Technology

• A new 'brain-to-robot' interface has been unveiled in China
• It uses non-invasive EEG technology
• The system will supply much-needed real-world AI training data

We're seeing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) continue to get more advanced and more practical, and Chinese company BrainCo has now announced another first: a BCI that enables robots to be controlled by thoughts.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, BrainCo says the system works through EEG (electroencephalogram) headsets worn by human operators, which translate neural activity into instructions for robots to follow.

Like other similar 'mind reading' devices, it's based on vast amounts of training data that associate specific neuron activity with specific commands as they're imagined in the brain. AI algorithms then manage the job of finding the right action for the right thought.

It's called the Brain-Controlled Robot AI Platform, and it was unveiled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai —the biggest and most important AI tech event on the calendar in China.

Think it into reality

You might soon not even need to talk to a robot to get it working (Image credit: Shutterstock)

BrainCo says that as well as being used to control robots, the system can also act as an interface to connect to robotic arms and other devices. A robotic arm could be instructed to pick up a cup through thoughts alone, for example.

As the Brain-Controlled Robot AI Platform becomes more widely used, it will also be collecting data — data that can then be applied to refine the underlying algorithms further. High-quality training data is currently one of the major bottlenecks in the industry.

"The embodied AI industry has made remarkable progress on what robots can do on their own," said Nyx He, a partner and senior vice-president at BrainCo. "We believe the next decisive frontier is about how robots understand the humans they work with."

With AI models continuing to get smarter and more sophisticated, this is going to feed into the 'physical AI' of robotics — giving these machines greater flexibility, more dexterity, and as we've seen here, thought-controlled inputs.

The new Space Frame design should extend the life of the laptop, but doesn't alter the familiar X1 Carbon look and feel.

You don't have to put up with spam calls any longer.

We tested smart speaker audio, voice assistants and sensors to find the best for your home.

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for July 19, No. 1,134.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for July 19, No. 1,856.

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for July 19 No. 868.

In a proof-of-concept demonstration, AT&T and Ericsson showed how existing 5G networks can track aerial objects that might threaten public safety.

• Prices are going up across almost all the Apple Music tiers
• There are some bumps in Apple Music prices too
• These are the first price hikes we've seen since October 2022

Apple Music is the latest subscription package to get a bump in price, leaving users with the choice between paying more or losing access to the streaming part of their library. The bundled Apple One package that includes Apple Music now costs more as well.

As reported by Music Business Worldwide (via Engadget), the reason cited by Apple is "rising licensing costs". It's the first price hike for this particular subscription we've seen since October 2022. The new monthly prices are below:

New Apple Music prices

US

UK

Australia

Individual

$11.99 (up $1)

£11.99 (up £1)

AU$14.99 (up AU$2)

Family

$19.99 (up $3)

£19.99 (up £3)

AU$23.99 (up AU$4)

Student

$6.99 (up $1)

£5.99 (unchanged)

AU$7.99 (up $1)

The Apple One price increases are less clear, as they're not as easily available on the Apple website. It appears the Apple One Family plan is now $27.95 (up $2) / AU$24.95 (unchanged) per month and the Apple One Premier plan is now $39.95 (also up $2) / AU$52.95 (up AU$3), though the Apple One Individual plan has stayed at $19.95 / AU$24.95. Internationally, similar price rises are likely.

This comes at a time when everything tech-related is getting more expensive, from laptops to streaming services. Exploding AI resource demand has sent the price of memory and storage rocketing, and that continues to have a knock-on effect everywhere.

Loss of controlApple raises prices for Apple Music and Apple One subscriptions from r/apple

Apple is of course by no means the first company to put up its subscription prices, but it's a reminder of the pitfalls of the digital rental model. As soon as you stop paying, you lose access — so if you need a service, you have no choice but to accept the higher price.

The online reaction has mostly focused on this too: "It's not even about the cost sometimes," writes one Redditor. "It's about loss of control over your finances. Companies can jack up their prices whenever they want." Few commenters seem ready to quit Apple Music, though many are pointing out the billions that Apple has in the bank.

Apple Music doesn't have a free tier like Spotify does, but it beats every other music streaming service in the support it gives you for local files. If you have enough MP3s and ripped CDs, you can use it perfectly well without a subscription.

As we've written about recently, Apple is selling more and more of its software products through recurring payments rather than a flat one-off fee, and one of the reasons is that it's more profitable — and makes it more likely that users will continue to pay up.

Every week here at TechRadar we publish a whole host of technology stories — it would be a seriously impressive feat if you managed to keep up with all of them, what with everything else happening going on (was there a World Cup?).

The aim of this ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) round-up is to help you quickly catch up on the biggest stories and the most important headlines in tech. These are the articles that mattered most over the past seven days.

We've got news on Apple, OpenAI, OnePlus, Volkswagen, and Microsoft, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Samsung and an important GoPro review. But before we dive in, see how much of last week's ICYMI news round-up you remember first by taking the quiz below.

7. Volkswagen revealed the world's techiest e-bike

The new eBikes being used (Image credit: Volkswagen/n+)

Volkswagen has a brand new electric bicycle to show off: the new Smart eBike range has been developed in partnership with n+, and goes big on the tech and the safety features. You'll find radar-assisted traffic monitoring here, as well as a high-definition rear view camera, so while you're pedaling (or not) you'll have a better idea of what's around you.

There's an expanded safety ecosystem too, with an optional smart helmet for syncing turn signals and making them more visible, and a pair of smart glasses that are perhaps the most cutting edge part of the whole package. You can use the smart specs to get journey information and navigation instructions put in front of your eyes when they're needed.

• Read the full story: Volkswagen unveils its innovative eBike with the world's first integrated rear-view camera and smart glasses

6. We reviewed GoPro’s premium action cam

The GoPro Mission 1 (Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)

GoPro is being a little bit more ambitious with its new Mission 1 Pro, a flagship action camera that builds on the classic form factor while adding some premium extras. Our Senior Staff Writer Hamish Hector has been giving the camera a thorough TechRadar test, and came away impressed with just about everything the Mission 1 Pro has to offer.

Special praise was given to the high-resolution video recording, the choice of recording modes, and the tweaked design choices that make the Mission 1 Pro different to its predecessors. Click through to see what the premium camera is capable of in terms of photo and video performance, and to find out whether it's the right upgrade for you.

• Read the full story: The Mission 1 Pro isn’t just GoPro's flagship action cam, it’s a fantastic all-round vacation camera with the point-and-shoot grip — I just wish it was cheaper

5. We went inside Samsung Display’s secret labs

We enjoyed our factory tour (Image credit: Future)

Samsung phones and tablets are known for the quality of their screens, so of course we jumped at the chance when we were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of a Samsung Display factory. This is where current displays are made and tested, and where next-gen models are tested (though sadly we didn't get to see the Galaxy Z Fold 8).

From advanced stress tests to upcoming displays with optical illusions built in, there was a lot to look at on the tour, reading through our write-up is the next best thing to actually getting access yourself. Of course, we also had to ask Samsung Display representatives about the rumored iPhone Fold, but they didn't seem too worried by the competition...

• Read the full story: Inside Samsung Display's secret labs, where it builds and stress-tests next-gen displays — and says it's ready for Apple to launch a foldable: 'We mean it, we love other companies to join this market'

4. The iOS 27 public beta landed with the new Siri

The public beta of iOS 27 is here (Image credit: Apple)

The upcoming iOS 27 software update gives iPhone owners a lot to look forward to, not least the new and improved Siri AI app (or Siri 2.0, effectively). This week the public beta dropped, which means that anyone who wants to can try out the new features early — assuming they don't mind putting up with a few bugs or random crashes along the way.

Whether you're a veteran at running betas or thinking about dipping your toe in for the first time, our guide will explain how to download and install iOS 27 on your phone. We've also highlighted three of the new features you should test out first, including the improved photo editing tools that use a bit of AI magic to make your pictures look better than ever.

• Read the full story: How to download the iOS 27 public beta — and 3 new things to try first

3. Windows 11 got a major update

There are upgrades for Windows 11 users to look forward to (Image credit: Surface/Unsplash)

There have been some missteps along the way, but generally speaking Microsoft is on something of a roll when it comes to improving Windows 11 this year. The latest July update continues that trend, and if you're a user of the desktop operating system then you should be happy: there are some smart new features, and some important bug fixes.

One of the stand-out upgrades this time is a feature we've been waiting a while for: a proper pause function for Windows 11 updates, so if you don't want to install the latest patches right away, you don't feel like you're being pestered to get them applied as soon as possible. We've got details on how the feature works, plus what else is new this time.

• Read the full story: New Windows 11 update is a big one — these are my top 4 features, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely

2. A bombshell Apple vs OpenAI lawsuit landed

It's Tim Cook vs Sam Altman (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)

It's fair to say Apple and OpenAI aren't on as good terms as they used to be, what with staff being poached and confidential information being stolen... allegedly. Apple has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that the ChatGPT developer has pinched trade secrets through ex-Apple employees — and the case could have serious long-term repercussions.

Depending on what the courts and judges decide, this could impact OpenAI's nascent plans to launch hardware devices, as well as having an influence on how Apple develops its software — remember that ChatGPT is still embedded in Siri, at the time of writing. We're likely to hear much more about this astonishing case in the months to come.

• Read the full story: Apple vs OpenAI lawsuit — 8 bombshell accusations and how the legal war might change your next iPhone

1. OnePlus officially quit the US and Europe

The OnePlus 15 (Image credit: Future)

OnePlus has finally run out of road — in the US and Europe at least. Parent company Oppo has decided the brand will withdraw from those markets, which means a large part of the world will be missing out on some great handsets. In recent years, some of our favorite phones have come from OnePlus, but availability will be much more limited from now on.

If you already own a OnePlus device in the US or Europe, then you'll continue to get support and software updates, but there won't be any new phone launches. "It wasn't a decision made in a rush," explained Oppo's Shuang Chen in a briefing. "Being a responsible brand means knowing when to go all in and when to make a choice."

• Read the full story: 'It wasn't a decision made in a rush': OnePlus explains why it’s just quit the US and Europe — and answers our 5 biggest questions about what it means

• Ukraine unveils reusable Horynych bomber drones built from civilian aircraft
• Secret drone squadron expands Ukraine's long-range strike capability significantly
• Modified ultralight aircraft now carry full-sized aerial bombs into combat

Ukraine has publicly revealed what appears to be a previously undisclosed squadron of Horynych reusable bomber drones converted from civilian light aircraft for long-range strike operations.

Official images show at least ten modified aircraft carrying Soviet-designed OFAB-100-120 aerial bombs, suggesting the program has expanded beyond isolated experimental missions.

The aircraft are based on SkyRanger Swift and Nynja ultralight airframes originally developed for civilian recreational flying before undergoing military conversion.

Civilian aircraft converted into reusable bomber drones

Engineers replaced conventional cockpit controls with remote piloting equipment and electro-optical cameras, allowing operators to guide the aircraft from the ground throughout bombing missions.

Each aircraft appears to carry one OFAB-100-120 bomb weighing approximately 100kg beneath the fuselage during long-range operations.

Unlike one-way attack drones that are destroyed after striking their objectives, these aircraft are designed to return safely for repeated missions after releasing their payloads.

The appearance of at least ten drones together indicates the capability may have developed into a larger operational force rather than remaining a limited experimental effort.

The absence of leaves on nearby trees suggests the images may have been taken several months before their public release.

If that assessment proves accurate, Ukraine may have maintained this reusable bomber fleet for an extended period before officially revealing its existence.

Reported strike focused attention on expanding deep attack capability

According to Serhii Sternenko, adviser to Ukraine's Defense Minister, the aircraft participated in an overnight strike against an underground Russian logistics facility near Armyansk in occupied Crimea.

Armyansk lies close to the Perekop Isthmus, an important land corridor linking occupied Crimea with Russian-controlled territory and supporting military supply movements across the region.

These underground facilities serve as hardened storage and distribution sites for fuel, ammunition, and military equipment supporting Russian military operations.

The strike was reportedly carried out jointly by Ukraine's Air Force, the Lazar Group, and the Venom Unmanned Systems Center.

Neither Ukraine's military nor its Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the number of aircraft involved or the extent of damage.

Independent assessments of the reported attack have not yet been published, leaving several key operational details unverified by outside observers.

Ukraine has previously used modified civilian aircraft in long-range strikes, including a June 2025 attack using an A-22 Foxbat towing an unpowered glider.

That glider carried a 100-kilogram warhead and struck a Shahed drone production facility in Alabuga, marking an earlier tandem strike configuration.

Ukraine has also used converted SkyRanger aircraft since 2024, although earlier sightings typically involved individual aircraft rather than a larger operational group.

Whether this expanded Horynych fleet can sustain repeated missions deep inside Russian territory remains unverified without independent confirmation of results.

Ukrainian officials have offered no additional public timeline for when the broader Horynych program might expand its operations further significantly.

There is also no information on the size of the fleet or the extent of damage that it can cause.

Marvel's X-Men movie: what we know

- In development at Marvel Studios
- Expected to be MCU 2.0's first film
- Release date yet to be announced
- Could come out some time in 2028
- No trailer or wider footage available
- Plenty of cast rumors circulating online
- Story synopsis yet to be publicly unveiled
- Nothing to report on possible sequels

The mutants are coming. Indeed, with Marvel hard at work on developing another X-Men movie — one that will officially introduce a new version of the superteam to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — it won't be long before they return to the big screen. Well, providing you don't consider its potential 2028 launch to be a lengthy wait...

But I digress. With San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026 almost upon us, and speculation that some sort of X-Men announcement will be made at the fan expo, interest over the next live-action X-Men film couldn't be higher. Read on to discover everything we know so far about the movie that's likely to usher in version 2.0 of the MCU.

X-Men movie release date: what we know

Kevin Feige confirms that Jake Schreier's 'X-MEN' movie comes out after 'AVENGERS: SECRET WARS'"I can't wait for all of you to see 'Avengers: Doomsday', we have a movie after that called 'Avengers: Secret Wars', and after that the mutants are coming and the X-Men are coming and… pic.twitter.com/pw9u54BEEBJuly 11, 2026

Marvel is yet to confirm a release date for its X-Men movie. It's still in the early stages of development, after all, so unless a surprise announcement comes at SDCC 2026, it will be some time before we know more.

That said, this film is high on Marvel's list of priorities. Speaking in late 2024, company president Kevin Feige said that MCU's future will be all about the X-Men after the Multiverse Saga comes to an end with next year's Avengers: Secret Wars.

More recently, Feige hinted (see the X/Twitter post above) that the new X-Men movie will be the first film to arrive after the sixth Avengers installment. With that movie due out in December 2027, we shouldn't expect MCU's first mutant-led project until some time in 2028.

Marvel's X-Men movie trailer: is there one?

Cyclops didn't take this trailer news very well... (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Unsurprisingly, no. In fact, assuming Marvel returns to Hall H panel at SDCC 2028, I'd be amazed if we get any official footage before then.

Once a teaser is released, I'll update this section – but you'll be waiting a long time for one!

Marvel's X-Men cast rumors

Sadie Sink (left) is believed to have been cast as a popular X-Men character in the MCU (Image credit: Netflix)

Possible spoilers follow for Marvel's X-Men movie.

Predictably, nobody has been confirmed to appear in Marvel's X-Men movie yet. However, plenty of rumors have surfaced – and continue to circulate – about who's involved, so let's take a look at some of the biggest ones.

For starters, one report that did the rounds in July 2025 suggested that Marvel was eyeing rising stars over established names for its X-Men reboot. The reason? The Disney subsidiary wants to make movies for less — and that means it isn't looking to pay over the odds for A-listers.

And yet, the vast majority of actors who have been linked with roles in Marvel's mutant-led flick are what I'd consider to be household names.

One such star is Stranger Things alumnus Sadie Sink. After being cast as a mystery character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the long-running rumor is that Sink will play Jean Grey. If that's true — and there's now plenty of evidence to suggest it is — we'll almost certainly see her in this film.

Adam Driver is circling Marvel's X-Men movie, according to numerous insiders (Image credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Who else could pop up? Last May, the rumour mill was buzzing with reports about other potential X-Men cast members, including speculation that Bryan Cranston would play Charles Xavier/Professor X, Cynthia Erivo would portray Ororo Munroe/Storm, and recent retiree Daniel Day-Lewis had held talks to take on the role of Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto.

However, other actors have since been linked with two of those roles. In mid-July, Adam Driver was said to have been cast as Magneto, while Patrick Wilson is supposedly in the frame as Professor X (per knightedgemedia). For what it's worth, reliable industry insider Apocalyptic Horseman said that the latter might not be true.

Inde Navarrette, the breakout movie star of 2026, has also been linked with this MCU flick (Image credit: Focus Features/Universal Pictures)

Elsewhere, Obsession star Inde Navarrette revealed that she'd recently met with new X-Men director Jake Schreier — prompting fans to cast her in a variety of mutant roles. Meanwhile, after unreliable leaker Jeff Sneider claimed that Avatar star Trinity Jo-Li Bliss had been tapped to play Jubilee, Bliss herself denied the report (via The Direct).

Lastly, Lee Sung Jin, one of this film's co-writers, told Collider that he's a huge fan of Remy LeBeau/Gambit. Don't be surprised, then, if we see a new iteration of the Ragin' Cajun as part of this movie's ensemble.

Marvel's X-Men movie plot rumors

Marvel's new X-Men film will be wildly different to what's come before, according to its creative team (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

You already know what I'm going to say here, don't you? Surprise, surprise, Marvel's X-Men reboot doesn't have a story synopsis yet.

Thanks to Schreier and Jin, though, we've been given a glimpse into their creative process for the film, including the key inspiration behind the story they want to tell.

Schreier (via Collider) and Jin (via Men's Health) admitted that the literature penned by legendary scribe Chris Claremont, who's best known for working on the Uncanny X-Men comic book series for 16 years between 1975 and 1991, will be a major influence on their X-Men reboot. Jin also revealed (via The Watch podcast) that beloved Saturday morning cartoon X-Men: The Animated Series is also informing the narrative structure by way of its character-first and soap opera-esque elements.

Chatting to Deadline, Jin also explained that Feige wants him, co-writer Joanna Calo, and Schreier to " take a big swing and start anew, [and] not be beholden to any of the movies that have come before".

Expect an entirely new take — in a live-action sense, anyway — of the iconic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby-created supergroup when their next movie lands in theaters.

Where can I watch the X-Men movies?

Disney+ is home to every single live-action X-Men film and the group's two animated show (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

You can watch every live-action X-Men movie on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services. Disney's primary streamer has been home to these flicks since the House of Mouse bought 20th Century Fox in March 2019. You can even find out how to watch the X-Men movies in order with our help while you're here.

Additionally, X-Men: The Animated Series and its sequel show X-Men 97 are also available to watch on Disney+. Not a subscriber? Find out if a Disney+ free trial is available or the price of Disney+ in your area if you want to sign up.

What does the future hold for the X-Men in the MCU?

New seasons of MCU-adjacent program X-Men 97 will soon be released annually (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

In short: we have no idea. Marvel still has to get this movie off the ground, and as Schreier explained during an interview with Collider, it needs to be a major success if the franchise is to continue into Marvel Phase 7 and beyond.

If it succeeds, the X-Men could become one of the cornerstones of the MCU's next era. But if it doesn't? Frankly, that's a scenario that doesn't bear thinking about. The X-Men are one of the most popular superhero teams of all time, so if they can't help support Marvel's cinematic juggernaut in a post-Multiverse Saga world, who can?

While we wait for some much-needed news on Marvel's X-Men movie, find out what we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Then, get the full lowdown on Avengers: Doomsday and learn everything we know so far about Avengers: Secret Wars.

A standout channel lineup and user-friendly features make YouTube TV a top live TV streaming service, but its value isn't what it used to be.

In a proof-of-concept demonstration, AT&T and Ericsson showed how existing 5G networks can track aerial objects that might threaten public safety.

The $490 Unihertz Titan 2 Elite has a few quirks, but it nails that BlackBerry Curve feeling.

Modern cars are becoming increasingly good at reminding drivers about speed limits, upcoming safety cameras and potential hazards. So much so, driving is now soundtracked by a cacophony of irritating bleeps and bloops.

But unless you've bought something new in the past few years, there's a good chance your car is missing many of these features altogether.

Even if it isn't, many factory-fitted systems are far from perfect. Speed camera databases aren't always comprehensive, speed limit recognition can be caught out by temporary signs, while built-in alerts often arrive too late or are buried beneath layers of infotainment menus.

That's where dedicated speed camera detectors come in. These discreet dashboard companions warn of fixed cameras, average-speed zones, changing speed limits and road hazards without requiring you to constantly glance at a navigation or smartphone screen.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Unlike apps such as Google Maps or Waze, most of these gadgets are designed to fade into the background. Once paired with your phone, they quietly monitor your journey, without the need to plumb a destination into the navigation, only piping up when there's something worth knowing about.

Some even integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, playing alerts through your car's speakers while leaving your preferred navigation app to handle directions.

It is worth noting that the tested and models (below) are available to purchase and are perfectly fine to use in the UK and much of Europe, but aren't widely available in the US and other regions. These are five of the best dedicated speed camera detectors we'd recommend.

You might also like to check out our best dash cams guide, which is packed with buying advice, FAQs and lists the top models available in all regions today, with links to the best deals. These on board cameras can record journeys and provide you with the assurance and legal evidence needed should you get into any incidents, plus act as a security camera for parked vehicles.

1. Ooono Co-Driver NO2

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £69.99 / $95 / AU$143
• Rating: 5/5

Design

The Ooono Co-Driver NO2 sets the benchmark for one simple reason: it makes almost every rival feel unnecessarily complicated.

Designed in Denmark, the compact puck-shaped device looks more like a premium smart home accessory than a piece of automotive hardware. A subtle aluminum outer ring, bright wraparound LED indicator and minimalist styling mean it blends neatly into almost any dashboard without drawing attention to itself.

Its mounting system remains one of the smartest available. Rather than relying on a large adhesive pad, Ooono supplies two tiny magnetic mounting points with discreet 3M backing. Once installed, the device simply snaps into place magnetically and can be removed in seconds for charging or swapping between vehicles. An optional sun-visor mount also allows it to be positioned completely out of sight while remaining within easy reach.

Unlike the original Co-Driver, the second generation features a rechargeable battery that lasts around a month between charges and tops up via USB-C, eliminating the need for disposable batteries or permanent power cables.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

The Ooono Co-Driver NO2 sets the benchmark for one simple reason: it makes almost every rival feel unnecessarily complicated

Setup

Getting started takes a few minutes. Download the free Ooono app, pair the device over Bluetooth and grant the necessary permissions. Once configured, it automatically wakes whenever it detects your smartphone nearby, meaning there's very little to think about before setting off.

The latest generation also adds native compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing alerts to play directly through the vehicle's audio system while your preferred navigation app continues handling directions. It feels like a small upgrade but makes a noticeable difference during longer journeys, especially if you prefer keeping your phone tucked away.

Perhaps best of all, there are no subscriptions or premium membership tiers to worry about. Once you've bought the hardware, everything else is included. Bonus.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Fixed speed camera alerts arrive with plenty of notice, accompanied by bright LED flashes and clear audible warnings that are difficult to miss without becoming too irritating. Optional speed limit notifications can also be enabled, providing a gentle reminder whenever you creep above the posted limit.

Now, these can get annoying, but there’s plenty of adjustability and personalization within the accompanying smartphone app, so you can get blend just right.

Reporting hazards is also dead easy. A couple of button presses allows drivers to report mobile speed cameras, accidents or broken-down vehicles, while a dedicated cancel button quickly dismisses false alerts. The controls become second nature after only a few journeys and, crucially, never require you to look away from the road.

The only area where Ooono still trails the biggest smartphone navigation apps is community reporting. While its network continues to grow rapidly across the UK, services such as Waze can still provide more comprehensive reports for temporary hazards and mobile enforcement in some regions.

That said, Ooono's verified speed camera database is very good and rarely got things wrong during testing. Plus, its combination of stylish design, thoughtful ergonomics and genuinely useful alerts makes it the easiest dedicated speed camera detector to recommend.

2. Tom by TomTom

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £69.99 / $95 / AU$143
• Rating: 4/5

Design

If the Ooono is the minimalist Scandinavian option, the awkwardly-named Tom by TomTom is the slightly more extrovert cousin.

Build quality is decent, although the plastics don't feel quite as premium as the Ooono's aluminum-trimmed shell

The overall concept is basically the same: a small dashboard-mounted unit with LED alerts and physical buttons for reporting incidents. The TomTom device is a little larger and uses a full adhesive ring mount rather than Ooono's tiny magnetic points, which makes it feel more permanent once installed. There is no visor-mount option either, so it is clearly intended to live on the dashboard full-time.

The upside is visibility. The bright LEDs are among the easiest to spot while driving, particularly in strong sunlight, and the rechargeable battery lasts roughly a month between charges, meaning there is no need for a permanent power cable snaking across the cabin.

Build quality is decent, although the plastics don't feel quite as premium as the Ooono's aluminum-trimmed shell. Plus, there are fewer limited edition finishes like Ooono offers.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Setup

TomTom deserves credit for making the onboarding process almost foolproof. Again, it’s all handled through an app, where users create a free account, pair the device over Bluetooth and you're essentially ready to go. There are no subscription tiers, no payment details to enter and very little opportunity for things to go wrong.

The device automatically reconnects when you get in the car and, because it relies on your phone's data connection, camera and hazard information stays up to date without requiring manual downloads.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

In daily use, the Tom by TomTom runs the Ooono devices surprisingly close. Fixed camera alerts are timely and accurate, average-speed zones are handled well and the visual warnings strike a good balance between noticeable and distracting.

The device also warns when you exceed the limit, using a combination of color changes and audible alerts that are difficult to ignore without becoming overbearing.

Reporting incidents is straightforward, with single and long presses assigned to different hazard types, although the button layout isn't quite as intuitive as Ooono's oversized top-mounted control. Finding the correct button by touch occasionally requires a little more finger fumbling than ideal.

TomTom's greatest strength remains its mapping and traffic data expertise. The camera database proved consistently accurate during testing, and the overall experience felt polished, reliable and refreshingly low-maintenance.

For many drivers, it will come down to a simple question: whether you prefer TomTom's brighter, LEDs or Ooono's more discreet industrial design and slick Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

3. Road Angel Pure Sync

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £99.99 / $135 / AU$205
• Rating: 3.5/5

Design

The Road Angel Pure Sync takes a very different approach from the puck-shaped devices above.

Instead of disappearing into the dashboard, it places a small color display front and center, showing GPS speed, speed limits and camera warnings at all times. The magnetic mount is neatly integrated with the USB-C power connection, helping to keep cable routing tidier than many older dashboard gadgets.

Unfortunately, the device still requires constant power, so there is always a cable to manage somewhere in the cabin. Build quality is also less convincing than the price suggests, with a noticeably plasticky shell and a screen that can become difficult to read in direct sunlight depending on where it is mounted.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Camera warnings arrive with plenty of notice, while the speed limit system is impossible to miss

Setup

This is, by far and away, the weakest link in the Road Angel's armor. Despite the included 12-month subscription, registration still requires payment details, which feels unnecessarily complicated when rivals simply ask you to download an app and pair a device.

Bluetooth pairing also proved temperamental during setup, requiring several attempts before the phone and hardware consistently connected. Once configured, however, the system generally behaved itself and reconnects automatically when you start the car.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Camera warnings arrive with plenty of notice, while the speed limit system is impossible to miss: the screen flashes red and the device emits a loud voice warning whenever you drift above the posted limit. In fact, the default volume is so aggressive that most drivers will probably dive into the settings menu and turn it down after the first journey.

The live GPS speed display is genuinely useful in older vehicles with optimistic analogue speedometers, although it feels less essential in modern cars that already provide accurate digital speed readouts.

Hazard reporting works well once you've memorized the controls, with incidents submitted to the Road Angel community for verification before being distributed to other users. As with all cloud-connected systems, coverage still depends on local user numbers, and Waze, Ooono and the TomTom device all remain stronger for temporary hazards in some parts of the UK.

The Pure Sync ultimately feels like a halfway house between a traditional sat-nav camera alert unit and the newer minimalist Bluetooth devices. If you value a permanent speed display and don't mind the subscription model, it remains a capable option. If simplicity is the priority, the Ooono and TomTom solutions are easier to live with.

4. Ooono Co-Driver NO1

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £19.99 / $27 / AU$41
• Rating: 4/5

Design

The original Ooono Co-Driver remains available and, placed beside the newer NO2, it is immediately obvious how much the design has evolved.

The first-generation unit is noticeably smaller and arguably even more discreet, blending into the dashboard almost completely once installed. However, it uses a fixed adhesive mount rather than the newer magnetic system, making it less convenient to remove or transfer between vehicles.

It also relies on a coin-cell battery rather than a rechargeable pack, although Ooono claims around a year of battery life before replacement is needed.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Setup

As before, setup is very simple and anyone can have it up and running in a matter of minutes. The device pairs with the Ooono app over Bluetooth and then quietly runs in the background using the phone's data connection and GPS. There are no subscription fees and no complicated menus to navigate.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

For the core job of warning about speed cameras, the NO1 still performs remarkably well

Performance

For the core job of warning about speed cameras, the NO1 still performs remarkably well. It uses the same Ooono camera database and community reporting network as the newer model, so alert accuracy remains strong.

What you lose are the convenience features: there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, no rechargeable battery and no dedicated false-alert cancellation button.

For drivers who simply want reliable camera warnings in the smallest possible package, the original Co-Driver remains one of the cheapest and most discreet options on sale.

5. Snooper My-Speed Plus

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £199.99 / $270 / AU$410
• Rating: 3/5

Design

After spending time with the smartphone-connected devices above, the Snooper My-Speed Plus feels like a product from a different era — and that is not necessarily a criticism.

Rather than a tiny puck on the dashboard, Snooper gives you a full 5-inch color display mounted to the windshield or dash, complete with speed readouts, camera warnings and traffic information. It looks more like a compact sat-nav than a modern Bluetooth accessory, and it occupies a lot more real estate as a result.

The larger screen does have advantages. Speed limits and GPS speed are visible at a glance, while the red-and-green graphics make it very obvious when you have drifted above the limit.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

The Snooper My-Speed Plus feels like a product from a different era

Setup

Unlike the other products here, the Snooper operates independently of your smartphone. The device contains its own GPS receiver and uses Snooper's AURA camera database, so there is no need to keep a phone connected during journeys. Initial setup is straightforward, but keeping the database current requires occasional manual updates via USB using a Windows PC or Mac.

That feels decidedly old-school in 2026, but some drivers will appreciate the complete independence from apps, Bluetooth connections and mobile data.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Once updated, the Snooper's camera coverage is excellent. Fixed camera warnings are reliable, average-speed zones are handled well and the large display provides far more information than the minimalist LED-based rivals.

The trade-off is size and cost. At £199.99, it is by far the most expensive device in this guide, requires permanent power from a 12V socket and occupies a significant portion of the windshield compared with the almost invisible Ooono or TomTom units.

For drivers who want a dedicated, easy-to-read display without relying on a smartphone, the Snooper remains a compelling niche option. For everyone else, the newer Bluetooth-based devices generally deliver a cleaner, more modern experience.

Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

If you simply want the best all-round experience, the Ooono Co-Driver NO2 remains the device I'd recommend. Its combination of elegant design, effortless setup, strong camera database and CarPlay and Android Auto integration makes it the easiest product here to live with every day.

The Tom by TomTom runs it surprisingly close and offers excellent value for drivers who prefer bright, visible alerts from the built-in LEDs. Road Angel Pure Sync will appeal to owners of older vehicles who value the permanent GPS speed display, while the Ooono NO1 remains a brilliant budget entry point.

The Snooper My-Speed Plus, meanwhile, occupies its own category entirely. It is larger, more expensive and more old-school than the others, but its standalone GPS operation means it doesn’t blitz data on your smartphone. Regardless, it’s absolutely massive and feels OTT compared to the others.

Always-on devices can quietly boost your energy use. Here are some settings to change -- and some devices you might want to unplug -- to avoid wasting energy and money.

• Copenhagen-based Triton Depth, founded in 2025 by three DTU engineering students, has raised €1 million in pre-seed funding
• It aims to address one of the EU's most underserved security concerns: the seabed, as Baltic cable sabotage, shadow-fleet activity, and underwater drone warfare are increasingly growing concerns
• Triton Depth intends to build a scalable network of passive acoustic sensors it calls 'Triton Nodes' to address the issue, leveraging AI to identify vessels and objects in real time

A three-man Danish company founded by students is venturing into a somewhat interesting industry for an EU-based startup: underwater defense.

Triton Depth has received €1 million in pre-seed funding from investors including London-based The Creator Fund and Denmark's state-owned Export and Investment Fund (EIFO), with aims to focus on acoustics to answer what is arguably Europe's biggest security threat in the days to come: drone-based naval warfare and sabotage.

With growing concerns about the vulnerability of the European Union, and by extension, Denmark, to a variety of sea-borne threats, EIFO's investment in Triton Depth might be more than just a value play, but a hallmark of a realization that it needs to tend to its own defense needs even as NATO continues to meander, with the US proving to be a volatile partner of late, to say the least.

Using affordable dual-use acoustic technology as the first line of defense

Triton Depth's approach is appealing for a domestic defense industry that does not share the budgets that larger naval players such as the US, Russia, or China possess: it is simple, yet elegant in its premise, and even partial wins when it comes to its claims would go a long way to safeguard Denmark and the EU's regional interests.

Triton Depth's approach centers around the use and deployment of its 'Triton Nodes', a scalable cluster of low-maintenance passive acoustic sensors that measure sound underwater before feeding information back to an AI model that assesses and classifies signatures it detects in real time.

The company intends to market its product line as a dual-use technology play, with CEO and Co-Founder Carl Borg stating that they aim to build "the intelligence layer for the ocean" for both civilian and defense use cases.

The focus on defense stems from Denmark's own vulnerabilities in the Baltic Sea, which has previously suffered significant economic damage from sabotage, including the destruction of Nord Stream 1 and 2.

With an increasing share of its critical infrastructure, including power interconnectors, data cables, and offshore wind, lying underwater, it could be argued that EIFO's investment is the Danish state safeguarding its own maritime security and intelligence interests by investing in an intelligent tripwire for the future.

Other European governments are also actively seeking scalable, affordable ways to monitor coastal and subsea infrastructure, even as Nordic defense budgets continue to rise, with Triton Depth among many defense infrastructure companies poised to benefit from a renewed focus on maritime security in the region, even as acoustics are seen as a reliable metric to monitor for a variety of infrastructure plays.

Despite the fact that it's not been officially announced, there's a lot of information (albeit all unverified) going around about the Google Pixel Watch 5.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has become the best Android smartwatch for most people, getting better with each iteration. That model was announced last August, and it's very likely a sequel is on the horizon. Here's everything we know so far, including the most recent leaks.

When is the Google Pixel Watch 5 coming out?

August 12. Last year's 'Made by Google' event took place on August 20, and Google looks set to stick to that annual timeframe.

Google has officially confirmed that pre-orders will open for new Google Pixel phones on August 12, and it makes sense to assume that the Google Pixel Watch 5 will be released alongside its companion Pixel devices.

What will the Google Pixel Watch 5 look like?

(Image credit: The TideChart)

It'll be very similar to the Google Pixel Watch 4. We actually have what's purported to be leaked renders of the device, coming from noted leaker OnLeaks via The Tide Chart, a website with a single post to its name (so treat this rumor as unverified).

Despite this solitary post and lack of credible history, The Tide Chart (TTC) did correctly call the August 12 event date before Google announced it, so there is a claim of legitimacy there. The renders look extremely similar to the Google Pixel Watch 4, with the now-classic teardrop shape in its new-last-year dome, in four new colors and two sizes.

Those colors are Dark Anthracite (above) with a black band, Natural Silver with a pale gray band, Pyrite with an olive band, and Warm Gold with a pink coral band. The larger size reportedly remains the same at 45mm, but the smaller size is now 42mm instead of 41mm.

Will the price remain the same?

Not according to TTC. The blog says the watch's list price will start at $399 (around £295 / AU$570) for the Wi-Fi-only 42mm version, a $50 increase over the smallest Wi-Fi-only Pixel Watch 4 in the US.

The price will go up with each model, and the LTE-enabled 45mm Pixel Watch 5 is said to cost a hefty $529 (around £395 / AU$755).

The equivalent Pixel Watch 4 costs $499, a $30 increase over the model in the US. We don't yet know the equivalent prices for the Pixel Watch 5 in the UK or Australia.

Any new features?

(Image credit: Google)

This we're not yet sure about. We can expect Wear OS 7 to include yet more AI capabilities, especially for Pixel phone users, similar to the way watchOS 27 uses Siri AI to work across multiple devices.

Repairability — a standout feature for the Pixel Watch 4, allowing users to take apart the smartwatch and replace the display and battery — and limited satellite connectivity to send SOS messages without signal are both expected to make a welcome return.

A bizarre story earlier this year had a reported prototype of the Google Pixel Watch 5 discovered on the ocean floor, near the island of St Martin. It's said to have had labels including ‘SpO2’ (Blood Oxygen Level), ‘EDA’ (Electrodermal Activity), ‘Skin Temperature’, ‘Heart Rate Sensor’, ‘Pulse Sensor’, and ‘UWB’ (Ultra-Wideband) — all features present in earlier iterations of the watch.

We can expect Google's new AI Health Coach and the revamped Google Health app to play a role. These debuted earlier this year in tandem with the Google Fitbit Air.

• Audio engineer Cameron Oatley is better-known as 'GoldenSound'
• He's teamed up with Status to add a special tuning profile to its Pro X buds
• The result is Pro X GoldenSound; the fruit of impressively extensive labor

Sometimes in this job (as TechRadar's Audio Editor), I just get sent a set of earbuds and a press release. Sometimes, I'm invited to an online briefing so that a marketing rep can explain key terminology before I start my review process.

Rarely am I invited to a lovely pub in London, lulled into a false sense of security with a drink and a comfy chair and then taken through a brief but intense Doctorate in audio engineering.

I jest, of course. But if you've ever come into contact with either Status Audio (see the Status Audio Between 3ANC or Status Audio Pro X for previous examples of greatness) or Cameron Oatley, aka GoldenSound, you'll know that things are about to get decidedly audiophile. And given that this is a collab between the two, it's doubly so.

What you're looking at is the Status Pro X GoldenSound Edition. Yes, it's gold-tone on the top of the case and on the accents of the stems — but that's not all. Inbuilt here (and definitely not available in the non-GoldenSound variant) is a special new piece of software that Oatley thinks is the "most accurate tuning that a TWS product has ever had" and a "faithful recreation of real-world sound".

And this version will be $279 when it hits shelves in August (so $30 more than the current price of the Pro X, at $249) or around £209 / AU$400, give or take.

(Image credit: Future)Status Audio Pro X GoldenSound: are listeners up for a Harmon Curve rewrite?

In terms of hardware, you're looking at everything built into the Status Audio Pro X, so two balanced armatures and a dynamic driver — something Status has been working with for some time and with no dearth of success.

But this time around, Oatley describes his granular approach to tuning thus: "What you measure is the IEM plus the impact of the rig" ie. your inner ear — albeit a metal tube to represent it with a mic at the end, for the purposes of his testing.

Oatley explains that the Harman Curve is often implemented incorrectly by audio engineers, because when it was developed in 2012 (and subsequently published in 2013, quickly becoming a trusted reference), true wireless earbuds hadn't yet been invented.

Because of this, the Harman Curve uses the pinna, or outer ear, as the reference point — ie. part of the "rig". But when developing in-ear products, from a purely sonic perspective (not including the creation of ANC antiphases) you can ignore the outer ear because the product starts within your ear canal. I know! Contrary to what we were taught as kids, the answer to 'My, what big ears you have!' isn't actually 'All the better to hear you with'…

(Image credit: Future)How does all of this stack up against AirPods Pro 3?

I ask Oatley what he's most proud of with this project and he's surprisingly open: "Look, for ANC I think AirPods will always be tough to beat. But a lot of work has been done to make these sound better. These are for the user who wants the best possible sound in a true wireless design. I hope I've achieved that".

He then points me to a graph that's like the Harman Curve, but different. It's what he was able to achieve with the GoldenSound Edition. He's particularly proud of the graceful line between 80Hz and 100Hz, juicy bass frequencies he feels are more accurately relayed in the Pro X GoldenSound Edition. And I have to agree: in this area, these earbuds glitter like gold.

Let's get to the meat of the thing: listening. Both Status and GoldenSound actively encourage me to do this, and even set me up with a Qobuz screen, an LDAC source device and some AirPods Pro 3 for comparison. Oatley adds, "something tuned perfectly on a low codec is still better than something tuned badly on a higher codec", and while we all know you won't get LDAC out of AirPods, it's a very valid point.

Billie Eilish's Bad Guy is expansive and clean, with a snappy, impactful low end. Dire Straits' Money for Nothing is as brooding, snaking and exciting at the outset as you'd ever want it to be. ACDC's Back in Black? A head-nodding and beautifully regimented, cohesive mix.

What's gone are the… I hesitate to call them 'parlor tricks', but that typical V-shaped augmented treble one so often hears in designs of this type feels eased. And know this: the sound is altogether more open as a result.

(Image credit: Future)

It's not all glowing praise: during my limited time for an initial listen, you understand, I found Apple AirPods Pro 3's audio just marginally more woolly overall in direct comparison. That said, AirPods Pro 3 do have a slightly more soaring treble from the box. As such, some tracks sound more fun, forthright and zealous using the Apple product. It's the age old debate, isn't it: integrated hi-fi sound or fun, V-shaped in-ear mix?

I know my ear is keenly tuned to treble sounds (I've done the tests) but some listeners will love what's been achieved here. I spy an industry disruptor and no mistake. It's nothing if not interesting — and I'd say the industry standard was due a shake up.

I often find listeners might think they enjoy a certain tuning (typically, wearers might augment bass frequencies straight away) when in fact, if we play with their EQ settings, they actually prefer something quite different.

Here, Oatley hasn't given users the option to tweak his proprietary GoldenSound profile within the EQ settings, although you can select from 'Status Signature', 'Status Audiophile', 'Knowles Preferred' or 'Vocal Enhance' presets, or create your own using an 8-band tab set at neutral from the Status Hub app. Sadly, there's no similar visual for the presets so you really need to trust GoldenSound has done it right here. And given the extensive amount of work that's gone into them, I think your trust is well-placed.

This is not to be considered a full review, you understand. For that, I need more time. But what I can tell you right now is that the process won't be a hardship.

(Image credit: Future)