Feed aggregator

SOAX is a UK company, and a relatively young one at that, considering it was founded in 2020. It started small with only a few people, but as the years passed, it grew to the point that the company’s ethically sourced proxy network comprises more than 191 million IP addresses.

Since our last review, SOAX has undergone a major overhaul, with changes ranging from a new website and dashboard to a better API ecosystem and fresh features. Additionally, the company is now more of a data collection platform (somewhat of a trend in the proxy service industry) built around residential and mobile proxies, rather than operating solely as a proxy IP vendor.

(Image credit: SOAX)

• You can sign up for SOAX here.

Features

(Image credit: SOAX )

Right from the start, one of the most notable features SOAX has is its sizable proxy pool. The company offers over 155 million residential IPs (all ethically sourced) and proxy servers (including mobile proxies) in more than 195 geolocations. The mobile pool has over 30 million IPs from carriers around the world.

Depending on the pricing plan, you can target any of those locations by country, region, city, ISP, ZIP, or ASN (Autonomous System Number).

IP rotation can be customized to match the specific requirements of each task, either refreshing the IP with every request or keeping the same IP over an extended session (up to 60 minutes for mobile proxies). Tweaking further, you can set custom session lengths.

SOAX lets you adjust how often your IP refreshes to fit your data collection needs. You also have the option to set up sticky sessions that keep the same entry point and IP address for each request. This gives you a consistent online presence throughout your session.

The company has a Web Optimizer feature that improves error management and keeps your browsing stable. There’s also the choice to turn on MaxIP, which helps you get the most unique IPs possible for tasks that call for a lot of IP switching.

Apart from proxy services, SOAX also has data scraping solutions that include managed scraping for AI, SERP, video, and e-commerce data.

The vendor promises 99.9% uptime, with support for HTTP(S), SOCKS5, and UDP/QUIC protocols.

Performance

During our previous testing, we ran some checks from the UK, targeting the UK to get the best possible speeds, and the residential proxy results were very similar to SOAX’s, with the TTFB averaging an excellent 787ms. Speeds you’ll see will vary hugely based on your location, your target, and the proxy type, but clearly the SOAX infrastructure can perform very well.

Plans and Pricing

(Image credit: SOAX )

After refreshing its service (website included), SOAX changed how the pricing works as well. The main difference is that the pricing now revolves around credits, which represent prepaid usage units. As a rough estimate, 1 credit equals $1 of usage.

The company also has a free no-commitment plan called Sandbox with basic support. You get no credits here, and there’s no subscription fee, but you can buy top-up credits when you need them, which is a good way to test the service out.

The starter plan is called Builder, and this gets you 200 credits, or in other words, it’s priced at $200 a month (VAT not included).

The actual network usage and pricing depend on geo-locations that are divided into three tiers. For instance, tier 1 includes the US, the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and other popular locations. So, if you use tier 1 locations, the pricing is set at $3.00 per GB with the Builder plan.

Using tier 2 (India, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, and so on), the pricing drops to $2.25 per GB, while tier 3 locations (mostly small countries and island nations) are priced at $1.20 per GB.

Other paid plans include Team (500 credits), Scale (1500 credits), and Enterprise (3000 credits). The main difference between these is that Enterprise has postpaid billing and dedicated IP pools.

All plans mostly share the same features and get 24/7 support, since there are some differences in higher-end plans. For example, Enterprise gets a premium SLA (all others get standard), dedicated IP pools, and CSM support on top of the 24/7 support. Furthermore, Scale and Enterprise plans get ASN and ZIP targeting.

SOAX also lets you pick a country and set a monthly traffic amount to see exactly how much you’ll pay.

The higher the plan, the cheaper the network usage is. So, tier 1 locations are priced at $2.20 per GB with the Team plan, while usage is priced at $1.50 per GB with the Scale plan.

Also, higher plans get more proxy packages, and going from Builder to Enterprise raises that number from 3 to 10.

Speaking of proxy packages, SOAX explains that those let you organize and control proxy access for different teams, projects, or tasks. Each package comes with its own login details, routing rules, permissions, limits, and usage stats, with every proxy request going through one package.

Signing up

(Image credit: SOAX )

Signing up with SOAX is easy. There are no lengthy identity checks, no need to provide documents just yet (KYC checks don’t happen until you sign up for one of the full paid plans); enter your name and verify your email address (or just sign up with Google), and you’re in.

You’re then prompted to continue with the no-commitment Sandbox plan or upgrade to a paid plan. If you pick the latter, hand over your cash (we were able to pay by card only, but crypto and other options are available once you verify your identity), and the subscription is immediately added to your account.

After that, the website refreshes to the main dashboard screen, a good-looking panel with a whole host of configuration options and status details. There’s a lot to explore, but SOAX does its best to help, offering its ‘get started’ and ‘product’ guides found next to your profile icon.

If, like us, you tend to rush through website onboarding, or sometimes skip it altogether, that’s okay too. The SOAX support chatbot is only a click away, and although it’s not smart enough to solve any complex problems, we found it handy for explaining the ‘where do I find…?’ startup basics. You can get human support this way too, provided you’re not on the Sandbox plan.

The main section of the dashboard is clean without any bloat, clearly showing you how much traffic has been used and how many credits you have left. On the left side, you can find the usage breakdown if you need more traffic details, and the packages section where you can create and manage them.

Getting started with SOAX

(Image credit: Soax)

Setup complete, it’s back to the dashboard to explore SOAX properly. This all starts with authorization, where you can opt to authenticate with a username and password or via IP whitelisting. We tried both, and in each case had to then specify our preferred IP rotation time, city, state or IP targeting, and assign them to specific ports.

That was enough for our first few tests, but if our needs were more complex, we could add more filters to target different locations or use other IP location schemes.

When you’re done, you can download your proxies in TXT, CSV and HTML formats. A handy Online Proxy Checker allows you to test up to 50 of these, report on their status and response times, and export only the working proxies. (You don’t have to be a SOAX customer to try this, it works with any proxies. Check it out here)

While SOAX offers a lot of proxy configurability and control, it doesn’t have the depth of functionality of the big names. Its proxy API is horribly basic when compared to the likes of Oxylabs, for instance, just a handful of calls to whitelist IPs and get location details. And although Decodo has supporting tools including browser extensions and its X Browser, there’s nothing like that here.

(Image credit: SOAX )

SOAX arguably makes up for this, though, with easy integration for a number of anti-detect browsers. The SOAX Integrations page links to tutorials covering how to get SOAX working with 15 popular tools, including Multilogin, GoLogin, AdsPower, Incognition and more.

Support

SOAX has a dedicated documents page where the company has various guides and explanations on topics relating to the service or just general proxy knowledge. A slightly confusing thing is that the page caters to both regular users and developers, so you may encounter some coding terminology in a few guides.

(Image credit: SOAX)

The service isn’t that confusing to use, but in case you have trouble, you can find a ‘Quickstart’ guide that can get you started in minutes. Additionally, you can find a similar guide on how to use the dashboard, as well as explanations of what certain settings do.

Then, there’s a help center, which is rather hard to find on the website if you’re not logged in, and it’s much easier to get there through Google. That said, you can find several articles here from the SOAX team, but they’re mostly about available API methods.

More importantly, you’ll find the chat box in this section (or in your dashboard when logged in), which you can use to send a message in case you need customer support. An AI agent is there too, available to answer any general queries, or you can request to chat directly with the support team.

(Image credit: SOAX )Final Verdict

After the overhaul, SOAX still retained the quality proxy service it provided before. You get a huge pool of residential proxies, a good set of features, and an overall good user experience.

There are some downsides, though. The credit-based pricing might not be for everyone’s cup of tea, and compared to some of its competitors, it’s a bit pricier. Also, unless you’re subscription-based, support will be harder to reach, even if the service isn't that complicated to use in the first place.

Still, the company does a good job of presenting what it can do and what some settings mean, which is especially helpful if you’re not that knowledgeable. Plus, there’s a no-commitment pricing option, allowing you to test the service out before you decide to cash out for it.

• You can sign up for SOAX here.

• We've featured the best VPN services.

Annie Lowrey explores the administrative burdens people face applying for government benefits. It's not just about wasted time: "When the government treats us like this, we don't trust it," she says.

(Image credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez)

FiiO FG3: one-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

As an audio journalist, I’ve covered FiiO plenty of times; the brand is known for beloved digital audio players like the JM21 and digital-audio converters like the FA15. But I was surprised to see the brand enter a totally different market, trying its hand at a gaming headset.

The FiiO FG3 is the resulting device, and it clearly bears some of the audiophile DNA that FiiO is known for. It offers a coaxial dual-driver set-up, which is uncommon in games-focused headphones, and also totes a lightweight DAC control module to jump between audio presets.

So it should be a gaming gem, right? Right? Well, I think something was lost in translation.

FiiO’s hardware is fantastic for music, and the FG3 is the same, with the dual-driver set-up and handy EQ modes working well. However, it’s not quite as good for gaming, which isn’t ideal for a 'gaming' headset.

Audio is often too muddy and rumbly to do justice to the layered sound design of an immersive environment or frantic battlefield. It’s largely the low-end which lets the side down, with higher-pitched sounds cutting through pretty effectively. This won’t affect all games, and dialogue-heavy or rhythm ones will benefit massively from the tuning.

The fit of the headphones isn’t perfect either. While the cups are incredibly soft, the headphones squeeze and the headband is too firm. I had to take breaks from long gaming sessions to avoid my head hurting.

That all may sound like a series of criticisms, but there’s a lot to like here too. The cans are easily portable, and the control app being online-only is a breath of fresh air in this bloatware-riddled world (even if it rules out EQ control when you’ve got no internet).

The FG3 is also, crucially, pretty affordable, and I can see a discount or two making it an absolute bargain. If you’re reading this when they’re even $10 / £10 off, they’ll be an absolute bargain.

So it’s easy to look past some of the more annoying elements, or rougher edges, of FiiO’s sound tuning and design. But I can’t help but hope that the brand’s second foray into gaming headsets makes some improvements on what we’ve currently got.

(Image credit: Future)FiiO FG3: Price and availability

• List price: $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)
• Available in the US, UK and Europe
• Matches RIG R5 Spear Pro HS, undercuts other rivals

The FiiO FG3 sells for $69.99 / £69.99 (about AU$140, though at the time of writing, it’s not on sale in Australia), and was unveiled in June, 2026.

At that price, it undercuts many of the best wired gaming headsets, though it matches our top-rated pick: the catchily-titled RIG R5 Spear Pro HS. That makes it fairly good value for a gaming headset, with many alternatives going for three-figure sums.

For your money, you get the headset as well as a removable microphone, control cable and USB adaptor (which lets you plug the USB-C control cable into a USB-A port, if that’s what you have available).

FiiO FG3: specs

Price

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)

Weight

0.69lbs / 0.31kg

Drivers

50mm dynamic + 16mm dynamic

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Connection type

Wired (3.5mm or USB-C)

(Image credit: Future)FiiO FG3: design and features

The FiiO FG3 comes with a non-removable cable, which connects into a 3.5mm jack. It’s not long, but it’ll reach a hand-held controller. However, it’s best to connect it to a control module which comes in the box; this offers you the ability to mute, change EQ or modify volume, and has a much longer cable which connects to a device via USB-C (or USB-A, thanks to an included adaptor).

These cans aren’t particularly unique-looking, although the cups are slightly canted, which helps them fit a head shape better. They rotate a little horizontally and vertically, which also helps with the fit, though some other elements like the thin metal headband or certain cheap-feeling plastic elements discourage any notion of these being premium headphones. There are no on-cup controls either.

While the ear pads are soft and comfortable, I did find that the padded headband wasn’t padded enough. Longer gaming stints ended in growing aches; the FG3 fit isn’t as comfortable as other gaming headsets I’ve used. A slight squeeze offered by the cans didn’t help either.

You can fold the cups in on each other, and remove the microphone, transforming the headset into a compact unit which is easy to transport (though it doesn’t come with any kind of carry case). Combined with a feature we’ll get to later, it’s a great headset for people who game in different venues.

(Image credit: Future)

Now onto the feature set. A potentially-divisive feature of the FiiO FG3 is that you don’t need to download a control app to clutter up your PC. Instead, FiiO’s website offers the ability to change EQ and flick between presets.

I loved the fact I didn’t need to download more bloating software onto my rig, and that I could tote the FG3 between different systems and locations and still customize them, but it does mean that you get no control while offline.

The control site lets you choose three presets, which the control module lets you change between: a gaming mode, a cinema one, and a music one. The latter list, which includes the custom mode, is the one I found myself using most.

This module also means you can still jump between your EQ presets when you're on a console or handheld, so your decision to play on a Switch, PlayStation or Xbox doesn't mean you're banned from customizable sound.

Don’t expect any Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) here. I found that the Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC) or natural ear cup blocking, managed to cut out annoying background sounds from my street, as did the closed-back design. But it won’t save you from louder interruptions.

(Image credit: Future)FiiO FG3: performance

True to its audiophile heritage, FiiO has packed the FG3 with two drivers per cup: one 50mm dynamic driver designed to handle mid- and low-end, and a smaller 16mm dynamic driver for higher-end sounds. The benefit of dual drivers, rather than the sole unit found in most gaming headsets, is twofold: firstly, each being dedicated to different frequencies means that they can be better catered to them. Secondly, simultaneous sounds can be delivered with better clarity.

This latter is certainly true of the FiiO FG3, which has a distinct V-shaped sound profile; that means that bass and treble are well-defined and clear, though mids are a little lost. This isn’t a huge issue for gaming, as most sound effects are low or high ones, but it’s audible in music (including game scores).

It’s also clear that the high-end dynamic driver does its job well. Dialogue is easy to make out, even in frantic battles, including in-game audio and friends’ voice chats during gameplay. It’s also easy to make out nearby footsteps or the twinkle of a distant collectible.

(Image credit: Future)

However, I’m not as sold on the bass capabilities of the larger driver. In music it’s scooping and well-defined, but while gaming it lacks the power or ‘oomph’ of some other headsets I’ve tested. This means the chatter of your gunfire sounds a little dulled, nearby explosions lose a visceral edge, and roaring monsters sound like they have a sore throat.

Perhaps most importantly, the background rumble of a city or busy landscape which so often defines an alive-feeling open world felt a little too ‘rumbly’ for me. Some of FiiO’s equalization modes go some way to fix its issues, but not the whole way; I never found a way to stop the sound feeling a little muddy, and sometimes even made it worse.

A much-touted selling point of the FG3 is the use of Virtual 7.1, an algorithm which spreads sound to give a feeling of surround sound, without using 8 speakers (which would simply be 7.1 sound). It helps a little in spreading environmental and atmospheric sounds about you, though you’ll never forget that you’re simply getting spread-out headphone sound.

The removable microphone is… fine for purpose, but won’t deliver especially crystalline audio. Even recording onto my PC’s own voice recorder app, speech is a little crackly. However, I appreciate how dexterous the strut holding the microphone is: you can move it to different angles or heights, and there’s far more versatility than in many other headsets I’ve used.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the FiiO FG3?Buy it if...

You need something easily portable
Between the removable microphone, the foldable build, and the fact that you can use the control app anywhere, this is perfect for going to a friend's LAN party.

You like customizing your sound
The online EQ platform offers you loads of presets and plenty of control over your sound. Plus, the DAC control panel lets you jump between them easily.

Don't buy it if...

You need something suited for long gaming stints
After a few hours with the FG3, my head and ears were asking for a break. It's not the ideal headset for day-long binges, or even a full workday.

You want the best video game sound
If all you care about is the sound of your games, then the FiiO will disappoint you. It's not bad, but its muddy sound profile means you're never getting the best audio possible.

FiiO FG3: Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

Here are two more gaming headsets that we've given positive reviews to, if you're not sold on the FiiO FG3.

FiiO FG3

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS

Turtle Beach Atlas 200

Price

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)

$69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)

$59.99 / £49.99 (around AU$100)

Weight

0.69lbs / 0.31kg

0.74lbs / 0.34kg

0.62lbs / 0.28kg

Drivers

50mm dynamic + 16mm dynamic

40mm graphene

50mm Nanoclear

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wired (3.5mm)

Wired (3.5mm)

RIG R5 Spear Pro HS
This same-price rival offers great sound and a more comfortable fit. However, there's no way of customizing your sound, and you can't remove the microphone.

Read our full RIG R5 Spear Pro HS review

Turtle Beach Atlas 200
For even less than the FiiO, this Turtle Beach alternative offers a well-designed mesh headband and great mic quality. But its feature set is weighted towards PC gamers.

Read our full Turtle Beach Atlas 200 review

How I tested the FiiO FG3

• Used for three weeks
• Tested for gaming and other tasks
• Mainly connected to gaming PC

I tested the FiiO FG3 for roughly three weeks in order to write the review. Through this time, I used the headset while connected to my gaming PC; I tried to plug it into my Android phone, but the connection was stuttery.

The majority of the testing was done gaming; predominantly Nioh 3 and Total War: Pharaoh, but with time also spent on Old School Runescape, Isonzo, Slay The Spire, Crying Suns and the Mortal Shell 2 beta. I also used the headset to stream music while at work, and watch YouTube videos and TV shows.

Since I review audio products for a living, I have plenty of experience testing gaming headsets (and using other headphones for gaming purposes). I've also tested other FiiO products.

First reviewed August 2026

Read more about how we test

I have become quite the expert when it comes to portable power stations. It's definitely a weird flex, but I'll take it when I can get it.

When it comes to power stations, there are several different categories of how they are scaled. Some can run your phone, some can run your fridge, some can run your room, and some can run your house.

The Anker Solix E10 is on that home side. The company calls it "a Whole-Home Backup System, uniting battery, solar and a smart generator." And that's absolutely - and impressively - what it does.

It can scale up to where it could be a larger home and scale down to where it'll be a smaller home, or maybe a large garage, depending on what all you have in your garage.

The point is that it is a power station comparable to probably a Tesla Power Wall, as a lot of people would recognize just due to the brand name. It is not only a reservoir of power that you can pull from in case of a power outage, but also a transfer switch.

It has the ability to connect with solar panels to intake solar power from the sun and utilize that to run your home. Depending on the power company, you have potentially even kicked back some power to the grid and gotten yourself a return.

If you run out of power in case of emergency and you don't have enough solar to run your entire home, you can even connect to a portable smart generator that happens to be tri-fuel. That means you could then run that off of natural gas, propane gas, or gasoline.

So at the end of the day, over the last 141 days that I have had this set up at my home, I have not once worried about a power outage or a storm that's coming, knocking out my power and causing food to spoil or for my kids to panic. In fact, I've welcomed several storms and excitement, actually, to test the system.

Anker Solix E10: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Depending on how many batteries and accessories you get, your price is going to change pretty aggressively with this setup, especially if you start counting in install costs as well.

Your base system with one inverter and one battery is going to cost just over $4,000. Once you get up to the Basecamp Power Dock Smart Generator, you get up to $10,000 pretty easily.

You can get these through Anker or Amazon. One thing you will want to note is that, unless you are a licensed electrician, you're going to need to get one to get this all installed. Mine even had to consult with the city code and the utility company in order to get everything approved, since I am tied into the power grid.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Anker Solix E10: Unboxing and First Impressions

My entire setup showed up on a semi truck off a pallet because I got several batteries, the inverter, the generator, and other components needed to help with install.

From the first moment I started unboxing everything and looking at the quality, I was blown away with how sharp this looked. Once I found out that this was going to have to get strapped to the side of my house, I actually wasn't that upset because it looks so sleek and professional.

It doesn't look like it's some toy or cheap product that needs to be mounted, but actually it looks like it's floating. It looks like it's an addition to my home, not just a slap-it-on-the-side. It looks intentional.

Anker Solix E10: Design & Build Quality

Like I mentioned, I needed to have a licensed electrician install this, but once he installed it and handed it over to me, the setup process within the app was significantly easier than I'm sure his job was. All I had to do was pair the already set-up device to my app, answer a few questions on how the system was set up, and then I was good to go.

Now I have the ability to run more isolated breakers if I'd like. I can see my power output level. I can see when the smart generator is hooked up and trigger when and how to turn that on. I can check my battery levels.

Another huge thing that I noticed right away is that, much like some of the other units from Anker Solix, I can have my location set so that when there's a storm coming in, it will automatically top my batteries off.

Meaning that I can let them idle and sit at around 80%, maybe 90%, during the winter. When there's a storm, they will automatically top themselves off to help with the longevity of the battery while also still getting the benefit of having the entire battery's capacity when needed.

At first, I was thinking that I would need to have this installed in my garage, but once I found out that it was rated for extreme weather, extreme cold, and even extreme heat, I knew that I could have this outside my home, even in my Midwest temperament, and be just fine.

Anker Solix E10: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

One of these days I'll get solar added to my roof, but according to what I'm seeing, it looks like the solar input can take up to 9,000 W with two batteries which is madness if you ask me.

What I can speak to is the smart generator. I've tried it both with propane and with gasoline, and both have worked very well. It's a smart generator, meaning that it can automatically trigger when needed based on my E10 power panel, so already I'm a step ahead.

This feels almost like a Generac kind of style, where it will kick on when needed, but what's really cool is that I can disconnect and utilize this as just a generator if I ever needed it as well. If I'm working out on a property somewhere else, or my cabin property, or anything like that, I could bring this generator and get power immediately wherever I need it.

The other nice thing about this generator is that, since it is a smart generator, it has push-to-start, so I won't ever have to rip on that cord unless there's something that's going wrong. Lastly, this generator starts up pretty quickly and has its own built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so I can pair it to my app independently of the E10 power wall. It runs fairly quietly.

I've tested several times and barely notice it kicking on, and I don't notice it kicking on. When it comes to the power output on the inside, it seamlessly transitions, and I haven't even noticed a flicker or the inside of my house recognizing that there's power loss at all.

It's genuinely a bit hard for me to understand sometimes, even being in this world, but this one little generator has been able to run my entire home when testing. I've intentionally made the system go off-grid, and then my house will run simply off of this generator, and there have been zero drops in ability.

Admittedly, I'm not charging a car off of my house or anything else insane while doing that, but a full house with two fridges, microwaves, air fryers, two-stage HVAC, and 3,000 sq. ft., plus a basement. I've had zero issues running off of this one simple generator.

I used to have the F3800 Whole-home backup system through Anker. While that worked and was solid, I was very aware of the battery capacity, just in case there was ever an issue. Now, though, I don't have any concern at all because, worst-case scenario, I can run off of gasoline.

If I run out of gasoline, I can run off my two propane tanks that I have at the house. While I'm running those, I can go and get more gas if I needed to, or more propane. Down the road, I could hook up to my natural gas line as well.

This may not be for everyone, but I have had a hard time pointing people away from it when I've talked to Dee about Whole Home Backup Systems. Other than, of course, the cost and the fact that this is slightly different than what people have gotten used to when it comes to a Generac or Tesla Powerwall. When I explain just how beneficial my system is, it definitely gets their head turning and gets them interested in this for their own.

One final positive note is that down the road, if I choose to get an electric vehicle or expand or want to have some additional power outside of my house, I could run an independent circuit directly from this Powerwall and then control it from my phone. Anker allows me to customize the output, the schedule, and the control of the circuit independently from my house, and I can do it all from my phone.

Anker Solix E10: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The Anker Solix E10 Powerwall makes incredible sense for most homeowners, especially those who are looking for some flexibility and want to have the gas, propane, or natural gas backed up as well. Not only can I use this as a whole-home backup system, but then I can actually use each piece independently for more than what they originally used it for.

It is, of course, a bit of a headache having to consult with the local electric company to ensure that you can hook up your system in line with the grid, because that is a very real concern. It did cause some delay for my install; however, if you can get that solved, this is an absolute no-brainer for me.

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

For more off-grid essentials, we've tested the best portable power stations.

He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.

(Image credit: Sergei Grits)

Google’s Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash adds video extensions, frame controls, cheaper previews and upscaled 4K output for AI video creators.

The post Google Upgrades Gemini AI Video: What Omni 1.1 Changes for Creators appeared first on TechRepublic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labor Day is exactly one week away, and Best Buy has launched its official sale. The retailer's Labor Day appliance sale went live on Friday and has now expanded to its full sale, with up to 64% off best-selling TVs, Apple devices, laptops, headphones, and smart home gadgets.

• Shop Best Buy's full Labor Day sale

Best Buy's Labor Day sale comes at the right time, as the global RAM and component crisis has driven up prices for tech products like MacBooks, Amazon devices, and iPads. Today's discounts are not only welcome, but quite impressive, with record-low prices on 2026 releases from brands like LG, Apple, Sony, and Dell.

Best Buy isn't only offering excellent discounts on tech gadgets, but its Labor Day appliance sale is perhaps its best yet. The retailer is offering over $1,000 in savings and promising that 'we won’t be beat on appliance pricing,' backed by its price match guarantee. That means if you find an appliance that's cheaper at an online or local competitor, Best Buy will match it.

Below are links to Best Buy's most popular sale categories, followed by my pick of today's 23 top deals, including OLED TVs, iPads, cheap laptops, and more. Keep in mind these are limited-time offers, and Best Buy's Labor Day sale ends September 7 at Midnight.

Best Buy's 2026 Labor Day sale – quick links

• Apple: MacBooks, AirTags & iPads from $24
• Appliances: up to 45% off major appliances + free shipping
• Cameras: up to $1,000 off Canon & GoPro
• Gaming: PS5 & Switch games from $14.99
• Headphones: up to $160 off Bose & Sony
• Laptops: from $119
• Phones: up to $250 off Samsung, Apple & Google
• Smartwatches: up to $250 off Apple & Samsung
• Soundbars: up to $1,000 off Sonos & Samsung
• TVs: from $69.99
• Vacuums: save up to $450 on Dyson & Shark

The top 23 Best Buy Labor Day deals

Best Buy Labor Day appliance sale: save up to 45% off, plus free delivery
Best Buy's Labor Day appliance sale is very impressive this year, with up to 45% off fridges, dishwashers, ranges, and microwaves from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE. The retailer is also offering free shipping, and you can price match to ensure you're getting the best deal.View Deal

Fire TV Stick 4K Select: was $49.99 now $17.99
Amazon's newest 4K streaming stick is now $17.99 at Best Buy. Since it's only a few bucks more than the cheaper HD version, you might as well pay for the upgrade and get higher-resolution streaming—as long as you have a 4K TV. It lacks a few premium features found in the more expensive Plus and Max models, such as improved Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, but that is more than enough for everyday use.View Deal

WH-1000XM5: was $398 now $248
Quite simply, the best in Sony's class-leading wireless over-ear lineup. The older XM4 headphones were outstanding, the XM3 cans before it were excellent, and it'll come as little surprise to know that Sony's XM5 proposition is also incredibly hard to beat – especially with a whopping $150 off. They don't fold up like the XM4, but, as a quick glance at our Sony WH-100XM5 review proves, there's not much else to pick fault with. View Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the manufacturer's flagship pair of headphones — and they still hold up three years later. These budget-friendly wireless headphones offer great ANC, comfort, and portability for less than most competitors.View Deal

Studio Pro Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: was $349.99 now $249.99
Grab the highly-rated Beats Studio Pro for $249.99. They're gorgeous-looking, easy to use, and the sound is good (read about it in our Beats Studio Pro review), so if the lack of multipoint pairing (they do auto-switch with Apple devices, though) and wearer detection doesn't bother you, this is a very solid deal.View Deal

AirPods Max 2 (USB-C): was $549 now $529
The over-ear headphones now include Apple's H2 chip, which delivers adaptive audio, personalized volume, and improved voice isolation for superior sound. You're also getting up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation and 20 hours of battery life.View Deal

AirTag 4 Pack (2nd generation): was $99 now $89
The best-selling Apple AirTag is on sale for $89 during Best Buy's Labor Day sale. A great way to track a child's backpack or luggage, the AirTag can be attached to anything you don't want to lose, and your iPhone can locate it.View Deal

iPad 11-inch (A16, 2025): was $449 now $399
Apple's latest base iPad is $50 off at Best Buy, bringing the price to $399. The biggest upgrade over the previous generation is the newer A16 chip for faster performance, and you'll also get double the standard storage (128GB instead of 64GB). Other features include a sharp 11-inch Liquid Retina display and solid 12MP front- and rear-facing cameras, making this iPad the best for casual streamers and scrollers.

Read our full 11-inch iPad A16 reviewView Deal

MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: was $1799 now $1699
Best Buy has a $100 discount on Apple's popular 13-inch MacBook Air M5. The powerful MacBook packs Apple's M5 chip, delivering exceptional performance and speed, plus AI capabilities and 18 hours of battery life.View Deal

MacBook Pro 14.2-inch (M5): was $2499 now $2299
Apple's M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) is paired with 16GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, in a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 24 hours of battery life. Today's deal from Best Buy shaves $200 off the retail price.View Deal

14 Chromebook: was $399 now $179
Processor: Intel Celeron N4500 
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB

If you're looking for a machine that can just cover the basics, then this 14-inch Chromebook is easily one of the cheapest ways to do so. OK, so an Intel Celeron chipset and 4GB of RAM isn't exactly world-beating in terms of power, but you really don't need much to run a Chromebook. We've been impressed by HP's Chromebooks when we've reviewed them, so this is definitely a good low-cost option. View Deal

Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 540
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB

You don't always find a laptop with 8GB of memory for under $300, so this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook really stands out in Best Buy's latest sale. Other components are good for light use, but that bump to 8GB of RAM will really help with everyday performance and load times. It's still a fairly basic laptop, but with enough extra power to avoid dramatic slowdown when multitasking.View Deal

Chromebook Plus 516: was $479 now $399
Display - 16 inches
Processor - Intel i3
RAM - 8GB
Storage - 128GB

This version of the Acer Chromebook Plus offers a solid amount of power for the price. It includes 8GB of RAM and an Intel i3 processor, boosting performance, boot times, and load times. The 128GB storage is a bit underwhelming, but you get a large, bright IPS display and decent battery life of around 12 hours— more than enough for a full workday. At a little under $400, it's a smart buy for school or college, or just as a home laptop for light use and everyday tasks.View Deal

15.6-inch 2K Touchscreen Laptop: was $849.99 now $449.99
This 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop combines an Intel 13th Generation Core i5 1334U processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Full HD IPS display, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and Windows 11 Home.View Deal

Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop: was $1199.99 now $749.99
Lenovo’s Yoga 7i 2-in-1 combines a large 16-inch 2K touchscreen, Intel Core Ultra 7 performance, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD in a sleek aluminum design. Its flexible hinge supports laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, while Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt ports, and long battery life make it ideal for everyday productivity.View Deal

55-inch F70 Series 4K QLED Mini-LED Fire TV: was $699.99 now $299.99
Insignia's F70 Series QLED TV boasts Mini-LED and Quantum Dot technology, delivering bold, vibrant colors and lifelike images. You also get Dolby Atmos Audio, smart capabilities with the Fire operating system, and a voice remote with hands-free Alexa, so you can use your voice to control your TV.View Deal

QD50 58-inch Hi-QLED 4K TV: was $399.99 now $209.99
I can't speak too much about the overall quality of this TV given we haven't had extensive testing time, but I can't deny that it's a super low price for a TV of this size. It also sports the budget version of Hisense's QLED tech, which offers superior brightness and more vivid colors, although it's not as powerful as the premium displays. Still, this is a big and cheap TV that will be ideal for general everyday viewing and streaming for someone who isn't too bothered about getting the very best picture possible.View Deal

65-inch C6 OLED TV: was $2699.99 now $1499.99
The LG C6 is the successor to our best-rated TV, LG's C5 OLED, and it has a whopping $1,200 discount at Best Buy's Labor Day sale. The 2026 OLED TV delivers more accurate, brighter colors than the C5 with powerful contrast thanks to its new Alpha 11 AI processor. The C6 also includes impressive gaming features and LG's intuitive smart TV platform.

Read our full LG C6 reviewView Deal

65-inch Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV: was $3299.99 now $2499.99
If you're looking for a big-screen premium display, Sony's 65-inch Bravia XR8B OLED TV is now at a record-low price of $2,499.99. Sony's Bravia 8 features a sleek, slim design, a wide viewing angle, brilliant images with deep contrast, and cinematic sound across the entire screen.View Deal

75-inch C350 4K Fire TV: was $729.99 now $369.99
If you're looking for a cheap big-screen TV, Best Buy has the popular 75-inch Toshiba C350 4K Fire TV for an incredible $369.99. Toshiba's C350 is a 4K TV with HDR support, delivering solid picture quality for everyday viewing. Access streaming apps easily with the Fire TV OS, which puts Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more at your fingertips. It's not as powerful as many premium options, but if you're on a tight budget and want a big display, this is an excellent option.View Deal

75-inch S5 4K LED Fire TV: was $649.99 now $419.99
The TCL 75-inch S5 4K LED TV supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, HDR10, and HLG, while there’s Dolby Atmos sound and a built-in subwoofer. It also has a dedicated Game Mode for lower input lag and latency, and Motion Rate 240 technology for smoother motion. It’s all wrapped up in a highly attractive price tag for a screen of this size.View Deal

77-inch G6 OLED 4K TV: was $4499.99 now $3799.99
The LG G6 is a pricey TV, but this flagship OLED delivers superb picture quality and unbeatable gaming performance. It uses a new-gen Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 OLED panel and a new Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor to deliver a better bright-room viewing experience than the previous model. With four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting a full suite of features, the G6 is also a fantastic gaming display.

Read our full LG G6 reviewView Deal

77-inch B5 OLED 4K Smart TV: was $2999.99 now $1499.99
The LG B5 is this year's best budget OLED TV, and Best Buy has a massive 50% discount on the 77-inch model. Released last year, the LG B5 is TechRadar's best budget OLED TV and was awarded four and a half stars in our review. The LG display delivers an exceptional picture with brilliant colors and sharp contrast. You also get excellent gaming features, thanks to the four HDMI 2.1 ports and new AI tools, including AI Search, AI Concierge, and an improved AI Chatbot.

Read our full LG B5 reviewView Deal

See more of today's best Labor Day sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
• Appliances: up to $1,200 at Samsung
• Best Buy: 60% off appliances, TVs, laptops & more
• Casper: up to 30% off mattresses
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• DreamCloud: up to 60% off mattresses, 66% off bundles
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lowe's: $1,000 off appliances, patio & tools
• Nectar: up to 50% off mattresses, deals from $349
• Saatva: up to $625 off luxury mattresses
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off 4K, QLED & OLED TVs
• Target: 45% off clothing, tech & furniture
• Walmart: 58% off back-to-school, furniture, & clothing

Just days before the FBI issued a warning over Iranian attempts to hack critical infrastructure in the US, a UK power generation plant was taken offline for four days after a cyberattack.

The attack has been attributed to Iran, which has stepped up its offensive cyber warfare efforts since the US and Israel began conducting strikes in February 2026. These cyberattacks have been largely focused on the US and its allies.

A UK government spokesperson responded to the attack, stating, “This story refers to an incident impacting a small-scale energy generator, and at no point was there a risk to the wider energy system. The U.K. has a highly resilient energy system. We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards,” (via CNBC).

The wider impact for critical infrastructure

While the attack may have only targeted a ‘small-scale energy generator’, it shows that state-sponsored groups are actively attempting to disrupt UK energy production in any way they can, regardless of how much power it provides.

As has been made abundantly clear in the US, much of the world’s major critical infrastructure relies on small network-enabled operation technology (OT) components.

If OT devices have passed their end-of-life and no longer receive software updates, or have simply been misconfigured, these devices can show up on the internet to a hacker looking for a way into a protected network.

(Image credit: Future)

Got an opinion for us? Here’s how you can submit your perspective

The UK has taken very careful steps to shield these devices from the internet to prevent them being used to access critical infrastructure, but it only takes a single internet-facing OT to cause issues.

Following the aftermath of the attack, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has issued new guidance on protecting OT devices from state-sponsored threats.

In its guidance, the NCSC said “the threat from state use of offensive cyber, including outside of conflict, has almost certainly increased.”

So what do the experts think the attack means for critical infrastructure, the UK, and the wider world?

Expert perspectives on UK powerplant attack

• Muhammad Yahya Patel, vCISO and cybersecurity advisor for EMEA, Huntress:

Attackers don’t care whether an energy operator is large enough to meet a reporting threshold. If it can be disrupted, it can be targeted. The significance isn’t the size of the facility, but that a cyberattack turned into four days of real-world operational disruption.

Why did recovery take four days, and are smaller operators adequately prepared to contain and recover from these incidents?

That raises an important question: why did recovery take four days, and are smaller operators adequately prepared to contain and recover from these incidents?

There is also a potential visibility gap. If smaller energy operators fall outside mandatory cyber-reporting thresholds, we risk underestimating how frequently this part of our infrastructure is being targeted or successfully compromised.

Critical infrastructure security cannot stop with the organisations considered large enough to be critical. Attackers will look for the weakest route in, so resilience, monitoring and rehearsed recovery need to extend across the wider energy ecosystem.

The real measure of cyber resilience is no longer simply whether you can prevent an intrusion. It’s whether you can contain one quickly enough that a cyber incident doesn’t become an operational crisis

• Graeme Stewart, head of public sector, Check Point:

This marks a grave escalation in the Iran conflict because a hostile state-linked cyber threat has reportedly reached into UK energy infrastructure and caused a physical shutdown lasting four days. That should concern every organisation responsible for keeping this country running. The fact that this was a relatively small generator and the wider grid was unaffected does not remove the threat. The far more serious point is what the attackers appear to have demonstrated: an ability to get inside.

The far more serious point is what the attackers appear to have demonstrated: an ability to get inside

UK energy infrastructure and stop it working. We have to ask what happens if the next target is bigger, more critical or more deeply connected to the services millions of people rely on. Britain’s Critical National Infrastructure underpins almost every part of modern life, including electricity, water, transport and communications, and those systems are increasingly digital, interconnected and dependent on one another. A serious attack on one part of that ecosystem has the potential to cause disruption far beyond the original target.

For most Brits, the Iran conflict is happening thousands of miles away and cyber warfare probably still conjures up images of stolen passwords, leaked data and companies being held to ransom. The prospect of a hostile state being able to reach into the infrastructure beneath our everyday lives changes that dramatically, because suddenly an international conflict has a potential route to our front doors through the power we use, the water we depend on and the networks that keep us connected. We also need to consider whether causing widespread disruption was ever the objective here. If this attack was intended to demonstrate that Iranian-linked hackers can penetrate UK infrastructure and cause real-world consequences, then the significance isn't measured by the size of the generator they managed to shut down, but by what they have demonstrated may be possible.

The question now has to be whether Britain is genuinely ready if something more serious follows. We cannot build our resilience around the assumption that every attacker will be stopped at the door, particularly when we have just seen reports of one getting through. Operators of essential services need to know exactly how they keep functioning when systems are compromised, how quickly an attack can be contained and how they recover without allowing disruption to spread. Cybersecurity is rapidly becoming about something much bigger than protecting information. It is about protecting the systems that allow a modern country to function and finding out how resilient those systems are during a major attack would be far too late

• Matt Caswell, Executive Director, OpenSSL Foundation and Principal Software Engineer:

An attack that can take part of the UK’s power infrastructure offline is a reminder that cyber resilience is about more than protecting the organisation at the front of the incident. We also need to understand the technology and dependencies sitting underneath critical services.

Regulation can improve security practices, but resilient infrastructure depends on understanding and sustaining the software it relies on.

Modern infrastructure contains layers of software from different suppliers and open-source projects. Organisations need enough visibility to know which dependencies really matter before an attack happens, so they can understand their exposure and respond quickly when something goes wrong.

For the UK, this is also a wider resilience question. Regulation can improve security practices, but resilient infrastructure depends on understanding and sustaining the software it relies on. That needs to be part of the conversation about how we protect essential services.

• Tim Williams, CEO, Quod Orbis:

The fact that this attack was contained to a small-scale generator and did not threaten the wider energy system should not obscure the significance of what has happened. The real warning is that a hostile actor was able to disrupt a piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure in the first place.

The fact that this attack was contained to a small-scale generator and did not threaten the wider energy system should not obscure the significance of what has happened.

Avoiding a major outage is all well and good, but it shouldn’t be seen as the success metric for true cyber resilience. The real measure of cyber resilience isn't whether an organisation has controls documented in a framework. It's whether it can continuously demonstrate that those controls are working when they matter most, identifying control weaknesses before they are exploited and become operational incidents.

As geopolitical tensions increase, organisations need to assume that cyber attacks are potential business continuity events and ones that are capable of impacting far more than the businesses themselves. Critical national infrastructure such as electricity, power and water are likely to be the targets for more attacks so resilience will really depend on knowing, in real time, whether the controls designed to protect critical operations are actually working, and having clear accountability when they are not.

Reactive incident response is important but it’s not enough. Continuous assurance needs to become part of how organisations manage operational resilience, particularly as state-linked actors increasingly look for ways to exploit the digital systems underpinning essential services

How do I submit my own perspective on emerging news?

If you have an expert perspective you would like to share on an emerging story or particular topic, please get in contact here: benedict.collins@futurenet.com

Google is setting new Android app memory requirements for February 2027 as developers face stricter Play Store thresholds and rising RAM pressure.

The post Google Sets February 2027 Deadline: Android Apps Must Meet New Memory Limits appeared first on TechRepublic.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has blown me away after 30 hours with its engaging, emotional, and immersive narrative, filled with epic combat encounters. Capcom nailed the sword-fighting in almost all areas, further aided by some of the best boss battles I've ever played in the action-adventure genre.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: September 4, 2026

The enemy variety in Way of the Sword appears a little weak initially, but fortunately, there is surprisingly a decent number of diverse enemy types to tackle, some of which will put players' skills to the test, and enemies that tie directly to some of the darker and morbid aspects of the story — giving me every bit of motivation to defeat those responsible.

Much like previous games in the Onimusha series, upgrades and enhancements work by collecting red souls from defeating enemies or by finding other necessary resources to stay well-equipped for more difficult encounters or boss fights (because there are many of them).

Capcom has blended elements from the beloved franchise with modern elements (notably thanks to the RE Engine, used in Resident Evil Requiem), creating a sword-fighting, narrative-driven experience that successfully revitalizes the franchise for future entries — and yet again, it proves that it's in the best form it's ever been in.

What it takes to be the strongest

(Image credit: Capcom)

In Onimusha: Way of the Sword, we follow Miyamoto Musashi, a confident young samurai looking to climb to the very top to be the best swordsman there is, battling rivals and those with the same goal. When an encounter with a fierce rival, Sasaki Ganryu, goes wrong, both Musashi and Ganryu are thrust into lives and roles neither could ever expect.

Genma (demons) are seeping into Kyoto, Japan, from the depths of hell, and chaos is unfolding, with the lives of innocents taken brutally, and formidable Genma tormenting those who are vulnerable.

Musashi and Ganryu seek the same goal: master the blade and become the ultimate swordsman. However, both will eventually learn that far more important matters are at stake: humanity's attempt to repel Genma is in dire need of attention, and with Ganryu led astray, it's up to Musashi to forge the right path to heroism.

Equipped with Oni gauntlets, Musashi and Ganryu possess strengths far above the ordinary human, with plenty of abilities to challenge and defeat Genma. However, as expected, with that power comes plenty of responsibility.

Do strength and power derive from one's own efforts? Is it honorable to seek absolute power with the sacrifice of innocents? These are questions Musashi is left to answer throughout his journey, learning through victory but also through trial and error, ultimately creating an engaging rollercoaster that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Musashi is far from perfect in his use of Oni powers, but the character's development throughout the Way of the Sword and his bravado (significantly amped by the face model of the late and legendary Toshiro Mifune) are the strongest aspects of the game, keeping you coming back for more after each main story mission.

Miyamoto Musashi shines in every single cutscene, with a level of charisma that accurately represents the legendary Japanese figure, Musashi himself, and Toshiro Mifune's prowess. (Video Credit: Capcom)

As much as Onimusha: Way of the Sword maintains a strong focus on sword combat, it's very much a strong cinematic experience, with cutscenes that are absolutely phenomenal. The level of detail in every character's facial expressions and speech makes it feel like you're watching a movie at times.

Unfortunately, that makes the switch back to gameplay and dialogue sequences quite jarring. It's not that the visuals aren't great during gameplay; it just doesn't match up to those cinematic sequences, and I found myself constantly wishing gameplay looked as great as those important cutscenes — but ultimately, those beautiful visuals are designed for what's most important: the story.

Exceptional, addictive sword combat

(Image credit: Capcom)

Unsurprisingly, the combat in Onimusha: Way of the Sword is fantastic, taking fundamentals from what series veterans are accustomed to, alongside new and exciting skills, making every encounter entertaining.

As mentioned in my preview, the Issen technique makes its return, allowing players to viciously strike enemies right before being hit, and it makes for an incredible spectacle.

More importantly, parrying and deflecting are pivotal to overcoming foes in Way of the Sword. Just like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware, both defence options significantly deplete enemy stamina or 'posture', leaving them open to attacks for huge damage.

Way of the Sword treats Sekiro's 'deathblows' slightly differently; instead of one central area to attack, players have several options for areas to strike against bosses.

In scenarios where Musashi runs out of Hozuki (used for quick healing), most bosses will have a limb or part of a weapon (notably with the Byakue boss) highlighted in purple that is filled with red, yellow, blue, and purple souls, but does less damage to the enemy compared to the traditional main attack.

It's an aspect of combat that creates a dynamic back-and-forth between Musashi and various bosses, especially if you need more yellow souls for health from dealing too much damage earlier on.

Patience is key when attempting to execute Issen or Chain Issen, as the timing window is very narrow, more so than those for parries and deflects. When mastered, though, you'll overcome most enemies with ease. (Video Credit: Capcom)

Capcom did promise that enemies further into the game's story would be more difficult, after players voiced concerns that the demo was too easy. While I can say that endgame enemies are certainly more formidable and aggressive, some even making me sweat when in larger numbers, most basic enemy encounters are still easy.

This is directly due to Capcom's design for Way of the Sword's combat, which is very obviously focused on replicating samurai-like fights, taking after historical samurai duels that often ended in a single strike. Enemies won't attack Musashi in groups, making clashes with enemies easy, but I can see what director Satoru Nihei was aiming for with slower, more deliberate, and steadily paced sword clashes.

Fortunately, once you beat the game, you'll unlock the hard mode, Carnage, which is encouraged for use in New Game Plus. This raises the stakes to a new level, as a single hit could result in death, similar to Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima and its Lethal difficulty.

While that doesn't directly address the fundamental aspect of enemies not attacking Musashi all at once, it will keep players on their toes to remain efficient in combat.

Musashi is an absolute badass in every scenario he's put in (Image credit: Capcom)

Onimusha: Way of the Sword genuinely has some of the best animations I've ever seen in any video game, particularly when parrying. Musashi oozes so much swagger in every single fight, making his confident and cocky attitude shine through combat, not just dialogue and cutscenes.

At the same time, I was slightly disappointed to see that Musashi's katana is the only primary weapon to use throughout the game. Yes, you'll find Oni Armaments on the journey, which effectively act as secondary weapons, but they require blue souls to pull off special attacks. It's a step away from a series tradition, where characters like Samonsuke or Jean Reno had a wide arsenal of weapons to use on the fly.

The game excels at its parry and deflect animations, but is surprisingly lacking in the number of animations for enemy finishers — and I couldn't help but feel like another primary weapon besides the katana would instantly fix that.

Nonetheless, Onimusha: Way of the Sword's boss fights make up for it, as they are easily the standout in an already immersive and addictive game experience. While some of the boss encounters are repeated too often, particularly during the game's climax, they are easily among some of the most epic boss battles I've played in games.

Besides the final boss battle, Dohatsu-ten is a strong favourite of mine, putting my reflexes to parry fast attacks to the test, and its design reminds me of Capcom's very own familiar and beloved half-demon, half-human demon hunter, Dante. (Video Credit: Capcom)

Best Bit

(Image credit: Capcom)

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has several breathtaking boss encounters from start to finish, but the very final boss fight is perhaps now among the best I've ever played in gaming. Without diving into spoiler territory, it was a battle that gave me the true sword fighting back-and-forth I was yearning for throughout the game. Capcom nailed this boss encounter, as it quite literally pushes you utilize every single skill and maneuver Musashi has learned, to overcome an incredibly ferocious and fast foe — and I can only imagine how challenging it will be on the hard mode difficulty.

If difficulty is a major concern, fear not, because not only are the boss fights a fantastic spectacle, but they're also very challenging. Bosses will often launch attacks (where swords have a purple glow) that can't be dodged or blocked, so players must parry or deflect them or lose plenty of souls in the process.

Losing souls from being hit by an enemy's unblockable attack is very risky, as they'll be collected and used to make them even stronger mid-fight — and this is the last thing you'll want to happen during the final boss fight, which I won't spoil.

Players will also have to look out for bosses attempting to grab Musashi by hitting the dodge button just before it lands, as mistiming this results in serious damage and can single-handedly decide a fight. Pulling off well-timed dodges, parries, deflects, and counters to grabs makes the entire combat experience addictive, and once you unlock the Oni transformation, the game takes a new leap to greater heights.

What about performance?

(Image credit: Capcom)

I played Onimusha: Way of the Sword on my main desktop gaming PC, equipped with an RTX 4080 Super and an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D processor, and performance was the least of my concerns. Through most of my 30-hour playthrough, I played at maximum graphics settings at the 3440x1440 display resolution, with DLSS Quality enabled, and consistently stayed above the 100 fps mark.

When testing the game on my Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme handheld gaming PC, I could easily hit around 40fps with graphics settings preset to medium, with FSR set to balanced, at around 24W (power consumption).

This is another Capcom game that runs very smoothly, which was a worry considering some of its semi-open world hubs. The RE Engine seems to struggle in open-world (open-area) games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds, rather than those with linear environments in Capcom's Resident Evil games.

I did experience a few odd moments of heavy frame rate dips during some cutscenes, but these were few and far between, so it didn't break the flow of important narrative development.

There is full ultrawide support in both cutscenes and gameplay, which isn't exactly common for PC ports, as the former is often restricted to the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Should you play Onimusha: Way of the Sword?Play it if...

You love games that heavily rely on parries and counters
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a sword-fighting fan's dream, with enough combat and duels that will keep you addicted to rematching the toughest bosses, and frankly, should be enough to encourage a second playthrough.

You love the Onimusha games
Without a doubt, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the best game in the Onimusha series, with Capcom managing to keep mechanics from the original games while adding new content for a modern audience, thanks to the help of the RE Engine.

Don't play it if...

You're looking for a soulslike challenging experience
Onimusha has never been, and seemingly never will be, the franchise that follows in the footsteps of soulslike experiences. Way of the Sword is challenging, but it doesn't punish players for mistakes in the same way something like Elden Ring or Lies of P would.

You hate repetitive boss encounters
Boss fights are the highlight of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, but it's clear to see that there are far too many boss battles that are repeated at different segments of the game.

Accessibility features

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has plenty of accessibility options, notably color blindness aids alongside visual and auditory accessibility presets. Within those presets lie options such as subtitles (toggle on or off), subtitle size, subtitle background, menu text size, and HUD size.

There are also numerous options to change the blood color, disable dismemberment, remove action prompts, and motion sickness reduction settings.

Players can also change keybinds for mouse and keyboard play, while there are several different options for sprint control (toggle or hold), deflect control, menu cursor speed, and even one to disable the Windows key's functionality.

The game ships with DLSS 4.5 and FSR 3 frame generation, CPU performance presets, and ray tracing, which doesn't seem heavy to run — at least on a high-end gaming system.

How I reviewed Onimusha: Way of the Sword

(Image credit: Capcom)

Most of my 30-hour playthrough of Onimusha: Way of the Sword was on my main gaming PC, using the LG 45GS95QE OLED ultrawide display, providing exceptional immersion thanks to its 800R curvature.

During my trip to Gamescom, I put Onimusha's performance to the test by lowering my Lenovo Legion Go S handheld's TDP as much as possible, and was quite impressed by how steady it was around 40fps. It's certainly possible to achieve 60fps, but it would require lowering graphics settings further and increasing the TDP.

First reviewed August 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has blown me away after 30 hours with its engaging, emotional, and immersive narrative, filled with epic combat encounters. Capcom nailed the sword-fighting in almost all areas, further aided by some of the best boss battles I've ever played in the action-adventure genre.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: September 4, 2026

The enemy variety in Way of the Sword appears a little weak initially, but fortunately, there is surprisingly a decent number of diverse enemy types to tackle, some of which will put players' skills to the test, and enemies that tie directly to some of the darker and morbid aspects of the story — giving me every bit of motivation to defeat those responsible.

Much like previous games in the Onimusha series, upgrades and enhancements work by collecting red souls from defeating enemies or by finding other necessary resources to stay well-equipped for more difficult encounters or boss fights (because there are many of them).

Capcom has blended elements from the beloved franchise with modern elements (notably thanks to the RE Engine, used in Resident Evil Requiem), creating a sword-fighting, narrative-driven experience that successfully revitalizes the franchise for future entries — and yet again, it proves that it's in the best form it's ever been in.

What it takes to be the strongest

(Image credit: Capcom)

In Onimusha: Way of the Sword, we follow Miyamoto Musashi, a confident young samurai looking to climb to the very top to be the best swordsman there is, battling rivals and those with the same goal. When an encounter with a fierce rival, Sasaki Ganryu, goes wrong, both Musashi and Ganryu are thrust into lives and roles neither could ever expect.

Genma (demons) are seeping into Kyoto, Japan, from the depths of hell, and chaos is unfolding, with the lives of innocents taken brutally, and formidable Genma tormenting those who are vulnerable.

Musashi and Ganryu seek the same goal: master the blade and become the ultimate swordsman. However, both will eventually learn that far more important matters are at stake: humanity's attempt to repel Genma is in dire need of attention, and with Ganryu led astray, it's up to Musashi to forge the right path to heroism.

Equipped with Oni gauntlets, Musashi and Ganryu possess strengths far above the ordinary human, with plenty of abilities to challenge and defeat Genma. However, as expected, with that power comes plenty of responsibility.

Do strength and power derive from one's own efforts? Is it honorable to seek absolute power with the sacrifice of innocents? These are questions Musashi is left to answer throughout his journey, learning through victory but also through trial and error, ultimately creating an engaging rollercoaster that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Musashi is far from perfect in his use of Oni powers, but the character's development throughout the Way of the Sword and his bravado (significantly amped by the face model of the late and legendary Toshiro Mifune) are the strongest aspects of the game, keeping you coming back for more after each main story mission.

Miyamoto Musashi shines in every single cutscene, with a level of charisma that accurately represents the legendary Japanese figure, Musashi himself, and Toshiro Mifune's prowess. (Video Credit: Capcom)

As much as Onimusha: Way of the Sword maintains a strong focus on sword combat, it's very much a strong cinematic experience, with cutscenes that are absolutely phenomenal. The level of detail in every character's facial expressions and speech makes it feel like you're watching a movie at times.

Unfortunately, that makes the switch back to gameplay and dialogue sequences quite jarring. It's not that the visuals aren't great during gameplay; it just doesn't match up to those cinematic sequences, and I found myself constantly wishing gameplay looked as great as those important cutscenes — but ultimately, those beautiful visuals are designed for what's most important: the story.

Exceptional, addictive sword combat

(Image credit: Capcom)

Unsurprisingly, the combat in Onimusha: Way of the Sword is fantastic, taking fundamentals from what series veterans are accustomed to, alongside new and exciting skills, making every encounter entertaining.

As mentioned in my preview, the Issen technique makes its return, allowing players to viciously strike enemies right before being hit, and it makes for an incredible spectacle.

More importantly, parrying and deflecting are pivotal to overcoming foes in Way of the Sword. Just like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware, both defence options significantly deplete enemy stamina or 'posture', leaving them open to attacks for huge damage.

Way of the Sword treats Sekiro's 'deathblows' slightly differently; instead of one central area to attack, players have several options for areas to strike against bosses.

In scenarios where Musashi runs out of Hozuki (used for quick healing), most bosses will have a limb or part of a weapon (notably with the Byakue boss) highlighted in purple that is filled with red, yellow, blue, and purple souls, but does less damage to the enemy compared to the traditional main attack.

It's an aspect of combat that creates a dynamic back-and-forth between Musashi and various bosses, especially if you need more yellow souls for health from dealing too much damage earlier on.

Patience is key when attempting to execute Issen or Chain Issen, as the timing window is very narrow, more so than those for parries and deflects. When mastered, though, you'll overcome most enemies with ease. (Video Credit: Capcom)

Capcom did promise that enemies further into the game's story would be more difficult, after players voiced concerns that the demo was too easy. While I can say that endgame enemies are certainly more formidable and aggressive, some even making me sweat when in larger numbers, most basic enemy encounters are still easy.

This is directly due to Capcom's design for Way of the Sword's combat, which is very obviously focused on replicating samurai-like fights, taking after historical samurai duels that often ended in a single strike. Enemies won't attack Musashi in groups, making clashes with enemies easy, but I can see what director Satoru Nihei was aiming for with slower, more deliberate, and steadily paced sword clashes.

Fortunately, once you beat the game, you'll unlock the hard mode, Carnage, which is encouraged for use in New Game Plus. This raises the stakes to a new level, as a single hit could result in death, similar to Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima and its Lethal difficulty.

While that doesn't directly address the fundamental aspect of enemies not attacking Musashi all at once, it will keep players on their toes to remain efficient in combat.

Musashi is an absolute badass in every scenario he's put in (Image credit: Capcom)

Onimusha: Way of the Sword genuinely has some of the best animations I've ever seen in any video game, particularly when parrying. Musashi oozes so much swagger in every single fight, making his confident and cocky attitude shine through combat, not just dialogue and cutscenes.

At the same time, I was slightly disappointed to see that Musashi's katana is the only primary weapon to use throughout the game. Yes, you'll find Oni Armaments on the journey, which effectively act as secondary weapons, but they require blue souls to pull off special attacks. It's a step away from a series tradition, where characters like Samonsuke or Jean Reno had a wide arsenal of weapons to use on the fly.

The game excels at its parry and deflect animations, but is surprisingly lacking in the number of animations for enemy finishers — and I couldn't help but feel like another primary weapon besides the katana would instantly fix that.

Nonetheless, Onimusha: Way of the Sword's boss fights make up for it, as they are easily the standout in an already immersive and addictive game experience. While some of the boss encounters are repeated too often, particularly during the game's climax, they are easily among some of the most epic boss battles I've played in games.

Besides the final boss battle, Dohatsu-ten is a strong favourite of mine, putting my reflexes to parry fast attacks to the test, and its design reminds me of Capcom's very own familiar and beloved half-demon, half-human demon hunter, Dante. (Video Credit: Capcom)

Best Bit

(Image credit: Capcom)

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has several breathtaking boss encounters from start to finish, but the very final boss fight is perhaps now among the best I've ever played in gaming. Without diving into spoiler territory, it was a battle that gave me the true sword fighting back-and-forth I was yearning for throughout the game. Capcom nailed this boss encounter, as it quite literally pushes you utilize every single skill and maneuver Musashi has learned, to overcome an incredibly ferocious and fast foe — and I can only imagine how challenging it will be on the hard mode difficulty.

If difficulty is a major concern, fear not, because not only are the boss fights a fantastic spectacle, but they're also very challenging. Bosses will often launch attacks (where swords have a purple glow) that can't be dodged or blocked, so players must parry or deflect them or lose plenty of souls in the process.

Losing souls from being hit by an enemy's unblockable attack is very risky, as they'll be collected and used to make them even stronger mid-fight — and this is the last thing you'll want to happen during the final boss fight, which I won't spoil.

Players will also have to look out for bosses attempting to grab Musashi by hitting the dodge button just before it lands, as mistiming this results in serious damage and can single-handedly decide a fight. Pulling off well-timed dodges, parries, deflects, and counters to grabs makes the entire combat experience addictive, and once you unlock the Oni transformation, the game takes a new leap to greater heights.

What about performance?

(Image credit: Capcom)

I played Onimusha: Way of the Sword on my main desktop gaming PC, equipped with an RTX 4080 Super and an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D processor, and performance was the least of my concerns. Through most of my 30-hour playthrough, I played at maximum graphics settings at the 3440x1440 display resolution, with DLSS Quality enabled, and consistently stayed above the 100 fps mark.

When testing the game on my Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme handheld gaming PC, I could easily hit around 40fps with graphics settings preset to medium, with FSR set to balanced, at around 24W (power consumption).

This is another Capcom game that runs very smoothly, which was a worry considering some of its semi-open world hubs. The RE Engine seems to struggle in open-world (open-area) games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds, rather than those with linear environments in Capcom's Resident Evil games.

I did experience a few odd moments of heavy frame rate dips during some cutscenes, but these were few and far between, so it didn't break the flow of important narrative development.

There is full ultrawide support in both cutscenes and gameplay, which isn't exactly common for PC ports, as the former is often restricted to the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Should you play Onimusha: Way of the Sword?Play it if...

You love games that heavily rely on parries and counters
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a sword-fighting fan's dream, with enough combat and duels that will keep you addicted to rematching the toughest bosses, and frankly, should be enough to encourage a second playthrough.

You love the Onimusha games
Without a doubt, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the best game in the Onimusha series, with Capcom managing to keep mechanics from the original games while adding new content for a modern audience, thanks to the help of the RE Engine.

Don't play it if...

You're looking for a soulslike challenging experience
Onimusha has never been, and seemingly never will be, the franchise that follows in the footsteps of soulslike experiences. Way of the Sword is challenging, but it doesn't punish players for mistakes in the same way something like Elden Ring or Lies of P would.

You hate repetitive boss encounters
Boss fights are the highlight of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, but it's clear to see that there are far too many boss battles that are repeated at different segments of the game.

Accessibility features

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has plenty of accessibility options, notably color blindness aids alongside visual and auditory accessibility presets. Within those presets lie options such as subtitles (toggle on or off), subtitle size, subtitle background, menu text size, and HUD size.

There are also numerous options to change the blood color, disable dismemberment, remove action prompts, and motion sickness reduction settings.

Players can also change keybinds for mouse and keyboard play, while there are several different options for sprint control (toggle or hold), deflect control, menu cursor speed, and even one to disable the Windows key's functionality.

The game ships with DLSS 4.5 and FSR 3 frame generation, CPU performance presets, and ray tracing, which doesn't seem heavy to run — at least on a high-end gaming system.

How I reviewed Onimusha: Way of the Sword

(Image credit: Capcom)

Most of my 30-hour playthrough of Onimusha: Way of the Sword was on my main gaming PC, using the LG 45GS95QE OLED ultrawide display, providing exceptional immersion thanks to its 800R curvature.

During my trip to Gamescom, I put Onimusha's performance to the test by lowering my Lenovo Legion Go S handheld's TDP as much as possible, and was quite impressed by how steady it was around 40fps. It's certainly possible to achieve 60fps, but it would require lowering graphics settings further and increasing the TDP.

First reviewed August 2026

I've always been a big fan of the ThinkPad lineup. Although that's a very clear lineup, split across the S series, the E series, and beyond.

The S series is the slimline series, and even with a 16-inch laptop, the fact that they can keep it this lightweight is pretty impressive. It begs the biggest challenge: what backpack are you going to put it in? Not necessarily if you want to carry it with you or not.

This is the kind of laptop that you want to bring with you if you need some serious power and some screen real estate, but not necessarily a high-power CPU. I wouldn't bring this with me if I'm trying to edit video or push some 3D renderings or anything like that. If I'm doing coding work, need some serious CPU on the go, and want that bigger screen without breaking my back carrying it around, then this is one I would strongly consider.

It is supposed to be a desktop replacement, after all. One thing that Lenovo loves to talk about with this laptop is its ability to run CAD at a desktop performance level, even without the BVR GPU. The RTX Pro 500 Blackwell GPU is plenty good enough for most 3D renderings and mobile work.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 is widely available from both Lenovo and online retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo. You can pick up the Ultra 7 with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for around $3,000, but it comes in a range of configurations.

That's about what we'd expect for a workstation packing this sort of power, and puts it around $2000 cheaper than the behemoth ThinkPad P16 Gen 3.

It's available with an Intel chip in the US here and UK here via Lenovo. For the AMD version, Lenovo has it in the US here and the UK here.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Unboxing and First Impressions

I'm fairly certain that unboxing every single Lenovo laptop that I've ever opened has been nearly the same exact experience. So much so that I frequently have to properly label the boxes so that I don't get them mixed up when I'm reviewing several ThinkPads at one time.

With all that being said, there's nothing fancy or outrageous about the ThinkPad unboxing, and that's honestly one of the things I love about them (and one reason, beyond hardware, that I suspect they're a business favorite). The unboxing experience very matter-of-fact.

Taking it out of the box, I was impressed that the laptop is just as slim as Lenovo claims. While it's not the thinnest of my laptops, it's not even the thinnest of all the ThinkPads I have right now, it's startling how well-designed it is considering how powerful this machine is.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Design & Build Quality

It's almost boring to talk about Lenovo laptops when it comes to reviews and design and build quality, because they all look almost identical: just slightly different thicknesses and minor changes, but nothing major.

In a sense, that's one of the major strengths, though. They all have phenomenal build quality. It's one of the reasons so many businesses rely on them: they are built to last and to be used and abused, not just looked at as a pretty showcase device.

As all good performance business devices should, the ThinkPad P16S Gen 4 has a MIL-STD-810H-tested build and a spill-resistant backlit keyboard.

It still feels snappy and comfortable to type on all day long. It has a large trackpad, great ports, the track point that people either love or hate, and even core features such as a privacy shutter and human presence detection.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I've been jumping in and out of this laptop, along with several others, for the last 100 days or more. So far, it's been able to handle even my most demanding AI business workflows. Yes, while I do write all these reviews by myself without any help from AI, there are several other clients that I have in my day-to-day jobs that I do utilize AI heavily for.

In those times, I'm running several chats at one time across ChatGPT, Claude, Notion, and even Gemini. Sometimes my computer can definitely get slowed down on some of my testing machines.

This one, however, seemed to hold up pretty well, even with multiple AI workflows at the same time, which is pretty impressive. It could be because of its RAM or just the powerful CPU, but either way, this machine gets the work done.

Of course, we are using this for day-to-day office work as well. For basic admin, this machine is overkill and will do it without any problem. The 16-inch screen is great for spreadsheets, research, email, really anything that you need to get done in a business context. But where it really shines is heavy CPU Tasks on the go.

I carry a MacBook Pro 14-inch every day, and that seems just about the largest I normally want to carry. Most 16-inch laptops that I try to carry in my normal backpack are a little bit too big, but the ThinkPad P16S Gen 4 does fit in my normal backpack size. If you are looking to get one and you're curious, that's good news for you.

Further, if you are one of the people who are lucky enough to be in a constant work-from-anywhere or remote work environment or job, and you need something that can handle every workload, this one is a phenomenal option.

Purely for research purposes only, I spent an afternoon at a coffee shop working away at this laptop, and it was very comfortable. It wasn't too big for the awkwardly small café tables and some coffee shops, nor was it awkward to pull out. I was able to get my work done.

The keyboard is comfortable enough to type on all day long. The mics are strong enough for dictation in virtual meetings, and it actually didn't even sound too bad using the built-in mics for virtual meetings in a moderately background-noise-filled coffee shop

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

If you're a developer on the go, if you work on GPU-light but CPU-heavy work, or if you just need a machine that won't slow down with your heavy workloads, then the ThinkPad P16S Gen4 may be something worth considering for you.

This slim moniker really does showcase itself here, all while keeping the same trusted and reliable ThinkPad build. This is definitely designed for mobile pros but could be utilized by just about anybody if the build and specs are right for you.

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

For more powerhouse performers, we've tested the best business laptops, the best mobile workstations, and the best laptops for engineering students, which is one area I'd definitely recommend the ThinkPad P16s Gen 4.

I've always been a big fan of the ThinkPad lineup. Although that's a very clear lineup, split across the S series, the E series, and beyond.

The S series is the slimline series, and even with a 16-inch laptop, the fact that they can keep it this lightweight is pretty impressive. It begs the biggest challenge: what backpack are you going to put it in? Not necessarily if you want to carry it with you or not.

This is the kind of laptop that you want to bring with you if you need some serious power and some screen real estate, but not necessarily a high-power CPU. I wouldn't bring this with me if I'm trying to edit video or push some 3D renderings or anything like that. If I'm doing coding work, need some serious CPU on the go, and want that bigger screen without breaking my back carrying it around, then this is one I would strongly consider.

It is supposed to be a desktop replacement, after all. One thing that Lenovo loves to talk about with this laptop is its ability to run CAD at a desktop performance level, even without the BVR GPU. The RTX Pro 500 Blackwell GPU is plenty good enough for most 3D renderings and mobile work.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Price and availability

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 is widely available from both Lenovo and online retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo. You can pick up the Ultra 7 with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for around $3,000, but it comes in a range of configurations.

That's about what we'd expect for a workstation packing this sort of power, and puts it around $2000 cheaper than the behemoth ThinkPad P16 Gen 3.

It's available with an Intel chip in the US here and UK here via Lenovo. For the AMD version, Lenovo has it in the US here and the UK here.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Unboxing and First Impressions

I'm fairly certain that unboxing every single Lenovo laptop that I've ever opened has been nearly the same exact experience. So much so that I frequently have to properly label the boxes so that I don't get them mixed up when I'm reviewing several ThinkPads at one time.

With all that being said, there's nothing fancy or outrageous about the ThinkPad unboxing, and that's honestly one of the things I love about them (and one reason, beyond hardware, that I suspect they're a business favorite). The unboxing experience very matter-of-fact.

Taking it out of the box, I was impressed that the laptop is just as slim as Lenovo claims. While it's not the thinnest of my laptops, it's not even the thinnest of all the ThinkPads I have right now, it's startling how well-designed it is considering how powerful this machine is.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Design & Build Quality

It's almost boring to talk about Lenovo laptops when it comes to reviews and design and build quality, because they all look almost identical: just slightly different thicknesses and minor changes, but nothing major.

In a sense, that's one of the major strengths, though. They all have phenomenal build quality. It's one of the reasons so many businesses rely on them: they are built to last and to be used and abused, not just looked at as a pretty showcase device.

As all good performance business devices should, the ThinkPad P16S Gen 4 has a MIL-STD-810H-tested build and a spill-resistant backlit keyboard.

It still feels snappy and comfortable to type on all day long. It has a large trackpad, great ports, the track point that people either love or hate, and even core features such as a privacy shutter and human presence detection.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: In use

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I've been jumping in and out of this laptop, along with several others, for the last 100 days or more. So far, it's been able to handle even my most demanding AI business workflows. Yes, while I do write all these reviews by myself without any help from AI, there are several other clients that I have in my day-to-day jobs that I do utilize AI heavily for.

In those times, I'm running several chats at one time across ChatGPT, Claude, Notion, and even Gemini. Sometimes my computer can definitely get slowed down on some of my testing machines.

This one, however, seemed to hold up pretty well, even with multiple AI workflows at the same time, which is pretty impressive. It could be because of its RAM or just the powerful CPU, but either way, this machine gets the work done.

Of course, we are using this for day-to-day office work as well. For basic admin, this machine is overkill and will do it without any problem. The 16-inch screen is great for spreadsheets, research, email, really anything that you need to get done in a business context. But where it really shines is heavy CPU Tasks on the go.

I carry a MacBook Pro 14-inch every day, and that seems just about the largest I normally want to carry. Most 16-inch laptops that I try to carry in my normal backpack are a little bit too big, but the ThinkPad P16S Gen 4 does fit in my normal backpack size. If you are looking to get one and you're curious, that's good news for you.

Further, if you are one of the people who are lucky enough to be in a constant work-from-anywhere or remote work environment or job, and you need something that can handle every workload, this one is a phenomenal option.

Purely for research purposes only, I spent an afternoon at a coffee shop working away at this laptop, and it was very comfortable. It wasn't too big for the awkwardly small café tables and some coffee shops, nor was it awkward to pull out. I was able to get my work done.

The keyboard is comfortable enough to type on all day long. The mics are strong enough for dictation in virtual meetings, and it actually didn't even sound too bad using the built-in mics for virtual meetings in a moderately background-noise-filled coffee shop

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4: Final verdict

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

If you're a developer on the go, if you work on GPU-light but CPU-heavy work, or if you just need a machine that won't slow down with your heavy workloads, then the ThinkPad P16S Gen4 may be something worth considering for you.

This slim moniker really does showcase itself here, all while keeping the same trusted and reliable ThinkPad build. This is definitely designed for mobile pros but could be utilized by just about anybody if the build and specs are right for you.

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

For more powerhouse performers, we've tested the best business laptops, the best mobile workstations, and the best laptops for engineering students, which is one area I'd definitely recommend the ThinkPad P16s Gen 4.

For anyone looking to give their home office a stylish upgrade, I've selected 12 premium desk accessories that combine great design with features you'll actually use. Price wasn't the deciding factor here. I've looked for quality construction, clever engineering and genuinely useful features that can make your desk a better place to work while giving it a more premium finish.

My choices cover everything from high-end mice, keyboards and headphones to speakers, charging gear and other useful desk accessories. Each brings something special to the workspace, whether that's better ergonomics, smarter features, improved productivity or simply exceptional design.

Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard

Logitech MX Master 3S Bluetooth Wireless Mouse

Audioengine Bluetooth Desktop Speakers

Twelve South Laptop Stand

Bose Quietcomfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Logitech Palm Rest MX Keys Premium

Anker Prime Charging Station

CalDigit TS4 18 Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller

Asus ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar

Orbitkey Slim Leather Desk Mat -

Logitech Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Google is changing its site reputation abuse enforcement in the EEA after EU scrutiny, reducing one search penalty risk for publishers.

The post Google Changes EU Spam Policy to Avert Antitrust Fine appeared first on TechRepublic.

September is upon us, and in many countries we'll be preparing for cold weather and cozy nights in front of the TV. If you're looking for a good horror movie for a night in, there's plenty across the best streaming services this month.

Indeed, the streaming giants have added more new movies to their libraries, whether you're in the mood for big new releases, indie horror gems, or classics you haven't watched in ages.

Here's seven horror titles that caught my eye in September 2026.

Carrie (1976)

When: September 1
Where: HBO Max (US); MGM+ (UK); 7Plus (AU)

Ahead of Mike Flanagan's Carrie series on Prime Video, why not watch the original Brian De Palma movie? I love revisiting this horror classic, based on Stephen King's first novel.

Here, Sissy Spacek plays the titular role opposite Piper Laurie's terrifying performance as Carrie's overbearing mother, Margaret. After suffering bullying from her classmates and abuse from her mother, Carrie finally snaps on prom night, resulting in one of horror's most iconic scenes.

Sinister 

When: September 1
Where: Hulu (US); Lionsgate+ (UK); Stan (AU)

Before he became The Grabber in The Black Phone, Ethan Hawke was being terrorized by a demonic presence. In Sinister, he plays a true crime writer who discovers snuff films and attempts to piece together what happened to the victims.

This is a very scary watch with some great jump scares, one of which is widely regarded as one of the best jump scares in modern horror. So if you want to be sleeping with the lights on, Sinister is a great movie to stream this month.

Ready or Not

When: September 1
Where: Netflix, Hulu (US); Disney+ (UK, AU)

Sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come recently landed on Disney+, so you could have yourself a double bill and check out the first movie now it's streaming across some of the best streaming services.

In Ready or Not, Grace (Samara Weaving) marries into a wealthy family who made their fortune making puzzles and games. On her wedding night, she is invited to play hide and seek as part of a tradition, but it soon turns out to be much more deadly than she'd expected and she ends up fighting to stay alive.

Parasomnia

When: September 4
Where: Shudder (US only)

It's not a horror round up without Shudder's latest offerings, and I'm so excited about Parasomnia. The new original movie follows Riley, a young woman haunted by severe night terrors and a traumatic childhood linked to a tragic past of murder-suicides.

She is plagued by recurring visions of a dungeon maze and a malevolent entity known as 'The Seer', and this is set to be a supernatural thrill ride I'm sure.

Heretic 

When: September 8
Where: Hulu (US); rent or buy (UK); Netflix (AU)

After seeing Hugh Grant in an A24 horror movie, I seriously want to see him in more scary titles going forward. In Heretic, he plays a manipulative intellectual man named Mr Reed, who lures two Mormon women into his home under false pretenses.

Once trapped, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) must try to survive and escape the house whilst he repeatedly "tests their faith". With some chilling monologues, this is not one to miss.

Bloody Tennis

When: September 25
Where: Shudder (worldwide)

If you thought Challengers was dramatic, wait until you see Bloody Tennis. This new Shudder exclusive movie follows a prestigious tennis academy where the brutality of competitive sports is taken to the extreme.

When newcomer Sophie arrives, the elite Southern European backdrop isn't at all what she expected and she finds herself surrounded by blood, gore, and she'll have to rely on her own survival instincts if she wants to get through the semester. Not your average school, then.

Backrooms

When: September 25
Where: HBO Max (US only)

Finally, Backrooms is making its streaming debut on HBO Max for US viewers. I've talked at length about why I love this movie in my five-star Backrooms review, but I'm happy to convince you why you should watch it once again.

Based on the Creepypasta phenomenon and Kane Parson's YouTube series, the movie follows down on his luck furniture salesman Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor) after he discovers that he can clip through a wall in the basement and enter the Backrooms, a terrifying, seemingly endless labyrinth that popularized the 'liminal space' subgenre. When Clark goes missing, his therapist Mary (Renate Reinsve) ventures in to try and find him. It's so good, I've watched it three times already.

Google has agreed to a £260 million Play Store settlement in the U.K., with £160 million earmarked to compensate eligible app developers.

The post Google Agrees to Pay £260M to Settle UK App Store Monopoly Lawsuit appeared first on TechRepublic.

Meta is testing robots for data center maintenance, from swapping cables to restarting servers, raising questions about automation and IT staffing.

The post Meta Tests Robot Technicians: Inside Its Push to Automate Data Center Work appeared first on TechRepublic.

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the organizers were unsurprisingly keen to capitalize on the worldwide attention the tournament secured and keep fans across the globe excited for the next big game.

To do so, FIFA partnered with Globant to redesign its global digital fan experience, using the latter's Glob.AI and AI Pods to try and create a more personalized and integrated ecosystem for football fans across all of FIFA's platforms and tournaments.

We spoke to Martín Nanni, Chief Experience Officer - EMEA, at Globant, to find out more.

• How did this partnership come about? And why is it only being released now, so soon after the World Cup?

The recent news is a continuation of a partnership that has been growing since 2022. This announcement marks the next step in their ongoing partnership and the developments that have taken place.

Recently, FIFA tested Globant’s newly launched Glob.AI model and AI Pods to improve the digital fan experience. Now that Glob.AI is public, it’s a good time to share how FIFA is using this technology.

Major tournaments like the World Cup give FIFA an opportunity to engage with fans globally, including those who may be interacting directly with FIFA for the first time. The main focus now is using AI, real-time data and individual fan identities to build on that engagement and create continuous, more direct relationships that don’t stop after a tournament.

• You talk about providing a “joined-up” experience for fans - what does that look like in reality, and why should they be excited for this?

We want a joined-up experience that means fans won’t feel like they have to start over every time they interact with FIFA. The aim is for fans to feel recognised and rewarded for long-term interaction through their single FIFA ID.

The goal is for a fan’s FIFA ID to connect all their digital experiences, whether they’re following a tournament online, using FIFA.com, using the FIFA Tournament App, watching at home, or going to a match.

For fans, this could mean having access to more relevant content, easier access to information they care about, and experiences that reflect their long-term connection to football, not just one event.

Globant has helped integrate FIFA ID across FIFA’s digital ecosystem, including experiences such as Rewards and the FIFA Tournament App, so it can act as a single user identifier across different products and engagement tools. This means that fans who engage with FIFA during the World Cup can continue that relationship beyond the tournament.

This is similar to the loyalty programmes many fans know from clubs or national teams, where ongoing support is recognised. It’s similar to the way that a local FA may have loyalty points for its long-term fans. The difference is that FIFA is doing this worldwide, across many competitions and digital platforms.

(Image credit: Getty IMandel NGAN - Pool/Getty Images)

• What role will Glob.AI play in helping create these new fan journeys? How will it use real-time data and create new experiences?

Glob.AI is the AI system FIFA is using. It uses AI Pods, which combine specialised AI agents with human guidance, to help design, build, and improve digital experiences faster.

With Glob.AI, FIFA can build digital solutions that collect data from fan interactions across its digital platforms and use those insights to build a smarter, more connected ecosystem. This helps FIFA better understand how fans engage, what they’re interested in, and how content and services can continuously evolve to improve their experience.

The key is that this system is designed to be adaptable to different tournaments. The platform does not learn or adapt on its own. Instead, FIFA’s editorial teams use the insights it provides to adapt and adjust the experience to the needs of each tournament, without having to build separate platforms for each one.

This could mean faster updates to digital products, quicker delivery of content, better personalisation on FIFA.com or the Tournament App, and more responsive engagement during match days and big tournaments.

• You talk about boosting efficiency - what does that entail when it comes to fan experiences?

The goal here is to give fans more of what they want, quickly.

For example, it could mean building a new app in days, not months or updating fan-facing digital products faster or delivering content during the live match, not three hours later.

The aim is to move from slow, disconnected digital services to a system where FIFA can react faster to fans’ needs. Early tests have shown a 20% boost in efficiency, with quality staying the same or getting better.

What improvements will FIFA see in getting more information about fans? Is the era of the “anonymous fan” ever really going to end?

Fans have autonomy here based on how they want their experience to be. Fans can still decide how much information they share and how personalised they want their experience.

This work lays the groundwork for a more direct and helpful relationship with fans who use FIFA’s platforms. By making FIFA ID stronger and connecting more of the digital journey, FIFA can better understand how fans interact with football all year, not just during one tournament.

The World Cup is a great example. The whole world is watching and that is the time to attract huge numbers of fans into its platform.

This helps FIFA see which content, players, competitions, and platforms different fans like. With this insight, FIFA can offer more relevant updates, better digital services, and more effective sponsor activities.

What plans are now in place for the next few years, particularly with the new domestic season beginning in Europe and the Women’s World Cup in 2027?

The aim is to build out an ecosystem. This means FIFA will keep linking FIFA ID with new and existing digital platforms, and will design these services based on what fans need in different competitions and situations.

The goal is to create an experience that works before, during, and after big tournaments, whether fans are there in person, watching from home, or connecting with FIFA content between events.

Looking forward, the main goal is to make the system more useful and to be able to grow across FIFA’s worldwide schedule. The World Cup served as a great platform for many new fans to engage with FIFA and our goal is to continue enhancing FIFA’s direct connection with those fans and attract even more to enjoy these digital experiences.

And what will success look like to you? How far out will you be measuring the effects of this programme?

Success can be measured in the amount of global fans that engage with it, as well as the fans who stay way beyond the World Cup. This is a multi year and multi tournament initiative.

As this is a long-term change in how FIFA connects with fans online, FIFA will measure success over several years and many tournaments.

In general, success means more fans using FIFA’s platforms and finding them helpful, relevant, and worth coming back to.

There will also be operational measures, such as how quickly FIFA can launch or improve digital experiences. For us, success is building a more direct, continuous and valuable relationship with fans around the world.