Pocket-lint - Reviews

Nitro Deck is a Joy-Con alternative I didn't realize my Switch needed

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:00:24 GMT

The Nintendo Switch has had a pretty much astounding run in its lifetime, with countless top-class games and two new console versions since it first arrived, the Switch Lite and Switch OLED. If it's had one complaint, though, it's been questions around durability.

Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th gen) review: A great all-round package

Cam Bunton — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:22 GMT

Amazon's fifth-generation Echo Dot has been on the market for more than a year now, offering better sound than its predecessor and a lot of smarts in a compact, cute, fabric-covered sphere package. It's the most popular Echo for a reason.

JBL Soundgear Sense review: Better bass for open-ear buds

Michael Sawh — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:53:47 GMT

JBL is the latest to embrace a headphone design that's built to let you listen to your sounds and still be in touch with what's going on around you.

MSI Raider GE78 HX review: Old-school design, state-of-the-art gaming performance

Cliff Joseph — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:30:18 GMT

In recent months, there's been a trend towards slimmer, lighter gaming laptops that offer a degree of portability rather than simply spending their entire life indoors.

Coros Pace 3 review: Keeping pace with the pricier competition

Michael Sawh — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 20:59:30 GMT

The Coros Pace 3 is aimed at anyone looking for a watch that can track a multitude of sports and do it for a lot less money than similar watches from Garmin and Polar.

Huawei Freebuds Pro 3 review: Dual-driver dynamite

Cam Bunton — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:44:21 GMT

Huawei has been in the in-ear audio game for some time, delivering a number of different styles and shapes in the true wireless bud market. Earlier this year it launched an unusual bean-shaped Freebuds pair, but for its flagship range - the Freebuds Pro - it stuck with a more conventional shape.

I've been using the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio and this is the must-have accessory for your iPad (10th gen)

Britta O'Boyle — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:30:18 GMT

Apple's iPad (10th generation) is an excellent everyday iPad. It delivers everything the majority will need from a tablet and while there are more powerful options in the iPad portfolio, if you're after an iPad for browsing, watching content and dabbling in the odd bit of work, the iPad (10th generation) is superb.

Amazon Echo Show 8 review: Fresh new looks, same Alexa experience

Chris Hall — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:42:20 GMT

The Echo Show first launched in 2017, designed to add a visual element to the Alexa-powered Echo speakers. Amazon soon diversified the range, rolling through several generations at different sizes. The selection now offers devices from 5 inches up to 15 inches, with the Echo Show 8 sitting in the sweet spot right in the middle.

I use the Apple iPad (10th gen) daily and it's the iPad you should buy

Britta O'Boyle — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:00:22 GMT

Apple announced the 10th generation of the standard iPad in the middle of October 2022. The tablet sits above the 9th generation model - which remains the entry-level model - but below the iPad Air, and while it didn't get an all-singing, all-dancing event for its reveal at the time, it deserved to.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 review: An impressive package for the price

Cliff Joseph — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 12:31:41 GMT

Google has recently attempted to move Chromebooks a little more upmarket with its Chromebook Plus initiative, which specifies the use of Intel or AMD processors that provide greater performance than previous generations of Chromebooks.

Denon PerL Pro review: The do-it-all earphones setting new standards

Michael Brook — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:38:57 GMT

Denon's PerL Pros have a very recognisable silhouette. That’s because they're based on the NuraTrue Pro earbuds – Denon owner Masimo acquired Nura in April 2023. The NuraTrue Pro were well received, and minus the silver accents on the logo and around the edges, the Denon PerL Pro earbuds look identical. That certainly bodes well for their performance.

This iPad accessory transformed the way I use my iPad on the go

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 10:40:15 GMT

Apple's iPad portfolio is excellent. All the models within the lineup have their own attributes, and they all have their place in the range, too. If you want a tablet for basic browsing and watching the odd flick, the iPad (9th generation) or iPad (10th generation) will serve you well. If you are looking for something with a bit more power, perhaps a tablet that you can dabble with a little work on, the iPad Air is the one you'll want. For those who need even more power and are planning to do more intensive tasks like video editing or drawing, one of the iPad Pro models should be in your basket.

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 review: A no-subscription video doorbell with some hiccups

Jason Cipriani — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:00:21 GMT

Aqara's Smart Video Doorbell G4, on paper at least, appears to do everything you'd want a video doorbell to do. It can connect to multiple smart home platforms, including Apple's HomeKit, or be used on its own through Aqara's app - if you prefer. It captures video at 1080p, has a wide field of view, and is designed well - if a little bit bulky.

Volvo EX30 review: Volvo's smallest-ever SUV comes with a big surprise

Chris Hall — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:59:43 GMT

The Volvo EX30 is part of a new wave of electric cars, aiming to drag prices down without too many compromises. The aim is to deliver more affordability and make Volvo more accessible, which might also attract people to the brand. The Swedish company is best known for its chunky wagons and big SUVs - the XC90 being the flagship of the old guard. With a more compact SUV, Volvo is aiming squarely at younger buyers, those wanting the benefits of the brand - all that safety technology - and an affordable electric car.

Insta360 Ace Pro review: A new challenger approaches

Luke Baker — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:30:20 GMT

Insta360 started out making 360 cameras, as its name might suggest, before branching out into modular cameras like the Insta360 One RS, micro cameras like the Go 3, and even a smartphone gimbal, the Insta360 Flow.

HP Envy x360 15.6 (2023) review: Robust, reliable, but a little bit dull

Lee Bell — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:34:09 GMT

HP's Envy x360 line has been shipping around the world for almost a decade. Launched back in 2014, the laptop series keeps people coming back for more thanks to its somewhat sleek design, robust performance and the added bonus of a convertible tablet mode - all while having an affordable price point.

Garmin Forerunner 265s review

Michael Sawh — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:12:22 GMT

The Garmin Forerunner 265s is the smaller version of the Forerunner 265, Garmin's mid-range multisports watch that sits just below the Forerunner 965.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro controller review: Up your game

Max Freeman-Mills — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:57:36 GMT

Pro controllers have gone from niche prospects to widely desired accessories in the last few years, with options like Scufs and PlayStation's own DualSense Edge becoming more commonly used by the day.

Sony's gaming earbuds aren't the one-stop shop I was hoping for

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 10:00:21 GMT

When it comes to gaming accessories, a shortcut to quality is often just to check out what first-party products there are available - and right now, if you're a PS5 owner, that'll take you to Sony's Inzone lineup pretty quickly.

Master and Dynamic MW09 review: Luxury listen

Cam Bunton — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:00:21 GMT

Master & Dynamic is a curious audio company in that it's not a big-name audio brand like Sony, Bose or Apple. Likewise, it's not exactly a favourite specialist brand for audiophiles. Instead, it's garnered a following among the fashion-conscious. Those who want to use their personal audio gear to express themselves, so there's almost a sense that it's as much a fashion item as it is tech.

Sony X85L review: Quietly brilliant

John Archer — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:00:22 GMT

While Sony has long excelled with its high-end LCD and OLED TVs, it's struggled to really make a major splash with its mid-range LCD offering. Its X80 series have been consistently inconsistent due to its tendency to mix and match IPS and VA types of LCD panel, and while its step-up X85 series has typically been solid, it hasn't quite had enough going on to stand out from the ultra-competitive mid-range crowd.

Fitbit Charge 6 review: A fitness tracker built with smartwatch DNA

Jason Cipriani — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:23:24 GMT

Fitbit's latest fitness tracker, the Charge 6, continues to blur the lines between a dedicated fitness tracker and a smartwatch as Google continues to integrate its services into Fitbit's products.

Super Mario RPG review: A faithful update

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:01:21 GMT

The unbelievable conveyor belt of gaming releases in 2023 hasn't quite slowed down yet, and Nintendo's Super Mario RPG is the latest to hove into view, reviving a beloved SNES classic on the Switch.

I've been using the Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/Max, 2023), here's my full review

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:11:54 GMT

Apple has given a lot of love to its MacBook Pro line in 2023. It doesn't feel like all that long ago I was writing the reviews of the MacBook Pro M2 Pro/Max model, so it's a little strange to be talking about the upgrade to those models not even a year later.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 review: Call it a bad year

Max Freeman-Mills — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:25:26 GMT

Call of Duty games come so regularly each year that it can be tempting to see them as all being the same, one blob of shooting after another in an endless line.

Opal Tadpole hands-on: An adorable webcam designed specifically for your laptop

Jason Cipriani — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:00:22 GMT

Opal's latest webcam isn't meant to be used with an external monitor or even a desktop computer setup. Instead, the $175 Tadpole webcam, the company's second hardware product, is specifically designed to clip onto the lid of your laptop, replacing its mediocre at best built-in webcam.

Ultion Nuki Plus Smart Lock review: Unlocking your door is now even smarter

Adam Davidson — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Some smart tech feels like it's been designed to solve a problem that doesn't really exist. A smart fridge that can tell you when you're out of milk may be technologically very clever, but it's not much more convenient than opening your fridge and taking a quick look at your milk.

Sony Inzone H5 headset review: A solid pairing with a PS5

Max Freeman-Mills — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:00:21 GMT

When Sony brought out its first Inzone headsets in 2022, it felt overdue - how could Sony not have its own gaming headsets, given its success with the PlayStation 5?

JBL Authentics 500 review: Loud, bassy, but not enough refinement

Andrew Williams — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:30:20 GMT

The JBL Authentics 500 is a massive wireless speaker with a split personality.

Withings ScanWatch 2 is the perfect anti-Apple Watch

Cam Bunton — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:33:11 GMT

Smartwatch sales have exploded over the past few years thanks to the Apple Watch. But for some people, the idea of having an all-singing, all-dancing gadget on their wrist pinging at them all day, acting like a mini smartphone on the wrist, is their idea of a living nightmare.

I've been using Sky Live and here's what I think

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:00:22 GMT

Sky introduced a new product earlier this year; only it was a little different to the norm. The company already launched its Sky Protect home insurance offering in 2023 - which admittedly was also different to its usual announcements - but Sky Live is in a realm of its own. While there are some products out there that do some of what Sky Live does, there's nothing really out there that does all of what it is capable of.

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen, 2022) review

Verity Burns — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:16:30 GMT

Despite a recently refreshed Amazon Fire Stick lineup, the Fire TV Cube is still the top dog of Amazon's streaming lineup. Now, in its third generation, it brings some improvements, such as a faster processor and better connectivity, while sticking to its original MO of being a Fire TV Stick and Echo speaker in one.

Vivo V29 review: Perfect portraits at a bargain price

Luke Baker — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:24:07 GMT

It was only back in March that I took the Vivo V27 and V27 Pro for a spin, but now I'm back with the Vivo V29. What happened to the V28, you may be wondering? Vivo skips a number in the V series for some reason, so the V25 preceded the V27, and presumably, we'll be seeing a V31 before too long, as well.

Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses review: A glimpse of the future

Luke Baker — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:19:06 GMT

Ray-Ban has teamed up with Meta to launch the pair's second generation of smart glasses. These new frames replace the original Ray-Ban Stories, and while the first outing was pretty neat, the Stories were lacking in a few areas, particularly in terms of sound and image quality.

Acer Swift Edge 16 review: One of the thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptops you can buy

Cliff Joseph — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:30:32 GMT

There's been something of an influx in 16-inch gaming laptops in recent months, with many, such as Lenovo's Legion Slim 7i, that combine heavyweight graphics performance with a lightweight, portable design.

I tried out the Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/Max, 2023), my initial review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:23:48 GMT

Apple has given a lot of love to its MacBook Pro line in 2023. It doesn't feel like all that long ago I was writing the reviews of the MacBook Pro M2 Pro/Max model so it's a little strange to be talking about the upgrade to those models not even a year later.

I tested the Apple iMac (M3, 2023) and here's my review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:00:18 GMT

The iMac is one of my favourite products from Apple. It has a sense of nostalgia for me that other devices like the iPhone and iPad just don't have. I still remember the iMac G3 my dad brought home with the coloured rear when I was 10 (which is now 25 years ago) and so I suppose you could say it carries a reminder of some great childhood memories, despite being a very different looking computer these days.

I tried this modded Steam Deck and it's the handheld I dreamed of as a kid

Max Freeman-Mills — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:19:06 GMT

The Steam Deck has been nothing short of a revolution in the year and a half that it's been available, completely changing many people's relationship with PC gaming.

Govee Hexagon Light Panels Ultra review: The most impressive panels so far

Luke Baker — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:04:24 GMT

Govee made a name for itself as a cheaper, but still highly impressive, alternative to brands like Nanoleaf and Philips Hue. It's a formula that's been working well, as many consumers, myself included, have begun to realise that you can get a great experience from Govee, and often even more impressive effects, without forking over so much cash.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review: Still an ANC masterclass

Chris Hall — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:30:20 GMT

With the launch of the WH-1000XM5 in 2022, Sony completely revamped the design of its ever-popular flagship headphone line. Moving on from a style that barely changed over the four previous iterations is a bold move, and it's also not the only significant change Sony has up its sleeve for the XM5s.

Alan Wake 2 review: Spiralling into madness

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:23:07 GMT

Remedy Entertainment has come a long way since the first Alan Wake game, with Control in particular breaking it out into the developer big leagues.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 review: Just about enough, never more

Sean Cameron — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:40:30 GMT

What makes a good tablet? It's a difficult question, the answer to which changes as price points rise. A more helpful direction might be, what is 'enough' tablet for most people? What is the minimum a tablet - particularly a budget tablet - needs to achieve to be useful for anyone who might pick it up?

Sony HT-A7000 soundbar review: All-in-one immersion

Mike Lowe — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:24:25 GMT

There are soundbars and there are the very best soundbars. The Sony HT-A7000 firmly falls into the latter category, as an all-in-one solution with 7.1.2 channels of output - there's a built-in woofer for bass, hence the '1', two upfiring channels, plus seven main speakers - for real immersion. It's great for emboldening a large TV's output, or just for playing music with extra pomp.

Apple iPad Air (2022) review: Still a superb tablet

Stuart Miles — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:01:26 GMT

Apple updated the excellent iPad Air in 2022 with an upgraded processor, 5G connectivity, better front-facing camera, and a couple of new colour options. Certainly, all steps in the right direction, but that's was the lot - the design is otherwise the same as the 2020 model.

Husqvarna Automower 305 review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:24 GMT

Robot lawn mowers are no small purchase. Many are thousands of dollars/pounds and while robot vacuum cleaners have come down in price over the years, with a number of budget options available, the same can't really be said for robot lawn mowers.

The Fujifilm Instax Pal is cute, but I’m not sure why you’d buy it

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 17:48:12 GMT

For a long time, Fujifilm has had two basic offerings where its Instax lineup was concerned - instant cameras with printers in them, and printers you can use to print photos from your phone.

Nintendo Switch OLED model review: Still going strong

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:51:26 GMT

There's no getting around it - the Switch is no longer a young console, after its initial launch all the way back in 2017. Nintendo gave it a shot in the arm when it released the OLED model in late 2021, though.

ThunderX3 Core review: A shockingly good gaming chair

Luke Baker — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:30:23 GMT

You may not have come across the ThunderX3 brand before, but it has been around for a while and is an offshoot of the popular PC case and cooling manufacturer Aerocool. Historically, the brand has mainly focused on affordable PC peripherals, and honestly, it's not a brand that comes to mind when I'm thinking about luxury gaming chairs.

The Panasonic MZ2000 is the ultimate home cinema package

Verity Burns — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:38:52 GMT

For a lot of flagship TVs this year, brightness has been a key focus - and no more so than for "traditional" OLEDs, for which this has standardly been one of their biggest weaknesses.

I'd take the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 over a vlogging camera any day

Luke Baker — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT

I'm a big fan of the DJI Pocket series cameras, I purchased the original at launch, and it still gets plenty of use to this day. The DJI Pocket 2 then followed in 2021, with meaningful upgrades like a larger sensor and wider FOV. However, there were a few things that made both of these cameras a bit of a pain to use, with the main one being the minuscule built-in display.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review: Detail oriented

Verity Burns — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:37:51 GMT

It turns out that the B&W Px7 S2e aren't, as I thought when the news of their arrival dropped into my inbox a few weeks ago, an entry-level version of the brand's superb 2022 wireless headphones. And thank goodness for that. The very foundation of Bowers & Wilkins is built on quality - the day B&W goes budget is a day I hope I never see.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review: The best ANC you can buy

Verity Burns — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:04:53 GMT

Bose took us by surprise recently when, alongside the launch of the new QuietComfort Ultra flagship over-ears, it also announced the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - replacing the fantastic QuietComfort Earbuds II after barely a year on the shelves.

HP Victus 16 (AMD, 2023) review: Strong performance at a competitive price

Cliff Joseph — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:59:18 GMT

We liked the recent update to HP's high-end Omen 16 gaming laptop, but the company also updated its entry-level Victus 16 at the same time. Designed to provide a less expensive gateway into gaming, the 16-inch Victus is actually available in two entirely separate models, using either Intel or AMD processors, with both models providing a number of additional customisation and upgrade options (at least for customers in the US, anyway).

Beats Studio Pro review: An icon reborn

Verity Burns — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:14:32 GMT

While Beats as a brand has diversified its lineup significantly over the years, to anyone who has followed the brand from the beginning, the Beats over-ears will always feel like the head of the family - the design that started it all and single-handedly changed the headphone landscape as we know it.

OnePlus Open review: A no-compromise foldable phone

Cam Bunton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:47:33 GMT

OnePlus's smartphone journey has been an interesting one, to say the least. To the point where if you told anyone right when the super-affordable 'flagship killer' OnePlus One was announced that in a few years, the company would have a $1500 folding smartphone, they'd have laughed in your face.

Honor 90 review: A good mid-range smartphone at a brilliant price

Verity Burns — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:23:20 GMT

It feels like Honor is really getting into its stride right now. With several good releases under its belt in the past few years, and a couple of really promising-looking ones too, it feels like now - more than ever - is a time to be watching the Chinese manufacturer closely.

Sony A95L review: Wow factor

John Archer — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:58:46 GMT

As was the case when the technology debuted last year, just two brands have embraced QD-OLED TVs for 2023: Samsung and Sony. Samsung's support was inevitable, of course, given that the South Korean brand invented the technology as an alternative to the 'regular' WRGB OLED TVs, made popular by LG, that it's refused to use for more than a decade.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2, 2022) review

Britta O'Boyle — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:00:24 GMT

Apple updated its iPad Pro line in October 2022 and while the design remained identical to the predecessors, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models got a big performance boost under their hoods, making them exceptionally powerful tablets.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 review: Sounds expensive

Verity Burns — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 18:45:56 GMT

It's fair to say that Bang & Olufsen has never been too concerned about making the speakers it produces in any way "reasonably priced". In fact, I'd be surprised if cost even made the list of considerations when the idea of the Beosound A5 was bounced around B&O HQ.

VW ID. Buzz review: The most practical EV on the road

Chris Hall — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:01:23 GMT

The ID. Buzz is arguably the most exciting model from VW's ID line that has launched so far. Sure, as a car it doesn't have mass market appeal like the ID. 3 might, but VW's new love bus turns heads like no other model. That's quite an achievement when VW Transporters are everywhere. But the ID. Buzz is a cross-segment star like no other: it might be a campervan, a minibus, or a delivery van among its many forms. That's the appeal that VW's vans have, and something that the ID. Buzz wants to capitalise on.

Philips OLED808 review: A stunning mid-range OLED

Steve May — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:35:36 GMT

The 55-inch OLED808 is part of Philips' 2023 8-Series family, which also comprises 48-, 65- and 77-inch models. It may not be the flagship model for this year, but there are two big reasons to pay attention to this particular Ambilight TV.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review: One of the best Android tablets money can buy

Esat Dedezade — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 18:38:39 GMT

The iPad has long dominated the tablet world, but the winds are shifting. Samsung's market share has grown from 7.3 per cent in 2012, to an impressive 20.6 per cent in 2023. Apple's still ahead at 37 per cent, mind, but the numbers show its competition is catching up - and Samsung is very much the manufacturer preparing to snap at its heels.

Xbox Series X review: A juggernaut picking up speed

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 14:00:23 GMT

It's been almost exactly three years since the Xbox Series X was first released in a blast of fanfare, and Microsoft's most powerful console is still looking mighty fine today.

Nikon Zf review 2023: More than just a looker

Luke Baker — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:00:24 GMT

When I first got word of the Nikon Zf I assumed, as I'm sure many did, that it would essentially be a Z6II repackaged in a vintage-style housing. In reality, the Zf has a lot more to offer than just some retro charm - though it does have plenty of that, too.

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar review: Smart by name, smart by nature

Steve Withers — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:30:25 GMT

Not long after Bose unveiled its new Ultra range of flagship noise-cancelling headphones, did its soundbar range got a similar shake-up. That meant the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 was replaced (and subsequently massively discounted), with the new Bose Smart Ultra soundbar taking its spot as the flagship option.

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi review

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:37:50 GMT

It's not exactly the most unknown of adages - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. JBL disagrees, though. It's ignored that advice and gone one better with its refresh of the already great Charge 5 speaker, and has actually improved it.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 review: Clean lines and clever tech make it a hit

Chris Hall — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:00:39 GMT

I first got to drive the Hyundai Ioniq 6 at the tail end of 2022 and was left feeling hugely impressed with it. Since then, I've had a few more encounters with the car, including an interesting experiment in the US where Hyundai pitched it against the fab new Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup for a high-mileage road trip. Putting a fleet of all-electric cars up against petrol-engine models is always going to be interesting - even more so when you're heading out for hours on end and driving through the tortuous heat of Death Valley.

Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 review: An audiophile's dream ANC headphones

Cam Bunton — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:00:43 GMT

In the world of professional audio - particularly music recording and performance - Shure is well-known for producing exceptional sound and functionality from its microphones, in-ear monitors and headphones. In the world of consumer technology, however, it does not have the mainstream appeal of the likes of Apple, Beats, Sony or Bose. At least not when it comes to over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

Husqvarna Automower Aspire R4 review

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:11:30 GMT

Robot lawn mowers are probably not super high on your "need to buy" list, but that doesn't mean they can't be top of the "things you'd love to buy." They are a luxury purchase, but having been testing various models for the last couple of months, I have to say, I'm absolutely sold on owning one, despite their particularly high price tags.

Sony A7C II review: Don't call it a compact

Cam Bunton — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:58:40 GMT

Sony's been here for years; in fact, it recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its first Alpha series full-frame mirrorless camera. A lot has changed since then, but it would be very easy to argue that - of all the camera makers - Sony has been driving innovation harder than most.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder review: Fizzing with ideas

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:00:37 GMT

It's been a while coming, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder is finally here to give the 2D side of Mario's lineage a long-awaited update and inject it with some new ideas.

Samsung QN90C review: Bright and beautiful

John Archer — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:08:05 GMT

As much as we loved Samsung's flagship 4K Mini LED TV for 2023, the QN95C range, for some regions - including the US - this flagship telly is sadly absent from the lineup. Instead, that job is reserved for the QN90C.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones review: Moving in silence

Verity Burns — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:00:35 GMT

It's been a while since we've had a new pair of flagship headphones from noise-cancelling aficionados Bose - almost 4.5 years in fact. In the trend of annual - or at the very most, biennial - launches of tech's big-name products, that makes the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 practically ancient.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric review: Dark and delectable

Rob Clymo — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:32:24 GMT

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a familiar sight on our roads for years, ever since 1983. Now though, it's been reborn and, while there's still a petrol option for those who want it, the Corsa has gone full electric for its latest incarnation, with a hybrid model to follow later just for good measure. It's a bit pricey though, starting from £32,445 rising to £38,585 for the model you see here. Petrol editions start at under £20k.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review: Worth hunting down

Max Freeman-Mills — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:00:33 GMT

Insomniac's hot streak continues - this is clearly a studio at the very top of its game, churning out top-quality titles at a volume that almost makes no sense.

Panasonic Lumix G9ii review: The best Micro Four Thirds camera ever made

Luke Baker — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:35:20 GMT

People have been speculating that the Micro Four Thirds system is on its way out for years and with Panasonic's recent focus on full-frame bodies, that was starting to feel more like a reality. Then, out of nowhere, the G9ii arrived on the scene, and the system is more alive than ever.

Nikon Z8 review: Brilliant at everything

Luke Baker — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:13:29 GMT

Nikon pitches the Z8 as the mirrorless successor to arguably the best DSLR ever made, the Nikon D850. In reality, it shares more DNA with the brand's flagship mirrorless body, the Z9, only it's shrunken down to be more compact, and it comes at a more affordable price point.

Volvo C40 Recharge (2023) review

Chris Hall — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:00:34 GMT

Volvo's path to electrification is well underway, with the company aiming to be purely electric by 2030. That means there won't be any more launches for combustion models, with a transition from cars designed initially for combustion to vehicles powered by batteries.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2023) review: Your bedside Alexa just got even better

Adam Davidson — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:01:34 GMT

Since the first Amazon Echo smart speaker was introduced all the way back in 2014, the range has diversified enormously. There's an Echo device for almost every need imaginable, from the Echo Flex, that's basically Alexa in a plug to the upcoming Echo Hub that lets you control your entire smart home from a touchscreen display.

Sennheiser Ambeo Plus review: A performance that adds up

Verity Burns — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 09:39:24 GMT

If you're looking to spend upwards of $1000/£1000 on a soundbar, chances are you care a fair bit about how your AV system looks and sounds (and have the budget to splash out).

Sennheiser Accentum review: Hitting the mid-range

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:46:11 GMT

Sennheiser is rolling the dice - in more ways than one - with the Accentum. Firstly, it's diving back into the mid-range market for over-ears having had Momentum flagship headphones at the top-end for ages.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic review: You spin me round

Cam Bunton — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:51:23 GMT

For 2023, Samsung brought back a fan-favourite feature: the rotating bezel. It's an on-again off-again feature that's appeared on a number of different Samsung smartwatches over the years.

Hisense U7K review: Ridiculously affordable

John Archer — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:00:34 GMT

The more I see of Mini LED technology, the more convinced I am that it's the LCD TV technology of the future. Last year, though, Hisense had the unfortunate privilege of being the one brand that bucked the generally positive Mini LED trend by creating something of a territorial battleground when it came to picture quality.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 preview: Beta impressions

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:34 GMT

What do you make of a beta? I'm still scarred from over-investing in the incredibly impressive audio of last year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta, audio which completely disappeared at launch, so I'm more cautious for Modern Warfare 3's.

Google Pixel 8 Pro review: Google just went and reinvented smartphone photography

Chris Hall — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:32 GMT

The Pixel takes a lot of headlines but still commands a relatively small slice of the overall smartphone market. Dwarfed by the likes of Apple and Samsung, Google's phones are slowly gaining popularity. The Pixel has defined itself on the camera experience, the freedom from bloatware and being front of the queue when it comes to software updates.

Google Pixel 8 review: Impressively smart and refined

Jason Cipriani — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:32 GMT

Google's Pixel 8 is one of two new smartphones from the search giant and Android maker and the successor to last year's superb Pixel 7. As you'd expect, it brings a series of improvements, but this year, the upgrades are more in the experience, making it feel like a pathway to a dedicated AI computer that also happens to be able to make calls, send texts and take photos.

Pixel Watch 2 review: A Fitbit in disguise?

Cam Bunton — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:32 GMT

With Pixel Watch, Google built a lot of excitement. It had a lot going for it and more than one 'first' to lean on. For starters, it was Google's first homemade smartwatch and was the first WearOS watch to ship with Fitbit onboard. Top that off with a unique, stunning design; surely, it was a recipe for success.

GoPro Hero 12 Black review

Luke Baker — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:34 GMT

As a heavy user of action cameras, I always eagerly anticipate GoPro's next big launch. And with rumours saying the 2023 model might boast features like a 1-inch sensor or 4K at 240fps, I was especially excited to see what would be in store this year.

Meta Quest 3 review: Taking standalone VR to the next level

Luke Baker — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:01:10 GMT

The Oculus Quest and Quest 2 changed the game for VR, taking the medium from the prohibitively expensive and cumbersome realm of tethered PC headsets, and propelling it into the mainstream.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder preview: Hands on with Mario's latest

Max Freeman-Mills — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:27:43 GMT

It's been too long since we got a proper Mario platformer, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder is finally almost upon us, and it's looking like it could be a pretty meaningful update to the decades-old formula.

Sony PS5 review: The reigning champ

Max Freeman-Mills — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:04:33 GMT

Success doesn't always come easy, and the PlayStation 5 had some major teething trouble when it was first released - not in terms of software, but in availability.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review: Simply put, it adds up

Jules Wang — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:33 GMT

Google's new Chromebook Plus scheme is a coordinated attempt to bring better performance and more things to do on the perceptibly lightweight ChromeOS. Last year's musclier Chromebooks are being repackaged in new bodies, freshened up with sparkly new features, and sold for as low as $400. One such Chromebook is Acer's Chromebook Plus 515.

Sony X95L review: Closing the gap

John Archer — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 09:00:30 GMT

At the start of 2023, pretty much all the TV tech buzz was around OLED TV technologies. Whether it was the new micro lens array system LG had added to its LG G3 or the second, much-improved generation of Samsung's Quantum Dot-infused take on OLED in the S95C, the chatter was all about which OLED TV would conquer the world. LCD scarcely got a look in.

Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift review: A near-perfect indoor bike

Jon Hicks — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:21:22 GMT

Indoor cycling continues to grow and there's little indication that this trend is going to change anytime soon. Previously the preserve of a dedicated few in the depths of winter, indoor riding is now a year-round venture that most sports cyclists will take part in in some way - and increasingly all year round.

Astell&Kern UW100MkII review: Second time's a charm

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:00:33 GMT

It's always been a bit of a hard sell convincing audiophiles to give true wireless earbuds a shot - their very wireless nature means that until tech advances, they're going to fall behind studio conditions and huge open-back over ears.

Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar review: Subtle tech smarts

Leon Poultney — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:00:32 GMT

If you are in the market for a tough, outdoors GPS smartwatch, now is arguably one of the best times to get your shop on, and the Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is another to add to your growing list.

Acer Swift X 14 review: Powerful, portable and stylish

Andrew Williams — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:17:57 GMT

The Acer Swift X 14 is a high-performance laptop that doesn't trade away all its gloss at the alter of practicality and power.

Garmin Venu 3 review: A more holistic smartwatch

Cam Bunton — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:11:44 GMT

For the past few years, the Venu range from Garmin has been the one range designed for 'the average consumer' (whoever that is). But, from a company that's so used to producing watches and gadgets designed for specific niches, it's the model with the most broad appeal.

Zeekr X review: Potent, premium and very promising

Rob Clymo — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 23:57:38 GMT

The Zeekr X is one half of a (currently) two-pronged model attack on Europe alongside the Zeekr 001, a plush, all-electric executive saloon. The Chinese company, part of the huge Geely group, has only been producing cars since 2021, but the start-up has ambitious plans for hitting the UK and wider right-hand drive marketplace before long.

Assassin's Creed Mirage review: Back to basics

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:06:31 GMT

The threat of bloat is real, and the Assassin's Creed series is a prime example - its games have been getting bigger and bigger, culminating in the simply giant sprawl of Valhalla.