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Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for July 14, No. 1,129.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for July 14, No. 1,851.

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for July 14 No. 863.

Fridges are one of the most important home appliances to keep powered during an outage. Our lab testing revealed the power stations that can keep yours running the longest.

Instead of an outright ban, EU President Ursula von der Leyen is suggesting social media start dates that will allow kids gradual access to platforms.

• Engineers at the German Aerospace Center are developing a morphing wing currently intended to reduce drag and replace functions of other parts of the plane’s design
• A drone equipped with a morphing wing has been used in testing
• The Morphing Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Research (morphAIR) project has a one million Euro budget

A wing that changes shape is in development at the German Aerospace Center, as part of a one million Euro project that could redefine the traditional view of an aircraft.

Rather than a tube with fixed wings and tailplane, future aircraft based on this technology could change shape to cope with changes in flight conditions, reduce drag, and even morph a portion of the wings to handle pitch control and other tailplane functions.

Engineers have tested the technology – part of the Morphing Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Research (morphAIR) project – with a 70 kilo drone, equipped with a 3-meter wide morphing wing.

How does the AI morphing wing work?

The morphing wing relies on a smooth surface with motorized components inside that can alter its shape. Success so far has led to the introduction of a follow-up program, UAdapt (Unmanned Aircraft Wing Adaption) to focus on reducing fuel consumption, by making the plane’s surface less prone to drag, and potentially removing the tail completely.

On the team is Martin Radestock, senior adaptive systems engineer, who told Aerospace America that current wings are essentially inefficient: “Aircraft are flying with turbulent flow over their wings, because they have steps and gaps [e.g. ailerons and flaps] between their control surfaces.”

Smooth wings have no gaps, no screws and rivets, and are assembled in a completely different way to standard aircraft. The wing is described as a “morphable trailing edge” and appears to be a series of motorized, actuator-controlled arms that move left, right, up, and down.

Morphing aircraft is nothing new

While morphAIR’s approach takes full advantage of modern technology, the concept of employing multiple profiles for aircraft to suit different flight conditions and deployment purposes is an old concept given a new life.

The most famous implementation of this is the “swing wing” technology, first tested in 1951 (the Bell X-5 experimental craft) and later a key element of 1967’s F-111 Aardvark. 13 production craft used the tech in total, although the most famous is probably the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which co-starred with Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun. These craft were able to sweep the wings backward, sharpening their angle (to 68 degrees from perpendicular to the fuselage) for stable high-speed flight, while the "straight" wings (22 degrees) generated lift for short takeoffs, such as on an aircraft carrier, where the runway is short.

Interestingly, a Grumman Gulfstream II was fitted with morphing flaps as part of testing by FlexSys in partnership with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, so morphAIR is not the only group researching the next stage of flight.

Developments in aerodynamic flight technology and flight control made the swing wing generation obsolete, but morphAIR’s intriguing re-visitation of the concept of a craft that changes shape in midair could take it in a whole new direction.

The Penn State team behind these temporary tats hopes they can help spot heart attacks or power robotic prosthetics.

• Americans want the massive wealth of AI firms added to a sovereign wealth fund
• 69% would see AI firms forced to transfer 50% of stock into a sovereign fund
• The fund would help redistribute wealth and back new infrastructure and developments for working class Americans

A national survey has found over two-thirds (69%) of US citizens want to see AI firms transfer half of their stock into a sovereign wealth fund.

The survey, conducted by Verasight among 1,690 adults, also found that there was overwhelming support (89%) for AI companies to publicly disclose the results of all internal safety testing.

The sovereign wealth fund, proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, would provide wealth for current and future generations, as well as acting as a source of capital for investment in new projects and developments designed to improve the lives of working class Americans.

Americans want AI wealth redistribution

At the announcement of Sanders’ proposed American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, the senator said, “It would guarantee that the economic benefits generated by AI are used to improve the lives of all of us — not simply to make the richest people in the world even richer.”

“The future of AI and the fate of humanity must not be decided behind closed doors in Silicon Valley by billionaires seeking to maximize their power and profit,” Sanders said.

Interestingly, the survey only saw a small dip in support to 64% when the sovereign wealth fund was tied directly to Sanders, showing the bi-partisan desire for the enormous growth in AI wealth to be redistributed among Americans.

According to a Goldman Sachs report, companies operating in the AI industry have added more than $27 trillion in market value since late 2022, with corporate profits and tech investment soaring. But at the other end of the scale, working class Americans are seeing jobs replaced and entry level positions disappearing due to AI technologies.

A further report from Goldman Sachs predicts that during the 10 year AI transitional period, up to 15 million US workers could lose their jobs - around 9% of the current US workforce.

In 2026 alone, the tech sector has seen more than 166,000 layoffs, with many attributed to the adoption of new AI technologies. The trueup layoff tracker expects this number to rise to 312,000 by the end of the year.

Electricity prices are also surging in the US due to the demand of AI data centers, raising the cost of day-to-day life of millions of Americans. As a result, US representatives have put forward a bi-partisan Ratepayer Protection Act that would force AI companies and hyperscalers to pay for the energy they use, with additional charges to help fund the expansion of electricity infrastructure that has been placed under additional load by data centers.

Via CNBC

Using a VPN on your Android device can help you keep your online activity private, stream geo-restricted content and bypass throttling from anywhere.

The Ninja Slushi is one of my all-time favorite kitchen appliances, but it's simply too large for my kitchen. Thankfully there are personal blenders that are smaller, cost a lot less, and make perfect slushies for one in just a few seconds — and here I've picked three of the best that can tackle ice and other frozen ingredients with ease.

Some single-serve blenders struggle to tackle any ingredients tougher than an apple, but each of the models here will crush ice effortlessly despite their compact size. Once you're done, you can take your drink on the road, to work — or just to the back yard for sipping in the sunshine.

Slushies made this way won't be identical to those created with a Slushi machine, but they can come close. The Slushi works by taking liquid ingredients and freezing them while stirring to create small ice crystals, whereas blenders create slush by chopping up large pieces of ice. If you want an undiluted slushie without added water, try freezing ingredients like juice or soda in an ice-cube tray. Provided you add the recommended amount of liquid to your blender's cup (usually around 6oz / 170ml) you should get a very similar (and equally tasty) result.

Ninja BlendBOSSFutureAmanda WestbergAmanda WestbergAmanda WestbergAmanda WestbergAmanda Westberg

At 1,200 watts, the Ninja BlendBOSS has the most powerful motor of all the blenders in this list, and transforms ice and frozen fruit into slush with ease. It consists of a sturdy, unusually-shaped base (which reminds me of a UFO) and a Stanley-style cup, with a sip lid and straw that you can carry, or tuck into your car's cupholder.

It has three preset options (smoothie, ice crush, and blend) plus a pulse option so you can take control yourself. The preset programs will blend and pause in different patterns to ensure all the ingredients come into contact with the blades — and they're very effective. Our reviewer Karen Freeman reported that her smoothie with frozen berries "came out perfectly smooth [with] no chunks of blueberry skin or spinach" and the blender "turned ice into snow incredibly quickly and thoroughly" for iced lemonade. Your recipe needs to include at least 6oz / 175ml liquid along with the ice for proper blending.

Some single-serving blenders tend to jump across your kitchen counter when dialled up to full, but the BlendBOSS has a cleverly designed base with a circle of grippy silicone, plus suction cups to ensure it doesn't dance onto the floor when preparing iced drinks.

The only downside we found is that the lid of the chug cap sometimes fell down and bopped us on the nose mid-slurp, but that was only a very minor annoyance. This is otherwise a brilliant tool for making slushies and smoothies, and very reasonably priced too.

Read our full Ninja BlendBOSS review

Nutribullet FlipFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

Unlike the two other blenders here, which comprise a plug-in base that you keep in the kitchen and a detachable cup to take with you, the Nutribullet Flip is fully portable and rechargeable so you can whip up drinks on the move (particularly handy if you're at the gym and want a fresh protein shake, for example). Just add your ingredients to the cup, screw on the lid, flip it upside down and press the button. Thirty seconds later, you can turn it upright again and start sipping. What could be easier?

I was a bit apprehensive about drinking from the part of the blender that contains the motor, but you're in no danger at all of cutting yourself; the blade assembly is well away from the drinking spout and the motor can't activate unless the cover on the drinking spout is fully closed.

The Flip handles ice with ease, and I used it to prepare some very nice iced coffee drinks during testing. Particularly large frozen strawberries sometimes required a second blending cycle to be fully pulverized (the Flip only has one program) but nothing I tested could withstand a minute in contact with its blades. When you're done, the insulated cup keeps your slush and shakes cold for hours. You'll need to add at least 8oz / 235ml liquid along with your ice.

Something I particularly like about the Flip is that its blades are at the widest point of the cup, which means everything falls down onto them rather than getting stuck on the sides. It's especially easy to clean as well; add water and a drop of dish soap, run a cycle, then rinse.

Read our full Nutribullet Flip review

Ninja Blast MaxFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

I awarded the Ninja Blast Max a full five stars thanks to its ability to turn even the toughest ingredients into a silky smoothie or tasty slush. Ice and frozen fruit were transformed into a frosty treat in no time at all, and tough fibrous vegetables like kale were no match for its powerful motor and super-sharp blades.

The Blast Max has a 'crush' setting specifically designed for ice, which turns rock-solid strawberries and raspberries into slushies in less than a minute. Alternatively, add plenty of ice, a shot of espresso, and a good splash of milk for a delicious iced coffee. Provided your drink includes at least 6oz / 175ml liquid, the Blast Max will handle it with ease. "The resulting blended iced coffee looked as good as anything you might get from a coffee shop, with a nice layer of foam on top and no chunks of unblended ice crystals," I said.

The Blast Max has a travel cup that detaches from the charging base for sipping on the move, with measuring lines clearly marked on the side. Ninja suggests that you might need to give it a little shake during blending to loosen any ingredients stuck to the sides that might miss the blades, but during my tests I never found that necessary.

The Blast Max is the most affordable of these three blenders right now, and no less impressive than the other two. For me, the only drawback was that, unlike the Nutribullet Flip, the Blast Max doesn't have an insulated cup to keep slushies frosty when you're on the go.

Read our full Ninja Blast Max review

California, New York and 10 other states filed a lawsuit over the proposed merger.

We absolutely loved the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo when we tested out this 3D printer. It's fast, user-friendly, and suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and even micro-business users.

I'm always on the look-out for unmissable 3D printer deals, so I was very happy to see the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is currently on sale for $430 (was $650) at Amazon.

Built around a high-speed CoreXY motion system, the Kobra S1 Combo reaches print speeds of up to 600mm/s without loss of accuracy, which is important when producing prototypes, home projects, or detailed models. In the UK, the Kobra S1 is now £400 (was £599)

Today's top 3D printer deal

This fully enclosed 3D printer offers fast 600mm/s CoreXY printing, built-in four-color support, active filament drying, automatic bed leveling, smart app control, and reliable performance for detailed, multi-color creations.

In the UK: now £400 (was £599)View Deal

In his rave review, our 3D printer expert Alastair said the Kobra S1 delivered "next-generation multi-filament printing at an outstanding price" and called it "a printer that you can't fail to be impressed with."

He added that the model "blends build quality, price, and absolute precision" and "when it comes to single-material printing, not only can you print with a wide variety of materials, but it's fast and the precision is hard to beat."

One of the features we liked most is the built-in active filament drying system. This helps prevent moisture-related problems such as bubbles and clogged nozzles. Keeping filament dry improves print quality and reliability, especially during long, multi-day jobs.

Beginners will appreciate one-click auto-leveling, vibration compensation, and flow rate calibration which work together to produce consistent results with minimal setup.

The fully enclosed design maintains stable temperatures for more demanding materials such as ABS.

The Kobra S1 Combo brings color printing within easy reach and supports four-color printing out of the box. Connecting two Ace Pro units expands that to eight colors while reducing filament waste via an optimized printing algorithm.

The Anycubic app and LAN connectivity allows you to monitor and control jobs remotely. Maintenance is simple thanks to a quick-swap nozzle system that lets you replace nozzles in seconds instead of dismantling the print head.

Having tested a wide range of machines, the Kobra S1 remains one of our favorite 3D printers thanks to its combination of speed, ease of use, and excellent print quality. As Alistair noted, "there's a lot to be impressed with here."

If you’ve been thinking about getting into 3D printing or upgrading your current setup, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up a highly capable multi-color 3D printer at a fraction of the usual price.

For other options, check out the best 3D printers we've tested.

Also consider

Anycubic's fast CoreXY 3D printer offers native four-color printing, expandable to 19 colors, 600mm/s print speeds, AI monitoring, automatic bed leveling, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a spacious 260 × 260 × 260mm build volume.

In the UK: now £280 (was £329)View Deal

This high-speed 3D printer offers native seven-color printing, expandable to 19 colors, automatic bed leveling, AI monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, a spacious 260 × 260 × 260mm build volume, and print speeds up to 600mm/s.

In the UK: now £500 (was £629)View Deal

I'm forever looking out for great mini PC deals and was pleased to see that Amazon has cut the price of the GMKtec M6 Ultra mini PC to $600 (was $700) ahead of the back-to-school season.

Ideal for students, professionals, creators, multitaskers, and even gamers, the M6 Ultra is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor with six cores and 12 threads, reaching speeds of up to 5.0GHz and featuring integrated Radeon 760M graphics.

In his glowing review, our mini PC expert Alistair said the M6 Ultra offered "exceptional performance for an extremely balanced price." He went on to sum up the device, saying: "If you're looking for an exceptionally well-priced mini PC that offers plenty of upgradeability and is able to handle pretty much anything you throw at it, then the GMKtec M6 Ultra is a perfect option."

Today's top mini PC deal

This compact mini PC features an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, triple 4K display support, USB4, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.View Deal

The M6 Ultra comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a fast 1TB PCIe SSD. There's also room to grow, with support for up to 128GB of memory and dual M.2 SSD slots offering up to 8TB of storage.

Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB4, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and multiple USB ports make it easy to build a flexible workstation or connect loads of peripherals.

It can drive up to three displays, and USB4 output means it is capable of up to 8K at 60Hz — making it a great fit for home offices, students, creative workflows, and anyone who likes spreading work across multiple screens.

Despite its tiny size, the M6 Ultra includes dual-fan cooling to help maintain consistent performance during longer, more intensive workloads.

With a welcome $100 discount, this is easily one of the top mini PC deals available right now. If you're after a compact desktop with modern connectivity and plenty of upgrade potential, this Amazon deal is not to be missed.

For more options, take a look at our roundups of the best mini PCs you can buy right now.

• See all mini PCs at Amazon.

Amazon has slashed the price of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo to $549 (was $629), saving you $80 on one of the most capable pocket-sized 4K cameras for content creators and travel vloggers.

The Osmo Pocket 3's compact size means it's easy to slip into a pocket, hence the name, or small bag, yet it packs features normally found on much larger cameras. If you regularly create videos for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or travel content, this is a terrific opportunity to save big on a premium model.

In his glowing review, our expert Paul called the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 "an impressive camera that delivers amazing video quality and beautiful slow-motion scenes. The all-new 1-inch sensor boosts the image quality in low light, while the portrait filming mode enables on-board filming in this orientation, and the timelapse and motion lapse features further expand the functionality."

Today's top DJI creator camera deal

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo captures stunning 4K/120fps video with smooth 3-axis stabilization, intelligent face and object tracking, plus an included microphone for clear, professional-quality audio.View Deal

A 1-inch CMOS sensor captures detailed footage in up to 4K at 120fps, giving you plenty of flexibility for smooth slow-motion clips and crisp everyday recording.

It also performs well in challenging lighting, ensuring night scenes and sunsets don't lose any important detail or clarity.

Filming while walking or moving around is where the Osmo Pocket 3 really shines thanks to the 3-axis mechanical stabilization system that keeps footage impressively stable when exploring a city, hiking a trail, or following fast-moving subjects.

The rotating 2-inch touchscreen makes switching between horizontal and vertical recording quick and simple, and lets you create content for different platforms. ActiveTrack 6.0 keeps faces and moving subjects centered, making solo filming less of a challenge.

Fast autofocus helps lock onto subjects quickly, keeping footage sharp. Support for D-Log M and 10-bit color gives creators far greater flexibility during editing, with up to one billion colors available.

Stereo recording captures clear sound alongside your footage. The Creator Combo includes a microphone, making it even easier to record clean dialogue without the need to splash out on extra accessories.

While at $549, this isn't what I'd term a budget purchase, it is one of the best prices I've seen for the Creator Combo, and it's highly recommended.

Also consider: More DJI camera combo deals

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo records stunning 4K video at 120fps, featuring a 1/1.3-inch sensor, advanced stabilization, subject tracking, dual OLED touchscreens, 47GB built-in storage, and a waterproof design for adventures.View Deal

This camera can record immersive 8K 360° video with a 1-inch imaging sensor, plus 4K at 120fps and a wide 170° Boost mode. Three batteries provide extended shooting time for longer adventures and creative projects.View Deal

This model can record crisp 4K video at up to 240fps with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, smooth 3-axis stabilization, 2x lossless zoom, 107GB built-in storage, and a rotatable 2-inch touchscreen for flexible shooting.View Deal

• Browse all action cam deals at Amazon

• Ransomware negotiator Angelo Martino will serve 70 months in prison for secretly aiding BlackCat (ALPHV) attackers
• Martino forfeits crypto proceeds, houses, cars, and boats, and must pay 10% of future salary after release
• Martino was the third negotiator exposed; his co‑conspirators Ryan Clifford Goldberg and Kevin Tyler Martin previously received four‑year sentences for similar insider collusion

A ransomware negotiator who worked with the attackers behind his clients’ backs has been sentenced to almost six years in prison.

A sentencing memorandum published by the US government said 41-year-old Angelo Martino will spend the next 70 months in prison, and will also lose all of the cryptocurrency the attackers paid him for sharing insider information, as well as all of the houses, cars, and boats, he had bought with this money.

He will also have to pay 10% of any salary he earns after his release.

Asking for a shorter sentence

In November 2025, it was reported that three men who worked as ransomware negotiators to help victims minimize the damages of these attacks were actually agents for the dreaded BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware collective.

Over the next months, it was reported that the men - Ryan Clifford Goldberg of Georgia, Kevin Tyler Martin of Texas, and Angelo Martino of Land O'Lakes, Florida, not only did not help their victims, but actually infected some of them with ransomware, and later shared valuable insider information with other BlackCat affiliates, in order to maximize the payment.

Their victims included at least five companies: a medical device company from Florida (demanded $10 million in ransom, ended up paying around $1.2 million), a pharmaceutical company from Maryland, a doctor’s office and an engineering company in California, and a drone manufacturer based in Virginia.

While all three faced serious prison time (between 10 and 20 years), they received far less. Martin and Goldberg were each sentenced to four years in prison in April 2026, while Martino will spend five years and ten months behind bars. Martino pleaded guilty and asked for a 24-month sentence, stating he “provided substantial assistance that contributed to the indictment and conviction of two co-defendants.” It didn’t work.

Via Ars Technica

Jump to...

Portable drives
Internal drives

My PC lets me handle many activities from watching movies to playing games, editing videos, and of course writing detailed product reviews for my audience. This intensive use requires having more storage space than usual and the ability to transfer files quickly.

To get extra storage, I previously opted for a hard disk drive (HDD) but later switched to a solid-state drive (SSD) for the extra speed, durability, and reduced battery consumption. Although the cost is generally higher than an HDD, an SSD has been a worthwhile investment for my productivity. It’s one of the few purchases where I can confidently speak of having no regrets.

Here, I’m bringing you the best SSD deals you can take advantage of and obtain better storage for the lowest possible price. These SSDs are discounted significantly from their original price, presenting a time-limited opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

Best SSD deals: Quick links

• Amazon: Save on storage from SSDs to USBs
• Best Buy: Price drops on internal and external SSDs
• Walmart: Big selection of discount internal SSDs
• Newegg: Save on PCIe Gen 4.0 and Gen 5.0 drives

Best SSD deals: Portable & external drives

Supports read and write speeds up to 2000MB/s using USB 3.2 Gen2, with IP65 water and dust resistance and capacities reaching up to 4TB. Our review highlighted its excellent performance and durability. View Deal

Transfer, edit, and back up files at speeds of up to 2,000MB/s with this rugged portable SSD. Our in-depth review of the Samsung T9 SSD notes its 1TB of storage, hardware encryption, advanced thermal management, and broad compatibility with PCs, Macs, cameras, consoles, and smartphones. View Deal

Store, transfer, and back up files quickly with this compact portable SSD, offering 1TB of storage, read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, and broad compatibility for work, study, gaming, and travel.View Deal

Offers read and write speeds up to 2000MB/s through USB-C connectivity, with password protection, AES 256-bit encryption, and capacities available up to 4TB. Our review of the SanDisk Extreme PRO notes its advanced encryption and superb performance.View Deal

This ultracompact 2TB portable SSD offers transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and supports Apple ProRes 4K 60fps recording. With IP65-rated dust and water resistance, our review found it a great choice for creators.View Deal

Best SSD deals: Internal solid-state drives

Offering up to 14,700MB/s read speeds, this PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD pairs 2TB of storage with hardware encryption, advanced thermal control, Magician Software support, and excellent performance for creative workloads, AI applications, and demanding multitasking. You can read our complete review to learn more.View Deal

The Samsung 990 Pro is one of the best SSDs around, especially at an unbeatable price like this. In our review, we hailed it as "an absolutely stellar M.2 SSD for both professional users and gamers." View Deal

The WD_Black SN7100 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD offers up to 7,000MB/s / 6,700MB/s read/write speeds. Capacities range from 1TB to 4TB. View Deal

This internal SSD from WD_Black is a perennial favorite of ours. It reaches up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds and up to 6,300 MB/s write speeds. Capacities range from 1TB to 4TB. View Deal

One of our top SSDs is currently discounted, with the Samsung 990 Evo Plus dropping in price. It features read/write speeds of up to 7,250MB/s / 6,300MB/s respectively.View Deal

The U.S. and Iran are fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening a return to all-out war after agreeing to a ceasefire last month.

(Image credit: AFPTV)

California is among the states suing to block Paramount from buying Warner Bros. Discovery in a Hollywood mega-merger that would unite some of the nation's largest movie studios and TV newsrooms.

(Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Manhattan Aero review

The Manhattan Aero might just be the streaming device you’re looking for. Especially if you want live TV without an aerial, as well as must-have streaming apps, 4K playback and user-friendly software.

The Manhattan Aero is a small streaming box packed with just about all of the essentials for UK viewers — more than 450 channels via Freely, as well as Netflix, Prime Video and all that good stuff. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection and a TV, and you're good to go. But is it actually worth buying? Here are my thoughts after a few days testing it out for myself.

Let me start by saying that the initial setup process for the Aero is extremely simple and speedy. Just hook the device up to your TVs HDMI port, plug it into the power, and you’ll be able to get started. From here, I followed some basic setup instructions, connected the box up to my network, and landed right on the home page.

Navigating through various menus is also incredibly easy with the included remote, which — in spite of a fairly plasticky and basic build — is responsive and effective in use. It comes with all the expected buttons, as well as shortcuts to certain streaming apps, and a voice control option too.

Voice controls are very intuitive on TiVo OS (which is what the Aero uses), and if you want some inspiration for what to watch, it’s a great tool. For instance, I tried saying: ‘show me films about cats’ and got an accurate selection of feline-related flicks.

(Image credit: Future)

Let’s loop back to the Manhattan Aero’s OS, though, and discuss TiVo for a minute. I’ve used this before on TVs like the Bush 43UT24SB, and I’m a fan. It’s pretty similar to a lot of the competition, and you can quickly find whatever channel or app you need without a hitch. Loading varying apps and channels is quick, and you can easily customize what apps you want to see on the homepage in the settings menu.

Speaking of apps, it’s worth noting that some of the heavy hitters are actually missing on TiVo. For instance, Apple TV+, Paramount+, NOW TV and Sky Go are all absent. These apps are available via devices like the Apple TV 4K set-top box, though.

Anyway, you may be wondering by now: how does the Manhattan Aero perform? Pretty well, actually — although you’ll need broadband speeds of at least 10Mbps to enjoy live TV and streaming at their best (Ethernet connectivity is available if needed). When watching broadcast TV, the Aero did a great job with all kinds of content. For instance, I watched a bit of Wimbledon, and the vivid green of the court jumped out, while finer details on players’ clothing were easy to make out.

News and the usual daytime TV channels also looked just about as good as on my Sky Glass Gen 2 TV, which uses Wi-Fi to show its channels too, rather than a dish or aerial. It’s also worth noting that the Aero supports HLG HDR, as used by BBC iPlayer.

With streaming apps, the Aero remains a strong performer, but there are a couple of sacrifices you’ll have to make. Namely, there’s no Dolby Vision support — no problem for Samsung TV owners, but something I would’ve liked to have seen, since pretty much all other TV brands use it.

There is, however, HDR10+ (and HDR10) compatibility, which is used on services such as Netflix and Prime Video — and the Aero supports AV1 natively for HDR10+ content, which is necessary for Netflix to work in this format. When watching Kung Fu Panda 4 in HDR10+, I thought it looked fantastic — colours looked punchy and accurate, textures were well-defined and sharp, and contrast was solid too.

I did experience a bit of judder while watching the movie, and motion appeared to be choppy at first. But after messing around with my TVs settings and activating the Aero’s Auto Frame Rate option, I was able to solve this, and experience the sort of quality I’d typically expect from Netflix and other streaming apps when built into the set.

When it comes to audio, there’s basic Dolby Audio support, and you can also enjoy Dolby Atmos content if you have a compatible soundbar or speaker system or similar connected up to your TV. You can also use one of the box’s USB-C ports to play stored media files, which is a welcome inclusion and not you'll find on much of the competition.

(Image credit: Future)

One question I’ve seen a few people ask about the Aero, is whether it can record TV programs — like you’d be able to do with a Sky Q box, for instance. The answer to this one is no — but that’s not a strike against Manhattan’s streaming box. And that comes down to one key thing: Freely is delivered as an internet stream rather than a broadcast signal, and broadcasters don’t allow such content to be recorded. It’s still worth bearing in mind, however, if recording is a must for you.

Before we wrap up, there are a few other things worth noting. There’s CEC volume control on offer here, which enables you to control the volume of your connected display and audio devices (like soundbars) using the Aero's remote with any extra setup needed, something that is pretty practical.

You can also connect Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, to the Aero, which is great if you don’t want to distract someone else while watching your favorite shows, if your TV doesn't support this option.

You can even connect wireless game controllers and play a few mobile style games — a feature I didn’t expect to see. In fact, Blacknut Cloud Gaming is arriving to the Aero shortly, giving gamers more options. Google Cast is also available if you want to beam content across from your phone.

So, is the Manhattan Aero worth the money? At £89.99, I think it is. There are cheaper options out there, such as the Roku streaming sticks, which can also plug into your TV’s USB port for a more discreet look, but these don’t offer Freely — the big selling point of the Aero.

Alongside its intuitive TiVo platform with handy voice commands, solid array of apps, and impressive picture quality, I’d argue that the Aero offers plenty for the price you pay, and if you have a TV devoid of smart apps or want access to loads of channels without the hassle of an aerial or dish, it’s a very practical device.

(Image credit: Future)Manhattan Aero review: price & release date

• Released in February 2026
• Priced at £89.99

The Manhattan Aero released in February 2026 and is available with a wide range of UK retailers. However, there’s no stock available at Amazon right now — this may change in the future, though, so we’ll update this article accordingly if we see an increase in availability.

The streamer is priced fairly affordably, coming in at £89.99 — that's much less than the Apple TV 4K, though is more than the likes of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Should I buy the Manhattan Aero?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Intuitive software and voice control, good connectivity options, Freely and smart apps with 4K picture quality — but some apps are missing.

4 / 5

Performance

Very good picture quality with HDR10+ and HLG support, and Dolby Atmos passthrough support for immersive audio. No Dolby Vision is a shame, though.

4.5 / 5

Design

Fairly compact and sleek, remote not the best quality but very responsive.

4 / 5

Value

Not the cheapest, but the inclusion of Freely and solid app line-up helps it earn its price.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want access to loads of TV and movies without subscriptions
Thanks to its inclusion of Freely, the Manhattan Aero allows you to watch loads of TV and movies without needing to subscribe to any kind of subscription service. Sure, if you have subscriptions, you can enjoy the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, but you’ll have endless content at your disposal regardless.

You’re using an old TV with limited smart features
If you’re still using an old TV that’s got limited smart features, then the Manhattan Aero is a great solution. You get more than 450 live TV channels, YouTube, most of the major streaming apps, and an intuitive TiVo interface at a pretty modest price, all things considered.

Don’t buy it if…

You want Dolby Vision
Although HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG are supported on the Manhattan Aero, it does omit Dolby Vision, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

You want the cheapest option around
I think that the Manhattan Aero earns its price when all is said and done, but it’s not the cheapest streaming option on the market. Amazon and Roku streaming sticks provide live TV and an expansive set of apps for a fair bit less — check out my recommendation below for more.

Manhattan Aero review: also consider

Roku 4K Streaming Stick Plus
After a cheaper option? Then this Roku streaming stick could be perfect for you. It offers live TV, a great array of streaming apps, and a compact form factor. It lacks the intuitiveness and seamlessness you get with Freely (featured on the Aero), but it’s still a fantastic budget-friendly option. Read our full Roku 4K Streaming Stick Plus review.

Sky Glass Air
The Sky Glass Air is a cheap TV that has all the apps you need, and it provides live TV over Wi-Fi. With solid 4K picture quality, a slim build, and responsive UI, it’s a very solid budget TV that has everything you need built-in. You can even pay for it monthly, as you would with a phone contract, with flexible payment plans available. Read my full Sky Glass Air review.

How I tested the Manhattan Aero

(Image credit: Future)

• Connected to my Hisense 4K mini-LED TV
• I watched broadcast TV as well as content on streaming services
• Used across multiple days at home in everyday life

I spent a few days testing the Manhattan Aero streamer, testing it out at home to enjoy live TV and content via my usual streaming apps. I had it hooked up to a HDMI port on my Hisense U7K TV, which is a 4K mini-LED set.

During the testing period, I made sure to cycle through various channels when watching broadcast TV in order to assess performance for sports, news, movies, and more. However, I also dipped into apps like Netflix, where I watched content in 4K HDR10+, as well as Disney+ and YouTube.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing all kinds of gadgets here at TechRadar, including everything from Dolby Atmos soundbars like the JBL Bar 1300MK2 through to TVs like the Sky Glass Gen 2. I was also familiar with the TiVo interface before commencing this review, having used it extensively while testing the Bush 43UT24SB.

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

Having spent decades covering Apple, I understand and respect its efforts to maintain a shroud of secrecy over its product development. Reading this line in the blockbuster Apple vs OpenAI lawsuit, I can hear the voices of countless Apple execs and PR people who, rightly or not, feel deeply wronged by what it considered a trusted partner: "OpenAI’s nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets."

Late last week, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and, more specifically, a pair of key employees who, over the last two years, left Apple to join OpenAI's hardware business. The massive filing, which calls for a jury trial, accuses the pair of corporate espionage, essentially stealing a raft of trade secrets to help bolster OpenAI's still unrealized efforts to build AI hardware (it's currently working with Jony Ive to build what may eventually become a wearable device).

I've spent some time poring over the documents and, to be honest, the accusations are stunning and, if true, seem unaccountably brazen for people who spent years with the Cupertino tech giant.

From the inside out

Tang Yew Tan, who currently serves as OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer, was at Apple for a quarter of a century and, according to his own LinkedIn profile, "Oversaw the design and development of iPhone and Apple Watch Product Design, Interconnects Design, Acoustics and Materials technology centers."

Chang Liu (whose LinkedIn handle is "changliu-apple") spent almost a decade as an iPhone Electrical Engineer.

Apple's NDA's that they hand to journalists like me are almost legendary (the first time I signed one, I swear my hands were shaking). I can only imagine the intensity of the Intellectual property agreements (IPAs) Apple says it asks employees to sign from time to time. The language is probably appropriately terrifying; it's hard to conceive of how Liu and Tan could ignore them, and yet, according to the lawsuit, that's exactly what the pair did both during their waning days at Apple and in the time after when they joined OpenAI.

OpenAI's only public response so far has been from its Director of Strategic Communications Drew Pusateri, who said on X, "We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere."

The company's co-founder and CEO Sam Altman also only obliquely referenced it on X when someone accused him of being afraid of Apple. He wrote, "I am not afraid of Apple, but I have tremendous respect for them. s-tier company." ("S-Tier" basically means "elite").

i am not afraid of apple, but i have tremendous respect for them. s-tier company.July 11, 2026

I won't ask you to read the full document and instead have cherry-picked the most eye-watering accusations:

A potentially sneaky exit

When Liu left Apple, he allegedly took his work laptop with him. If you've ever worked in a corporate environment, you know this is a no-no. Most companies will pursue you to the ends of the earth to retrieve that hardware and whatever corporate access and secrets it contains.

It gets worse

Lui apparently didn't shelve the old (we assume) MacBook. Instead, he, according to Apple, exploited a network vulnerability and used the system to access Apple network folders. If true, that's an incredibly bold move. Surely Liu would've known how Apple's internal forensics could discover what was accessed by whom and when.

Boasting

While allegedly downloading Apple's proprietary files (details on unreleased products, presentations, tech data, specs, and more), Liu may have messaged someone through the Apple-issued laptop, celebrating how he was pulling the wool over Apple's eyes with "LOL" and "so funny". Again, was Liu the most careless corporate spy ever? Who would boast when they know Apple would eventually stumble on these details?

Coaching recruits

Apple claims Liu was actually recruiting Apple employees and coaching them on how to gather data before leaving the company. He may have told them how to email themselves files before exiting Apple.

Now, I understand how some of your, say, personal data, can end up intertwined with corporate data and you may want to hold onto some of that. On the other hand, if you didn't keep a firm line between work and personal files, that's on you.

A real betrayal

Tang Yew Tan spent 25 years with Apple, and what he's being accused of has surely enraged and disappointed Apple. "Mr. Tan has been methodically using Apple’s confidential information to benefit OpenAI," claims Apple.

Like Lui and other Apple recruits, Tan may have emailed himself proprietary Apple info.

Using Apple codenames

Apple claims Tan is asking Apple recruits about upcoming projects using code names only Apple employees would know.

We have their OK

This one is kind of mind-blowing. Apple alleges that OpenAI has used Apple info to get a partner to apply a "specific trade-secret metal finishing technique," because they convinced the partner Apple was OK with them doing so.

Carry out

This last one might be the boldest move of all. Apple alleges that OpenAI instructed potential Apple recruits to bring everything from CAD files to actual prototypes or parts to OpenAI interviews.

That's a particularly stunning accusation, and again, just seems so reckless. What kind of corporate spies operate with this level of impunity?

Naturally, OpenAI will, at some point, respond properly to this lawsuit, perhaps with one of their own. Apple could also eventually settle this suit out of court. They've done so before with similar cases, though I don't think they were quite at this level.

Can they come back from this?

Whatever happens with this case, it's hard to imagine the Apple / OpenAI relationship, which is already somewhat fraught, survives.

For now, you can explicitly choose to use ChatGPT to handle requests in the new Siri in iOS 27 dev beta, and it's a key part of Image Playground and Visual Intelligence. Apple could pull those options and lean harder into its Google Gemini foundation Model partnership while this case works its way through the courts.

I don't think that will materially impact your iPhone experience, but the loss of direct access to those hundreds of millions of iPhone customers could hurt OpenAI, a company that, as Apple acknowledges, is trying to build its own hardware business.

Plus, if OpenAI loses, it could see a lot of the in-house hardware innovation potentially tied to Apple's work blocked from ever reaching consumer hands.

And, obviously, it'll be hard for the partnership to come back from this passage in the suit:

"Apple lacks visibility into what’s been happening behind closed doors at OpenAI, where such misconduct is normalized and exemplified by leadership. This much is clear, however: at every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information."