Error message

  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /home/cay45lq1/public_html/includes/common.inc).
  • Deprecated function: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in menu_set_active_trail() (line 2405 of /home/cay45lq1/public_html/includes/menu.inc).

TechRadar News

New forum topics

Subscribe to TechRadar News feed
All the latest content from the TechRadar team
Updated: 14 hours 51 min ago

Here are 9 robot vacuums on sale for Prime Day that our experts recommend — Shark, iRobot, and Roborock from $129.99

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 20:23

Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to buy a robot vacuum on sale. The pricey appliances are heavily discounted at Amazon's four-day sale, with record-low prices from brands like Shark, iRobot, Roborock, and Eufy.

Shop Amazon's full Prime Day sale

Our team of deal experts at TechRadar has rounded up the best robot vacuums on sale for Prime Day for every budget. With deals starting at just $129.99, you'll find some of the best robot vacuums on the market, including features like self-charging, mopping, and voice control, to name a few.

Keep in mind that today's Prime Day robot vacuum deals are the lowest prices we've seen this year, and Amazon's four-day sale ends on Friday at Midnight. You must be a Prime Day member to access today's prices, and if you aren't already a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and gain access to today's sale.

The best Robot vacuum Prime Day deals

iRobot iRobot Roomba 105X Robot Vacuum,

eufy Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S Max

Shark Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum

The best robot mop-vac combo Prime Day deals

Roborock Roborock Q7 M5 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

iRobot iRobot Roomba 105X Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo

Shark Shark Matrix Plus 2-In-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop for Carpets & Hard Floors

roborock Roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop

iRobot iRobot Roomba 415X Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo

Roborock Roborock Qrevo S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop

Shop more of today's best Prime Day deals
Categories: Technology

I absolutely love this virtual Criterion Closet, where you can explore the Blu-ray range in 3D from your web browser — pull out your favorites to take a look at the box art (waxing lyrical about them like you're a famous actor is optional)

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 20:00
  • 'The Closet' is a faithful recreation of the famous Criterion Closet
  • Browse in full 3D (the correct option) or in list view (boo)
  • Connects to the Criterion Channel for easy streaming

If you've always wanted to browse the Criterion Closet but haven't been able to because (a) it's in New York and (b) you're not a famous actor, then Redditor olievans has just the thing for you: the entire Criterion Closet in virtual 3D form, explorable right in your web browser.

You can can take a look at The Closet right in that link. It features 1,327 Criterion editions, all shelved in the order of their spine numbers, and you can pull each disc box out from the shelf to inspect the design more closely. You can also filter the collection by decade, director, country, language and more — the physical version can't do that.

If you're not familiar with the Criterion Closet, it's a library of the special-edition disc sets released the film distributor Criterion, which been releasing much-coveted discs with beautiful art, great extra features, and often unique high-quality restorations since the age of Laserdisc.

Since 2010, the real Closet has been a place where directors, actors and other well-known faces — from Martin Scorcese to Charli XCX — are filmed picking their must-see movies from the range.

(Image credit: Future)Why it's fun to be in the Closet

The Closet is available in two flavors: a full 3D reproduction of the iconic closet, and in list form. The list is more functional but a lot less fun because you don't get the surprise of finding This Is Spinal Tap immediately next to The Seventh Seal.

The website is a really fun way to browse one of the world's best movie collections, and while there are a few issues — it's not really obvious how to get your mouse cursor back, so on my Mac I had to press Esc twice to return to the home page and escape the closet — it's beautifully done and the closest thing you'll get to the real thing without first getting some IMDb credits under your belt.

What I really like about this is the discovery element. The Criterion Collection is very wide-ranging, and that means you never know what's going to be next on the shelf: Paris, Texas (number 501) is followed by the Australian thriller Revanche (502) and the historical German romance Lola Montès (503).

That makes it feel very much like the Blu-Ray equivalent of crate digging for exotic vinyl records: the Criterion Closet is full of surprises.

A note from the Editor

Hello! Matt Bolton, Managing Editor for TechRadar's home theater coverage here. As a Blu-ray collector, I've decided to take the opportunity I'll never have in real life and give you my Criterion picks — as in, these are ones I actually own. I'm not going to give you a whole spiel about each one, don't worry — but I'll highlight why

  • Anora — a chunky collector's edition, and the best way get a 4K version
  • Blow Out — essential for the DTS-HD Master sound, and the 4K restoration
  • I Know Where I'm Going — the first 4K restoration of a B&W cinematography classic
  • In The Mood For Love — one of my favorite movies, in the highest quality
  • Lost Highway — the only way to get it in 4K Dolby Vision with a new DTS-HD sound restoration
  • Moonage Daydream — the only way to get this in both Dolby Atmos and uncompressed sound, shockingly
  • The Power of the Dog — the only way to get it in the higher bit rate of Blu-ray
  • The Red Shoes — one of the most incredible-looking movies of all time, in its best-ever restoration
  • Thief — the best-looking version of Michael Mann's grittiest movie
Thinking of buying a new TV?

Try our TV size and model finder! You tell it how far you sit from your TV, we'll tell you what size to buy based on viewing angle advice from image quality experts, and we'll recommend our three top TVs at that size for different prices.

Categories: Technology

Price of 25-year-old DDR2 memory set to more than double — thanks to AI-driven RAM-armageddon

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 19:20
  • AI infrastructure spending has broken the global memory supply chain
  • DDR2 prices are set to surge 60% in Q2 2026 alone
  • Some manufacturers are redesigning DDR3 systems around DDR2 to secure components

The AI boom is creating unexpected consequences across the memory industry, including renewed demand for technologies introduced more than two decades ago.

As manufacturers prioritize advanced products serving AI infrastructure, older memory generations are becoming increasingly difficult to source in meaningful quantities.

That shift is now pushing DDR2 prices sharply higher despite the technology first appearing around 25 years ago.

Legacy memory demand rises as newer DRAM becomes scarce

DRAM shortages have pushed memory prices sharply higher, with DDR4 contract pricing reportedly surging by as much as 2200% at some point.

Industry executives such as Nothing CEO Carl Pei and Framework have warned that supply constraints and elevated pricing are unlikely to ease in the near term.

According to TrendForce, these structural changes in the DRAM market are forcing buyers to move backward through successive memory generations, and limited mature-node supply is pushing some brands to switch from newer memory to older ones that are available in larger volumes.

TrendForce estimates that DDR2 contract prices will increase by roughly 55% to 60% during the second quarter of 2026.

Prices are then expected to climb another 35% to 40% in Q3, creating one of the strongest pricing surges seen in the legacy memory segment for years.

The situation stems partly from decisions made by the world's largest DRAM suppliers, which continue directing manufacturing resources toward advanced memory technologies.

Growing demand for HBM and server DRAM, both closely linked to expanding AI infrastructure investments, has reduced wafer allocations available for older consumer-focused products.

As availability tightens, companies purchasing DDR4 memory have increasingly turned to Taiwanese suppliers for additional capacity.

Demand has therefore spread across several generations of products, creating pressure that now extends into DDR3 and DDR2 markets.

Some manufacturers have reportedly replaced DDR4 designs with DDR3 solutions, while certain DDR3-based systems are being redesigned around DDR2 memory to improve component availability.

Suppliers gain leverage as production shifts toward higher-margin products

The imbalance between demand and available output has strengthened the negotiating position of some memory manufacturers.

With supply unable to keep pace, vendors have gained greater flexibility to raise contract prices while concentrating on products that generate stronger returns.

Winbond, one of the key suppliers of DDR2, is reducing the production of older standards and redirecting the capacity toward DDR3, DDR4, and LPDDR4 products.

Such a transition is expected to place additional strain on DDR2 availability during the coming quarters.

As production contracts, buyers dependent on legacy platforms could face increasing competition for a shrinking pool of components.

Manufacturers like Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology (ESMT), however, are increasing their focus on DDR2 production within their existing wafer allocation.

The company hopes to capture the surging demand in an effort to improve profitability while helping address part of the supply shortfall from Winbond's withdrawal.

Whether these supply conditions represent a temporary market distortion or the beginning of a prolonged shortage remains uncertain.

What is becoming clear is that AI-driven demand for advanced memory is now affecting even very old product generations, creating ripple effects that few expected to reach DDR2.

Categories: Technology

Want the best possible music quality from your iPhone? This underrated device will elevate your audio for just AU$59

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 19:07

For all the iPhone’s talents, there’s still one glaring area that’s plagued it since its launch, and where it’s arguably inferior to certain Android devices: wireless audio quality transmission. More specifically, high-resolution, or lossless, audio.

Yes, despite Apple offering select albums and tracks in up to hi-res lossless audio quality via Apple Music — at no extra charge, no less — no pair of Apple headphones actually supports the format. The AirPods Max 2, and the refreshed first-gen set of Apple’s over-ear headphones, support lossless audio when connected via USB-C, but not true high resolution.

For the majority of music fans it won’t matter that iPhones don’t support higher quality audio codecs. But considering Android devices do support them, and the fact there are genuine audible benefits to higher quality streams, why wouldn’t you want to get them if the option was there?

It continues to be a peculiar oversight by the tech giant, I feel, but fortunately there is a super simple workaround to unlocking the sonic benefits of high-res, all thanks to Sennheiser and a plug-in USB-C adapter. And for the low price of just AU$59.

Just plug this little adapter into a USB-C or USB-A port and it will transmit audio in aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive quality (up to 24-bit / 96kHz).You will need a compatible set of headphones to reap the full benefit (so no AirPods), but do it and you’ll wonder how you went without it. View Deal

There are plenty of reasons for wanting to unlock high-res audio from your smartphone. First and foremost, there’s a very good chance it’s already included with your music streaming service subscription. Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and now even Spotify all offer higher-res versions of millions of songs. Look at it this way — you’re paying for that quality, but if you’re listening with an iPhone and a pair of AirPods you’re missing out on a vastly superior music experience.

This Sennheiser dongle fixes that, although as previously mentioned, you will need a pair of compatible headphones, and nothing from Apple itself makes the cut. While the BTD 700 can transmit high-resolution, or lossless audio from an iPhone via aptX Adaptive, the AirPods won’t receive it, and will instead revert to inferior AAC or SBC codecs.

If you need some suggestions, there are some top-rated pairs on sale now for EOFY that support either aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless, or both, that will take full advantage of what the BTD 700 transmitter can offer.

What is lossless audio?

Lossless audio can be a bit of a contentious subject in some circles (here’s looking at you audiophiles). Some claim it’s the best thing since sliced bread, while others claim they can’t hear any noticeable difference in quality.

Throw in myriad codec options that each do something a little different, and it’s easy to see why it’s not only confusing, but also hard to really care about.

In theory, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs are capable of carrying more information than AAC or SBC (which the iPhone supports). Lossless audio streams go one better by delivering a bit‑perfect CD‑quality stream.

Even then, however, it’s not fully guaranteed, because you need every step in the chain to be working at its full potential. You first need a good recording that actually contains all the extra information, and then you need a capable set of headphones. And, since we’re talking about wireless transmission here, it can still be susceptible to interference, which can have a negative effect on sound quality.

But if you already own decent Snapdragon Sound cans, the BTD 700 finally lets them run the codec they were designed around instead of being stuck on AAC, which is a genuine quality win — especially from an iPhone.

If you’re keen to reap the benefits of higher quality sound, you may want to jump on this deal. I’ve seen it going in and out of stock on an almost daily basis.

Categories: Technology

I recently got into mobile gaming — here's what's in my setup right now that makes it even more enjoyable

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 19:00

The arrival of The Division: Resurgence earlier this year — a game in one of my favorite series — pulled me into mobile gaming hard.

I soon began building the perfect mobile gaming setup to meet my needs, but also to make sure I enhanced and made my small-screen experience as optimal and as enjoyable as possible. That's where the kit below came in, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Adding dedicated gaming gear, where appropriate, has made the world of difference and augmented my gaming on mobile. This all starts with a dedicated, powerful phone; I was lucky enough to find an ASUS Rog Phone 8 Pro in one of the TechRadar cupboards which is perfect, but you can't buy it now — so I've included the most recent version of that phone below instead.

Otherwise it's all there, just as I use it. While the DualSense and mobile phone controller are good in some scenarios, I love the fact that I finally found a mobile controller for my different hands in the form of the Nacon MG-X Pro. Audio-wise, I was fortunate enough to have some high-profile SteelSeries gear to hand, and that's stayed with my setup due to the excellent connectivity and portability the buds and headset offer.

Having tested gaming gear, and spent hours whittling my mobile gaming gear down to the stuff below, you might find that some of it is exactly what you're looking for too.

The gear I use in my mobile gaming setup

ASUS Rog Phone 9

Nacon MG-X Pro

PlayStation 5 DualSense

Orzly mobile gaming clip for DualSense

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

SteelSeres SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni

Categories: Technology

'No collector's edition?': as GTA 6 pre-orders go live, Rockstar could face scrutiny if it pulls the same move as it did with Red Dead Redemption 2

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 18:24

The day we've been waiting years for has finally arrived. Rockstar Games has finally given word on GTA 6 pre-orders (spoiler: they're happening now), as well as pricing information and a torrent of new screenshots, but fans have highlighted a notable omission.

We were asked in a comment on our TikTok announcing the news whether or not we knew of a collector's edition in the works — and we don't, with Rockstar staying quiet on the matter — but there's at least some reason to believe that we won't see one that includes a physical copy.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

That reason is an entirely different game; Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), the last game developed by Rockstar. Instead of a collector's edition including a physical copy, fans received a collector's box priced at $99.99 / £89.99 with "outlaw essentials" inspired by the Van der Linde gang.

These included various themed items like a metal tithing box, a bandana, pins, and more, all neat, but notably, there was no digital content included. Bundles were available that included a hard copy, but officially speaking, these were distinct and separate products. It was met with mixed feelings; some fans liked the focus on real-world collectibles rather than in-game content, but others at least wanted a unique game box to

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)So, will we see a collector's box for GTA 6?

Well, reader, I've got no clue. It's been a long eight years since RDR2, an even longer 12 years since GTA 5, and it's a whole different ball/car theft game in 2025. In our pre-order live blog, our Managing Editor, Gaming and Streaming, speculates:

Could it be that Rockstar only wants to launch digitally initially in order to avoid any risks about leaks or something, but then come again later with a special edition or collector's edition that's 'properly' physical — I could see that happening. People would buy it twice, too.I think we're about to witness a game pre-order situation that is like no other, ever; it'll transcend any other game pre-order logic, pattern, or situation, so the idea of Rockstar coming later with a collector's edition or physical copy to coincide with a later beat, such as GTA 6 Online, or a PC release, is very much something I can see.

Rob Dwiar — Managing Editor, Gaming and Streaming

Indeed, GTA 6 already stands to shape the market. Its pricing alone has been a huge point of interest, with analysts putting early predictions at over $100; it's safe to say that would have been the real kicker here, even if a collector's edition would be appreciated by many fans.

Who knows, perhaps Rockstar is going all-in on the digital future and scrapping all physical media, including merchandise. I mean, I'd be surprised, but it's not beyond the realms of imagination that we'd see fewer publishers making their own merch and offloading the effort onto third-party providers.

Still, I sincerely hope that's not the case; whether it's a collector's edition with a physical disc, a game code, or just a box filled with junk I can shove on a shelf to proudly show in the background of my Zoom calls, there's plenty of demand for collector's items.

Categories: Technology

Netflix is launching a new horror game by the developers of Oxenfree — and your phone is the controller

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:21
  • Netflix has confirmed that its new horror game Unhinged will launch on June 30
  • It will be available to Netflix subscribers on all plans
  • Unhinged is controlled via your phone and focuses on a woman trying to escape a home invasion

Netflix has announced they are launching a new horror game, Unhinged, on June 30 and that it will be available to all subscriber tiers.

Unhinged was made by Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, and is a first-person horror game centering on two young women who are neighbors, as one attempts to escape from a home invasion.

Night School game director Sam Warner told Rolling Stone: "I grew up with those, and I think that focus on novel innovative play was something that we really started this game with. If you've got Netflix and you have a phone, then this is for you."

A tense social media trailer was shared for Unhinged, where Netflix confirmed it would launch worldwide on June 30.

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

A photo posted by on

There's plenty to get excited about when it comes to Unhinged. First of all there's an amazing cast attached including Stranger Things' Sadie Sink, The Batman's Zoë Kravitz, and The Last of Us' voice actor Troy Baker.

Honestly, you couldn't get a better cast. I'm excited to see these stars in action, especially when it comes to the confined settings of a first-person horror like this. It has the potential to be great.

Gameplay wise, you'll need your phone for this one. Rather than being an interactive movie you control with your remote, Unhinged uses your phone to receive calls and text messages or to look around its world with a virtual flashlight.

There's multiple paths you can go down and, of course, you can die. So the stakes are high here and you'll have to pay attention if you want to make it out of the house safely. The game is said to be less than an hour in length, similar to an episode of a Netflix series, but you do have the opportunity to go back and explore new paths.

I've had mixed opinions of Netflix games so far but this one sounds promising. I can't wait to check it out on June 30.

Categories: Technology

There are 63 new Grand Theft Auto 6 screenshots to pore over, giving us our first look at some of the key mechanics of the upcoming GTA game

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:20

Developer Rockstar Games has unveiled a deluge of new promotional screenshots, alongside the confirmation of the game's price and GTA 6 pre-order information.

In an email sent to outlets including TechRadar Gaming, the publisher shared 63 new images, which can also be found on the game's official site.

They mainly focus on the content included with the Ultimate Edition, or the Vintage Vice City Pack pre-order bonus DLC, but still reveal some interesting titbits about the game and point to some potential key mechanics.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar Expect plenty of flashy cars, and vehicle customizationRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

Loads of the new screenshots focus on cars and car customization, with the press release accompanying the images confirming that Ultimate Edition owners will be able to visit two exclusive vehicle mod shops.

We know that interiors will be customizable, alongside rims, paint jobs, and more.

Clothing stores and hairdressers are returning tooRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

As in past games, it's clear that players will be able to visit clothing stores to customize how their characters look as the Ultimate Edition comes bundled with access to the exclusive Stock 305 Clothing Store.

There will also be hairdressers if you need a trim, including Sara's Unisex Salon if you buy the Ultimate Edition version.

The game will also feature tattoo parlors, again just like previous games.

You can get your own boatsRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

One of the biggest benefits of the Ultimate Edition seems to be access to the Shitzu Squalo, a flashy boat that you can use to explore the sea and access a weapons crate. Like Grand Theft Auto 5, it seems players will be able to own and presumably customize their own ships.

You'll have somewhere to stay on land as wellRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

When you're on land, you will be able to access safehouses, with one included in the Ultimate Edition. It will allow you to store vehicles and, I assume, access other features.

Weapon customization is back with a bangRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

Loads of the screenshots show flashy weapons (or characters holding them). The fact that you will be able to customize weapons has been confirmed, which should mean access to skins and attachments. like scopes or suppressors.

Pre-order buyers get a dose of nostalgiaRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar GamesRockstar Games

While the screenshots so far have focused on the Ultimate Edition, 12 of the 63 sent out today are all about the Vintage Vice City Pack.

This is one of the bonuses that will be given to fans who pre-order, and includes some outfits, hairstyles, and weapons that you can see above.

They're clearly inspired by the world of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and so should offer a big dose of nostalgia to returning fans.

Categories: Technology

What's better than the GTA 6 pre-orders going live? The LG C5 hitting a record-low price for Prime Day, that's what

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:20

If you're looking for the ultimate gaming TV, you can't do much better than the LG C5. Right now, the 42-inch model is available for £599 (was £849) at Amazon UK. This is the first time the 42-inch has dropped below £600.

Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Of all the Amazon Prime Day TV deals, the C5 is easily the star. The 42-inch isn't the only size on offer, either. The 48-inch is down to a record-low £699 (was £999) at Amazon UK, and the 55-inch is down to £899 (was £1,099), also at Amazon UK, the cheapest it's ever been.

To get these deals, you obviously need to be a Prime member, which you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. Check out why I think the LG C5 is the ultimate all-around TV, and perfect for GTA 6, below.

Today's best LG C5 42-inch deal

The LG C5 sits at the top of a lot of our best-of lists for a reason at TechRadar. It's a home run for movies, sports, and gaming, delivering optimum performance and features for every area. This deal knocks 29% off the 42-inch model, taking it down to a cheapest-ever £599. If you need a TV for a smaller room or even as a monitor, this is it. Check out links to other sizes below.

LG C5 48-inch: was £999 now £699 at Amazon UK
LG C5 55-inch: was £1,099 now £899 at Amazon UKView Deal

Simply the best

(Image credit: Future)

This isn't the first time I've written about the LG C5 this Prime Day, and for good reason. It's not only one of the best TVs available, it's also the best deal of the event so far. Anytime this five-star OLED gets a discount, it's worth writing about.

With GTA 6 pre-orders going live at midnight on June 25, you could be looking to upgrade your TV, and the C5 is the perfect candidate. It has a full range of features for gaming, including 4K 144Hz, full VRR with FreeSync, G-Sync, and HGiG included, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming (if you own an Xbox).

It also boasts an ultra-low measured 9.2ms input lag time, that mean gaming feels smooth and responsive. I can attest to this, as Battlefield V's often intense battles and vehicle sequences were expertly handled, meaning gaming was a lot of fun. This is one of the best gaming TVs around.

But what about its picture quality? Again, it's superb. When I watched movies such as Elemental and Wicked, colors dazzled on screen, showing a real vibrancy but also, importantly, good accuracy. Its black levels and contrast, as you'd expect for an OLED, are excellent. I was blown away by its rendering of challenging dark scenes from movies like The Batman and Alien: Romulus.

It also showcases crisp, lifelike textures and detail with whatever it displays, solid upscaling of lower resolution sources (maybe if you want to play some retro games), and delivers excellent motion handling.

For GTA 6, I expect the neon-soaked streets of Vice City will look stunning on the C5, and I reckon when you're trying to shake that five-star wanted level with some chaotic driving, the C5 is more than up to the challenge.

More Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

Not sure if the new Meta Glasses co-designed by Kylie Jenner are for you? These 3 alternatives from Meta, XReal, and RayNeo are all on offer right now

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:16

Meta just announced some stunning new smart glasses, one pair of which has been co-designed by the Kylie Jenner. The specs, as always designed alongside Ray-Ban parent company EssilorLuxottica, will start at $299 / £269 / AU$599, offer much the same in terms of features as the second-generation Ray-Ban Metas, with improvements in some places, such as the addition of adjustable nose pieces, plus a lot of design and color choices.

They're available already, perhaps in efforts to beat Apple's suspected smart spec play later this year, but if you want AR experiences or the safe pair of hands the Ray-Ban frames offer design-wise, you might be better off shopping around.

I love the look of all of Meta's new Essilor Luxottica AI glasses, but they're not well-suited for entertainment and it remains to be seen how comfortable and durable the newly designed frames will be.Lance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / FutureLance Ulanoff / Future

Luckily, there are a few alternatives which may well be better for your needs currently on offer, some as part of the Amazon Prime Day deals, plus a few others from regional retailers like Best Buy in the US and Currys in the UK.

Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

For me, personally, the deal-breaker is always style. A lot of smart glasses are more masculine in form, and few can hold their own against my bangs when it comes to filming, meaning a lot of my best vacation shots have been ruined by errant hair. That's why the new wider-frame Meta Starfire Kylie Edition frames have captured my heart so much, but if you're not bothered by that, you can score some of the best smart glasses we've tested for less right now. Read on for my top picks.

Today's best smart glasses deals (US)

The Air 4 Pro is a significant upgrade to the Air 3S Pro, with HDR10 and B&O audio. The AI 3D works well on personal video, just not streaming content, and it all comes together as an excellent value package; however, these are display glasses, not true AR.View Deal

A neat $75 saving on Meta's first-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses is a great way to capture the moment during vacation season without breaking the bank if you want to stick with the tried and true Ray-Ban frames. The only major differences with the new second-generation model are the longer battery life and a wider range of slightly higher-quality filming options. View Deal

We scored these smart specs 4.5 stars in our review, praising their entertainment-first featureset. That includes solid Bose audio and a large full-HD display, which looks better than ever thanks to a new optical engine. However, the glasses are also a bit pricey, so this $50 discount is very welcome. View Deal

Today's best smart glasses deals (UK)

Featuring HDR10 and B&O audio, these smart display glasses are fantastic for personal video, streaming and even gaming. The AI 3D works well on personal video, just not streaming content, and it all comes together as an excellent value package; however, these are display glasses, not true AR.View Deal

Another pair of 4.5-star rated smart glasses to add to the basket, the Xreal 1s are designed more for entertainment than everyday wear. They render a virtual big screen for almost any USB-C-sporting device, and between that and the excellent clarity, color, fit, and feel, these are a solid purchase with £40 off during Prime Day. View Deal

I wouldn't call this a great deal, but it's still worth highlighting. Meta also lists the first-generation model at this price, but at Curry's you can get a large pair with free next-day delivery in most areas and up to two months of Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade. Packing an ultra-wide 12 MP camera and up to 32 hours of battery life with a charging case, these are pretty much the industry standard all-rounders; but the Gen 2-pair boost the battery and offer more filming options. View Deal

I'd definitely spotlight the RayNeo Air 4 Pro deals as the best of the bunch. My colleague Hamish Hector is somewhat of a smart spec aficionado, and he raves about the RayNeo Air 4 Pro; you can watch below or read his full 4.5-star review to learn more about why.

More Prime Day deals in the USMore Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

GTA 6 pre-orders are here, and these soundbars I’ve tested are all you need for a fully immersive experience when the game drops

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:12

Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are live, and now we’re finally within touching distance of the release of 2026’s most anticipated game — if not, one of the most anticipated games of all time.

Of course, to play the game you’ll need a modern console, and one of the best TVs or best monitors can’t hurt either. But there’s one more thing I think you need to enjoy the experience at its very best: a strong audio setup.

That’s right, most TVs have pretty shoddy built-in speakers, and even if they support immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, typically struggle to whip up expansive, punchy, and clean sound. As a result, I’d strongly suggest investing in a soundbar, which will help you truly immerse yourself in the world of GTA 6, and enjoy movies and series like never before.

So, I’ve curated a list of five soundbars I’d recommend grabbing right now, with everything from affordable all-in-one options through to spectacular surround sound systems — there really is something for all kinds of budgets and living spaces here. Ready to discover my top picks?

1. Sonos Beam Gen 2

(Image credit: Truls Steinung)

It may be almost half a decade old, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is still one of the best compact soundbars I’ve ever tested. I found that it delivers the kind of hard-hitting bass you’d expect from a larger, pricier soundbar, it’s easy to customize in the Sonos companion app, and it even conjures up a pretty wide soundstage, in part thanks to its Dolby Atmos support.

On top of this, I love how the Beam Gen 2 is incredibly easy to set up. Just connect it to your display’s HDMI eARC port, plug it into the power, and you’re good to go. Its small size also makes slotting it into your setup super seamless, and its modern look helps it to stand out as a stylish centerpiece in any living room or bedroom.

When you’re done with a GTA 6 play session, this soundbar can also double up as a neat companion for music too. It has Wi-Fi streaming, enabling you to stream your favorite tunes with high quality playback, and there’s even AirPlay 2 support for iOS devices. If you have other Sonos products, you can also link the Beam 2 with them and enjoy the beauty of multi-room audio, meaning this model really is a great all-rounder.

2. Marshall Heston 60

(Image credit: Future)

For me, the hottest competition the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has in the small soundbar category, is the Marshall Heston 60. This 2025-issued model really wowed me when I got my hands on it, and for two key reasons: its spacious sound, and its luxurious looks.

Let’s start with how this thing performs. Despite its limited 28.7-inch / 730mm width, it creates a surprisingly convincing sense of width, and whether I was playing video games or spinning some 4K UHD Blu-rays, I found it delivered delicious depth and excellent tracking of any on-screen action. With Atmos content, it really felt as if I could hear some elements playing in the corners of our TV testing space, which is something that a lot of mini models fail to do.

It also gets the basics spot on, with clear dialogue, controlled yet relatively powerful low-end sound, and impressive musicality. Although I have to say, this soundbar arguably looks even better than it sounds. Its amp-inspired aesthetic, golden details, striking frets, and classy control panel really make it stand out. As a result, you won’t only get a soundbar that’s great for engrossing audio in GTA 6, but you’ll get a product that you’re proud to put at the front and center of your living space.

3. Samsung HW-Q800F

(Image credit: Future / Aardman Animations)

Right, let’s take things up a gear, should we? If you want truly absorbing bass as well as expansive sound from a main soundbar, then the Samsung HW-Q800F has got you covered.

I tested this 5.1.2 channel model at the end of last year, and awarded it a rare five star rating, praising its deep, almost room-swallowing bass, its exceptional dialogue clarity, and its convincing Dolby Atmos effects. This bar can even muster up an impressive sense of height, providing an almost tangible feel to sound effects in video games as well as movies.

The Q800F brought a new sub into play which is a lot more compact, but still hits hard, meaning it's easy to fit into your living space without requiring a sacrifice in terms of quality. It’s also rammed with countless features, such as an effective calibration tool, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, a range of sound modes (including a Gaming setting), and Q-Symphony, which adds audio from compatible Samsung TVs into your system.

4. Samsung HW-Q990F

(Image credit: Future)

OK, now we’re getting into the really spacious-sounding stuff, and where better to start than with the Samsung HW-Q990F, the step-up options from the aforementioned Q800F.

Although the newer Samsung HW-Q990H is available in 2026, I’d still suggest getting the Q990F right now, as it offers a very similar level of quality at a typically smaller cost. It comes with a soundbar, sub, and two surround speakers, giving you true surround sound for the most enveloping experience imaginable. And when I heard the Q990F for myself, I was really struck by how well all of these speakers work in harmony — with games and movies alike, I found that audio sounded incredibly cohesive and well-balanced.

More generally, the Q990F delivers awesome all-round sound, with seriously weighty yet regimented bass, ultra-clean mids, and expressive highs. It also serves up impressive dynamics, a nuanced soundstage for gaming, movies and music alike, and fantastic features within Samsung’s SmartThings app. Another highlight is its two HDMI 2.1 inputs, which you can connect a games console like the PS5 Pro to for 4K 120Hz gameplay — ideal if you’re running out of slots on your TV or monitor.

5. JBL Bar 1300MK2

(Image credit: Future)

Last but not least, we have the magnificent JBL Bar 1300MK2 (or JBL Bar 1300XMK2 in the US), which is one of the most mind-blowing surround sound systems I’ve ever had the joy of testing here at TechRadar.

The most attention-grabbing thing about the Bar 1300MK 2 is its immense power. It has a maximum power output of almost 2,500W across its 29 drivers, which — as I said in my review — is ludicrously high. This means that you can access room-shaking volumes, and if you’ve got a large living space, you’ll be able to feel the might of its sound in every inch of the room.

But the 1300MK2 doesn’t just have power for the sake of power, it really does sound mesmerizing. The highlight is the low-end, which I found to be seismic and full-sounding, while still remaining controlled and never getting in the way of sounds elsewhere in the frequency range. Dolby Atmos is also spectacularly strong on the 1300MK2 with almost mind-boggling width on offer and solid height effects, making you feel at the center of the action when gaming or watching videos.

The flexibility of the 1300MK2 is another one of its highlights. It comes with battery powered surround speakers, which you can easily place wherever you want without having to mess around with wires — something a lot of rivals force you to do. And these can even be used as standalone Bluetooth speakers if you’re on the go, or be used standalone for night mode — ideal for a 2am gaming sesh.

Categories: Technology

Looking for the best smartwatch? The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is truly the king of wearables, and I'd upgrade to it for these 3 reasons alone

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:11

We're almost half way through this year's Amazon Prime Day and we keep running into deals on the best smartwatches left, right, and center, and now it's the Apple Watch Ultra 3's time to shine.

Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

I'm using an Apple Watch SE 2 (I'm satisfied with its basic offerings), but I've been admiring the new Ultra model from afar, purely because of how much of a beast it is in the world of wearables. It's very much an investment piece, but it's now down to $649 (was $799) in the US, and £649 (was £749) in the UK.

When it comes to Apple discounts, the tech giant doesn't like to be as generous as other brands, so this Apple Watch Ultra 3 deal is somewhat of a rare occurrence. Not only has a brand new Apple Watch model received a price drop, but it's the lowest price we've seen it hit ever. On top of that, it takes the top overall spot in our list of favorite smartwatches.

Today's best Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals

You can save a staggering $150 on the brand-new Apple Watch Ultra 3 at Amazon's Prime Day sale. Packed with premium features, you're getting Cellular connectivity, a boosted 42-hour battery life, and emergency satellite messaging. Today's deal is the lowest price we've ever seen the Ultra 3 hit, and it's our best-rated smartwatch. View Deal

Likewise with Amazon UK, our best overall smartwatch has hit its lowest price, and it was only released just last September. Apple deals are very few and far between, and though £100 off may seem a little stingy, it's quite the steal for a brand new premium Apple device. View Deal

If you're tired of your standard Apple Watch series and are ready to take things to the next level with your wearables, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the model for you. Or, if you're a Garmin owner who's looking to make the switch, the Ultra 3 is a solid rival.

As I've mentioned, my Apple Watch SE 2 is going strong, and I haven't felt the need to seek a proper upgrade just yet. But discount aside, the Ultra 3 has a handful of features I think are worth the investment.

For starters, the Ultra 3 is the first smartwatch in Apple's lineup to have flagship satellite connectivity, designed to enhance communication features in areas where you're limited for signal. Additionally, one of the watch's key functions is Emergency SOS via Satellite, which would come in handy if you're lost on an expedition.

Compared to its predecessor, and other Apple Watch models for that matter, the Ultra 3 has a much larger screen with wide-angle viewing, a handy addition that helps you view notifications even when you're not looking at the watch face-on. We found this to be very helpful for reading pop-ups in low-brightness environments.

But these aside, the Ultra 3's battery life truly puts other models in the ground. One of the biggest setbacks with the SE 2, for example, is that I find myself having to charge it constantly. When it comes to the Ultra 3, it can go for a good 42 hours on normal use before needing another round of juice.

More Prime Day deals in the US More Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

The Samsung Galaxy Ultra 2 is almost certainly coming soon, judging by the incredible 45% discount on last year's model — should you buy now or wait?

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:07

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely to be launched at this year's summer Unpacked presentation, which is happening either next month or in August. But even though an Ultra 2 is on the horizon, I'd still get this deal.

How do I know an Ultra 2 is launching? I don't for sure, but I have some evidence that points in that direction. For one thing, Samsung's summer event launches its new watches each year, and occurs roughly around this time. For another, an Ultra 2 has been heavily rumored to be part of the 2026 roster refresh.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Ultra (2025) is on sale for just $357.24 at Amazon US (was $649.99), a massive 45% discount. Such a big discount could mean that the Ultra 2 is coming, and Amazon and Samsung are trying to clear old stock. In the UK, it's also on sale for a smaller but still significant 33% off, at £399 (was £599).

Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) deals

Save almost $300 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue version only, in a shocking price drop. While it's not the best choice for everyone (non-adventurers may overpay on features they won't use, and it's large for small wrists), its AI smarts, useful Now Bar technology to serve you the widgets you need, and longevity (up to 100 hours!) means it's well-made for adventurers.View Deal

Save a cool 33% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version also seen above. It's not quite as good a price cut as the US one, but still a significant discount on a popular watch. View Deal

Should you get this deal or wait for the Samsung Galaxy Ultra 2?

Unlike my Garmin Fenix 9 article, in which I recommend not getting the Fenix 8 and instead waiting for the 9 to come out, I actually recommend buying this Ultra deal rather than waiting for an Ultra 2 to arrive.

The 45%-off deal is simply too big a price drop to pass up, taking the AI-powered watch into must-buy territory. It's never been on offer for anything close to this, and there are no guarantees you'll get a good deal when the Ultra 2 lands in a month or two.

Besides, the original Ultra launched in 2024 was such a big design choice for Samsung that I'm expecting any changes to be quite iterative and software-focused this time. In which case, last year's Ultra will already run the latest Wear OS, so I doubt you'll see much of an improvement over the existing Ultra.

More Prime Day deals in the US More Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

‘If AI is to help build a better ​future, it must be honest about what it costs us now’: UN urges AI giants to reveal full extent of environmental damage

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:05
  • UN calls on AI companies to declare environmental cost of AI
  • New energy projects and data centers are contributing to pollution
  • UN sets up AI Environmental Transparency Initiative to provide insight into the impacts of water usage, carbon emissions, and land usage

Multiple studies on the direct and indirect impact of AI have predicted that the technology is damaging local and global environments, and contributing to man-made climate change.

But the full extent of the damage should be publicly disclosed by AI companies themselves, the United Nations has said.

Speaking during London Climate Action Week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “If AI is to help build a better ​future, it must be honest about what it costs us now.”

Reveal the full environmental cost of AI

“By 2030, they could use ⁠more power than all but five countries – and enough water to meet the basic needs ​of all 1.3 billion residents of sub‑Saharan Africa for an entire year,” he said.

His speech (via Reuters) also included the launch of the UN’s AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which offers AI companies the opportunity to publicly disclose water, the environmental impacts of their water usage, carbon emissions, and land use.

Some AI companies have agreed to net-zero commitments and decarbonization through renewable energy projects, but these commitments are largely voluntary and do not subject companies to any repercussions if they fail to meet targets.

This has been exacerbated in the US — where many of the largest AI companies operate — with President Trump stripping away environmental commitments, obstructing planned renewable energy projects, removing legislation on the construction of fossil fuel energy production, and even deleting the US government’s comprehensive archive of climate resources.

As AI now accounts for 80-90% of the world’s compute resources, there has been an explosion in new data center construction projects to meet demand. Many sites have turned to on-site natural gas burning turbines to supply their energy, which has been linked to health issues and neurological symptoms in local populations. In other regions, data centers have been linked up to nearby energy networks causing local resident’s bills to skyrocket.

The total environmental cost of AI is not known, but estimates for the US have placed the total cost at around $25 billion per year, which includes the health costs of residents living in the polluted vicinity of data centers. The UN hopes that the AI Environmental Transparency initiative will provide direct insight into the fiscal, human, and environmental costs of AI.

Categories: Technology

Don't drive in the lava! — Star Wars: Galactic Racer will feature status effects on each planet 'that can be inflicted on you', but can also be counteracted thanks to the synergy system

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 10:00
  • Star Wars: Galactic Racer has a synergy system that impacts the players' vehicles
  • Fuse Games says planets will have status effects, like driving in lava or burning in Jakku's sun
  • Players can also counteract these effects, like driving through water, if their vehicles overheat

Fuse Games has revealed that Star Wars: Galactic Racer features a synergy system with status effects that impact the players' vehicles.

In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Summer Game Fest 2026, where studio co-founder and CEO Matt Webster and Creative Director Kieran Crimmins discussed the game's "runs-based" campaign structure and "consequential decision-making," the pair also detailed the game's reactive gameplay system.

In the game, players will visit a range of planets to take part in races, each with their own environmental differences. There are the hot, dry sand planets like Tatooine and Jakku, the lush jungle planet Lantaana, the snow planet, Ando Prime, and more.

This means players will need to adapt to the occasion, swapping out vehicle parts for ones better suited for the specific track. There's also an upgrade tree, which Crimmins said will let players improve their cornering, speed, or resilience, and upgrading vehicles over time will be "a very satisfying experience."

However, the game's synergy system will offer a bigger challenge. Planets will also have status effects, meaning hot lava will overheat your vehicle, but it can also be counteracted by physically driving through water.

"We wanted synergies, so that is status effects that each planet has a different status effect that can be inflicted on you," Crimmins said. "For instance, Ando Prime, you can get frozen, Lantaana, you can overheat in the lava, but you can also get cooled in the water. And then on different versions of Jakku, you can get burnt as well by the sun."

The developers said they couldn't speak on Crait just yet, which is a planet covered in a layer of white salt over a red crystalline mineral, suggesting that, just like in the movie The Last Jedi, speeders and other vehicles will impact the ground players navigate.

Crimmins continued, explaining how negative status effects can be subverted, for instance, to increase the speed of the new system called a Ramjet, which offers a massive boost in speed.

Webster added that using the Ramjet can "come at a real cost and heats up," but if players drive over the rivers of water in Lantaana, it heats up more slowly.

"You end up thinking of your build in a much more tactical way, where you're like, how can this thing prop this thing and create this thing to make an entirely new race," Crimmins said.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer arrives on October 6 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC.

Categories: Technology

I was struggling in the summer heat until my gaming chair’s fans saved me — and with these Prime Day deals you too can sit in chilled bliss

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 07:22

If you’ve had to struggle through a heatwave like the one cooking the UK right now (where I’m based), then you know that you’ll do anything to try to stay cool: bumping up the AC if you have it, or turning on as many fans as you can find, and drinking gallons of water.

And I have a new cooling hack for you: sitting in a cooling office chair. Because thanks to Prime Day you can get the AutoFull M6 Pro Gaming Chair for $424.99 at Amazon, saving you 15% off the usual price. In the UK, Amazon has the AutoFull M6 Pro on sale for £299.99 — that's £150 off the usual price.

I’m currently chilling in my DXRacer Martian Pro as it pulls cool air through my shorts thanks to in-built ventilation fans. It’s not like sitting on a block of ice — and I still have a Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan blasting at my face — but the chair’s cooling has been a noticeable improvement compared to a desk fan-only setup.

I’m much less sweaty, and I don’t feel bothered by the heat baking my upper-floor flat — the only trouble is, it makes the times I need to get up and out of my seat a little less bearable by comparison.

Now, I have some bad news: the Martian Pro I ride is out of stock in the US and UK right now — but there’s a solid alternative that we’ve tested, and which is not only in stock, but on sale at Amazon thanks to Prime Day deals.

Last year during the UK’s 2025 summer heatwave we took the AutoFull M6 Ultra for a spin, and our reviewer Christian Guyton can confirm that the cooling fans made a noticeable difference after sitting in the chair for a while — which matches my DX Racer experience.

Looking for more deals on cooling tech? Check out our pick of the 3 best super-quiet fans to help you sleep comfortably, and the best fan and air-con deals for beating the UK heatwave.

Today's best gaming chair deals

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Pro gaming chair

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 gaming chair

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Ultra+ 2.0 gaming chair

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Pro gaming chair

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 gaming chair

AutoFull AutoFull M6 Ultra+ 2.0 gaming chair

What’s extra special about these ventilated chairs is that they’re perfect right now in the sweltering heat, but they'll also keep you cosy in the winter thanks to in-built heaters. Much like their cooling fans, the seat warmers are again very effective at keeping your body comfortable.

And these seats aren’t just electronic gimmicks. You’ll find a full suite of comfort features like 4D armrests, neck and lumbar support, and your usual recline and height options.

The only thing that might be a slight let-down is the massaging which the chairs can provide. It can be fun and relaxing during a stressful gaming session or day at work, but it isn’t super rigorous.

That said, I love my cooling gaming chair, and I’m considering picking up a second for my partner having looked at these deals; the AutoFull M6 Ultra 2.0 looks like a solid option in the UK, though I might see if I can stretch to the Ultra+.

More Prime Day deals in the USMore Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

Just starting a vinyl record collection? Don't ruin your music with a suitcase-style turntable! Get this entry-level option from Sony instead and give your vinyl some TLC

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 07:15

Music lovers listen up, Amazon Prime Day is stacked with offers on some of our favorite audio brands, and I've just spotted a deal on our best budget turntable, making it even more affordable — what more could you ask for?

I started my vinyl record collection in my teens, but my first mistake was not doing my research beforehand, and I purchased one of those Crosley-style players that do nothing but wreck your albums. If I were to speak to my 17-year-old self again, I'd tell him to look into the Sony PS-LX5BT turntable instead.

Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

When we gave the Sony PS-LX5BT a first spin, it was an immediate 4.5 stars from us and we even described it as 'one of the best pound-for-pound Bluetooth turntables around'. Now Amazon has knocked it down to $398 from $499.99, while Amazon in the UK has a similar deal for £307 (was £399).

Selecting the right vinyl player for your needs takes time. At the end of the day, they're an investment piece, so you don't want to regret your choice, but the Sony PS-LX5BT is a solid entry-level option. Our audio editor Becky Scarrott has also pieced together a collection of some of our favorite turntables — which would make great graduation gifts .

Today's best Sony PS-LX310BT deal

Entry-level turntables sub-$400 with solid audio are difficult to come by, but not when it's Prime Day. Amazon's $100 price drop takes one of our favorite turntables to its lowest ever price, but this deal won't be here for much longer. View Deal

Similarly in the UK, this is the lowest price we've seen for the Sony PS-LX5BT, and it won't get much better than this as long as Prime Day goes on. Though you may be tempted to get your first turntable for an even cheaper price, your vinyls won't thank you in the long run. View Deal

My JAM Audio Bluetooth turntable gave out on me a while back, and now I've become that annoying friend that's constantly begging to use other people's vinyl player to spin my favorite LPs. Well, thank goodness for Prime Day is all I can say.

As far as entry-level turntables go, the Sony PS-LX5BT turntable is simple and uncomplicated, yet doesn't compromise sound quality. If anything, its sonic characteristics are quite upfront.

It also doesn't fall flat on the features front. You're going to get plenty of connectivity options including stereo RCA connections for hooking the turntable up to speakers or an amplifier, as well as Bluetooth if you refer to opt for wireless connection. The only small setback is that it doesn't come with an adjustable counterweight, so you get what what you're given, but that's expected for a beginner-friendly record player.

Features aside, there's no denying that it's incredibly sleek in its design, right? And the dust shield is an added bonus, adding an extra layer of protection to your vinyl records as you spin them. I'd buy it on the design front alone.

More Prime Day deals in the US More Prime Day deals in the UK
Categories: Technology

'Organised crime operating like a tech startup': EvilToken PHaaS group ramp up AI-enabled attacks by 1,380% in 2026

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 07:15
  • Huntress report highlights “EvilTokens” PhaaS scaling phishing attacks 1,380% in early 2026 compared to last year
  • AI integration enables per‑victim personalization at scale, bypassing MFA, with subscription tiers from $600 to $1,500
  • Service sold openly on Telegram, showing how PhaaS now operates like a startup with cheap, powerful attack capabilities

Cybercriminals offering phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) are increasingly operating like a tech startup, and a good one, at that. They are also using Artificial Intelligence (AI), which helped them scale significantly. This is according to a new report from cybersecurity researchers Huntress, called “EvilTokens and the Rise of AI-Powered Phishing”.

In the report, Huntress claims that this particular PhaaS operation, called EvilTokens, was used to run 1,380% more phishing attacks in early 2026 compared to the same period last year.

“We’re seeing a clear maturation of the phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) market as threat actors increasingly integrate AI workflows into their product offerings,” the report reads. “The result is directly observable in our telemetry: a 1,380% increase in device code phishing attacks detected between July–December 2025 and January–April 2026, with over 50% of those incidents linked to two major waves of correlated incidents.”

A cheap service

“Furthermore, across hundreds of incidents associated with EvilTokens, no two phishing lures were identical. This level of per-victim personalization was previously limited to targeted, manually crafted campaigns. Now, it’s achievable at scale by any threat actor at the price of a subscription service”

So, AI is not only used to scale the operation, but it is also used for personalization at an unprecedented level. At the same time, the service is relatively cheap to use: it is being sold on Telegram for as little as $600.

If this sounds like a lot, keep in mind that a single successful phishing attack is enough to steal data worth hundreds of thousands on the black market, or even millions - in ransom negotiations.

EvilTokens’ service is tiered, too. The cheapest package costs $600, while two more expensive ones cost $1,000 and $1,500, respectively. For criminals, it is likely worth the investment, since this PhaaS is capable of bypassing multi-factor authentication, as well.

Categories: Technology

I made a massive mistake when buying Red Dead Redemption 2 — Here's how to avoid the same trap with GTA 6

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 07:09

It sounds bizarre saying that I wish I could go back in time and bully my past self into spending more money, but that's exactly what I would do when it comes to Red Dead Redemption 2.

I first bought the cowboy adventure game on sale back in 2020. I can't remember the exact price, but it was something like 30 bucks for the standard version, and about ten more if I wanted the Ultimate Edition instead.

I took a look at what the more premium version offered — an exclusive mission, a cool horse, some new clothing, and some in-game progression boosts, plus a load of content for Red Dead Online — and decided that it wasn't for me. After all, I wasn't entirely sure that I would even enjoy the game or want to explore its multiplayer component.

The problem is that I did genuinely love it, and soon found myself wanting all the extra goodies. The problem? Rockstar offered no way to upgrade between editions. There were no little add-ons that let you pick up each item individually, like you can with most other games.

I was trapped with my standard version, and if I wanted to experience that Ultimate Edition content I would have to buy the entire game again. Obviously, I wasn't going to do that — leaving me bitter and feeling like I missed out.

Learn form my mistake

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

With the Grand Theft Auto 6 price and editions officially confirmed, I'm urging everyone not to make the same mistake. Like Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 6 will be available as either a standard edition or Ultimate Edition, with the latter unlocking loads of exclusive content.

It sounds even more significant than what you got with the comparable edition of Red Dead Redemption 2, and includes new vehicles, weapon skins, outfits, and even access to some exclusive locations, such as a beachside garage.

To be clear, Rockstar has not officially confirmed whether it will offer the option to upgrade to the pricier edition down the line. But, after my Red Dead Redemption 2 experience, I wouldn't take the risk.

At $99.99 (UK and Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed), the Ultimate Edition isn't cheap. It's only $20 more than the standard version, though, which goes for $79.99, and that 20 bucks could very well save you from feeling like you missed out in a year's time.

Bear this in mind when Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders begin at midnight on June 25 (local time) ahead of the game's launch on November 19 for Xbox Series X and Series S and PlayStation 5.

Categories: Technology

MacPaw brings its 'privacy-first' ClearVPN to the biggest screen in your house

Wed, 06/24/2026 - 07:00
  • ClearVPN now has a dedicated app for Apple TV and Android TV devices
  • Users can log in via a quick QR code scan or smartphone link
  • The apps include a dedicated Streaming section and Optimal Location tools

Finding the best VPN to secure your online life is increasingly important, but installing it on your living room television hasn't always been a seamless experience. Fortunately, MacPaw is looking to change that with the launch of its "privacy-first" ClearVPN service on Apple TV and Android TV.

With smart TV adoption recently surpassing 900 million units worldwide, our living room watching habits are generating more data than ever. By bringing its software directly to the biggest screens in the home, MacPaw hopes to add a vital extra layer of privacy to users' everyday viewing activities, while simultaneously granting them secure access to global content.

According to the Ukrainian software company, simplifying the user experience remains the top priority.

"We built ClearVPN on one belief: privacy should be effortless," said Tetiana Shokina, Product Manager at MacPaw. "Bringing it to Apple TV and Android TV wasn't a feature request; it was the obvious next step. If simplicity is our promise, it has to work on every screen, including the biggest one."

How to use ClearVPN's smart TV apps

(Image credit: MacPaw)

The biggest hurdle with smart TV applications is usually the login process. Nobody enjoys painstakingly typing out long email addresses and complex passwords using a directional TV remote. To solve this, ClearVPN has implemented two simple sign-in methods that entirely bypass the television screen.

Once downloaded, the TV app will display a QR code that users can scan with their smartphone. This instantly opens a pairing page on the phone to authenticate the login, readying the TV app for use.

Alternatively, the app generates a short URL and an activation code that can be typed into any phone, tablet, or computer.

Once inside, ClearVPN's signature intuitive interface keeps technical decisions to an absolute minimum.

An 'Optimal Location' feature automatically connects you to the best available server, meaning there's no need to manually search through endless country lists.

For entertainment fans, a 'Dedicated Streaming' section makes it even easier, connecting users directly to the optimal server for specific streaming platforms so you can start watching privately within seconds.

A quick overview of ClearVPN

If you aren't familiar with ClearVPN, the service was originally launched in 2020 by Kyiv-based MacPaw, a global technology company best known for its signature product, CleanMyMac.

From its inception, the goal was to design an application for everyone, not just the tech-savvy, removing the complex settings that often make cybersecurity software feel intimidating.

In 2024, ClearVPN went through a major redesign as the provider launched improved apps. The service, however, has maintained its core mission: to ensure people's online lives receive the exact same protection as their offline ones.

ClearVPN is powered by modern protocols designed to deliver fast, stable connections, ensuring your streams won't be interrupted by constant buffering. A single subscription protects up to six devices simultaneously, creating a secure digital ecosystem.

New smart TV apps are available now for all ClearVPN users globally. You will need a device running at least Android TV 6+ or tvOS 18+ to install the new applications.

If you want to protect your other hardware, ClearVPN is also available to download on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, compatible routers, and as a Google Chrome extension.

Categories: Technology

Pages