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Hi-fi legend Focal is launching an astounding Dolby Atmos soundbar – but can your living room handle it?

TechRadar News - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 03:00
The new Mu-so Hekla is a 660W, 15-driver soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res streaming
Categories: Technology

I tested the EcoFlow Rapid Pro X and found it to be a high-capacity, fast-charging power bank that oozes quality while being user-friendly

TechRadar News - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 02:47
EcoFlow’s new power bank provides an alternative power source for up to three portable devices.
Categories: Technology

I tested the EcoFlow Rapid Pro X and found it to be a high-capacity, fast-charging power bank that oozes quality while being user-friendly

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 02:47

The EcoFlow Rapid Pro X is a high-capacity, fast-charging power bank that oozes quality while being user-friendly.

EcoFlow Rapid Pro X - Specification

Battery capacity: 99.5Wh

Number of charge cycles: Over 300 before 20% drop

Number of USB sockets: 3 Type C

Number of power inputs: 2

Fastest charge time: 1 hour

Additional features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Weight: 700g

A large color screen constantly shows the remaining power, and three touch buttons make navigating the menu easy. The Pro X also provides haptic feedback in the form of vibrations when accessing menus.

The station can power only Type-C devices and delivers a combined 270W in a compact footprint, the size of a soda can. The Rapid Pro X supports the newer 140W Power-Distribution profile and fully charges in less than an hour to its 100Wh capacity. EcoFlow offers a desktop charger that adds five additional USB ports and fast charging, making it an ideal companion to the Pro X.

The Pro X alone will cost $299 and is currently discounted for $260. Accessories include the desktop 300W charger, which retails at $150, and a 140W GaN Rapid Pro AC adapter for $80.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Design

The EcoFlow Pro X battery ships in a compact box, with only a charging cable and a user guide. The unit weighs 700g and measures 5.7cm x 8.4cm x 15.2cm, making it convenient to throw in a backpack. The plastic case with its rounded edges fits easily in the palm. Electrical connections are on the top and bottom, and the plastic shell can be replaced if the case is scratched or broken.

The front panel sports a large 5” color display with the menu accessible using three touch buttons on the right side. Two buttons control the up and down menu, while a third validates the selection. The unit vibrates when touched, and the backlight turns off after 60 minutes of inactivity.

The Pro X hosts three Type-C connectors on the top. The leftmost blue-keyed connector, known as C1, supports up to 140W of power for downstream devices. The remaining two connectors, C2 and C3, can each output 65W, and along with C1, make the Pro X a 270W unit.

The built-in 100Wh Lithium Polymer battery charges via either the high-powered C1 connector or the docking connector at the bottom. Type-C charging is convenient for on-the-go use and requires only a standard power adapter.

With an input power of up to 140W, the charging time is about 40 minutes. The faster method is through the docking station, which can transfer at up to 240W, resulting in a complete charge in under 30 minutes.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: In Use

The EcoFlow Pro X setup is straightforward thanks to a well-designed user interface. We recommend first charging the Pro X, then connecting it to the mobile app, available on both Apple and Android platforms.

A firmware update may be available and pushed to the device. The local clock auto-adjusts once connected to the app. The unit features a timer that can be set to time out in five-minute increments.

The rate at which the Pro X charges through its base station is not constant. The unit will first charge at full power, providing 240W through the bottom pins, but will gradually decrease to settle on 60W at around 40% battery charge. On the other hand, charging through the 140W GaN EcoFlow adapter provides a constant flow and is generally quicker.

The mobile app displays the current charging rate for the internal battery and the output power rate for each connected device. Since all outputs are always enabled, the Pro X will self-discharge over a couple of days, even when no device is connected.

This is likely due to having an active Wi-Fi connection. The unit will also dissipate heat on its own. We recommend turning it off through the menu when unused for an extended period.

In addition to not fully utilizing the 320W capacity when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger, the Pro X’s battery provides only 300 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% capacity drop.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Competition

The EcoFlow Pro X's main competitor is the Anker Prime power bank, which has a similar form factor and power capacity.

The Pro X has a slightly higher output power capacity, at 300W, compared to the Prime's 250W. The three Type-C sockets are also more helpful than the two Type-C and one Type-A available in the Prime.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Final Verdict

The EcoFlow Pro X is an excellent portable power source to quickly charge multiple Type-C devices. Its main selling points are a refined UI, a bright display, and WiFi connectivity.

The unit seamlessly integrates into the EcoFlow ecosystem, with the mobile app functioning smoothly. Thanks to the new 140W Type-C power profile, it will charge devices faster than a conventional adapter.

Its main drawbacks are an ability to self-discharge when left unconnected and a quick charge that settles to a lower input power over time.

We liked the ease of replacing part of the enclosure and the hassle-free docking when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger.

Get the Rapid Pro X if ... you already have other EcoFlow devices and need portable power.

Don’t get the Pro X if ... you are on a budget.

We've featured the best portable power stations.

Categories: Reviews

FIFA head says 'you will see' at World Cup draw if Trump receives new peace prize

NPR News Headlines - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 02:03

FIFA has announced the creation of a peace prize, which it plans to award for the first time at the World Cup draw on Dec. 5 in Washington.

(Image credit: Suzanne Plunkett/AP)

Categories: News

What to know about the deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky

NPR News Headlines - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:42

The plane crashed and burst into flames on Tuesday in Louisville, killing at least 12 people and injuring nearly 20 others. The disaster also shut down the largest UPS package distribution hub.

(Image credit: Jon Cherry)

Categories: News

Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks

NPR News Headlines - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:28

The deployment comes following a surge of bear attacks in Japan's northern Akita prefecture.

(Image credit: Muneyoshi Someya)

Categories: News

Judge in Comey case scolds prosecutors as he orders them to produce records from probe

NPR News Headlines - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:12

The judge ordered prosecutors to produce evidence by the end of the day on Thursday following concerns that the Justice Department was trying to "indict first" and investigate second.

(Image credit: Dana Verkouteren)

Categories: News

After battering the Philippines, deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi moves toward Vietnam

NPR News Headlines - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:09

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency on Thursday after Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 114 people dead and more than 100 missing in central provinces.

(Image credit: Jacqueline Hernandez)

Categories: News

Black Friday Samsung deals: our five favourite early offers on phones, TVs, tablets and more

TechRadar News - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:08
Samsung couldn't wait until Black Friday proper to drop some sweet November deals, with chunky discounts on phones, tablets, TVs and more already on offer.
Categories: Technology

The Canon EOS R6 III screams ‘sensible upgrade’ for pro hybrid shooters – and that should worry Sony and Nikon

TechRadar News - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:03
A 32MP stabilized sensor and 7K open gate video look like a winning combo
Categories: Technology

Forget cheap Chinese lenses – Canon just launched a surprisingly affordable f/1.2 prime of its own

TechRadar News - Thu, 11/06/2025 - 00:00
Canon has unveiled its first-ever 'non-professional' f/1.2 prime lens, the affordable and lightweight RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, Nov. 6

CNET News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 21:40
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Nov. 6.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Nov. 6, #409

CNET News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 21:36
Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Nov. 6, No. 409.
Categories: Technology

AI video commercials are starting to spread, but people won't trust uncanny valley endorsements

TechRadar News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 21:30
As AI-generated avatars replace real people in commercials, brands risk losing consumer trust to an uncanny, emotionally hollow marketing strategy.
Categories: Technology

What is the release date for Maxton Hall season 2 episodes 1-3 on Prime Video?

TechRadar News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 20:00
Maxton Hall season 2 is so close, we can almost taste it – but not all episodes are coming to Prime Video straight away.
Categories: Technology

You Probably Have a Better Password Than The Louvre Did: Learn From Its Mistake

CNET News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 19:30
Following the infamous jewel heist, reports show the museum's security and password habits were atrocious.
Categories: Technology

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date - but the lack of improvements is disappointing

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 19:00
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability
  • List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
  • Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
  • Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

Weight

10.6oz / 0.3kg

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)

Weight

10.6oz / 300g

9.3oz / 265g

11.53oz / 327g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Around 20 hours

Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.
  • Tested for a week
  • Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
  • Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date - but the lack of improvements is disappointing

TechRadar News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 19:00
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains a great controller, but one you don’t need to buy if you already own a previous eSwap pad.
Categories: Technology

I Asked 4 Cybersecurity Experts If They Would Still Use a TP-Link Router

CNET News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 18:41
More than half a dozen US government departments and agencies are reportedly backing a proposal to ban the routers due to alleged ties to Chinese cyberattacks.
Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Nov. 6 #613

CNET News - Wed, 11/05/2025 - 18:10
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for Nov. 6, No. 613.
Categories: Technology

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