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• Yadea is forging ahead with a number of sodium-ion powered two-wheelers
• Sodium will play a key role in China’s wider battery swap systems
• The country is already pushing mass production of the technology

The presence of sodium in batteries is nothing new, as the first documented use of it dates back to the 1960s, when the Ford Motor Company considered using them for very early EVs.

But last year, Chinese automaker JAC (a joint venture with Volkswagen in China) produced the world’s first sodium-ion battery production car in the Hua Xianzi (it roughly translates to 'Flower Fairy'), which uses a tiny 25kWh sodium-ion battery that can travel up to 155 miles on a single charge.

While not exactly a global sales success, the technology has found a place among China’s booming microcar economy and, perhaps more important still, its rampant demand for diminutive two-wheeled scooters.

In somewhere like Shenzhen, a megacity with a population of some 17.8 million people, the humble scooter is one of the most popular forms of transport, with over 55 million sold in 2023 alone, and Yadea is among the most popular brands.

The global leader in electric two-wheelers has released three sodium-ion powered electric scooters to date, according to the BBC, with plans in the pipeline to offer a lot more.

These battery packs are constructed in a similar way to their lithium-ion counterparts, but transfer sodium ions between electrodes during charging and discharging, rather than other rare earth materials.

Currently, lead-acid batteries continue to dominate the electric scooter landscape, as the technology is cheap and produced on a mass scale, but the demand for sodium-ion units is gradually increasing.

By 2030, 15% of China's electric scooters will be powered by them, compared to 0.04% in 2023, according to an analysis by the Shenzhen-based Starting Point Research Institute, which assesses China's battery industry.

Analysis: sodium-ion reaches well beyond transport

(Image credit: Yadea)

Electric two-wheel manufacturer Yadea is also building out one of the most robust electric scooter charging networks in China, with plans to install more than 1,000 fast-charging pillars that have been specifically designed for sodium-ion batteries this year in Hangzhou, which would enable commuters to find a station every 2km (1.2 miles).

It is also pushing forward with a massive battery swap program in Shenzen, with an aim of 20,000 swapping stations this year, which allow riders to replace a spent battery for a fully-charged unit in around 30 seconds. This number will grow to 50,000 by 2027.

Right now, sodium-ion batteries are still very much in ascendance, as the price, and demand for lithium-ion units, has dropped since its all-time high post-pandemic.

A relatively low energy density (some pitch sodium-ion batteries as being 30% less energy dense than lithium-ion counterparts) has also put off the major automotive players, all of whom are constantly looking for the lightest, most energy dense options on the market.

But China’s vision for salty batteries goes well beyond transport, with the BBC reporting that it is already on track for mass-scale sodium-based energy storage solutions, which help balance the grid and store excess energy from renewable sources when not in use – all without competing with the auto industry and its voracious appetite for lithium.

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XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2: one-minute review

The XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is the second incarnation of this 19-inch, 4K drawing tablet that offers 16K pressure levels, assignable shortcuts and 1.07 billion colors. Retailing for $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99, it hardly occupies the budget end of the market. But once you factor in that this package includes absolutely everything you need, including two styluses, a stylus case, all cabling, and a wireless shortcut remote, the price looks like seriously good value.

The XPPen’s 19-inch 4K display is a stunner. While its pixel density is a relatively modest 239ppi, it’s capable of an average brightness of 250 nits and 1.07 billion colors, thanks to its 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 color gamut. One-inch bezels deliver a decent amount of space to rest your wrists, while its built-in feet hold it up at a 19-degree angle, making it well-suited to working on a desk. Sadly, though, its bulk and cable setup mean you’re unlikely to want to sketch away with it on your lap for long periods.

Whether you’re sketching or retouching photos, the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 offers performance that can compete with some of the best drawing tablets. Once it’s properly calibrated, there’s no hint of parallax or jitter, and its customizable 16K pressure curves make it easy to adapt strokes to your personal preference. You can also customize the shortcuts available on its styluses and wireless remote, although I did experience a rare bug here that prevented some of these working and that took a while to resolve.

The styluses provided are well designed and comfortable to use over long drawing sessions. In particular, the X3 Pro Roller Stylus is beautifully balanced, with a center of gravity that sits perfectly in the middle of your grip. It’s easy to accidentally knock both styluses' shortcut buttons on occasion, but the X3 Pro Slim Stylus comes with a swappable faceplate, allowing you to remove the buttons if you’d rather go without. My only real criticism of the styluses is that I wish they had eraser buttons on their tips – I find such a setup far more intuitive to use and it would free up one of the buttons for a different shortcut.

Everything considered, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 offers a great all-round package. The display doesn’t quite have the pixel density of the 275ppi Xencelabs Pen Display 16, or the gargantuan 24-inch screen of its sibling, the XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2. Nevertheless, it offers gorgeous color reproduction, accurate performance and, most importantly for some users, significant value compared to some rivals. If you want a great balance between screen size, performance and price, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is well worth checking out.

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: price & availability

• Launched August 27, 2024
• Retails for $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99

Launched on August 27, 2024, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 has a list price of $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up for less; at the time of writing, XPPen was offering a reduced price of $719.99 / £854 / AU$1,199.99 in a short-term flash sale. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled in case you can make a saving here.

As prices go, even its MSRP is pretty reasonable for what you’re getting. The closest Wacom product by size, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 17, goes for a whopping $2,499.95 / £2,349.98 / AU$3,999 – although it's stunningly bright and comes Pantone Validated. The smaller Xencelabs Pen Display 16 costs $999 / £969 (around AU$1597), but also comes with fewer accessories as standard, meaning you’ll have to stretch to the $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080) bundle if you want its USB hub, additional cabling, and the customizable Quick Keys accessory. Viewed through that lens, the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is a good price for an all-in-one package.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: specs

Dimensions

18.1 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (460 x 306.6 x 21.5mm)

Active drawing area

16.1 x 9.1 inches (409 x 230mm)

Weight

4.91lbs (2.23kg)

Display resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

Pressure levels

16,384

Compatibility

Windows 7 or later; macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Android (USB3.1 DP1.2); Chrome OS 88 (or later); Linux

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: design

• Vibrant yet accurate 18.4-inch display
• Great range of included accessories
• Not as portable as some rivals

Despite its "19" moniker, the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 actually measures only 18.4 inches across; but this is still a massive amount of screen estate. However, it's worth noting that it offers the same 3840 x 2160 area as any 4K 16:9 drawing tablet, which means you’re getting a lower pixel density than some smaller tablets. It offers a more modest 239ppi compared to the 16-inch Xencelabs Pen Display 16’s near-print-quality 275ppi.

Thanks to its 1.07 billion colors and the 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 coverage of its color gamut, any artwork I opened on-screen looked lush and vibrant without appearing unrealistic – it’s definitely superior to the poorly calibrated screen of my 2017 MacBook Pro. Brightness averages out at 250cd/㎡, which is very decent, although that’s still a little duller than the 300cd/㎡ the larger XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 can hit.

However, vision isn’t the only sense that matters when it comes to a drawing tablet’s screen: how it feels in use is almost as important. The Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 fares pretty well on this front. It doesn’t have the super-realistic texture of an e-paper display, for example, even when using one of the felt nibs for its pens. Nevertheless, this means your stylus is unlikely to catch on the screen while you sketch and doesn’t slip either, so there’s still a good balance here.

In use, the design of XPPen’s drawing tablet is ergonomic – up to a point. Its one-inch bezels are about the perfect size to give you somewhere to rest your arms, while the built-in wrist-rest helps prevent ache building up during long drawing sessions. The inclusion of an integrated stand is a nice touch, although it offers only a single angle, 19 degrees, which felt a little steep for me. At 2.23kg, the whole device is pretty unwieldy – I’m not sure you’ll be using it on your lap all that often.

Another reason you're likely better off using it on a desk is cabling. Don’t get me wrong: the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 doesn’t come with the 15-wire highway intersection that some tablets do. But it also has a substantial power draw – while I could run it directly from my MacBook Pro, this only worked while my laptop had a decent amount of charge left; otherwise, it would disable USB-C power output. Realistically, then, for most of the time you’ll be using at least two cables – one USB-C data cable and one mains power – which makes it a little messier to use while kicking back in an armchair.

XPPen has been pretty generous with accessories here. In addition to the aforementioned stand, this package includes a wireless shortcut remote and a stylus case – which includes the X3 Pro Roller Stylus, the X3 Pro Slim Stylus, eight nibs, a USB dongle for the shortcut remote, a nib-changing tool, and a button cap for the slim stylus. It also provides full cabling, including two USB-C to USB-C cables, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a 3-in-1 USB and HDMI cable, and a power cable. On the downside, there’s neither a carry case for the tablet nor any tablet-mounted rests for the styluses, both of which would have been welcome additions.

• Design score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: performance

• No parallax or jitter
• Easily customizable using drivers
• Experienced some issues getting shortcuts to work

To test the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2’s mettle, I carried out a range of line tests as well as working on some of my own sketches. Generally speaking, it’s impressively accurate. While there was a bit of parallax throwing things off at first, once I’d calibrated it, this totally vanished. There’s also no noticeable jitter, although there's a little lag when you’re moving fast – this wasn’t sufficient to cause any inaccuracies, however.

Subjectively speaking, when I was initially sketching on the XPPen it didn’t feel quite as expressive and responsive as a drawing tablet such as the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 – the barbs of the magpie feather I was drawing felt ever so slightly less nuanced and refined. However, once I dug around in XPPen’s driver settings, it was easy to tailor things to my liking; you can either pick one of seven pressure-curve presets or shape your own, and once I’d done this, strokes felt much more realistic and pencil-like.

The driver app allows you to customize far more than this, though. You can adapt the device’s working area to specific screens, all of your screens or a subsection of one of them, and you can also assign shortcuts to the buttons on its styluses and wireless shortcut remote. Buttons are assignable to any keyboard shortcut, mouse shortcut, or a range of other functions such as opening apps, switching to the driver software, or shifting monitor focus. Alternatively, the roller on the remote or the X3 Pro Roller Stylus can be assigned to Zoom, Scroll, Brush size or any function that can be increased or decreased by two keys.

While this should be very handy, in practice I did run into some problems. While both the remote and stylus responded to my programmed keyboard shortcuts – for example, flashing up the label "CMD + Z" when I hit the undo button – this didn’t activate the relevant menu shortcut. After quite a lot of back and forth with XPPen’s support team, I did manage to resolve the issue: it seems that having a wired keyboard plugged into my USB dock at the same time as the wireless shortcut remote’s dongle prevented it from accessing the menus. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter similar problems; It's an odd quirk, one that I haven't experienced with other drawing tablets.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: stylus

• Attractive ergonomic shape and balance
• Responsive pressure curves
• No eraser tips

On the whole, XPPen’s styluses are excellent. Naturally, the slighter X3 Pro Slim Stylus is the best option for nimble scribbling. But even the chunkier X3 Pro Roller Stylus felt comfortable for long scribbling sessions – despite spending hours drawing a magpie feather, there was never any hint of aching or strain from the sustained grip. The Roller stylus is nicely weighted, too, with its center of mass sitting right on the fulcrum of your fingers, making it easy to spin and pivot as you sketch.

Both styluses respond pretty fluidly to pressure as well. On paper, the 16K pressure levels sound amazing; in practice, though, you’re unlikely to notice much difference from an 8K device. Certainly, I couldn’t really tell the difference in terms of the smoothness of the pressure gradients of the lines I was drawing. In fact, when using the XPPen driver’s pressure gauge, I found it pretty much impossible to reduce the pressure to below 2,000 and to keep the stylus nib consistently on the screen. As such, I’d say the sensitivity here is far higher than you’re ever realistically going to use.

As with styluses from other brands, I did find I’d occasionally knock the shortcut keys by accident. I’m not sure you can hold this against XPPen, though: part of the price of having convenient shortcuts right where your fingers can find them is that sometimes your fingers do find them. And on the Slim stylus, it’s possible to hot-swap out the shortcut buttons for a plastic cap, meaning you can easily avoid this if you find yourself nudging them too often.

My only real criticism of the styluses is the lack of erasers on their far ends. I get that some people would probably rather switch tools to the eraser with a shortcut, to save removing the nib from the screen. But I make mistakes all the time and I find it psychologically much easier to fall back on the muscle memory of the analog pencil eraser than I do shifting between shortcuts. You might find this bothers you less, but I do wish XPPen’s styluses gave me that option.

• Stylus score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Bright, vibrant display and a decent array of accessories; but it’s chunky enough that you'll probably only want to use it at a desk.

4 / 5

Performance

There’s zero parallax or jitter, and it offers a great range of customizable shortcuts – even if I had some difficulties getting them to work.

4 / 5

Stylus

Excellent pressure sensitivity, good customizability, great ergonomic balance; but eraser tips would have been a nice option.

4.5 / 5

Value

With its bright display, responsive performance, 16K pressure levels and comprehensive accessories, you get a lot for the price.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a huge, color-accurate display
The XPPen’s 19-inch screen not only gives you an enormous amount of sketching space – it can reproduce 1.07 billion colors with its 99.8% sRGB, 96% AdobeRGB, 98% Display P3 gamut.

You want a great-value drawing tablet
At $899.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,499.99, the XPPen isn't cheap, but factor in its 16K pressure levels, large display and myriad accessories, and you’re getting a lot for your cash.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a portable drawing tablet
Given its not inconsiderable bulk and its power consumption needs, you’ll likely want to use the tablet on a desktop with a bunch of wires hooked up to it. If you want something you can whip out on the couch or in a co-working space, you might find other options more versatile.

You prefer an eraser
Sure, you can remove your old scribblings using a button shortcut. But if, like me, you prefer a dedicated eraser for eliminating your mistakes, the XPPen’s styluses might not suit your needs.

(Image credit: Future)XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 review: also consider

XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2

Xencelabs Pen Display 16

Xencelabs Pen Display 24

Dimensions

18.1 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (460 x 306.6 x 21.5mm)

16.1 x 10.2 x 0.47 inches (410 x 259.4 x 12mm)

24.4 x 15.3 x 1.4 inches (619.8 x 388.6 x 35.6mm)

Active drawing area

16.1 x 9.1 inches (409 x 230mm)

13.55 x 7.6 inches (344.2 x 193.6mm)

20.75 x 11.7 inches (52.71 x 29.72cm)

Weight

4.91 lbs (2.23kg)

2.67 lbs (1.21kg)

13.3 lbs (6kg)

Display resolution

3840 x 2160 pixels

3840 x 2160 pixels

3840 x 2160 pixels

Pressure levels

16,384

8,192

8,192

Compatibility

Windows 7 or later; macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Android (USB3.1 DP1.2); Chrome OS 88 (or later); Linux

PC: Windows 7 or later (latest service pack/build); macOS 10.13 or later (latest update); Linux - Ubuntu 14.04 or above, Debian 9.5, CentOS 7.0 or above, RedHat 7.0 or above

PC: Windows 7 or later (latest service pack/build); Mac OS X 10.13 or later (latest update); Linux - Ubuntu 14.04 or above, Debian 9.5, CentOS 7.0 or above, RedHat 7.0 or above

Xencelabs Pen Display 16
The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is bright and vibrant, offers gorgeous color reproduction and staggering detail on its crisp 275ppi 4K display. Even though its 8K pressure levels are lower than the 16K offered by the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2, it’s still beautifully fluid and responsive, while its shortcuts are customizable and easy to use. It does cost a fair bit more at $999 / £969 (around AU$1597), but it’s still a good price for what you’re getting – and the $1,299 / £1,199 (around AU$2,080) bundle provides everything you could need, from a remote with OLED shortcut keys and a handy desk stand. Read our full Xencelabs Pen Display 16 review.

XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2
Describing the XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 as the "big brother" of the Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 is a bit of an understatement – this tablet is freaking huge. Its 24-inch 4K display offers up an enormous amount of screen estate on which to sketch out your artworks, and its color gamut can display 16.7 million colors. Its natural and precise drawing, programmable shortcuts and remote, plus sturdy stand are simply the cherry on top. Read our full XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen 2 review.

How I tested the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2

• Tested the drawing tablet over three weeks
• Conducted multiple line tests
• Worked on various sketches and retouched some photos

I tested the XPPen Artist Pro 19 Gen 2 over a period of multiple weeks. First, I carried out a range of line tests to test its accuracy when it came to parallax and jitter, as well as evaluating its responsiveness to pressure. I also played around with its driver settings, tweaking its properties to see how it affected the drawing experience, and experimented with the various shortcuts you can assign to its remote.

I then worked on a range of artworks in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to get a sense of how the drawing tablet performed in use. As well as creating a line drawing of a magpie feather and adding watercolor hues as an overlay, I retouched multiple photographs to see how well it could handle airbrushing work.

Having spent nearly two decades creating digital artwork, I have a lot of experience in working with digital sketching and photo retouching tools. In addition, through my time working in print publishing, I’ve spent many years assessing proofs for color accuracy and detail, and so have a keen eye for how artwork should look at its best.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read more about how we test

• A lot of changes are rumored for iOS 26
• Here's what TechRadar readers are looking forward to
• Everything will be announced on Monday

With Apple WWDC 2025 now just a couple of days away, we're seeing a rapidly increasing number of leaks around iOS 26 (the rumored new name for iOS 19) – and in the opinion of TechRadar readers, one of these rumors is much more exciting than the rest.

Over 1,000 of you responded to a poll on our WhatsApp channel – which is well worth signing up to for the latest tech news and chat – to say that you were most looking forward to the visionOS-style redesign that's been predicted for the iPhone.

This redesign has been leaked by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who is usually one of the more reliable tipsters when it comes to Apple. Apparently the iOS interface will be more transparent, more modern-looking, and more glass-y – just like visionOS.

It's a visual overhaul that has been teased by Apple's own official invite for WWDC, and 43% of our respondents say it's what they're looking forward to the most when it comes to reveals we're anticipating this coming Monday.

Battery life, live translation, and more

WWDC 2025 is almost here (Image credit: Future)

Second place in our poll, with 17% of the vote, went to the rumored AI optimizations that will extend iPhone battery life. More battery life is always welcome, and apparently iOS 26 is going to make efficiency improvements based on how you use your handset.

The stats show 12% of our readers are most excited about the live translation features that are said to be coming to the AirPods with the next software update, while 11% of you are most looking forward to the rumored new gaming hub that's supposedly on the way.

Rounding out the poll, we have the CarPlay redesign (9%), the polls feature in Messages (5%), and the simplified Camera app (3%). None of these changes have been confirmed yet, but they've all been predicted by reliable sources.

The TechRadar team will be bringing you all the announcements as they happen, and you can watch the whole event live online. The all-important keynote is getting underway at 10 am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST on June 9 (so 3am AEST on June 10 in Australia).

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• First images of the rumored Hasselblad X2D 100C II surface
• Leaked specs suggest a new LiDAR autofocus system on board
• FCC application reveals further details, including refined controls

If money were no object, the stunning Hasselblad X2D 100C would probably be my first choice of camera for photography. The minimalist 100MP medium-format camera's looks, handling, and image quality are top drawer.

It's far from the perfect camera, though. I don't mind that it's a photography-only camera (that's right, no video recording capabilities whatsoever). But what did spoil my experience somewhat was its sluggish autofocus performance during testing – a drawback that could be addressed with its rumored upcoming successor.

MirrorlessRumors has flagged an FCC application for a Hasselblad X2D 100C II, which not only contains the first proper images of the second-gen model but also outlines various new features. Chief among those is LiDAR autofocus.

Should an upcoming Hasselblad X2D 100C II gain LiDAR autofocus, it would represent the first meaningful update courtesy of DJI since the Chinese-tech giant and leading drone maker acquired Hasselblad, and it couldn't have picked a better upgrade.

Getting up to speed

I love the X2D 100C II's image quality, so much so that it puts my full-frame Nikon camera in the shade. However, unlike my humble Z6 II, I couldn't rely on its autofocus for sharp focus where it wanted it, such as a person's eyes in a portrait.

Yes, improved autofocus tops my X2D 100C II upgrade wishlist, and the promise of pricey LiDAR autofocus, which is utilized by DJI's Ronin 4D and will presumably deliver a huge boost in autofocus performance, is exciting news.

Hands-on with the X2D 100C, during my in-depth test (Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, the new images reveal a new joystick control and refined button layout, while internal SSD storage could again be up to 1TB, together with a CFExpress B card slot.

Otherwise, I'm not expecting many other meaningful improvements, not that many were needed – the X2D 100C II will seemingly feature the same or similar 100MP sensor with class-leading 8EV in-body image stabilization, 16-bit color depth and 15-stops dynamic range, for probably the best photo quality you can get on the affordable side of $10k / £10k.

Depending on how you look at it, the rumored X2D 100C II is a minor update of the X2D 100C. But for me, it looks set to fulfill my "if I had one wish". How does the rumored X2D 100C II sound to you? Let me know in the comments below.

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Activo Volcano review

Astell & Kern’s lifestyle-focused sub-brand is back with a new offering, the Activo Volcano. These wired in-ear headphones aim to bring audiophile-quality sound to all, combining supposedly “vibrant, immersive sound” at an easy-to-swallow price.

Specifically, the Activo Volcano IEMs will set you back $80 / £99 (about AU$120), which is considerably – and I mean considerably – cheaper than most of the brand’s oeuvre to date. As well as carrying a modest price tag, the Activo Volcano come with a 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and a USB-C connector, meaning they’re available to a broad audience, across a broad range of devices. But is Activo’s budget offering a hit?

Well, to some degree, I’d answer that with a resounding yes. That ability to cycle through various connectivity options is something many of the best wired earbuds skip out on and to be clear, the Activo Volcano execute this fantastically well. Simply unscrew whichever connector is in use and swivel the desired alternative on – that’s all there is to it.

There’s a handy carry case included too, so you can store the out-of-use adapters when you’re on the go. On top of that, you get a nice selection of both foam and rubber eartips in a range of sizes. After you’ve found the right fit, you should get a tight seal, ensuring you hear their various drivers at their best and with commendable passive noise isolation. Activo’s decision to pack all of this in at such an uncharacteristically low price-point is certainly something to be applauded.

Where I become – let’s say, a little more picky – is in the audio department. Yes, this is a product from the Astell & Kern ecosystem, but if you’re expecting truly premium high-grade sound, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. Do the Activo Volcano sound poor, then? Absolutely not. But if you want the most intricately detailed sound around, you will need to spend more.

So, let’s really zoom in on how the Activo Volcano sound. Each earpiece boasts a triple driver design: a main 8mm unit partnered with two 6mm drivers. This configuration, says Activo, is intended to enhance the richness of lower-midrange and bass. And perhaps as the name suggests, you can hear rumbling bass erupt from the get-go.

Yep, you’re gonna sense a significant emphasis on low-end output with these in-ears – something that perhaps a lot of IEMs hesitate to go too hard on. When tuning into Breather by Chris Stussy & S. A. M., I was struck by palpable low-end output, with the Volcano easily able to replicate the track’s pounding drum machine.

Activo compares these IEM’s low frequency output to the “eruption of magma” from a Volcano. And although you’re not going to get that ultra-immersive, almost tangible boom that some of the best over-ear headphones can deliver, say, I’d argue there’s enough depth here for fans of bass-heavy bangers to sink their teeth into.

I’ll admit, I certainly do enjoy a slight emphasis towards bass registers, especially given that I predominantly listen to a mixture of funk, dance, and jazz fusion. But many looking for a flashy new pair of IEMs – whether musicians, audiophiles, or just casual listeners – may be hoping for a more neutral sound signature. And that is something you’re not going to get out of the gate here.

When listening to Flying Beagle by Himiko Kikuchi, I felt the low-end could sound a little overstated, not giving quite enough room for the flowing piano to sit forward and work its magic, while letting light percussion roll through the backdrop. And when listening to Splash Mountain by Yung Gravy, an already bassy track, I felt that both the low-end and treble were a touch aggressive, meaning vocals in the mid-range were left behind. That’s not to say that the Volcano are regularly harsh-sounding or typically deliver muddy audio, but just know that there are more well-rounded options out there.

For instance, I switched over to my Sennheiser IE 200, which are among my very favorite IEMs, and cost a very similar amount to the Volcano. As soon as I did this, I could tell a big difference in quality across all genres. The IE 200, put simply, plate up better balance and instrument separation, meaning you get a more nuanced, revealing listen.

Even still, the Volcano aren’t going to smack you with distorted or tinny sound. Generally, I found tracks were clear and there were noticeable details, such as light electronica in Black Eye by Allie X, that didn’t go amiss. And if you customize EQ in your source device or streaming app’s settings, you’ll be able to get a more neutral sound – or not – depending on what you’re into. But, all in all, I’d be lying if I said these blew me away, sonically speaking.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, I’m not done with my criticism of these IEMs just yet, though. If I’m honest, there’s not a ton that I love about their design. First of all, I want to talk about looks. Now, Activo says that the Volcano have a “crater-inspired” design that symbolizes the “immense power and energy” of their triple drivers.

But really, I’m getting moon crater, rather than volcanic crater from these – especially given the white and silver finish that’s been selected here. I also moaned at Tribit earlier this year after the Tribit Stormbox Lava speaker totally failed at playing to its open-goal volcanic theme. Any audio manufacturers out there fancy making a more fun volcano-inspired product? I’ll be keeping an eye out.

On top of that, I just found the Volcano earpieces a bit too bulky in my ear. Each bud felt substantially heftier than my IE 200 and I found it challenging to keep these on for much more than an hour or so before fatigue kicked in. The cable is pretty chunky too and is without playback options or a mic – something you’d get from a rival like the Shure Aonic 3.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I have to say, the build of the Activo Volcano appears more luxurious than perhaps its price suggests. The cable, while large, looks and feels high in quality. It’s also detachable if you want to swap in an after-market alternative. For reference, though, the included wire is made up of seven-strand silver-plated copper and five-strand oxygen-free copper cables. The PC material used for the buds themselves also feels smooth and not overly plasticky, oozing a sense of durability and reliability.

So, let’s return to the all-important question. Are the Activo Volcano a hit? Well, perhaps not quite. There’s plenty to like here for sure, whether that be weighty bass output, high build quality or various connectivity options. But equally, there are a few areas that left me a touch disappointed. I personally found that the model is overly large, with a design that while secure and easy to fit, isn’t particularly comfortable or on-theme. And the audio – though still good for the price – could be more revealing and balanced.

Should you buy the Activo Volcano? Well, if you don’t need fantastic evenness across the frequencies and don’t mind it’s slightly larger feel, then perhaps. But for a similar price, I’d say you’ll be better off with the Sennheiser IE 200 – did I mention I like those?

(Image credit: Future)Activo Volcano review: Price and release date

• $80 / £99 (about AU$120)
• Launched in March 2025

The Activo Volcano IEMs came to market in March 2025. Activo is still fairly fresh and was created by parent Astell & Kern as a lifestyle brand. And the Volcano are its cheapest offering to date, with a list price of $80 / £99 (about AU$120). That’s a massive chunk less than Activo’s previous effort, the Activo Q1 IEMs, which we rated four-and-a-half stars, lauding their excellent clarity and superb separation.

Activo Volcano review: Specs

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

Weight

5g (per bud)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Activo Volcano?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Detachable cable, interchangeable connectors, no controller.

4/5

Sound quality

Good audio for the price, big bass, but rivals offer more balance and detail.

4/5

Design

Unremarkable looks, bulky, not massively comfortable, but premium feel.

2.5/5

Value

Cheap given overall quality, but similar-priced competitors are stronger.

4/5

Buy them if...

You're on a tight budget
The Volcano stray from much of their parent’s audio tech in that they're very much an affordable model. For $80 / £99, you're getting a solid set of IEMs, ideal for those that value the details, yet don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.

You want multiple connectivity options
A lot of IEMs use a 3.5mm connector and don’t leave space for anything else. That can be pretty limiting if you want to use them with a modern smartphone, say, that's ditched the good ol' headphone port. So, in come the Activo Volcano with not only a 3.5mm option, but also a USB-C and 4.4mm option. Simply screw on whatever connector you want and you're good to go, no matter what device you're using.

Don't buy them if...

If you’re an audiophile seeking top-tier sound quality
The Activo Volcano never had to wow me with absolutely top of the range audio, given their price tag. And I want to echo that here – you’re not going to get the ultimate mixture of effortlessly balanced and stunningly separated audio from the Activo Volcano. Yes, they’re more than up to the task of dishing out an enjoyable listen that leans into warm bass tones, but if you want the most analytical IEMs on the market, it’s worth looking elsewhere.

You're looking for a lightweight option
What's likely to be the most divisive aspect of the Activo Volcano is their chunky build. Both the IEMs themselves and the braided cable are pretty weighty, meaning they're not the most discreet looking or feeling. So, if you want a featherweight, understated way to listen to your tunes, it may be best to avoid these in-ears.

Activo Volcano review: Also consider

Activo Volcano

Sennheiser IE 200

Master & Dynamic ME05

Price

$80 / £99 (about AU$120)

$149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95

$199 / £169 (about AU$320)

Drivers

1x 8mm, 2x 6mm dynamic triple-driver

7mm dynamic

8mm high-excursion

Weight

5g (per bud)

4g (per bud)

23g

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

6Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproof rating

Not stated

Not stated

Not stated

Connectivity

3.5mm; 4.4mm; USB-C

3.5mm

3.5mm; USB-C

Sennheiser IE 200
If I’m ever asked to recommend some IEMs, I almost always find myself suggesting the Sennheiser IE 200. Why? Because in this price range, they’re simply the best sounding IEMs that I’ve heard so far. You get open, articulate audio with sublime instrument separation, a straight up sexy design and dual-tuneable sound. There’s no USB-C adapter and you’ll have to buy a cable with playback controls separately, but if you’re all about sound, these are an amazing pair of in-ears. They’re also regularly on sale for a solid amount less than their list price. Read our full Sennheiser IE 200 review.

Master & Dynamic ME05
If you’re in the market for great-sounding wired in-ears, but don’t need IEMs specifically, the Master & Dynamic ME05 are a fantastic choice. These remastered classics supply balanced, detailed audio, a premium build, and dual 3.5mm/USB-C connectivity. Pretty neat. Oh, and you’ll get a mic and playback controller too. Read our full Master & Dynamic ME05 review.

How I tested the Activo Volcano

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Used in the office and while on a flight
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I used the Activo Volcano over the course of multiple weeks. I predominantly tested them while working at home, but also used them at the office and while on a flight. When listening to tunes, I mainly turned to Tidal, but I also spent some time blasting songs on Spotify.

When testing, I ran through the entirety of the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres. I also compared the Volcano against the Sennheiser IE 200 and re-released version of the Master & Dynamic ME05.

• First reviewed: June 2025
• Read more about how we test

• Apple will reveal further details about CarPlay updates next week
• Rumors suggest iOS 26 will bring with it design changes
• Increased accessibility features have so far been unearthed

Apple is due to announce some updates to its CarPlay infotainment software at its WWDC 2025 event next week, with the next major iOS release scheduled to feature a number of in-car changes.

Apple has been relatively slow at releasing CarPlay updates over recent years, with only the addition of an extra row of icons appearing for those lucky enough to sport enormous, portrait infotainment displays in their vehicles.

It appears that CarPlay Ultra, which expands the CarPlay experience to the driver display and was recently announced by Aston Martin, has been the focus of the Californian tech giant’s attentions.

But next week (specifically, Monday June 9) could bring some welcome news to those of us who have to make do with good old-fashioned CarPlay, as Apple is rumored to be refreshing the look of its operating system across all devices with iOS 26, including those that are tethered to a vehicle’s head unit.

Details remain scarce, but MacRumors reports that the new UI will feature a more "glass-like, Vision-OS-inspired design", alongside some new accessibility features, such as the ability to activate a Large Text option and the expansion of Sound Recognition for CarPlay.

This feature was launched with iOS 18 last year and can alert passengers or drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing to horns or sirens outside of the car, as well as detect babies crying within the vehicle, highlighting this with a notification on the screen.

Analysis: New designs are nice, but Ultra nails UX

(Image credit: Apple)

While the introduction of an overall design change and some new accessibility features are likely just the tip of the Apple CarPlay update iceberg, it is difficult to see how any further tweaks can better what the company has achieved with CarPlay Ultra.

Finally, the system allows the sort of control over key car functionality (without having to leave the CarPlay ecosystem) that many drivers have been demanding for years.

Porsche introduced a sort of CarPlay Ultra-lite with the launch of its new Macan, but Aston Martin is the first to relinquish full control of its digital displays, including those in front of the driver.

Purists will argue that Aston has perhaps lost a certain charm with the disappearance of beautiful, hand-finished analogue binnacles, but it is difficult to get away from the user-friendliness of CarPlay Ultra's UI.

The ability to display the mapping application of your choosing in glorious resolution before the driver’s eyes is a delight and the option to tweak vehicle safety settings without leaving CarPlay just makes sense.

Without the automotive manufacturer’s permissions, it will be very difficult for Apple to implement these sort of features in any upcoming generic CarPlay update. But we do know that the likes of Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Porsche and Ford are all in line to receive CarPlay Ultra in the near future.

Let’s just hope Apple reveals some juicy CarPlay user-experience features to make up for the fact we can't all afford new, expensive cars. Stay tuned for our full WWDC 2025 coverage next week.

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The global LGBTQ+ festival was held for the first time in the nation's capital. Organizers say the current political environment has dampened the excitement surrounding the celebration.

(Image credit: Aaron Schwartz)

Apple's WWDC 2025 show kicks off at Apple Park at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST on June 9, 2025 – which means we're now very close to seeing the next generation of software for iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more.

So what should we expect from one of Apple's biggest events of the year? While product launches at WWDC are unusual and unexpected, but not unheard of, this is the keynote that sets the tone for Apple's entire year. In particular, by showing us what the next version of iOS will look like, it sets the stage for the release of the iPhone 17 lineup, which most expect to happen in September.

WWDC 2025 will also mark the first anniversary of the introduction of Apple Intelligence. Considering that Apple only managed to deliver a portion of what was promised in June 2024, it's unclear how Apple will approach this AI conundrum.

There are numerous reports of turmoil behind the scenes as Apple reshuffles its Apple Intelligence team and tries to revive efforts to deliver a transformed Siri that can compete with Gemini and ChatGPT.

Some believe Apple won't mention Siri, but will focus on Apple Intelligence as it is, and mention some feature enhancements. It's unlikely it will promise any eye-opening generative features, especially after over-promising a year ago.

Let's take a look at what we, and other Apple experts, do expect Tim Cook and company to reveal on June 9...

1. iOS 26 lands with a fresh redesign

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

We're highly unlikely to see Apple commit to an all-new Siri at WWDC 2025, but we might get a hint at what's coming. After all, how can Apple deliver iOS 26 (yes, Apple is rumored to be switching to year-based software names) without a fresh, Apple Intelligence-filled Siri experience?

A more concrete idea of what to expect has emerged from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, with his June 6 predictions being particularly comprehensive. According to the well-connected Apple reporter, the biggest change will be a new software design that's based on visionOS.

That will mean lots of "digital glass" plus "light and transparency" through iOS 26 and Apple's other operating systems. Why Apple would use its faltering mixed reality headset platform as a base look is a conundrum to be solved on June 9.

Compared to that redesign, the other new iOS 26 features may seem a little underwhelming. There will seemingly be a new, dedicated Games app for accessing Apple Arcade, plus other upgrades like AI-powered battery management. Still, three of Apple's own apps – the Phone, Safari and Camera app – are apparently due for "significant revamps", with the latter benefitting from a helpful declutter.

According to TechRadar's phones expert James Rogerson, we're unlikely to see much in the way of AI-powered photo editing tools or Siri improvements. But one long-shot feature that we could see is a AI upgrade for Apple's Health app.

• Read more: iOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025

2. iPadOS 26 gets Mac-like features

(Image credit: Future)

It'll be fascinating to hear how Apple execs explain what we assume will be a deeper merge between the functionality of iPadOS and macOS in iPadOS 26 (which could also be iPadOS 19, if Apple sticks with its current naming convention).

TechRadar's iPad veteran Jamie Richards says better multitasking is high on his list of expected iPadOS improvements at WWDC 2025, based on the combination of a clear need and rumors from noted tipsters like Majin Bu, who has predicted a Stage Manager overhaul.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has backed this up, with claims that "Apple is completely revamping multitasking features on the iPad to be more Mac-like". Finally! The bad news? This may mean needing to hook up your iPad to expensive accessories like Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Apple might do all this because there has long been a demand to make the iPad match Macs in desktop capabilities. Yes, we know it's a tablet, but many are now using iPads with a physical keyboard and treating them like lightweight laptops. However, the inability to support more than, say, four windows open at once and interface customization that matches a Mac is a frustration.

The messaging here, though, will be critical. Apple has to inspire new iPad converts while satisfying and not scaring away iPad stalwarts who've been using the tablet since its inception in 2010.

• I've used iPads for 10 years – here are the iPadOS 19 features I want to see from WWDC 2025

3. A gaming push for macOS 26

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Most expect Apple Software Lead Craig Federighi to unveil a major macOS 26 redesign – one that, as with iOS 26, is expected to borrow from the Vision Pro interface.

While the gaze and gesture-based interface of the headset is well-regarded, it's hard to understand exactly how this will work on the Mac. Certainly, Federighi will have some exciting demos to share.

There is a thought that this could be the moment Apple finally unveils a touch-friendly macOS. After all, we do expect Apple to push iPadOS and macOS closer together (see above). Put this one firmly in the 'outside bets' category, though.

A more likely scenario, according to a Bloomberg report, is a new Games app. This will theoretically connect Apple's gaming properties, like Apple Arcade, and games downloaded from the App Store. But on Macs, it could also gather games downloaded from other third-party sources.

Other areas of focus for the macOS 26 portion of the keynote – which will apparently brand the OS 'Tahoe' – are said to be better Wi-Fi management, new battery controls, Google Gemini integration, and, of course, the reveal of that all-important name

• Read more: macOS 16 Tahoe is imminent – here’s what to expect from Apple’s next desktop OS

4. Apple Watch Ultra-friendly fitness features

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

There's an outside chance that WWDC 2025 could be an exciting moment for Apple Watch fans, with watchOS 12 (or more likely, watchOS 26) potentially delivering blood pressure measurement support and a new AI health coach (there's no word on if it'll be an "Apple Intelligence Health Coach" or just "AI Health Coach").

Health and Fitness Editor Matt Evans added some color, "Blood pressure via LED remains the holy grail of watches, but the Whoop MG gets around this by using a cuff to measure BP as a baseline, then estimates fluctuations based on other vital signs like heart health."

Evans also noted that Apple Intelligence for control of basic functions may be coming to the Apple Watch. Again, this is unlikely to be a major update of Apple Intelligence functionality but rather a port of what you can do in iOS, but with a wearable flavor.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman now seems less convinced that we'll see anything on this scale at WWDC 2025 – commenting on the revamp of Apple's Health app and the AI doctor-based service, he says that "neither will be shown at WWDC" due to delays. Still, we remain optimistic that we might get a teaser showing what's coming, even if a full launch is still a way off.

A more realistic focus, according to TechRadar fitness contributor Lloyd Coombes, is on outdoor exercise tracking features that tap into the ruggedness and rucking-friendly features of the Ultra series – particularly as an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to land later this year.

• watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year's WWDC 2025

5. A smarter tvOS

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

I asked Matt Bolton, our Managing Editor, Entertainment, about what might be announced for the next version of tvOS, the platform running inside your Apple TV streaming box. He told me we should finally expect to see some intelligence in tvOS.

"In tvOS, you'll probably be able to ask for movies and shows more organically, even if you don’t know the name – or ask for recommendations based on what you like. This is really common in other AI-touting smart streaming devices."

Bolton is also looking forward to the tvOS redesign, with some reservations. "The aesthetic idea I'm imagining is a home screen that has a 3D layering element, similar to that of visionOS. The app icons float at the front, with an image behind them – and hopefully something more interesting than a plain background", he said. The potential issue with background video is it being abused by trailers or ads for shows, but it seems unlikely that Apple would take this route.

According to MacRumors, we can indeed expect the visionOS-style redesign that's expected to grace iOS 26, macOS 26 and more, to come to tvOS as well. Fortunately for those with older boxes, the new tvOS 26 could also support boxes as far back as the Apple TV HD from 2015, alongside the subsequent three generations of Apple TV 4K.

• Read more: The rumored Apple TV 4K software redesign could be amazing, as long as it avoids the biggest pitfall of streaming devices

6. Live Translate for AirPods

(Image credit: Future)

On AirPods, TechRadar's Matt Bolton expects "AI-based live translation and generally a smarter Siri conversationalist," depending on how far Apple Intelligence goes in Siri.

That hunch has since been backed up by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who says Apple is "preparing translations of live conversations for AirPods wearers", with its Translate app also getting "integrated across its operating systems as an Apple Intelligence feature".

What Bolton is hoping is also hoping to see on the AirPods front is "Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support built into iOS, with matching AirPods support. This would allow higher-quality wireless music quality and better accessibility."

With some other recent rumors predicting that the AirPods could also get more gesture control and sleep detection at WWDC 2025, it could be a fruitful show for owners of Apple's wireless earbuds.

• AirPods said to get some nice free upgrades at WWDC 2025, including more gesture control and sleep detection

7. One more thing – iPhone 17 Air teaser?

Could the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (above) get a new rival in the form of the rumored iPhone 17 Air? (Image credit: Future)

When it comes to an Apple keynote, never rule out a surprise. In the past, we've gotten glimpses of a new Mac Pro, new MacBooks, and the Vision Pro.

This year, new Macs are a very outside possibility, as is mixed reality and AR headgear, like a Vision Pro Lite and Apple Glasses, respectively.

There's also the tiniest chance that Tim Cook could tease Apple's first folding iPhone or, more likely, even the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Let's face it, Apple needs some razzle-dazzle this year to distract from what's been a somewhat bumpy 12-month ride. And the iPhone 17 Air rumors have been ramping up lately, with recent whispers predicting that it'll be even slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at just 5.5mm thick.

Stick with TechRadar.com for all the latest news from Apple's big developer event.

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The anti-abortion movement is rallying around new laws that establish fetal 'personhood.' Doctors are scrambling to adjust, but even conservatives don't always agree on how they should be applied.

(Image credit: Brynn Anderson)

Foot care professionals share movements that can reduce the risk of injury, prevent and alleviate pain, and improve overall foot health. Give them a try the next time your dogs are barking.

Action stations, folks, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and we've got our hands on the new console!

We've also tested the latest Surface Pro tablet, found out how Spotify Wrapped 2024 got it so wrong, and tuned in to Summer Game Fest 2025 for some major announcements.

Once you've scrolled down to catch up on the week's 7 biggest tech news stories, be sure to also read our picks of the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend (June 6)

7. Nintendo Switch 2 launched

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Our Nintendo Switch 2 review in progress is live now! We’re giving you our console impressions as they happen, testing everything from hardware features to the hottest games, including Mario Kart World. There’s plenty to dive into this first week of launch, and we’re already finding that the Switch 2 is leaps and bounds more powerful than its predecessor.

The Switch 2 is capable of outputting 4K resolution at up to 120fps. It also has support for Nvidia DLSS for smoother performance, as well as HDR on compatible displays for a more vivid image. Several original Nintendo Switch games have also received upgrades, allowing them to shine even brighter on Switch 2 with performance boosts and higher resolutions.

We will be covering the Nintendo Switch 2 and updating our live blog regularly, so be sure to tune in to learn more about the console as we work our way up to a full written review in the next few weeks.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 review-in-progress live

6. Samsung teased a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra

(Image credit: Digital Trends)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 might already be the most expensive widely available Samsung phone, but it’s teasing an all-new "Ultra-experience" with a foldable design that could steal that crown.

While it doesn’t tell us much, Samsung does suggest we’ll see the new phone soon, meaning it could be a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra that launches alongside the standard Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

It also describes the device as having “bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create,” which we certainly won’t complain about. Though we’ll have to wait and see how pricey it gets.

• Read more: Samsung's first Ultra foldable could be launching soon

5. Spotify admitted it got Wrapped wrong

(Image credit: Future)

At Spotify’s Open House event in Stockholm last week, the music streaming platform finally addressed the criticism it received for Spotify Wrapped 2024, which saw the most negative feedback than any year before.

CPO Gustav Söderström addressed this, sharing that feedback from Spotify users was largely in response to Wrapped’s false listening data, which saw a flurry of users claiming that Wrapped showed them artists they hadn’t streamed at all in 2024. From the negative feedback that stormed social media last December, Spotify is hoping to learn its lesson – and it’s already thinking about Wrapped 2025.

“I think people just wanted something newer, something that wasn’t there the year before”, Söderström revealed as he alluded to the successes of previous music recaps by adding, “There was also some feedback that some of the things people loved from years before were not there”. For me, I hope this means the return of Sound Town from Wrapped 2023.

• Read more: Here’s what could change with Wrapped 2025

4. Photoshop came to Android

(Image credit: Adobe)

Following the release of Photoshop for iPhone earlier this year, the biggest photo-editing app has finally made it to Android in pro-grade form, complete with Photoshop's core features and AI generative capabilities.

The free beta version of Photoshop for Android offers much of the same functionality as the iPhone app, with an intuitive interface designed specifically for phones, core Photoshop tools such as layering, masking, and blending, plus, of course, generative Firefly and Adobe Stock assets.

We're yet to use the app, but we watched a demonstration of its capabilities presented by Adobe, and it looks super impressive, seemingly being one of, if not the most, fully equipped and powerful photo editors for Android phones. We'll be giving it a spin in the coming weeks to see how it compares with the desktop/web version – stay tuned!

• Read more: Photoshop finally gets a pro-grade Android app

3. We tested Microsoft’s new Surface Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 12 (2025) has arrived with solid performance, excellent battery, and at a good price (starting at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,499).

But excitement for Surface devices seems to have dried up while the Surface Pro 12 (2025) is seemingly out to prove that Microsoft hasn’t abandoned its consumers, nor has it forgotten about its Surface lineup – though we worry it may be a case of too little, too late.

While it can be more flexible than iPads and Android tablets, it’s not the best value proposition after you invest in the add-on (but almost necessary) Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard. Plus, the much-trumpeted AI features still feel either underbaked or inessential.

• Read more: Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) review

2. iOS 26 rumors predicted bad news for some iPhones

(Image credit: Future)

A new iOS launch is always a nervy time for those with older iPhones – and this week, some pre-WWDC 2025 rumors predicted the models that will be cut adrift from software updates when Apple’s software show kicks off on June 9.

If you own an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, it might be time to start planning an upgrade. Those are the models that, according to the rumors, won’t be able to run iOS 26 when the update officially rolls out later this year.

And yes, we do mean iOS 26. This year, Apple is also rumored to be switching its software names to years, rather than version numbers. So that obviously means iOS 26, in the year 2025. It’s never straightforward, is it?

• Read more: Will your iPhone get iOS 26? This is the rumored support list for the rebranded iOS 19

1. The first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones landed

(Image credit: Edifier)

We’ve been waiting for the first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones to arrive, and Edifier has beaten its rivals to the punch with the Doo Ace on-ears.

However, the availability of the latest Bluetooth tech doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to buy them as their specs come with several downsides – and they’re only available in China, so a lot of you reading this won’t be able to buy them even if you wanted.

They are, at least, very inexpensive at CNY229 (about $32 / £24). So they might not be a flagship showcase of what Bluetooth 6.0 can do compared to the best wireless headphones, but they might still impress some with a low price, this new tech, and a very lightweight design.

• Read more: Edifier's Doo Ace are the first Bluetooth 6.0 headphones we've seen

The Bluetti AC240P is a hefty power station, to say the least. However, when I knew I would be able to get my hands on it, my mind immediately went to "How could I put this to the best use?" I saw the solar panels, I saw the IP65 rating, and I saw my growing collection of tech, and I thought that I could surely find a way to power my outside electronics, right? Yes and no, but let me explain.

The Bluetti AC240P is a powerful portable power station, no pun intended. It's rugged, hefty, and has an excellent output for its size. It also boasts a very impressive IP65 rating. For anyone who is outside and needs one of the best portable power stations for outdoor activities and adventures, this is a great solution; just don't get it soaked. That's the one caveat, as this power station is not waterproof but water-resistant with that IP65 rating. That's also why this power station is nearly the perfect solution for my backyard dilemma.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Bluetti AC240P: Pricing & Availability

The base price of the AC240P is $1,999.00 - but at the time of review, it's discounted to $1799 on the official Bluetti website by clicking here. In the UK, it's currently retailing for £1899 from Bluetti.

I have seen it for less than that from some other retailers, so be sure to do a quick search before purchasing.

Bluetti packages this power station in several different ways; it can come with a 200W solar panel or a 350W solar panel setup. Additionally, if desired, you can expand your capacity with several expansion batteries.

Bluetti AC240P: Unboxing & first impressions

I was shocked when I first went to pick up this box from my front porch. The box was absurdly heavy, and until I had the carrying handles built into the Bluetti AC240P, it was challenging to manage when moving around. Once I got the handles, though, all was fine.

In the box, you will find the AC240P unit, an AC charging cable (which is not IEC-compliant, like most power stations), a DC (car) charging cable, and a user manual. Since I got a solar package (350W), I also got some solar wires and then the solar panel and accessories in a separate box.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The handles make this beast manageable to move around, and though the power outlets and ports are all sealed to help with the IP rating, they are easy to open and work with. The ports are easily accessible on the front, the charging ports are located on the sides, and the screen in front is straightforward to navigate. If you prefer, there is also a great companion app that makes it easy to adjust settings.

Bluetti AC240P: Design & build qualitySpecs

Battery Capacity: 1,843Wh
AC Output: 2,400W (3,600W Power Lifting Mode)
Solar Input: 1,200W max
Charging Time: 0–80% in 45 minutes via AC
Weight: Approximately 72 lbs
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.6 x 16.1 inches

The Bluetti AC240P has one of the more rugged and outdoor feels I have seen in a power station. This one is designed for spending time outside, as opposed to some of the others I have, which are primarily intended for interior use. The rugged coating, blaze orange accents, and port covers give it away. Besides that, the design is compact and easy to navigate.

The IP65 rating is ideal for most people, making this a versatile solution suitable for use on a boat, in a truck, in a camper, on a work site, on a job site, in a barn, or even in a backyard.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Bluetti AC240P: In use

The original dream was to have this power station as a permanent fixture in my backyard, with a solar panel running to the roof of the playset. This way, I could run my Eufy E18 robot mower completely off the power station without needing to charge it from the house at all. In the fall, I could run my leaf mulcher off of this and power some lights and the kids' playhouse.

That was the dream. Then I realized that this couldn't be a permanent fixture because I live in Illinois, and it rains one second, then it's snowing the next, and then it's sunny and blazing hot the next. So I'd need at least some rain coverage, and then I also realized that the playset I built is not tight enough in the roof, meaning that water could and would get through during a rain.

To ensure safety, I took the power station to my garage. I started dreaming of an eventual shed I could throw this power station in and run my whole shed off of this, charging my tools, EGO Trimmer, my kids ride on Jeep and more off of the unit, and then also running mulchers, leaf blowers, and all my other electric yard tools off of it as well.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

In my testing, this power station charged my Eufy E18 mower without even flinching in effort. It was also able to charge my larger EGO Mower, with a 48V battery, as well as my electric trimmer's and leaf blower's batteries, and even my kid's ride-on Jeep. While it was sunny, the solar panels would recharge the unit, but there was never a time when it struggled to power all of those things.

While I don't own an RV or a Yacht, if you are part of the crew that does, this power station features a NEMA TT-30A port and an RV port, making it easy to use with either of those larger vehicles. And, if you do take it out on the water, the IP65 rating will help make sure that it keeps working even with a few splashes of water; don't go swimming with it (for many reasons).

If you choose to use this power station inside of an RV, camper, Van, or home, you won't be blasted with any fans or loud noises, which is a nice plus as well. Additionally, if you are slightly tech-savvy or prefer using apps, the Bluetti companion app allows you to adjust nearly every setting on the Bluetti AC240P.

Bluetti AC240P: Final verdict

All in all, the Bluetti AC340P is a robust, easy-to-use, and durable power station designed for outdoor use, and it's powerful enough to keep your devices charged. If you're in the market for a rugged power station that you won't have to worry about "if" this power station can keep up with your needs, check out the AC240P.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple and easy to carry

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most mid to small size needs

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Slightly high price

⭐⭐⭐⭐