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Buying a New iPhone or Android Phone? Read This First

CNET News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 07:00
Shopping for a new phone can be a headache. These tips will help you make the most of your money.
Categories: Technology

Welcome to the ‘AI slop’ security crisis – these 198 iOS apps were found leaking private chats and user locations

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:56
Apps with over 20 million users have exposed 380 million private chat messages into the wild, research shows.
Categories: Technology

The divorce between the U.S. and WHO is final this week. Or is it?

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:38

The U.S. is the only country allowed to withdraw from the World Health Organization. And Jan. 22 is the day when Trump's pullout announcement should go into effect. But ... it's complicated.

(Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)

Categories: News

The 14 Best Healthy Beverages for Kicking Your Sugary Soda Habit

CNET News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:36
Along with reduced sugar and calories, these healthy drinks also offer added health benefits.
Categories: Technology

The DJI 4K Mini is 'the best budget drone for beginners' — and right now it's on sale for a record-low price at Amazon

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:32
DJI's 4K Mini is our favorite budget drone for beginners and experienced pilots alike – here's why today's record-low deal at Amazon is so good.
Categories: Technology

Ingram Micro reveals ransomware attack hit 42,000 people - here's how to find out more

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:30
SafePay is claiming responsibility for July 2025 attack which forced Ingram Micro to shut down parts of its IT network.
Categories: Technology

An impressive Spotify audiobook upgrade could be on the way, and as a non-reader, I’m dying to give it a go

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:24
Do you switch between physical and digital books a lot? This new Spotify audiobook feature could be a lifesaver
Categories: Technology

Trump leaks world leaders' messages. And, Indiana wins its first national title

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 06:19

President Trump explains why he wants to acquire Greenland in private messages with world leaders. And, Indiana caps off a perfect football season with a national championship win over Miami.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)

Categories: News

I’ve disabled this iOS 26 Apple Intelligence feature, and you probably should too

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:59
Even in iOS 26, notification summaries still get things wrong and miss important details, so here's how to turn them off.
Categories: Technology

Sony unveils a limited-edition Marathon DualSense controller and Pulse Elite headset ahead of the game's March release

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:51
Sony has revealed a limited-edition DualSense wireless controller and Pulse Elite wireless headset inspired by Marathon, and they'll launch the same day as the game.
Categories: Technology

I tested Blink’s new Mini 2K+ camera, and was stunned by its high-resolution picture quality and ultra-compact design

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:50
Blink Mini 2K+: two-minute review

First launched in 2020, it’s fair to say that the Blink Mini has seen a fair few improvements over the last five years. Initially just a compact, bog-standard 1080p security camera, it was upgraded in 2024 with colour night vision and outdoor functionality as the Blink Mini 2 before receiving its current make-over as a 2K camera (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) in September 2025.

Available in black or white, it can be bought either individually or as a two-pack. We tested the two-pack version in white which currently retails on Amazon for the very reasonable price of £69.99 (about $100 / AU$140). Alternatively, you can buy it as a single unit in both colours for £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80). Whereas many of Blink’s products are battery-operated, making them particularly flexible for installation, the Blink Mini must be plugged into the mains.

However, because it doesn’t require a battery it does mean the camera is exceptionally small, around 2 x 2 inches / 5 x 5cm for the camera itself and standing around 3 inches / 8cm tall including the base. It’s also very lightweight so it’s easy to move from one part of the house to another if, say, you want to monitor a particular area of your property while you’re away on holiday.

As with most security cameras these days, installation requires downloading the camera’s app onto your smartphone and adding the device using the QR code on the back of the product. Alternatively, you can type in the serial code into your phone instead. Unlike more advanced models, the Blink Mini only works on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (it's not compatible with the 5GHz frequency). However, this wasn’t a major issue.

(Image credit: Future)

You can use the Blink Mini 2K+ camera on its own via the app, or as part of a much larger network with other Blink devices, including video doorbells and indoor/outdoor security cameras. Not only does the Blink Mini 2K+ come with its own built-in siren, it can also be used as an indoor chime for the Blink video doorbell which, somewhat annoyingly, doesn’t have its own plug-in chime accessory.

In addition, the device automatically connects to Amazon Alexa so you can view footage via the Alexa app/TVs equipped with Fire TV or get notifications sent to Alexa-compatible devices, such as Amazon Echo smart speakers.

As with many home security devices, full functionality, such as the ability to filter motion alerts by person or vehicle (known as Blink Smart Detection) does require a subscription. However, the good news is that Blink’s subscriptions are half the price of Ring’s subscription costs, starting at £2.50 per month (compared to £4.99 per month for Ring).

Blink Mini 2K+: subscription options

Blink Basic Plan. Cost: £2.50 (about $3.50 / AU$5) per month or £24.99 (about $35 / AU$50) year. Covers: one camera. Features: cloud storage (30 days), person/vehicle detection (Blink Smart Detection), and video editing between devices (Blink Moments).

Blink Plus Plan. Cost: £8 (about $10 / AU$16) per month or £80 (about $100 / AU$160) year. Covers: Unlimited cameras at one location. Features: All Basic features plus 10% off Blink devices and extended warranty.

Local storage (no subscription). Cost: free. Requires: Sync Module 2 (£34.99 - about $50 / AU$70) and a USB flash drive. Features: saves clips locally. Note: Blink Smart Detection/Blink Moments is not available with this option.

Blink Mini 2K+: price and availability
  • How much does it cost? $49 / £39.99 / AU$89 each (£70 for two), $US49 ($89 for two), AU$69 ($130 for two)
  • When is it available? Available since September 2025
  • Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

US company Blink has earned a reputation for its reasonably priced home security devices, and the Mini 2K+ is certainly no exception. Whereas most cameras will set you back around $130 / £100 / $200 each, you can actually buy a two pack of Blink Mini 2K+ cameras for less than that price.

It’s certainly a pretty good deal, but as ever with consumer electronics these days, nothing is ever that simple. Sure, if you just want the basic features, such as motion alerts and two-way audio communication, then that is all you have to pay. But if you want the full functionality that the camera offers, including Blink Smart Detection and 30 days of recordings stored in the cloud, you will have to commit to a monthly subscription plan.

Alternatively, if you only need the subscription to store video clips, then you can always invest in the Blink Sync Module 2, which allows you to record and store up to 256GB of video clips on a connected USB flash drive. However, this will cost another £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80), plus the cost of the USB flash drive.

Finally, with an IP65 water resistance rating, the Blink Mini2K+ can be used outdoors, but only if you buy the 4m Blink Weather Resistant Power Adaptor, costing another £9 (about $12 / AU$20). Like the cameras, this is available in either white or black.

  • Value score: 4.5/5
Blink Mini 2K+: design
  • Extremely compact design
  • Built-in spotlight
  • Mains-powered only

The first thing you notice about the Blink Mini 2K+ is just how small it really is. Standing just an inch tall on a stand that can be positioned to virtually any angle, it certainly lives up to its 'mini' moniker.

(Image credit: Future)

Two colours are available – white or black (we tested the white) – and despite its bargain-basement price tag the Mini 2K+ feels like a classy, well-built security device. At the rear is a USB-C socket while provided with the camera is a 6.5ft / 2m USB-A to USB-C lead and a plug. Alternatively, it’s possible to buy a 13ft / 4m length of weather-resistant cable with power adaptor for outdoor use.

Once the Blink app is downloaded you can simply add the camera to your set up using the QR code on the back of the device where you’ll also find the speaker. This provides voice instructions during set up and can also be used as a chime for any connected Blink video doorbells.

(Image credit: Future)

Turn the camera around and in the centre there’s the 2K lens (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) while underneath is the built-in microphone. Also on board is a blue light that comes on during recording and at the top of the camera you’ll find the built-in spotlight for providing coloured images at night. Like the blue recording light, this can be switched on and off via the app, or set to come on automatically when the camera senses motion.

Blink Mini 2K+: performance
  • 2K resolution
  • Clear two-way audio
  • Decent color night vision

When it comes to performance, the Blink Mini 2K+ certainly offers a big improvement over its 1080p predecessor (at the time of writing this original model is available on Amazon so cheaply) Where you really notice the difference is when using the 4x digital pinch-to-zoom feature on your smartphone. With the 1080p camera, images soon become pixilated as you zoom in. However, with this latest 2K model you can home right in and see the detail in, say, a face or an item of clothing.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

Another massive improvement is in night vision. Whereas the previous model only offered traditional IR (infrared) recording in black and white, this model boasts a surprisingly powerful built-in spotlight for color recording. During my tests, the spotlight illuminated the hallway when coming home on during the evening, producing vivid colored images on recorded footage. Audio, too, has been improved with two-way talk now filtering out background noise, such as traffic, so you can hear voices more clearly.

Users with a Blink video doorbell can set multiple Blink Mini 2K+ cameras as a chime so if someone presses the doorbell you can hear it in several rooms if you so choose. That’s particularly handy as Blink’s video doorbell doesn’t come with its own plug-in door chime, unlike models from other companies such as Ring.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, you can also link the Blink Mini 2K+ to Amazon Alexa to receive announcements such as ‘Motion detected at the office’ via your Echo speakers or display the video feed on your Echo Show. However, as Blink is now owned by Amazon, the device doesn’t work with rival platforms such as Google Home or Apple Home.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?Blink Mini 2K+ score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Offering excellent value for money, you can buy two of these mini security cameras for the price of one from another brand such as fellow Amazon stablemate, Ring.

4.5/5

Design

Despite being very small, standing just a few centimetres tall, the Blink Mini 2K+ feels well-built and can be mounted just about anywhere indoors (even outdoors with a weather-resistant power adaptor).

4.5/5

Performance

Boasting 2K video resolution, the Blink Mini 2K+ also offers improved night vision over its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of a strong spotlight.

4.5/5

Average rating

The Blink Mini 2K+ is a great choice if you’re looking for a small and flexible security camera but don’t have much of a budget. The only slight fly in the ointment is you have to pay a small monthly subscription for full functionality.

4.5/5

Blink Mini 2K+: also consider

Blink Mini 2K+

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

Subscription price

From £2.50 a month

From £4.99 a month

None

Resolution

2K (2,560 x 1,440 pixels)

4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)

4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)

Field of view

138 degrees diagonal

140 degrees horizontal

360-degree view (pan and tilt)

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi/4G

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Power

Mains (USB-C)

Mains

Battery

Hardware price

£39

£179

£189 (with solar panel)

If you're not quite sure whether the Blink Mini 2K+ is the best home security camera for you, here are two other options to consider:

Ring Outdoor Cam Pro

The Outdoor Cam Pro represents a leap into high-resolution surveillance for Ring. However, the high levels of performance come at a fairly hefty price, especially when you factor in the subscription plan.

Read our full Ring Outdoor Cam Pro reviewView Deal

Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera

An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G SIM card to capture recordings, making it ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi / broadband.

Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera reviewView Deal

Should you buy the Blink Mini 2K+?Buy it if

You're on a budget

At £39.99 (or £70 for two), this is the most affordable way to get high-quality 2K surveillance.

You want a flexible solution

The compact design and pivot stand mean you can easily move it from room to room.

You own a Blink video doorbell

The Blink Mini 2K+ can serve as an indoor chime for the Blink video doorbell.

Don't buy it if

You want a wire-free home

The Blink Mini 2K+ needs to be connected to the mains at all times via the USB-C to USB-A cable provided.

You want advanced features for free

Unfortunately, you will have to pay a monthly fee if you want Blink Smart Detection (which distinguishes between vehicles and people) and Blink Moments (which edits footage together from multiple Blink cameras shot at the same time).

How I tested the Blink Mini 2K+ security camera
  • I used a pair of cameras in several rooms of the house for three weeks
  • I set them up myself using the QR code provided on the back of each model
  • I linked them to other devices including a Blink video doorbell and several Amazon Echo smart speakers

Testing the two cameras over the Christmas/New Year period gave me the ideal opportunity to see how they responded to visitors coming to the house. Throughout this time one of the cameras was focused on my hallway facing the front door with the spotlight set to come on whenever motion was detected. It also served as a chime for my Blink video doorbell, which I could hear throughout the house.

he other camera was moved between several rooms, including the kitchen and downstairs as well as upstairs rooms we use as offices. However, the cameras weren’t used outside as the units provided didn’t come with the necessary waterproof power adaptor.

Categories: Reviews

I tested Blink’s new Mini 2K+ camera, and was stunned by its high-resolution picture quality and ultra-compact design

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:50
Boasting 2K video resolution, the tiny Blink Mini 2K+ also offers improved night vision over its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of a strong spotlight.
Categories: Technology

Forget daily charging – this upcoming phone's 10,001mAh battery helps it last a week, but it's still lighter than an iPhone 17 Pro Max

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:41
The Realme P4 Power has one of the highest-capacity batteries we've yet seen in a phone, and its other specs sound promising too.
Categories: Technology

Processor ARM race heats up as Nvidia could soon challenge Intel, AMD and Apple with its N1X laptop CPU

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:36
Nvidia's N1X chip could debut in laptops within the next couple of months, with next-gen N2 CPUs rumored to follow later in 2027.
Categories: Technology

Google Clock just made it harder to sleep through your alarms

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:29
The latest version of Google Clock lets you turn off alarms with a swipe rather than a tap.
Categories: Technology

Philips Hue is pushing out an upgrade for Bridge and Bridge Pro devices, ready to make smart-light automations easier

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:28
A new update for the Philips Hue hubs means better automation management – though we're still waiting for SpatialAware.
Categories: Technology

Key Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla supplier sees confidential files allegedly exposed in major breach - here's what we know so far

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:20
One of the key suppliers for Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia has seemingly suffered a ransomware attack.
Categories: Technology

Trump's Board of Peace has several invited leaders trying to figure out how it'll work

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 05:01

It's unclear how many leaders have been asked to join the board, and the large number of invitations being sent out, including to countries that don't get along, has raised questions about the board's mandate and decision-making processes.

(Image credit: Mahmoud Illean)

Categories: News

Bungie announces new Marathon release date alongside preorder details, a full voice cast, and a new gameplay trailer

TechRadar News - Tue, 01/20/2026 - 04:42
Bungie has finally announced a firm release date for its first-person, sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, alongside preorder details and a brand new gameplay trailer.
Categories: Technology

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