Technology

• Valve has said that every Steam Machine has one stick of 16GB RAM
• This is a correction to a previous statement in which Valve engineers indicated that some models had two 8GB sticks
• There's no 'RAM configuration lottery' then, but Valve may switch to dual sticks in the future — and that could be another reason to hold fire on a purchase for some

We've learned more about the Steam Machine's RAM configuration — and I've got to wonder if the latest details spilled might convince more gamers to hold off purchasing the living room gaming PC for now.

The Verge reports that Valve has come forward to clarify that every Steam Machine has a single stick of 16GB of system memory. In an interview with the YouTube channel previously, Valve engineers had indicated that there were two possible configurations with its gaming PC: either two 8GB RAM sticks, or one 16GB module (with the latter being more prevalent).

Now Valve has told Gamers Nexus: "We misspoke here – all units will actually have one 16GB stick of RAM."

This requires a little explanation if you missed it, as there's a subtle difference between these configurations. In both cases, you are still getting 16GB of memory, but when split into two 8GB sticks you're receiving the benefit of dual-channel memory (the RAM sticks working in parallel).

Therefore gamers were miffed that they didn't know what they'd get in their Steam Machine, and if they'd get the boost from the dual-channel configuration or not (although there's more to this argument, and also a benefit of having a single stick, which I'll come back to momentarily).

At any rate, this is now all a moot point, although things could be different down the line, as in its most recent statement, Valve added: "It's possible that this might change in future builds, but the units that customers are currently signing up for will all come with one 16GB stick of RAM."

Valve actually wanted to use the configuration of two sticks of 8GB for the Steam Machine, and the reason it didn't is because the company simply couldn't source the supply levels needed — hence the switch to more plentiful 16GB modules. So, when procuring 8GB memory sticks is less of a problem, Valve will be going this route.

Analysis: a better upgrade path vs dual-channel boosts

(Image credit: Valve)

As mentioned, there are pros and cons to both RAM configurations. If you have a pair of 8GB sticks, you get a performance boost from the dual-channel setup as noted. However, the catch is that the frame rate increase in many scenarios is not that much, and Valve argues it isn't noticeable in the main with DDR5 RAM – and I get that argument, it's fair enough.

However, as I discussed earlier this week, there are scenarios where there may be a sizeable enough performance difference, particularly away from 4K resolution, or with games which are taxing on the CPU (and concerns around additional stutter are a thorny extra issue here, too).

For me, this means that a one stick configuration is suboptimal, and I know if I was buying a Steam Machine, this setup would bug me somewhat.

That said, as some gamers are pointing out, the advantage of a single 16GB stick is that it offers room for an upgrade. This is because there are two RAM slots in the Steam Machine, and if you have a pair of 8GB modules, both are filled. Want to upgrade? You need to buy a pair of 16GB sticks and get rid of the 8GB modules (you could sell them second-hand).

On the other hand, with a single 16GB stick, all you need to do is buy a (matching) 16GB module to slot in next to it (as you have an empty slot). Therefore you're only paying for one 16GB stick rather than two (minus what you get back for selling the 8GB modules in the latter case). That's a pretty handy benefit for those who envisage topping up their Steam Machine to be a 32GB PC in the future, when games demanding that loadout become increasingly common.

However, I see a couple of issues here. Firstly, it's a fairly common scenario that people buy a PC with the intention of upgrading the RAM, and never actually bother. It's a nice idea, but then procrastination sets in, and before you know it, the device is on the way out anyway, and you're looking for a new one.

Secondly, compounding this – and reinforcing any procrastination – is the fact that it's not easy to make the RAM upgrade with the Steam Machine. Well-intentioned upgraders may be put off when they discover that you must yank out a bunch of stuff to get to the memory slots, which really isn't ideal.

I'm not sure how many gamers really will benefit from the better upgrade path to 32GB realistically, then, with the single 16GB setup – while it's clear enough what the (no effort) gains are with a pair of 8GB sticks.

So, knowing that two 8GB modules may well be the default configuration in the future – as it was always supposed to be – my thought is that this is another reason to wait on a Steam Machine. Further consider that, as Tom's Hardware flagged, we just learned that the Steam Machine was originally shaping up to be priced at or just under the $750 mark in the US, before the RAM crisis fully kicked in and threw the bill-of-materials (cost of the components) out of whack.

Now I'm wondering how many gamers, seeing that original target price of sub-$750, and these fresh details about the RAM configuration, are feeling that they'd rather wait it out and buy a Steam Machine when the PC comes back down towards its target price, running with a pair of 8GB sticks.

All this certainly seems to have introduced an increased level of reluctance for would-be buyers. As one Redditor puts it: "The more I hear, the more I want to keep my money." Although granted, in that thread, others are saying they're pleased to get a single stick of 16GB for the mentioned future upgrade reasons – I'm just not convinced this will apply to many buyers out there, versus the benefits of dual-channel.

Whatever the case, there's definitely an argument that exercising some patience, and holding off purchasing for the time being, could pay off with the Steam Machine eventually. Of course, there's always the option of building your own version of Valve's gaming PC, which is another route that some folks may well be considering as an alternative.

Apple reportedly cleared Samsung Display to make OLED panels for its first foldable iPhone, with hinge issues still shaping launch timing.

The post Samsung Reportedly Starts OLED Panel Production for Apple’s First Foldable iPhone appeared first on TechRepublic.

The Windmill window air conditioner was the quickest to cool down rooms in our lab testing, and there's a great deal on it right now.

If I were a 'brand guy', my brand would probably be Anker. Almost my entire home office runs on the company's power and audio gear, and has done for years now (ever since I got my paws on the original Soundcore Q20 headphones).

• Shop Amazon's Prime Day deals

And wouldn't you know it - there's so many Anker products in the Amazon Prime Day sales, that I couldn't resist picking out my favorite 12 tech tools. Honestly, I could've doubled or tripled that, to be honest. You can see the full product line-up at Anker's Amazon storefront. I'll stick to my highlights.

But in my experience, this is the office gear that's essential. From docking stations and power banks capable of recharging laptops to the best budget noise-canceling headphones and earbuds I've ever used. Here's what I'd buy first for Prime Day. For more office upgrades, I've live-tracking all the best Prime Day home office deals.

My top 12 Anker Prime Day deals

Anker PowerConf C200

Anker 3-in-1 Cube with Magsafe

Anker PowerConf S500 Speakerphone

Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand

Anker Zolo Powerbank 10000mAh

Anker Anker Power Strip

Anker Soundcore Q20i

Anker Laptop Power Bank

Anker Prime 250W USB C Charger, Ultra-Fast 6-Port GaN Charging Station

Anker SoundCore 2

Anker Soundcore P30i

Anker Nano 30W Charger

More Anker deals on Amazon

• Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse for Work: now $18.98 (was $29.99)
• Anker Prime Charging Station 200W 6-Port GaN Desktop Charger: now $55.99 (was $79.99)
• Anker Desktop Charger, 9-in-1 Power Strip with 300J Surge Protector: now $33.99 (was $39.99)
• Anker Power Strip with 300J Surge Protector: now $19.99 (was $25.99)
• Anker Nano 100W Charging Station: now $56.98 (was $79.99)
• Anker 6-Port Desktop Charger: now $32.29 (was $39.99)
• Anker MagSafe Charger Stand: now $37.79 (was $53.99)
• Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station: now $399.99 (was $499.99)

More Prime Day deals

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

• Samsung has announced the Galaxy A27
• This budget phone has a faster chipset than the A26 along with a refined design and an improved selfie camera
• However, it has worse water resistance and fewer megapixels in its ultra-wide snapper

Samsung has just launched a new budget phone, with the Galaxy A27 arriving to take the place of last year’s Samsung Galaxy A26. But while there are some worthwhile upgrades here, there are also at least two downgrades.

Most notably, while the Galaxy A26 has an IP67 rating, the Galaxy A27 is instead stuck with a lesser IP64 rating, meaning it’s less water resistant.

At least one of the cameras also looks to be a downgrade, as while both phones have a 50MP wide camera and a 2MP macro one, the Galaxy A27 pairs those with a 5MP ultra-wide, whereas the Galaxy A26 has an 8MP ultra-wide snapper.

Looking purely at megapixels, the front-facing camera may seem a slight downgrade too, as it's 12MP on the Galaxy A27 and 13MP on the Galaxy A26. But overall, this is probably actually an upgrade, as Samsung claims the new camera can capture “a wider range of brightness and richer colors” for more natural-looking selfies.

(Image credit: Samsung)A faster chipset and smaller bezels

As for things that are clear upgrades, there’s a more powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a punch-hole camera in place of a notch, and smaller bezels. The Samsung Galaxy A27 also has improved AI capabilities, such as multi-object recognition in Circle to Search, and more precise results from Object Eraser.

Beyond that, most of the specs are the same as last year, including a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W charging.

The Samsung Galaxy A27 also runs Android 16 and comes with the promise of six generations of Android updates and six years of security updates.

It’s launching in the UK on July 3 and the US on July 14, starting at $349.99 and £319, respectively. We don’t have official confirmation of whether it’s coming to Australia, but reports online suggest it will also launch there on July 3, starting at AU$499.

It will be sold in black, blue, light green, and light pink, but not all regions will necessarily get all of those colors — we know, for example, that in the US, it’s only going to be sold in black.

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and I've discovered that great espresso machines don't have to be expensive. In fact, there are some truly excellent options around that perform just as well as pricier models, without burning a hole in your wallet. Here I've put together a list of my three top-rated budget espresso machines — and if you're lucky, you might find that they're even cheaper right now for Amazon Prime Day.

- Check our the full Amazon Prime Day sale

All these espresso machines are from reputable brands (De'Longhi, Breville, and Philips), so you can be confident that you're getting a well-made appliance with proper after-sales service too. Whether you're looking for a simple manual machine, or something that will handle the entire brewing process from bean to cup, I've got you covered.

1. Philips BaristinaFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

Everyone who knows me will know that I'm obsessed with this little espresso machine. You see, usually bean-to-cup machines are expensive and messy, but not this one. Its 'one swipe' brewing means you never have to weigh anything; just insert the empty portafilter handle and the machine will do the rest, grinding and tamping the beans, then whisking them over to be extracted.

During my tests, the coffee it produced was consistently well-extracted and flavorsome, and because the brewing process doesn't happen inside an enclosed case, as it does with most automatic coffee machines, you don't need to worry about things getting damp and dirty inside. The Baristina is as easy to clean as a manual coffee maker, but doesn't require any barista skills. Ideal if you're looking for your very first coffee maker, or want to upgrade from pods to fresh beans.

Read my full Philips Baristina review

2. De'Longhi Dedica DuoFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

Another of my favorite compact coffee makers, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo is the right machine if you're willing to try honing your own barista skills, and want a manual espresso machine rather than an automatic one.

The Dedica Duo is super affordable, and you're likely to find it even cheaper for Prime Day. Most espresso machines in this price bracket are quite poorly made and deliver inconsistent results, but De'Longhi has a reputation to maintain, and the little Dedica Duo is just as solid and reliable as any of the company's premium coffee makers.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo review

3. Breville Bambino PlusBreville, edited by GeminiFutureFuture

The little Bambino Plus is often recommended as a good espresso machine for first-timers, and with its easy controls, small but solid build, and entry-level price, it lives up to that reputation. One of my favorite features here, which you won't find on either of the other coffee makers, is its auto milk wand, which lets you choose from three different milk temperatures and three milk texture settings. You can steam your milk manually if you prefer, but it's a great option that lowers the barrier to entry for beginners.

Like the De'Longhi machine above, the Bambino Plus is able to sustain the pressure and temperature necessary for consistently extracted coffee every time, despite its small size. You won't need to worry about your coffee suddenly tasting different for no apparent reason, as you do with some affordably-priced espresso machines. A solid and dependable little brewer.

Read our full Breville Bambino Plus review

More Prime Day deals

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

Microsoft has just announced that the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase "effective August 1, 2026" in a post on Xbox News Wire. Specifically, the company says that "The price of Xbox consoles will increase by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models. We will also be sunsetting our 2 TB model."

We don't have confirmation on what this will mean in countries outside the US, but we know there will be changes worldwide; the question is how much.

This will make the prices of Xbox consoles in the US as follows:

New Xbox console pricing

Old price

New price

Xbox Series S 512GB

$399

$499

Xbox Series S 1TB

$449

$599

Xbox Series X 1TB All-Digital

$599

$749

Xbox Series X 1TB Disc

$649

$899

So the Xbox Series S now costs the same as the Series X used to, and is the same price as the PS5 Digital Edition currently costs (though we'll see if that changes again too…).

Fortunately, you have a chance to beat the price rise at the moment — if you're in the US, Walmart has a great discount on the 1TB disc version currently.

The Xbox Series X serves up stunning graphics and super smooth performance — this is a great discount for the disc version, and may sell out quickly now that the price rise has been announced.View Deal

We're getting into a real crunch point when it comes to price rises caused by the AI-driven memory crisis.

Apple has just announced a huge suite of price rises, having resisted as long as possible, and the price of the Steam Machine shocked people who were hoping for something more console-level — but Valve says the memory companies had them over a barrel, basically.

It's hard to say if the price rise coming just before the GTA IV launch is a cynical move by Xbox, or if letting us know six weeks in advance, during a sales event, just after GTA VI pre-orders went live is doing us a favor — I'm inclined to lean towards the latter.

I’ve been reviewing audio gear at TechRadar for years now, and there’s nothing I enjoy sinking my teeth into than a brand new pair of noise cancelling headphones. I’ve tested more than 15 pairs so far, some of which have been mind-blowingly good, and some…less so.

In a highly convoluted market, it can be tough to pick out just one pair of headphones to buy, but today, I’m here to narrow things down for you. I’ve picked 4 of the best noise cancelling headphones that I’ve tested so that you can get great bang for your buck and enjoy your tunes without compromise.

There are options for a range of budgets here, from a top-class budget-friendly set all the way up to a premium pair that’s sure to bless your ears. Curious to know what made the cut? Scroll on down and discover my top picks.

1. The budget big-hitter: 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve raved about the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 plenty of times, and for good reason. These headphones almost feel too good to be true — and on multiple counts.

Firstly, they’re incredibly cheap. They’re regularly available for less than $90 / £90, making them far more affordable than models from the likes of Apple and Bose. But that low price-point doesn’t come at the cost of quality. The Sonoflow Pro plate up surprisingly strong sound quality, with rich bass, clean mids, and controlled highs. They even have LDAC support for higher-res Bluetooth listening, which is a great feature for a product at such a budget-friendly price-point.

Another area these headphones excel in is ANC. Sure, you’re not getting Bose QuietComfort Ultra levels of noise-nixing, but they’re effective at dulling external sounds right across the frequency range, making them a nice pick for commutes or daytime walks. Pair that with an extraordinary 100 hours of battery life (65 hours with ANC on) and a sleek look, and the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are an easy recommendation.

2. The best all-rounders: Sony WH-1000XM6

(Image credit: Future)

If there’s one pair of noise cancelling headphones I’d recommend to everyone, it would be the Sony WH-1000XM6. These are the headphones that I use every single day, and in my eyes, they’re the perfect all-rounders, delivering class-leading ANC, stellar sound, and an ingenious design.

Let’s start with ANC which is so good here, that it even beats out Sony’s newer, more expensive headphones, the Sony 1000X The Collexion. The XM6 make use of Sony’s QN3 processor, which harnesses the power of 12 microphones to block out noise from your environment, and while they’re great across the board, they’re especially good at keeping low-end sounds away, even outdoing Bose in this area in my view.

Yes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are arguably a bit better at banishing higher-pitched sounds, but we’re talking about fine margins here. And I’d pick the XM6 over their Bose rivals every time for one key reason: they sound a good deal better, in my view.

The XM6 were co-designed with leading mastering engineers for a studio-inspired sound, and take a more balanced approach than their predecessors, the still excellent Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WH-1000XM4. They still sound nice and punchy however, and their tight and dynamic sound is a joy to behold. Again, LDAC is here if you want a more detailed listen — as is 3.5mm wired connectivity.

On top of this, the XM6 offer top-tier touch controls, scene-based listening, a ten-band equalizer, and an effective transparency mode. In our best headphones guide, we ranked these as our best overall pick, and I’d strongly recommend you try them for yourself and find out why.

3. The noise-nixing on-ears: Marshall Milton ANC

(Image credit: Future)

Here’s something a little different. Yes, the recently released Marshall Milton ANC aren’t like any other entries in this list, as they’re actually on-ear headphones. The Milton ANC look to blend the iconic look and feel of the Marshall Major line with the noise cancelling prowess of the Marshall Monitor III ANC, and what do you know, they pull it off to perfection.

When I reviewed the Marshall Milton ANC, they honestly outstripped my expectations. See, I’m not generally a fan of on-ears, as I tend to find them uncomfortable, and their tendency to leak sound usually means I’ll just reach for my over-ears instead. But the Milton ANC are by far the comfiest on-ears I’ve ever tested, with a generous, flexible build — and they honestly sound great too, with less leakage than some rivals I’ve tested.

Out of the box, the Milton ANC are pretty bass-heavy, which will appeal to a lot of listeners I’m sure. However, the Marshall Bluetooth app provides an equalizer for toning things down a bit if you want a more even spread across the frequency range. Unlike previous Marshall products, these also feature LDAC for higher-res listening, but you’ll also get USB-C audio passthrough for lossless playback.

What’s more, the Milton ANC feature a colossal 80 hour battery life (with ANC off), a soundstage mode for more immersive listening, Auracast connectivity, and a gorgeous retro-style design. They’re also made of 42% recycled materials, and you can get replaceable parts in the situation that they break, which makes them feel like a worthwhile long-term investment.

OK, the ANC is a little limited as a result of the on-ear design, but they still restrict outside noise pretty effectively, and I’ve happily used them on trains and buses with very little distraction from whatever I’m listening to. So, if you want the flexibility that on-ears can offer with the benefits of noise cancelling, then the Marshall Milton ANC are without question my top choice.

4. The premium pick: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

(Image credit: Future)

Last and most definitely not least, we have the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. If you want something that feels, looks, and sounds truly premium, this is it — this is what you’ve been looking for.

The first time that I put these headphones on, they took my breath away. They conjure up a sense of space that few rivals in this price bracket can muster, with incredibly immersive, almost three-dimensional sound. Bass is full-sounding, extends deep, and hits with striking agility. Mids are brilliantly defined, and vocal separation adds a layer of nuance that will keep you coming back for more and more. And the treble is vibrant without sounding uncontrolled or fatiguing.

And the Px7 S3 almost look as good as they sound, with an enticing faux-leather, metal, and fabric combination. They even come in an eye-catching range of colors, with Indigo Blue and Canvas White being my personal favorites. Mix in aptX codec support, much-improved ANC (compared to their predecessor), and a comfortable fit, and you’re getting a brilliant overall package.

While their sibling, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is the superior pair of headphones, they are far more expensive than the Px7 S3, which I think are fantastic in their own right, and I’d recommend with confidence.

• X-VPN has added dedicated Soccer servers aimed at World Cup viewers
• The servers cover six countries, chosen based on language preferences
• The launch arrives as streaming demand and server congestion peak

With the 2026 World Cup already underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, X-VPN has rolled out a server line built for one job — streaming football matches.

The company has launched what it calls a dedicated Soccer 2026 server line across six countries: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Plenty of people already reach for the best VPN to follow their team when they are travelling or stuck behind a regional blackout, and the broad strokes here are familiar.

What is different is the framing: a seasonal, event-specific line that is meant to be quicker to navigate than a general world map of servers. If you have ever wondered whether you even need a VPN to watch the World Cup, this is X-VPN's pitch for one.

What X-VPN's Soccer 2026 servers actually do

(Image credit: X-VPN)

Instead of a generic country list, the Soccer 2026 line points you toward locations tied to the tournament's free and regional broadcasters.

Several of the six countries map neatly onto the platforms fans already use to watch the World Cup for free, with the UK in particular covering BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The selection is built around language and viewing preferences rather than raw server count.

On availability, X-VPN says initial support has been announced for iOS, Windows, macOS, and Android, with Apple TV and Android TV support planned. That last part is worth flagging, since the living-room devices most people actually watch football on are still on the roadmap rather than live today.

Why streaming-optimized servers matter during the World Cup

Live sport is one of the hardest things to stream well. The feed is real-time, it eats bandwidth, and a small amount of lag can mean a goal alert buzzes your phone before you see the ball hit the net.

The flip side is congestion: when too many users pile onto the same server, speeds drop, which is exactly the risk during a simultaneous global kickoff. Grouping servers around a specific event is, in part, an attempt to manage that load.

A server tuned for streaming is really about three things: speed, stability, and not landing on an overcrowded connection when millions of other people are watching the same knockout tie.

None of this removes the basics. If you are watching on stadium, fan-park, or hotel Wi-Fi, your local network is often the real bottleneck, and a few settings tweaks to keep your connection fast in crowded environments will do as much for your stream as the server you pick.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and is the first 48-team World Cup, with 104 matches in total. That is a lot of football, a lot of late nights for some viewers, and a lot of demand hitting broadcasters at once.

A server line built for exactly this window makes it easier for more people to watch the matches they're interested in, and with the regional complexities and expenses involved with sports streaming, this is always a good thing.

In the UK, we've been dealing with multiple unseasonable heatwaves, and if it's taught me anything, it's that hydration is important — and so is keeping your drinks at the right temperature. It's a small thing, but many times over the last few days, I've taken a sip from a bottle in my bag and grimaced, as my cheap non-insulated, single-layer metal screw-top bottle just isn't keeping anything cool.

Fortunately, thanks to the Amazon Prime Day deals, I'm coming prepared next time. I'm ordering myself a Yeti Rambler 42oz Straw Mug. Yeti are the gold standard of keeping things cool (and hot), and Amazon is doing some particularly good deals on their Tumbler shape right now.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

In the US, you can get the Yeti Rambler 35oz Straw Mug at Amazon US for $29.40 (was $42) in its White and Papaya colors. In the UK, you can get a slightly larger discount: the Yeti Rambler 42oz (1.5L) Straw Mug is available at Amazon UK for £29.25 (was £45) in Navy and Key Lime colours.

Check out both deals below:

Today's best Amazon Prime Day Yeti deals

Save 30% on the Rambler Straw Mug's 35oz size in Papaya or White colorways. This is a cold drinks bottle for life, as Yeti famously over-engineer their products and back them up with a five-year warranty. Dishwasher safe. Also in White. View Deal

Save 35% on the larger 1.2L bottle in the UK, in White, Navy or the Key Lime colour opposite. Yeti makes their products to last, and their cooling technology is second to none. The straw is clear plastic so you can easily spot any build-up affecting taste, and the product is also rust and puncture resistant.View Deal

The Yeti Ramblers are ideal for the gym, but they'll really shine on a long commute or car trip too, as you can pop a cold drink in them, head out the door on your way to work, and still be sipping refreshed at midday. I've ordered the larger 1.2L version because, as a fitness writer, I'm apparently supposed to be keeping myself hydrated.

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & Tefal
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from £5
• Fans: from £20
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: £90 off PlayStation 5
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Laptops: from £149
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

I’ve been a Pokémon fan almost as long as I can remember — starting my adventure with Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and moving up all the way to the latest entry: Pokémon Champions, which just debuted on iOS and Android devices (and frankly it couldn’t be a better fit on smartphones).

Everyone has their favorite Pokémon entry, and Pokémon in general — mine’s Buizel — and while I have a soft spot for Pokémon Diamond (and Gen 4 as a whole), in contention for the top spot would have to be the Nintendo Switch 2 instant classic that is Pokémon Legends Z-A.

And right now it’s on sale for Amazon Prime Day — the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition is down to $44.99 — that's a whole $25 off its list price. Just remember to run, not walk, as this is a limited-time deal — and 17% of the discounted units have already been sold at the time of writing!

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

For folks who grew up with the Pokémon anime and games, Z-A is the perfect combination of both, with its story and adapted battling mechanics; and as I said in my review, it felt like the series has finally found its way again after losing itself slightly in the 3D era.

Sure, Lumiose City can feel a little claustrophobic by the end of your adventure, but the one-city setting worked surprisingly well, and I kinda loved the scaled-back but still high-stakes adventure.

I can’t recommend this game enough, and anyone with a Switch 2 (even folks who haven’t clicked with Pokémon before) should give this title a try.

If you have a Nintendo Switch 2 then you need to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's easily the best entry in the series in a long while, and the approachable yet exciting story, and the battle mechanics, make it a solid choice for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

This Prime Day deal is a mega one — you seriously don't want to miss it!View Deal

Ready to be a Champion?

(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

Given that I’ve been playing so much of it since its mobile release, I need to talk about Pokémon Champions, and how Legends Z-A gives you the best possible head-start in that title.

You can play Champions completely on its own, collecting Pokémon through the recruitment ranch, training them up at the in-game gym, and heading out to compete in single or double battles. And you can play it completely free-to-play without too much trouble if you’re careful with your resources, complete challenges, and finish all of the tutorials.

But a big way to avoid spending in Champions is to import Pokémon from your other games via Pokémon Home. Pokémon Go is an excellent mobile-only option, but for Switch 2 owners Legends: Z-A has a major advantage.

Thanks to its mega evolution focus, all the most powerful new ‘mon can be caught and sent over to Champions. There are a couple of VGC classics who aren’t present (like the infamous Incineroar) but given Champions’ smallish pool of Pokémon, it shouldn’t take you long to find them through recruitment, especially as your resources won’t be so limited by needing to build out a whole team.

(Image credit: Future / The Pokémon Company)

Legends: Z-A is also home to a Champions contender who can only be obtained through Z-A — it’s the only exclusive ‘mon in the battler right now, as it won’t ever appear on the ranch, no matter how many times you attempt to recruit (though we don’t know if that will change in a future update). Perhaps most annoyingly of all, this contender is arguably the best mega evolution in Champions, with raw power that requires a dedicated counter on your team in case you ever face one on the ladder.

Oh, and did I mention this exclusive is only earned deep into Legends’ post-game?

I’m, of course, referring to Mega Floette which can only be achieved by mega-evolving the special Eternal Flower form obtainable after finishing Legends: Z-A and progressing through the post-game battle competition.

Eternal Flower Floette boasts seriously lifted stats compared to its base form, which are elevated further by its mega-evolution. Its Fairy Aura ability — previously exclusive to Xerneas, a contender for the best Pokémon ever competitively speaking — then buffs fairy-type moves’ power, which in conjunction with its stats and fairy typing (lending a same-type attack bonus on top of everything else) make Mega Floette a cannon ready to eliminate almost any ‘mon that dares to stand in front of its Moonblast.

If you’re playing Champions you need an answer to Floette — popular choices are Kingambit or Sneasler — otherwise a well-supported Eternal Flower will sweep your team.

So even if you don’t care about anything other than being the very best in Pokémon’s competitive scene, for now Legends: Z-A is a game you need to play. And with this deal you can save a big chunk on its price of entry (and you can always trade-in this physical edition game for something else down the line).

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

• Halo Campaign Evolved's executive producer, Damon Conn, says the team wanted to explore the relationship between Sergeant Johnson and Master Chief for the three new missions
• The new missions were also inspired by Troy Denning's Halo novels
• Halo Studios suggests players play them after the original story

Halo Campaign Evolved executive producer Damon Conn and creative director Max Szlagor have confirmed that the remake's three new missions were created with the help of Halo book author Troy Denning.

In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Summer Game Fest 2026, where we went hands-on with the upcoming game, the developers explained that the Halo universe has a lot to explore, but they wanted to explore the relationship between Sergeant Johnson and Master Chief in the missions of Operation: METEORITE.

"If you think about it, in the original game, you see Sergeant Johnson as such an important character in these original games, but you don't really get to know Sergeant Johnson that well, or his relationship with Chief," Conn said. "That really set the stage for us creatively to think about, 'Hey, let's talk about a mission that they went on a year before the events of The Ring,' and then really to go into their relationship and how they fight alongside each other.

"Even beyond that, there's all this other universe. You've got Spartans and ODSTs. You've got the Brutes. You've got the Prophets. It's really just us leaning into these other elements of the story that we can tell more deeply, that then let you go back and appreciate more of the campaign and what's there."

Szlagor added that Troy Denning, one of the authors who writes some of the Halo novels, like Halo: Last Light, Halo: Retribution, and Halo: Silent Storm - A Master Chief Story, also "helped with the story" of the three missions.

"It's a lore-authentic story," he said, explaining that series veterans who have been fans for 25 years and played on Xbox or PC are going to get new bits of information that they've been wanting, allowing them to "piece more of the puzzle together," such as the Covenant War.

"It's really going to be fun for them," Szlagor added. "But then also, if you're brand new to the experience, maybe you're a PlayStation player, you've never played before, and this is going to be something that would be really good to play after you play the main ring storyline."

However, the creative director suggests that players play the new missions "after they've played and experienced the original."

"It is meant to be played that way, because we've made it more of an intermediate difficulty experience, it's a little bit progressed further along. You start off, and it's a little bit more challenging than the first mission of Halo," he said.

"But again, you can play it in any order you would like. We're not going to make you choose or anything like that, but we just suggest that you play it that way."

Halo Campaign Evolved arrives on July 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.

It's 'Global Beatles Day' today, June 25th, which is the perfect excuse to go on a magical mystery tour of the Fab Four's finest output. Consider it a gift from me to you: I've collected essential vinyl albums, great turntables to play them on, fun accessories, the ultimate version of their best movie, and some other great gifts from across the universe (well, Amazon).

There's obviously the option of getting the whole Beatles Anthology vinyl collection, but that's a lot of money to spend — though I want to tell you that it's also excellent value overall. There are also smaller collections, so you can pick up the LPs that look especially great when displayed, such as Abbey Road, Revolver and The White Album.

I've got a feeling you'll also love the special Criterion Collection Blu-ray of A Hard Day's Night, because it's easily the best way to watch the film, with a beautiful visual presentation and hours of features and documentaries from the era.

I've also highlighted a Sony turntable that's basically the best beginner option on the market right now if you're just getting into vinyl, plus some Beatles playing cards and a couple of other cool desktop gifts. Don't wait on these — because tomorrow never knows if they'll still be available.

UK Beatles picks

The Beatles Abbey Road [vinyl]

The Beatles Let It Be [vinyl]

The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [vinyl]

The Beatles The White Album [vinyl]

The Beatles Rubber Soul [vinyl]

The Beatles The Beatles 1967 - 1970 [vinyl]

The Beatles 1 [vinyl]

The Beatles Anthology Collection [vinyl]

Crosley Crosley the Beatles Anthology Portable Turntable - Bluetooth Record Player, Built in Stereo Speakers

Sony Sony PS-LX3BT, Wireless Bluetooth Turntable with Full Auto Playback

D'Addario Beatles Yellow Submarine Record Mat, Primrose

Criterion A Hard Day's Night [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]

Puckator The Beatles Yellow Submarine Standard Playing Card Deck

Igloo Books The Beatles Colouring Book (Mindful Colouring)

Grupo Erik Battery Lamp - The Beatles Desk Lamp Table

US Beatles picks

The Beatles Revolver (special Edition)[vinyl]

The Beatles Abbey Road (Anniversary Edition)[vinyl]

The Beatles Let It Be (special Edition)[vinyl]

Generic The Beatles: Essential 4 Album Vinyl Record Collection - Remastered Anniversary Editions - Rubber Soul / Revolver / Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band / Abbey Road

The Beatles The White Album [vinyl]

The Beatles Rubber Soul [vinyl]

The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [vinyl] [2017 Stereo Mix]

The Beatles 1 [vinyl]

The Beatles Help![vinyl]

The Beatles The Beatles 1967-1970 (2023 Edition)[vinyl] [half-Speed]

The Beatles Anthology Collection (2025 Edition)[180g 12 vinyl Boxset]

Sony Sony Ps-Lx3bt Wireless Bluetooth Turntable (2026 Model) : Fully Automatic Belt Drive Vinyl Record Player With Built-In Phono Eq, Black

D'Addario Beatles Yellow Submarine Record Mat, Pepperland

Crosley The Beatles 1964 “All My Loving” Single With Vinyl Carrying Case

The Criterion Collection A Hard Day's Night (The Criterion Collection) [4K UHD]

theory11 Yellow Submarine Special Edition Playing Cards

Mega Brands Mega the Beatles Building Set With 681 Pieces, 4 Poseable Action Figures and Ed Sullivan Stage, With Led Lights

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Back-to-school tech: 48% off laptops, headphones & tablets
• Cheap TVs: Samsung, Sony & LG from $89.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Smartwatches: up to $250 off Garmin & Apple
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & De'Longhi
• Fans: from £20
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

Ludicrously excited about the announced remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, I also have issues with delaying gratification, so waiting months for it to be released feels interminable to me. Fortunately, there are lots of other nostalgic purchases available this Prime Day, so if you're as into retro gaming as I am, let me introduce you to a few of my faves.

• View the full Amazon Prime Day sale

My core memories of gaming were formed in about 1990. That's why I love retro gaming, as it enables me to relive those halcyon days when most beloved characters were just 16 pixels high, and soundtracks sounded like a modem composing free jazz. Pixel art, chiptune sound effects, and awkwardly translated dialogue will never cease to charm me.

That's why I'm always on the lookout for fun retro consoles and accessories. If it gives me an excuse to complete Chrono Trigger for the 12th time or be terrified by the low-poly horror of Silent Hill all over again, I'm in. And, fortunately, this Prime Day has supplied plenty of great retro gaming deals to tide both of us over until The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake or Final Fantasy VII Revelation drops at last.

If you're not on the hunt for gadgets you once owned 30 years ago, you can find plenty of deals on cutting-edge tech on our Amazon Prime Day US live blog.

Retro console & accessories sale — top picks

• Nintendo SNES Classic Edition: now $109.98 at Walmart (was $129.95)
• Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition: now $139.99 at Amazon (was $169.99)
• 8BitDo N64 Bluetooth Controller: now $39.24 at Amazon (was $44.99)

Retro consoles & accessories — US deals

Nintendo SNES Classic Edition

Pros

• Two controllers in box
• Great selection of classics
• Star Fox 2 is a great addition

Cons

• Controller cords could be longer
• Front port cover is a little flimsy
• No AC adapter in UK box

8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller

Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition

Pros

• OG Pac-Man is a stone cold classic
• Super-cute nostalgic design
• Backwards compatibility is great

Cons

• CX40+ joystick is still stiff
• Pac-Man 2600 is as weak as you remember
• New Atari cartridges too pricey

Sony PlayStation Classic

Pros

• Two controllers in every box
• Some interesting game choices
• Built-in memory cards

Cons

• Some games didn’t age well
• Limitations on resume points
• Limited nostalgia factor

8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless

8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for PS1 & PS2

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Back-to-school tech: 48% off laptops, headphones & tablets
• Cheap TVs: Samsung, Sony & LG from $89.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Smartwatches: up to $250 off Garmin & Apple
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

Microsoft’s July Windows 11 update adds practical fixes for update pausing, recovery, Bluetooth, Widgets, File Explorer, and more.

The post Microsoft’s July Windows 11 Update Focuses on Fixing Everyday PC Frustrations appeared first on TechRepublic.

IBM's newest chip has transistors smaller than one nanometer. But it could pack a powerful punch in future data centers.

A Danish court ordered the state to compensate TDC NET after the removal of Huawei fiber-network equipment, raising questions about telecom security costs.

The post Denmark Ordered to Pay $12M Over Huawei Equipment Removal appeared first on TechRepublic.

For the first time in over 40 years, a Supergirl movie has soared into theaters. And, if you weren't put off by its middling reviews — check out my Supergirl review to see what I thought of it — and have already watched it at your local cinema, you might need some clarity about what happens in its finale.

Below, I've answered your biggest questions about the DC Universe (DCU) film's ending and how it sets up next year's Superman sequel. So, this is your one and only warning: full spoilers immediately follow for Supergirl. Turn back now if you haven't seen it yet.

Does Krypto die in Supergirl?

Breathe a sigh of relief, everyone, because Krypto lives to fight another day (Image credit: DC Studios)

Rejoice, dog and animal lovers alike, because Krypto does not die.

As you'll know, part of this film's plot revolves around the titular Kryptonian — real name Kara Zor-El — retrieving an antidote to neutralize the effects of a poisoned dart that Krypto was shot with.

Did James Gunn direct Supergirl? And who wrote it?

No, Gunn didn't write or direct Supergirl.

It was helmed by Craig Gillespie, who some readers might know as the filmmaker behind the Margot Robbie-starring I, Tonya and 101 Dalmatians live-action prequel Cruella.

Meanwhile, actor-turned-screenwriter Ana Nogueira was responsible for its script. Nogueira is also confirmed to be writing the DCU's Wonder Woman film, which is still in very early development.

The problem? The only cure is in the possession of villain-in-chief Krem of the Yellow Hills, who just so happened to be the individual responsible for gravely injuring Krypto in the first place. And, as Kara learns, she only has 72 hours to track down Krem, acquire the necessary cure, and administer it, otherwise Krypto will succumb to the toxin.

To cut a long story short, Kara succeeds in her mission. Returning to the planet she left Krypto on, she hands the medication to the local physician, who injects it into Krypto and, within seconds, he's fit and healthy once more. Phew!

Why does Kara kill Krem in Supergirl?

I suspect there'll be a fair amount of backlash to Kara's decision to kill Krem (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Studios)

On the surface, the answer is simple: Krem is responsible for Krypto's near-death experience. Her Kryptonian cousin — Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman — notwithstanding, Kara's only tie to the duo's annihilated home world Krypton is her superpowered pup. So, considering Krypto's life was severely threatened, you can understand why she ultimately decided to take Krem's life.

There are other factors at play, too, though. For one, Kara kills him because he murdered the family of young warrior Ruthye, who enlists Kara's help to enact revenge on Krem. However, rather than let Ruthye slay him and carry that weight for the rest of her days, Kara convinces Ruthye not to go through with it and, after sending Ruthye away, Kara deals the killing blow instead.

Then there's the fact that Krem and his criminal enterprise, aka the Brigands, hop from planet to planet to kidnap teenage girls and use them to create the next generation for this all-male gang. Furthermore, killing Krem means that he won't be able to revive the Brigands and, by proxy, his reign of terror. Add those reasons together, and it's little wonder that the honor-bound Kara bumps him off.

Krem is irredeemable, but his murder undercuts the entire point of Supergirl's main thematic thread (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Nevertheless, Kara's decision to murder Krem is sure to polarize viewers.

In Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, aka the 2021 graphic novel that this film is based on, Krem is allowed to live. That's because Kara wants to teach Ruthye that revenge is never the answer, and breaking the cycle of violence is the only way to process your trauma and heal from it.

Supergirl follows the same thematic line right up until Kara kills Krem — and, in spite of the reasons I outlined earlier, it still doesn't sit right with me.

Sure, the narrative reasoning for Krem's death is sound. Additionally, despite the similarities that exist between Kara and Supes, it not only proves how different their worldviews are, but also positions her as something of an anti-hero rather than a traditional champion of the people.

That all said, Kara choosing to murder Krem completely undercuts the thematic purpose of the entire story, and I'm willing to be that there'll be many viewers like me who wished that this specific part of the DCU Chapter One movie had ended differently.

Does Supergirl have any end credits scenes?

My face when I realized I was waiting for an end credits scene that would never come... (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Nope, there isn't a mid-credits and/or post-credits stinger to stick around for once Supergirl's end credits sequence begins.

So, if you don't want to stick around and appreciate how many people worked on this project, you can make a quick exit from your screening without worrying that you've missed the set up for DC Studios' next big-screen offering.

How does Supergirl set up Man of Tomorrow?

Man of Tomorrow is the 2027 sequel to last year's Superman movie (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Supergirl doesn't set up any specific story threads for Man of Tomorrow, aka next year's follow-up in 2025's Superman movie. If you were hoping for even the slightest tease about its plot via a first-look clip or otherwise, then, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Regardless, Supergirl's final scene reconfirms that Milly Alcock's Kara will be part of Man of Tomorrow's cast.

Indeed, before Supergirl's end credits crawl, we see Kara and Krypto return to their Metropolis-based apartment just as David Corenswet's Supes is checking in on the place in their absence. As Krypto goes through Kara's trash, Kara and her sole surviving relative sit down for a quiet and brief chat, which ends with Kara telling Clark that she plans on sticking around on Earth for a while.

We already knew that Alcock's Girl of Steel would return in Man of Tomorrow — DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran revealed as much in a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter. Nonetheless, it's pleasing to see that Supergirl acknowledges Kara is back on Earth prior to her appearance in next year's Superman sequel and that she won't just turn up out of the blue at some point in the film.

For more information on what'll be the fourth DCU movie, find out everything we know so far about Man of Tomorrow.

Don't get me wrong, I love my dog. He's a really, really good boy. Maybe the best boy? I don't know, I haven't met all the dogs. Yet. But I what I don't love so much is his hair, which seems to shed at such a rate that it's astounding to me that he has any left at all.

It's been an absolute blessing, then, to have spent two years testing vacuums for TechRadar. I've tested all kinds of vacuums, at all kinds of price points, but the one I've clung on to is the Roborock Saros 10. It arrived in my home in spring 2025, and since then it has been a vital tool in my anti-hair arsenal. It gets sent out cleaning every night — and it hasn't let me down yet.

• View the full UK Amazon Prime Day sale / US Prime Day sale

Despite being one of my most-used gadgets, I found it a little hard to recommend at list price (a cool £1.5K at launch). Since then it's attracted a number of deals, but none so good as the current Prime Day discount: the Roborock Saros 10 is now £699.99 at Amazon (down from an adjusted list price of £1,199.99). At that price, I would absolutely recommend it, as it's one of the very best robot vacuums I've ever used — and, like I say, I've used plenty.

Shoppers in the US get a slightly different deal: the Saros 10R is now $884.99 at Amazon (was $1,599.99). That's another all-time-low price on this sister model, which comes equally well reviewed (by another dog owner). These are amongst the very best Amazon Prime Day deals I've seen.

This massive 42% discount represents a new lowest-ever price on this premium, fully-featured robot vacuum and mop. You do need to be a Prime member to claim the deal, but you can sign up for a free trial if you want. View Deal

There's no Saros 10 deal for US shoppers, but there is a huge discount — and another new all-time cheapest price — on the 10R. This is a sister model, and the two are almost exactly the same — I'll cover the differences below. My reviewer loved this model as much as I love my Saros 10. View Deal

If you're suspicious of such a hefty discount, don't be. The robot vacuum market rattles along at a rate of knots, with multiple new models released each year (the two bots showcased here have officially been replaced by the Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic), That means models like this might be considered old news, even though they've only been around a couple of years.

The rate of appreciable improvement has slowed, though, so while the specs in the newest models might be technically better, you'll likely struggle to see much — if any — difference in the performance. That's true in the case of the Saros 20, which I also tested.

(Image credit: Future)What's so good about the Roborock Saros 10?

Why do I love the Roborock Saros 10 so much? It's an ultra-capable all-rounder that requires minimal effort and maintenance from me. The vacuuming is efficient and effective, and the navigation and object avoidance is reliable — even when faced with the complicated corner of my kitchen that includes a thin rug, a table and multiple dining chairs, and also acts as the dog's preferred toy discard area. The mopping is also effective and thorough, clearing pawprints and smudges with ease.

The dock is also a standout. It auto-empties the dust cup, and has enough oomph that I've never experienced a hair blockage during this process (not true of all self-empty robovacs I've used). It'll also top up the onboard water tank from its larger dock reservoir — adding the right amount of cleaning fluid as it does so — and clean and dry the mop pads when it's done cleaning. Opting for a slightly older flagship model is my #1 tip for saving money when shopping for a robot vacuum.

What's the difference between the Saros 10 and 10R?

The Roborock Saros 10 and 10R are very similar in terms of specs and performance, but there are a couple of design differences. The first is that the 10R uses a different navigation system; one which doesn't require a raised LiDAR puck. So instead of a puck that can pop up and down, there's no puck at all. On test, we found this robovac navigated just as accurately as the 10. Both bots are the same height, and both are equally good at cleaning under the sofa.

The second difference is the mop pad style. While the 10 has a vibrating, D-shaped pad, the 10R boasts two, spinning pads. If I had to choose, I'd say I slightly prefer the dual mop-pad setup, but there's barely anything in it. In terms of wet cleaning, neither of these robot vacuums will let you down.

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & Tefal
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from £5
• Fans: from £20
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: £90 off PlayStation 5
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Laptops: from £149
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

Most people don't walk enough. Sure, serious fitness enthusiasts make sure to get their 10,000 steps in each day, but many of us simply don't come close most days.

My fun fact of today is that the magic '10,000 steps' target isn't actually backed by science, but was arbitrarily invented by a Japanese pedometer company in the 1960s — but even though the number isn't a scientific target, moving more is rarely a bad thing.

You can use one of the best smartwatches or best fitness trackers to keep track of your steps and motivate yourself to hit the extra goal. But if it's too cold or hot to go outside, or you're inside with no reason to leave, it can be very easy to let those cardio goals slide. People give up on running regimes or pay for unused gym memberships when what they need is an easy, accessible, low-impact way to keep or stay fit.

- Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Step forward, walkingpads, otherwise known as under-desk treadmills. These slim cardio machines are easy to store, often cheap to buy (especially on Amazon Prime Day), and have become very popular on TikTok. Ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentler introduction to fitness, here's a trio of science-backed reasons to get one, along with a bunch of Amazon Prime Day deals on walkingpads in the US and UK.

1. You can watch TV while you walk

If you were going to catch up with your favorite shows while lounging on the sofa, now you can use that time to get your cardio in. Simply wheel the machine out from behind the sofa, under the bed, or wherever it's stored, plug it in, and switch on the TV.

Research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that 'TV viewing, regardless of whether the programming is self-selected or standardized, associates with greater enjoyment of exercise'. If you find the exercise process enjoyable, you'll keep coming back to it; walking in front of one of the best streaming services might be a perfect way to get started. Try walking for the duration of one 30-minute episode of your latest obsession show each day.

(Image credit: Future / Jessica Downey)2. Walking is low-intensity

Some people find running painful or intimidating. But walking is a low-impact, low-intensity alternative that most of us engage in every day. The human body was built to walk, and most of us can do so comfortably for at least a short period of time.

Research found that for people unable to tolerate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, lower-intensity walking was still beneficial for improving health, serving as a 'suitable alternative' to vigorous exercise. If you find running for 30 minutes hurts your knees or hips, walking for 45 minutes in front of the TV might be a more comfortable option for you.

3. Treadmills provide accessibility

As nice as it is to walk in front of the TV, sometimes it's good to get out into nature. Walkingpads or under-desk treadmills can be supplemental to a routine, acting as a helpful alternative to make sure you're consistent.

On fair-weather days, take your 30-minute walk outdoors and plan a circular route, while on rainy days or during heatwaves, you can stay indoors and walk instead. Giving yourself options and flexibility allows you to stay consistent, and when it comes to improving fitness, consistency is king.

Best walkingpad / under-desk treadmill deals in the US

Save a cool $64 on this fold-up WalkingPad, ideal for cupboard or under-bed storage. With a max speed of 4mph, it's ideal for walkers after a compact device, while its LED display shows estimates of calories burned, along with time, distance, and walking speeds.View Deal

We've reviewed DeerRun walking pads before and found them to be sturdy, no-fuss devices that feel solid underfoot. You can save 33% on this basic model, bringing it to just over $110 for Prime Day.View Deal

An upgrade over the other cheap-and-cheerful models, with an automatic 12% incline across 9 levels to simulate tougher routes and uphills. It's bulkier than the others, comprised of steel, with an impressive 200kgs weight capacity. The premium choice.View Deal

Best walkingpad / under-desk treadmill deals in the UK

A huge deal: save 50% off the Mobvoi Home Treadmill Pro. I reviewed the original Mobvoi Home Treadmill and loved it: the Pro goes one step further with virtual training trails, walking and running modes, and optional safety rails. View Deal

A good treadmill for those who may want to do a little jogging, as its fold-up safety rail enables it to enter a 'running mode' up to 12km/hr. It supports a 136kgs weight capacity and even has an accompanying AI-powered app. Comes in three sizes.View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & Tefal
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from £5
• Fans: from £20
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: £90 off PlayStation 5
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Laptops: from £149
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura