Connect with us

Technology

Most talked-about Super Bowl ads

Published

on

Most talked-about Super Bowl ads

Super Bowl 2025 is fast approaching, and while the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare to clash on Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, another competition is heating up: the battle for the best Super Bowl commercial. With one in three Americans tuning in, brands are pulling out all the stops to create memorable ads that will resonate long after the game ends. Here’s a roundup of what we can expect from this year’s star-studded lineup.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

NFL footballs with Lombardi Super Bowl trophy (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Hellmann’s: When sandwich met Sally

Hellmann’s reunites Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal for a rom-com-inspired deli scene at Katz’s Deli. This nostalgic nod to “When Harry Met Sally” adds humor while showcasing Hellmann’s as the perfect sandwich companion.

TECH THAT’S SURE TO MAKE YOUR SUPER BOWL PARTY A HUGE SUCCESS

Advertisement

Stella Artois: Double the Beckham, double the fun

David Beckham discovers he has a long-lost twin brother in Stella Artois’ hilarious new ad. Set in a cozy bar with his fictional parents, Beckham learns about “Other David,” leaving viewers eager for the full reveal on game day.

HOW TO GET YOUR TV GAME-READY FOR THE SUPER BOWL

Pringles: Mustache mania – Can you handle it?

Pringles enlists Adam Brody, Nick Offerman and James Harden for its celebrity-packed ad. Teasers suggest humor centered around mustaches and mysterious activities involving Pringles cans, keeping fans guessing until game day.

STREAM MORE AND PAY LESS BY LOWERING YOUR MONTHLY STREAMING COSTS

Uber Eats: TikTok touchdown – Celebs serve up laughs

Uber Eats brings together Martha Stewart, Charli XCX and Matthew McConaughey for a TikTok-inspired campaign. From football explained in club terms to McConaughey channeling Mike Ditka, this ad promises eclectic humor with broad appeal.

Advertisement

TOP 10 SOUNDBARS TO ENHANCE YOUR TV AUDIO EXPERIENCE 

Bosch: Pickle power – When Banderas meets Macho Man

Bosch’s first-ever Super Bowl ad stars Antonio Banderas helping a Macho Man Randy Savage look-alike open a stubborn pickle jar. This quirky teaser promises humor while showcasing Bosch’s innovative products in a way that’s bound to grab attention.

Coffee Mate: Twain’s creamy serenade

Nestlé’s Coffee Mate makes its Super Bowl debut with a collaboration featuring Shania Twain. The teaser hints at a lively campaign that blends humor and charm, marking a bold first step into the Super Bowl spotlight for this beloved creamer brand.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Doritos: Crunch time: A million-dollar fan challenge

Doritos is letting fans take charge this year by inviting them to create their very own commercials. The winning ad, judged by Kansas City Chiefs players in an “NFL Focus Group,” will earn its creator $1 million, an exciting twist that engages fans directly.

Advertisement

Bud Light: Knock knock, it’s beer o’clock

Shane Gillis and Post Malone team up for Bud Light’s 2025 ad. In one teaser, they arrive at your door with Bud Light in hand, while another shows them waiting to enjoy a beer after wrapping up their shoot. Expect laughs and laid-back vibes from this dynamic duo.

Budweiser: A Clydesdale’s journey

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales return in “First Delivery,” which tells the heartwarming story of a young foal determined to deliver a wayward keg. Set to Bread’s “Let Your Love Go,” this ad promises classic storytelling with a touch of nostalgia.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chocolate eruption – Sweet lava alert

Reese’s is teasing an eruption of chocolate lava in its Super Bowl spot. Two clips show fans rushing toward an erupting volcano, leaving viewers curious about what sweet surprise Reese’s has in store.

MSC Cruises: Barrymore and Bloom’s banana boat bonanza

Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore star in MSC Cruises’ dreamy vacation-themed ad. From mispronouncing “banana” to tackling shark slides, their antics promise lighthearted fun while promoting luxury travel experiences.

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

NerdWallet: Whale of a tale – Culkin’s fishy finance

NerdWallet delivers quirky humor by featuring Kieran Culkin as the voice of a genius-level Beluga whale answering questions about personal finance. This odd yet intriguing concept aims to make financial advice more approachable.

GoDaddy: Goggins’ Goggles – A web of laughs

GoDaddy teams up with “Fallout” star Walton Goggins for an ad promoting his real-life eyewear brand, “Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses.” The spot highlights GoDaddy Airo while blending humor with entrepreneurial spirit.

Coors Light: Simons says take a break

“Veep” star Timothy Simons struggles through a rough day on set in Coors Light’s new ad. After failing to deliver his line, he finds solace in a cold Coors Light, until he’s promptly replaced on set.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Advertisement

Michelob Ultra: Pickleball showdown – Stars serve up laughs

Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara hit the pickleball court for Michelob Ultra’s playful campaign. Joined by sports legends like Ryan Crouser and Randy Moss, they bring competitive energy with light beer on the line.

Totino’s Pizza Rolls: Pizza rolls in space

Tim Robinson leads Totino’s Pizza Rolls’ outer-space-themed ad featuring Sam Richardson and even an alien visitor. With absurd humor at its core, this commercial promises to be delightfully bizarre.

FanDuel: Manning vs. Manning – The kick of destiny

Peyton and Eli Manning face off in FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3,” a live pre-game field goal showdown. With sibling rivalry at its core, this interactive campaign invites fans to pick sides and adds an extra layer of excitement before kickoff.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Häagen-Dazs: Scoop and dash – The great ice cream chase

Häagen-Dazs delivers high-octane action with an ice cream truck chase scene. Teasers show revving engines and suspenseful moments as viewers wonder if the delivery will make it safely.

Advertisement

Squarespace: Web odyssey – A tale as old as websites

Titled “A Tale As Old As Websites,” Squarespace’s teaser hints at an epic journey through cyberspace. While details remain scarce, expect creativity from this website-building platform’s big game debut.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Hims & Hers: A new perspective on health

Telehealth company Hims & Hers is using its 60-second spot to address obesity and the weight-loss industry. The ad will highlight the company’s weight-loss medications and treatment plans, aiming to spark a conversation about health and wellness during one of the year’s biggest events.

Taco Bell: Live Más, Star Más – You’re the celebrity

Taco Bell celebrates its fans by featuring customers who snapped photos at Live Más drive-thru cams. Despite Doja Cat’s involvement, the focus remains on everyday people, making this ad both relatable and engaging.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Super Bowl 2025 commercials promise an exciting mix of humor, nostalgia, innovation and star power. From heartfelt stories like Budweiser’s foal journey to laugh-out-loud moments from Taco Bell and Pringles, brands are vying for attention in creative ways. With millions watching worldwide, these ads are poised to leave lasting impressions and perhaps even outshine the game itself.

Advertisement

Which Super Bowl 2025 ad are you most excited to see and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Advertisement

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Technology

Everything we think we know about the next iPhone SE

Published

on

Everything we think we know about the next iPhone SE

Apple has confirmed a product launch on February 19th, and we think it’ll be the new iPhone SE. That could mark a major shake-up to the company’s affordable iPhone line, adding in Face ID and killing off the classic home button.

We don’t expect Apple to hold a full launch event for the new SE, instead simply announcing the phone on its website. When the company has done this in the past, it’s tended to favor announcements at 9AM ET, so set your alarm clock now if you don’t want to miss the news.

We have a pretty good idea of what’s coming after months of leaks and rumors, so here’s everything we expect to see next week.

There won’t be a home button…

The biggest change is that Apple is upending the iPhone SE’s design, after leaving it broadly unchanged since the series’ inception in 2016. The 2022 SE is the last iPhone still using a home button, with a thick bezel around the top and bottom of the screen. But rumors say Apple will now ditch the button, slim the bezel, and add Face ID.

Advertisement

The result will be a phone that looks like the iPhone 14 from the front. Like that phone, it’s expected to place its Face ID sensors in a notch, rather than using the less obtrusive Dynamic Island design that was introduced in the 14 Pro and has been used in every iPhone since then. Apple can’t resist keeping its SE series just a little behind the times.

We’ve seen the notched design in a video shared by the leaker Majin Bu, which shows them handling what is likely a nonfunctional dummy unit, used by case manufacturers to design and test their accessories.

Case manufacturer Spigen also showed off renders of the phone when it accidentally published a listing early for one of its cases for the phone. The product page has been taken down, but not before GSMArena grabbed images that closely match the device shown in the video above.

…but there will be an Action button

Bu’s video and Spigen’s images both suggest that the SE 4 will include a customizable Action button, but not the Camera Control introduced on the iPhone 16.

Advertisement

Like other SE models, it also appears to stick to a single rear camera. One leaked spec list suggests that the SE will use a 48-megapixel sensor on the rear, with a 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front, but this is an area where there have been few reports so far.

It’s not going to be a small phone

The redesign will allow the 2025 SE to have a larger screen than the 4.7-inch panel used by the 2022 model. It’s expected to instead use a 6.1-inch display, the same size as the standard iPhone 16, and will also upgrade to OLED.

The bigger screen means the phone as a whole will be larger than any previous iPhone SE, and there will no longer be any iPhone smaller than the standard model. If we assume the new phone will have similar dimensions to the iPhone 16, then it could be 9mm taller than the 2022 SE and weigh about 25g more.

Lightning is out, USB-C is in

Advertisement

It’s pretty much certain that the phone will have a USB-C port rather than Lightning, allowing it to once again be sold in the EU. The previous SE model was discontinued in EU markets, along with every other iPhone using a Lightning port.

It’ll be one of the most powerful iPhones around

On the inside, Bloomberg reports that the phone will use the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. That’s the same approach Apple has used for its last two SE phones, which have paired the latest silicon with more dated designs. The A18 is expected to be combined with an increase to 8GB of RAM, the minimum required to run Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI tools that provide notification summaries and other functionality and are now enabled by default. That would all make it more powerful than 2023’s iPhone 15.

It will even beat this year’s iPhone 17 series to feature Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, replacing the Qualcomm components that iPhones have used in the past. Apple has been developing its own modems for over half a decade, but Bloomberg warns that the first iteration is a “downgrade” from the modem in the latest flagship iPhones and won’t support mmWave 5G, only sub-6 — though that was true of the last iPhone SE, too.

Tim Cook has teased a new “member of the family,” arriving on February 19th, and we’re pretty sure that’s the new SE.

Advertisement

Bloomberg predicts a price of “roughly $500,” higher than the 2022 model’s starting price of $429. That may be offset by a default storage spec of 128GB, meaning there would no longer be any 64GB iPhone on the market.

There’s also a possibility that it won’t be called the iPhone SE after all. Two leakers have predicted that it will instead be called the iPhone 16E, though, since the SE name has popped up more often, we think that’s still more likely.

We won’t have long to wait to find out for sure. The SE would be the first of several big iPhone launches this year, with Apple tipped to reveal a slimmer iPhone 17 Air as well as “major updates” to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

Update, February 13th: Added mention of Apple’s teaser for an announcement on February 19th.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Technology

Screenshot-scanning malware discovered on Apple App Store in first-of-its-kind attack

Published

on

Screenshot-scanning malware discovered on Apple App Store in first-of-its-kind attack

Every tech expert will tell you the App Store is safer than Google Play Store. Some might even claim it is impossible to download a malicious app from the App Store, but they are wrong. 

While I admit the App Store is a secure and tightly controlled ecosystem, it cannot completely shield you. Security researchers have found that hackers are targeting several apps on the App Store to spread malware that steals information from screenshots saved on a device. 

The issue also affects those downloading apps from the Google Play Store.

STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW

A person holding an iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

Advertisement

How the malware works and what makes it different

According to researchers at Kaspersky, this malware campaign is more advanced than typical info stealers, both in how it works and how it spreads. Instead of relying on social engineering tricks to get users to grant permissions like most banking trojans or spyware, this malware hides inside seemingly legitimate apps and slips past Apple and Google’s security checks.

One of its standout features is Optical Character Recognition. Instead of stealing stored files, it scans screenshots saved on the device, extracts text and sends the information to remote servers.

Once installed, the malware operates stealthily, often activating only after a period of dormancy to avoid raising suspicion. It employs encrypted communication channels to send stolen data back to its operators, making it difficult to trace. Plus, it spreads through deceptive updates or hidden code within app dependencies, an approach that helps it evade initial security screenings by app store review teams.

The infection vectors vary between Apple and Google’s ecosystems. On iOS, the malware is often embedded within apps that initially pass Apple’s rigorous review process but later introduce harmful functionality through updates. On Android, the malware can exploit sideloading options, but even official Google Play apps have been found to carry these malicious payloads, sometimes hidden within SDKs (software development kits) supplied by third-party developers.

Messaging app

Messaging app in the App Store designed to lure victims.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Advertisement

What’s being stolen, and who’s responsible?

The scope of stolen information is alarming. This malware primarily targets crypto wallet recovery phrases but is also capable of exfiltrating login credentials, payment details, personal messages, location data and even biometric identifiers. Some versions are designed to harvest authentication tokens, allowing attackers to access accounts even if users change their passwords.

The apps serving as malware carriers include ComeCome, ChatAi, WeTink, AnyGPT and more. These range from productivity tools to entertainment and utility apps. In some cases, malicious developers create these apps with full knowledge of the malware’s purpose. In others, the issue appears to be a supply chain vulnerability, where legitimate developers unknowingly integrate compromised SDKs or third-party services that introduce malicious code into their applications.

We reached out to Apple for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline. 

App Store

Messaging app in the App Store designed to lure victims. (Kaspersky)

Apple’s response to screenshot-scanning malware discovered in App Store

Apple has removed the 11 iOS apps mentioned in Kaspersky’s report from the App Store. Furthermore, they discovered that these 11 apps shared code signatures with 89 other iOS apps, all of which had been previously rejected or removed for violating Apple’s policies, resulting in the termination of their developer accounts.

Apps requesting access to user data such as Photos, Camera or Location must provide relevant functionality or face rejection. They must also clearly explain their data usage when prompting users for permission. iOS privacy features ensure users always control whether their location information is shared with an app. Also, starting in iOS 14, the PhotoKit API — which allows apps to request access to a user’s Photos library — added additional controls to let users select only specific photos or videos to share with an app instead of providing access to their entire library. 

Advertisement

The App Store Review Guidelines mandate that developers are responsible for ensuring their entire app, including ad networks, analytics services and third-party SDKs, complies with the guidelines. Developers must carefully review and choose these components. Apps must also accurately represent their privacy practices, including those of the SDKs they use, in their privacy labels.

In 2023, the App Store rejected over 1.7 million app submissions for failing to meet its stringent privacy, security and content standards. It also rejected 248,000 app submissions found to be spam, copycats or misleading and prevented 84,000 potentially fraudulent apps from reaching users.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

What Google is doing to stop malware 

A Google spokesperson tells CyberGuy: 

“All of the identified apps have been removed from Google Play and the developers have been banned. Android users are automatically protected from known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect, which is on by default on Android devices with Google Play Services.”

Advertisement

However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn’t 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices. Here’s why:

What Google Play Protect can do:

  • Scans apps from the Google Play Store for known threats.
  • Warns you if an app behaves suspiciously.
  • Detects apps from unverified sources (sideloaded APKs).
  • Can disable or remove harmful apps.

What Google Play Protect can’t do:

  • It does not provide real-time protection against advanced threats like spyware, ransomware or phishing attacks.
  • It does not scan files, downloads or links outside of Play Store apps.
  • It may miss malware from third-party app stores or sideloaded apps.
  • It lacks features like VPN protection, anti-theft tools and privacy monitoring.
password

Image of a person typing in their password on screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW SCAMMERS USE YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR FINANCIAL SCAMS AND HOW TO STOP THEM

5 ways users can protect themselves from such malware

1. Use strong antivirus software: Installing strong antivirus software can add an extra layer of protection by scanning apps for malware, blocking suspicious activity and alerting you to potential threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Stick to trusted developers and well-known apps: Even though malware has been found in official app stores, users can still minimize their risk by downloading apps from reputable developers with a long track record. Before installing an app, check its developer history, read multiple reviews and look at the permissions it requests. If an app from an unknown developer suddenly gains popularity but lacks a strong review history, approach it with caution.

Advertisement

3. Review app permissions carefully: Many malicious apps disguise themselves as legitimate tools but request excessive permissions that go beyond their stated purpose. For example, a simple calculator app should not need access to your contacts, messages or location. If an app asks for permissions that seem unnecessary, consider it a red flag and either deny those permissions or avoid installing the app altogether. Go to your phone settings and check app permissions on your iPhone and Android

4. Keep your device and apps updated: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to distribute malware. Always keep your operating system and apps updated to the latest versions, as these updates often contain critical security patches. Enabling automatic updates ensures that you stay protected without having to manually check for new versions.

5. Be wary of apps that promise too much: Many malware-infected apps lure users by offering features that seem too good to be true — such as free premium services, extreme battery optimizations or AI-powered functionality that appears unrealistic. If an app’s claims sound exaggerated or its download numbers skyrocket overnight with questionable reviews, it’s best to avoid it. Stick to apps with a transparent development team and verifiable functionalities. 

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Kurt’s key takeaway

The new malware campaign highlights the need for stricter vetting processes, continuous monitoring of app behavior post-approval and greater transparency from app stores regarding security risks. While Apple and Google have removed the malicious apps upon detection, the fact that they made it onto the platform in the first place exposes a gap in the existing security framework. As cybercriminals refine their methods, app stores must evolve just as quickly or risk losing the trust of the very users they claim to protect.

Advertisement

Do you think app stores should take more responsibility for malware slipping through? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Advertisement

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Technology

PS5 State of Play February 2025: the best trailers and biggest reveals

Published

on

PS5 State of Play February 2025: the best trailers and biggest reveals

Sony is starting out 2025 by sharing exactly what it has in store for the PlayStation 5 this year. The company will be streaming a 40-minute State of Play event on February 12th, which is aimed at showcasing upcoming PS5 titles, so you can expect a mix of new reveals and closer looks at previously announced games. That likely means names like Ghost of Yōtei, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows — along with the odd surprise like, just maybe, the long-awaited Bloodborne remaster.

Whatever Sony does decide to show, you can keep up with everything right here.

Continue Reading

Trending