Feed aggregator

The latest installment of the Sony Spider-Man Universe lands on Netflix.

Save your memories before you grab a new iPhone or update to the latest version of iOS.

• Chromecast HD and 4K are getting Android 14
• The update is mostly security patches and bug fixes
• It's probably time to buy the Google TV Streamer

It hasn't been a great week so far for Chromecast and Chromecast Audio users: the 2015 versions of both devices have been suffering from what appears to be a server problem that won't let users Cast audio and video to them. So it's nice to report some good news. Google is now rolling out the Android 14 update for Chromecast with Google TV devices.

As Android Police reports, Google discontinued the Chromecast line-up in 2024 in favor of the new Google TV Streamer. But Google did promise that while the older devices can't match the new Streamer in terms of hardware capability (the Streamer is also a Thread hub for smart homes), it still intended to bring them the Android 14 update.

What does the Android 14 Update bring to Chromecasts?

Don't expect a massively different experience when you install the update: almost all of the changes are under the hood. The main reason to want this upgrade is to plug any security holes that could leave your device vulnerable to villains.

The updates vary in size depending on your device – the download is between 743 and 809MB – and it ups the operating system from Android 12 to Android 14. The update includes the January 2025 security patch and the usual changes for "system stability and improvements". It also adds support for the Google TV Streamer remote control's Find My Remote feature and button customization.

This could be the last update for the 4K version, which is expected to stop getting security updates from September 2025; the HD Chromecast will get another two years of updates until its end of life in 2027.

You might also like

• The Google TV Streamer is now finally worth buying in the UK
• Everything you need to know about the Google TV Streamer
• Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: it's the ultimate box fight

The Steam Spring Sale 2025 event is almost here, promising to offer some great discounts for games, ranging from the biggest AAA blockbusters to hidden gems from independent developers. Regardless of what kind of games you like to play, there's likely to be some significant savings for you to pick up, so you'll want to know exactly where the sale goes live in your time zone.

In terms of what to expect from the Steam Spring Sale 2025 event, well, I'm hoping for some discounts for some games I missed out on last year, like Metaphor ReFantazio, and the Silent Hill 2 remake. In fact, I'm expecting to see discounts on at least a few of the titles featured on our best Steam games list, and hopefully some surprises as well.

Here are the Steam Spring Sale 2025 start times for your timezone, info on how long the event lasts, what games have been confirmed so far, and some hopes and predictions for games I'd like to see get a discount. As we draw closer to the event, this page will be updated with any new details. For now, here's what you need to know.

Steam Spring Sale 2025 start time for your timezone

(Image credit: Microsoft / Valve)

The Steam Spring Sale 2025 event begins at 1PM ET / 10AM PT / 5PM GMT on March 13 and runs until March 20 at the same time. This is when the store page will go live, allowing you to browse the sales at your leisure. Until then, the full list of games that'll be discounted is sadly hidden, but you'll find our hopes and predictions below.

Steam Spring Sale 2025 confirmed games

(Image credit: Arrowhead Game Studios)

Thanks to a teaser video for the Steam Spring Sale 2025 event (which you can check out below), we know some of the games that are set to receive discounts. The headline titles include Helldivers 2, Balatro, Nine Sols, and Outer Wilds (purely based on it being my absolute favorite game of all time). Here's the full list of confirmed games so far:

• The Long Dark
• Sifu
• Ballionaire
• Balatro
• Witchfire
• Helldivers 2
• Escape Simulator
• The Isle
• Earth Defense Force 6
• ATLYSS
• Unrailed 2: Back on Track
• Nine Sols
• Outer Wilds
• Airborne Empire
• Animal Well
• Life Is Strange: Double Exposure

Steam Spring Sale 2025 predictions - what games do we think will be cheaper?

(Image credit: ATLUS)

While Valve is yet to reveal the full list of what games will be discounted during the Steam Spring Sale 2025, there are a few titles that I'm hoping to see. Generally, the Steam Spring sale features sales on big games from the previous year. In 2024, I missed out on Metaphor Re:Fantazio, so would love the opportunity to pick it up this time around. Similarly, while I enjoyed Diablo 4 a lot back in 2023, I never found the time for the Vessel of Hatred DLC. Others on the TechRadar Gaming team praised its new Spiritborn class, so I'd certainly love to see it pop up in the upcoming sales.

Over on the indie side, it'd be great to see Neva offered up at a cheaper price, mostly because it's brilliant and I want more people to show it some love. Similarly, Thank Goodness You're Here! is one that'd be a great pick for the Steam Spring Sale. It's the funniest game I've ever played, and more people should play it. For Steam Deck players, it'd be great to see discounts on some of the games on our best Steam Deck games list, such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and God of War.

Steam Spring Sale 2025 FAQ When does the Spring Sale 2025 event end?

The Steam Spring Sale 2025 event ends on Thursday, March 20 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT / 5PM GMT.

What time of the year does Steam have the best sales?

Steam sales tend to have the biggest gaming discounts during the Summer sale and Winter sale events. That's not to say that the Spring and Fall events don't also have great sales, but we do tend to see larger price cuts during the Summer and Winter periods.

What games will be on Steam Spring Sale 2025?

So far, we know that The Long Dark, Sifu, Ballionaire, Balatro, Witchfire, Helldivers 2, Escape Simulator, The Isle, Earth Defense Force 6, ATLYSS, Unrailed 2: Back on Track, Nine Sols, Outer Wilds, Airborne Empire, Animal Well, and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure will be on sale.

You Might Also Like...

• Best multiplayer PC games
• Best Mac games to play in 2025
• The best crossplay games

• Someone got three classic shooters running on a smartwatch
• Reddit images reveal an Android wearable running Doom, Quake, and Half-Life
• It looks like they used Xash3D, and even the touchscreen controls work

A triumphant Redditor has successfully managed to get Doom, Quake, and Half-Life running on a smartwatch.

Just weeks after we revealed how another Redditor installed a PSP emulator on their smartwatch so they could play GTA and God of War, a post in the Valve Reddit from u/Ramsey_Doo is going viral in recognition of a similar technical achievement.

"Half Life on smart watch. Finally," they commented nonchalantly. A trio of images and one gif reveals Half-Life running on the nondescript smartwatch, replete with working touch controls.

"Does it run Doom though?", one user replied, to which Damsey_Doo confirmed they'd successfully run Doom, Quake, and then Half-Life all on the same device.

Half-Life comes to the smartwatch valve from r/valve/comments/1j92crr/half_life_on_smart_watch_finally

While Damsey_Doo hasn't confirmed exactly how they accomplished this marvel of retro gaming engineering, speculative comments indicate the most likely method was Xash3D, a game engine that provides compatibility with Half-Life Engine while extending its lifespan.

The original Half-Life game dates back to 1998, when the best smartwatch you could buy was the Seiko Ruputer, a Japanese offering dubbed the world's first smartwatch that also went by the name of the OnHandPC.

It had a 102 x 64 pixel monochrome LCD display, a 36MHz (yes, megahertz) processor, and a joystick.

I've not been able to identify the watch used from the images, but the mad scientist responsible confirms that it's not an Apple Watch, which makes sense given the hack used to get this running in the first place.

This feat is just as impressive as the aforementioned PSP emulator, which used Bugjaeger to sideload APKs, successfully enabling 60fps GTA on a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, as well as God of War and Forza Horizon 4 via Steam Link.

You may also like

• A Redditor installed a PSP emulator on a Galaxy Watch 5, and now it runs GTA at 60fps and God of War
• Armitron at 50 just got into the smartwatch game and, yes, would consider a smart ring
• I've been wearing an Apple Watch for 10 years – these are the 5 settings I change right out of the box

• Another iPhone 17 Pro Max image leak has appeared
• It shows off the expected redesign of the handset
• The iPhone 17 phones are predicted to arrive in September

It looks increasingly likely that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are going to get a significant redesign, compared to the phones that they're replacing, and a new leak gives us another look at the refreshed chassis of the larger model.

Prolific tipster @MajinBuOfficial has shared an image of what look like metal molds ready to be used to manufacture the upcoming handset – and we also get the caption "iPhone 17 Pro Max is ready" alongside the picture.

We can see the large triple-lens rear camera in the top-left corner of the rear casing, and a cut-out to allow magnetic MagSafe connections for charging. The size of the camera protrusion reflects the larger camera bar that's expected to be on show.

Let's hope that the larger camera bar, and the extra space the cameras are taking up, means better quality photos and videos. Apple usually adds some year-on-year upgrades in terms of the iPhone cameras, and another bump would be welcome.

The rumors so far

iPhone 17 Pro Max is ready pic.twitter.com/jFb9L4b1BHMarch 12, 2025

We don't get much more from this leak besides another look at the rear casing design, and the update that the phone is "ready" – presumably that means for mass production, because the expected launch date of September 2025 is now fast approaching.

There have already been plenty of leaks and rumors swirling around these phones. Aside from the Pro and Pro Max redesign, we should also see faster chipsets inside these handsets, and of course a final version of the yet-to-be-announced iOS 19 on board.

Features such as reverse wireless charging have also been rumored, as well as a bump up to 12GB of RAM for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max – perhaps to deal with some extra Apple Intelligence smarts coming down the line.

There will apparently be less that's new and exciting when it comes to the standard iPhone 17, though we are expecting a new model in the shape of the iPhone 17 Air – a super-slim model that's being tipped to take over from the iPhone 16 Plus.

You might also like

• The iPhone 17 is rumored to go big on video recording
• These are the best iPhones right now
• iPhone 17 Air leaks suggest it'll get next-gen battery

By dictating how your computer manages its battery power throughout the workday, you can vastly extend your PC’s daily uptime.

• Apple’s iOS 18.4 beta lets users change their default mapping app
• The new feature is only available to people based in the EU
• iOS 18.4 is in beta but should launch fully by early April

Apple is known for keeping a tight grip on its operating systems, but that resolve has been tested by the European Union (EU) in recent years. Now, Apple is being forced to concede another point and allow its users to change their default mapping app on iOS.

The change is due to arrive in the iOS 18.4 update, which is currently available as a beta. However, there’s a big catch: the new feature will only be available to users in the EU, meaning anyone in the US and around the world will miss out for now.

If you are located in the EU and have the latest iOS 18.4 beta, you can make the adjustment by opening the Settings app and going to Apps > Default Apps > Navigation. There, you will be able to change you default map app from Apple Maps to Google Maps, Waze, or something else.

It’s not all bad for US users, though, as Apple has made a slight allowance here. If you’re based in the US, the iOS 18.4 beta lets you change the default translation app in iOS. This can be found in Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Translation. This feature is also available to users in the EU and worldwide.

Apple vs the EU

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The past couple of years have seen the EU force Apple to make changes to its operating systems and open them up more to competition. Apple must now allow sideloading and alternative app stores on its systems, for example – something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Enabling users to change their default mapping app is just the latest instance of this scrap between Apple and the EU. It comes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act and was originally revealed in an Apple document in fall 2024. Now, it’s come into effect.

For now, the only way to change your default map app – aside from being based in the EU – is to have downloaded the iOS 18.4 beta. The full version of iOS 18.4 is expected to launch in April, according to an Apple press release.

You might also like

• Apple Maps vs. Google Maps - which one is best?
• iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
• Apple Maps could be plotting a big update to help it compete with Google Maps' Street View

Whether you're a new resident or have lived there for years, it's time to expand your broadband horizons in Everett. Our CNET experts have picked the best home internet providers in this Washington city for you.

• Inzoi system requirements have been revealed
• The upcoming life simulation game will need quite a beefy PC
• This will be bad news for those who currently play The Sims 4 on older machines

I've got some bad news if you play The Sims 4 on an older laptop or PC and were planning to dive into the world of Inzoi when it launches for PC in early access later this month

Developer Inzoi Studio has outlined the system requirements for the upcoming life simulation game and, in brief, you're going to need a pretty beefy gaming PC to play it.

(Image credit: Krafton)

At a minimum, you need an Intel i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU in addition to an Nvidia RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT GPU with 6GB of VRAM. This is on top of 12GB RAM.

In contrast, EA states that The Sims 4 will run on a PC with a substantially more modest CPU on par with the ancient Intel Core I3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200. You also need a GPU with just 128MB of VRAM and support for Pixel Shader 3.0 - which means basically any card or integrated graphics solution released in the last decade should be okay.

You only need 4GB of RAM too, so even those on more budget-oriented laptops are able to play relatively smoothly.

Inzoi Studio considers 'Medium' PC specs to be an Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, an Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU (both with 8GB of VRAM), and 16GB of RAM. Right now, you can find gaming laptops equivalent to this spec for roughly $800 / £700 on Amazon.

Things become much more expensive if you're targeting the 'Recommended' specs, however. You're going to need an Intel i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, an RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) GPU, and 16GB of RAM. These are the kind of components that you would generally find in a $1,200+ / £1,000+ gaming desktop.

For 'High' settings, you're going to need an Intel i7-14700K or AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, Nvidia RTX 3080 (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24GB) GPU and a massive 32GB of RAM.

This game seems to be seriously demanding, given its focus on simulation and high fidelity, impressively realistic graphics. Interestingly, the developer has prepared multiple optimal presets targeting every set of specs alongside a video showing how each looks.

There are eight presets to choose from, with options for either better performance or better graphics. Every single one relies on Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution, AMD FSR 3, or XeSS upscaling to some degree, which could indicate that the developer was unable to get things running smoothly at a native resolution.

It's also worth bearing in mind that an internet connection is required to play.

Inzoi enters PC early access on March 28, with a full PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S release coming at a later date.

You might also like...

• I rode a dragon, sizzled as a sausage, and won a dance-off with a monkey in Split Fiction, and that’s not even the half of it
• SAG-AFTRA union and video game industry bargaining group remain at odds as agreements on AI protections still 'frustratingly far apart'
• I spent more than two weeks testing the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro and found it to be exceptionally comfortable and stylish, though not revolutionary

Commentary: This great drug cartel drama was Taylor Sheridan's screenwriting debut and it made it to Netflix's Top 10.

Tuft & Needle’s most affordable bed delivers a budget-friendly, adaptable feel, making it one of the best beds available from Amazon and Walmart.

All it takes is a push of a button. Take a quick online internet speed test to determine if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.

CNET experts list the best iPads that suit your needs. CNET experts list the best iPads that suit your needs.

Searching for something special for your workplace bestie? Our gift experts have done the research. Forget the standard coffee mugs -- these are thoughtful gifts your co-workers and employees will appreciate and use regularly.

• Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at a July launch event
• A new leak claims the company also has a surprise audio product
• It's reportedly a set of bone-conduction headphones

A new report claims that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launch will take place in July, accompanied by the unveiling of a surprise new audio product: bone-conduction headphones.

The news comes from famed (and usually reliable) leaker Ice Universe on Chinese social-networking site Weibo, who says, "Sources revealed that Samsung Electronics' MX division will release bone conduction headphones at the Samsung Fold 7 launch event in July."

It sounds like Samsung is coming after the best bone-conduction headphones on the market, offering a new audio solution that's sure to be popular with runners and cyclists who love the lightweight, unobtrusive design of bone-conduction headphones, and the added safety they bring by allowing you to stay attuned to your surroundings.

The leak, first spotted by Android Authority, goes on to claim that the headphones are codenamed project "able", and will feature an "open wireless stereo (OWS) that transmits sound from around the ear instead of plugging the earphones into the ear."

Samsung is launching... something

As exciting as this leak is for runners, cyclists, and others, the second part of the leak muddies the water somewhat. OWS headphones generally refers to headphones that pump sound into your ear via air conduction, while bone-conduction headphones use vibrations to transmit the audio through your skull.

The upshot is the same, though: you get good audio quality while your ear canals remain free and open to listen out for hazards while you're out and about, one of the key reasons they're so popular with outdoor athletes.

There may be a language barrier here, or some confusion about the technology. Or perhaps Samsung has cooked up some exciting headphones that use a combination of bone conduction and air conduction.

Either way, if Ice Universe is correct these headphones will launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and would differ from the existing Galaxy Buds lineup, which you can find in our round-up the best earbuds.

Whether Samsung's first attempt will be enough to knock off the likes of Shokz off their perch when it comes to exercise headphones remains to be seen, but we're excited to find out.

You may also like

• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is my favorite phone ever, but I can't justify buying one yet
• We just got another big hint that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on the way
• Samsung shows off a creaseless folding phone display – and it improves on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 design in 3 key ways

CNET obtained a T-Mobile memo sent to customers about a $5 per line price hike. The increase only affects some people on older plans.

A space heater designed for babies offers a real solution to the no good, very bad thermostats on most portable heaters.

• The hit Paramount+ show Landman has been renewed for season 2.
• The Taylor Sheridan series received the most-watched global premiere and finale of any series in the history of Paramount+.
• The series stars Billy Bob Thornton and tells the story of the 21st century Texas oil boom in the Permian Basin.

Taylor Sheridan's creative reign over Paramount+ is set to continue as Landman has been renewed for a second season.

Landman is another rural American drama by Sheridan that's become a huge hit on Paramount+ and even broke records on one of the best streaming services. According to Paramount, Landman had the most-watched global premiere and finale of any series in the history of Paramount+. This fact may be unsurprising to many given Sheridan's history of creating engrossing television with the likes of neo-Western behemoth Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and Special Ops: Lioness under his belt.

Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, told Variety: "Landman was one of the biggest shows of the year because of Taylor Sheridan’s unique ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, harnessing the neo-Western themes of rugged individualism, ambition and working-class struggles set against contemporary debates around energy, climate change and economic growth.

"The series has helped drive Paramount+ to new heights as the #2 SVOD in the US for Original hours watched in Q4, alongside our other hit series Tulsa King, The Agency, Lioness and Dexter: Original Sin.”

What is Landman about?

Thanks to Sheridan, Paramount+ has become the home of neo-Western dramas. Landman is an explosive melodrama that's just another addition to Sheridan's acclaimed works that rank among the best Paramount+ shows.

Landman is based on the podcast Boomtown, which is hosted by the show's co-creator Christian Wallace and focuses on the 21st century Texas oil boom in the Permian Basin. In Landman, Billy Bob Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, the overseer of an oil-drilling operation, a role which nabbed him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a drama series.

The official synopsis for Landman reads: "Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern-day tale of fortune-seeking in the world of oil rigs. Based on the notable 11-part podcast Boomtown from Imperative Entertainment and Texas Monthly, the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it's reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics."

Landman features a star-studded cast alongside Thornton, including Demi Moore (The Substance), John Hamm (Mad Men), Michael Peña (Ant-Man), Andy Garcia (The Godfather Part III), and Ali Larter (Final Destination).

If you enjoyed Landman, check out these three Taylor Sheridan series next, plus another gritty drama with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

You might also like

• 1923 has taken the reigns as the #1 show on Paramount+ – here are 3 more Westerns with over 85% on Rotten Tomatoes to watch next
• 5 new movies on Paramount Plus in March 2025 with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has finally raced its way onto Paramount Plus, and I'm gutted that I won't be able to stream it

Groov-e Boston: Two-minute review

If you had a checklist of everything you wanted from a DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston would mark off almost every point. It lacks good looks and its sound quality could be better but for only £39.99 – it's currently only available in the UK, but that would make it approximately $52 or AU$82 where available in the US and Australia – it’s hard to criticize it too much.

Also, I can see it fitting in nicely in any room of your home, or you can always take it with you to a holiday let, a caravan: you get the idea. It’s lightweight for the size so it’s easy to move around.

A wooden frame isn’t the priciest or most exclusive look but it does make the Groov-e Boston appear a little classier than if it stuck with the speaker grilles' metal styling, or went for plastic casework. This isn’t the radio to show off to friends and family (that’s the Roberts Revival Petite 2) but it has, nevertheless an old-school charm about it.

Audio quality could be better but for a basic DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston is fine. Don’t count on using the Bluetooth connectivity too often to listen to your own music, though, unless you’re really stuck for options.

So, the Groov-e Boston isn’t one of the best Bluetooth speakers but who really cares about that? You’re buying something like this to compete with the best DAB radios. The Groov-e Boston may not have stolen my heart, but my head (and bank balance) do certainly love the price tag.

Groov-e Boston review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Released February 2023
• Cost £39.99 (currently only available in the UK)

The Groov-e Boston was released in the UK in February 2023. Availability hasn’t stretched elsewhere – though if you happen to find it in the US or Australia it'll set you back approximately $52 or AU$82 – but if you’re in the UK, this is a cheap DAB radio while still being from a reputable brand.

It’s far cheaper than my beloved aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2, as well as the bulky Pure Woodland. There are some obscure brands with DAB radios around the same price point but none from a reputable brand to compete with the budget delights of Groov-e.

Groov-e Boston review: Specs Groov-e Boston review: Features

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• DAB & FM radio
• Bluetooth streaming
• Built-in alarm clock

Pretty much all the features you could need from the Groov-e Boston are here. It has DAB and FM radio connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing with your phone or other devices. All are easily tapped around thanks to the clearly laid out buttons. It takes seconds to get started with the Groov-e Boston and it never really gets any more complicated.

You can set up 40 presets if you really plan on browsing that many stations regularly and the Groov-e Boston also has an alarm clock function. The latter is a little awkward to set up, though, compared with the simplicity of everything else.

I’d consider the Groov-e Boston primarily as a radio to use at home but it does take batteries if you want to use it out and about. You need four size C batteries to stick in the back – though probably not something you’ll ever actually do, the option is there.

Features score: 4 / 5

Groov-e Boston review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• A little tinny
• Best for spoken word over music
• Some distortion at high volumes

The Groov-e Boston’s sound quality instantly reminds me of almost every car garage I’ve ever been to. That may be too a specific an anecdote but what I’m getting at is the Groov-e Boston is pretty basic-sounding, with that low-level quality you’d get from a small radio trying to expand to much larger surroundings. The Groov-e Boston transfers that tinny sound to a smaller room.

Mileage will vary depending on the strength of the DAB signal, of course. I found it sometimes improved but there was never any punch such as when listening to Beyonce’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) while browsing through some music stations. Spoken word is far better with some time spent with rant-filled LBC sounding reasonably strong, if still a little tinny for want of a better word.

There’s a reasonable stereo effect here but little heft. Crank up the volume and the Groov-e Boston ends up sounding more distorted but it works well enough in a small environment.

Sound quality: 3 / 5

Groov-e Boston review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Useful carry handle
• Lightweight
• Retro stylings

Reminiscent of electronics' stylings a few decades old, the Groov-e Boston is functional if not exactly the device you’ll be posting across all your favorite social media platforms. It has a great metal carrying handle so you can move it from room to room without any bother, while the antenna pulls out easily enough.

In the center is a simple LED display showing the time, date, and whatever you’re listening to. Underneath that are your control buttons which are well laid out and explained, as well as a volume knob, which feels so much more satisfying repeated button bashing. The buttons on this radio are a tad on the noisy-clunky side but at least there’s never any doubt you’re tapping them. As is increasingly the way, there are no tactile bobbles to help those with sight impairments figure things out but the buttons are spaced out well so you can’t mistap anything.

On the back is simply the place for the batteries. No additional ports or anything like that. Also, if you’re keen to pick the right colorway for your decor, this isn’t the device for you. The Groov-e Boston is solely available in its part-gray/metal, part-wooden build.

Design score: 3 / 5

Groov-e Boston review: Value

• Very affordable
• Reputable name for the price
• Fine for short- or long-term plans

Check out any retailer and you’ll be lucky to find a DAB radio for this price that is also from a brand you’ve heard of. The competition is simply more expensive. The likes of the Sony XDR-P1 are in the same ballpark, but still pricier and also nowhere near as pleasant to place on your shelf.

You’ll be unlikely to find much for cheaper but if you want style or better features, you may wish to look elsewhere.

Value score: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Groov-e Boston? Buy it if...

You’re on a budget
The Groov-e Boston packs a lot in for the price, even if it isn’t perfect.

You want something that fits everywhere
The Groov-e Boston will look fine in your kitchen as well as your living room, and you can even take it out with you.

You want something lightweight
Ideal for those who need to pack light or can’t carry anything too heavy, the Groov-e Boston won’t overwhelm you.

Don't buy it if... 

You want great sound quality
The Groov-e Boston works well with the spoken word but I was no fan when listening to music. Bear that in mind.

You want something stylish
The functional look will suit some but you won’t be showing off the Groov-e Boston to friends.

You need something more robust
The Groov-e Boston isn’t the weakest radio around but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking it to the beach or off the beaten path.

Groov-e Boston review: Also consider

Roberts Revival Petite 2

Costing much more but looking gorgeous, the Roberts is just as portable while being something you’ll be proud of owning. Don't blame me when you decide to spend more.

Read our full Roberts Revival Petite 2 review here

Pure Woodland

The Pure Woodland is just as portable as the Boston but is a little more robust, making it ideal for the rugged lifestyle.

Read our full Pure Woodland review here

How I tested the Groov-e Boston

• Used the Groov-e Boston over 14 days
• Listened to DAB radio, FM radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
• Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment

I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different DAB radios over the years. I opened up the box and got started with the Groov-e Boston the moment it arrived. It spent much of its time between my home office, bedroom, and living room. The carrying handle came in useful there. I mostly used it connected to mains power.

I listened to a lot of talk radio (LBC and BBC Radio 5 Live) to keep up with current affairs, while switching over to Heart 90s and 00s along with a local music station to calm my nerves after too much news.

When using the Bluetooth functionality, I connected my iPhone 14 Pro, and listened to Spotify and Apple Music.

• Read TechRadar's review guarantee
• First reviewed in March 2025