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Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S: two-minute review

Ask around, and most enthusiast photographers and creators are familiar with the accessory maker Peak Design, but newcomer Heipi? Nope.

Well, I have a welcome surprise – Heipi's carbon fiber 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S beats the Peak Design Travel Tripod in just about every regard, plus it's cheaper too. Three-Legged Thing's Punks Brian 2.0, however, provides stiffer competition for standard use – I explain why, below.

The W28S replaces the W28 – which I described as one of the most relevant and best travel tripods today in my in-depth review – delivering several refinements for a virtually complete and highly versatile three-legged support, in three ways.

Its 3-in-1 credentials cover regular tripod support for camera gear, the ability to support a phone instead via a clamp that's hidden in the integrated ball head, plus a generously-sized removable mini tripod, which is nestled inside the main legs, and which doubles up as a center column – the novelty of this feature hasn't worn off in this second-gen model.

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You're not seeing double – this is the Heipi 3-in-1 tripod's main legs (right) and mini tripod that slots inside the main legs when not in use (left) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

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Given that the main legs can tuck inside the mini tripod legs when you're done, there's no wasted space and the Heipi 3-in-1 is able to pack away more compact than most, plus it comes supplied with a snug-fit carry case.

There are limitations though. I'd hesitate to mount particularly large and heavy gear – although that's true of all travel tripods – and the Heipi tripod's maximum height is bettered elsewhere. Also, despite its 3-in-1 party tricks, there's no monopod built into one of the legs. Nor can you swap out the supplied ball head for a fluid head, which would provide smooth panning movements for video.

If none of the above are dealbreakers, though, then Heipi's latest travel tripod is the complete package, with some unique features.

It's carbon fiber build quality is top-drawer, while improved leg locks are easier to lock-off and unlock than before. Also, they lock-off with even distribution on the leg sections (rather than a clamping lock), which reduces lateral movement between sections.

The addition of a bubble-level in the base is a neat touch, even if you can't see it properly when the center column is tucked away.

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Heipi also offers handy extras for accessory-laden users, such as clamp arms, which easily screw into the mini tripod legs via a 3/8-inch screw. The arms Heipi supplied to me for this review can support accessories such as an external monitor, and can even work with Heipi's optional phone clamp, so you can support a camera and phone simultaneously.

I've been able to switch between using a phone and a mid-range mirrorless camera with moderate size lens, with ease. Panning movement? No problem, unlike the Peak Design which is locked off.

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Even the design of the mini tripod, which easily rests on a table top for vlogging and is impressively sturdy with a 11 lbs / 5kg max payload, has been improved. The last version felt like it sacrificed ease of use for versatility, because it was stiff to extend and put away compared to a regular center column.

Now the mini tripod slides up and down much more easily, and when fully removed it even offers multiple leg angles to work from for a variety of shooting angles, including close to the ground.

It can also be reversed and locked-off upside down in the main legs in order to shoot from lower angles. Put simply, the mini tripod is one of the most sophisticated of its kind.

With camera gear generally getting smaller and lighter, and many creators using their phones as much as 'proper' camera gear, the case for the travel tripod grows as the case for bulkier supports diminishes.

And of all the many travel tripods I've reviewed, the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S is the one I come back to most often – I reckon this is the best tripod for most people.

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Is Heipi's travel tripod perfect? No. There were times that I wished it could work from a higher level than its 59in / 150cm maximum reach (with the center column fully raised).

However, given it packs away with a tighter diameter than most and to just 17.7in / 45cm in length, while it weighs just 3lbs / 1.35kg (with ball head included), I'm happy to sacrifice any extra reach.

And one party trick it lacks, which you can find in many alternatives, is the ability to remove one of its legs for used as a monopod.

If you can live with the few limitations mentioned above, then the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S will be the most versatile tripod you've ever used, complete with a high-quality and lightweight carbon fiber build, plus tiny pack-away proportions.

If you want a lightweight support for a variety of camera gear, Heipi would be my first recommendation.

You can discover more about the W28S's design and features in my W28 in-depth review, the two share much in common besides some of the design tweaks mentioned above.

Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S: key specs

Total weight

3.04lbs / 1.38kg (including ball head and mini tripod)

Max height

59.8in / 152cm (with center column fully raised, or 47in / 119cm without)

Legs sections

5

Packed length

17.7in / 45cm

Max capacity

Up to 44lbs / 20kg

Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28 price and availability

The Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S with ball head is available now, from $399 / £325 on the Heipi website and from $399 on Amazon US.

There are also optional accessories such as a QR plate, and a different type of ball head in a pricer bundle. Heipi also sells clamp arms, an add-on phone clamp, plus a hammock for stowing accessories or even a weight to increase stability.

Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28: Also consider

Peak Design Travel Tripod
For the look and compact fold-away design, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is a leading alternative. However, Heipi's tripod is a compelling newcomer – its ball head has a panning motion, which Peak Design's tripod doesn't, plus the mini tripod and integrated phone clamp. Did I mention Heipi's is much cheaper, too?

Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 sits in top spot in our best travel tripod guide and with good reason; it's the most versatile tripod for regular use – being easier to use and make fine adjustments, and with a better max height. However, Heipi's tripod is versatile in a different way for users that switch between types of gear and uses cases. Both are excellent supports.

Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 review

Should I buy the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You shoot with a variety of gear in a variety of ways
The phone clamp is a neat trick, while the tripod plate gives a secure hold for camera gear. The mini tripod impresses too.

You want a lighter-than-most tripod
I'm struggling to think of a tripod with a ball head that packs away as compactly as the Heipi 3-in-1. If you need a small package, this is the real deal.

Don't buy it if...

You need a tall working height
It's maximum height of 59.8in / 152cm with the center column fully raised is bettered elsewhere.

You'd like an integrated monopod
It offers features no other tripods do, but what Heipi lacks is a built-in monopod. Perhaps that'll come with a future Heipi 4-in1?

How I tested the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S

• I've used it over several months
• I've extensively used its 3-in-1 features
• I've attached various mirrorless cameras and smartphones

I've had the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S for months and it has been my go-to camera gear support during this period.

It has ably supported beginner, mid-range and pro mirrorless cameras, although I've drawn a line at the larger sports-focused bodies and bulky telephoto lenses.

I've also used the phone clamp, attached a variety of smartphones the largest of which was an iPhone 15 Pro Max, plus tried out optional extras including clamp arms for an external monitor.

The mini tripod has had equally thorough testing as the main tripod legs. Generally I've used the gear in fair weather, but it has also withstood moderate rain and use on sandy beaches.

First reviewed June 2025

• Viewing figures in May show streaming eclipsed TV for the first time
• The news comes as Netflix signs a broadcast deal with France's TF1
• Netflix will show traditional TV channels from next year

Traditional TV just hit a new low – for the first time in history, streaming services had a bigger audience than broadcast and cable channels combined. That's according to official US viewership numbers from May, and in a poetic twist of timing, Netflix has just announced its first-ever deal to broadcast traditional channels and live TV.

In a tie-up with French TV giant TF1 (as reported by The Financial Times), the streaming platform will host all five of its traditional channels – along with more than 30,000 hours of on-demand content. From summer next year, subscribers in France will be able to watch everything from prime-time dramas to The Voice, plus live sports, including the French national football team’s matches.

The deal marks a major shift in the streaming landscape. Netflix has long posed a disruptive threat to traditional television – now it’s going full circle and offering the medium a lifeline, hosting the very kind of live, linear programming that it helped to dethrone.

The move's timing is particularly exquisite, because May was also the first month on record where streaming became more popular than its traditional TV rivals...

Crossing the streams

According to Nielsen data, May was the first month ever where streaming was more popular than cable and broadcast combined in the US.

YouTube led the field (12.5%), followed by Netflix (7.5%). Nielsen's data has limitations – it only tracks US viewing on TV screens (smartphones, tablets and laptops aren't included). But it's still a milestone moment that reflects a wider trend: more people (especially younger audiences) are ditching scheduled programming entirely. Instead, they access on-demand content through smart TVs, tablets and smartphones.

(Image credit: Nielsen)

As streaming eats up more screen time, traditional broadcasters are struggling to keep up. Fragmented audiences and falling ad revenues make it harder to sustain old business models. While some have launched their own streaming services, such as Britbox – a joint venture between ITV and BBC Studios – these rarely achieve global reach. Now, some networks are turning to their streaming rivals for traction.

TF1 is a perfect example. Its free-to-watch TF1+ streaming service serves a sizable domestic audience, but remains heavily reliant on advertising revenue. Netflix’s subscriber base in France – which reportedly passed 10 million in 2022 – offers a much bigger pool of potential viewers. For TF1, the upside of a partnership is clear.

Competitor to savior

For Netflix, the deal brings fresh content to its platform. TF1 has a huge back-catalog, including popular dramas such as Brocéliande and reality shows like Koh-Lanta. Speaking to the The Financial Times, Greg Peters, co-chief executive of Netflix, said that many French viewers already think of “TV as Netflix”.

Describing TF1 as a “producer of great, premium content”, Peters highlighted the variety of shows that the tie-up will bring to the platform. In a competitive market, where Netflix needs to continue justifying its rising subscription costs, it’s a move which could help retain customers.

It isn't the first time the two companies have worked together. TF1 and Netflix previously collaborated on scripted co-productions such as Les Combattantes and Tout le bleu du ciel. But it is the first time Netflix will stream live, scheduled TV channels. That marks a major evolution in how streaming platforms and legacy broadcasters work together.

(Image credit: Netflix)

It also reflects how streaming has reshaped TV itself – not just how we watch, but what gets made. Shows like Lucifer (above), Money Heist and Designated Survivor were all rescued by Netflix after being canceled by their original networks. In more ways than one, streaming has gone from TV’s competitor to its savior.

Whether this deal signals the start of a broader shift remains to be seen. Peters hinted that Netflix would see how things go with TF1 before rolling out similar partnerships elsewhere. But it’s a clear sign that the definition of ‘TV’ has changed forever. As streaming overtakes traditional channels, the lines between the two are blurrier than ever. And it’s Netflix that’s setting the boundaries.

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• Apple’s foldable iPhone is on track to go on sale in September 2026, based on a new rumor
• A well-known Apple analyst claims it will enter production next year
• They also say its sales will be impacted by its high price tag

Apple's long-awaited foldable iPhone is due to enter production next year, according to a leading analyst, which puts it on course for a release alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026.

Posting on X, Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed that Apple is anticipating relatively low sales of its foldable, on account of what he says will be its "premium pricing".

If Kuo is on the money, this would mean there’s not long to go before we get a glimpse of the company’s first attempt at a foldable device. Then, we’ll finally find out how it fares against the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The foldable iPhone has been rumored to come with an under-display camera, a near-invisible seam, a beautiful display, and impressive battery life. That all means it won’t come cheap – which Kuo appears to confirm – and that’s a key concern of mine.

The pricing barrier

(Image credit: ConceptsiPhone)

In the X post, Kuo noted that recent rumors have claimed Apple has ordered 15-20 million units of the device. Yet Kuo revealed that this is likely the figure for “the product’s 2-3 year lifecycle,” putting the sales estimates for each year significantly lower.

The importance of that is that Kuo says the lower yearly estimations all come down to the foldable’s “premium pricing.” As with the costly Vision Pro headset, the sky-high asking price of the foldable iPhone is going to put a lot of people off, including myself – while I’m dying to try out this new evolution in the iPhone line-up, I’m not willing to sell a kidney to get one.

How much are we talking here? We’ve previously seen reports that Apple could price the foldable iPhone anywhere between $2,100 and $2,500. For context, the most expensive iPhone right now – the iPhone 16 Pro Max – starts at $1,199, making the foldable iPhone roughly twice as expensive.

We won’t know for sure, of course, until the foldable iPhone actually launches. But with that date rapidly approaching, it could well be out of reach for the majority of Apple’s customers.

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• The next Unpacked could be on July 9, according to new rumors
• We're expecting new foldables and wearables
• Samsung hasn't yet made anything official

We've heard plenty of leaks and rumors around the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Watch 8 – and we may now know the date when these upcoming gadgets are getting their official unveiling, too.

According to well-known tipster @evleaks, the next Galaxy Unpacked – the name Samsung tends to give to its launch events – is going to be on Wednesday, July 9. Apparently, the show gets underway at 10am Eastern time in the US, which works out as 7am PT / 3pm BST, or midnight AEST on July 10 for those in Australia.

That date isn't much of a surprise, as last year's equivalent event – including reveals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the Galaxy Watch 7 – happened on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Nothing is certain until Samsung confirms it of course, but this tipster has a good record, and the date makes sense. It's likely that the event will be available to stream online somewhere, and we will of course be covering it live as well.

Here's what's coming

The next Galaxy Unpacked: 9 July 2025 @ 10AM EDTJune 18, 2025

We don't get any fresh details about what to expect in this particular leak, but we've heard plenty already. For example, the new foldables are expected to come with improved camera setups and a free Google AI subscription for six months.

Samsung itself has confirmed that the upcoming folding phones will be running One UI 8 out of the box, though it didn't specifically mention the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 names (which are pretty much a given at this point).

On top of those two flagship foldables, we might well see Samsung's tri-fold foldable in full for the first time – a device that's rumored to be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold. Samsung has already teased this device at other events, but we don't know much about its specs, or how much it will cost.

We should also get appearances from Samsung's 2025 smartwatch upgrades too, which are expected to be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It's possible the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 won't show up until next year.

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• Researchers found 30 databases housing 16 billion records online
• The records were most likely generated by infostealers
• Records come from a wide range of providers, from Apple to Google and many more

Security researchers have reported discovering what could be the mother of all data breaches - a set of 30 databases containing a total of 16 billion records.

These records were most likely generated by various cybercriminals (and possibly white hat hackers or researchers) using different infostealing malware, a new report from Cybernews claims.

The researchers note the databases differed in size - from “smaller” ones containing just millions of entries, to gigantic ones housing billions of records, with accounts from Google, Apple, to various VPN services, GitHub, Telegram, and more - and of the 30 discovered datasets, just one had been previously reported by the media, a “mysterious” database with 184 million records.

Scratching the surface

“It barely scratches the top 20 of what the team discovered,” Cybernews explained. “Most worryingly, researchers claim new massive datasets emerge every few weeks, signaling how prevalent infostealer malware truly is.”

The databases were available to the wider internet only briefly, and were quickly locked down - however, it wasn’t possible to determine who the owners are.

It is probable that many of the information overlaps, making it virtually impossible to determine exactly how many people were affected. It’s also important to note that some 5.5 billion people have access to the internet today, meaning that many people have multiple compromised accounts.

Unprotected databases continue to be the most common cause of data leaks. For years, security researchers have been warning that many organizations do not understand the shared responsibility model of cloud services, and that they are required to safeguard and secure the data they generate.

On the other hand, cybercriminals are having a field day with these archives. They often contain more than enough of sensitive information to launch highly personalized, successful phishing campaigns, leading to identity theft, wire fraud, and even ransomware attacks.

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Possible spoilers follow for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is less than a month away (at the time of publication) from landing in theaters.

With Marvel's next movie set to arrive on July 25, the comic book titan is not only ramping up its promotional campaign for said film, but it's also dropped some exciting new details about the group's next big-screen reboot and their future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here are the three biggest reveals that hit the internet yesterday (June 18).

1. Another villainous unveiled via a... pizza ad?

Marvel fans haven't reacted well to Giganto's CGI recreation (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

First Steps will primarily pit Marvel's First Family against the planet-devouring cosmic entity known as Galactus. He'll be voiced by The Office UK alumnus Ralph Ineson, for those who aren't aware.

There are other villains who'll appear throughout the MCU film, though. Julia Garner is set to play another antagonistic figure in The Silver Surfer, aka Galactus' Herald. Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps' initial trailer teased the mysterious individual that John Malkovich will play. MCU devotees think he's playing a B-list villain Red Ghost. Oh, and there are rumors that another cast member in Paul Walter Hauser will portray another of the group's regular comic book foes in Mole Man.

Think four villains is more than enough? Think again. Revealed by the most unlikely of sources – a new First Steps tie-in ad for US fast-food chain Little Caesar's Pizza, no less – the monstrous creature known as Giganto will also appear in the forthcoming superhero film.

We already knew Giganto would be part of the parallel universe that The Fantastic Four inhabit before they cross over into the MCU (more on this shortly). Indeed, Giganto features on the cover a forthcoming First Steps prequel comic book that acts as an origins story for the titular team and how they acquired their superpowers.

I'd be amazed if this Giganto-starring scene is more than a footnote in, say, a longer sequence – in the movie's first act – that shows The Fantastic Four defeating various enemies and hailed as heroes by their universe's version of Earth. Nonetheless, I'm delighted to see the team's first-ever adversary feature in some capacity, even if Giganto's CGI recreation looks a little off.

2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps' ending will directly lead into Avengers: Doomsday

Robert Downey Jr will portray Doctor Victor von Doom in the MCU (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

This reveal won't come as a shock to many MCU fans. After all, First Steps is one of two Marvel Phase 6 movies that'll land in theaters before Avengers: Doomsday does so in its revised December 2026 release slot. The other film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is currently slated to arrive in July 2026, but its launch could be delayed again if the joint Sony-Marvel venture's story needs to follow the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

But I digress. Speaking during Disney's CineEurope 2025 presentation, Marvel President Kevin Feige confirmed (per Deadline) that the next Avengers film will directly follow on from First Steps.

Thunderbolts' post-credits scene already gave us an idea that this would be the case. Nevertheless, I was pleased to directly hear it from Feige himself. Does that mean Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom will make a crowd-pleasing cameo before First Steps' main story ends or in one of its end credits scenes? Here's hoping!

3. A sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps might be in early development

The Fantastic Four could have a big impact on Earth-616 once they've settled into their new surroundings (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Announced at CineEurope 2025, Disney also revealed that a fourth Marvel movie has been added to its 2028 calendar. Currently, the untitled movie will launch in cinemas worldwide on December 15. If it does, it'll join three other MCU films that are set to arrive in February, May, and November of that year.

According to Variety, there are three possible candidates to fill that final 2028 slot – and one of them is reportedly a follow-up to the first Fantastic Four film, i.e. First Steps, that Marvel Studios has produced.

If a sequel is already in the works, it suggests Marvel is bullish about First Steps' chances of being a huge global hit. Of course, a second Fantastic Four MCU movie will depend on its critical reception and, more importantly, how much money it makes. However, given the group's enduring popularity, its starry cast, and the fact it'll set up events to come in the Downey Jr-led fifth Avengers flick, I'd be amazed if First Steps trips over itself and stumbles out of the gate.

With its first two films of 2025 failing to make a profit, Marvel could use a box office win. Equally, The Fantastic Four has plenty of untapped cinematic potential following the abject-to-lukewarm responses that the group's other film adaptations, which are available to stream on Disney+, received. I'm praying, then, that First Steps is a huge success and heralds a new golden age for Marvel's First Family on the silver screen.

For more details on one of my most anticipated new movies of the year, check out my definitive guide on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. And let me know in the comments if you'll be heading to theaters to watch it.

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Disney+ Standard with Ads plan: was £4.99 per month now £1.99 at Disney+ UK
This limited-time deal represents a saving of 60% compared to the normal monthly price for the Disney+ Standard with Ads plan. Taking advantage of this promotional offer will get you access to some of the best movies and shows around, including numerous offerings from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. But, be quick! It's only available between June 11 and June 30. This deal only offers for four months, too, so note that you'll automatically be enrolled on the Standard with Ads plan's usual £4.99 per month cost once your four-month window has expired. Unfortunately, this deal is not available for those outside of the UK. View Deal

NPR's Steve Inskeep asks Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, about U.S. policy on the conflict between Israel and Iran.

(Image credit: Tom Williams)

• Nintendo has released the first Switch 2 post-launch update
• Version 20.1.5 is small and only improves general system stability to enhance the user's experience
• The update should automatically download if the console is connected to the internet but can be manually installed, too

Nintendo has rolled out the first Nintendo Switch 2 update since the console was released, but there's not much to be excited about.

Version 20.1.5 is now live and available for the console and, as the patch notes detail, is a simple update with only one main feature.

The patch adds: "General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience," and that's it. Presumably, this means the update has improved performance.

Nintendo is always quite vague when it comes to Switch firmware updates, and it looks like it'll be no different with the Switch 2.

Like with the original Switch, the update should automatically download when the console is connected to the internet; otherwise, it can be manually installed via the System Settings menu.

The Switch 2 launches earlier this month, along with a day-one patch that was required for a number of the console's features, including backwards compatibility, Game Share, Switch Online, Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo eShop, and more.

If you're looking to get your hands on the new console, you can check out our live coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 restocks for the US and UK.

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• A new software update for PS5 and PSVR 2 adds a free educational app all about climate change
• The Climate Station app is now available and lets users explore the story of climate change through three acts
• The app is part of Sony's commitment to the United Nations' Playing for the Planet Alliance campaign

Sony has released a new software update for the PlayStation 5 and PSVR 2, which introduces a new educational app.

Today, the company launched Climate Station, a free app for both consoles that raises awareness about climate change. It uses the latest gaming tech, including virtual reality, to allow users to view, interact with, and understand complex climate data to learn more about climate change.

This app is the latest project in Sony's commitment to the United Nations' Playing for the Planet Alliance campaign, which aims to bring gaming industry leaders together to work towards their sustainability goals.

"Whether you’re a curious explorer, a data detective, or just looking for something totally unique to dive into, this free app available today on PS5 and PSVR 2 is your gateway to understanding the forces shaping our world," said Dan Bardino Senior Director, Strategic Development and Operations, PlayStation Studios on PlayStation Blog.

Those with a 4K TV can view Climate Station with high-quality 4K visuals from the PlayStation 5, while PSVR 2 adds immersion by allowing users to view information in a first-person view.

The app tells the story of climate change through three acts: Weather Year, Observations, and Projections, and also offers an Explainer Library, which features 90 minutes of multi-media content for users to explore.

"Bringing climate awareness into the homes of millions through gaming will help build both knowledge and action to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste," said Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, United Nations Environment Programme, in a press release.

"The approach to adapt the science into a game format has been impressive. We look forward to seeing how players react to this new tool and also recognise the leadership of Sony Interactive Entertainment in bringing climate science to consoles across the planet."

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Conflict has sewn trauma in the western region of Colombia. Doctors Without Borders is working with local healers and health care professionals to come up with ways to help heal the psychic wounds.

(Image credit: Fernanda Pineda)

Officials said they were still assessing "extensive damage" at a major hospital in southern Israel after it was struck by an Iranian missile early Thursday.

(Image credit: Leo Correa)

• In the US, the X-E5 costs twice the price of the X-E4 when it launched in 2021
• X-E5 offers a number of improvements over its predecessor
• The X-E4 remains on sale, if you can find it

It’s fair to say that the official reveal of the Fujifilm X-E5 has caused some consternation among fans of the brand. Starting at $1,699 / £1,299 body only, this compact mirrorless camera is a lot pricier than its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-E4, which cost just $850 / £799 when it arrived in 2021.

I’ll admit that it does seem a hefty sum to pay for a camera with no weather sealing and a dated, minuscule viewfinder. But as someone who reviews cameras day in, day out, I think the Fujifilm X-E5 represents pretty good value for money – at least on paper.

I’ve yet to actually get my hands on a Fujifilm X-E5 review sample (it’s coming though, so stay tuned for an in-depth review here very soon) but even from afar it’s clear that this camera is more expensive than the X-E4 for very justifiable reasons. And TechRadar's Cameras Editor Tim Coleman has his own take following a three day trip with the camera ahead of its launch – check out his X-E5 first thoughts.

First, the specs and features on offer in Fujifilm’s new camera far surpass those of the X-E4. To pick out the most obvious two upgrades: the X-E5 is built around a new-gen 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR back-illuminated sensor that offers almost twice the resolution of the X-E4’s 26.1MP sensor; and it now comes with in-body five-axis sensor shift image stabilization (IBIS).

These enhancements, particularly the IBIS, should result in big improvements to image detail and sharpness, especially for handheld shooting. It can now also record 6.2K video, while the X-E4 topped out at 4K.

More metal, more money

The X-E5's all-metal top plate is naturally going to drive up its asking price. Trust me, it's lovely. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

The X-E5 is also the first camera in the X-E series to come with an all-metal top plate. Machined from a single block of aluminium, I’m certain this will make the X-E5 feel tougher and more luxurious than its predecessor. Yes – even if it’s not technically weather-sealed – which I’ll admit is a bit of a disappointment, particularly as Fujifilm is selling the camera in a kit with a new XF23mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which IS weather resistant.

I’ll also say that the tiny viewfinder could really have used an update. Incredibly, it actually appears to be the very same 0.39-inch, 2.36-million dot one as seen on the very first X-E series camera, the Fujifilm X-E1, which launched 13 years ago. It’s functional, yes – but as a photographer who much prefers composing shots with my eye pressed up against a viewfinder rather than looking at a screen, the bigger, brighter and crisper the viewfinder the better.

The LCD screen also appears to be a downgrade from other recent models – it's a 1.04m-dot unit rather than the 1.84m-dot utir lized by the the X-T50 and X100VI.

When talking about the price of the X-E5, particularly in the US, we must also acknowledge the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs, which has led to a situation where non-US manufacturers are naturally going to raise prices on their products. It's no secret that the X-E5 costs $200 more than it otherwise would have.

The X-E5 is available in black or silver and in a more cost effective bundle with the new XF 23mm f/2.8 WR lens. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Even setting aside this tariff confusion, inflation has also bitten hard since 2021 – so it’s really not that surprising to see the X-E5 priced this way.

Finally, it seems that Fujifilm is set to keep the X-E4 in its current X Series line-up, if you can find it in stock, which means the company is still giving consumer the option to pick up an affordable rangefinder-style mirrorless camera if that’s what they need. While the X-E4 is certainly not without its drawbacks, it’s still a very serviceable interchangeable lens camera. It just now has a more advanced, better-constructed sibling for anyone who wants it.

Disagree with me and still think the X-E5 is far too pricey compared to its predecessor? Feel free to sound off in the comments below – but do remember to check back soon for a full and definitive review of Fujifilm's latest release.

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• TeamViewer study finds SMBs already missing out from AI-driven productivity boosts
• Most SMB leaders say they need more training
• But AI investments are rising across the board

New research has revealed just how much prospective SMBs must get on board with artificial intelligence to grow and stand out in a highly competitive market.

A new TeamViewer study found more than one in four (28%) say rising operational costs from missed automation opportunities are already taking a toll.

Nearly half (47%) of the SMBs surveyed admitted they lack the infrastructure needed to scale AI tools, and almost all (95%) say they still require more training.

SMBs need AI to grow, but they're still unsure about it

Despite growing enthusiasm, confidence in managing AI remains poor, the study found

More than three-quarters (77%) of SMB leaders say they wouldn't even bet a week's salary on their organisation's ability to handle the risks associated with AI, such as data misuse or unauthorized tool access. Yet somehow, nearly the same number (72%) consider themselves AI experts.

As it stands, two in three (65%) say AI tools are only deployed in tightly controlled environments, with three in four (74%) feeling uneasy about data management vulnerabilities. Although AI plays a role in heightened risks, AI isn't entirely to blame – two in five (38%) agree that a lack of training is their main obstacle.

"SMBs are clearly motivated to embrace AI, but many are still searching for the right way to turn early adoption into lasting impact,” TeamViewer Director of Product Management Artus Rupalla explained.

The research also revealed SMBs are leading the way in terms of AI adoption across their workforces – but that doesn't always translate into frequent or mature use. Larger enterprises are generally seen to be using AI more frequently when it comes to daily and weekly measurements.

But despite current limitations, SMBs are betting on AI to drive future growth. Three in four plan to ramp up AI investments in the next 6-12 months, with 72% foreseeing major productivity boosts and 76% believing AI is essential for improving overall business performance.

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Commentary: The alarm's nine-minute snooze is antiquated and belongs in the past.

I'll also show you how to disable this feature if you have privacy concerns.

• Yes, Samsung is considering a premium subscription tier for Samsung Health
• This is no rumor – it was confirmed in an interview with Samsung's Head of Digital Health
• Advanced coaching features would be included free in new watches, while being locked behind a paywall for older models

In these cash-strapped times, none of us enjoy paying more than we have to. When our best streaming service prices go up, we grumble, even though more films and TV are added all the time.

Likewise, if we buy a device such as one of the best smartwatches, and previously we've been able to use all its features for free, we don't like being charged a monthly subscription for future ones.

Just ask Garmin users. There was an enormous outcry of vitriol and outrage from the brand's highly engaged userbase when Garmin introduced its premium tier, Garmin Connect+. Despite promising AI training insights, new LiveTrack abilities for endurance athletes and advanced ways to view your training metrics, the new tier was deemed not good enough for the cost – and especially given the best Garmin watches are sold at premium prices in the first place. The community was in uproar, but Garmin has not wavered, continuing with its plans.

Now, Samsung is in on the act. In an interview with CNet, Samsung's Head of Digital Health, Dr Hon Pak, confirmed it's "exploring a premium subscription model similar to Fitbit Premium or Garmin's new Connect Plus that requires a monthly subscription to unlock advanced coaching features."

This is bad news for Samsung Galaxy Watch owners, and even owners of the best Samsung phones or the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Any changes Samsung makes here will likely affect the Samsung Health app, so if you want any extra features Samsung decides to bring forward behind a paywall, you'll need to fork out for a premium tier.

Samsung hasn't yet revealed whether it's definitely going ahead, or how much it will cost: these kind of mid-interview slips are likely testing the waters, to see if an outcry as loud as Garmin's userbase will follow.

The writer of the original article goes on to suggest that Samsung might offer the features for free with its new watch, and make them available owners of older models for a fee, but there are no direct quotes from Pak or anyone at Samsung addressing that particular idea.

Just like Garmin Connect+, it's likely if this premium tier launches, many of the new features that would have come to your watches for free will land behind a paywall instead. This means there's a risk of 'feature creep' so that in a few years' time, all the features Samsung fans really want will be behind a paywall, forcing users to subscribe to avoid missing out.

To paraphrase Dune, it's the slow blade that penetrates the shield. Premium tiers are a way for companies to extract long-term revenue from users and subscribers, unlike launching a soon-to-be-obsolete tech product, which creates a temporary revenue spike.

Of course, no-one's saying you shouldn't pay a fair price for the features you use, and having your data sat around in a server, ready to be recalled at a moment's notice, costs companies money in the long term. Many of our best fitness apps require subscription costs, and we rate them highly.

However, when a wearables company offers a subscription tier, that money is recouped as long as you subscribe, as it's recurring revenue in addition to the one-time purchase of a watch. I can't shake the feeling that I'm paying twice: once for the privilege of having the watch collect my data, and once to have the data sold back to me in graph form. And however you choose to pay, be it one-off or recurring, I think you should only pay the once.

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• Microsoft reportedly set to lay off thousands in its new fiscal year
• Over 6,000 workers have already lost their jobs this calendar year
• Revenue is up, and Microsoft's worth more than $3.5 trillion

Microsoft is preparing to cut thousands of jobs as part of its ongoing cost-cutting shakeup as the company continues to spend big on AI.

A new Bloomberg report says if confirmed, the layoffs could be announced in early July after the company's fourth quarter and fiscal year end on June 30, 2025.

Sales teams could be the worst affected, but the redundancies could span other departments as Microsoft looks to reduce employment-related expenses.

Microsoft set for more layoffs

The company has already cut thousands of workers off in these post-pandemic years.

In May 2025, it cut 6,000 of its workers, equating to around 3% of its roughly 228,000 headcount, in an effort to reduce inefficiencies by removing middle management tiers. A further 305 workers lost their jobs this month, with 14,000 roles affected in 2023 and 2024.

In April 2025, Microsoft said it would outsource sales to small and mid-sized customers to third-party firms – an indication of the changes believed to be coming as soon as next month.

Despite widespread job losses, Microsoft continues to perform well financially. Last quarter, it reported a 13% increase in revenue to $70.1 billion. It currently holds the title of the world's most valuable company, with a market cap of $3.569 trillion.

At the time, CFO Amy Hood stated that overall company headcount was 2% up year-over-year, but slightly down quarter-over-quarter, suggesting constant fluctuations.

TechRadar Pro has asked Microsoft to confirm plans to lay off workers after the current quarter draws to a close, but we did not receive an immediate response.

While highly disappointing for the company's workers, Microsoft employees aren't alone in facing job uncertainty. Key rivals like Amazon and Google have also been making regular adjustments to their headcounts to optimize costs and output.

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