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4 Best Business Credit Cards for Balance Transfer in 2026

TechRepublic News - Tue, 07/07/2026 - 00:00

Pay down business debt faster with the best balance transfer business credit cards for 2026. Compare top picks by offers, fees, and cash-back rewards to find the right card for your business.

The post 4 Best Business Credit Cards for Balance Transfer in 2026 appeared first on TechRepublic.

Categories: Technology

I tested Noble’s new ‘budget’ earbuds and I'd love to say they'll wow audiophiles, but it’s impossible to keep them in long enough to know

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 23:00
Noble Osprey: Two-minute review

Ah, the Noble Osprey; see how the majestic raptor hovers over its prey, watching with beady eyes as the young trout — wait, what do you mean this isn’t the first few words of a David Attenborough narration? Oh. I’m glad you told me that now.

The Noble Osprey are, in fact, a new pair of true wireless earbuds from the premium audio brand Noble. They’re not cheap, relatively speaking (and this is a crowded market), but they do undercut some of the best earbuds on the market to have graced our testing process. They're also more wallet-friendly than other buds from the brand such as the Noble FoKus Amadeus and FoKus Rex5, making them a little more competitive than what’s come before.

Despite this cheaper price, the Osprey also share a few traits with their siblings. They have another distinct marbled look, this time in blue, and again a focus on high-quality audio, with a refined V-shaped sound profile and support for LDAC.

I really wanted to like the Osprey; I tested the FoKus Apollo over-ears which sounded fantastic, and love an earbud that’s focusing on refined, higher-resolution sound instead of an omnipresent thumping bass. But over the several weeks of testing, I repeatedly found myself opting for other buds over the Osprey, which isn’t a good sign.

Unlike the namesake birds, gliding unbothered in the sky, the Osprey are certainly susceptible to the force of gravity… that is to say, they just wouldn’t stay in my ears. I tested the various sizes and shapes of ear tips offered in the box, and even rotated and twisted the buds around uncomfortable angles to see if I could lodge them into my ear, but no cigar.

I don’t mean they wobbled when I went for a run; I could be sitting stock still and they’d slide (I hesitate to use the word 'yeeted', but there it is) straight out of my ears of their own accord. Even cooking or eating was a challenge with them in; they’d fall out so frequently I’d always just remove them — or replace them with a pair I wasn’t testing.

The problem was incessant and it sowed in me a reticence to use the buds. This sentiment colored my entire time with them. I don’t think I’ve ever used a set of earbuds that fit as poorly (well, a tip-toting pair at least; they draw with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4) as the Noble Osprey.

I'm only laboring the point because it is a real shame. There’s a lot to like in these buds. They look distinctive, offering some of the flair of wired, Shure-adjacent IEMs but without the wire. The case is lovely and small, and holds a fair amount of charge too.

And the audio quality from these Noble earpieces is also good (when you can keep them in), offering a V-shaped presentation but with delicate, sparkling trebles and a refined low-end that’s rich in detail. The use of dual drivers as well as LDAC and Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility ensures you’re getting that extra sonic oomph you’re paying for. I just wish the buds would stay in my ears so I could appreciate the sound quality more…

Noble Osprey review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced on June 2, 2026, shipped later that month
  • Selling for $199 / £199 / AU$292
  • Undercuts Noble's other buds, AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro

Announced on the 2nd June, 2026, the Noble Osprey were shipped to early buyers by the end of the month.

They cost $199 / £199 / AU$292, so they’re priced just a hair below the AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, but in the same rough ‘premium wireless earbuds’ area that indicates these are top-tier buds.

Not highest-tier, I suppose, when you consider Noble’s other buds. The Rex5 cost $449 / £419 / AU$699, literally twice as much as the Osprey, so this bird-named pair of buds is still a very affordable model as far as Noble is concerned.

Noble Osprey review: Specs

Drivers

10mm + balanced armature

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

5 hours (buds), 35 hours (case)

Weight

6.5g (buds), 61g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20Hz-40kHz

Waterproofing

TBC

Noble Osprey review: Features

(Image credit: Future)
  • Minimum 5 hours listening, 7 hours without ANC
  • Passable ANC, but struggles in wind
  • App offers EQ, but not much more

The Noble Osprey are earbuds designed for audiophiles, and battery life is often a department that sees culls in favor of driving those various drivers (and powering the necessary antiphase tech for noise nixing). Case in point, the Osprey only last for five hours of listening when you've got ANC enabled.

That timespan extends to seven hours if you turn off ANC, which is a reasonable figure. The 35-hour battery life of the case is also reasonable too, and I've tested plenty of earbuds that don't offer that amount of extra juice.

Talking of the ANC, it's passable, but nothing to write home about — the Osprey won't be joining our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide any time soon. It stripped away the rumble of a bus and dampened the whirr of a nearby washing machine, but didn't offer the near-silence that many rivals do. They often struggled with wind too.

(Image credit: Future)

The Noble Osprey app offers a few useful features, including the ability to customize what the buds' touch controls do, turning off (or on) ANC, and toggling the Bluetooth tone switch.

The main tool, though, is the equalizer, offering a 10-band EQ or the choice between six presets. It's a rather effective EQ, letting you pull the music in various directions, and you can save various custom modes in addition to the presets.

If you don't think you'll use the equalizer, though, the app's not really worth downloading; it doesn't offer that much else, and there's a dearth of extra features that often crop up in consumer-grade earbuds.

  • Features score: 3.5/5
Noble Osprey review: Design

(Image credit: Future)
  • Svelte carry case
  • Attractive blue marbled design
  • Not designed to stick in the ear

You’ve read the introduction, you know that the Noble Osprey buds simply wouldn’t stay in my ears, no matter what I tried. And before the “why didn’t you…” of the comments section: trust me, I test buds for a living, this is not my first rodeo. It took very little motion to dislodge them from my ears: going on walks, sitting on a bumpy bus, moving about while cooking.

This was more than a minor annoyance; I basically couldn’t use them if I wasn’t sitting still at a desk, and even then the fit was unreliable. When they started to slip, they fell fast, tanking the audio quality and, if I tried to push them back into my ears, causing me to accidentally press the on-bud buttons.

Now and then I managed to lodge them in my ears in a way that, temporarily at least, kept them locked in position, and once or twice I managed to go on a walk with the buds. But this wasn’t reliable, caused my ears to ache, and still required me to adjust the fit almost constantly.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s the problem? They’re not the lightest buds I’ve ever tested, weighing 6.5g, but that shouldn’t be enough to hurt the fit. At a guess, it’s the top-heavy weighting of the buds themselves, though the lack of any friction in the tips (or perhaps a fin to help them lodge into ears) doesn’t help either.

Not only is it infuriating to constantly adjust the earbuds in your ear, it runs the risk of knocking the touch controls on each. It’s only a risk, though, and not a guarantee, because I found the controls quite unreliable to trigger.

The Osprey come in a lovely-looking azure charging case — azure until it gets scuffed up, which happened very quickly for me, making it look a little less lovely.

Said case is pretty small, with the buds nestled into it nicely, and it's light in weight, tipping the scales to 61g. I couldn’t find any information suggesting they’re IP rated, but the case certainly feels solid enough to protect the buds from a drop.

  • Design score: 2.5/5
Noble Osprey: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)
  • 10mm + BA driver
  • Refined V-shaped sound
  • LDAC support

Putting aside fit issues (which are hard to put aside when they affect sound quality so frequently — but play nice!), the Noble Osprey sound really good.

Each bud has been kitted out with a 10mm dynamic driver, plus a balanced armature driver, and they combine to create a refined V-shaped sound.

Bass is cohesive and scooping, holding a distinct space in the mix without overriding higher-end frequencies. Treble is sharp and bright, giving vocals sparkle and adding energy to string or brass stings. And while the mids aren’t as prominent in the mix as, say, bass, they hold enough space that music doesn’t feel like there’s some void in the middle.

Songs like Don McCloskey’s First in Flight let the various higher-frequency instruments, and the dancing bassline, all sit separately without descending into one chaotic mush. Acoustic guitars and vocals don’t clash like they do in cheaper buds, like in Charlie Mars’ She Ain’t Coming Back, which retains detail and timbre.

(Image credit: Future)

Helping this detail is the Osprey’s support for LDAC, for an upgrade over SBC or AAC.

The dual drivers bring another benefit: audio spacing. There’s distinct placement and a broad soundstage present in music here. How to get it? Try Yi Nantiro’s Oasis, which sees the harp dance around your periphery, or the London Symphony Orchestra’s recent recording of Holst’s The Planets, in which you can basically point to where each section of the orchestra was seated during the live recording.

The Osprey get pretty loud too if you push them, only distorting when you’re at the highest few volume increments. I didn’t go anywhere near that loud for most of my listening, but I appreciate that you can listen at higher volumes without losing quality.

  • Sound quality: 4.5/5
Noble Osprey review: Value

(Image credit: Future)
  • Rather affordable compared to audiophile buds
  • Expensive compared to consumer-grade ones
  • Don't offer the complete package like same-priced rivals do

The Noble Osprey sit with a foot (or claw? Talon?) in two camps. On one side, they're affordable audiophile earbuds, designed for listeners who care about music quality above all else. On the other, they're premium models for the average consumer, who wants a more balanced overall package.

Unfortunately, while the Noble Osprey sound really good, I'm not sure they sound $200 good. The distinction between them and same-price Apple, Bose or Sony rivals isn't pronounced enough, when you consider that those buds tend to offer a more balanced design and wider feature set.

Sure, audiophiles who only consider audio quality might not want those other features, but it's still a high price. For the same cost as the Osprey, you can get other buds that work even better.

  • Value: 3/5
Should I buy the Noble Osprey?Noble Osprey score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The Osprey's ANC does the job, and its battery life is okay, but beyond a useful EQ, there aren't many extra tools.

3.5/5

Design

Despite the portable carry case, and lovely marbling, it doesn't seem like enough thought was put into how the Osprey would sit in the ear.

2.5/5

Sound quality

The Osprey sound great, with a V-shaped profile that belies texture, space and detail.

4.5/5

Value

It's a high asking price, and beyond the sound quality, you're not getting much.

3/5

Buy them if…

You want great-sounding audio
The Noble Osprey sound great, and if that's the one and only thing you look for in wireless earbuds, then they're a good fit for you.

You like the look
Wireless earbuds can look pretty boring, so the Noble Osprey's blue marble pattern sets them apart from the crowd.

You need a tiny carry case
If you find modern earbud cases too big, the Osprey are the antidote: it's smaller than most alternatives I've used.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're not just listening at home
Because of the fit issues, the Osprey just aren't suited to being out and about. If you're only listening while sitting at a desk at home, they might be okay.

You want real budget earbuds
The Noble Osprey might be budget buds compared to other audiophile offerings, but when you look at the grand scheme of earbuds, they're still rather expensive.

Noble Osprey review: Also consider

Want to see what other earbuds your money can get you? Here are some alternatives for roughly the same price.

Noble Osprey

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Sony WF-1000XM6

Drivers

10mm + BA driver

Unspecified

8.4mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

5 hours (buds), 35 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 24 hours (case)

8 hours (buds), 24 hours (case)

Weight

6.5g (buds), 61g (case)

5.6g (buds), 44g (case)

6.5g (buds), 47g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

TBC

IP57

IPX4

Apple AirPods Pro 3
The natural competition at this price point is the AirPods Pro, with a burgeoning feature set (albeit some fit issues too). Don't expect as refined audio, though.
Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review

Sony WF-1000XM6
Another solid rival, and a stem-less option like the Osprey, is Sony's modern flagship. These sound audiophile-tier and have a wide, if not Apple wide, range of extra tools.
Read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

How I tested the Noble Osprey
  • Tested for one month
  • Paired with two different Android phones
  • Used for various activities and tasks

I used the Noble Osprey for roughly a month before writing this review, and the writing process added at least a week more of testing time. I began by using the pre-attached ear tips, and cycled through various in-box options, before settling on the two-tiered tips you see in the pictures.

During that span, they were paired to two different Android smartphones: a Motorola Edge 70 Fusion, and a Realme 13 Pro Plus, both times with the app installed on the phone. Mostly, music listening was done with Spotify and Tidal, while Prime Video and Now were used for movies — and various games got a look-in, too. I also used them for some calls and voice notes.

Initially, I used the earbuds for a wide range of tasks, including going for walks around my area, commuting or travelling on various forms of public transport, and while doing activities around my house. Towards the end of the testing process, when the fit issue made other uses frustrating, I only used them while seated at a desk. I completely omitted several tasks that are part of my usual testing process, including gym trips and runs.

I've been reviewing tech for TechRadar since 2019, which has seen me use countless earbuds and audio products.

  • First reviewed in July 2026
Categories: Reviews

What a divorce coach wishes couples knew before ending a marriage

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 21:06
The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family.'/>

Divorce is a tool, not a weapon, says Karen McNenny, author of a new book on the subject. She explains how to end a marriage while protecting your family and your mental health.

(Image credit: Wiley/Jossey-Bass/NPR, Nicole Wickens/NPR)

Categories: News

The U.S. men's run at the World Cup ends with a 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 20:58

The team was in the eye of a storm over a controversial phone call from President Trump to FIFA's head about a red card on a U.S. striker. But even with the U.S. at full strength, Belgium easily won.

(Image credit: Alex Grimm)

Categories: News

Even Your Summer Thermostat Temperature Has Become a Political Debate

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 20:30
The White House appears to have removed the Department of Energy's consumer guidance on indoor temperatures during the hottest days.
Categories: Technology

Apple iPhone Buried for 250 Years Probably Won't Work, Report Says

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 18:39
A time capsule for the 250th anniversary of American independence includes a bright orange iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Categories: Technology

Extreme heat on Independence Day will be America's new normal, experts say

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 18:24

In cities across the U.S., parades were canceled and events were delayed because of the heat. Meanwhile, emergency rooms saw a high number of people with heat-related illnesses.

(Image credit: Amid Farahi)

Categories: News

Xbox Laying Off 3,200 and Dropping 4 Studios in 'Reset' of Microsoft's Games Strategy

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 18:08
In an email to employees, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said: "Our business today is not healthy."
Categories: Technology

This World Cup marks end of era for Ronaldo and other soccer greats

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 16:31

Some of the greatest footballers of a generation played their final World Cup match this summer.

(Image credit: Lars Baron)

Categories: News

Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro review: A business laptop offering older but still potent Intel hardware to those working to a budget

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 16:15
Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: 30-second review

Before we all get confused, and I well might be, Geekom is selling the GeekBook X16 Pro laptop series in the USA, but it most likely isn’t the model that they supplied me for review purposes.

According to Geekom’s own website, the retail hardware comes with either a Core Ultra 9 185H or a Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, both mobile chips from Intel’s 100 series stable.

These machines come with 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and 2TB of SSD storage, sport Arc graphics and AI Boost.

That’s a decent amount of power for a laptop, and to keep the 16-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS panel running through a working day, it has a 77Wh battery inside.

My review hardware had the same Core Ultra 9 platform and screen, less RAM and storage, but more battery capacity. Apparently, this design went through some late changes, and considering how heavy the review machine was, many of these were positive changes.

The cost savings Geekom made to offer this laptop at the modest asking price of around $1350 mean there is only one USB4 port, the webcam is only 2MP, and the keyboard and touchpad aren’t the best quality.

How much those things impact you will depend on how you are likely to use it, but this laptop isn’t built to the level of a $2000 machine from Acer, Dell, HP or Lenovo.

That said, the underlying platform is solid, even if you can’t expand the memory, and with a USB 4.0 port, it can be attached to a Dock if you need more ports or more than two displays.

Geekom includes a basic USB-C Dock in the box, so those who need a wired LAN port won’t need a full Dock or adapter.

This isn’t the best business laptop I’ve tested, but it's far from the worst, and demonstrates that you can get relatively recent platforms in these form factors if you are prepared to compromise on some aspects.

Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Price and availability

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
  • How much does it cost? From $999
  • When is it out? Available now in the USA
  • Where can you get it? Direct from Geekom or online retailers

Geekom built its name on mini PCs, and the GeekBook X16 Pro is one of its first proper laptops. It launched primarily in the United States, where pricing has swung widely between around $949 and $1,599 depending on configuration and whatever promotion happens to be running that week.

At the time of writing, it can be bought directly from Geekom or via online retailers like Amazon.com and Best Buy.

The review unit supplied pairs the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB drive. This does not match either of Geekom's advertised configurations, which list the Ultra 9 185H alongside 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, or the Ultra 5 125H with 32GB and 1TB.

In the US, the Ultra 9 model with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage costs $1,349 directly from the maker, the same price at which it can be bought from Amazon.com. The Ultra 5 option with the same 32GB and 1TB of RAM is $999.

The price on Best Buy for the Ultra 9 model is the same $1,349, but curiously, Newegg is asking $2,086.99 for the same hardware.

As Geekom is not a brand with the kudos of other laptop makers, it would seem reasonable to assume that it would undercut the better names. And, it does in general.

But that’s mostly because the big names have moved on to either Ultra 200 or 300 class processors, and therefore, what they’re offering is more powerful.

As an example, the Dell 16 Plus sells for $1429.99 in the USA. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of storage. But critically, it has an Ultra 7 256V processor and that comes with ARC graphics. Admittedly, boosting that to 32GB of RAM will jump it to $1,899.99, but you do get a touch screen with that model.

If the Geekom X16 Pro were closer to $1000 for maybe a Core Ultra 7 class CPU, it might be a better value, but from a corporate viewpoint, it needs to be a better deal to push an Intel platform that is already a couple of generations back.

  • Value: 3.5 / 5
Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Specs

Item

Spec

Hardware:

Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro NM16DM (review hardware)

CPU:

Intel® Core Ultra 9 Processor 185H (16 Cores, 22 Threads, 5.1 GHz)

GPU:

Intel Arc GPU

NPU:

Intel AI Boost (35 TOPS CPU+NPU+GPU)

RAM:

16GB LPDDRX5 (no upgrades)

Storage:

512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD + M.2 2230 free slot

Screen:

16.0-inch IPS LCD, 2560 × 1600 (16:10)

Ports:

1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) , 2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), 1x HDMI 1.4, Audio Combo Jack

Camera:

2MP (1080p) Windows Hello compliant

Networking:

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4

Dimensions:

353 mm × 249 mm × 6.9 mm

Weight:

1.750kg

OS:

Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed)

Battery:

99.99Wh Battery

Power supply:

100W (20V 5A)

Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Design

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
  • Magnesium-aluminium chassis
  • Diverges from the retail model
  • Ports aren't labelled

Let’s start by saying that the GeekBook X16 Pro sent to me deviated from the specifications presented for the retail model in several significant ways.

Firstly, it has 16GB of RAM, whereas all retail SKUs have 32GB, and it has 1TB of storage, which isn’t available on the model with the Core Ultra 9 processor.

The biggest difference with my hardware was that it wasn’t the same weight as the retail model is quoted to be, and the reason is undoubtedly that it had a 99.98Whr battery, not the 77Whr that Geekom mentions in the specification.

The specs also mention a MicroSD card slot, but that wasn’t on the review machine.

It’s my assumption, and I can be wrong, that the rest of this equipment is roughly the same as the retail version, but there are no guarantees here.

Geekom has machined the GeekBook X16 Pro from a single piece of magnesium alloy, and that heritage shows in the finish. The Titanium Gray coating feels warm rather than cold to the touch, and there is no flex anywhere across the lid or the keyboard deck. While not the highest quality finish, it doesn’t feel cheap either.

Where the design pitch starts to wobble is the weight. Geekom lists the X16 Pro at 1.27kg, a figure that would make it one of the lightest 16-inch laptops around. The review unit weighs a whopping 1.75kg on the scales, nearly half a kilogram heavier than advertised, and that difference is obvious the moment you lift it one-handed. A laptop sold on featherweight portability should not feel like this in the hand.

This weight discrepancy, I’m confident, is down to the battery that Geekom used in the review hardware. Which is much larger than the one that is on the official spec sheet.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Port selection is generous for something this slim, with two USB-C connections, two USB-A, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack.

The frustration is that none of them is labelled with a speed. One USB-C runs at USB4 and the other only at USB 3.2, and there is no visual way to tell which is which, short of plugging something in and checking. For a laptop aimed at people who might use a fast external drive or a high-bandwidth dock, that is a genuine oversight from Geekom, and worth calling out plainly rather than glossing over.

The keyboard includes a full number pad, which is a genuine convenience on a 16-inch chassis and something plenty of rivals leave out. Typing feel is a little on the spongy side rather than crisp, so anyone coming from a firmer keyboard may need a short adjustment period.

The keyboard is workable, but I’m less convinced by the trackpad. It does the job for general navigation and gestures, but it does not feel as refined as the rest of the machine, and precision clicking is not its strong suit.

Those buying a 16-inch laptop clearly want a good display, and the IPS panel on this machine offers 2.5K resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. That extra vertical space suits spreadsheets, documents and code far better than a standard 16:9 screen, and scrolling feels smooth thanks to the higher refresh rate.

Geekom quotes 100 per cent sRGB coverage, which is close enough for everyday creative work without needing a colour-calibrated reference screen.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Since many business machines get small upgrades during their working life, I like to take the backs off laptops to see what is possible on that front.

Removing the underside requires removing nine screws with a T5 screwdriver, but once they’re out, it's relatively easy to detach. Inside, the battery can be replaced, and there is an unoccupied M.2 2230 slot. While the 2230 drive is an easy upgrade, the primary slot is 2280, so I’d probably recommend cloning the supplied drive to a larger one using that slot first.

The capacities of M.2 2230 aren’t great right now.

Also, these days, all memory comes pre-soldered, so the RAM in this system is the maximum it will ever have, even if the processors used on it can address 96GB.

Overall, this is one of those designs that is somewhat bland and lacks any sort of signature feature, but for many customers, that’s exactly what they want.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
  • Design: 4.5 / 5
Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Hardware
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
  • Modest AI capability
  • Wasted PCIe lanes

The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H is the flagship chip from Intel's first Core Ultra family, known internally as Meteor Lake. It packs sixteen cores across three types: six performance cores, eight efficiency cores and two low-power efficiency cores, giving it real flexibility between raw speed and battery-sensitive multitasking. Turbo clocks reach 5.1 GHz, and in daily use, that translates into a chip that handles heavy browser sessions, office work, and moderate creative tasks without complaint. Cinebench multicore scores sit comfortably above a thousand points, proof that the hybrid layout genuinely pays off rather than existing purely as a marketing slide.

Graphics duties fall to an integrated Arc GPU built from eight Xe cores, clocked up to 2.35GHz. This was the point where Meteor Lake felt like a proper step forward. Games at modest settings run smoothly, video timelines scrub without stutter, and general graphical work feels far removed from the older Iris chips it replaced. It will never trouble a discrete GPU, but for a laptop chip doing double duty as a workstation and a light gaming machine, it earns its keep.

Then there is the NPU, which Intel calls AI Boost on this silicon. On its own, the dedicated neural engine delivers around 11 TOPS. Add contributions from the CPU and GPU, and Intel quotes a platform total of 35 TOPS. That was a genuinely new capability when Meteor Lake launched, letting local AI tasks like background blur, transcription and some generative features run without leaning on the cloud.

The trouble is that time moves fast in Silicon. Microsoft set the bar for its Copilot Plus program at 40 TOPS from the NPU alone, and the 185H simply does not reach it.

Intel's 200 series chips, split between Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake depending on the segment, push NPU performance well past 40 TOPS on the Lunar Lake side. The newer 300 series, built on Panther Lake, goes further still, pairing a stronger NPU with a genuine jump in graphics performance too.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

So is the 185H still worth having? Yes, with a clear head about what it is. It remains a strong general-purpose chip for everyday work, and its Arc graphics still beat plenty of rivals from its own generation. What it is not is a true Copilot Plus chip, and anyone chasing the latest on device AI features should look at the newer series instead. Judged simply as a capable, well-rounded laptop processor for typical work, there is still very little to complain about here. It has aged into a dependable middle child rather than a has-been, useful for exactly the sort of laptop you might have in front of you now.

Where this design isn’t well-served is that the Core Ultra 9 supports 28 PCI lanes (PCI 5.0 and 4.0), and the ports provided use hardly any of them. Given how much unused PCIe bandwidth was available, why is only one USB-C port USB4 spec? This chipset does support Thunderbolt, and if this were a Mini PC at this price point, I’d be expecting that, but only one USB4 port is poor considering the small army of unused PCIe lanes.

When I look at the number of mini PCs and laptops using this Meteor Lake silicon, I’m inclined to conclude that Intel made far too many of these wafers and now has unused bins clogging the channel they use to move 200- and 300-series chips.

If that’s an accurate analysis, then we’re likely to see more machines like the X16 Pro, where Intel attempts to flog them off before they’re four generations back.

  • Hardware: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Performance

Laptops

 

Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro

Acer Swift Edge 14 AI

CPU

 

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

Intel Core Ultra 7 258V

Cores/Threads

 

16C 22T

8C 8T

TPD

 

45W

17W-37W

RAM

 

16GB LPDDR5X

32GB LPDDR5X

SSD

 

512 GB KINGSTON OM8TAP4512K1

1TB Kingston OM8PGP4102Q

Graphics

 

Intel Arc Graphics

Intel Arc 140V

NPU

 

Intel AI Boost (11 TOPS)

Intel NPU (47 TOPS)

3DMark

WildLife

18,030

20,983

 

FireStrike

7177

8003

 

TimeSpy

3815

4065

 

Steel Nomad.L

2638

2989

CineBench24

Single

94

120

 

Multi

631

389

 

Ratio

6.70

3.24

GeekBench 6

Single

2337

2757

 

Multi

12104

11148

 

OpenCL

33402

29692

 

Vulkan

35602

33890

CrystalDIsk

Read MB/s

5979

4805

 

Write  MB/s

3756

3905

PCMark 10

Office

8133

8206

 

Battery

23h 21m

18h 28m

Battery

Whr

77

65

 

PSU

100W

100W

WEI

Score

8.2

8.8

Before I talk about this comparison, I need to address the elephant reclining on the sofa using this laptop, and that’s the lack of continuity between the review hardware I tested and the retail GeekBook X16 Pro options. While the amount of RAM and the SSD model might well have altered some of these numbers, the one big difference is that the review hardware had a battery with 99.99Whr of capacity, whereas the retail hardware only has 77Whr.

In testing, this machine lasted 23 hours and 21 minutes, and if that is adjusted pro rata to the 77Whr battery size, a projected running time of approximately 1079 minutes, or roughly 17 hours, 59 minutes. If I assume that the retail machine has 32GB of RAM, double that of the review hardware, then that extra overhead in keeping the memory alive would bring the running time down to 17 hours, which is exactly what Geekom is quoting.

That’s a decent amount of time, and should cover even a long working day for those who live to work.

The other benchmarks presented here, I’m less concerned, might be different from a retail GeekBook, since the platform is unlikely to be different to what I tested.

My comparison machine, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI, is a smaller display option, but it uses a newer 200 series processor, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.

As is evident, the improvements Intel made between Meteor Lake and Luna Lake weren’t subtle, and the Core i7 on the Acer performs better pretty much across the board. It’s dramatically better on single-core exercise, even if in some situations the GPU utilisation is slightly better on the older chip.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

And, for those wondering about 300 series silicon, like the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 on the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Enterprise Edition, I recently covered, it performs even better.

There is no ‘golden age’ of mobile processors to discover, and the newest ones are genuinely better in almost every respect.

What isn’t covered in these benchmarks is AI, and that’s lucky for the GeekBook, because it would get slapped by any 200 or 300 series processor, even a Core Ultra 5 variant.

Overall, if you are looking for a workmanlike system with decent battery life and adequate performance for office tasks, the GeekBook X16 Pro ticks enough boxes. But it’s not a machine for power users or creatives, unsurprisingly.

For those interested in the screen, I gave it a full analysis using the Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra, and it was better than I’d anticipated for a side-lit IPS screen.

The gamut representation was 98% sRGB and 78% AdobeRGB and P3, which is fine. The brightness is capped at just over 300 nits, and the contrast is at about 1060:1.

The weaknesses of this panel are a mediocre tone response and poor white point accuracy.

But the usual challenges of luminance and colour uniformity aren’t a big issue here.

Overall, the screen is better than I’ve seen on some big-name brands, even if it can’t compete with the AMLOED displays that some products rock.

  • Performance: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro: Final verdict

Since the review hardware patently wasn’t the one I was sent, I feel justified in being somewhat coy about endorsing it unreservedly.

What I’m hoping customers of Geekom are getting is roughly the same chassis, screen and platform, but with more memory, more storage and 23% less battery. And, it's much lighter than the one I got, which is difficult to hold in one hand when it's open.

If that’s the case, this is an interesting option for those wanting a reasonably punchy machine without burning through the budget entirely on the latest processor platforms.

The only thing I’d like to see from this brand is more attention to detail, especially in respect of labelling ports. This would have been less of an issue if both USB-C ports had been USB4, and there are few valid excuses I’d take for why they aren't.

Those points aside, and with a trackpad that might have been better, there are many positive aspects of this design that, only a few years ago, might have been described as a flagship model.

It isn’t cheap, but with rising memory and storage costs, hardware at this price might look like more of a bargain in a couple of years. And, compared with 200 and 300 series machines, it's on the budget-friendly side of the line.

Where I’d be careful with this hardware is deploying it to a student, because it's difficult to assess how much abuse it can take, and it's not easy to fit in a smaller backpack.

But with prices on the rise, a machine with this silicon, screen, memory and storage for less than $1500 isn't a bad deal, and it can only get better in the coming months.

Should you buy a Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro?

Value

Not a wonderful deal, but affordable

3.5/5

Design

Unexciting design slightly hampered by a cheap touchpad

3.5/5

Hardware

Intel 100 series, but only one USB4 port

3.5/5

Performance

Decent performance unless you use AI

4/5

Overall

Based system that was built to a price

4/5

Buy it if...

You need a 16-inch display
The IPS panel on the X16 Pro is pretty good, even if it isn't OLED technology. It's not a screen you want to work in sunlight with, but indoors, it's workable.

You're on a budget
The chip in this laptop comes from the first Ultra generation and has all its strengths and weaknesses. It combines excellent efficiency with slightly lacklustre single-core performance and first-generation AI technology.

Don't buy it if...

You like to upgrade
The 32GB LPDDR5x memory is soldered onto the mainboard and cannot be upgraded. Users looking for long-term flexibility or future-proofing may find this limiting, especially if workloads grow more demanding over time.

You want the highest levels of performance
Compared to the latest AMD Ryzen AI machines or the Intel 200/300 series, the processor and graphics in this system aren’t the quickest available. If compute power is paramount, and battery life is less important, then consider a system that uses the AMD Ryzen AI 395 Max+.View Deal

Categories: Reviews

USA set to take on Belgium in World Cup amid Trump red card controversy

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 16:01

Ahead of this evening's World Cup match between the U.S. and Belgium, the drama about the eligibility of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun continues to swirl following his red card in the previous match.

Categories: News

100+ outstanding Amazon Prime Day discounts, vetted by deal experts: from headphones to e-readers, appliances & much more

TechRadar News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:57

It's here: Amazon's 2026 Prime Day sale in Australia is officially live, with thousands of deals on everything from coffee makers, robot vacuums and smart home devices to Apple products, smartwatches and more.

Shop Amazon's full Prime Day sale

As a TechRadar veteran of 10 years, I've covered every single Amazon sale we've had in Australia since the online retail giant made its debut in December 2017, and I've learnt a thing or two on how to quickly find the best tech deals that are actually worth spending on. I'm also leveraging my entire team's expertise on finding the best products at worthwhile prices. Between us, we've already dug up 100+ deals on day one, and we still have a full week of shopping ahead of us!

There are amazing Prime Day deals on Apple products, and we've also got a dedicated collection of the best Garmin deals too. You can also take a look at our picks of the best Prime Day vacuum deals or the best Prime Day headphone deals, while our list of the best Prime Day coffee machine deals will have you salivating.

Other deal highlights on day one include the AirPods Pro 3 for just AU$299 and a whopping 73% off the Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum.

I'll be covering the entire sale live, so stick with me, dear reader, while I bring you more highlights all through till Monday, July 13, when Prime Day officially ends. Just be sure you have a Prime membership as most of the discounts below list the exclusive prices for subscribers. You can sign up now and get a 30-day free trial that you can cancel any time.

Amazon quick linksToday's best deals

Already quite affordable, this Blink video doorbell can rival anything from the more expensive Ring line, while also offering a long battery life and IP65 weatherproofing. Also included is the Sync Module that you'll need to make everything work, but you will need to take into account that it requires a Blink Subscription Plan if you want all its functions at your fingertips.View Deal

This is just the previous Fire TV Stick 4K rebranded to a new name. So if you already have the original, there's no need to upgrade, but for a first-time customer, you get Wi-Fi 6 support and a fast processor so you can get to your favourite streaming content that much quicker. All Fire TV Sticks now get you access to XBox Game Pass, so you don't need a console to play if you already have a subscription.View Deal

Securing a spot on our list of the best air fryers, our reviewer said this innovative model from Ninja was the "air fryer of my dreams". It takes a familiar double drawer design, but stacks them on top of each other, resulting in a smaller footprint. Performance is exemplary, but just make sure the food you put in isn't that big, as the drawers themselves are on the smaller side at 4.75L each.View Deal

The Kindle Colorsoft is one of the best ereaders with a colour display, even offering a feature to make the hues more vivid. While I wouldn't recommend at full price, this discount makes it the best Kindle deal yet since it's down to a record-low price.
If you'd like more storage than the 16GB version, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is also 27% off to AU$326.View Deal

This is the biggest discount currently on Apple's latest noise-cancelling buds. So if you've been keen to upgrade from an older pair of AirPods 2 or 3, they are worth a look. If you're a Pro 2 user, though, it's not worth the upgrade. Check out our review for the full story, but the new features include heart-rate monitoring and even better ANC than before.View Deal

We called it "the best Apple Watch for most people" in our Apple Watch SE 3 review, applauding its speedy performance and classically-modern looks. Sitting comfortably within our guide to the best Apple Watch, it matches the Series 11 and Ultra 3 in speed, has a solid battery life and compact design without feeling like a budget offering.View Deal

Best deals under AU$100

We may not have tested these buds ourselves here at TechRadar, but it’s hard to ignore the 100K customer reviews on Amazon. While often discounted to this price, if you’re after dependable Bluetooth buds on a budget, these are a great option.View Deal

This entry-level doorbell has a two-year battery life, meaning you won't have to worry about hardwiring if you're renting. It also has a 150° head-to-toe view, can automatically send you parcel and person alerts, and help keep your worries at bay with continuous live view. It's also remarkably affordable right now but something has to be said for 2K footage, which the slightly more expensive Blink listed above gets you.View Deal

Read our review for the full scoop, but the Blink Outdoor 4 is an affordable home security camera from Amazon with the ability to last up to two years off batteries. It comes with an easy-to-use app and fairly good camera quality via a 1080p lens, and can store video when paired with a Blink Sync module.View Deal

Boasting a 12,000dpi 'Hero' sensor, as well as 6 programmable buttons, a 250-hour battery and onboard memory for your settings, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse is ideal for competitive play. Want to know more? Check out our review. View Deal

If you don't enjoy flossing the traditional way, use the power of water instead. Removing plaque using three different water pressure settings, this handy flosser will clean out those hard-to-reach gaps that your toothbrush can't. Plus, it's cordless, meaning you can take it on your travels too.View Deal

Sure, it's a wired controller, but this gamepad is simple to use and durable, with drift-free hall effect analog sticks. In fact, the base of the sticks also have RGB, which is fantastic at this price. Being wired, however, means this isn't ideal for couch play, but if you're a PC gamer at your desk, it'll do wonderfully well.View Deal

If you're after a really good electric toothbrush that won't cost an arm and a leg (or some teeth), then this is it. It's an entry-level oscillating brush, which means it rotates at fast speeds and may not be ideal for people with sensitive or bleeding gums as that movement can be harsh, but it sure does remove a heck of a lot of plaque and keeps your teeth healthy. View Deal

This portable espresso machine is a fantastic option for those constantly on the move. It uses Nespresso pods and made such good coffee that it earned a 4-star review from us. And while already affordable for what it can do, it's now cheaper still and, honestly, a very tempting impulse buy.View Deal

This drip-style coffee maker lets you wake up to a fresh pot of coffee every morning and it will even keep it warm all morning for those cold days working from home. You can program it to brew at a specific time and even adjust the strength of your brew. View Deal

This little pod machine is very popular among TechRadar's Aussie team. We've had past and present staff say how much they love it, and they'd even buy it at full price. With a very compact footprint and plenty of Vertuo pods to choose from, you'll get delicious coffee at just the press of a button.View Deal

Our 1More Sonoflow review praised the comfort of the headphones, as well as the excellent active noise cancelling and up to 70 hours of battery life. Honestly, at this price, it's excellent value for everyday listening.View Deal

Headphones & speakers

These AirPods lack active noise cancellation but you still get great audio and personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking without having to pay too much. Additionally, a battery life of up to five hours on a single charge and 30 hours with the included carry case will keep you listening for longer.
Prefer noise cancellation as well? Grab the AirPods 4 with ANC for AU$219 (or 27% off).View Deal

Offering poised and revealing sound, along with excellent comfort and microphone quality, this saving is one to consider if you've been on the hunt for a quality pair of earbuds. Though noise cancellation and battery life could use some work, we awarded these earbuds a TechRadar Recommends seal of approval in our Technics EAH-AZ80 review.View Deal

Offering “incredible sound”, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have all the power and quality you’d expect from a Bose-branded item while providing the benefits of an open-ear form factor. The Immersive sound is excellent, and there’s also up to seven hours of play time and up to 48 hours of standby time. They simply just work and work very well.View Deal

We gave these stunning earbuds 4.5 stars in our review as they have class-leading audio handling and impeccable sound quality that rivals the best wireless earbuds. With balanced sound, effective ANC and a great battery life, these Sennheiser buds will make any audiophile smile. View Deal

Read our review for the full lowdown on why these are the ideal runners headphones. Importantly, this Pro 2 version that improves the sound quality by combining the bone conduction tech with an air conduction speaker. This discount beats the price from Black Friday last year.View Deal

Nearly as good as the gen 1 QuietComfort Ultra, the SC misses out on the Immersive Audio mode. There'll also be a little difference in sound quality as they process sound differently, but it's still excellent, as is the ANC performance. You'll also get a soft case for this foldable headphone rather than the hard one for the more expensive set.View Deal

The 5th-gen version is out now, but it's our Sennheiser Momentum 4 review that scored a full five stars, where we called these headphones "unbeatable". With active noise-cancellation, 60-hours of battery life and excellent sound quality, there are few pairs that can compete with the Momentum 4.View Deal

The original QC Ultra was already an excellent set of ANC cans, which sadly got knocked off its perch as the best by Sony's XM6 headphones. But these 2025 Bose QC Ultras reassert the brand's true mastery of sound and noise cancellation. Offering lively, engaging sound and Immersive Audio for a spatial treatment to any tune, I think they also look rather dapper. View Deal

Admittedly this isn't a fantastic price on an older Apple product, but not listing this discounted premium headphones just doesn't feel right considering how popular they can be. Sure, Apple's in-ear buds are arguably even more popular, but the cans are also coveted and cheaper than the gen 2 model.View Deal

I saw a small discount on Apple's latest release of its over-ear cans during EOFY at another retailer, but this is definitely a better offer. So, what's different and are they worth the cash? Well, if you're an Apple fan, then yes, they are, but the only thing new here is the H2 chip that offers better noise cancellation, voice isolation, adaptive audio and improved head gestures. Yeah, the only thing different...View Deal

This Bluetooth speaker has a 30W output, supports aptX, is waterproof, and can have two units paired together for stereo. All that for around the hundred-dollar mark is excellent value in my books.View Deal

This floatable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for the poolside party, with up to 15 hours of playtime and very decent 45m connectivity range. It promises bassy, punchy and yet a clear 360º soundstage.View Deal

Clean, detailed sound, full protection against dust and water and all packaged in a gorgeous body, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a Bluetooth speaker you'll want to take with you everywhere you go.View Deal

The JBL Flip 7 outperforms its predecessor, getting a full five stars in our review. The sound is a lot punchier than before and that's without compromising details across the range. It even gets a bigger battery to last you up to 16 hours and makes a case for itself at a very good price indeed.View Deal

Not only can the Charge 6 last up to 28 hours on a single charge, but it can also be used as a power bank to top up your devices via its USB-C port. Sound quality is energetic and detailed in equal measure, and it’s built to withstand virtually anything you wish to throw at it. View Deal

Offering bold sound that doesn't distort at high volumes, an attractive design and a brilliant 24-hour battery life, the JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker is well worth considering if you've been looking or a powerful music player.View Deal

It might be expensive compared to other Bluetooth speakers you can get, but if you want big and punchy sound, this is the party speaker you should reach for. It will even charge your handheld devices for you thanks to its two-way USB-C port. Bose wraps up excellent sound quality and an enjoyable user experience in an attractive, outdoor-friendly package.View Deal


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Vacuum cleaners

We haven't tested this cordless vacuum ourselves but user reviews are glowing and I think that says something. For quick and daily vacuuming, this is great and excellent value and is currently back to its all-time low price on Amazon.View Deal

Scoring almost five stars in our Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum cleaner review, we called this vacuum "a wonder". Versatile, powerful, offering automatic power adjustment and equally good at cleaning hard floors as it is on carpet, this is one of the best vacuums on the market, at a stellar price.View Deal

This Roborock wet-dry vacuum will leave your hard floors sparkling clean thanks to powerful suction and effective cleaning. It can get up close to edges and the whole body can lay completely flat to help getting underneath tricky to reach places. This price is equal to the lowest we have seen on Amazon and is a great saving on an excellent floor washer – read our review for more info.View Deal

In our Dreame L10s Ultra review, we called this handy little gadget a "a robot vacuum powerhouse" that will "do as it's told" – what more do you want from a robot vacuum? Seeing a massive discount (and one of the lowest prices we have seen on Amazon), this ultra machine automatically detects floor types, empties itself, has a useful onboard camera and an intuitive mobile app.View Deal

Where this Dreame differs from all the others on this page is that if you don't want it to mop (do a vacuum-only run), it can drop its mop pads in the base station by itself. It's also pretty powerful and scored 4 stars in our Dreame X40 Ultra review. It's now two generations old but I'd still recommend it today, especially at this price. View Deal

This is the robovac I would consider buying if I didn't already have a high-end Dreame machine that's been cleaning my home like... a dream. This Roborock is slimlined to crawl under furniture (no navigation puck here), and can raise not just its mop pads, but its side brush to avoid scattering and excessive tangling. Its headline act, however, has to be its cleaning prowess — our Roborock Saros 10R review didn't score 4.5 stars for nothing!View Deal


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Coffee machines

We've just got this bean-to-cup espresso machine in for review, but if the Philips LatteGo 5500 is anything to go by, we have high hopes. This machine can make 12 coffee-based drinks and uses a clever milk frothing system to create delicious coffee time after time. View Deal

This at-home espresso machine is perfect for hobbyist baristas and coffee connoisseurs alike and has long held a position on our round-up of the best espresso machines for good reason. This manual coffee machine streamlines the brewing process from beans to latte with its integrated conical burr grinder, steam wand and precise espresso extraction. View Deal

We rate the Vertuo Creatista as the best Nespresso machine out there thanks to its use of the Vertuo pods, which come in a range of cup and mug sizes and an integrated milk frother. It performs exceptionally well, too, and will brew your morning cuppa in no time at all.View Deal

It's an expensive machine but we like it so much that it scored 4.5 stars in our De'Longhi Eletta Explore review. Capable of making both hot and cold coffee brews, this bean-to-cup machine produces delicious results, although it's not without its quirks. Our reviewer thought its water tank design was a little annoying and wasn't too thrilled with the two-carafe milk system, but if those aren't going to be issues for you, this could be a good investment.View Deal


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Air fryers

This big air fryer has multiple accessories to keep clean, but there's no denying this Sunbeam unit is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It's capable of cooking in separate zones, complete with separate trays to maximise the space or one huge 11.4L zone. Food is roasted to perfection, whether it's a full chicken or small portions of fries or vegetables.View Deal

We haven't tested Philips' dual basket air fryer, but considering how much we've loved the brand's other kitchen appliances, it's hard to not make a mention of this offer. This 9L air fryer has drawers of different sizes, which makes it easy to cook a main and a side together, and promises to sync cooking times if needed. View Deal

This compact air fryer packs 1700W of power into a portable design, with two borosilicate glassware containers that serve as both frying baskets and serving dishes. The borosilicate means they can also withstand extreme temperatures, making it easy to take your favourite foods from frozen to crispy, and it's safer to use than any non-stick basket. The Crispi also comes with two removable crisping grates and two snap-on container lids for easy food-storage post-feast.View Deal

Ever cooked with steam in an air fryer? Now you can with this Philips two-drawer air fryer. In my Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket XXL Air Fryer Steam review, I said that it cooks everything really well, but there are some caveats to keep in mind when it comes to the use of steam. Still, it's absolutely worth the investment if you want to upgrade from an old air fryer and you have the space for it.View Deal


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Other home appliances

It's got a cult-like following and two members of our own staff are massive fans. If you love your chilled desserts – ice creams, gelatos, smoothies – but want to control your calorie intake, you really should consider getting the Ninja Creami. This Deluxe edition gets you three containers, which is great value at this price.View Deal

The Ninja Slushi lets you skip the ice and still enjoy perfectly smooth icy drinks with very little effort. Whether you're craving a frappe, smoothie, or even a cheeky spiked slushi, its multiple drink modes have you covered. Check out our Ninja Slushi review for the full rundown. View Deal

While we haven't tested the Vitamix Ascent 2300i for ourselves here at TechRadar, our colleagues at T3 love it, calling it a "real quality blender that will last longer than most things in your home" in their review. The only downside was the asking price. Now, though, the price has dropped considerably.View Deal

We might be in the middle of winter, but there's no denying some parts of Australia need a good fan year round. This Vornado model creates tornado-like air flow that circulates around the room. Note that this is the smallest model in the range, ideal for bedrooms. View Deal


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Personal care

Whisk away facial hair in one smooth motion using Manscaped's Beard Hedger beard trimmer. With 20 length settings, edge trimming capabilities and a fully waterproof body, you'll be perfecting your stubble in no time. We have seen this trimmer go lower in price before, but we think it's such a talented performer that we felt compelled to include it here.View Deal

Fitted with a flexible head, this shaver is designed to glide against the shape of your face, while onboard sensors will allow it to adapt the cutting power to your beard's length. Speaking of which, it's got 5 length settings to suit different needs and it holds its own while in the shower too. View Deal

The Dreame Gleame hair dryer is an even more affordable alternative to the bigger brands. Its motor spins at a mighty fast 110,000 RPM for fast airflow and quick drying, plus built-in ion technology results in smooth, shiny hair. Not to mention, the slim, lightweight build make it comfortable to hold. View Deal

This very significant price drop might well tempt you to get yourself what is arguably one of the best hair dryers money can buy. There are a plethora of sensors here that make sure your scalp remains healthy, automatically adjusting heat and airflow depending on how far away the dryer is from your head. You also get a bunch of magnetic attachments for a styled blow dry too.View Deal


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Home entertainment & Hi-Fi

The Amazon Fire TV Cube combines all the benefits of a streaming device with Alexa support. It works as a smart speaker so you can control your smart home devices with it, but it also provides access to every streaming app you can think of. Throw in Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, and it’s everything you could want. So why not grab a streaming device that's also a smart speaker?View Deal

It's often the #1 bestselling soundbar on Amazon and that doesn't surprise me in the least. It was very well received by experts at its price point when it launched in 2023, and has remained a top option for users too. And at this price, it's a fantastic budget option with Dolby Atmos support, plenty of bass and a wide soundstage.View Deal

In our Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar review, we said this soundbar rivals the Sonos Arc, which is the best Sonos soundbar we've tried. The Smart Ultra is compact, beautifully built, and offers plenty of control options to go with its wide, detailed sound. View Deal

This Sony Bluetooth turntable is as fuss-free as they come with regard to setup and getting your favourite vinyl records spinning. Whether you're playing via wired or wireless speakers, it delivers a delightfully musical sound that will satisfy vinyl beginners or those looking for a more hands-off approach. View Deal

We haven't reviewed these KEF bookshelf speakers, but our esteemed colleagues at What Hi-Fi? have and deem them to "set the performance standard for stereo speakers anywhere close to this price". They're pretty forgiving when it comes to partnering amplifiers, so if you have a home hi-fi setup in need of a upgrade, this could be the one you're looking for. View Deal

This UST projector from AWOL Vision does require some manual input to set it up correctly, but once it's done, you'll be treated to a glorious, bright image. It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and because of a lack of built-in streaming apps, an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is included. And don't be fooled by the 15% price drop — it's actually a 39% discount as the RRP is AU$5,599.View Deal


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Phones, tablets & accessories

I have a feeling the price of this budget phone will drop but that's not a promise, it's a hope. It's still worth it at this price, as long as you don't need the most powerful phone with all the bells and whistles. We called it a "competent all-rounder" in our Samsung Galaxy A57 review, but we also noted that it will not wow you.View Deal

This Motorola handset is packed full of value if you don't need the latest and bestest phone on the market. For your money, you get a vivid display, impressive battery life and very good everyday performance. Don't expect it to handle heavy gaming, but its plenty for the average user.View Deal

Announced in October 2024, this compact iPad has a decently powerful chip under the hood, and this exceptional discount is icing on the Apple. With Apple Pencil and Smart Folio support, this 8.3-inch slate is not just portable, but would be a handy device to have if you're working on the go.View Deal

The 2024 Paperwhite remains one of the best Kindles you can get. Its E Ink Carta 1300 screen is fantastic, page turns are quick and we gave it 4 stars in our review. My only complaint with it is that a significant chunk of its 16GB storage is taken up by the OS, which isn't really a deal breaker.View Deal

With more storage, a brighter screen and wireless charging, the Paperwhite Signature Edition is arguably better value than the base model above if you think you'll make full use of the storage and its wireless charging capabilities. If not, you're better off going with the standard Paperwhite.View Deal

Kindles are known for their reading capabilities, but with the Kindle Scribe, you get that and a whole lot more. With a wide range of writing features, you can take notes, create sketches and brainstorm like a pro. I love its 10.2-inch glare-free screen with an ambient light sensor, and it's battery life is excellent too. It's now the previous-gen model, but arguably better value than the 2025 3rd-gen release. View Deal

Samsung's answer to the AirTag, the SmartTag 2 works with select Samsung phones to help you find mislaid items. It has a built-in hole for easier attachments, up to 700 days of battery life and it's water-resistant. If you're always losing stuff, this is a worthy investment.View Deal

The latest release of the popular AirTag comes with a better locator sound and more precise location tracker than previously, making this the Bluetooth tracker to get for Apple users. While the single unit is discounted to AU$39, the 4-pack is better value as it brings the price of each AirTag to AU$32.75.View Deal


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Power banks & chargers

This compact mid-sized power bank is a great option for fast charging your phone on longer trips where a smaller capacity power bank won't cut it. The T2055 is one of our top-rated options in our best power bank buyers guide, and is a sweet deal at this price. View Deal

The INIU B64 is one of our favourite power banks, and while this isn't quite the lowest price we've seen (that was AU$95.99), there's still good bang for buck here. The B64 has up to a massive 140W output for fast charging anything from a phone to a laptop or portable gaming device. The large 27,000mAh (99.9Wh) capacity is (just) flight safe, it can charge three devices at once and is backed by a long three-year warranty.View Deal

At one of the lowest prices we have seen, this is a great deal for a premium power bank. The Anker 737 gets excellent results in our best power banks guide, and has a 140W output, a 24,000 mAh capacity (86.4Wh, so flight safe) and an excellent 85% efficiency. View Deal

This neat little charger doesn’t take up much space and offers USB-A and USB-C ports, capable of fast charging most base model phones from Apple, Google and Samsung. It won’t achieve the maximum wattage requirements of fast charging on more high-end models (such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at 37W, or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus/Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max at 45W), but it’s a handy travel solution.View Deal

Outputting a maximum of 65W via either one of its USB-C ports (and a maximum of 22.5W via its USB-A port), this charger isn’t just capable of fast charging top iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices at the highest speed, it’s also worth considering as a laptop charger replacement with its compact size, provided you have a sufficiently capable USB-C cable and your laptop can charge via said cable.View Deal

A 100W charger might seem overkill, but if you’re thinking of simultaneously charging a laptop, phone, set of earbuds and a smartwatch, this is certainly a device to consider. The two top-most USB-C ports can output at a maximum of 100W, while the bottom USB-C port delivers up to 30W and the USB-A port up to 22.5W.View Deal


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Fitness trackers & smartwatches

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a worthwhile fitness device for folks that don’t like the feeling of a watch. Water resistant at up to 100 metres and available in three colours, the Galaxy Ring can track steps, sleep, heart rate and more. It comes with a charging cradle, with the Ring capable of lasting up to seven days on a full charge. Remember to try the sizing kit first.View Deal

We called this the best smart ring for battery life (rated up to 12 days + a further 150 days with the charging case) while also being a more affordable option than Oura and Samsung at full price. The Gen 2 added a sleep apnoea tracker to make up for the price hike over its predecessor. Again, be sure to source the sizing kit first as not all smart rings are made the same.View Deal

This is a fantastic price for a fantastic smartwatch that we awarded four stars in our Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro review. Yes, it looks like an Apple Watch, but it also acts like one, offering excellent battery life, accurate health tracking and a bright display. Plus, perhaps most importantly, it plays nicely with both iOS and Android devices.View Deal

One of the best-looking hybrid smart watches on the market, blending analog and digital design layouts, the Scanwatch 2 is probably your best bet if you want a classic design and some of the health tracking features of a typical smart watch. In our Withings ScanWatch 2 review, we found that the companion app was quite easy to use and we liked the inclusion of a skin temperature tracker, though we would have liked some more smart features and the small digital display may not be for everyone.View Deal

An upgraded version of a watch we proudly awarded five stars, this handy fitness tracker features solar power charging, allowing it to last much longer than the standard model. It's a rugged wrist piece and it's intended for heavy-duty activities.View Deal

The 'S' in the name stands for 'small', meaning this specific Garmin was made for petite wrists and features a 42mm vibrant OLED display. You also get Multiband GPS, an intuitive menu navigation, excellent battery life, plenty of Garmin fitness features... and, oh, did I mention the OLED display?View Deal

If you want the most powerful wearable from Apple, then this one is it. Built for the outdoors, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 can compete with some of the best Garmin watches, just made to work with an iPhone. Precise GPS, custom workout tracking and so much more, it's perfect for all athletes.View Deal


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Cameras

This is Canon's first compact camera in years, picking up where the fabulous and popular PowerShot G7 X series left off. It features a brand-new 22.3MP 1.4-inch sensor that boasts Canon's trusty Dual Pixel CMOS II autofocus and it has an integrated fan to keep things cool for the content creator. With plenty of grunt under the hood, this is the best price yet on this relatively new camera.View Deal

You may not have heard of this brand and dismiss it out of hand but, for its price, our colleagues at Digital Camera World rated it with a 4-star score in their review. Even at full price, it represents excellent value, offering a front screen that even a GoPro doesn't get you. Admittedly its image quality lacks against the big players, but we have it on good authority that it's reliable, easy to use and comes with plenty of accessories in the box.View Deal

This point-and-shoot camera fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and makes content creation as easy as possible. You quite literally just need to point and shoot. There are just a few control buttons on the rear, but the tiny 2-inch flip-up touchscreen adds functionality too. It's capable of 4K/30p videos and 20MP stills. View Deal

With some serious grunt under the hood of this palm-friendly camera, you get AI-powered subject tracking, up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range and even 4K/120p slo-mo recording. This camera has since been succeeded by the 6th-gen model but it's still a fabulous shot (pardon the pun).View Deal

While it's not a huge upgrade over the previous model, the TG-6 is no longer available to buy, making this the best choice if you'd like a near-indestructible camera that you can take underwater.View Deal

This might be an entry-level camera but it has some advanced features. Anyone who wants to shoot wildlife or sports will be thrilled with the 40fps burst speed, and it inherits some of the tracking precision from Canon's higher-end cameras too. With a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, it's one of the lightest cameras available today and represents excellent value for a beginner even though this isn't the best price it's been.View Deal

It's been cheaper than this before, but this is still a fantastic saving on an excellent Nikon full-framer. The 24.6MP sensor can shoot at up to 120fps, records 6K video, has built-in image stabilisation and has dual card slots, including one for a CFexpress device to make full use of its speed.View Deal


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Dash cams

Holding a spot on our list of the best dash cams, the Vantrue E1 is super compact, yet is capable of recording clear, detailed footage day and night. A comprehensive mobile, PC and Mac app allows for easy footage transfers and built-in GPS ensures you know exactly where any incidents take place.View Deal

We call this an "all-round surveillance solution" in our 70mai Dash Cam A510 review, due to it including both front-facing and rear-facing cameras in the box. They're quality cameras, too, recording 2.7K footage from the front and 1080p at the back, complete with wide fields of view. Built-in GPS, 360º rotation for in-car recording and easy install only add to its appeal.View Deal


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PC peripherals

The Logitech MX Master range have been some of my favourite mice of all time, thanks to the ergonomic design, multiple customisable buttons, and a second scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling (or for flicking through multiple browser tabs). This version is Bluetooth-only, meaning it doesn’t have the Logi Bolt USB dongle and a USB-C charging cable included in the box.View Deal

The most striking feature of this mechanical keyboard is its thinness, but it also comes with the promise of sub-1ms latency and 8,000Hz hyper-polling. In our review we praised the K100 Air's durability, great actuation and high polling, while bemoaning the high price of this slab. And yeah: it's expensive, so good thing there's a discount.View Deal


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Modems & routers

This TP-Link Deco XE75 mesh system is great for smaller homes or apartments, as its Wi-Fi 6E tri-band connectivity allows it to better avoid congestion by using the newly unlocked 6GHz band, plus it has a range of improved technologies that better handle crowded airwaves.View Deal

If you aren't keen on the Google mesh Wi-Fi system listed above, consider Amazon's own Eero 6+ three-pack instead. You should read our full review to get the complete picture, but we gave the Eero 6+ 4 stars, and noted that the Wi-Fi performance was excellent, the pricing is good and it's easy to use. View Deal

The latest eero Wi-Fi 7 mesh router is down to the lowest price we have seen on Amazon. We don't have a review yet, but our friends over at Tom's Guide rated it 4-stars. It's a Wi-Fi 7 model designed for high-speed wireless and wired networks and includes dual 5GbE ports. You can also grab it in a three pack for AU$899.99, which works out at just AU$299 per node. View Deal


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Gaming hardware

This deal offers you a significant saving on the new, higher price on Meta's best 'affordable' headset, and a close second to its best ever headset according to our resident VR headset tester. In fact, he thinks it's the second-best headset anyone can buy from any brand, and it's only a more tempting offer thanks to this limited-time deal.View Deal

One of the best gaming mice available right now, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is an exceptionally lightweight and capable device, with a long-lasting battery life, five programmable buttons and a 32K DPI sensor. View Deal

A nice 21% off deal on a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, bringing it down to the lowest price we have seen on Amazon. It features a 180Hz panel capable of a 4K resolution. We awarded four and a half stars to this screen in our Alienware 27 AW2725Q review, and were impressed with its sharp visuals and HDR performance.View Deal

This OLED monitor comes with a gigantic 34.2-inch curved screen that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and a lightning fast 0.03ms response time. It’s capable of producing gorgeous darkness with DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification, and offers a 3440 x 1440 resolution.View Deal


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Smart home

This little speaker might be priced higher than the older Echo Dot models, but then it takes what Amazon's palm-sized smart speakers can do to the, well, max. It improves on sound with higher bass than the previous Echo Dot to make streaming music a much better experience. View Deal

Want to make your home movies more immersive? This Govee backlight and camera system effectively extends the on-screen image beyond its bezelled confines and accurately tracks colours and flashes to the wall behind. It can also sync with music to dance along to your favourite tunes. Note that this is designed for 55 to 65-inch TVs.View Deal

This 8-inch smart display will need to be wall-mounted and it gives you control of thousands of smart home devices that work over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other connectivity standards like Zigbee, Matter and Thread. You can stream video, even security footage, start routines, add widgets and a heck of a lot more you can't with a regular Echo Show — now at its lowest price yet.View Deal

The price of what is one of the best video doorbells you can get in Australia has been fluctuating a lot on Amazon, and it's been down to AU$145 previously. It's easy to install, offers clear footage even at night and features facial recognition. Recording automatically begins when motion is detected, or when its button is pressed, plus it will let you know when packages have been left outside your door.View Deal

I much prefer this design of the newest Echo Show 8 smart display, now powered by a AZ3 Pro chip for better performance and 15% more screen real estate than previous generations. It's a much better smart hub now, with Alexa at your beck and call (and fingertips) — down to a record-low price as well.View Deal


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Services & software

Amazon Kindle Unlimited: three months free, then AU$13.99p/m
Kindle Unlimited is a great service if you read a lot of books or can't settle on just one genre. It provides access to a near never-ending supply of fiction and non-fiction, including biographies, self-help books, and foreign language novels. There are even audiobooks — though they're not as high quality as Audible. View Deal

Audible: three months free, then AU$8.99p/m
Prefer to listen to stories rather than read? Then you’ll prefer this deal over the Kindle Unlimited deal above. Audible gives you the chance to listen to thousands of Originals as well as plenty of other hot titles. You also get to keep any purchase you make if you decide to cancel your subscription.View Deal

Music Unlimited: four months free, then AU$13.99p/m
No ad breaks, just music, podcasts and audiobooks. You can stream in high resolution and experience spatial audio for a full four months, and you can cancel any time if you don't want to pay the ongoing monthly subscription. You will need to be a new Music Unlimited subscriber, however, to take advantage of this offer.View Deal

Here's something different. If you're a photographer and you've been spending a lot on your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, this discount on an annual Photography Plan might ease that expenditure a little. It shaves a considerable chunk off the one plan and gets you both Photoshop and Lightroom. Note that this will auto-renew at full price if not cancelled in time.View Deal


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Welcome to day one of Amazon's weeklong Prime Day event. Yes, another 7-day sale, which begs the question: can we really please just start calling it Prime Week now?

No matter the name, day one always has the best and most exciting deals, so my team and I are looking forward to sharing our favourite offers throughout the day. We'll continue to do so through the entirety of the sale, of course.

Something to keep in mind while shopping today's sale is that the hottest offers will sell out before the sale is over. My advice: if you see a record-low price on an item you want, add it to your cart and check out before it's too late.

Let's start with the freebies, shall we?

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Freebies: yes, in the plural. Because there isn't just one free thing to enjoy, but three, depending on your personal preference for reading or listening. You can sign up for one, or two or, heck, why not all three?! After all, freebies!

OK, enough waffling – I'll get to the point.

You can get Music Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited and Audible for free right now — or rather with extended free trials if you're a new or returning customer. You get three months free of Kindle Unlimited and Audible, but Music Unlimited is arguably better value with four months free and includes audiobooks too.

That's a lot of reading and listening if you ask me. I've already signed up for Kindle Unlimited and am enjoying the Bill Bryson-edited Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society (yeah, I'm a history and science nerd).

Audible: three months free, then AU$8.99/m
Amazon Kindle Unlimited: three months free, then AU$13.99/m
Amazon Music Unlimited: four months free, then AU$13.99/m


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Free DoorDash, anyone?

(Image credit: Amazon)

Of course there's more free stuff during Prime Day!

In fact, this one is a perk for all Prime members (even existing ones), but you will need to remember to claim it before the offer ends later this year.

Current or new Prime members get free DoorDash deliveries for the next two years (as well as other DashPass benefits). A typical 2-year DashPass subscription would cost you AU$192, so this is massive savings right here.

This perk can be redeemed via the offer page on Amazon, and you have until November 14, 2026 to do so. Plenty of time, but don't forget about it!


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A soundbar for your desk?

(Image credit: BlueAnt)

Let's face it, the built-in speakers in your laptop and monitor just doesn't sound great, and I'm sure you've been tempted to upgrade to proper speakers for your desk.

Bookshelf speakers are usually my go-to over those smaller ones we've grown up with, but they can take precious desk real estate — so that setup may not work for everyone.

But what if you can add a soundbar underneath your monitor, just like your TV in the living room? Thankfully, you can with BlueAnt's Soundblade under-monitor soundbar. It has 120W power for rich audio and deep bass, and there are plenty of connectivity options like Bluetooth or a 3.5mm Aux jack. BlueAnt is also an Australian company, if that's something important to you.

The best part is it's discounted by a whopping 69% off to just AU$94 for Prime Day!

BlueAnt Soundblade under-monitor soundbar: was AU$299 now AU$94


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Alexa, is there an Echo inside the car?

(Image credit: Amazon)

You don't need the latest automobile technology to gets some smarts in a car. The Amazon Echo Auto makes it easy to add hands-free Alexa to your older car, letting you stay connected and entertained while you drive. With Alexa on the go, you can ask for directions, play your favourite music, switch podcasts, listen to audiobooks, or even make calls.

I should note that the Echo Auto may not be compatible with all old cars. Thankfully Amazon has a handy list of models you can check before you make a purchase like this. Even if you don't need it, perhaps a loved one would find it handy – it could be a thoughtful gift.

Thanks to its five built-in microphones, it picks up your voice clearly over road noise, air conditioning, or even chatty passengers. If you use Android, this is a great travel companion, and right now, it's available at 63% off, which is a record-low price for the latest release (AU$2 less than what it was last week).

Echo Auto: AU$99 AU$37


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An unmissable AirPods deal

(Image credit: Apple / Future)

Well, I'm happy to be proven wrong, but I'm already calling this AU$130 saving on the sublime AirPods Pro 3 as the best deal of Amazon Prime Day this year. That's a new all-time low price in Australia, and it makes Apple's flagship earbuds even more compelling.

The latest generation of Apple's ubiquitous 'buds deliver their best sound yet alongside class-leading ANC performance. The fit has been vastly improved too, with the Pro 3s feeling even more secure in the ear. The improved fit helps ensure the built-in heart rate monitor works as intended too — yep, these in-ears can monitor your pulse, making them even more versatile as a great set of workout headphones (they're fully water- and sweatproof too).

Throw in spatial audio support and up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, and you have yourself a truly wonderful set of earbuds that are a must-consider for any iPhone owner.

Apple AirPods Pro 3: was AU$429 AU$299


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Complete coffee convenience

(Image credit: Philips / TechRadar)

Coffee machines come in a wide range of styles to suit all budgets. For sheer convenience however, you can't go wrong with a fully automatic machine, and the Philips LatteGo 4400 Series is a fantastic example.

This compact machine is great for smaller households, owing to its two profiles to store drink preferences. It can make 12 coffee-based drinks, including iced options, and each is produced to perfection.

• View all the latest Prime Day coffee machine deals

It also features a milk frothing system, although as you'll read in our Philips LatteGo 4400 Series review, the results are mixed. I should also point out that this machine did drop to AU$594 during the Big Smile Sale earlier this year, but that was thanks to an extra AU$125 coupon provided by Amazon. That coupon hasn't appeared this time around, but a 39% saving on a machine that will up your at-home coffee game is still well worth checking out.

Philips 4400 Series LatteGo: AU$1,199 now AU$689

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The iPad deal that ain't mini

(Image credit: Apple)

If you're keen on an iPad that you can use while on the move or when travelling, then the iPad mini is for you and, better yet, there's a very generous 30% off on the A17 Pro model (2024 release) with both Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity. The latter would definitely be useful when working on the go. There's also a good 256GB of storage on board for this variant.

In our Apple iPad mini A17 Pro (2024) review, we praised the new tablet's "pocket-friendly design" and "ability to support Apple Intelligence". It works well as a note-taking device, ereader, web browser, streaming machine, and even a bit of a games console. It's honestly such a lovely little tablet.

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro; 256GB, Cellular): AU$1,399 now AU$983


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Suck up these savings — 78% off a robovac

(Image credit: Ecovacs)

This year's Prime Day sale is proving you don't have to spend top dollar to find a good robot vacuum and this is one of the biggest discounts I've seen so far — a whopping 78% off on a Deebot.

It's the mid-range Ecovacs Deebot T30S Pro, with 11,000Pa of suction and an all-in-one dock that takes care of most of the ongoing maintenance too. It's not the most powerful robovac on the market, but if you mostly have hard floors, this will serve you just fine at a very remarkable price indeed.

Ecovacs Deebot T30S Pro: AU$1,999 now AU$449


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Is an Echo speaker worth it?

(Image credit: Future)

As some of the most affordable smart speakers on the market, I think an Echo can be handy. Not only will they play your favourite music, podcast or audiobook (even directly via Audible), they all come with a mic to help you interact with Alexa. And that's truly where the 'worth' really lies.

At their price point, they're affordable smart home hubs that you can use to automate your lights and home security cameras (you can view the footage on your phone). You can ask about the weather, get step-by-step help with recipes, ask to be woken up at a certain time in the morning, set a timer, create shopping lists, and so much more — all without the need to lift a finger, just speak and you shall be heard.

The newest versions of the Echo speakers also have better sound than the older models, so you can even dumb them down to be plain ol' speakers, but you can stream directly from your favourite app (although Amazon Music Unlimited is free for four months!).

If I had to recommend, I'd suggest the Echo Dot Max as it comes with excellent audio for its size, as well as solid smart home specs and sensors. And at a discounted price of AU$113 (AU$6 less than the early Prime Day deal we've already seen), it's excellent value. Note that Alexa+ hasn't yet been launched in Australia.

Amazon Echo Dot Max: AU$199 now AU$113


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Cheap buys: 50 deals under AU$50

Looking for the affordable deals on Amazon? My colleague has spent all morning carefully curating some excellent Prime Day deals all under AU$50.

If you thought you won't get a lot for that kind of cash, think again. From decent earbuds to power banks, even keyboards and even smart home products are available for not a lot of cash.

So take a look — I'm sure you'll find something you never thought you needed.

See our collection of 50 Prime Day deals under AU$50


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Death Star. What a prescient turn of phrase.

(Image credit: Lego)

The Death Star is arguably the most iconic superweapon in all of sci-fi and the Disney Plus show (and Rogue One prequel) Andor has made it a lot more menacing than ever before, with the series depicting some of the work that went behind building the planet-killing space station.

And that intimidating feel translates well in Lego's newest iteration of the Death Star, the 9,023-piece Ultimate Collection Series set that stands about 70cm high and 79cm wide. It also has 38 minifigures, including iconic characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine, as well as working lifts and a miniature imperial shuttle.

It's not a perfect set — it's a diorama that's shaped like a flat disc than a spherical model like the older models, and the back isn't completely flush either for easy display. It's also the most expensive Lego Star Wars set to date at a staggering AU$1,499 RRP.

Still, this massive set is a great showcase of several iconic scenes from the classic movie franchise, and is a must-have for any Lego Star Wars UCS collector. It also helps that Amazon is selling it for an all-time low price of AU$1,139, which should make the Lego UCS Death Star more palatable.

Lego Star Wars Death Star 75619: was AU$1,499 now AU$1,139

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft now out — should you buy it?

(Image credit: Amazon)

It took a while for Amazon to release the next generation of Kindle Scribe epaper writing tablets in Australia, but all the new models are now available for pre-order... and they're all more expensive than either of the older Scribes. Even the new Kindle Scribe without frontlight costs a lot more than I expected!

So, are any of them worth it? Well, not unless you really need a 10-inch epaper writing tablet. And even power users like me don't need a colour display either. Even if we did, there are alternatives to consider that offer different pros and cons that might suit a user better at a similar or lower price.

I've been using the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft since June 26 and it's, well, fine. It didn't blow my mind and other than the ability to connect to Google Drive, reading on an E Ink Kaleido 3 screen was just 'fine'. Colour E Ink just isn't there yet. And I don't need to use a different ink colour when I write, black is perfectly sufficient.

As much as I really want to love the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, I wouldn't buy it at full price.

Take a look at what the latest Kindle Scribes offer

Instead, if you're really keen on a digital notebook, I would whole-heartedly recommend the 2nd-generation Kindle Scribe that's now down to an all-time low price. Other than a few extra notebook templates and extra cloud connectivity options, you won't miss out on much.

Kindle Scribe (2024): AU$649 now AU$424


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Categories: Technology

Supreme Court lets Texas restrict minors' access to app stores for the time being

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:15

Texas' App Store Accountability Act requires minors to have their parents' permission to download most apps. The Supreme Court says the law can go into effect as lawsuits continue in lower courts.

(Image credit: Paul Ellis)

Categories: News

Data From 21,000 Firms Reveals: AI Spending Is Creating Jobs, Not Killing Them

TechRepublic News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:11

New data from Ramp and Revelio show that intensive Gen AI adoption is linked to higher headcount and more entry-level hiring, challenging fears that “AI kills jobs” and reshaping IT leaders’ strategies.

The post Data From 21,000 Firms Reveals: AI Spending Is Creating Jobs, Not Killing Them appeared first on TechRepublic.

Categories: Technology

Platner denies sexual assault allegation, but says he will assess 'best path forward'

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:09

The Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine said he was assessing next steps after allegations of sexual assault were reported on Monday by Politico. Platner denied them as "categorically untrue."

(Image credit: Laura Brett)

Categories: News

Today's Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for July 7, #1844

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:01
Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for July 7, No. 1,844.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for July 7, #1122

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:01
Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for July 7, No. 1,122.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for July 7 #856

CNET News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 15:01
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for July 7, No. 856.
Categories: Technology

Apple’s 2026 Product Roadmap: iPhone 18 Pro, Mac Studio, and More

TechRepublic News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 14:52

Apple may launch up to 16 new products by the end of 2026, including a foldable iPhone, M5 Macs, new iPads and smart home devices.

The post Apple’s 2026 Product Roadmap: iPhone 18 Pro, Mac Studio, and More appeared first on TechRepublic.

Categories: Technology

DHS Confirms Breach of Homeland Security Information Network

TechRepublic News - Mon, 07/06/2026 - 14:07

DHS confirmed a breach of the Homeland Security Information Network, an unclassified platform used for security and emergency coordination.

The post DHS Confirms Breach of Homeland Security Information Network appeared first on TechRepublic.

Categories: Technology

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