous diesel versions they could not achieve. While nuclear submarines require cooling systems that generate detectable vibrations and noise, the Gotland could move almost without leaving an acoustic trace. Its hull was covered with materials that decreased sonar reflection, its tower included radar-absorbing materials, and the internal machinery was mounted on rubber shock absorbers to silence vibrations. Furthermore, it had with 27 electromagnets capable of reducing their magnetic signature before specialized sensors. HS Gotland Mobility and stealth. The Gotland maneuverability It was also decisive. Its design with X-shaped rudders and automated control systems allowed sudden changes in course and depth with great precision, making it suitable for operating in shallow coastal waters, where nuclear submarines are most vulnerable. In the context of the maneuvers against USS Ronald Reaganthe Gotland demonstrated that it could approach at great depth, obtain a firing position, and withdraw before American sensors will even detect alterations in the environment. Although in a real combat the aircraft carrier could survive several impacts, the essential fact is that it would have been knocked out of combat, which would change the strategic outcome of any naval operation. The US Ronald Reagan Economic and doctrinal threat. The Gotland cost about 100 million of dollars, which is approximately equivalent to the cost of two embarked F/A-18 aircraft. The USS Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, cost more than 6 billionwithout counting its escort or its air wing. In terms of cost-effectiveness, a relatively affordable submarine demonstrated that could neutralize an asset which represents the core of US naval projection. This revelation resonated especially in China and Russiawhich have since accelerated the development of AIP submarines. Today, China operates multiple submarine variants equipped with Stirling and Russia works on updated versions from the Lada projectwhile countries such as Japan, Germany, France, Israel, India and South Korea also develop or acquire submarines of this type. The challenge is not only technical, but also strategic: a small number of submarines of this type can make it difficult to use aircraft carriers near hostile coastlines, altering the way powers deploy their force. The “no” to diesel in the US. Despite the impact of the exercise, the US Navy decided not to repeat operate diesel submarines. Their reasoning is based on logistics and strategic reach: the United States deploys submarines thousands of miles from their bases, and needs units that can operate for monthspursue targets at long distances and sustain high speeds without the need to recharge batteries. Diesel-AIP submarines are ideal for defending territorial waters or coastal areas, but less suitable for prolonged ocean operations. For this reason, the US Navy has preferred to invest in nuclear submarines and, more recently, in unmanned underwater systems that could complement or replace escort and patrol missions. What the Gotland revealed. The history of HMS Gotland proves that naval supremacy is not guaranteed for size or cost of combat platforms, but for technological adaptation and understanding the strategic environment. Aircraft carriers remain formidable tools for projecting power, but their vulnerability to silent AIP submarines forces rethink doctrinesinvest in advanced detection and reconsider the type of forces used in environments close to enemy coasts. The key lesson was not the symbolic sinking of an aircraft carrier, but the realization that 21st century naval warfare can turn hierarchies upside down that seemed immovable. Those days showed that, in the ocean, silence is worth more than steel, and a small submarine can change the balance of an entire fleet. Image | WikimediaUS Navy In Xataka | The US has detected a naval advantage over China. The catapult of the Beijing aircraft carriers comes with a “factory” failure In Xataka | China has discovered an advantage to win the aircraft carrier race against the US: a “bubble” in its defense

Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025: these are the finalists

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The time has come: these are the finalists to whom Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025some recognitions to the best technology products of the year. During these last weeks you, our xatakeros, have voted for your favorite devices and chosen the finalists in each category. Now your votes will be added with a weight of one third to those of the jury to decide the winners. These will be announced at the grand gala that will take place next November 20 at the Capitol Cinemas in Madrid. There are still some tickets left (a few, but some), so if you don’t have yours yet, you still have time to get it. You can do it here. That said, here are the finalist products in each category. You still have time to get your tickets for the gala Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025 on November 20 in Madrid! Join us and discover the best technological products of the year in a free event full of gadgets, humor and surprises. Advice offered by the brand Best mobiles Best entry-level mobile (up to 249.99 euros) Best mid-range mobile (from 250 to 499.99 euros) Best high-end mobile (from 500 to 999.99 euros) Best super high-end mobile (more than 1,000 euros) Best folding mobile Best tablet and smartwatch Best tablet best smartwatch Best computers and accessories Best desktop computer best laptop Best convertible laptop Best gaming laptop Best computer component or peripheral Best TVs and sound devices Best super high-end TV Best high-end TV Best entry and mid-range television best headphones best speaker Best connected devices in the home Best home appliance and connected device Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Cleaning Device Best technological cars Best technological electric car Best technological hybrid car Best video game and series/movie best video game Best series/movie Best Generative AI Tool Best Generative AI Tool NordVPN offers you a fast and stable connection thanks to your more than 6,300 servers in more than 110 countries. Enjoy advanced cybersecurity tools with Threat Protection Pro™, securely access your streaming platforms favorites wherever you are and enjoy the best offers on flights and hotels. Advice offered by the brand How the winners of the Xataka Awards are chosen The mechanics of the Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards are similar to previous editions and are divided into three phases: Public vote: During these last few days we have opened voting on our website with all the categories and candidates selected by the Xataka team. Our xatakeros have voted on them and we have obtained the finalists that appear in this article. Jury vote: With the finalists that the public has chosen, the Xataka jury and other technology experts will vote for those who are, in their view, the best devices. Choice of winners: The jury’s votes will be combined with those of the public to choose the winners, who will be announced at the gala on November 20. The selected candidates are devices that They have gone on sale in 2025 or will do so with a confirmed date before the end of the year. We also include those that were left out last year when they were announced after the Awards. We believe it is the best solution: Unfortunately we cannot celebrate the gala on December 31 and our idea is that the Awards can serve as support in the purchasing decision for this last part of the year. The jury of the Xataka NordVPN Awards 2025 The jury of the Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards is made up of tech-savvy journalistsboth from Xataka and other media, which test most of the technologies and products that are launched on the market. Internal jury: Roberto JimenezHead of Publishing Webedia Spain. Maria GonzalezPublisher Webedia Tech and director of Xataka. César Mueladeputy editorial director of Webedia Tech. Javier Pastoreditor of Xataka. Jose Garciaeditor of Xataka. Amparo Babilonieditor of Xataka. Alejandro Alcoleaeditor of Xataka. Enrique Perezdirector of Xataka Móvil and Xataka Android. Antonio Sabandirector of Genbeta and Xataka Home (esp. home, televisions and sound). Ivan Linareseditor of Xataka Móvil / Xataka Android (esp. mobile phones, tablets and smartwatch). Noelia Hontoriaeditor of Xataka Móvil / Xataka Android (esp. mobile phones and smartwatch). Pepu Riccaeditor of Xataka Móvil / Xataka Android (esp. mobile phones, tablets and smartwatch). Javier Penalvaeditor of Xataka (esp. IT and home). Eva Rodriguezeditor of Xataka (esp. vacuum cleaner and home). Alberto de la Torreeditor of Xataka (esp. in mobility). External jury: Ana Muñoz de Frutoseditor-in-chief of Computer Hoy. Cristian Colladoresponsible for Technology and Consumption at La Razón. Espe HernandezTechnology and Motor journalist at GizTab. Elena SantosChicaGeek. Carlos Santaengraciaco-founder at Topes de Gama. Chema Floreshead of the technology section of EL ESPAÑOL (Omicrono and El Androide Libre). Pablo Rosilloco-founder at dBeta. Javier Sancheztechnology editor at Vanity Fair. Michael Mcloughlineditor of Teknautas / El Confidencial. Alex Barredopodcaster at Mixx.io. Fernando Alvarez del Vayoeditor at El Androide Libre. Special video game jury: Alvaro CastellanoPublisher of Webedia Gaming. José Ángel Mateo Albuernecurrent affairs coordinator of 3DJuegos. Alberto Pastorhead of content at 3DJuegos. Alberto Martineditor of Vida Extra. John Toneseditor of Xataka. Alex Canovasdirector of Vida Extra. Ruben Marquezeditor of 3DJuegos. Rachel Cervanteseditor of 3DJuegos. Special jury series/movie: Alejandro G. CalvoPublisher Webedia Movies and director of SensaCine. John Toneseditor of Xataka. Sara Herediaeditor-in-chief of SensaCine. Alicia Perezeditor of SensaCine. Mikel Zorrillaeditor of Espinof. Juan Luis Caviarodirector of Espinof. Special mobility jury: Jesus Martindirector of Motorpasión. Victoria Fuenteseditor at Motorpasión. Daniel Muriaseditor at Motorpasión. How to follow the Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards Gala live The Xataka NordVPN 2025 Awards ceremony, in which we will announce the winners, will take place on November 20 at the Capitol Cinemas in Madrid. There are still some tickets left (a few) and you can get them here. If you want to follow it live and not miss anything, you can also do it through xataka.com. We are waiting for you!

I had a 1TB hard drive collecting dust in a drawer. With a cheap case I have resurrected it for my Chromecast

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I have a Chromecast with Google TV in the salon for three years and I love it, but it has died of success. Among the system updates, the basic streaming apps (Prime Video, Netflix, Crunchyroll…), and many others that I install to customize it and squeeze itthe device lives permanently drowned. This is what has its biggest flaw: a scant 8 GB of storagewhich in practice come to nothing. While cleaning, I found an old 1TB hard drive from an old computer that I dismantled. I decided that before it continued to collect dust, I would have a use for my Chromecast. And yes, it is very easy use external memory to expand your storage. These were my steps to achieve it. Identify the hardware. The first thing was to know what he had on his hands. It was an internal hard drive (HDD) of a desktop PC, so its size was 3.5 inches. When I looked at the connector I found a SATA (not as “relic” as I thought), the interface of the last decade. With this information, I already knew I needed to convert it to an external drive. Two essential components. The Chromecast with Google TV only has one USB-C port that it uses for food. Therefore, it is not enough to buy a case to put the HDD in: a USB-C Hub was necessary. This hub is key and must have at least one port with Power Delivery (PD) to continue powering the Chromecast, and a USB-A to connect the hard drive. I bought a case compatible with my drive (3.5″ SATA) and the assembly was as simple as possible: remove screws, fit the hard drive into the internal port, and close it. Here’s a note: if your old hard drive is from a laptop (2.5″) you will save a cable bothering with this DIY tech. The casing will not need an independent power supply, although it is ideal to avoid problems. Important step: formatting. Here I had two options: connect it to the computer and format it in exFAT or NTFS or to the Chromecast itself. I ruled out FAT32 because of its 4GB per file limit. This would first make it a unit suitable for storing content and thus playing it, but I opted for the second so that my Chromecast could install apps on it. To do this, I connected the entire set (hub, power and hard drive) and turned on the TV. Maximum volume size Maximum file size Chromecast compatible FAT32 8TB 4GB Yeah NTFS 16 EiB (1,845^7 TB) 16 EiB (1.845^7 TB) theoretical In practice the limit is around 256 TB Requires software exFAT 16 EiB (1,845^7 TB) 64 ZiB (6.4^10TB) Yeah Convert hard drive to “internal” storage. As soon as the device booted up, it detected the new disk. As easy as going to “Settings” > “System” > “Storage” and clicking on “Delete and format as device storage” to leave everything almost ready. This process takes a few minutes and is essential: it prepares the HDD so that Google TV understands it as an extension of its own memory. You can even use the hard drive to record live content. The Chromecast has it among its options Result. The change is substantial. I have been able to install heavy apps like kodi with plugins, VLC, and various light games without the repetitive “memory full” warning. The system still uses the internal memory for essential data, but everything “heavy” goes directly to the hard drive. Extras. Although I stopped at this point, a USB hub provides more possibilities to give more power to the Google Chromecast. Have you bought or have one with a Ethernet port? You can use a cable to avoid Wi-Fi signal problems and never see the buffer of a loading video again. Or you can also use a keyboard to browse the web. Cover image | Pepu Ricca for Xataka Android In Xataka | Best streaming devices: the main alternatives of 2025 for your television

In Ukraine we had seen armored vehicles from Mad Max, but the latest Russian invention has left everyone speechless: assault “hedgehogs”

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Last June, several images captured by reconnaissance drones of the Ukrainian forces sighted a unprecedented Russian offensive: Waves of two-wheeled troops launching motorcycle charges to break the kyiv front. If the scene seemed like a still from Mad Max, shortly after it would become reality with the appearance of trucks that we saw in the movie. The latest: in an unprecedented turn of the screw, Moscow has brought out its assault “hedgehogs” The tank turned into a “hedgehog”. The recent appearance of a T-80BVM Russian equipped with an extreme structure of steel cables along with foliage and tree branches, described as an “assault hedgehog”offers a revealing picture of the state of mechanized warfare in Ukraine. The photographs, broadcast by the channel Vodohray Telegramshow a T-80BVM with an anti-mine roller TMT-K and a T-72B3 with a KMT-7, both wrapped in dense cable cages covering the chassis, tower and top. On the T-80BVM, in addition, a electronic warfare system. This modification, primarily intended to thwart FPV drone attacks, represents the rapid adaptation of the battlefield to a threat that has completely altered the relationship between armor, mobility and survivability. And more. The structures that are seen look for prevent direct impact or cause drones to become trapped or damaged before reaching vulnerable points. However, the additional protection noticeably increases weightvolume and operational complexity: tanks become slower, more visible and difficult to maneuver in urban or forested areas. Still, the fact that these modifications arise not only from field improvisations but also from organized units highlights the extent to which drone warfare is redefining the very form of ground combat. T-80BV in the Kubinka tank museum Evolution of the T-80BVM. He original T-80developed in the late 1970s, was conceived as an elite tank capable of combining firepower with exceptional mobility thanks to its gas turbine engine. This feature made it faster and quieter than other Soviet models, which made it a symbol of military modernity in its time. With the dissolution of the USSR, many T-80s were stored, but the version T-80BVM (introduced in the 2010s) introduced important improvements: Relikt reactive shieldingmore modern optical and thermal systems, and mechanical adjustments to increase reliability, especially in cold environments. In Ukraine, where a war of attrition is being fought with very dynamic fronts, the T-80BVM has been used like crash car for quick attacks or penetration maneuvers, but the proliferation of drones has reduced their safety margins, forcing the modification of even a tank originally designed to move quickly and freely. Other armor seen in Ukraine FPV and the collapse of the classics. The expansion of FPV drones (capable of attacking from above or vulnerable flanks) has generated a conceptual crisis for traditional armor. Tower ledges, engine cover and commander’s hatch hinge have become critical points that even a cheap drone can exploit with an improvised payload. For this reason, both Russia and Ukraine have experimented with “cages”“mobile bunkers” and supplementary armor. It turns out that the first versions of these cages, superficial or with rigid bars, were insufficient: the drones learned to maneuver between gaps or detonate just above them. Hence the cable structures They represent a more advanced iteration of that improvised defense: they are more flexible, denser, and more likely to entangle or slow down small aircraft. However, its effectiveness is uneven, depending on the quality of the wiring, the speed of the drone and the ability of the FPV operator to manually adjust its trajectory. Camouflages and protections. we have gone counting before. The war has generated enormous tactical creativity on both sides. They have been seen covered armored of thermal networks to confuse infrared cameras, coated vehicles of tires to absorb shock waves, camouflaged transport with awnings and scrap metal to break silhouettes and even towers protected by improvisations of beams and bars that are reminiscent of shed roofs. Some of these designs seek to deceive reconnaissance drones, others intend just gain seconds before the impact of an FPV, a time that can allow the crew to abort, retreat or request cover. Each innovation introduces new countermeasures: when the cages appeareddrones began to carry loads at an angle, and when jammers appeared, wired drones or drones with more autonomous guidance systems began to be seen. War, in this sense, has become a constant laboratory where adaptation is measured in hours, not years. Uncertainty. Having said all this, the image of the “steel hedgehog” around the T-80BVM is not only curious: it symbolizes a war in which the rules of armored combat are changing at great speed. Tanks are still valuable, but can no longer operate without a dense layer electronic supportinfantry cover and constant surveillance of the nearby sky. The question that emerges is whether these adaptations keep the car useful or whether they represent an attempt to keep a car alive. concept in transformation. For now, the response on the front is pragmatic: any measure that allows us to survive one more mission is welcome, even if it turns a vehicle designed for speed and direct impact into a slow, heavy creature covered in metallic thorns. Because in the war in Ukraine, survival has become the true armor. Image | Telegram, Alan Wilson, ArmyInform In Xataka | An imperceptible hum is wreaking havoc in Ukraine. When it arrives there is no turning back: the Russians are already everywhere In Xataka | The Ukrainian army has been asked what it urgently needs. The answer was clear: no missiles or drones, just cars

These deals on mobile phones and consoles are still available

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We are already in November, a month that many of us wait for a very specific event: the Black Friday. Every year, we have access to a lot of bargains and offers of all kinds during these dates, even well before this event is officially celebrated. In fact, right now we have active the AliExpress Mega Choice Day, an ideal promo if we are looking to renew a mobile phone or console (among many other things). This event, which will still be available until November 7 at 11:59 p.m.it is running out. Many of the best deals have flown away, but we still have a good number of technology bargains available. To make our task a little easier, we leave you below a selection of offers that are still available: nintendo switch 2 by 519.79 eurosthe new Nintendo console with ‘Mario Kart World’ and ‘Cyberpunk 2077’. POCO F7 Ultra by 484.24 euros with the ESCD55 coupon, a powerful mobile phone, with a good camera system and 120 W fast charging. PlayStation 5 Slim Digital by 420.39 euros with the coupon ESCD12, the cheapest version of the Sony console. Nubia Z70 Ultra by 470.85 eurosan option that offers great performance at a very attractive price. Honor Magic7 Pro by 686.74 eurosa very complete device with one of its best prices to date. nintendo switch 2 These AliExpress events are ideal if you are looking to renew your console at a reduced price. One of the most outstanding options right now is with nintendo switch 2the new console from the Japanese company. We have it available right now for 519.79 euros and comes with ‘Mario Kart World’ and ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ included. It is a console that follows in the footsteps of the first Nintendo Switch, this time offering a more powerful console, capable of moving games to 4K if we use its dock. All this without giving up its hybrid possibilities, so we can also play everywhere with its portable mode. Of course, we will have two great games to premiere it. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World + Cyberpunk 2077 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links POCO F7 Ultra If we are looking for a powerful and very complete phone, but we do not want to pay more than 500 euros for it, this POCO F7 Ultra It can fit us perfectly. This device arrived in stores relatively recently at a price that exceeded 740 euros, but right now we can take it home for free. 484.24 euros. We can highlight its 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED screen, one that also has 2K+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. In addition, it has a Snapdragon 8 Elite under the hood, which also ensures great performance thanks to its 12 GB of RAM. Its battery is 5,300 mAh, although we can charge it in a flash if we run out of it thanks to the 120 W fast charging. POCO F7 Ultra (12+256GB) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links PlayStation 5 Slim Digital We continue with another console, this time with one that has been with us longer. If you are looking for a PlayStation 5the most affordable option we have available right now is the Slim Digital. The RRP of this version of it is almost 500 euros, but AliExpress’s Mega Choice Day makes it easier for us: we can get it for 420.39 euros with the coupon ESCD12. What does this console offer? It is, as we have said, the Digital version, which means that it comes without a disc reader (although we can buy it separately and install it whenever we want). It is a console that still has some life left in it and that has an excellent catalog of video games, both exclusive titles and those from third-party developers. PlayStation 5 Slim Digital The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Nubia Z70 Ultra We continue with another mobile phone, this time with the Nubia Z70 Ultra. This device, like its predecessors, is characterized by offering a high-end experience at a fairly reasonable price. That’s for starters, because a promo like this one from AliExpress allows us to get it much cheaper for a few days: it costs 470.85 euros. This Nubia comes with a 6.85-inch OLED screen with 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. In addition, it has a Snapdragon 8 Elite as a processor and its triple rear camera system will offer us quite remarkable performance in any scenario. The experience is crowned by a large 6,150 mAh battery that is also compatible with 80 W fast charging. Nubia Z70 Ultra (12 + 256 GB) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Honor Magic7 Pro We close this selection of offers with another mobile phone, this time with the Honor Magic7 Pro. Here we have a real bargain, since the device arrived in stores close to 1,300 euros, but right now its price in this AliExpress promo leaves it as a real candy: it costs 686.74 euros. There are several things that we can highlight about it. Among them, its 6.8-inch screen with a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, its processor (also a Snapdragon 8 Elite) and a 5,270 mAh battery compatible with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless fast charging. In addition, it has a triple photographic sensor system capable of achieving very good results. Honor Magic7 Pro (12+512GB) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Images | Xataka, Samsung, Xiaomi, Nintendo, OnePlus In Xataka | The best mobile phones, we have tested them and here are their analyzes In Xataka | The best smartwatches: their analyzes and videos are here

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