Technology

Ten years from now, it will feel astonishing that there was around a fifty-year gap between the mainstreaming of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Experience Level Agreements (XLAs). While SLAs have been common since the 1980s, it’s only in the last few years that XLAs have started to gain momentum.

The imminent adoption of ISO 20000-18 will propel XLAs even further. To comply with the new standard, organizations will be required to manage the digital experiences of both customers and users, integrating Experience Management (XM) into existing governance, management, and implementation processes.

Suddenly, demonstrating that your business delivers good digital experiences isn’t just an esoteric nice-to-have, but a critical part of winning new contracts. But although the idea of XLAs has been around for a while, few organizations have the institutional knowledge of how to practically implement these changes.

Why bother with XLAs?

Before that, it’s worth asking why XLAs are necessary in the first place. Understanding what SLAs are missing is essential before starting to reformulate existing processes.

The simple answer is that what a system shows and what a user experiences are not the same thing. It doesn’t matter if a cloud application is ‘technically’ available if the experience is so glitchy that you abandon it after twenty seconds to never use it again.

That’s not to say that SLAs are now useless. Metrics like performance, ticket resolution times, and system availability still matter – they’re just no longer sufficient. You need to know whether your system is functioning, but you also need to know if an application is unresponsive for the user.

XLAs offer a different framing for the relationship between supplier and customer. Looking at metrics, like session stability during peak trading hours, tells you a lot more about how employees are able to perform than many SLA numbers.

What does measuring ‘experience’ mean?

It can be hard to know where to start as experience is a very broad term. Plus, it’s hard to measure something if you haven’t even defined it yet. As a result, there are hundreds of different metrics for experience measurement which fall, broadly speaking, into three main buckets:

Technical Data (T-Data): The technical performance of the product or service (for example, outages, freezes, crashes, etc.) provided by the Nexthink DEX platform.

Operational Data (O-Data): How well a given service performed and how well it was supported, which is usually captured through SLAs/KPIs.

Sentiment Data (X-Data): How the users themselves describe their feelings / perception (the truth according to them) toward a digital tool or service.

When considering how to reengineer existing processes to be ISO compliant, it’s essential to have data sources from all three. Operational data is already generally well-covered by SLAs, and sentiment data is achieved via targeted survey campaigns that capture examples of technical issues. It’s the technical data that can be tricky for organizations attempting to use XLAs.

The technical data is essential because it brings together complete visibility across every endpoint and interaction, which means faster diagnostics. If an organization spots that users of a given browser are regularly having issues and can cross-reference that with the applications most disrupted, it can quickly identify root causes and implement remediations.

Moreover, this technical data is critical to pre-emptive and preventative IT by flagging which specific devices are non-compliant with the latest updates.

Embracing DEXOps

However, one of the key mistakes that businesses make when bringing in Digital Employee Experience (DEX) platforms for the first time is starting by asking ‘what can this platform do?’ This is the wrong question to ask.

As the new ISO itself attests, IT’s job is no longer simply pushing technology, but delivering the services and infrastructure that employees need in ways that improve outcomes across the business through an experience-centric approach.

This is the core principle at the heart of DEXOps, a philosophy that takes experience as the central pillar of an employee’s day (and therefore their productivity and engagement).

DEXOps operationalizes experience by starting with the immediate concerns and frustrations of individual business units, understanding what the consequences of these issues are, and finding technological solutions that eliminate the root causes of digital friction.

Rather than focusing on technical capabilities, IT leaders should start by asking other business units:

What are your team’s top priorities?

Where are you experiencing friction or risk?

What does success look like for you and how is that measured?

Do you know what value you bring to the overall business?

It’s amazing how much more engaged other parts of the business will be when, instead of diving into ISO compliance requirements, the conversations revolve around how their most pressing challenges can be fixed.

XLAs are an opportunity as well as a challenge

Many businesses immediately tend to view new regulation as a burden. But ISO 20000-18 and the increasing role of XLAs also represent an opportunity to accelerate the changes already happening to the role of the IT department. The shift from infrastructure to experience is tricky and requires businesses to be open to significant realignment across traditional roles, responsibilities, and metrics.

Some organizations will continue to ignore the importance of experience, but the broader changes that have driven the drafting and implementation of the regulations are here to stay. Businesses that see the new standard as an opportunity to use regulation to create a competitive advantage will have a crucial head start on those that are still stuck in the old, outdated, reflexive IT model.

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If you struggle with high humidity or dry air, you may be surprised what today’s advanced thermostats can do to help. Here’s how I use mine.

I think I know the exact date Apple will release iOS 27.

• Microsoft warns of TerminalFix, a campaign abusing compromised sites with fake Cloudflare CAPTCHAs
• Victims paste malicious PowerShell commands, sideloading DLLs and deploying a Python implant
• Implant enables encrypted reverse tunnels, giving attackers pivot access into internal networks

Security researchers from Microsoft are warning of an ongoing malicious campaign that uses compromised websites to trick users into installing a powerful backdoor.

Whenever people visited any of the tainted websites, they would see a custom overlay instructing them to complete a fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA verification by copying and running a malicious PowerShell command into Terminal, or PowerShell. Microsoft named the campaign “TerminalFix”, since it is rather similar to the classic ClickFix attack.

“While traditional ClickFix campaigns direct victims to the Windows Run dialog, TerminalFix campaigns apply the same technique but direct users to Windows Terminal or PowerShell instead, increasing the likelihood that complex, multi-line scripts execute successfully,” the researchers explained.

Look for lateral movement

Unlike classic ClickFix campaigns that try to deliver simple infostealers, TerminalFix tries to deploy a more complex solution. After running the command in the Terminal, the victim would receive two files - a legitimate binary, and a malicious DLL file. The binary would sideload the malicious DLL which, in turn, delivers a hidden payload called “client.py”.

It is a custom Python implant that creates an encrypted WebSocket connection back to the attackers and gives them SOCKS5-style proxy access into the victim’s internal network.

In other words, the attackers are deploying a remote-access/network tunneling implant that can connect to internal machines, probe domain controllers, run commands, maintain access after reboots and ultimately use the compromised machine as a pivot point for lateral movement.

“This type of intrusion is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with direct access to an organization’s internal network through the reverse tunnel,” Microsoft explained. “The observed reconnaissance and reverse-tunnel capability could enable an attacker to identify and reach additional systems from a compromised host.”

Microsoft did not observe the attackers actually carrying out lateral movement, so it is difficult to say what they’re using the access for. Still, the researchers are urging caution:

“Organizations should treat affected devices as potential network pivot points and investigate for lateral movement and credential exposure. In the hands-on-keyboard phase that typically follows, attackers leverage this access to escalate privileges, disable security controls, exfiltrate sensitive data, and deploy ransomware across the organization.”

Here are the answers for today’s NYT Mini Crossword for Sept. 1, 2026.

Every F-35 pilot in the US Air Force gets their own custom-fitted $400,000 helmet, which lets them peer through the cockpit mid-flight to see what's going on in the surrounding airspace and the ground below.

This is possible through six infrared cameras embedded on to the flight's exterior, broadcasting a 360-degree video stream straight into the pilot's visor. Pilots say it's like being able to see through the hull of the aircraft, as if it were made of glass.

No expense spared

Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II is one of the world's most expensive fighter jets, priced anywhere between $80-110 million USD. These are single-seat, supersonic, stealth fighter jets designed for air strikes and electronic warfare.

Each fighter jet also comes equipped with a Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS). A single F-35 Gen III helmet costs four times more than what the older F-16 jets came equipped with. To be more specific, an investigation by Air Force Times in 2015 put their per-unit pricing at roughly $400,000.

Given that the United States Air Force has a contract with the helmet manufacturer, Collins Elbit Vision Systems, to build thousands of these helmets — that makes the combined project cost for the headgear alone in the billions of dollars.

What do Air Force pilots get for the exorbitant price tag? When looking down through the visor, they get a real-time view of the airspace and ground below, the closest that the US military has come to X-ray vision.

Mark Welsh III, a retired four-star general who served as the Air Force's 25th Chief of Staff, remarked that "the helmet is a workspace," adding "It's an interpretation of the battle space. It's situational awareness. Calling this thing a helmet ... we've got to come up with a new word."

(Image credit: United States Air Force)What makes the helmet special

The new F-35 Gen III helmets were designed by Collins Elbit Vision Systems, a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America. Through their contract with the F-35 Joint Program, Collins Elbit has so far shipped more than 3,000 units of these helmets to the United States Air Force.

Each helmet is custom-built to match an individual pilot's skull and facial structure, assigned right away during training, and retained by the pilot for all future flight runs.

The flagship feature of the Gen III helmets is that they let Air Force pilots see through the floor of their aircraft, using a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) designed by Northrop Grumman. This system consists of a set of cameras and built-in sensors, all connected using a software module that lets pilots track nearby aircrafts or missiles. Pilots can even lock on to targets as far as 800 miles away simply by looking at them.

Apart from the mounted display system and cameras, F-35 helmets are also equipped with digital night vision and thermal imaging. The visor uses high-resolution LCD lenses for improved picture clarity, plus the helmet itself is equipped with head and eye tracking systems to adjust to the pilot's motions.

A vast improvement over previous models

Earlier versions of the F-35 helmet suffered from jittery visuals and ejection issues, so much so that the Pentagon funded a backup program with BAE Systems in case Lockheed Martin wasn't able to deliver.

It took years for the joint venture to get the helmet designs right. There were multiple design iterations and several rounds of reviews before the Pentagon finally cleared the helmets for Air Force use, with the current version improved in mobility and vision.

Bob Hess, a senior director at Elbit America, went on record claiming that the Gen III HMDS was "the most advanced helmet-mounted display system in the world" in a 2024 press release. "The system’s next-generation user interface serves as a pilot’s primary display system, providing them with vital flight, tactical and sensor information day or night," he said.

The MSI PRO MP243 is a slim-bezel monitor that delivers nearly everything you would want from a low-cost display. At the same time, it’s exactly what you would expect when you hear the words “budget monitor.”

It’s not going to impress you with flashy features, and it’s not going to win any performance awards. It's not the very best business monitor we've ever tested. But what it does offer, however, is a sleek design, an easy setup, and enough of what most people need to make it a practical choice for everyday work in the office or home.

Maybe you need a larger screen for your home office, or perhaps you just bought a mini PC or Mac mini and need an affordable display to go along with it. It could also work well as a second monitor in a dual-screen setup. In those cases, the MP243 does the job.

MSI PRO MP243: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The price is where the MP243 really starts to make sense.

At around $120, you are getting a 23.8-inch IPS panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, HDMI, DisplayPort, built-in speakers, VESA support, and a clean white design.

That is a good group of features for a monitor in this price range.

One of the closest alternatives is the Dell SE2426HS. It has a similar 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and VESA support. The Dell also has a height-adjustable stand, which is a real advantage over the tilt-only stand on the MSI.

The MSI does have a few advantages of its own. It includes built-in speakers and DisplayPort, and the white finish gives it a cleaner look than most budget monitors.

At a lower sale price, the MSI is an easy monitor to recommend. At around $120, it is still a good option, but there are more competitors worth considering.

It really comes down to what matters more to you. If you want the white design, built-in speakers, and DisplayPort, the MSI is a good pick. If you care more about stand adjustment (and a higher resolution), there are better options.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )MSI PRO MP243: Unboxing and First Impressions

Most of the monitor and stand are plastic, but they don’t really feel cheap. It’s lightweight enough that I’d still be careful when putting it together and taking it apart.

Everything included in the box is white, even down to the cables, which gives the setup a uniform look. If you’re someone who likes a certain aesthetic, I think you’ll appreciate that everything matches.

The monitor is really simple to put together. Everything just clicks in, and then you’re good to go. The back of the stem includes a cable-management clip for routing your power and display cables. It is a small feature, but it helps keep the back of your desk a little cleaner.

The top of the base includes a simple organizer slot. It’s big enough that you can put a USB adapter, thumb drive, or anything else in there that would otherwise just be sitting on top of your desk. It's an unexpected little feature that actually turned out to be useful.

MSI advertises it as a spot to hold your phone. You can place your phone in landscape and, depending on your workflow, use it as a secondary screen or simply keep it visible for notifications, your calendar, or something similar. It’s not a huge feature by any means, but it’s another small touch I appreciated that adds to the overall practicality of the monitor.

MSI PRO MP243: Design & Build Quality

The monitor’s control button is on the back right side. It doubles as both the power button and the joystick for navigating the menu.

The monitor keeps things simple when it comes to connectivity. It has one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. Both display inputs support 1080p at refresh rates up to 144Hz.

Honestly, support for up to 144Hz is a nice bonus for this price range, even if it’s clearly built for office work first. It's not necessary, but it's handy and opens up the customers for this monitor a little bit as well.

The MP243 has the standard settings you would expect, including brightness, contrast, sharpness, volume, and color controls. It also includes a few MSI-specific features that are worth mentioning.

MSI’s EyesErgo features include Less Blue Light, Anti-Flicker, and an anti-glare coating. These are all meant to make the monitor easier on your eyes during longer work sessions. If you spend most of your day reading emails, writing, or working through spreadsheets, they are nice features to have.

There is also an Eye-Q Check feature that gives you basic reminders for posture, eye fatigue, and taking breaks. It is not a feature I would buy the monitor for, but it makes sense on something that is primarily designed for office use.

The monitor supports Adaptive-Sync, HDR Ready, and refresh rates up to 144Hz. Adaptive-Sync can help reduce screen tearing, while 144Hz makes scrolling through webpages and moving things around the screen feel smoother than it would on a basic 60Hz monitor.

One of the more useful features of this monitor is its support for VESA mounting. The obvious benefit is that the monitor can be attached to a compatible wall mount or monitor arm. However, I think the more interesting use case is mounting a compatible mini PC directly to the back of the monitor.

Pairing this monitor with any of the best mini PCs is a more affordable alternative to a prebuilt all-in-one desktop. The computer stays out of sight, you can use shorter cables, and the whole setup takes up less space and looks cleaner.

I’m a stickler for cable management and keeping electronics as organized as possible. Being able to mount a mini PC behind the monitor, hide most of the hardware, and cut down on visible cables really adds to the value of this monitor.

The MP243 uses a 24-inch IPS panel with a claimed viewing angle of 178 degrees.

The bezels are thin along the left, right, and top edges, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker. Combined with the white finish, the slim borders give the monitor a more high-end appearance than its price might suggest.

That is where this monitor arguably shines the most. It looks sleek, occupies relatively little space, and can blend naturally into a clean home-office environment.

The actual display is more conventional. Its 1080p resolution and standard image-quality features are appropriate for email, web browsing, documents, spreadsheets, and other everyday office tasks.

You can do just about anything with it, of course, but if you're trying to edit photos or creative content on this, you may miss some things you would catch on a higher end monitor, it also just won't look as clear.

MSI PRO MP243: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

One thing I actually didn’t mind was virtual meetings on this monitor. While I didn't have the clearest images of everyone, I didn't feel the virtual meeting was degraded or compromised in any way when using this screen.

The monitor includes two built-in 2W stereo speakers. The best comparison I can make is that they sound like basic laptop speakers without Dolby features or any other processing trying to make them sound better than they are.

It was good enough to hear clear audio, but I won't be listening to music through this anytime soon. If you do not already own desktop speakers, they are enough to get started. You can always add better speakers or headphones later.

I also connected an Xbox Series X and tested the monitor with Overwatch. It worked and the game was “playable.” However, the deficiencies were pretty noticeable when compared to my dedicated gaming monitor, which was already around five years old.

The 144Hz refresh rate may make it seem gaming-friendly on paper, but refresh rate alone doesn’t define the overall experience. For casual gaming, especially with a system limited to Full HD, it gets the job done.

I would not buy it specifically for gaming, though. Anyone shopping primarily for gaming should look elsewhere, which makes sense as this is more of a budget business monitor, despite the 144Hz tag that will get gamers excited.

MSI PRO MP243: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The MSI PRO MP243 is best suited to someone who wants to upgrade or expand a home-office setup without spending much money.

Its strongest qualities are its clean design, compact footprint, useful stand, cable-management features, built-in speakers, and support for VESA mounting systems. It provides the basic features most people need for regular office work while looking better than many inexpensive monitors.

Its limitations are just as clear, though. It’s only 1080p, the build is lightweight, and while it supports 144Hz, I wouldn’t recommend buying it specifically for gaming. That doesn’t make it a bad product. It just means it should be purchased for the right reasons.

This is a practical choice for emails, documents, web browsing, secondary-screen use, casual media consumption, and compact desktop setups. If you’re not concerned about having 4K, it offers a straightforward and affordable way to add more screen space to your desk.

Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future

Review: I wanted to love Onimusha’s return, but I got tired of engaging the same fight over and over again.

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, Google launches upgraded travel features to book flights, hotels and more.

iFi iDSD GR 2: one-minute review

With the iFi iDSD GR 2, a seemingly arduous task was at hand. British hi-fi brand iFi had to produce a portable DAC/amp that could improve on the spectacular xDSD Gryphon, which we handed a rave five-star review. But boy, did they pull it off.

The iDSD GR 2 provides upgrades that feel meaningful, practical, and tangible. It delivers around 50% more amplification power than its predecessor, making it easier to drive more demanding headphones, all while providing enhanced dynamic range and lower distortion. What’s more, it adds K2HD tech, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that digital recordings sometimes lose.

Oh, and it fixes our only major gripe with its predecessor, by adding a vivid OLED touchscreen display, making it feel intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings. As a result, it easily competes with the best headphone DACs that money can buy.

It's a fantastic performer, delivering articulate, layered, and balanced sound. I paired the DAC/amp with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a range of headphones/IEMs, including the Sennheiser HD 600, and the results blew me away. The GR 2 supplied intricate instrument separation, punchy bass, phenomenal mid-range clarity, and expressive treble, making for a captivating listen, no matter what genre I threw at it.

What’s more, the DAC/amp has higher battery capacity (4,900mAh) with adaptive power, meaning I could indulge in long listening sessions without interruption. Combine that with a neat companion app, numerous connectivity modes, and a lightweight feel, and the GR 2 is the ideal device for audiophiles to carry while on the move.

At launch, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is cheaper than its predecessor was at the point of release, despite making a whole host of improvements. And while it would’ve been nice to see a case bundled in at this price-point, and while there are cheaper options on the market, I still think this model offers impeccable value for money when considering the sheer volume of tech crammed into this little device. As a result, it’s all too easy for me to recommend the GR 2.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: price & release date

• List price of $529 / £529 / AU$849
• Released in June 2026

The iFi iDSD GR 2 released in June 2026, and is the spiritual successor to the brand’s popular portable DAC/amp, the iFi xDSD Gryphon — a model that hit the market back in 2021. Despite offering a number of upgrades over its predecessor, the GR 2 is cheaper at launch, coming in at $529 / £529 / AU$849.

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: features

• Brilliant OLED touchscreen display
• 4,900mAh battery capacity with adaptive power
• K2HD tech opens up even more textured, subtle playback

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is rammed with features, and improves significantly on its already impressive predecessor.

Some of the most captivating options are back, including XBass and XSpace filters, which you can use in tandem or individually. XBass provides a tasteful bump to low-end sounds, while XSpace aims to deliver a more expansive soundstage — both work brilliantly, and I found myself using them often for more hard-hitting hip-hop and dance tracks.

You can select these via a new OLED touchscreen interface, which is phenomenally responsive and very easy to use. Here, you can access a range of settings, including Bluetooth pairing, dual charge mode, a voice prompt toggle, volume sync and more. The main menu also enables you to sift through the GR 2’s vast array of sources, such as Bluetooth (with higher-res aptX Lossless and LDAC support), USB-C, optical, coaxial, and line in. There’s also a lock button if you want to avoid accidental screen touches.

On top of this, the model features dedicated 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports and a USB-C charging slot. Speaking of charging, it will take about 3.5 hours to get to 100% from flat, which isn’t particularly impressive, although I still found that I got quite a lot of playtime from the GR 2 without having to juice it up. That’s because the model features an upgraded battery capacity of 4,900mAh, which should be good for around 7 hours of use — though this will vary depending on volume and if you’re using sound filters.

You can use the GR 2 while charging it via its dedicated USB-C port, a very useful feature if you find you’re indulging in long listening sessions (as I did during testing). The DAC/amp also brings a new adaptive power feature to the table, which balances external power and battery operation. So, if you’ve got the GR 2 hooked up to an external supply, it can prioritize mains power, and in the case that additional power is required, it can be drawn from the device’s battery. The GR 2 will also automatically return to external power if demand drops.

Perhaps my favorite new feature on the GR 2, though, is its K2HD tech, which we saw before in iFi’s considerably pricier and larger iDSD Phantom desktop DAC. This is intended to restore harmonic detail, and bring a track closer to its intended sound, and is exclusively licensed to iFi by JVC Kenwood. I’ll speak more about the sonic benefits of K2HD in the ‘sound quality’ section, but for now, just know that it is indeed a brilliant addition.

Finally, it's worth noting that you can control the GR 2 with the iFi Nexis app, which is incredibly easy to use. It displays all of the options you’d typically see on the device’s touchscreen display, enabling you to easily switch between connectivity modes, adapt volume, toggle on the XBass / XSpace modes and more.

• Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: sound quality

• Balanced, articulate, and nuanced sound
• K2HD adds beautiful depth and detail, XBass / XSpace fantastic too
• 50% more headphone drive, but less distortion and greater dynamic range

The original Gryphon was a great performer, delivering impeccable detail, precision, and dynamism, so it should come as no surprise that its sequel is phenomenally talented as well.

Although I tried the GR 2 with a few pairs of IEMs, I conducted most of my testing with the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones, and iFi’s DAC/amp got the very best out of them.

When tuning into a 24-bit 192kHz FLAC of Doralice by Stan Getz, João Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the GR 2 provided a beautifully balanced, insightful listen. Vocals were textured and carefully defined, and the K2HD feature added a nice dosage of warmth. Acoustic guitars were brilliantly separated too, and sounded as if they were operating in a discrete pocket within a broad and nuanced soundstage. Subtle percussion worked away in the right channel and expressive, leading sax also flowed through with personality and natural tonality.

With a more energetic track, Rocking Chair by Mr Scruff, the GR 2 continued to impress. The resonance of bongos in the intro was striking, higher pitched percussion in the treble range came through with vibrancy and precision, and there was an incredibly warm and textured quality to the squelchy bass, which hit with impressive impact — especially with XBass active. Individual instruments, like keys and tambourines were again fantastically weighted and separated, and K2HD added a delicious layer of subtlety and detail that effortlessly restored the richness of the tune’s low end.

Even compared to a strong portable rival, like the FiiO BTR17, the iFi iDSD GR 2 proved to be exceptional. In Felini by Venerus and Marco Castello, the trickling of water was true-to-life and acoustic guitars were expertly separated from emotive vocals. On that subject, iFi’s model just added a bit more detail and depth to the vocals compared to its (still impressive) FiiO rival. The GR 2 exhibited a markedly delicate, raw quality with the vocals and I felt as if I was getting the sort of listening experience the artists had intended.

The capability of the GR 2 to serve up punchy bass, articulate mids, and expressive treble while maintaining such excellent balance across the frequency range has to be applauded. Combining this with its nuanced and precise soundstage — with or without XSpace — and impressive handling of dynamics, it truly feels like the full package.

What’s more, the GR 2 has around 50% more power to drive headphones with (up to 1,513mW RMS) than its predecessor, but it still offers even greater dynamic range and less distortion. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade from the OG Gryphon or get a portable DAC/amp with serious audiophile credentials, I think the GR 2 is one of the best options on the market right now.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: design

• Excellent OLED touchscreen display
• Lightweight and pretty portable
• Case can be purchased separately

In terms of design, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, largely as a result of one major change: its touchscreen.

Not only is the OLED color display vivid and clear, but it's incredibly easy and intuitive to use. The touchscreen is responsive and enables you to easily make any changes you want or switch to a different source. You can also adjust the screen’s brightness to your liking, or lock the screen entirely if you want to prevent accidental commands.

Otherwise, the GR 2 has all of the qualities you’d want from a portable DAC/amp. It’s lightweight (at just 0.6 lbs / 268g), has a wide range of connectivity ports, and has a good standard of build. It also has a tactile volume control knob with a small set of physical buttons — all of which are well-sized and effective.

Some may find that there are more ‘portable’ options out there. The FiiO BTR17 I compared to the GR 2 has a considerably smaller footprint, and will fit in just about any pocket. But for the tech stuffed inside iFi’s new model, I’d still argue it’s portable enough, and I had no issue slotting it into my short pockets or a small bag. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, my review sample never ran hot — not that the OG did either, you understand, but it's often a question we're asked. These products bear plenty of power squirrelled away within a small enclosure, so it's important to mention.

The only thing I would have liked is a case, which has to be purchased separately. But otherwise, the GR 2 is a certified hit in the design category.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: setup & usability

• Incredibly easy to get set up and started
• iFi Nexis app only adds more seamless usability
• Easy to use interface

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is incredibly easy to start using. Just power the device on and it’s ready to go — no overlong login process, no confusing pairing requests, just plug and play design at its best.

Even if you’re not a seasoned user of DACs or amps, everything is labelled clearly, making it very simple to navigate. The iFi Nexis app also helps you tap into any settings you need on the fly, only heightening the device’s versatility.

• Setup & usability score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)iFi iDSD GR 2 review: value

• Not the cheapest option around, but still great value
• Less pricey than predecessor at launch
• Impeccable all around quality makes it feel worth the investment

Look, I’m not going to pretend that the GR 2 is a cheap piece of tech. It comes in at $529 / £529 / AU$849, which is a considerable investment to make into your audio setup — but I still think it more than earns its price.

First of all, it's cheaper than its predecessor at launch, but offers 50% more amplification power, a much-improved user interface, K2HD tech, and more. It does all of this while remaining highly portable and delivering stellar sound, and there can be no doubts over the quality you get in return for your outlay.

Yes, you could grab a model like the aforementioned FiiO BTR17 for around $219 / £179 / AU$349, and while that’s a nifty small pick with strong performance and features to match, it can’t deliver the depth of the GR 2, which stuns with its excellent sound filters, wide connectivity options, top-tier audio, and mighty portable power.

• Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the iFi iDSD GR 2?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Excellent new display, K2HD and XBass / XSpace work a treat, neat adaptive power with upgraded battery capacity.

5/5

Sound quality

Balanced, layered, precise sound with beautiful detail from K2HD with tasteful bass and soundstage boost options.

5/5

Design

Fantastic touchscreen display, great build quality, lightweight, would be even better with a case bundled in.

4.5/5

Setup & usability

Quick setup, easy to use interface, neat control app.

5/5

Value

More affordable than its predecessor while meaningfully improving upon it in almost every way.

5/5

Buy it if…

You need a powerful and portable amplification solution
The GR 2 provides around 50% more output power than its predecessor, meaning it can fuel some harder-to-drive headphones, and even some speakers. So, if you need a powerful amplification tool to take on the go, look no further.

You're looking for premium performance
I was wowed by the quality on offer from the iFi iDSD GR 2. Music sounds textured and layered, especially with K2HD tech activated. If you want premium on-the-go performance, this is the model I’d go for.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re on a budget
Although it still offers great value for money, there’s no denying that the iFi iDSD GR 2 is quite the investment. In addition, there are plenty of lower-priced alternatives that we’ve rated highly — if you’re interested, check out the ‘also consider’ section.

You want an ultra-compact model
The GR 2 is still a very portable device, and will slot into some pockets and any small bag. But there are even more compact alternatives out there, like the FiiO BTR17, for instance.

iFi iDSD GR 2 review: also consider

Chord Mojo 2
The Chord Mojo 2 provides phenomenal audio quality, which we described as “eloquent, engaging and endlessly listenable” in our glowing five star review. It also offers plenty of connectivity options, strong build quality, and a standout design. It doesn’t have the most intuitive interface, though. Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review.

FiiO BTR17
The tiny FiiO BTR17 is a great little DAC/amp. I used it as a point of comparison for the GR 2, and while iFi’s model sounds a bit more nuanced, FiiO’s rival is still a fantastic sounding option, with a tiny footprint, stylish look, and wireless connectivity. Read our full FiiO BTR17 review.

How I tested the iFi iDSD GR 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across multiple days
• Used with Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic IEMs, and more
• Compared against rival model

I spent multiple days intensively testing the iFi iDSD GR 2, during which time I spent countless hours listening to music and exhausting its various features.

Most of the time, I used the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones to test the GR 2 out, although I did also use a few pairs of IEMs from the likes of Beyerdynamic. I used the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 as my main source device, and played a range of file types. And when listening to music, I tuned into tracks from a wide variety of genres, and made sure to compare the GR 2 against a rival from FiiO.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as a resident Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed a range of products, from hulking party speakers like the Marshall Bromley 750 through to reference-grade IEMs, like the Sennheiser IE 600.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: August 2026

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It's hard to believe that we're almost halfway through Ted Lasso season 4, but we are. Indeed, once its fifth episode has been released, the hit Apple TV show's latest season will have reached its midpoint.

So, when will it premiere on Apple's streaming platform? Below, I'll tell you the exact dates and times for the soccer comedy-drama's next chapter, so you can block out some time in your busy schedule to catch it as soon as it arrives. Here, then, is when Ted Lasso season 4 episode 5 will drop in your neck of the woods.

What is the launch time for Ted Lasso season 4 episode 5?

Are Keeley and Roy finally going to get back together in season 4 episode 5? (Image credit: Apple TV)

Episode 5 of Ted Lasso's fourth season will launch at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Tuesday, September 1 in the US and Canada.

If you frequent these parts, you'll know that new episodes have come out on one of the best streaming services every Tuesday in North and South America. So, it won't be a shock if (or, rather, when) this week's entry does as well.

If you live on another continent, you'll have to wait until Wednesday, September 2 to catch season 4 episode 5. Depending on where you live, here are the exact launch times for the series' forthcoming installment:

• US — Tuesday, September 1 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
• Canada — Tuesday, September 1 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
• UK — Wednesday, September 2 at 2am BST
• India — Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30am IST
• Singapore — Wednesday, September 2 at 9am SGT
• Australia — Wednesday, September 2 at 11am AEST
• New Zealand — Wednesday, September 2 at 1pm NZST

Ted Lasso season 4 full episode schedule: how many are there?

Ted and Alice's working relationship will face more upheaval this season (Image credit: Apple TV)

If it wasn't obvious from this article's introduction, there'll be 10 episodes to enjoy in Ted Lasso season 4. After this week's installment, there'll be five more to laugh, cry, and cheer at before the hugely popular program's latest season ends, too.

Want to know when each subsequent episode will be released? Of course you do, so read the list below for more details:

• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 1 — out now
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 2 — out now
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 3 — out now
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 4 — out now
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 5 — September 1/2
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 6 — September 8/9
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 7 — September 15/16
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 8 — September 22/23
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 9 — September 29/30
• Ted Lasso season 4 episode 10 — October 6/7