Xiaomi has just given a global launch to two of its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, along with a Leica-branded Leitzphone edition of the Ultra. There’s no sign, however, of the 17 Pro, which launched in China with an additional display mounted next to the rear cameras.
Technology
Could these exoskeleton 'powered pants' make outdoor activities easier in the future?
Do you wish you could hike with less exertion, muscle fatigue and joint discomfort?
Your dreams might just be coming true.
Skip, a start-up born from Google’s secretive X Labs, has partnered with outdoor clothing giant Arc’teryx to bring us the MO/GO, a high-tech exoskeleton disguised as rugged hiking pants.
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Man wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
What’s so special about these pants?
Imagine feeling 30 pounds lighter while tackling that steep trail. The MO/GO system can boost your leg strength by up to 40%, making those uphill climbs a breeze. But it doesn’t stop there. These smart pants also support your knees on the way down, potentially saving you from that dreaded post-hike soreness.
The MO/GO, which stands for Mountain/Goat, is a hybrid soft/rigid exoskeleton integrated into a pair of rugged-looking outdoor pants. Its knee-joint motors provide assistance to your quads and hamstrings during up and downhill walks or hikes, significantly reducing muscle fatigue.
People wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
AI-DRIVEN EXOSKELETON LIGHTENS YOUR LOAD AND ELEVATES PERFORMANCE
The outer pant: Comfort meets rugged design
The MO/GO isn’t just about the tech. It’s also about looking good on the trail. The outer pant is designed for both comfort and style, neatly organizing all the device’s elements and positioning them perfectly on your body. Built to withstand even the most rugged adventures, these pants are ready for whatever nature throws your way.
A person wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
WEARABLE EXOSKELETON CAN TURN YOU INTO A SUPERHUMAN ATHLETE
Ultralight carbon fiber cuffs
At the heart of the MO/GO system are ultralight carbon fiber cuffs. These aren’t just for show. They efficiently transfer power from the motor to your leg, maximizing the benefit as you walk. Engineered for breathability and comfort, these cuffs snugly hug your leg while remaining adjustable for the perfect fit.
A person wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
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Powerful yet compact knee motors
The real stars of the show are the compact motors located at the knee. These powerhouses give you a boost as you walk by augmenting your quadricep and hamstring muscles. They not only provide that extra “horsepower” but also absorb the impact of each step on your knee joints. The best part? They can instantly snap on when you need support and snap off when you don’t.
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MO/GO pants on a table (Skip)
Long-lasting battery to keep you powered up
Are you worried about running out of juice midhike? Fear not. The MO/GO’s battery lasts for over three hours of continuous uphill walking at maximum assistance. Plus, it recharges automatically during downhill walking – talk about efficiency. For those extra-long adventures, you can quickly swap out the battery on the go for extended range.
User-friendly interface
The MO/GO keeps things simple with a minimalist interface. You get full control over your level of support without any complicated settings to distract you from your surroundings. Just remember three buttons: on/off, more assistance, and less assistance. That’s all you need to conquer any trail.
Smart movement software: Learning with every step
Perhaps the most impressive feature is the MO/GO’s movement software. Trained on the world’s biggest mountains, it can handle any terrain you encounter. It adapts in real-time to changes in your activity and walking style and even learns your preferences over time, becoming increasingly helpful with each step you take.
The brains behind the brawn
The story of Skip’s creation is as fascinating as the technology itself. Kathryn Zealand, the project’s mastermind, faced a tough decision when Google’s parent company, Alphabet, started tightening its belt. Rather than letting her passion project die, she spun off Skip as an independent startup.
Zealand’s journey wasn’t easy. When Alphabet began cutting resources at X Labs, she realized her project wouldn’t thrive within the company. Determined to bring her vision to life, she secured $6 million in funding and established Skip Innovations Inc. as an independent startup. This included purchasing the intellectual property rights from Google. Zealand raised funds through outside investors and grants, ensuring her project could continue to develop and innovate independently.
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A man wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
Not just for hardcore hikers
While the MO/GO pants are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Zealand sees a broader future for this technology. During development, they’ve already helped people with mobility issues accomplish feats they thought were impossible, like a woman who climbed stairs twice in quick succession after 25 years of being unable to do so. Skip is even conducting clinical trials for conditions like Parkinson’s, hinting at potential medical applications down the road.
A woman wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
Important note: Not a medical device
However, it’s crucial to note that despite its potential, the MO/GO is not currently classified as a medical device. As Skip clearly states on its website, “THE MO/GO™ IS NOT A MEDICAL DEVICE AND HAS NOT YET BEEN CLEARED BY THE FDA.” As with any new technology, potential users should consult with healthcare professionals if they have any concerns about using such a device.
The price of innovation
Now, here’s the catch: Cutting-edge tech doesn’t come cheap. At launch, a pair of MO/GO pants will set you back $4,500. But don’t worry, if you’re just curious to try them out, Skip plans to offer rentals for around $80 a day in popular hiking spots like the Grand Canyon.
It’s worth noting that cheaper alternatives are available, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. While Skip focuses on knee-joint assistance for activities like climbing stairs and inclines, Chinese manufacturers like Dnsys provide more affordable alternatives. The Dnsys X1 exoskeleton, for example, targets hip-joint support and is available for under $1,000.
Skip says its focus is on knee-joint assistance because users most commonly express discomfort in relation to knee-related activities like stairs and inclines. This price difference reflects varying design philosophies and target applications in the growing field of assistive wearable technology.
A person wearing MO/GO pants (Skip)
What people are saying about MO/GO pants
Skip features testimonials on its website from users like 65-year-old Beth, who says, “It’s not just about making it where I want to go but having the confidence that I’ll always make it back.” Similarly, 71-year-old Peter says, “I can’t remember the last time my knees felt this good.”
Kurt’s key takeaways
The MO/GO powered pants are shaking up the world of wearable tech, and they might just revolutionize how we think about hiking gear. By combining the expertise of a tech startup with the outdoor know-how of Arc’teryx, Skip has created a product that could truly change the game for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. While the current price point may be a barrier for many, it’s worth remembering that new technologies often start expensive before becoming more accessible. If Skip can deliver on its promises of increased mobility and reduced fatigue, we might see these powered pants become a common sight on trails in the coming years.
Would you consider wearing the MO/GO powered pants for your outdoor adventures? What factors would influence your decision, and how do you think they could enhance your experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known dark web breach dumps for personal information tied to a user’s Google account. The service delivered notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.
According to Google’s support page, the system ceased scanning for new dark web data Jan. 15, 2026, and the reporting function was removed entirely on Feb. 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.
The company said the decision reflects a shift toward security tools it believes provide clearer guidance after exposure, rather than standalone scan alerts.
If you previously relied on the free dark web scan as an early warning signal for leaked data, this change removes one of your sources.
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Google officially ended its Dark Web Report tool, removing free breach alerts tied to user accounts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
So what did users really lose?
Google’s Dark Web Report acted as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in known breach collections circulating on the dark web.
When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying which type of data appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breach, that could include an email address, phone number, date of birth or other identifying details commonly harvested during large-scale hacks.
The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referencing the breached service when available.
After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, that automated breach check tied directly to a Google account is no longer available.
What you still have access to
Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual sign-in activity.
Its built-in Password Manager includes Password Checkup, which scans saved credentials against known breach databases and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passkeys and two-factor verification to lock down account access.
The Results About You tool lets users search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details.
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Without the automatic scan, users must now check for leaked data using other security tools. (iStock)
Alerts don’t always mean protection
Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are regularly trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information tied to real people.
The BidenCash dark web marketplace was taken down by U.S. authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled stolen personal information and credit card data.
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes credential stuffing easier, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of barreling into your account.
A breach alert tied to a dark web scan points to a leak at one moment in time; it does not follow whether that information has been sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared in a leak doesn’t help much.
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Stolen personal information can circulate for years, making ongoing monitoring more important than a one-time alert. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Identity monitoring may be a better option
With Google’s scan gone, some people may consider dedicated identity protection services instead. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus. That can include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a broader range of personal identifiers, such as driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.
Beyond credit monitoring, certain services track linked bank, credit card and investment accounts for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes to addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those filings.
Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible out-of-pocket recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.
No service can prevent every form of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery support can make it easier to respond quickly if your information is misused.
See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s decision to drop its Dark Web Report may seem small. But it removes a tool many users relied on. For some, those alerts were the first warning that their data appeared in a breach. That automatic scan is now gone. Google still offers Security Checkup, Password Checkup, passkeys and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan dark web breach dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy, sell and reuse it. One alert shows a single moment. Ongoing identity theft monitoring helps you stay aware over time.
Now that Google has dropped its dark web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data exposure or assume someone else is watching it for you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Related Article
The 17 and 17 Ultra will apparently be available soon in the UK, Europe, and select other markets. The 17 — pitched as a rival to the likes of the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 — will cost £899 / €999 (about $1,200), while the larger and more capable Ultra starts from £1,299 / €1,499 ($1,750). The limited-edition Leitzphone will be substantially more expensive at £1,699 / €1,999 ($2,300), though it includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, along with a few extra accessories.
The 17 is an extremely capable small-ish flagship, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and large 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery (though sadly smaller than the 7,000mAh version launched in China). I won’t be writing a full review of the 17, but did spend a week using it as my main phone, and found that the battery cruised past the full-day mark, though wasn’t quite enough for two full days of my typical usage. That’s far better battery life than you’d find in similarly sized phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
The cameras impress too, with 50-megapixel sensors behind each of the four lenses, selfie included. Pound for pound, you won’t find many better camera systems in any phone this size.
1/10
The Ultra, unsurprisingly, takes things to another level. It’s much larger, with a 6.9-inch display, and weighs a hefty 218g. Despite that, the 6,000mAh is actually smaller, though I found it delivered pretty similar longevity.
The enormous camera is, as ever for Xiaomi’s Ultra phones, the highlight. There are 50-megapixel sensors for each of the main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras, with a large 1-inch-type sensor behind the primary lens. The periscope telephoto is even more impressive: 200-megapixel resolution, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and continuous optical zoom from 3.2x to 4.3x, the equivalent of 75-100mm. Xiaomi isn’t the first to pull off a true zoom phone — Sony’s Xperia 1 IV got there first in 2022 — but the telephoto camera here is far more capable than that phone’s, with natural bokeh and impressive performance even in low light.
The camera capabilities are supported by Xiaomi’s ongoing photography partner Leica, but it’s the pair’s Leitzphone that really emphasizes that. Slightly redesigned from the 17 Ultra Leica Edition that was released in China last December, this includes Leica branding across the hardware and software, a range of Leica filters and shooting styles, and a rotatable rear camera ring that can be used to control the zoom. It’s the first Leica Leitzphone produced by Xiaomi — after a trio of Japan-only Sharp models — and comes with additional branded accessories, including a case with a lens cap and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Xiaomi has plenty of other announcements alongside the 17 series phones at MWC this year, including a super-slim magnetic power bank, the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro tablets, and a smart tag that supports both Google and Apple’s tech-tracking networks.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
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