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• An Israeli company is alleged to have launched a spy campaign using malicious ads targeting Starlink users
• The ads do not have to be clicked on, just served to the user to begin collecting data
• The ads were served to Starlink users across more than 100 countries

An alleged Israeli spy firm has been spotted snooping on Starlink users on an industrial scale by a digital defense firm.

These are the conclusions of research by Trend Micro’s AI cybersecurity unit TrendAI, whose researchers analyzed troves of digital advertising data. The research found that Israeli company Discover-Tech was the number one bidder on Starlink advertising traffic.

The surveillance was targeted at Starlink units across more than 100 countries - including regions with Starlink restrictions - and used malicious adverts to harvest user data across browsers and applications.

Starlink users surveilled by ads

Initially, TrendAI did not directly name Discover-Tech as the perpetrator of the alleged surveillance campaign, instead referring to them as “Shadow-Earth-79”. Discover-Tech is the same firm that was alleged to have targeted Al Jazeera journalists with malicious adverts earlier this month, as exposed by Citizen Lab.

As Starlink terminals route traffic through a network of satellites in orbit, they can circumvent local internet restrictions and are a useful way to stay connected during blackouts - such as those experienced by Ukraine - or government enforced internet shutdowns - such as those that affected Iran at the start of 2026.

But this circumvention also makes them lucrative targets for governments or authorities looking to track Starlink units on their turf.

As Starlink only provides the connection to the internet, adverts can still be served on webpages, and this is the critical piece of this puzzle. As Cofiant noted in their own report, Discover-Tech abused the ad bidding process to serve adverts that harvest critical data about the users that see them. Some adverts can collect data as the user trawls the internet, creating a de-anonymized profile that can set them up for further surveillance.

The advert doesn’t even have to be clicked on. As long as it is served to the user, it can begin tracking.

The TrendAI researchers noted an “obvious skew” towards bidding on advertising space that would target Starlink users, with Discover-Tech being the number one ad-buyer across Syria, Libya, Yemen and South Sudan despite the fact that “the demand for legitimate Western advertising in sanctioned or active-conflict states is effectively zero.”

Google, Comcast, and multiple other companies have since removed Discover-Tech from their ad platforms.

Via Reuters

• An Israeli company is alleged to have launched a spy campaign using malicious ads targeting Starlink users
• The ads do not have to be clicked on, just served to the user to begin collecting data
• The ads were served to Starlink users across more than 100 countries

An alleged Israeli spy firm has been spotted snooping on Starlink users on an industrial scale by a digital defense firm.

These are the conclusions of research by Trend Micro’s AI cybersecurity unit TrendAI, whose researchers analyzed troves of digital advertising data. The research found that Israeli company Discover-Tech was the number one bidder on Starlink advertising traffic.

The surveillance was targeted at Starlink units across more than 100 countries - including regions with Starlink restrictions - and used malicious adverts to harvest user data across browsers and applications.

Starlink users surveilled by ads

Initially, TrendAI did not directly name Discover-Tech as the perpetrator of the alleged surveillance campaign, instead referring to them as “Shadow-Earth-79”. Discover-Tech is the same firm that was alleged to have targeted Al Jazeera journalists with malicious adverts earlier this month, as exposed by Citizen Lab.

As Starlink terminals route traffic through a network of satellites in orbit, they can circumvent local internet restrictions and are a useful way to stay connected during blackouts - such as those experienced by Ukraine - or government enforced internet shutdowns - such as those that affected Iran at the start of 2026.

But this circumvention also makes them lucrative targets for governments or authorities looking to track Starlink units on their turf.

As Starlink only provides the connection to the internet, adverts can still be served on webpages, and this is the critical piece of this puzzle. As Cofiant noted in their own report, Discover-Tech abused the ad bidding process to serve adverts that harvest critical data about the users that see them. Some adverts can collect data as the user trawls the internet, creating a de-anonymized profile that can set them up for further surveillance.

The advert doesn’t even have to be clicked on. As long as it is served to the user, it can begin tracking.

The TrendAI researchers noted an “obvious skew” towards bidding on advertising space that would target Starlink users, with Discover-Tech being the number one ad-buyer across Syria, Libya, Yemen and South Sudan despite the fact that “the demand for legitimate Western advertising in sanctioned or active-conflict states is effectively zero.”

Google, Comcast, and multiple other companies have since removed Discover-Tech from their ad platforms.

Via Reuters

Nintendo officially increased the price of its Switch 2 console in September from AU$699.95 to AU$769.95 due to “various market conditions”, no doubt caused by increasing component costs driven by AI-driven shortages.

If you missed out before the price increased, and now feel the new price has put you off from buying a Switch 2, I don’t blame you — but if you also happen to be in the market for a new smartphone, then have I found the deal for you.

For a limited time, JB Hi-Fi is throwing in a free Nintendo Switch 2 with every purchase of either a Google Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL handset, a saving of AU$769.95!

Pixel 11 Pro (256GB): $1849
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (256GB): AU$2,099 at JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is adding a bonus Nintendo Switch 2 console when you buy either a Google Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL handset, starting today, October 29, and running until November 9. You can save even more by trading in your old phone for a JB Hi-Fi gift card that goes toward your entire purchase, and you can get a quote here. Also included are a 3-month YouTube Premium subscription and six months of Google AI Pro. In case you need to return either phone, you'll need to also return the Switch 2 console.View Deal

I’ve not seen many discounts on the Switch 2 since its September price hike, and I’ve certainly never seen one being given away for free. That fact alone should give this deal plenty of appeal, but when you consider the recent game releases for the console, there’s plenty more to get excited about.

Yes, with a slew of first-party and exclusive releases from this year like Star Fox, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Pokémon Pokopia and more, as well as upcoming titles like Metroid Ravenous, Pokémon Winds and Waves and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, you’re not exactly short of options for engaging gaming potential.

Our Nintendo Switch 2 review gave the console 4.5 stars, confidently claiming it to be a massive upgrade over its predecessor. The headline improvements include support for 4K and 1440p resolutions (vs up to 1080p), a 120Hz refresh rate (up from 60Hz) and overall performance improvements with an Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, 12GB of RAM (vs 4GB) and starting storage of 256GB.

And let’s not take the attention away from the Pixel phones included in this offer. The Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL each received 4 out of five stars in their respective reviews, with both delivering battery improvements and better AI performance from the new Tensor G6 chipset, improved cameras, brighter screens and lighter and slimmer chassis. The Pro XL has also earned a spot among the best phones you can buy in Australia.

Securing either of these top-performing devices on their own is always going to be a wise move. When you get one of them included for free, then it practically becomes a no-brainer.

El Niño years typically lead to more precipitation and higher-than-average temperatures. The latest data shows the different potential impacts by region.

(Image credit: Marta Lavandier)

The xTool X1 might initially look like another large, enclosed laser engraver, but it wasn't long into my months-long test of the X1, to realise it's something far more ambitious.

Essentially, xTool has brought years of laser engraving development together into a single, expandable manufacturing platform, making the X1 one of the most versatile machines I’ve ever reviewed. This is not the first machine that I’ve looked at recently to do the modular laser approach, with the superb Creality Falcon T1 doing something similar on a far smaller scale.

At the X1’s heart is a 55W CO₂ laser, similar to that seen in the excellent Bambu Lab R1 although now the larger X1 has arrived at the same price and with far more potential it will be interesting to see how the R1 fares.

Once again, the 55W CO₂ laser proves to be a powerful option for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, and a wide variety of other materials. On its own, this one laser option would already make the X1 a superb option for anyone looking for a professional laser cutter.

But then again, xTool already has the xTool P2. To differentiate this as something new, xTool has thrown all their technologies at the design and added an optional 20W diode galvo module, which sits alongside the CO₂ head inside the machine, and this forms the foundation of what this machine then develops into.

One of the key features to the dual head system is that rather than relying on a conventional moving-head laser for every cut, engrave, and score, the X1 can use the galvo system for intricate, high-speed engraving before switching to the CO₂ laser for cutting. What I like is that both are controlled through xTool Studio, and switching between the installed lasers just takes a selection option in the software.

Throughout testing, this combination of laser options with backpack modules also highlighted the potential and the direction these laser machines are moving. Multiple laser options mean projects like wooden placemats and detailed pencil boxes, which would ordinarily take considerable time to engrave and cut, can be completed much faster, with the galvo speeding through the detail while the CO₂ handles the cutting. In one test, a placemat project that took the xTool S1 around two hours was completed on the X1 in approximately half an hour.

One of the X1's big features is its support for additional laser-source modules mounted on the rear of the machine. For this review, I used the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules, which enabled me to engrave glass and emboss brass coins. I also used the MOPA for its accuracy to create precision apertures in thin metal for pinhole cameras.

Having previously used dedicated MOPA machines such as the xTool F2 Ultra, I was interested to see how a machine this size could perform similar metal engraving. The results were impressive, but as I found at every step of this review, there were a series of considerations due to the size, weight and complexity of the machine.

That first consideration is size. The X1 arrived in a substantial crate, and as it was dropped off in the driveway, I had to call on assistance from a neighbour to lift and manoeuvre it into position. Although the main machine can sit on a conventional workshop bench, the additional modules, extraction systems and accessories quickly highlighted that the space I had allocated was about half of what it should have been.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The second point to make is the modular system. While the additional laser sources proved excellent, swapping them isn't quick, unlike some of the small multi-laser modular systems I have looked at recently.

With the X1 positioned against a wall, accessing the rear of the machine, changing the hardware, and recalibrating could take about an hour. Some of this was down to the restricted space in my workshop, but the swap of modules required the recalibration of the lasers, it’s worth considering if you intend to switch between different laser technologies regularly.

Price is another consideration although I'm actually surprised how cheap it is on balance. The base machine is listed at $3,699 / £2554, but adding the diode laser, specialist modules and accessories can take the complete system well beyond $10,000, depending on configuration.

Even so, there’s no getting away from how capable this machine is, and if you were looking for the equivalent in separate machines, say the P2 and F2 Ultra, you’d be looking at much the same costs. For general cutting, detailed engraving and small-batch production, the X1 is one of the most refined laser engravers I’ve used.

If you have an established workshop or small business handling a wide range of materials, the X1 offers huge potential. Just make sure you have the space, budget and patience to make the most of it.

xTool X1: Price & availability

The xTool X1 starts at $3,699 / £2,553 and includes the 55W CO₂ laser. The base price is in line with other machines that I have looked at recently. It's worth knowing that the costs rise quickly with optional modules.

The 20W diode galvo at $899 / approx. £674 is an optional, but essential upgrade, as it first enables faster engraving but is also needed to support the installation of the additional UV, fibre and MOPA lasers.

A fully equipped system comes in at just under $10,000 if you buy the components separately as upgrades, however, the bundle offer prices bring the cost right down. The X1’s integrated workflow, versatility and all-in-one design do keep things neat. You can find out more at xTool.

X1 Single CO2 (55W CO2): $3,399 / £2,554

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo (55W CO2 + 20W Diode Galvo Module): $3,999 / £3,005

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + Fiber (Includes 30W Fiber Laser Source): $5,799 / £4,358

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + UV (Includes 5W UV Laser Source): $6,499 / £4,884

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + MOPA (Includes 60W MOPA Laser Source): $6,679 / £5,019

xTool X1: DesignSpecs

Machine type: Modular laser cutting and engraving platform
Primary laser: 55W CO₂, 10,600nm
Optional lasers: 20W diode galvo, 5W UV, 30W fibre, 60W MOPA
Laser technologies: Hybrid Motion and Laser Swap
Working area: 615 × 320 mm x 150 maximum
Dimensions:
Weight:
Camera and focusing: Dual cameras with image stitching, automatic focusing and height-adjustable bed
Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi
Software: xTool Studio

There’s nothing particularly small or understated about the xTool X1. In fact, the first indication of what I was dealing with came when the machine arrived in a substantial wooden crate. I can usually handle these large machines with the help of a sack trolley and boxes.

However, this time I called on the help of a neighbor. It’s not quite the size of the P3, but you will still need two people to lift the X1 free of its packaging and to get it into position in the workshop. By the time we stripped away the protective materials and set it onto the work surface, it was obvious this wasn’t a typical desktop laser engraver.

The machine itself follows the same design direction as xTool’s recent P2S and P3 models, with a fully enclosed chassis and a level of refinement that feels far removed from the open-frame laser engravers that dominated the enthusiast market only a few years ago. When it comes to the size, it measures 1000×580×420 mm.

Having tested numerous xTool machines, I’ve consistently been impressed by the company’s build quality. While xTool and GlowForge used to be the two major players in this part of the market, rivals such as Bambu Lab, LaserPecker, and WeCreat have recently upped the game as well.

Everything from the large hinged lid to the internal processing bed feels solid and is exactly as I’d want in the workshop. The lid opens easily and is supported by pneumatic arms; on some machines of this size that I’ve looked at in the past, this can be a weak point, but here it all feels good and solid.

Compared with other machines of this type and size, the height of the machine is considerably taller; this is due to the adjustable bed inside that rises and lowers to position materials correctly beneath the laser. This is a far more sophisticated setup than the fixed-height beds on many smaller machines that require risers for larger objects. On the front of the machine, there are a couple of buttons that enable you to raise and lower the bed manually if needed.

Testing showed the bed adjustment was essentially fully automated, with the software handling most positioning. The work area is big, with a maximum of 615 × 320 mm, and offers plenty of room to lay out multiple parts, which is especially useful for small batches of products such as placemats.

What I quickly realised is that depending on the laser and type of work you’re doing, those work area dimensions change. For instance, with the CO2 laser the max height of anything placed into the machine is 150mm; however, with the other lasers that reduces to 140mm. Essentially, as you lay out your designs and select the lasers, the on-screen layout changes so visually that from the outset you know exactly where you are.

Inside, the materials are supported on the supplied slats, though as with other manufacturers, I would have liked a few more. I also had the optional honeycomb panel, which, as ever, became my preferred choice for almost everything I processed.

A honeycomb just provides a decent surface for supporting materials and makes it easier to remove completed work, and while small pieces of debris from the cuts will still fall through to the base, there’s less chance of scorching of cut pieces falling and accidentally getting re-lasered.

Unfortunately, one surprise was that there isn’t a simple removable waste tray at the base, so cleaning out smaller pieces requires a little more effort. I have a handheld Dyson for this exact job, and with the depth and space, it’s easy enough to get that into cleanup quickly after a few cuts.

In this review, alongside the 55W CO2, I have also installed the 20W diode galvo module. This sits alongside the CO₂ laser inside the main enclosure and takes a couple of minutes to fit; once installed, it can stay as a permanent part of the machine. After installation, the rest of the setup is completed in xTool Studio.

The software walks you through the calibration process, although some manual adjustment is needed to ensure that the laser paths are correctly aligned. I’ve encountered this with previous xTool machines, including the P2 and P3, and while it can take a little time to understand, the process is reasonably straightforward once you’ve done it a few times.

My first test didn’t produce the result I expected because the alignment wasn’t quite right, mainly due to me rushing part of the process. After repeating the calibration more carefully, the results vastly improved, and once everything was configured, the two installed laser systems are remarkably easy to use.

To switch between the two in the xTool Studio software, you simply assign the right laser to the right operation, and the machine handles the transition. There’s no need to remove one laser head and install another manually as you would have had to do with multi-laser machines in the past.

For everyday cutting and engraving, this combination of lasers works incredibly well and vastly speeds up the process of engraving and cutting, which is the bulk of what I personally do with these machines.

However, these two lasers are just the start of the story, and things do become a little more complicated when I started to install and use the rear-mounted laser-source modules.

xTool supplied the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules; these are relatively compact, just larger than a shoebox and are solidly built. Before use, they need to be installed into the back of the X1, which takes time, especially when I needed two people to move the machine into the initial position. Essentially, I should have left a little more space to access the rear.

Installation of the modules involves removing covers, connecting power and communication cables, securing the module and checking the optical path. Depending on the configuration, you’ll also need to install the appropriate optics before calibrating the system.

I installed the combined UV/Fiber/MOPA field lens, which supports the different laser sources, and found that straightforward, it essentially just screwed in. The more involved part was mounting the modules and completing the optical alignment.

Initially, I was probably a little too enthusiastic with the manual adjustments, but thankfully xTool provide a small alignment target and tape which makes the entire process relatively easy. Once I realised that small adjustments were all that was needed, the process became much easier.

The software guides you through calibration using the supplied cards, and once the source has been registered, the machine recognises it automatically. My main issue here was the physical access to the back of the machine due to space.

My workshop already has several 3D printers, laser engravers, and other equipment, so I’d originally positioned the X1 against a wall on a fixed workbench. Every time I wanted to change the rear-mounted module, I needed to move other equipment, pull out the workbench and get behind the machine. Given the X1’s size and weight, I didn’t want to attempt this alone.

As a result, what might eventually become a 15 or 20-minute module change took me closer to an hour, including moving the machine, changing the source and checking calibration, the calibration is the part that takes the time. This issue would explain why xTool also provided the optional mobile work stand, which is where this machine will be moved to once I have had a bit of a reorganisation of the space.

Being able to wheel the machine away from the wall would make installation, maintenance and module changes substantially easier. I’d also recommend planning considerably more space than the official machine footprint suggests. In my workshop, allowing roughly half a machine depth more provided the clearance needed to work comfortably behind it, mainly due to the length of the tool you need to use to screw in the bolts through each of the modules.

As I got into using the machine, a few of the safety design features are also worth noting. First, as ever, the machine came with the Air extraction unit and, in addition, the fire safety 2 unit, which was attached, but again space was limited, so it sat on a lower shelf behind the machine.

The X1 is serious workshop equipment, though far nicer-looking than the machines from a few years ago. Its size and weight are balanced by its features, and after a month of use, I highly recommend the optional workbench, which, while not essential, it will ensure you can make full use of this machine's potential.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)xTool X1: Features

The xTool X1 is unusual because many of its headline features aren’t immediately obvious. At its core, it’s a powerful 55w CO₂ laser cutter, but its modular design means that it has far more potential, and that potential can only be fully unlocked with the investment in the other modules and accessories, of which there are quite a few.

In total, the X1 supports five laser technologies, with the 55w CO2 being the only one that is provided wth the base machine. The 55W CO₂ laser can be used for cutting and engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard and fabric.

Alongside the CO₂ laser, there’s the 20W diode galvo laser, which adds high-speed engraving and surface marking, particularly on wood and many other compatible materials. This module sits inside the machine alongside the CO₂ and is quick to fit; it’s also essential if you want to use any of the other three backpack laser modules.

These other models include the 5W UV laser, which can be used for engraving on glass, crystal and other delicate materials. Then there’s the 30W fibre and 60W MOPA options, which enable you to mark and engrave into metal. The MOPA adds the ability to use colour effects and deep engraving and is similar to the fibre option, but is more expensive. In this review, I’ve been supplied with four of the five available laser technologies: CO₂, diode, UV, and MOPA.

As I started the testing, the instant highlight of the features was the Hybrid Motion, as this is the one feature alongside the dual mount lasers that will make a noticeable difference to everyday project work.

Essentially, what this looks like with the lasers is that alongside the traditional gantry-based laser toolheads that move physically through the X and Y across the material, you also have the Galvo, which uses rapidly moving mirrors to direct the beam across the surface.

This means that for larger designs, Hybrid Motion moves the galvo system between regions, enabling detailed engraving over a much wider area than a conventional fixed galvo arrangement, as I tested in the F2 Ultra. When combined, you not only cover a far larger area, but the Glavo focuses on detailed engraving while the CO₂ does the cutting.

The dual tool head laser system inside is just the start of the multi-laser set, and a Laser Swap system is used to enable different styles of laser to be fitted for different projects and materials. These Laser Swap modules fit to the back with the UV, Fibre and MOPA options.

The idea here is that instead of buying additional machines, you just buy the module and fit it, cutting down on the space needed and ideally cost. Although looking at the cost of the modules, they’re almost as much as the dedicated machines.

The process of swapping the modules isn’t tool-free, and it requires access to the rear of the machine, alongside physical hardware changes and calibration checks. I personally think that this is a great feature.

However, I would have liked to see a faster change system. In this review, for instance, I swapped the modules multiple times, and it was a hassle. But then most people will inevitably settle on their laser selection rather than approaching the machine in the way that I have in this review.

Some of the other features that really impressed during use were the close-up cameras that just help position artwork against materials, with the image appearing in the XTool software. Compared with the laser outline that we used for the full image, this is such an improvement; however, you can still click the framing preview if you prefer that way of working.

The camera system is really quite advanced, and you have the option through the xTool Studio software to change from capturing one wide-angle image, to capturing multiple sections of the workspace which are then stitched together, which helps with the accuracy of the positioning.

Although the software documentation describes automatic image capture when closing the lid, I generally triggered the capture manually during testing. Image quality from the cameras was excellent overall, although some reflective materials and darker areas could still make positioning slightly more difficult; a boost in the workshop's lighting also helped with these previews.

Another of the big features that really stood out through the use of the machine was the automated bed adjustment. Rather than requiring constant manual focusing, the machine measures the material and adjusts the bed height as needed.

Through the test, I added a range of material thicknesses and found the process just worked; compared with the often convoluted focusing process of some other machines and the physical effort of adding a riser base, this system is just simple.

Even with slightly irregular or curved materials, the positioning system generally handled setup well, and I didn’t need to override the measurements manually.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Alongside the core accessories and in line with the xTools other machines, the X1 supports a wide range of accessories, including an automatic conveyor feeder, RA3 rotary attachment, honeycomb panel, mobile work stand, filtration, and fire safety equipment.

Throughout testing, I used xTool’s extraction and filtration setup, which is a little on the noisy side but does the job. For jobs that produce more smoke, particularly when cutting wood, I increased the extraction setting to keep the working chamber clear.

The optional Fire Safety Set Pro adds another level of protection. Installation was more involved than I’d expected, requiring the CO₂ cylinder, tubing and communication connections to be fitted before enabling the system in the software. Once configured, however, it didn’t actually require me to do anything else other than find somewhere for it to sit.

As a final point on the features, and an essential for any professional workshop, is that the machine also has an emergency stop button for quickly shutting down if needed.

xTool X1: Performance

After a month testing the xTool X1, what I realised was, that the way that I work with laser engravers normally would change with this dual laser setup. The mix of laser technologies in one machine isn’t just convenient; it means that you can select the laser technology that is best suited for the job, and often two lasers will enable a better and faster result. Most notably for me, that was the combination of the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers.

For most of my work, producing models, wooden components, boxes, camera accessories, and other workshop projects, these two laser systems provide an ideal combination.

The X1’s 55W CO₂ laser is excellent for all-round cutting, while the 20 diode galvo is better for detail.

To start the test, I ran through the supplied test projects before moving on to my own designs, including wooden boxes, placemats and model-making components.

Most of my work involved 3mm basswood plywood, although I also tested thicker materials up to 10mm. Across these tests, the CO₂ laser produced exceptionally clean cuts, with minimal scorching and very little need for additional finishing. The air-assist system kept the cutting path clear, while the extraction system removed smoke.

One of the most useful tests involved creating a series of 3mm plywood boxes. The accuracy was excellent, with the individual pieces fitting together cleanly without sanding or manual adjustment to the size. I could simply assemble and glue the components.

This accuracy and repeatability is something that is so important when producing models or small-batch products, where even small dimensional errors create extra work; even sanding takes time when it comes to getting the right fit. As this is a pre-production model, the usually excellent xTool Studio seemed to take most laser options down to 1, so initial models showed some scorching, however

I also tested acrylic sheets up to 10mm thick, including cutting a 3D-scanning calibration cube in half. Again, the results were impressive, with clean cuts and accurate positioning.

The machine also handled lighter materials such as paper, card, fabric, and leather without difficulty, though these need careful securing to prevent movement from airflow of the air assist and extractor.

For general cutting work, along the lines of what I use laser cutters for, the X1 matched the abilities that I have seen from other recent releases; the one point that made this slightly more exciting is that added height, which gives out-of-the-box flexibility without the need for a riser base.

The CO₂ laser provides the X1’s cutting power; the addition of the 20W diode galvo by its side for detailed engraving and speed is definitely an interesting development in the technology.

Essentially, rather than watching a conventional laser head mechanically move across every section of an image, the galvo rapidly sweeps the beam over the surface, completing relatively intricate artwork in a fraction of the time.

I tested it on wood, plywood, bamboo, acrylic, and coated metal samples, essentially everything in the samples box. Fine lettering was sharp and well-defined, intricate designs retained plenty of detail, and scorching was generally minimal, unless the piece that I was working on fell through the slats.

Initially, I worried the edges of the engraving might lose definition, or designs wouldn't join up perfectly as the galvo system moved from one area to another, however the meeting of the design and the quality remained consistent.

This, however, wasn’t quite the case at the outset, and initial testing showed a few issues, but after software updates and far more accurate calibration on my part, the joins between engraving regions became almost seamless.

Photographic engraving onto wood was also impressive, although as with most laser engravers, image selection makes the biggest difference to the success.

High-contrast photographs generally produced better results than flat, low-contrast images, and I used xTool Studio’s editing tools to adjust backgrounds and improve the final output.

Personally, I still prefer the look of detailed illustrations, lettering and line-based graphics when engraved into wood rather than photo imagery.

Taking a look at one of the main test projects highlights the workflow and speed. Normally, when creating a wooden box or placemat with decorative engraving, I’ll use a single laser head that handles both engraving and cutting.

The problem is that detailed engraving can take considerably longer than cutting the outline. With the X1, I was able to assign the intricate engraving to the 20W galvo and the cutting operations to the 55W CO₂ laser.

Once configured, the software handled the transition between the installed lasers without requiring me to reposition the material or swap heads; this made a dramatic difference to processing time.

For example, I created a series of wooden placemats with detailed artwork. A comparable project on the xTool S1 took around two hours, while the X1 completed it in half an hour.

That’s an enormous improvement in speed, particularly for small businesses producing multiple products. The same was true when creating detailed pencil boxes.

Projects that would normally take 20 to 30 minutes could be completed in minutes, with the galvo handling the engraving before the CO₂ laser cut the components.

Having both lasers permanently installed makes everyday projects straightforward, and once you’ve experienced the speed of the combined workflow, returning to a conventional single-head engraver feels a little archaic.

Hybrid Motion also changes what’s practical for larger designs. In the past, I’ve avoided elaborate engraving projects at scale because the processing time was too long and I’m hopeless at lining up materials when sheets need to be matched.

With the X1, I was able to start thinking about this type of project, as the speed of the galvo would vastly reduce the time involved, especially when used alongside the conveyor accessory.

After carrying out the majority of the review using the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers, I then moved on to the 5w UV and 60W MOPA.

The 5W UV module opens up a very different range of possibilities, particularly for glass, crystal and delicate materials. I ran a few tests on the glass samples, along with experiments on plastic components produced on a 3D printer.

The ability to add fine surface texture to printed plastic objects is interesting, as it creates new opportunities for finishing functional parts and decorative products. I’ll admit I’m still on the experimental side of this, but will update in the near future.

The glass side of the engraving process is also something that I have struggled with in the past, and again, I wasn’t entirely successful in achieving the results I wanted.

Based on the partial results, I suspect this was more about my initial setup and approach than a fundamental limitation of the machine. Still, it’s an area that needs further investigation.

The UV module adds even more felxibility, although I’ll explore its more advanced functions in a separate addition to th ereview once I’ve reorganised my workshop to give the interchangeable modules better access.

Of the two rear-mounted laser modules, I found the 60W MOPA the most interesting. I’ve previously used MOPA machines, including the xTool F2 Ultra, so I’m familiar with their capabilities for metal engraving, embossing and colour marking.

What makes the X1 different is the ability to use similar technology within a much larger enclosed working area. I tested the MOPA on brass, stainless steel and aluminium, producing detailed markings and experimenting with relief engraving.

One of the most interesting applications involved creating apertures in thin brass sheet for pinhole cameras. I produced holes ranging from approximately 0.25mm to 0.5mm with exceptionally good results.

This is the sort of precision work I’ve previously done with dedicated MOPA systems, and it was great to see the X1 handle it so well, as it’s such a large machine I did wonder if it could handle the intricate work that I have used the F2 Ultra for.

I also experimented with engraving the aperture dimensions into the metal and cutting individual pieces from the sheet, although these more complicated processes still need further refinement.

Another highlight was engraving brass coins. While the F2 Ultra can do similar work, the X1’s larger processing area let me arrange several coins for engraving in one batch. Again, this is not a quick process; think days rather than hours.

Colour marking is another capability of the MOPA laser, though I’ve consistently found it requires considerable experimentation to get reliable results. The X1 was no exception.

I could create colour effects, but producing exactly the result I wanted across more complicated designs wasn’t always straightforward.

The take-home from the modules is that they expand the use of the machine, but those more specialist lasers require practice and experience to get the results that you would expect.

The other major part of the machine is the xTool Studio software. I’ve used the software across several generations of machines, and it's improved substantially over time and has really become the benchmark for all others to follow.

That said if you're new to the software then working out what type of cut and what laser is being used on what path can still be a little confusing, even with the colour coding. A text summery would be a nice quick reference before cutting.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The latest workflow is much the same as I looked at with the superb xTool M2 recently, and once you’ve completed calibration and connected the machine, preparing a project is straightforward.

Import or create the design, select the material, assign the appropriate processing operation and laser source, then send the job to the machine; after that, you generally just press the start button and wait.

As ever, the xTool Studio software offers a huge range of material presets, and unusually the material presets for the CO2 and 20w diode were way off. Especially the power and air assist, which the software set to 1 for both, easy to rectify, but possibly something to do with the pre-release software as ususally the material presets from xTool are spot on.

Adding custom materials and modifying processing parameters is also relatively straightforward once you’re familiar with the interface.

USB and Wi-Fi connectivity were both simple to set up and reliable throughout testing. Despite using pre-release software, I didn’t experience any major crashes or application-caused job failures other than a little tweaking of presets, and it all seemed pretty final, really a reflection of what I have experienced before with the addition of being able to select the laser sources.

xTool X1: Final verdict

After a month of testing, the xTool X1 is one of the most versatile laser engravers I’ve ever used, but it isn’t without its faults, although those are mostly overcome by being organised and having plenty of space.

Essentially, the base machine is an impressive 55W CO₂ laser engraver and cutter, and once you invest in the 20W diode galvo laser, you have one of the most competent machines for any small to medium-sized business on the market. The point is that with these two lasers you have the base machine that you can then build on depending on what you need to do.

Through the test, I found that that simple combination was all I really needed, and the fact that I could then attach the UV and MOPA for more specialised work all added to the versatility. However, with the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers installed, the machine was able to sit on the workbench without issue; it’s large but containable.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As soon as I installed the MOPA, I not only needed the additional space to mount the laser module, but it also added to the depth of the machine and for me, having the F2 for the more intricate work still made sense. While I could do the work on the X1, it didn’t necessarily mean that I would.

That aside, the pure build quality, size of the work area and depth, along with all the upgrade options, all make this one of the most substantial and complete laser engravers on the market. It is expensive, but it’s been designed in such a way that you can upgrade as and when you need.

Should you buy the xTool X1?

Value:

The base 55W CO₂ machine is well priced, specialist laser modules and accessories raise the total cost

5

Design:

Exceptional build quality for a machine of this size. Rear-mounted module changes could be easier.

4.5

Features

Support for five laser technologies, the new Hybrid Motion system offer one of the most feature packed lasers on the market

5

Performance

The combination of galvo engraving and CO₂ cutting give it an edge even before adding the other laser options

5

Total

The X1 is the most capable laser platforms I’ve reviewed, even considering its size and modular upgrade costs it's exceptionally well balanced.

5

Buy it if...

You need versatility

The X1 combines cutting, engraving and specialist material processing within one platform, making it ideal for workshops handling varied projects.

You produce products

Its powerful CO₂ laser and fast galvo engraving system can dramatically reduce production times for personalised products and small-batch manufacturing.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You lack space

The substantial machine, rear-mounted laser modules and optional accessories require significantly more workshop room than the main unit’s dimensions suggest.

You need affordability

Although the base machine offers good value, specialist laser modules and accessories can quickly push up the total.View Deal

For more crafting tech, I've tested and reviewed all the best 3D printers and the best laser engravers.

The xTool X1 might initially look like another large, enclosed laser engraver, but it wasn't long into my months-long test of the X1, to realise it's something far more ambitious.

Essentially, xTool has brought years of laser engraving development together into a single, expandable manufacturing platform, making the X1 one of the most versatile machines I’ve ever reviewed. This is not the first machine that I’ve looked at recently to do the modular laser approach, with the superb Creality Falcon T1 doing something similar on a far smaller scale.

At the X1’s heart is a 55W CO₂ laser, similar to that seen in the excellent Bambu Lab R1 although now the larger X1 has arrived at the same price and with far more potential it will be interesting to see how the R1 fares.

Once again, the 55W CO₂ laser proves to be a powerful option for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, and a wide variety of other materials. On its own, this one laser option would already make the X1 a superb option for anyone looking for a professional laser cutter.

But then again, xTool already has the xTool P2. To differentiate this as something new, xTool has thrown all their technologies at the design and added an optional 20W diode galvo module, which sits alongside the CO₂ head inside the machine, and this forms the foundation of what this machine then develops into.

One of the key features to the dual head system is that rather than relying on a conventional moving-head laser for every cut, engrave, and score, the X1 can use the galvo system for intricate, high-speed engraving before switching to the CO₂ laser for cutting. What I like is that both are controlled through xTool Studio, and switching between the installed lasers just takes a selection option in the software.

Throughout testing, this combination of laser options with backpack modules also highlighted the potential and the direction these laser machines are moving. Multiple laser options mean projects like wooden placemats and detailed pencil boxes, which would ordinarily take considerable time to engrave and cut, can be completed much faster, with the galvo speeding through the detail while the CO₂ handles the cutting. In one test, a placemat project that took the xTool S1 around two hours was completed on the X1 in approximately half an hour.

One of the X1's big features is its support for additional laser-source modules mounted on the rear of the machine. For this review, I used the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules, which enabled me to engrave glass and emboss brass coins. I also used the MOPA for its accuracy to create precision apertures in thin metal for pinhole cameras.

Having previously used dedicated MOPA machines such as the xTool F2 Ultra, I was interested to see how a machine this size could perform similar metal engraving. The results were impressive, but as I found at every step of this review, there were a series of considerations due to the size, weight and complexity of the machine.

That first consideration is size. The X1 arrived in a substantial crate, and as it was dropped off in the driveway, I had to call on assistance from a neighbour to lift and manoeuvre it into position. Although the main machine can sit on a conventional workshop bench, the additional modules, extraction systems and accessories quickly highlighted that the space I had allocated was about half of what it should have been.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The second point to make is the modular system. While the additional laser sources proved excellent, swapping them isn't quick, unlike some of the small multi-laser modular systems I have looked at recently.

With the X1 positioned against a wall, accessing the rear of the machine, changing the hardware, and recalibrating could take about an hour. Some of this was down to the restricted space in my workshop, but the swap of modules required the recalibration of the lasers, it’s worth considering if you intend to switch between different laser technologies regularly.

Price is another consideration although I'm actually surprised how cheap it is on balance. The base machine is listed at $3,699 / £2554, but adding the diode laser, specialist modules and accessories can take the complete system well beyond $10,000, depending on configuration.

Even so, there’s no getting away from how capable this machine is, and if you were looking for the equivalent in separate machines, say the P2 and F2 Ultra, you’d be looking at much the same costs. For general cutting, detailed engraving and small-batch production, the X1 is one of the most refined laser engravers I’ve used.

If you have an established workshop or small business handling a wide range of materials, the X1 offers huge potential. Just make sure you have the space, budget and patience to make the most of it.

xTool X1: Price & availability

The xTool X1 starts at $3,699 / £2,553 and includes the 55W CO₂ laser. The base price is in line with other machines that I have looked at recently. It's worth knowing that the costs rise quickly with optional modules.

The 20W diode galvo at $899 / approx. £674 is an optional, but essential upgrade, as it first enables faster engraving but is also needed to support the installation of the additional UV, fibre and MOPA lasers.

A fully equipped system comes in at just under $10,000 if you buy the components separately as upgrades, however, the bundle offer prices bring the cost right down. The X1’s integrated workflow, versatility and all-in-one design do keep things neat. You can find out more at xTool.

X1 Single CO2 (55W CO2): $3,399 / £2,554

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo (55W CO2 + 20W Diode Galvo Module): $3,999 / £3,005

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + Fiber (Includes 30W Fiber Laser Source): $5,799 / £4,358

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + UV (Includes 5W UV Laser Source): $6,499 / £4,884

X1 CO2 + Diode Galvo + MOPA (Includes 60W MOPA Laser Source): $6,679 / £5,019

xTool X1: DesignSpecs

Machine type: Modular laser cutting and engraving platform
Primary laser: 55W CO₂, 10,600nm
Optional lasers: 20W diode galvo, 5W UV, 30W fibre, 60W MOPA
Laser technologies: Hybrid Motion and Laser Swap
Working area: 615 × 320 mm x 150 maximum
Dimensions:
Weight:
Camera and focusing: Dual cameras with image stitching, automatic focusing and height-adjustable bed
Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi
Software: xTool Studio

There’s nothing particularly small or understated about the xTool X1. In fact, the first indication of what I was dealing with came when the machine arrived in a substantial wooden crate. I can usually handle these large machines with the help of a sack trolley and boxes.

However, this time I called on the help of a neighbor. It’s not quite the size of the P3, but you will still need two people to lift the X1 free of its packaging and to get it into position in the workshop. By the time we stripped away the protective materials and set it onto the work surface, it was obvious this wasn’t a typical desktop laser engraver.

The machine itself follows the same design direction as xTool’s recent P2S and P3 models, with a fully enclosed chassis and a level of refinement that feels far removed from the open-frame laser engravers that dominated the enthusiast market only a few years ago. When it comes to the size, it measures 1000×580×420 mm.

Having tested numerous xTool machines, I’ve consistently been impressed by the company’s build quality. While xTool and GlowForge used to be the two major players in this part of the market, rivals such as Bambu Lab, LaserPecker, and WeCreat have recently upped the game as well.

Everything from the large hinged lid to the internal processing bed feels solid and is exactly as I’d want in the workshop. The lid opens easily and is supported by pneumatic arms; on some machines of this size that I’ve looked at in the past, this can be a weak point, but here it all feels good and solid.

Compared with other machines of this type and size, the height of the machine is considerably taller; this is due to the adjustable bed inside that rises and lowers to position materials correctly beneath the laser. This is a far more sophisticated setup than the fixed-height beds on many smaller machines that require risers for larger objects. On the front of the machine, there are a couple of buttons that enable you to raise and lower the bed manually if needed.

Testing showed the bed adjustment was essentially fully automated, with the software handling most positioning. The work area is big, with a maximum of 615 × 320 mm, and offers plenty of room to lay out multiple parts, which is especially useful for small batches of products such as placemats.

What I quickly realised is that depending on the laser and type of work you’re doing, those work area dimensions change. For instance, with the CO2 laser the max height of anything placed into the machine is 150mm; however, with the other lasers that reduces to 140mm. Essentially, as you lay out your designs and select the lasers, the on-screen layout changes so visually that from the outset you know exactly where you are.

Inside, the materials are supported on the supplied slats, though as with other manufacturers, I would have liked a few more. I also had the optional honeycomb panel, which, as ever, became my preferred choice for almost everything I processed.

A honeycomb just provides a decent surface for supporting materials and makes it easier to remove completed work, and while small pieces of debris from the cuts will still fall through to the base, there’s less chance of scorching of cut pieces falling and accidentally getting re-lasered.

Unfortunately, one surprise was that there isn’t a simple removable waste tray at the base, so cleaning out smaller pieces requires a little more effort. I have a handheld Dyson for this exact job, and with the depth and space, it’s easy enough to get that into cleanup quickly after a few cuts.

In this review, alongside the 55W CO2, I have also installed the 20W diode galvo module. This sits alongside the CO₂ laser inside the main enclosure and takes a couple of minutes to fit; once installed, it can stay as a permanent part of the machine. After installation, the rest of the setup is completed in xTool Studio.

The software walks you through the calibration process, although some manual adjustment is needed to ensure that the laser paths are correctly aligned. I’ve encountered this with previous xTool machines, including the P2 and P3, and while it can take a little time to understand, the process is reasonably straightforward once you’ve done it a few times.

My first test didn’t produce the result I expected because the alignment wasn’t quite right, mainly due to me rushing part of the process. After repeating the calibration more carefully, the results vastly improved, and once everything was configured, the two installed laser systems are remarkably easy to use.

To switch between the two in the xTool Studio software, you simply assign the right laser to the right operation, and the machine handles the transition. There’s no need to remove one laser head and install another manually as you would have had to do with multi-laser machines in the past.

For everyday cutting and engraving, this combination of lasers works incredibly well and vastly speeds up the process of engraving and cutting, which is the bulk of what I personally do with these machines.

However, these two lasers are just the start of the story, and things do become a little more complicated when I started to install and use the rear-mounted laser-source modules.

xTool supplied the 5W UV and 60W MOPA modules; these are relatively compact, just larger than a shoebox and are solidly built. Before use, they need to be installed into the back of the X1, which takes time, especially when I needed two people to move the machine into the initial position. Essentially, I should have left a little more space to access the rear.

Installation of the modules involves removing covers, connecting power and communication cables, securing the module and checking the optical path. Depending on the configuration, you’ll also need to install the appropriate optics before calibrating the system.

I installed the combined UV/Fiber/MOPA field lens, which supports the different laser sources, and found that straightforward, it essentially just screwed in. The more involved part was mounting the modules and completing the optical alignment.

Initially, I was probably a little too enthusiastic with the manual adjustments, but thankfully xTool provide a small alignment target and tape which makes the entire process relatively easy. Once I realised that small adjustments were all that was needed, the process became much easier.

The software guides you through calibration using the supplied cards, and once the source has been registered, the machine recognises it automatically. My main issue here was the physical access to the back of the machine due to space.

My workshop already has several 3D printers, laser engravers, and other equipment, so I’d originally positioned the X1 against a wall on a fixed workbench. Every time I wanted to change the rear-mounted module, I needed to move other equipment, pull out the workbench and get behind the machine. Given the X1’s size and weight, I didn’t want to attempt this alone.

As a result, what might eventually become a 15 or 20-minute module change took me closer to an hour, including moving the machine, changing the source and checking calibration, the calibration is the part that takes the time. This issue would explain why xTool also provided the optional mobile work stand, which is where this machine will be moved to once I have had a bit of a reorganisation of the space.

Being able to wheel the machine away from the wall would make installation, maintenance and module changes substantially easier. I’d also recommend planning considerably more space than the official machine footprint suggests. In my workshop, allowing roughly half a machine depth more provided the clearance needed to work comfortably behind it, mainly due to the length of the tool you need to use to screw in the bolts through each of the modules.

As I got into using the machine, a few of the safety design features are also worth noting. First, as ever, the machine came with the Air extraction unit and, in addition, the fire safety 2 unit, which was attached, but again space was limited, so it sat on a lower shelf behind the machine.

The X1 is serious workshop equipment, though far nicer-looking than the machines from a few years ago. Its size and weight are balanced by its features, and after a month of use, I highly recommend the optional workbench, which, while not essential, it will ensure you can make full use of this machine's potential.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)xTool X1: Features

The xTool X1 is unusual because many of its headline features aren’t immediately obvious. At its core, it’s a powerful 55w CO₂ laser cutter, but its modular design means that it has far more potential, and that potential can only be fully unlocked with the investment in the other modules and accessories, of which there are quite a few.

In total, the X1 supports five laser technologies, with the 55w CO2 being the only one that is provided wth the base machine. The 55W CO₂ laser can be used for cutting and engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard and fabric.

Alongside the CO₂ laser, there’s the 20W diode galvo laser, which adds high-speed engraving and surface marking, particularly on wood and many other compatible materials. This module sits inside the machine alongside the CO₂ and is quick to fit; it’s also essential if you want to use any of the other three backpack laser modules.

These other models include the 5W UV laser, which can be used for engraving on glass, crystal and other delicate materials. Then there’s the 30W fibre and 60W MOPA options, which enable you to mark and engrave into metal. The MOPA adds the ability to use colour effects and deep engraving and is similar to the fibre option, but is more expensive. In this review, I’ve been supplied with four of the five available laser technologies: CO₂, diode, UV, and MOPA.

As I started the testing, the instant highlight of the features was the Hybrid Motion, as this is the one feature alongside the dual mount lasers that will make a noticeable difference to everyday project work.

Essentially, what this looks like with the lasers is that alongside the traditional gantry-based laser toolheads that move physically through the X and Y across the material, you also have the Galvo, which uses rapidly moving mirrors to direct the beam across the surface.

This means that for larger designs, Hybrid Motion moves the galvo system between regions, enabling detailed engraving over a much wider area than a conventional fixed galvo arrangement, as I tested in the F2 Ultra. When combined, you not only cover a far larger area, but the Glavo focuses on detailed engraving while the CO₂ does the cutting.

The dual tool head laser system inside is just the start of the multi-laser set, and a Laser Swap system is used to enable different styles of laser to be fitted for different projects and materials. These Laser Swap modules fit to the back with the UV, Fibre and MOPA options.

The idea here is that instead of buying additional machines, you just buy the module and fit it, cutting down on the space needed and ideally cost. Although looking at the cost of the modules, they’re almost as much as the dedicated machines.

The process of swapping the modules isn’t tool-free, and it requires access to the rear of the machine, alongside physical hardware changes and calibration checks. I personally think that this is a great feature.

However, I would have liked to see a faster change system. In this review, for instance, I swapped the modules multiple times, and it was a hassle. But then most people will inevitably settle on their laser selection rather than approaching the machine in the way that I have in this review.

Some of the other features that really impressed during use were the close-up cameras that just help position artwork against materials, with the image appearing in the XTool software. Compared with the laser outline that we used for the full image, this is such an improvement; however, you can still click the framing preview if you prefer that way of working.

The camera system is really quite advanced, and you have the option through the xTool Studio software to change from capturing one wide-angle image, to capturing multiple sections of the workspace which are then stitched together, which helps with the accuracy of the positioning.

Although the software documentation describes automatic image capture when closing the lid, I generally triggered the capture manually during testing. Image quality from the cameras was excellent overall, although some reflective materials and darker areas could still make positioning slightly more difficult; a boost in the workshop's lighting also helped with these previews.

Another of the big features that really stood out through the use of the machine was the automated bed adjustment. Rather than requiring constant manual focusing, the machine measures the material and adjusts the bed height as needed.

Through the test, I added a range of material thicknesses and found the process just worked; compared with the often convoluted focusing process of some other machines and the physical effort of adding a riser base, this system is just simple.

Even with slightly irregular or curved materials, the positioning system generally handled setup well, and I didn’t need to override the measurements manually.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Alongside the core accessories and in line with the xTools other machines, the X1 supports a wide range of accessories, including an automatic conveyor feeder, RA3 rotary attachment, honeycomb panel, mobile work stand, filtration, and fire safety equipment.

Throughout testing, I used xTool’s extraction and filtration setup, which is a little on the noisy side but does the job. For jobs that produce more smoke, particularly when cutting wood, I increased the extraction setting to keep the working chamber clear.

The optional Fire Safety Set Pro adds another level of protection. Installation was more involved than I’d expected, requiring the CO₂ cylinder, tubing and communication connections to be fitted before enabling the system in the software. Once configured, however, it didn’t actually require me to do anything else other than find somewhere for it to sit.

As a final point on the features, and an essential for any professional workshop, is that the machine also has an emergency stop button for quickly shutting down if needed.

xTool X1: Performance

After a month testing the xTool X1, what I realised was, that the way that I work with laser engravers normally would change with this dual laser setup. The mix of laser technologies in one machine isn’t just convenient; it means that you can select the laser technology that is best suited for the job, and often two lasers will enable a better and faster result. Most notably for me, that was the combination of the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers.

For most of my work, producing models, wooden components, boxes, camera accessories, and other workshop projects, these two laser systems provide an ideal combination.

The X1’s 55W CO₂ laser is excellent for all-round cutting, while the 20 diode galvo is better for detail.

To start the test, I ran through the supplied test projects before moving on to my own designs, including wooden boxes, placemats and model-making components.

Most of my work involved 3mm basswood plywood, although I also tested thicker materials up to 10mm. Across these tests, the CO₂ laser produced exceptionally clean cuts, with minimal scorching and very little need for additional finishing. The air-assist system kept the cutting path clear, while the extraction system removed smoke.

One of the most useful tests involved creating a series of 3mm plywood boxes. The accuracy was excellent, with the individual pieces fitting together cleanly without sanding or manual adjustment to the size. I could simply assemble and glue the components.

This accuracy and repeatability is something that is so important when producing models or small-batch products, where even small dimensional errors create extra work; even sanding takes time when it comes to getting the right fit. As this is a pre-production model, the usually excellent xTool Studio seemed to take most laser options down to 1, so initial models showed some scorching, however

I also tested acrylic sheets up to 10mm thick, including cutting a 3D-scanning calibration cube in half. Again, the results were impressive, with clean cuts and accurate positioning.

The machine also handled lighter materials such as paper, card, fabric, and leather without difficulty, though these need careful securing to prevent movement from airflow of the air assist and extractor.

For general cutting work, along the lines of what I use laser cutters for, the X1 matched the abilities that I have seen from other recent releases; the one point that made this slightly more exciting is that added height, which gives out-of-the-box flexibility without the need for a riser base.

The CO₂ laser provides the X1’s cutting power; the addition of the 20W diode galvo by its side for detailed engraving and speed is definitely an interesting development in the technology.

Essentially, rather than watching a conventional laser head mechanically move across every section of an image, the galvo rapidly sweeps the beam over the surface, completing relatively intricate artwork in a fraction of the time.

I tested it on wood, plywood, bamboo, acrylic, and coated metal samples, essentially everything in the samples box. Fine lettering was sharp and well-defined, intricate designs retained plenty of detail, and scorching was generally minimal, unless the piece that I was working on fell through the slats.

Initially, I worried the edges of the engraving might lose definition, or designs wouldn't join up perfectly as the galvo system moved from one area to another, however the meeting of the design and the quality remained consistent.

This, however, wasn’t quite the case at the outset, and initial testing showed a few issues, but after software updates and far more accurate calibration on my part, the joins between engraving regions became almost seamless.

Photographic engraving onto wood was also impressive, although as with most laser engravers, image selection makes the biggest difference to the success.

High-contrast photographs generally produced better results than flat, low-contrast images, and I used xTool Studio’s editing tools to adjust backgrounds and improve the final output.

Personally, I still prefer the look of detailed illustrations, lettering and line-based graphics when engraved into wood rather than photo imagery.

Taking a look at one of the main test projects highlights the workflow and speed. Normally, when creating a wooden box or placemat with decorative engraving, I’ll use a single laser head that handles both engraving and cutting.

The problem is that detailed engraving can take considerably longer than cutting the outline. With the X1, I was able to assign the intricate engraving to the 20W galvo and the cutting operations to the 55W CO₂ laser.

Once configured, the software handled the transition between the installed lasers without requiring me to reposition the material or swap heads; this made a dramatic difference to processing time.

For example, I created a series of wooden placemats with detailed artwork. A comparable project on the xTool S1 took around two hours, while the X1 completed it in half an hour.

That’s an enormous improvement in speed, particularly for small businesses producing multiple products. The same was true when creating detailed pencil boxes.

Projects that would normally take 20 to 30 minutes could be completed in minutes, with the galvo handling the engraving before the CO₂ laser cut the components.

Having both lasers permanently installed makes everyday projects straightforward, and once you’ve experienced the speed of the combined workflow, returning to a conventional single-head engraver feels a little archaic.

Hybrid Motion also changes what’s practical for larger designs. In the past, I’ve avoided elaborate engraving projects at scale because the processing time was too long and I’m hopeless at lining up materials when sheets need to be matched.

With the X1, I was able to start thinking about this type of project, as the speed of the galvo would vastly reduce the time involved, especially when used alongside the conveyor accessory.

After carrying out the majority of the review using the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers, I then moved on to the 5w UV and 60W MOPA.

The 5W UV module opens up a very different range of possibilities, particularly for glass, crystal and delicate materials. I ran a few tests on the glass samples, along with experiments on plastic components produced on a 3D printer.

The ability to add fine surface texture to printed plastic objects is interesting, as it creates new opportunities for finishing functional parts and decorative products. I’ll admit I’m still on the experimental side of this, but will update in the near future.

The glass side of the engraving process is also something that I have struggled with in the past, and again, I wasn’t entirely successful in achieving the results I wanted.

Based on the partial results, I suspect this was more about my initial setup and approach than a fundamental limitation of the machine. Still, it’s an area that needs further investigation.

The UV module adds even more felxibility, although I’ll explore its more advanced functions in a separate addition to th ereview once I’ve reorganised my workshop to give the interchangeable modules better access.

Of the two rear-mounted laser modules, I found the 60W MOPA the most interesting. I’ve previously used MOPA machines, including the xTool F2 Ultra, so I’m familiar with their capabilities for metal engraving, embossing and colour marking.

What makes the X1 different is the ability to use similar technology within a much larger enclosed working area. I tested the MOPA on brass, stainless steel and aluminium, producing detailed markings and experimenting with relief engraving.

One of the most interesting applications involved creating apertures in thin brass sheet for pinhole cameras. I produced holes ranging from approximately 0.25mm to 0.5mm with exceptionally good results.

This is the sort of precision work I’ve previously done with dedicated MOPA systems, and it was great to see the X1 handle it so well, as it’s such a large machine I did wonder if it could handle the intricate work that I have used the F2 Ultra for.

I also experimented with engraving the aperture dimensions into the metal and cutting individual pieces from the sheet, although these more complicated processes still need further refinement.

Another highlight was engraving brass coins. While the F2 Ultra can do similar work, the X1’s larger processing area let me arrange several coins for engraving in one batch. Again, this is not a quick process; think days rather than hours.

Colour marking is another capability of the MOPA laser, though I’ve consistently found it requires considerable experimentation to get reliable results. The X1 was no exception.

I could create colour effects, but producing exactly the result I wanted across more complicated designs wasn’t always straightforward.

The take-home from the modules is that they expand the use of the machine, but those more specialist lasers require practice and experience to get the results that you would expect.

The other major part of the machine is the xTool Studio software. I’ve used the software across several generations of machines, and it's improved substantially over time and has really become the benchmark for all others to follow.

That said if you're new to the software then working out what type of cut and what laser is being used on what path can still be a little confusing, even with the colour coding. A text summery would be a nice quick reference before cutting.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The latest workflow is much the same as I looked at with the superb xTool M2 recently, and once you’ve completed calibration and connected the machine, preparing a project is straightforward.

Import or create the design, select the material, assign the appropriate processing operation and laser source, then send the job to the machine; after that, you generally just press the start button and wait.

As ever, the xTool Studio software offers a huge range of material presets, and unusually the material presets for the CO2 and 20w diode were way off. Especially the power and air assist, which the software set to 1 for both, easy to rectify, but possibly something to do with the pre-release software as ususally the material presets from xTool are spot on.

Adding custom materials and modifying processing parameters is also relatively straightforward once you’re familiar with the interface.

USB and Wi-Fi connectivity were both simple to set up and reliable throughout testing. Despite using pre-release software, I didn’t experience any major crashes or application-caused job failures other than a little tweaking of presets, and it all seemed pretty final, really a reflection of what I have experienced before with the addition of being able to select the laser sources.

xTool X1: Final verdict

After a month of testing, the xTool X1 is one of the most versatile laser engravers I’ve ever used, but it isn’t without its faults, although those are mostly overcome by being organised and having plenty of space.

Essentially, the base machine is an impressive 55W CO₂ laser engraver and cutter, and once you invest in the 20W diode galvo laser, you have one of the most competent machines for any small to medium-sized business on the market. The point is that with these two lasers you have the base machine that you can then build on depending on what you need to do.

Through the test, I found that that simple combination was all I really needed, and the fact that I could then attach the UV and MOPA for more specialised work all added to the versatility. However, with the 55W CO₂ and 20W diode galvo lasers installed, the machine was able to sit on the workbench without issue; it’s large but containable.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

As soon as I installed the MOPA, I not only needed the additional space to mount the laser module, but it also added to the depth of the machine and for me, having the F2 for the more intricate work still made sense. While I could do the work on the X1, it didn’t necessarily mean that I would.

That aside, the pure build quality, size of the work area and depth, along with all the upgrade options, all make this one of the most substantial and complete laser engravers on the market. It is expensive, but it’s been designed in such a way that you can upgrade as and when you need.

Should you buy the xTool X1?

Value:

The base 55W CO₂ machine is well priced, specialist laser modules and accessories raise the total cost

5

Design:

Exceptional build quality for a machine of this size. Rear-mounted module changes could be easier.

4.5

Features

Support for five laser technologies, the new Hybrid Motion system offer one of the most feature packed lasers on the market

5

Performance

The combination of galvo engraving and CO₂ cutting give it an edge even before adding the other laser options

5

Total

The X1 is the most capable laser platforms I’ve reviewed, even considering its size and modular upgrade costs it's exceptionally well balanced.

5

Buy it if...

You need versatility

The X1 combines cutting, engraving and specialist material processing within one platform, making it ideal for workshops handling varied projects.

You produce products

Its powerful CO₂ laser and fast galvo engraving system can dramatically reduce production times for personalised products and small-batch manufacturing.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You lack space

The substantial machine, rear-mounted laser modules and optional accessories require significantly more workshop room than the main unit’s dimensions suggest.

You need affordability

Although the base machine offers good value, specialist laser modules and accessories can quickly push up the total.View Deal

For more crafting tech, I've tested and reviewed all the best 3D printers and the best laser engravers.

• Nvidia wants to turn Germany's retired nuclear sites into AI data centers
• Germany's nuclear shutdown leaves dozens of former power stations awaiting dismantling
• Nvidia and PreussenElektra are investigating new uses for Germany's retired nuclear facilities

Nvidia has agreed to examine whether shuttered German reactor sites could become computing hubs, though the company rules out restarting any idle units.

The US chipmaker signed a preliminary agreement with PreussenElektra GmbH (PEL), a utility from Germany, to study the idea at decommissioned locations.

The arrangement does not involve generating electricity from fission for any future facility, since the work concentrates on existing grid links and water access.

Reusing sites without reviving reactors

Following the Fukushima incident, Germany permanently closed its final operating reactors in April 2023 and is now dismantling about 30 atomic stations nationwide.

PreussenElektra oversees the closure and teardown of eight of those stations, and these are probably the locations that will receive scrutiny.

Neither company has named the sites under review, so the eight locations managed by PreussenElektra remain an assumption rather than a confirmed list.

“Our former power plant sites have valuable industrial infrastructure and offer opportunities for new, future-oriented uses,” said Guido Knott, chairman of PEL’s management board.

“Together with NVIDIA, we intend to conduct a sound assessment of whether and how these conditions can be leveraged for AI factories.”

The assessment will review grid connections, open land and industrial infrastructure to judge whether each site satisfies the strict operating requirements of AI factories.

The two companies say they will test whether the sites can meet engineering and running needs while supporting Germany's computing capacity for AI.

Cost savings and an unproven case

New data center facilities normally need well-located land, industrial zone approvals, access to water for cooling, and powerful grid connections, which former atomic stations already possess.

Nvidia hopes that reusing these locations could lower expenses and shorten development schedules compared with constructing new campuses during an unprecedented expansion of AI infrastructure.

“AI factories require access to power, land and high-capacity infrastructure, and former industrial sites could provide a strong foundation for this next generation of computing,” said Markus Hacker, senior regional director at Nvidia.

“Together with PreussenElektra, we will assess how its sites could meet the technical and operational requirements of AI factories and contribute to Germany’s high-performance AI infrastructure.”

Both companies describe the effort as exploratory, and neither has disclosed funding figures, sanctioned designs or binding building contracts, so the idea remains unproven.

Reusing atomic stations looks efficient on paper, yet neither company has shown that grid capacity at the sites matches the power appetite of AI clusters.

Approval processes for dismantled facilities, local acceptance and the cost of conversion remain unaddressed, so any savings in time or money are still speculative.

The refusal to revive reactors may ease political concerns in Germany, although the announcement does not say whether regional authorities or residents have been consulted.

Via Tom's Hardware

Hisense XR10: One-minute review

The Hisense XR10 offers powerful projection that you can put all over the room and still get squared away. That’s thanks to extensive optical adjustments that include incredible zoom range and lens shift. Hisense definitely cranked up the elegance this year.

The Hisense XR10 is loaded up with blazing RGB lasers that give it stunning brightness and color, while an adjustable iris can help it clamp down black levels for dark room viewing with enhanced contrast. It’s all packed into a stylish box that’s much smaller and more portable than high-end theater projectors like the Sony Bravia Projector 7, and Hisense’s included carrying case will let you take it places in style.

(Image credit: Future)

All of this comes at a high price, though. The Hisense XR10 is $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999 after falling from the original $6,999 price tag in the US. Though it has decent speakers for a projector and a serviceable operating system in VidaaOS, these don’t lend a ton of extra value. It also jumped the gun a bit and missed out on the VRR and 4K/120Hz support that a newer wave of projectors are offering. At its price, it’s not going to lead the charge for value, but you do get a lot for the money. It’s still probably worth waiting to see if the XGIMI Horizon 30 Ultra Max, JMGO Iris Ultra Max, and Hisense C3 Ultra Max leave the XR10 any room to breathe.

Hisense XR10 review: Price and release date

• Release date: mid 2026
• MSRP: $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999

The Hisense XR10 made its debut at CES 2026 and started shipping in May. It came with an initial price of $6,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999 but that US price has generally fallen to $5,999. In the time it’s been out, some deals have even brought it as low as $4,499, but it hasn’t been a sticky price drop and prices elsewhere seem to be much more static.

For the money, Hisense does include a special carrying case that’s far and away the highest quality one I’ve seen included with a projector like this. But even then it’s not adding thousands of dollars in value.

Hisense XR10 review: specs

Supported screen sizes

65-300 inches

Optical technology

3 Laser DLP

Brightness (specified)

6,000 Lumens

Audio

2x8-watt + 15-watt speakers

Ports

2x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm audio

Smart TV

VidaaOS

Dimensions

11.5 x 10.7 x 8.4 inches

Weight

23.4 pounds

Hisense XR10 review: design and features

• Stylish, compact design and serious carrying case
• Highly adjustable optics
• VidaaOS is quick but may be limiting

Hisense has built something particularly gorgeous with the XR10. It simply looks like a work of serious engineering with its brown metal casing, stylish venting and machined accents, knurled lens cover, oversize lens cover, and dark color scheme. The front's sensor array also looks highly technical. The top is a little plain, but Hisense has included a volume dial, power button, ambient light sensor, and a little aesthetic nod to the RGB laser system inside.

The Hisense XR10 is a modestly sized box at 11.5 x 10.7 x 8.4 inches / 292.1 x 271.8 x 213.4 mm, yet with all its packing in it ends up weighing a considerable 23.4 pounds / 10.6kg. To help you lug it around, Hisense includes a fashionable carrying case that looks more like a piece of luggage than the styrofoam cases many projectors come with. It's complete with straps, zippers, padded slots for each component, and it even has wheels and an extendable handle for rolling.

(Image credit: Future)

The projector has everything it needs to help you get it set up for perfect alignment with your screen. It stands on four height-adjustable feet, so you can get it level and squared away with the wall. And it offers extensive zoom and lens shift capabilities. It can shift from a short throw ratio of 0.84:1 all the way to a 2:1 throw ratio, this means you can set it close to a wall or screen and still get a big picture or set it far from that screen and shrink it down to fit without having to use digital cropping. Plenty of competitors are offering zoom now, but the XR10 has a far wider range than most.

The XR10 goes well beyond that, too, adding on 130% vertical lens shift and 46% horizontal lens shift. This makes it much easier to set the projector wherever is convenient for you and still be able to dial in a crisp, perfectly aligned projection where you want it.

Hisense has also built in some automatic picture correction, like screen fitting and obstacle avoidance, but the projector tends to try zooming all the way out to make those corrections. So it's very easy to end up in a situation where the projection is simply too large for the projector to figure out what to do to fit it onto a small screen. Some features also get locked out if lens shift is used, like automatic keystone correction (something you should skip anyway) and eye protection (something it’s also great to have because these are some bright lasers).

(Image credit: Future)

Around back, the Hisense XR10 is pretty well geared up for serious home theater use. It includes a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports one of which supports eARC as well as one HDMI 2.0 port. It also includes a set of two USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit ethernet port, and both optical and 3.5mm analog audio outputs.

That ethernet port could be useful, but the XR10 actually has Wi-Fi 7 on board, so you can get pretty fast networking wirelessly as well. With that wireless connection, you can easily access streaming services using the built-in operating system, which is unfortunately not Google TV.

Instead it’s Hisense's own VidaaOS. It has most of the major streaming apps and some extras like Xbox Cloud Gaming but there's plenty that's missing. On the bright side, navigating the software is fairly quick and Hisense's included remote has a dedicated input button so you don't have to spend much time in VidaaOS if you want to use an external source for video.

(Image credit: Future)

The XR10 offers serious brightness for a small box, so there’s a bit of fan whir in operation to keep the insides cool. It’s noticeable in a quiet room when sitting close to the projector, but it’s easily drowned out by the 2.1-channel sound system.

The remote control included with the XR10 is a fairly simple one, offering directional navigation and direct access to input selection, autofocus, voice input, the settings menu, the home screen, volume and brightness controls, a mute button, and shortcuts to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+. It also has backlighting, but it's only activated after you press a button, not motion activated.

• Design & features score: 4.5 / 5

Hisense XR10 review: picture quality and performance

• Brilliantly colorful, stunningly bright, and capable of deep black levels
• Good gaming chops
• Punchy sound, but not cinematic

One of the greatest aspects of the Hisense XR10 is its color, coming by way of its RGB laser light source. For most content, it can look perfectly natural, but when it really comes time to jazz things up, it’s simply amazing. The attack on Rosalina’s home in the beginning of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a stunning showcase of its capabilities, with dazzling magical effects, so many colorful stars, and plenty of opportunity for the XR10 to demonstrate its vibrant color.

As the convoy heads out at the beginning of Mad Max: Fury Road, the subtle reds of the sand against the blues of the sky are simply gorgeous, and the deeper reds of the flamethrowers are all the more vibrant. The inside of the sandstorm is simply wondrous, with the chaotic flashing of lightning playing against the deep shadows.

All that color comes alongside serious brightness. In my testing with the projector in its Vivid picture settings, with the iris open and brightness set to maximum, I measured it outputting 6,841 lumens. It has the potential to go higher with a cooler white point and a Brightness Enhanced mode, reaching 7,757 lumens, but this tints the whole picture green.

In practice, the high brightness means the XR10 is strong enough to use in a room even if you’re not doing much to shut out ambient light. I found watching a lot of content even with some of my room lights on more than comfortable, and depending on what I was watching, I could even get away with leaving the windows open in the middle of the day and still see well enough.

FutureFutureFuture

The Hisense XR10 offers potent contrast as well. It’s exhibited splendidly in Dune 2 during the black-and-white Harkkonen coliseum fight. Even without color, there’s splendid detail and rich shadows. This contrast comes by way of the low black levels that the projector is capable of by shutting down its iris. In all but the darkest scenes I find that the letterboxes around some videos appear almost completely black.

The projector gets dark enough that light control in the room actually becomes rather important. Light hitting the screen can bounce around the room and end up back on the screen where it should be dark, and this raises the black level. Using a VESA test pattern with two bright boxes in the corners of an otherwise black screen, I measured a contrast of 362:1 without controlling for room reflections. By blocking out the white boxes with black velvet, I could simulate a light-controlled room and measured a 3,251:1 contrast ratio. That was with the optical iris open. Cranking the iris down to its lowest level, I measured a 11,194:1 contrast ratio.

The XR10 uses motion interpolation by default, and this tends to introduce a lot of motion artifacts, though it can be a benefit to panning shots. I’ve found the visuals look smooth enough and avoid issues with the motion interpolation set to Film or disabled outright.

FutureFuture

Gaming on the XR10 is a joy. It supports both 4K/60Hz and 1080p/240Hz modes with very low latency in both, even without enabling Game Mode. I dashed through levels in Hades 2, easily keeping up with the pace of combat and played through 007: First Light while enjoying the deep cinematic shadows the projector enabled. The XR10 misses out on VRR, though, and a new crop of projectors are bringing in 4K/120Hz capabilities as well, leaving the XR10 a little bit behind on those fronts.

The audio of the XR10 is quite something for a box as small as it is. It features a 2.1-speaker setup with two main drivers and a subwoofer. There’s a bit of low-end brunt to it, though I found the volume drops off a cliff below about 70Hz, leaving the deepest rumble out of the picture. The speakers do a good job with most content and get plenty loud without distorting, but they don’t have much stereo separation to help along with the stunning cinematic quality of the projection.

For what it’s worth, the XR10 still comes with the DLP rainbow effect. It’s not as bad as I’ve seen on some DLP projectors, tending only to be noticeable with white on black visuals, but it may be distracting to those who are particularly susceptible to it.

• Picture quality & performance score: 4.5 / 5

Hisense XR10 review: value

• Premium price
• Capable and flexible projection

There’s no getting around the fact that, at $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999, the Hisense XR10 is a very expensive projector, even next to a lot of its competition. It outprices models like the XGIMI Titan Noir Pro, XGIMI Horizon 30 Ultra Max, JMGO Iris Ultra Max, and even Hisense’s own C3 Ultra Max, and by a considerable amount. It is on the bright side of these projectors, though not the brightest. What it does have is a greater zoom range than any of these with its ability to go to a 2:1 throw ratio. For anyone who critically needs flexibility in positioning, that could be a big advantage.

The inclusion of decent speakers for a projector and a streaming operating system are nice to see, but not something that sets the XR10 far apart from its competition.

Ultimately the XR10 ends up with a sizable premium that might be hard to justify for everyone who’s seeking the most value. But if you’re after high-powered projection and serious capabilities, there are really only a few options that effectively undercut this one, and we're yet to see how well they hold up to their promises.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Hisense XR10?Hisense XR10 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

The Hisense XR10 is a complete package with advanced and highly flexible optics, powerful projection, punchy speakers, a competent operating system, plenty of ports, and strong wireless connectivity, all packed into an elegant box.

4.5/5

Picture quality and performance

The XR10’s RGB laser light source offers stunning brightness and looks wonderfully crisp through the optical system. The projector can get plenty dark using its iris, making it great for viewing in both bright and dark rooms. It has solid gaming chops as well, though VRR would have been a bonus. The speakers also leave a little bit to be desired but are still pretty solid for a projector like this.

4.5/5

Value

The XR10 brings a lot to the table, all in one package. But, it asks a high price, and a new fleet of projectors are offering a lot of its capabilities for much lower prices. Most don’t match its optical adjustments, but for many people, that may not be so critical.

4/5

Buy it if...

You want both bright and dark room viewing chops
The magic of the Hisense XR10 is that it can both get extremely bright and dial things down for excellent darkroom viewing. If you just wanted one or the other, you could find a cheaper projector that was capable enough.

You don’t like the gimbal stand aesthetic
Many of the high-end projectors that the XR10 would compete with have all jumped on the gimbal stand train. The XR10, meanwhile, sticks to a standard box format that might be a little bit easier to find space for and is much easier to level horizontally.

You need the lumens
Brighter projectors simply cost more, and the XR10 is terrifically bright. If you know you’re going to constantly be battling ambient light or are going to take advantage of its maximum projection size, it may be worth it.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not going to put it to work
If you don’t plan on using the full brightness, engaging the iris, or adjusting the optics from time to time, you won’t be getting the most out of the XR10 and could be just as well served by a cheaper model.

Gaming is your main use
The XR10 is good at gaming, but the latest wave of projectors steps it up with VRR and 4K/120Hz support. Many are nearly as bright and cheaper.

You can wait a few months
The new wave of projectors from Hisense, Xgimi, and JMGO promise a lot of what the XR10 is delivering at a much lower price. If their performance pans out, they could be a real bargain next to the XR10.

Hisense XR10 review: Also consider

Hisense XR10

Valerion VisionMaster Max

JMGO N3 Ultimate

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max

Price:

$5,999

$3,999

$2,999

$2,999

Screen sizes supported:

65 to 300 inches

40 to 300 inches

40 to 300 inches

40-300 inches

Brightness (specified):

6,000 lumens

3,500 lumens

5,800 lumens

5,700 ISO lumens

HDR support

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced

Optical technology:

3 Laser DLP

3 Laser DLP

3 Laser DLP

Triple laser DLP

Smart TV:

VidaaOS

Google TV

Google TV

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm audio

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 (with eARC), 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0 , 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out

Valerion VisionMaster Max
If you don’t need all the brightness the XR10 offers, the VisionMaster Max offers a wonderful picture and exceptional black levels to rival the XR10 while including optical adjustments of its own, costing less, and bringing Google TV to the table. Read our full Valerion VisionMaster Max review.

JMGO N3 Ultimate
The JMGO N3 Ultimate isn’t quite as flexible, and it doesn’t adapt as well to dark rooms, but it comes at a fraction of the price, supports VRR, and is competitively bright.

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max
Xgimi’s Horizon 20 Max also provides an alternative with competitive brightness, Google TV, and admirable performance. It also won’t quite win in a dark room battle, but that may not matter for everyone. Read our full Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review.

How I tested the Hisense XR10

• Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
• Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
• I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Hisense XR10 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and console gameplay.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

• First reviewed: October 2026
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

Hisense XR10: One-minute review

The Hisense XR10 offers powerful projection that you can put all over the room and still get squared away. That’s thanks to extensive optical adjustments that include incredible zoom range and lens shift. Hisense definitely cranked up the elegance this year.

The Hisense XR10 is loaded up with blazing RGB lasers that give it stunning brightness and color, while an adjustable iris can help it clamp down black levels for dark room viewing with enhanced contrast. It’s all packed into a stylish box that’s much smaller and more portable than high-end theater projectors like the Sony Bravia Projector 7, and Hisense’s included carrying case will let you take it places in style.

(Image credit: Future)

All of this comes at a high price, though. The Hisense XR10 is $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999 after falling from the original $6,999 price tag in the US. Though it has decent speakers for a projector and a serviceable operating system in VidaaOS, these don’t lend a ton of extra value. It also jumped the gun a bit and missed out on the VRR and 4K/120Hz support that a newer wave of projectors are offering. At its price, it’s not going to lead the charge for value, but you do get a lot for the money. It’s still probably worth waiting to see if the XGIMI Horizon 30 Ultra Max, JMGO Iris Ultra Max, and Hisense C3 Ultra Max leave the XR10 any room to breathe.

Hisense XR10 review: Price and release date

• Release date: mid 2026
• MSRP: $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999

The Hisense XR10 made its debut at CES 2026 and started shipping in May. It came with an initial price of $6,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999 but that US price has generally fallen to $5,999. In the time it’s been out, some deals have even brought it as low as $4,499, but it hasn’t been a sticky price drop and prices elsewhere seem to be much more static.

For the money, Hisense does include a special carrying case that’s far and away the highest quality one I’ve seen included with a projector like this. But even then it’s not adding thousands of dollars in value.

Hisense XR10 review: specs

Supported screen sizes

65-300 inches

Optical technology

3 Laser DLP

Brightness (specified)

6,000 Lumens

Audio

2x8-watt + 15-watt speakers

Ports

2x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm audio

Smart TV

VidaaOS

Dimensions

11.5 x 10.7 x 8.4 inches

Weight

23.4 pounds

Hisense XR10 review: design and features

• Stylish, compact design and serious carrying case
• Highly adjustable optics
• VidaaOS is quick but may be limiting

Hisense has built something particularly gorgeous with the XR10. It simply looks like a work of serious engineering with its brown metal casing, stylish venting and machined accents, knurled lens cover, oversize lens cover, and dark color scheme. The front's sensor array also looks highly technical. The top is a little plain, but Hisense has included a volume dial, power button, ambient light sensor, and a little aesthetic nod to the RGB laser system inside.

The Hisense XR10 is a modestly sized box at 11.5 x 10.7 x 8.4 inches / 292.1 x 271.8 x 213.4 mm, yet with all its packing in it ends up weighing a considerable 23.4 pounds / 10.6kg. To help you lug it around, Hisense includes a fashionable carrying case that looks more like a piece of luggage than the styrofoam cases many projectors come with. It's complete with straps, zippers, padded slots for each component, and it even has wheels and an extendable handle for rolling.

(Image credit: Future)

The projector has everything it needs to help you get it set up for perfect alignment with your screen. It stands on four height-adjustable feet, so you can get it level and squared away with the wall. And it offers extensive zoom and lens shift capabilities. It can shift from a short throw ratio of 0.84:1 all the way to a 2:1 throw ratio, this means you can set it close to a wall or screen and still get a big picture or set it far from that screen and shrink it down to fit without having to use digital cropping. Plenty of competitors are offering zoom now, but the XR10 has a far wider range than most.

The XR10 goes well beyond that, too, adding on 130% vertical lens shift and 46% horizontal lens shift. This makes it much easier to set the projector wherever is convenient for you and still be able to dial in a crisp, perfectly aligned projection where you want it.

Hisense has also built in some automatic picture correction, like screen fitting and obstacle avoidance, but the projector tends to try zooming all the way out to make those corrections. So it's very easy to end up in a situation where the projection is simply too large for the projector to figure out what to do to fit it onto a small screen. Some features also get locked out if lens shift is used, like automatic keystone correction (something you should skip anyway) and eye protection (something it’s also great to have because these are some bright lasers).

(Image credit: Future)

Around back, the Hisense XR10 is pretty well geared up for serious home theater use. It includes a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports one of which supports eARC as well as one HDMI 2.0 port. It also includes a set of two USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit ethernet port, and both optical and 3.5mm analog audio outputs.

That ethernet port could be useful, but the XR10 actually has Wi-Fi 7 on board, so you can get pretty fast networking wirelessly as well. With that wireless connection, you can easily access streaming services using the built-in operating system, which is unfortunately not Google TV.

Instead it’s Hisense's own VidaaOS. It has most of the major streaming apps and some extras like Xbox Cloud Gaming but there's plenty that's missing. On the bright side, navigating the software is fairly quick and Hisense's included remote has a dedicated input button so you don't have to spend much time in VidaaOS if you want to use an external source for video.

(Image credit: Future)

The XR10 offers serious brightness for a small box, so there’s a bit of fan whir in operation to keep the insides cool. It’s noticeable in a quiet room when sitting close to the projector, but it’s easily drowned out by the 2.1-channel sound system.

The remote control included with the XR10 is a fairly simple one, offering directional navigation and direct access to input selection, autofocus, voice input, the settings menu, the home screen, volume and brightness controls, a mute button, and shortcuts to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+. It also has backlighting, but it's only activated after you press a button, not motion activated.

• Design & features score: 4.5 / 5

Hisense XR10 review: picture quality and performance

• Brilliantly colorful, stunningly bright, and capable of deep black levels
• Good gaming chops
• Punchy sound, but not cinematic

One of the greatest aspects of the Hisense XR10 is its color, coming by way of its RGB laser light source. For most content, it can look perfectly natural, but when it really comes time to jazz things up, it’s simply amazing. The attack on Rosalina’s home in the beginning of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a stunning showcase of its capabilities, with dazzling magical effects, so many colorful stars, and plenty of opportunity for the XR10 to demonstrate its vibrant color.

As the convoy heads out at the beginning of Mad Max: Fury Road, the subtle reds of the sand against the blues of the sky are simply gorgeous, and the deeper reds of the flamethrowers are all the more vibrant. The inside of the sandstorm is simply wondrous, with the chaotic flashing of lightning playing against the deep shadows.

All that color comes alongside serious brightness. In my testing with the projector in its Vivid picture settings, with the iris open and brightness set to maximum, I measured it outputting 6,841 lumens. It has the potential to go higher with a cooler white point and a Brightness Enhanced mode, reaching 7,757 lumens, but this tints the whole picture green.

In practice, the high brightness means the XR10 is strong enough to use in a room even if you’re not doing much to shut out ambient light. I found watching a lot of content even with some of my room lights on more than comfortable, and depending on what I was watching, I could even get away with leaving the windows open in the middle of the day and still see well enough.

FutureFutureFuture

The Hisense XR10 offers potent contrast as well. It’s exhibited splendidly in Dune 2 during the black-and-white Harkkonen coliseum fight. Even without color, there’s splendid detail and rich shadows. This contrast comes by way of the low black levels that the projector is capable of by shutting down its iris. In all but the darkest scenes I find that the letterboxes around some videos appear almost completely black.

The projector gets dark enough that light control in the room actually becomes rather important. Light hitting the screen can bounce around the room and end up back on the screen where it should be dark, and this raises the black level. Using a VESA test pattern with two bright boxes in the corners of an otherwise black screen, I measured a contrast of 362:1 without controlling for room reflections. By blocking out the white boxes with black velvet, I could simulate a light-controlled room and measured a 3,251:1 contrast ratio. That was with the optical iris open. Cranking the iris down to its lowest level, I measured a 11,194:1 contrast ratio.

The XR10 uses motion interpolation by default, and this tends to introduce a lot of motion artifacts, though it can be a benefit to panning shots. I’ve found the visuals look smooth enough and avoid issues with the motion interpolation set to Film or disabled outright.

FutureFuture

Gaming on the XR10 is a joy. It supports both 4K/60Hz and 1080p/240Hz modes with very low latency in both, even without enabling Game Mode. I dashed through levels in Hades 2, easily keeping up with the pace of combat and played through 007: First Light while enjoying the deep cinematic shadows the projector enabled. The XR10 misses out on VRR, though, and a new crop of projectors are bringing in 4K/120Hz capabilities as well, leaving the XR10 a little bit behind on those fronts.

The audio of the XR10 is quite something for a box as small as it is. It features a 2.1-speaker setup with two main drivers and a subwoofer. There’s a bit of low-end brunt to it, though I found the volume drops off a cliff below about 70Hz, leaving the deepest rumble out of the picture. The speakers do a good job with most content and get plenty loud without distorting, but they don’t have much stereo separation to help along with the stunning cinematic quality of the projection.

For what it’s worth, the XR10 still comes with the DLP rainbow effect. It’s not as bad as I’ve seen on some DLP projectors, tending only to be noticeable with white on black visuals, but it may be distracting to those who are particularly susceptible to it.

• Picture quality & performance score: 4.5 / 5

Hisense XR10 review: value

• Premium price
• Capable and flexible projection

There’s no getting around the fact that, at $5,999 / £5,999 / AU$9,999, the Hisense XR10 is a very expensive projector, even next to a lot of its competition. It outprices models like the XGIMI Titan Noir Pro, XGIMI Horizon 30 Ultra Max, JMGO Iris Ultra Max, and even Hisense’s own C3 Ultra Max, and by a considerable amount. It is on the bright side of these projectors, though not the brightest. What it does have is a greater zoom range than any of these with its ability to go to a 2:1 throw ratio. For anyone who critically needs flexibility in positioning, that could be a big advantage.

The inclusion of decent speakers for a projector and a streaming operating system are nice to see, but not something that sets the XR10 far apart from its competition.

Ultimately the XR10 ends up with a sizable premium that might be hard to justify for everyone who’s seeking the most value. But if you’re after high-powered projection and serious capabilities, there are really only a few options that effectively undercut this one, and we're yet to see how well they hold up to their promises.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Hisense XR10?Hisense XR10 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

The Hisense XR10 is a complete package with advanced and highly flexible optics, powerful projection, punchy speakers, a competent operating system, plenty of ports, and strong wireless connectivity, all packed into an elegant box.

4.5/5

Picture quality and performance

The XR10’s RGB laser light source offers stunning brightness and looks wonderfully crisp through the optical system. The projector can get plenty dark using its iris, making it great for viewing in both bright and dark rooms. It has solid gaming chops as well, though VRR would have been a bonus. The speakers also leave a little bit to be desired but are still pretty solid for a projector like this.

4.5/5

Value

The XR10 brings a lot to the table, all in one package. But, it asks a high price, and a new fleet of projectors are offering a lot of its capabilities for much lower prices. Most don’t match its optical adjustments, but for many people, that may not be so critical.

4/5

Buy it if...

You want both bright and dark room viewing chops
The magic of the Hisense XR10 is that it can both get extremely bright and dial things down for excellent darkroom viewing. If you just wanted one or the other, you could find a cheaper projector that was capable enough.

You don’t like the gimbal stand aesthetic
Many of the high-end projectors that the XR10 would compete with have all jumped on the gimbal stand train. The XR10, meanwhile, sticks to a standard box format that might be a little bit easier to find space for and is much easier to level horizontally.

You need the lumens
Brighter projectors simply cost more, and the XR10 is terrifically bright. If you know you’re going to constantly be battling ambient light or are going to take advantage of its maximum projection size, it may be worth it.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not going to put it to work
If you don’t plan on using the full brightness, engaging the iris, or adjusting the optics from time to time, you won’t be getting the most out of the XR10 and could be just as well served by a cheaper model.

Gaming is your main use
The XR10 is good at gaming, but the latest wave of projectors steps it up with VRR and 4K/120Hz support. Many are nearly as bright and cheaper.

You can wait a few months
The new wave of projectors from Hisense, Xgimi, and JMGO promise a lot of what the XR10 is delivering at a much lower price. If their performance pans out, they could be a real bargain next to the XR10.

Hisense XR10 review: Also consider

Hisense XR10

Valerion VisionMaster Max

JMGO N3 Ultimate

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max

Price:

$5,999

$3,999

$2,999

$2,999

Screen sizes supported:

65 to 300 inches

40 to 300 inches

40 to 300 inches

40-300 inches

Brightness (specified):

6,000 lumens

3,500 lumens

5,800 lumens

5,700 ISO lumens

HDR support

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced

Optical technology:

3 Laser DLP

3 Laser DLP

3 Laser DLP

Triple laser DLP

Smart TV:

VidaaOS

Google TV

Google TV

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm audio

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 (with eARC), 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 1x HDMI 2.0 , 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out

Valerion VisionMaster Max
If you don’t need all the brightness the XR10 offers, the VisionMaster Max offers a wonderful picture and exceptional black levels to rival the XR10 while including optical adjustments of its own, costing less, and bringing Google TV to the table. Read our full Valerion VisionMaster Max review.

JMGO N3 Ultimate
The JMGO N3 Ultimate isn’t quite as flexible, and it doesn’t adapt as well to dark rooms, but it comes at a fraction of the price, supports VRR, and is competitively bright.

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max
Xgimi’s Horizon 20 Max also provides an alternative with competitive brightness, Google TV, and admirable performance. It also won’t quite win in a dark room battle, but that may not matter for everyone. Read our full Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review.

How I tested the Hisense XR10

• Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
• Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
• I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Hisense XR10 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and console gameplay.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

• First reviewed: October 2026
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

While the judge rejected the Department of Justice's unprecedented demand in California, the case isn't over yet and will likely be appealed.

(Image credit: Apu Gomes)

• Knicks employees expecting free championship rings received mandatory cybersecurity training instead
• A fake championship ring offer exposed employees to an internal phishing test
• Madison Square Garden admitted that using championship jewellery as bait was inappropriate

The New York Knicks have faced criticism after sending employees an email promising complimentary NBA championship rings that turned out to be a cybersecurity exercise.

Staff members who accepted the invitation were reportedly required to complete cybersecurity training instead of receiving jewellery commemorating the franchise's historic victory.

The incident involved workers at Madison Square Garden, where expectations of receiving championship memorabilia had already grown following the team's successful season.

Fake championship ring offer triggers mandatory training

The deceptive message circulated in late September, offering recipients personalized jewellery supposedly manufactured by the same company responsible for producing players' rings.

Employees could select between two advertised designs, Championship Gold and Garden Classic, before following a link to register their preferred choice.

However, the invitation was actually part of an internal security assessment intended to identify workers susceptible to fraudulent messages and credential theft.

Those who followed the instructions were reportedly assigned compulsory cybersecurity lessons, although the organization has not disclosed how many employees were affected.

Joe Vardon, a senior NBA journalist at The Athletic, reported that several individuals familiar with the situation verified the exercise's purpose.

The report also raised questions about whether the invitation contained recognizable warning signs that might have helped employees identify the deception.

Such exercises commonly use suspicious addresses or misleading website links, although the specific indicators included in this particular message remain unknown.

The controversy followed the Knicks' first NBA championship since 1973, making the promised jewellery particularly significant for employees celebrating the achievement.

Receiving commemorative jewellery was also a reasonable expectation because NBA organizations commonly distribute less expensive versions to personnel outside their playing squads.

Madison Square Garden acknowledges its mistake

Madison Square Garden Sports subsequently acknowledged the incident, describing its decision to exploit employees' expectations as inappropriate.

“Using the rings as a lure to gain employees’ attention was an unfortunate mistake,” it said in an official statement.

The organization explained that its security concerns stemmed from an earlier cyberattack in which employee credentials were compromised through a similar fraudulent communication.

Hackers had reportedly used those credentials to access company systems and subsequently extort the organization, prompting additional efforts to improve employee awareness.

The company also disclosed plans to distribute more than 275 commemorative items among players, coaches, employees and other individuals associated with the franchise.

According to the organization, those gifts, comprising championship rings and other jewellery, carry a combined estimated value exceeding $3.7 million.

However, the distribution arrangements have attracted attention because several assistant coaches initially received empty presentation boxes during the championship celebration.

The assistants are expected to obtain their rings later, although numerous long-time arena employees and business personnel reportedly remain excluded entirely.

The organization has not specified exactly how many workers will receive individual rings rather than alternative jewellery under its announced distribution arrangements.

Via Arstechnica

Maxing out the new touchscreen MacBook Pro with a M5 Max chip and 16TB of storage will cost more than buying 10 basic MacBook Air laptops.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, October 28 (game #1738).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,500 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today — or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1739) — hint #1 — VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1739) — hint #2 — repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1739) — hint #3 — uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1739) — hint #4 — starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1739) — hint #5 — starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• M

• S

• U

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1739) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1739, are…

• PRUDE
• MINUS
• SAVOY
• USHER

Once I decided I had a word ending in S-U-S my first thought was “sinus”.

Fortunately, due to my starter word of “slate” I had already ruled out any other words (after SAVOY) beginning with S, so it had to be MINUS.

This was just one of many things that seemed to work in my favor today, all of which makes me suspect a dastardly game tomorrow.

Daily Sequence today (game #1739) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1739, are…

• SCOLD
• DELTA
• ACORN
• PLAID

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1738, Wednesday, 28 October: DEALT, FLUME, SLEEK, RELIC
• Quordle #1737, Tuesday, 27 October: ANKLE, HAVOC, SULKY, WHITE
• Quordle #1736, Monday, 26 October: ASSAY, GLEAM, MUCUS, WRING
• Quordle #1735, Sunday, 25 October: RAINY, BUSED, PROXY, UNDID
• Quordle #1734, Saturday, 24 October: TOXIN, SMART, MOUSE, STYLE
• Quordle #1733, Friday, 23 October: BLIMP, HOIST, FRIED, LURID
• Quordle #1732, Thursday, 22 October: DECAL, WIDTH, WOKEN, LEVER
• Quordle #1731, Wednesday, 21 October: MOIST, VALVE, VERSE, NORTH
• Quordle #1730, Tuesday, 20 October: COYLY, SAUNA, TRIAL, RASPY
• Quordle #1729, Monday, 19 October: EXIST, DECOY, HITCH, FLUID
• Quordle #1728, Sunday, 18 October: FLINT, FUROR, WEDGE, RODEO
• Quordle #1727, Saturday, 17 October: QUARK, ENEMY, SPASM, BLOCK
• Quordle #1726, Friday, 16 October: SHORT, WORTH, JOIST, SLUNK
• Quordle #1725, Thursday, 15 October: STALE, EPOCH, PIANO, CORNY
• Quordle #1724, Wednesday, 14 October: TIMID, GROUP, GRILL, EVERY
• Quordle #1723, Tuesday, 13 October: FLUFF, DEBUT, TEETH, STEIN
• Quordle #1722, Monday, 12 October: HELLO, BELOW, RIGHT, SLANT
• Quordle #1721, Sunday, 11 October: LILAC, INLET, TRIAD, SHAPE
• Quordle #1720, Saturday, 10 October: SWEAT, THIRD, RURAL, CLASP
• Quordle #1719, Friday, 9 October: OLDEN, DUNCE, SWATH, HILLY

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, October 28 (game #1235).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #1236) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• TUXEDO
• TRAFFIC LIGHT
• ROMAN
• EMPEROR
• PARKING METER
• CANDY CORN
• NEAPOLITAN
• PIGGY BANK
• TYPEWRITER
• WISHING WELL
• GOTHIC
• ANTARCTICA
• CALICO
• WADDLE
• SANS
• PAYPHONE

NYT Connections today (game #1236) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Insert cash in these
• GREEN: All linked to a non-flying bird
• BLUE: Type with missing words
• PURPLE: Triple shade

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #1236) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: THINGS YOU PUT COINS INTO
• GREEN: ASSOCIATED WITH PENGUINS
• BLUE: ENDS OF FAMOUS FONTS
• PURPLE: THINGS THAT FEATURE THREE COLORS

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #1236) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #1236, are…

• YELLOW: THINGS YOU PUT COINS INTO: PARKING METER, PAYPHONE, PIGGY BANK, WISHING WELL
• GREEN: ASSOCIATED WITH PENGUINS: ANTARCTICA, EMPEROR, TUXEDO, WADDLE
• BLUE: ENDS OF FAMOUS FONTS: GOTHIC, ROMAN, SANS, TYPEWRITER
• PURPLE: THINGS THAT FEATURE THREE COLORS: CALICO, CANDY CORN, NEAPOLITAN, TRAFFIC LIGHT

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 mistake

When I was a full-time journalist, I was a peak procrastinator and would often spend ages choosing the exact font for an article instead of just sticking with one (I think it may be apparent here why I am a former full-time journalist).

I came to peace with it in the end and considered it part of the thinking process — but it also meant that the tiles SANS, ROMAN, TYPEWRITER and GOTHIC immediately jumped out at me. Not that I’d ever write anything using Comic Sans of course (people have been sentenced to prison for less).

From here I thought I spotted four types of penguins and included CALICO instead of WADDLE because I had some vague memory of Calico penguins when I should have been thinking of Calico cats. Anyway, no harm done as I got them with the next go and escaped with just one mistake.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, October 28, 2026, game #1235)

• YELLOW: ROMANTIC LIKING: ATTRACTION, CRUSH, FEELINGS, INTEREST
• GREEN: COMPONENTS OF AN EMAIL: ATTACHMENT, BODY, SIGNATURE, SUBJECT
• BLUE: NASA MARS ROVERS: CURIOSITY, OPPORTUNITY, PERSEVERANCE, SPIRIT
• PURPLE: HOMOPHONES OF PATHS: COARSE, RODE, ROUT, WEIGH

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, October 28 (game #969).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #970) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Double, double toil and trouble

NYT Strands today (game #970) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• WIZARD
• BURN
• DESK
• COATED
• WOBBLE
• RAIL

NYT Strands today (game #970) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #970) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

• First side: left, 4th row

• Last side: right, 4th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #970) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #970, are…

• WORM
• FIRE
• TONGUE
• SNAKE
• NEWT
• BUBBLE
• LIZARD
• BLOOD
• SPANGRAM: CAULDRON

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Wizard being a non-game word completely threw me.

I felt certain something like Witches and Wizards would be today’s spangram and completely missed seeing LIZARD.

Instead, the theme was CAULDRON and the many things witches in William Shakespeare’s MacBeth threw into their “hell broth” (something that surely should be available alongside Chicken and Beef bone broth) in order to send the would-be king insane.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, October 28, game #969)

• FARCE
• SKETCH
• IMPROV
• SLAPSTICK
• BURLESQUE
• SPANGRAM: FUNNYBUSINESS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini: Review

The Sensei Pro Mini brings pro-grade wireless performance to those who prefer less of a handful, thanks to its state-of-the-art polling technology and ceaseless power.

It has the same symmetrical shape as its larger sibling but on a smaller scale. Its size should prove suitable for those with smaller hands, allowing them to get a secure grip around the entire unit. At just 49g, it’s very light, too — lighter than the standard model by 4g — which makes it easy to maneuver.

The sidewalls have a pronounced cinch that forces you to clamp your thumb and ring finger further inwards than is typical, which some may prefer for added security. Grip tape is included in the box if you require more traction, which is entirely possible given the smoothness of the outer shell. The central hump might prove contentious in terms of fit, though: in my experience, it didn’t sit back far enough in my hand, landing underneath my knuckles rather than in the middle of my palm.

(Image credit: Future)

To customize and tweak the Sensei Pro Mini, you can use SteelSeries’ GG peripheral software. Here you can rebind all six buttons, with a fair amount of mapping options available, including keyboard inputs and shortcuts for media controls and system actions. You’ll find some standard performance tweaks as well, including DPI adjustments, although the range is larger than you’ll usually find on other gaming mice (between 1 to 65,000). There are five presets to customize, which you can cycle through using the DPI button underneath the mouse.

There are more advanced tweaks in addition to these, though. You can adjust the click response between 0ms and 20ms, and set the lift-off and landing distances independently, each with a range of 0.7 to 1.7 (presumably this refers to millimeters, though no unit of measurement is given). You can also enable a feature called Scroll Jump Protection, which ignores your first scroll unless a second is performed within a certain time of the first. This threshold is adjustable between 100ms and 1500ms. Motion Sync and Angle Snapping toggles are here as well, with the latter featuring a slider with 10 levels to adjust its straightening effect.

(Image credit: Future)

This isn’t all, though: a further section lets you adjust acceleration, with several graph curve presets available to alter cursor speed relative to movement speed, as well as the angle of the mouse’s sensor by 45 degrees either side of center to match the natural angle of your hand movements.

Then there are the polling and sensor adjustments. You can set the ultra-wideband (UWB) polling rate and the sensor report rate independently, each with a range of 125Hz to 8KHz (with added 9KHz overpolling). There are five presets containing various combinations of both rates, which can be cycled through using the button on the UWB base station.

GG is clearly laid out and proved fast and stable during my time with it. It also contains explanations for many of its settings, which is something I’m always glad to see. One minor gripe I had is that the actual area to make adjustments and customizations opens in a second window, which is somewhat inconvenient.

(Image credit: Future)

The first thing that’s noticeable about the Sensei Pro Mini’s performance is just how smoothly it glides. This is no doubt thanks to the large PTFE skates underneath. There’s almost no friction when gliding over a mouse mat, which makes the Sensei Pro Mini feel incredibly gratifying to fling around, yet also allows for super-controlled slow movements.

Next is the Sensei Pro Mini’s buttons. Clicks are light and snappy enough for quick spams, yet still provide enough feedback to allow for controlled inputs. They also have just enough dampening to make them satisfying to use. The side buttons are great to use as well, being easy to reach and offering a clicky, tactile feel. The same is true of the middle click, and I didn’t trigger miscrolls when using it, since the notching, while light, is tight enough to prevent accidental knocks from registering. This also means that quick flicks and controlled single scrolls are both relatively easy to perform.

My one issue with the inputs concerns the DPI button. It’s underneath the Sensei Pro Mini, which makes it harder to access. This is exacerbated by the fact it’s placed on the thumb side (for right handers) rather than the pinkie side, which means you can’t wrap your fingers underneath to press it without turning the mouse over.

(Image credit: Future)

I didn’t experience any connectivity issues with the Sensei Pro Mini. Given the sheer size of the UWB station itself I would’ve been disappointed if I had. Also, the cable provided to connect it to your PC is long enough to give you versatile placement options to avoid interference. It’s a shame a mouse this expensive doesn’t have additional Bluetooth support, though; many other wireless gaming mice feature this, allowing you to hot-switch between two devices.

To power the Sensei Pro Mini, SteelSeries has kitted it out with its ‘infinite’ battery system, something it and a few other brands have used in mice and other peripherals before. The idea is that you’ll never need to go wired (the Sensei Pro Mini doesn’t even have a USB port) to charge. Instead, you’re provided a pair of removable batteries that you cycle between your mouse and the charging dock in the UWB station.

(Image credit: Future)

This system works well, as it’s quick and easy to remove and insert the batteries — just as well, since the battery life drains rapidly when every performance setting is at maximum, barely lasting a day. At less intensive settings, though, the battery’s longevity is much better, lasting more like several days.

There will be gamers who would like the reassurance of additional wired support, though, should connectivity be compromised for whatever reason (I’m reminded of inference issues derailing a recent Valorant tournament). At this very high price point, such an addition would be especially welcome, as would Bluetooth. As it stands, the Sensei Pro Mini is an elite gaming mouse with all the wireless performance a pro could hope for, and it’s perhaps only this cohort that’ll see the value in it.

(Image credit: Future)SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Price & availability

• $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$260)
• Available now in black and white variants
• Top-end of the wireless gaming mouse market

The Sensei Pro Mini costs $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$260) and is available now in black or white. A full-size variant is also available for the same price. It comes with two swappable batteries, the UWB base station (which doubles as the battery charging dock), and a braided USB-C-to-A cable, as well as spare PTFE skates and optional grip tape.

Even for a pro-grade wireless gaming mouse, the Sensei Pro Mini is expensive. It’s the same price as the Razer Naga V3 Pro, although that mouse has additional Bluetooth and wired support, as well as a lot more buttons. If you want the same limitless battery power, you can pair it with Razer’s charging mouse mat, although this a costly addition to an already expensive mouse.

Another pointer with a similar battery swapping system is the AngryMiao AM Infinity.97. This is even lighter than the Sensei Pro Mini at 47g. However, its garish style won’t be for everyone, and its software pales in comparison to the tweaking depth on offer in GG.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Specs

Connectivity

Wireless (Ultra-wideband)

Battery life

120 hours (1K), 32 hours (16 hours per battery) (8K)

Sensor

TrueMove 42K Pro Sensor

Polling rate

8KHz (with 9KHz overpolling)

Maximum sensitivity (DPI)

42,000 (65,000 with DPI Overdrive)

Programmable buttons

6

Dimensions

4.65 x 2.46 x 1.43 inches / 118 x 62.5 x 36.2mm

Weight

49g

Should I buy the SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design

A great size for those with smaller hands, although the hump might be inconveniently placed for some. The DPI button isn’t easily accessible, either.

4/5

Performance

Super smooth gliding and all the buttons respond brilliantly. There are plenty of performance tweaks available in GG, too.

4.5/5

Value

It’s very expensive, yet lacks Bluetooth and a wired option. Only gamers most concerned about elite wireless performance will see its worth.

3/5

Buy it if…

You want elite performance
Glides and inputs are superb, while the tweaking provided by GG is peerless.

You want infinite battery life
Thanks to the swappable battery system, you’ll never need to plug in to charge.

Don't buy it if…

You want a wired security
This mouse might upset Esports pros with its lack of a wired play, for when you can’t rely on a perfect wireless signal.

You’re a casual gamer
Its elite performance features will only be of use to the pros, while its lack of convenience features might deter those after something more versatile.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Also consider

Razer Naga V3 Pro
The Naga V3 Pro has additional Bluetooth support and wired capability, as well as a lot more inputs to customize. It also has ‘infinite’ battery life if used with Razer’s optional charging mouse pad, although this is an expensive add-on. Read our full Razer Naga V3 Pro review.

AngryMiao AM Infinity.97
If you want the same battery swapping system but in something more flashy, the AM Infinity.97 fits the bill. Its software is far less capable, though, and it’s slightly dearer than the Sensei Pro Mini. Read our full AngryMiao AM Infinity.97 review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini

• Tested for a few days
• Used for various tasks, including gaming
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the Sensei Pro Mini for a few days, using it for not just gaming, but also working and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for gaming mice, since it demands quick and accurate movements and clicks.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and used a great deal of pointers in that time. I’ve also reviewed plenty of them before, including the full size Steelseries Sensei Pro.

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

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini: Review

The Sensei Pro Mini brings pro-grade wireless performance to those who prefer less of a handful, thanks to its state-of-the-art polling technology and ceaseless power.

It has the same symmetrical shape as its larger sibling but on a smaller scale. Its size should prove suitable for those with smaller hands, allowing them to get a secure grip around the entire unit. At just 49g, it’s very light, too — lighter than the standard model by 4g — which makes it easy to maneuver.

The sidewalls have a pronounced cinch that forces you to clamp your thumb and ring finger further inwards than is typical, which some may prefer for added security. Grip tape is included in the box if you require more traction, which is entirely possible given the smoothness of the outer shell. The central hump might prove contentious in terms of fit, though: in my experience, it didn’t sit back far enough in my hand, landing underneath my knuckles rather than in the middle of my palm.

(Image credit: Future)

To customize and tweak the Sensei Pro Mini, you can use SteelSeries’ GG peripheral software. Here you can rebind all six buttons, with a fair amount of mapping options available, including keyboard inputs and shortcuts for media controls and system actions. You’ll find some standard performance tweaks as well, including DPI adjustments, although the range is larger than you’ll usually find on other gaming mice (between 1 to 65,000). There are five presets to customize, which you can cycle through using the DPI button underneath the mouse.

There are more advanced tweaks in addition to these, though. You can adjust the click response between 0ms and 20ms, and set the lift-off and landing distances independently, each with a range of 0.7 to 1.7 (presumably this refers to millimeters, though no unit of measurement is given). You can also enable a feature called Scroll Jump Protection, which ignores your first scroll unless a second is performed within a certain time of the first. This threshold is adjustable between 100ms and 1500ms. Motion Sync and Angle Snapping toggles are here as well, with the latter featuring a slider with 10 levels to adjust its straightening effect.

(Image credit: Future)

This isn’t all, though: a further section lets you adjust acceleration, with several graph curve presets available to alter cursor speed relative to movement speed, as well as the angle of the mouse’s sensor by 45 degrees either side of center to match the natural angle of your hand movements.

Then there are the polling and sensor adjustments. You can set the ultra-wideband (UWB) polling rate and the sensor report rate independently, each with a range of 125Hz to 8KHz (with added 9KHz overpolling). There are five presets containing various combinations of both rates, which can be cycled through using the button on the UWB base station.

GG is clearly laid out and proved fast and stable during my time with it. It also contains explanations for many of its settings, which is something I’m always glad to see. One minor gripe I had is that the actual area to make adjustments and customizations opens in a second window, which is somewhat inconvenient.

(Image credit: Future)

The first thing that’s noticeable about the Sensei Pro Mini’s performance is just how smoothly it glides. This is no doubt thanks to the large PTFE skates underneath. There’s almost no friction when gliding over a mouse mat, which makes the Sensei Pro Mini feel incredibly gratifying to fling around, yet also allows for super-controlled slow movements.

Next is the Sensei Pro Mini’s buttons. Clicks are light and snappy enough for quick spams, yet still provide enough feedback to allow for controlled inputs. They also have just enough dampening to make them satisfying to use. The side buttons are great to use as well, being easy to reach and offering a clicky, tactile feel. The same is true of the middle click, and I didn’t trigger miscrolls when using it, since the notching, while light, is tight enough to prevent accidental knocks from registering. This also means that quick flicks and controlled single scrolls are both relatively easy to perform.

My one issue with the inputs concerns the DPI button. It’s underneath the Sensei Pro Mini, which makes it harder to access. This is exacerbated by the fact it’s placed on the thumb side (for right handers) rather than the pinkie side, which means you can’t wrap your fingers underneath to press it without turning the mouse over.

(Image credit: Future)

I didn’t experience any connectivity issues with the Sensei Pro Mini. Given the sheer size of the UWB station itself I would’ve been disappointed if I had. Also, the cable provided to connect it to your PC is long enough to give you versatile placement options to avoid interference. It’s a shame a mouse this expensive doesn’t have additional Bluetooth support, though; many other wireless gaming mice feature this, allowing you to hot-switch between two devices.

To power the Sensei Pro Mini, SteelSeries has kitted it out with its ‘infinite’ battery system, something it and a few other brands have used in mice and other peripherals before. The idea is that you’ll never need to go wired (the Sensei Pro Mini doesn’t even have a USB port) to charge. Instead, you’re provided a pair of removable batteries that you cycle between your mouse and the charging dock in the UWB station.

(Image credit: Future)

This system works well, as it’s quick and easy to remove and insert the batteries — just as well, since the battery life drains rapidly when every performance setting is at maximum, barely lasting a day. At less intensive settings, though, the battery’s longevity is much better, lasting more like several days.

There will be gamers who would like the reassurance of additional wired support, though, should connectivity be compromised for whatever reason (I’m reminded of inference issues derailing a recent Valorant tournament). At this very high price point, such an addition would be especially welcome, as would Bluetooth. As it stands, the Sensei Pro Mini is an elite gaming mouse with all the wireless performance a pro could hope for, and it’s perhaps only this cohort that’ll see the value in it.

(Image credit: Future)SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Price & availability

• $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$260)
• Available now in black and white variants
• Top-end of the wireless gaming mouse market

The Sensei Pro Mini costs $179.99 / £169.99 (about AU$260) and is available now in black or white. A full-size variant is also available for the same price. It comes with two swappable batteries, the UWB base station (which doubles as the battery charging dock), and a braided USB-C-to-A cable, as well as spare PTFE skates and optional grip tape.

Even for a pro-grade wireless gaming mouse, the Sensei Pro Mini is expensive. It’s the same price as the Razer Naga V3 Pro, although that mouse has additional Bluetooth and wired support, as well as a lot more buttons. If you want the same limitless battery power, you can pair it with Razer’s charging mouse mat, although this a costly addition to an already expensive mouse.

Another pointer with a similar battery swapping system is the AngryMiao AM Infinity.97. This is even lighter than the Sensei Pro Mini at 47g. However, its garish style won’t be for everyone, and its software pales in comparison to the tweaking depth on offer in GG.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Specs

Connectivity

Wireless (Ultra-wideband)

Battery life

120 hours (1K), 32 hours (16 hours per battery) (8K)

Sensor

TrueMove 42K Pro Sensor

Polling rate

8KHz (with 9KHz overpolling)

Maximum sensitivity (DPI)

42,000 (65,000 with DPI Overdrive)

Programmable buttons

6

Dimensions

4.65 x 2.46 x 1.43 inches / 118 x 62.5 x 36.2mm

Weight

49g

Should I buy the SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini?Scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Design

A great size for those with smaller hands, although the hump might be inconveniently placed for some. The DPI button isn’t easily accessible, either.

4/5

Performance

Super smooth gliding and all the buttons respond brilliantly. There are plenty of performance tweaks available in GG, too.

4.5/5

Value

It’s very expensive, yet lacks Bluetooth and a wired option. Only gamers most concerned about elite wireless performance will see its worth.

3/5

Buy it if…

You want elite performance
Glides and inputs are superb, while the tweaking provided by GG is peerless.

You want infinite battery life
Thanks to the swappable battery system, you’ll never need to plug in to charge.

Don't buy it if…

You want a wired security
This mouse might upset Esports pros with its lack of a wired play, for when you can’t rely on a perfect wireless signal.

You’re a casual gamer
Its elite performance features will only be of use to the pros, while its lack of convenience features might deter those after something more versatile.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini review: Also consider

Razer Naga V3 Pro
The Naga V3 Pro has additional Bluetooth support and wired capability, as well as a lot more inputs to customize. It also has ‘infinite’ battery life if used with Razer’s optional charging mouse pad, although this is an expensive add-on. Read our full Razer Naga V3 Pro review.

AngryMiao AM Infinity.97
If you want the same battery swapping system but in something more flashy, the AM Infinity.97 fits the bill. Its software is far less capable, though, and it’s slightly dearer than the Sensei Pro Mini. Read our full AngryMiao AM Infinity.97 review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the SteelSeries Sensei Pro Mini

• Tested for a few days
• Used for various tasks, including gaming
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the Sensei Pro Mini for a few days, using it for not just gaming, but also working and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for gaming mice, since it demands quick and accurate movements and clicks.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and used a great deal of pointers in that time. I’ve also reviewed plenty of them before, including the full size Steelseries Sensei Pro.

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

The new feeds, similar to those used on TikTok, are rolling out worldwide.

• Laboratory-grown muscle tissue has been developed to improve robot dexterity and motion
• Researchers working at ETH Zurich have demonstrated tissue-based muscle actuators that flex
• The actuators enable small robots to jump and swim, as well as walk and grasp

Flesh-covered robots that can walk, jump, swim and move among us may be closer than we think. Researchers working out of ETH Zurich have been busy developing muscle actuators from centimeter-scale living tissue. These muscle actuators are the latest in a design program, and motion has been improved over 10 times compared with previous iterations.

In designing the biohybrid robots, the researchers have found that it isn’t all about the volume of muscle tissue. How the muscle and the bone (or in this case, an “artificial scaffold”) interact is also important.

Grown from mouse muscle cells, the results are being viewed as a new way of building robots.

Biohybrid muscle

The project is run from the ETH Zurich Soft Robotics Lab and is overseen by Professor Robert Katzschmann, who states that “We’re just beginning to build robots in a more natural way.” The research focuses on biohybrids, which basically refers to integrating biological materials like muscle tissue with artificial, man-made materials like electronics or mechanical scaffold.

Design of the robots has evolved through the research to the current state, where the muscle tissue is secured to the scaffold using grooves that the tissue can attach to. Meanwhile, the robots are currently limited to motion within a nutrient solution intended to feed the muscles and keep them “alive.”

An interesting result from the research is that not all muscle actuators behave in the same way. This “natural variability” that comes from using living tissue contrasts with what is achievable with manufactured components.

Flesh for cyborgs

Development of flesh muscles for robots has taken place over several years, with designs built on computer. Over what has been called an “iterative process” by co-lead author of the published study Aiste Balciunaite, the idea of “a fixed form for our muscle geometry” was eschewed in favor of designing “the whole thing from scratch on the computer.”

“With previous systems, you sometimes had to look under a microscope to see the flexing,” Balciunaite adds, highlighting how far the project has come.

The video above demonstrates the range of movement that can be performed by the muscle actuators, with the activity now visible to the naked eye. Measuring over 1cm, the bioactuators can move and grasp, and are shown here swimming. Other biohybrid robots have been programmed to walk, managing to cover 6.2 millimeters a second.

Will these bio-attached structures develop into an army of time traveling, human-destroying cyborgs? Probably not, and as they have applications for exploration and medicine, we shouldn't be too concerned.

Commentary: Yes, I’m judgy about how smudgy Apple’s new laptop screen is going to be.