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Product Reviews

‘Blade Runner 2099’ Gets Official 2026 Window by Prime Video

by admin August 24, 2025

Good news: we now know Blade Runner 2099 still exists, and it’s on track to hit Prime Video sometime in 2026!

The target window was revealed in an internal memo from the streamer’s TV development head Laura Lancaster. Per Deadline, the memo was to announce a pair of company promotions, and in it, Lancaster remarked new co-production head Kara Smith was “pivotal” in several upcoming shows, including 2099 and the upcoming Spider-Man: Noir, which is also due in 2026. 2099 is currently in post-production, and this update comes a few weeks after executive producer David Zucker told ScreenRant he thought the series would arrive “when Amazon wants that show to air.”

Blade Runner 2099 was announced back in 2022, and marks the franchise’s latest foray into television after Adult Swim’s CG anime Black Lotus. The most we know about the show is its cast: Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer are our two leads Olwen and Cora, and they’re further joined by Tom Burke, Dimitri Abold, and Katelyn Rose Downey. This past March, Burke indicated 2099’s aesthetic would lean more toward the 1982 film over 2017’s Blade Runner 2049, while continuing the threads explored in those two films.

Prime Video’s been careful about keeping 2099 close to the chest, in part because the show’s production was delayed in 2023 during the Hollywood strikes. But we’re not that far out from 2026, and depending on when in the year the show is expected to drop, we may finally get a look at Blade Runner 2099 in the near future.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Best MacBooks (2025): Which Apple Laptop Should You Buy?

by admin August 24, 2025

The bigger change is in how many external displays the M3 MacBook Air can support. While the M4 model can power up to two 4K external displays, the M3 MacBook Air can only do that if the lid of the laptop is shut. But if that isn’t a hang-up for you, you’ll likely be very happy with the cash you save going for an older model, especially if you opt for a refurbished or renewed version.

The Cheapest MacBook

Courtesy of Apple

Apple

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Apple doesn’t typically keep older MacBooks in its lineup officially. But for a few years now, the company has allowed Walmart to exclusively sell new versions of the MacBook that started it all: the M1 MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2020. This laptop with the original M1 chip is still a pretty powerful laptop at its lower price. It’s not the snazziest Apple laptop, but it lasts more than a full workday, with the battery hitting 22 percent after I ran it almost nonstop from 9 am to 7 pm using Safari and work apps like Slack.

Walmart recently dropped the price to $599, which is a configuration that comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. That’s not the most impressive machine in the world, admittedly. Just keep in mind that while this M1 chip supports Apple Intelligence, it may struggle with some tasks due to the limited memory. Also, if you push it with too many browser tabs and apps running simultaneously, you may run into some slowdowns. Other downsides? The 720p webcam isn’t great, and the M1 only supports one external monitor.

This is an easy choice for students, although a recent rumor might make you want to wait if you’re not in a rush. Multiple reports indicate that Apple may announce a 12.9-inch budget MacBook that will retail for $599, very much taking the place of the M1 MacBook Air. This new MacBook will reportedly use the iPhone’s A18 Pro chip, a newer and faster processor than the M1.

A Breakdown of Each M-Series Chip

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All of Apple’s processors are scattered throughout different MacBook models. While Apple only currently sells M4 MacBooks, you can find older models at specific third-party retailers online either completely new or refurbished. If you do stumble upon its older chips (which came out four years ago), you might be wondering how they compare to other options. We break down the differences between each one.

M4 Series

M4: The M4 is the current entry-level chip and has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Apple claims it delivers 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance than the M1. Meanwhile, the neural engine is over three times faster than the original and twice as fast as the M3. It also starts with 16 GB of unified memory, which will help power Apple Intelligence (the company’s suite of artificial intelligence features) a lot more smoothly. It’s available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2024), iMac (2024), and MacBook Air (13-inch and 15-inch, 2025).

M4 Pro: The M4 Pro has a 14-core CPU (which Apple claims is up to 1.9 times faster than the M1 Pro) and up to 20-core GPU, with up to 64 GB of unified memory. Built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process, it also supports enhanced GPU features like mesh shading and ray tracing—the latter of which is now twice as fast as on M3 chips. You’ll find it on the latest MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) and Mac Mini (2024).

M4 Max: This chip has a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU with support for up to 128 GB of unified memory. Apple says the CPU is up to 2.2 times faster than the M1 Max, while the GPU is up to 1.9 times faster. As with the M4 Pro, it packs support for mesh shading and ray tracing. The M4 Max is currently the most powerful chip you can get in a MacBook, and is available on the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. You can also get it as an option in the current Mac Studio.

M3 Series

M3: The M3 is available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro (late 2023), 13-inch MacBook Air (2024), 15-inch MacBook Air (2024), and 24-inch iMac (2023). It packs an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU with 24 GB of unified memory. When compared to the M1, Apple claims CPU performance is up to 35 percent faster and GPU performance is up to 65 percent faster. The company says the CPU and GPU are both 20 percent faster than the M2. As with the M1 and M2, it’s great for basic tasks like word processing, sending emails, using spreadsheets, and light gaming. With the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, you also have support for two external displays (one display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz and another with up to 5K resolution at 60 Hz).

M3 Pro: With a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU, Apple claims the M3 Pro’s GPU is only up to 10 percent faster than the M2 Pro—making this a marginal upgrade from its predecessor. Compared to the M1 Pro, however, the M2 Pro is up to 40 percent faster in GPU performance and 20 percent faster in CPU performance. It’s available on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2023. It’s the ideal in-between for those who need a chip that’s more powerful than the M3 but won’t utilize the full power of the M3 Max.

M3 Max: This is the next step up from the M2 Max and the most powerful of the three chips (but still not as powerful as the M2 Ultra). It has a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and up to 128 GB of unified memory. According to Apple, the CPU performance is up to 80 percent faster than the M1 Max and up to 50 percent faster than the M2 Max. As for GPU performance, it’s said to be up to 50 percent faster than the M1 Max and 20 percent faster than the M2 Max. The M3 Max is available on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (late 2023).

M3 Ultra: While the M3 lineup was introduced in 2023, Apple announced an M3 Ultra in 2025. It’s confusingly the most powerful chip in the M-series lineup—even better than the latest M4 Max. It has an up to 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and a GPU with up to 80 cores. Apple claims it’s up to 2.5 times faster than the M1 Ultra. It also comes with 96 GB of unified memory, with the option to upgrade up to 512 GB, while SSD storage can be increased to 16 GB. This chip is currently only available on the 2025 Mac Studio.

M2 Series

M2: You might think the M2 is better than the M1 Pro or M1 Max, but you’d be wrong. It’s an entry-level chip like the M1, with slightly more processing power. It packs an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU (two more GPU cores than its predecessor), along with support for up to 24 GB of unified memory. Apple says the second-generation chip has an 18 percent faster CPU and a GPU that’s 35 percent more powerful. The M2 is great for daily tasks like word processing and web browsing, but tasks like editing multiple streams of 4K footage and 3D rendering should be reserved for the M1 Pro or M1 Max (or the next two chips). It’s available in the MacBook Air (13 inch, 2022), MacBook Air (15 inch, 2022), and MacBook Pro (13 inch, 2022).

M2 Pro: The M2 Pro is the next step up from the M2. It has up to 12 cores in the CPU and up to a 19-core GPU, with up to 32 GB of unified memory. Apple claims performance is up to 20 percent faster than the 10-core M1 Pro and graphics are 30 percent faster. We recommend this chip for intermediate video and photo editors. It’s a marginal upgrade compared to the M1 Pro, but it’s the best option for those who want a more future-proof processor. You’ll find it in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from early 2023 and Mac Mini (2023).

M2 Max: The M2 Max packs up to a 12-core CPU and up to a 38-core GPU (with support for up to 96 GB of unified memory). According to Apple, graphics are 30 percent faster than the M1 Max. The M2 Max is an excellent choice for those who work with graphics-intensive content, including graphic design, 3D modeling, and heavy-duty video footage. But as with the M2 Pro, it’s an incremental upgrade if you’re coming from an M1 Max. It’s available in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) that came out early in 2023 and Mac Studio (2023).

M2 Ultra: This is the successor to the M1 Ultra. It’s available on the second-generation Mac Studio and the Mac Pro (2023). Composed of two M2 Max chips, using Apple’s UltraFusion technology, the M2 Ultra has a 24-core CPU and a GPU configurable with 60 or 76 cores. Apple claims the CPU delivers up to 20 percent faster performance and a 30 percent faster GPU than the M1 Ultra. This is the chip to get if you’re working with extremely heavy-duty content that you believe the M1 Ultra, M2 Pro, or M2 Max simply won’t be able to handle. You’ll know if you need a chip this robust.

M1 Series

M1: This is the first custom silicon Apple debuted for its MacBook Air in 2020. It has an 8-core CPU and up to an 8-core GPU. Originally, there was support for up to 16 GB of unified memory (RAM) at an extra cost, but nowadays you can only purchase the 8-GB model. It’s much faster than any previous Intel-powered MacBook Pro, and it is the practical choice for most people, as it’s in the most affordable MacBook Air you can buy (from third-party retailers). It packs more than enough processing power to get you through common day-to-day tasks—even light gaming—and it can handle more intense jobs like photo editing.

M1 Pro: Next step up is the M1 Pro. It has up to 10 cores in the CPU and up to a 16-core GPU, with up to 32 GB of unified memory. Apple says performance and graphics are both twice as fast as on the M1. We found it to be considerably more capable than the base chip, ideal for anyone who works heavily on MacBooks for music production or photo and video editing. Only the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from 2021 use this chip.

M1 Max: Like the M1 Pro, the M1 Max has a 10-core CPU but a heftier 32-core GPU (with support for up to 64 GB of unified memory). Apple says it’s four times faster than the M1 in terms of graphics. As proven in testing, this chip is extremely powerful and handles every heavy-duty task with ease. It was the go-to choice if you needed computer that could handle multiple streams of 8K or 4K video footage, 3D rendering, or developing apps and running demos. You probably already know whether you need this much power. It’s available in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from 2021.

M1 Ultra: The M1 Ultra is the second-most powerful of them all. It’s two M1 Max chips connected with a technology called UltraFusion. It packs a 20-core CPU, 64-core GPU (which can be configured with up to 128 GB of unified memory), and a 32-core neural engine—complete with seven times more transistors than the base M1. Even with the M3 Ultra now available, the M1 Ultra remains powerful and a solid option for anyone who needs a heavy-duty processor for working with intense visuals and graphics. It was available only on the first-generation Mac Studio.

Which MacBooks Are Compatible With MacOS Tahoe?

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Apple announced macOS Tahoe at its keynote at WWDC 2025. The update comes with a host of new features, including a visual redesign, a spruced up version of Spotlight, and a new Games app. The public beta will be available to download in July, with an official release later this fall.

MacOS Tahoe is the final version of macOS to support some Intel-based Macs. Specifically these are the last Intel-powered Macs to get macOS Tahoe:

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
iMac (27-inch, 2020)
Mac Pro (2019)

You won’t find these Macs on our recommended list below, but if you already own one, you’ll get one more big update this year, along with three years of security updates. All Macs with M-Series chips, going back to 2020, are compatible with macOS Tahoe.

Which Macs Support Apple Intelligence?

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With Apple’s current version of its operating system, macOS Sequoia, you’ll have access to Apple Intelligence—the company’s artificial intelligence features that are also available in iOS and iPadOS 18. Apple launched the first set of features with macOS Sequoia 15.1, including Writing Tools, an overhauled Siri, Smart Replies, and Mail Summaries, and Clean Up in Photos. However, Apple Intelligence is exclusive to Macs with the an M-series chip. This includes the following:

MacBook Air (M1, M2, M3, M4)
MacBook Pro (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max)
iMac (M1, M3, M4)
Mac Mini (M1, M2, M2 Pro, M4, M4 Pro)
Mac Studio (M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2 Max, M2 Ultra, M3 Ultra)

Get AppleCare+ to Protect Your Devices

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None of Apple’s MacBooks are cheap, and replacement parts are nightmarishly expensive. Since the entire computer is fully integrated into Apple’s tightly designed aluminum chassis, you’re one coffee spill away from a shockingly large repair bill. This is why Apple’s AppleCare+ might be worthwhile. Remember, you have to purchase it within 60 days of purchasing your MacBook.

Apple offers the choice between monthly or yearly payments. Both include unlimited accidental protection along with 24/7 telephone support. If your MacBook has screen damage or enclosure damage, you’ll have to pay a $99 service fee, while other accidental damage will cost $299. The monthly payments vary depending on the specific MacBook you buy:

MacBook Air (13-inch): $7 per month or $70 per year
MacBook Air (15-inch): $8 per month or $100 per year
MacBook Pro (14-inch): $10 per month or $60 per year
MacBook Pro (16-inch): $15 per month or $150 per year

Take Advantage of Apple’s Education Discounts

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Apple always offers small discounts on hardware for students and teachers. All you need to do is purchase something through Apple’s Education Store, choose the product you want (you should see the discounted pricing), and go through the motions to place the order like normal. You don’t need to show any proof that you’re a student at the time of purchase, but you should be honest, as Apple can ask you at a later date for verification. It’s worth noting that the discounts are not as good as what you’ll find on Amazon and sometimes other retailers like Walmart, so be sure to check prices.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

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Yes. Apple released a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chips in late 2024. The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air received the M4 treatment in March 2025. It’s also fine to buy M3-powered MacBooks if you can find them on sale, just make sure it’s the model with at least 16 GB of RAM.

Although the MacBook Pro has been updated each fall for the past few years, recent rumors indicate that the M5 MacBook Pro might be delayed until 2026. Neither the Pro or the Air are rumored to receive a significant overhaul in this next generation though, so now’s a safe time to buy.

The one caveat is that a cheaper, 12.9-inch MacBook is rumored to launch later this year. While it’s still just a rumor, multiple independent reports have now predicted the announcement, which is for a $599 MacBook powered by an A14 Pro chip. If you’re shopping at that price, it might be worth waiting a few months.

Other MacBooks to Consider

Apple releases new MacBooks at a quick pace, so you might feel inclined to buy the latest and greatest. These slightly older models are still good options, as long as you find them on sale for the right price. Apple no longer sells them directly, but we recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H). Just cross-check the price with the latest models and make sure you’re spending less.

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Late 2023): The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are powered by the M3 series chips. You can configure the 14-inch MacBook Pro with all three, while the 16-inch version can be paired with M3 Pro and M3 Max. The M3 is ideal if you want a few of the “Pro” features but don’t want to spend nearly $2,000 to get them, while the M3 Pro or M3 Max are great for tasks like editing 4K videos, rendering 3D models in CAD, and producing music.

MacBook Air (15-inch, 2023): The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) packs all the same features as the 13-inch version, plus a larger screen. The M2 also offers great performance and good battery life (we squeezed about 10 hours out of it). The only problem is that it is sometimes only sold for marginally less than the M3 model, and sometimes only comes with 8GB of RAM. Keep that in mind as you consider pricing.

MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Early 2023): If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on the latest 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends), the M2 Pro and M2 Max (which launched early in 2023) are more than capable of handling intensive, graphically demanding production work. In our testing, both the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max delivered smooth performance and playback after being put through stress tests (like editing 4K and RED Raw footage, as well as adding 3D effects). I recommend only snagging this one for around $1,500 or less.

MacBook Pro (14-Inch and 16-Inch, 2021): These MacBook Pro models (8/10, WIRED Recommends), powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max, were the start of a new era for Apple’s high-end machines. The company introduced a redesigned chassis with more ports, a 120-Hz refresh rate, and a MagSafe port. Even though these launched in late 2021, you don’t have to steer clear of them—both processors are still plenty powerful. In our testing, we found the M1 Max felt one-to-one with the $6,000+ older Mac Pro. It didn’t struggle at all while editing heavy-duty footage. However, it’s growing increasingly tough to find in stock at third-party retailers. If you do manage to locate one, I advise purchasing it only if it’s on sale for around $1,100 or less.

Great MacBook Accessories

Photograph: Baggu

There are a lot of MacBook accessories to enhance your experience, including cases and chargers for on-the-go and peripherals to use at your desk. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations, but you can find more in our Best MacBook Accessories guide.

Incase Hardshell Case Dots (16-inch MacBook Pro) for $40: This is currently our favorite case for the MacBook. It has precise cutouts for all the ports, rubberized feet that keep it from sliding, and ventilation to help prevent the MacBook from overheating.

Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve for $32: This puffy laptop sleeve is adorable and protective. The Velcro enclosure is also strong enough that you don’t have to worry about your laptop accidentally sliding out.

Photograph: Branch

Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: This is our top pick in our Best Laptop Stands guide. It’s sturdy enough that it won’t bounce or shift while using it, lifts your screen to 7 inches high, and adjusts to any viewing angle. It also has a nice, clean look to it.

Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk for $180: This is a great solution if you constantly work on the go but prefer using an external keyboard and mouse with your laptop. The Casa Pop-Up Desk comes with a keyboard and trackpad that fit into a compact case that doubles as a laptop stand.

Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (USB-C) for $149: Crafting a workstation around your MacBook? A stand-alone keyboard is a nice upgrade. It comes equipped with a Touch ID button, so you can use it to log in, download apps, and pay for purchases. It also has the same function row keys as M-series MacBooks, including a dedicated Do Not Disturb button, playback buttons, and a Mission Control key.

Photograph: Logitech

Logitech Lift for Mac for $80: This ergonomic mouse is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of time at your desk and deal with wrist pain. It has great battery life too—I’ve gone over a year without needing new batteries. You can program the buttons with Mac-specific features. Read our Best Ergonomic Mice guide for more.

Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K for $100: This hub is our top pick in our Best USB Hubs guide. It packs several USB-C ports, all of which are nicely labeled by their maximum speed. It can also handle intensive tasks in minutes, such as transferring hundreds of GBs of 6K footage. It’s worth noting, however, that it doesn’t have any USB-A ports.

BenQ 27-Inch IPS Monitor (GW2786TC) for $250: There are cheaper 1080p monitors, but none that accessorize MacBooks in such a classy way with its simple white design. You can connect up your MacBook while charging it at the same time, and it even has a 100-Hz refresh rate.

Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED for $850: If you’re in the Mac ecosystem as a creator, you need a monitor that’s designed for media and content creation. The Dell 32 Plus (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the first OLED monitors that isn’t outrageously expensive while still being a proper HDR monitor and maintaining excellent color performance. On top of that, it’s a gorgeous and would look great next to a MacBook.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

NordVPN two-year plans are up to 77 percent off right now

by admin August 24, 2025

VPN users are overwhelmed with choice, and there are as many bad options out there as there are good ones. Luckily, NordVPN sits in the latter category, and right now Nord is offering discounted plans across its various tiers. If you take out a two-year NordVPN Plus plan (the company’s most popular plan) it’ll cost you $108 for the duration of the contract, with Nord throwing in three extra months at no extra cost. That’s 73 percent off the usual rate.

As well as Nord’s VPN service, a Plus plan also includes the Threat Protection Pro anti-malware tool, password management and an ad- and tracker-blocker. A Prime plan additionally comes with encrypted cloud storage or NordProtect, which insures you against identity theft and monitors dark web activity. That’s also on sale — down to $189 on the same two-year commitment with those three additional months thrown in, which works out to a 77 percent savings on the regular price.

Nord

When Engadget’s Sam Chapman reviewed NordVPN earlier this year, he praised its excellent download speeds, exclusive features and extensive server network. Less impressive is its clunky interface and inconsistent design when jumping between different platforms running a NordVPN app. While it doesn’t quite make the cut in our guide to the best VPNs available right now, it generally performed well in speed tests and Threat Protection Pro is really worth having.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Casabrews 5418 Pro coffee maker on kitchen counter with coffee cups, milk pitcher, and plant

Product Reviews

Casabrews 5418 Pro review: a budget-friendly espresso machine, but one that cuts a few too many corners

by admin August 24, 2025

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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: one-minute review

The Casabrews 5418 Pro espresso machine is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate via physical buttons and a simple lever to control all its functions. A pressure meter on the machine’s face helps guide extraction; but the pressure can be inconsistent, leading to under-extracted espresso.

This inconsistency may well be down to the boiler, but it’s further hindered by the lightweight plastic tamper, which makes it difficult to exert much pressure on the coffee puck. The portafilter also feels rather flimsy, and with no clip to keep it in place, the filter basket had a tendency to fall out when I was knocking out used grounds.

The Casabrews 5418 Pro can work well, but it sometimes struggles to achieve the necessary pressure for well-extracted espresso (Image credit: Future)

On the positive side, the 5418 Pro heats up quickly, and the shot volume can be manually configured to compensate for any drips once the pump has finished. The steam wand is also a highlight, with a good range of movement and a cool-touch silicone handle. The machine can also dispense hot water for tea, which is handy.

Casabrews 5418 Pro at Amazon for $159.99

My first impressions were overwhelmingly positive, but the more I used this machine, the more it became apparent where corners had been cut to keep the price so low.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: price and availability

Launching late August 2025
List price $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460)
About the same price as Breville/Sage Bambino

At the time of writing, the Casabrews 5418 Pro has yet to be officially launched. It will go on sale on August 26, 2025, with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460). However, there will be a $120 launch coupon, bringing that price down to just $179.99 (about £130 / AU$280) – and, ahead of its launch date, Casabrews is offering pre-orders for an early bird price of $159.99 (about £120 / AU$250) at Amazon.

The Breville Bambino (known as the Sage Bambino in the UK) is a compact espresso machine sporting roughly the same specifications, and has a similar list price at $299.95 / £329.95 / AU$449.95. The Bambino has been around for several years, and can usually be found steeply discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Check out our full Sage Bambino review for more details.

Today’s best Casabrews 5418 Pro deals

Casabrews 5418 Pro: specifications

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Name

Casabrews 5418 Pro

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Dimensions

12 x 5 x 11 inches / 30.5 x 13.5 x 28cm

Weight

7.2lbs / 3.27kg

Water reservoir capacity

34oz / 1 liter

Steam wand

Manual

Max pressure

20 bars

User profiles

N/A

Casabrews 5418 Pro: design

Very compact and lightweight
Physical buttons rather than touchscreen
Accessories feel somewhat flimsy

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is extremely compact, and very light, making it ideal for small kitchens; you can easily tuck it in a corner and move it around, if necessary. It measures just 12 inches / 30.5cm tall, 5 inches / 13.5cm wide, and 11 inches / 28cm deep. That’s tiny enough to fit on my kitchen scale, which confirmed that it weighs around 7.2lbs / 3.27kg including its power cable and plug.

I was testing the North American version. The UK model, when it launches, will be slightly heavier as a result of the bigger fused plug.

Image 1 of 2

The tank is easy to lift off the back of the machine(Image credit: Future)The water tank has a robust handle (Image credit: Future)

The water tank lifts easily out of the back of the machine, and has a robust handle that makes it easy to carry to and from the sink. There’s no water filter provided, but I wouldn’t expect that for such an affordable espresso machine. Casabrews doesn’t currently appear to sell filters for this machine, but you could fill it with filtered water, if you like. Just don’t use distilled water; it’s not good for any coffee machine, and can cause problems with the water-level sensors.

There’s no touchscreen here; instead, all the controls are in the form of physical buttons arranged along the front of the 5418 Pro: power, single shot, double shot, and steam. The steam wand is operated using a lever on the right-hand side of the machine, which feels a little lightweight in the hand, but works perfectly well. The wand itself has a good range of motion, and a heat-resistant silicone grip, so you can adjust it safely without burning yourself.

The steam wand is a breeze to use, although the machine doesn’t come with a milk pitcher (Image credit: Future)

On the front of the machine you’ll see a pressure meter, which is a helpful guide to help you see whether your espresso shot is likely to be extracted correctly. The pressure goes up to 20 bars, but you’re aiming to be around nine when pulling a shot. It’s worth noting that this is the pressure at the boiler, and will likely be higher than the pressure at the group (where the hot water is forced through your coffee grounds).

The Casabrews 5418 Pro comes with just a handful of accessories: the portafilter handle, a pressurized double-shot filter basket, and a plastic scoop with a tamper on the end. According to the instruction manual there should also be a single-shot pressurized filter basket, but this wasn’t present with my review sample.

The machine comes with pressurized filter baskets, but no single-walled units (Image credit: Future)

The portafilter is different to any I’ve used before, because it doesn’t have a spring clip to hold the basket in place. Instead, you place the basket in the handle and rotate it to fasten it in place. This was presumably a design decision made to keep costs down.

The tamper is super light, and you may find it tricky to tamp your coffee grounds hard enough – although it helps that the portafilter handle has silicone ridges on the base that help stabilize it on your countertop. I have my own wood and metal tamper, which I would have tried for comparison, but it’s too large for the 51mm basket.

The portafilter handle has no clip, so the basket has a tendency to fall out when you’re knocking out used grounds (Image credit: Future)

There’s no milk pitcher provided with the machine, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Look for one with a fine spout if you want to try your hand at latte art.

According to its Amazon listing, the 5418 Pro will be available in two colorways (Silver and Metallic Gray); but at the time of writing, only the latter is available to pre-order.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: performance

Heats up very quickly
Initial results were promising
Inconsistent extraction (sometimes under-extracted)
Lots of dripping after pouring a shot

I wanted to love the Casabrews 5418 Pro, and my initial impressions were very positive. My first attempt at brewing a shot with the 5418 Pro turned out well, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the espresso was extracted. Foaming milk was a piece of cake, and within a couple of minutes I was enjoying a very pleasant latte.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case, and the 5418 Pro sometimes struggled to reach the optimal nine bars of pressure, leaving me with under-extracted espresso, even when I set my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to its finest setting. I’m quite sure from experience that my grinder wasn’t the limiting factor, so it may have been the pump, or it may have been due to me struggling to apply sufficient pressure consistently using the plastic tamper. If you choose to pick up this machine, I’d recommend investing in something sturdier.

The machine sometimes managed to reach the correct pressure for extracting espresso, but it wasn’t consistent, even after dialling in the grinder (Image credit: Future)

I also didn’t love the clipless portafilter, since the basket tended to fall out when I was trying to knock out the used puck. Fishing a hot filter basket out of a food waste bin is nobody’s idea of a good time.

On the plus side, Casabrews’ claims that the machine can reach temperature in just a few seconds proved accurate. The 5418 Pro comes with a sticker warning you to pre-heat the groupset by running hot water through it without the portafilter attached, and another note to the same effect in the instruction manual – but this is good practice with any espresso machine. I certainly didn’t experience any problems with cold espresso during my testing.

The pressurized basket means there’s no shortage of crema (Image credit: Future)

The double-shot pressurized basket certainly creates lots (and I mean lots) of crema, but I’d be curious to use the single-shot basket as well.

Like the Breville/Sage Bambino, the 5418 Pro tends to dribble coffee after the pump has stopped, presumably for the same reason – the lack of a three-way solenoid valve. If you own the Bambino, you can get around this problem by using the manual shot button. This lets you choose how long the pump runs, and you can stop it early so you don’t end up with too much espresso.

There’s no such button on the Casabrews machine, but if you’re finding yourself with too much espresso, you can configure the shot volume manually. To do this, press and hold either the single or double espresso shot button for three seconds (depending on which one you want to customize), then press it once to start the pump. Once you’ve reached the desired amount of espresso, press the button again to stop the flow. The machine will then remember this setting and re-use it next time.

You can also use the Casabrews 5418 Pro to dispense hot water for tea, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on all espresso machines.

My only other criticism is that the 5418 Pro’s beeps sound somewhat tinny, which is perhaps a strange thing to complain about, but it does add to the overall impression that this is an espresso machine made to a strict budget.

Should you buy the Casabrews 5418 Pro

Swipe to scroll horizontallyCasabrews 5418 Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

One of the most affordable home espresso machines I’ve tested, with early bird discounts available too.

5/5

Design

Compact and light, but some unsatisfying design decisions have been made to keep the cost down.

3.5/5

Performance

Initially performed well, but proved inconsistent with continued use.

3/5

Buy it if

Don’t buy it if

Casabrews 5418 Pro: also consider

If you’re not sure whether the Casabrews 5418 Pro is the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

How I tested the Casabrews 5418 Pro

I used the Casabrews 5418 Pro for two weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of freshly roasted Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans. When my shot wasn’t properly extracted, I adjusted the grind size of my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to compensate. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with fresh, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing (to preheat and cool it respectively). I purged the steam wand and wiped it with a damp cloth after making each drink.

For more information, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

First tested August 2025

Casabrews 5418 Pro: Price Comparison

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

The new Lego Batman game will have more of Gotham City in it than Arkham Knight did

by admin August 24, 2025

LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight – Official Reveal Trailer – YouTube

Watch On

In the trailer tornado of Gamescom 2025, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight stood out to me, and not just because it had Matt Berry as the voice of Lego Bane. The combat looks like it’s got the counter mechanics of the Arkham games, and the traversal has Arkham-style grappling and gliding. Since neither Suicide Squad nor Gotham Knights was the follow-up to Arkham Knight we wanted, I guess Traveller’s Tales decided to step up.

As spotted by Insider Gaming, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight’s open world will also include four of Gotham’s islands, putting it one up on Arkham Knight’s three (the islands of Bleake, Founders, and Miagani), and double the two zones of Arkham Origins (Old Gotham and New Gotham). Lego Batman 2 had an open Gotham as well, but just like Arkham Knight it only included three of the city’s islands.

Here’s hoping the city actually has civilians in it this time, because I’ve been waiting forever for a Batman game that lets you actually protect Gothamites from muggers and roving gangs of mimes, clowns, and the like.

It’ll also have seven playable characters, which is unusual for the Lego games. Previously they’ve crammed in as many characters as possible, though many of them end up playing exactly like each other. With just seven to focus on, we might get some more bespoke personality in how they move and fight.

The seven characters, via WB’s FAQ, are Batman, Batgirl, Catwoman, Commissioner Gordon, Nightwing, Robin, and Talia al Ghul. “Each character is equipped with unique skills, combos, and gadgets”, the FAQ says, “like Batman’s Batclaw, Jim Gordon’s foam sprayer, Robin’s line launcher, and Catwoman’s whip.” Ah, yes. Jim Gordon’s iconic foam sprayer.

The other interesting thing about Legacy of the Dark Knight is that, while it looks like it includes a parody of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight films, it’s also spreading a net over the wider Batman universe, pulling in villains like the Penguin, Poison Ivy, and the Red Hood, just like the Arkham games did. While we’ve heard that Rocksteady is looking to make a singleplayer Arkham game after the unfortunate failure of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, in the meantime I’d be happy with a light-hearted take on the format, even if it’s made out of Lego bricks and seems weirdly obsessed with rubber ducks for some reason.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

See How David Corenswet Became Superman in His Audition Tape

by admin August 24, 2025

The world was abuzz with speculation just a few years ago when it came time for James Gunn to cast his new Superman. Even before the part ultimately went to David Corenswet, he was being floated around as a likely candidate, and now you can watch how he got the part.

YouTube account 21Casting posted the actor’s audition tape, which he performed with his wife Julia Warner. The three-minute video features him as Clark Kent being interviewed as Superman by Lois Lane over his intervention in Biayla—not Jarnanphur, as it is in the finished film—and early parts of their argument that helps inform the film’s core philosophy about the hero’s place in the world.

David Corenswet’s audition tape for Superman has been released. pic.twitter.com/9vah9riuRi

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 23, 2025

In a GQ cover story prior to Superman’s release, Gunn revealed he’d basically already picked Corenswet the moment he saw the audition, calling him “the guy to beat from the very beginning.” (It didn’t hurt that he sent Gunn a handwritten letter after the audition, too.) Turns out, quite a few people have spent years thinking he’d be good for Superman, and the only one who needed convincing was Corenswet himself: he previously told People that Warner thought he was a shoo-in once they made the tape. “I thought she was crazy, but she felt it from the beginning,” he told the magazine. “So if anything, I knew that she would be even more excited than I was.”

Corenswet’s not the only one with an audition tape hitting the internet this year: last week, we got to see how Britt Lower auditioned to play Helly R. in Severance, and we saw former Superman Henry Cavill’s old tryout for Bond back when the hunt was on pre-Casino Royale.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Scientists Have Identified the Origin of an Extraordinarily Powerful Outer Space Radio Wave

by admin August 23, 2025

The Earth is constantly receiving space signals that contain vital information about extremely energetic phenomena. Among the most peculiar are brief pulses of extremely high-energy radio waves, known as fast radio bursts (FRB). Astronomers compare them to a powerful lighthouse that shines for milliseconds in the middle of a rough, distant sea. Detecting one of these signals is an achievement in itself, but identifying its origin and understanding the nature of its source remains one of the great challenges of science.

That is why recent research led by Northwestern University in the United States has captured the attention of the astronomical community. The team not only detected one of the brightest FRBs ever recorded, but also traced its origin with unprecedented precision.

The pulse, identified as RBFLOAT, arrived in March 2025, lasted just a few milliseconds, and released as much energy as the sun produces in four days. Thanks to a new method of analysis, the researchers located its origin in an arm of a spiral galaxy located 130 million light-years away, in the direction of the constellation Ursa Major. The research was published in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The CHIME radio telescope in Canada, one of the world’s leading FRB observatories, and a subnetwork of smaller stations called Outriggers detected the anomalous outburst. CHIME characterized the signal, while the Outriggers triangulated it to a narrow region of space. Optical and X-ray telescopes then provided complementary data. The team achieved a precision of 13 parsecs, equivalent to 42 light-years, within the galaxy NGC 4141.

Astronomers had previously pinpointed other FRBs, but in those cases the signals were repeated, which made the analysis easier. “RBFLOAT was the first non-repeating source localized to such precision,” said Sunil Simha, coauthor of the study, in a university statement. “These are much harder to locate. Thus, even detecting RBFLOAT is proof of concept that CHIME is indeed capable of detecting such events and building a statistically interesting sample of FRBs.”

What Caused the RBFLOAT?

Scientists are still not sure what causes RBFs, but they have some ideas. Because of the enormous energy they release and the brevity of the phenomenon, it is likely that they originate from extreme cosmic events, such as neutron star mergers, magnetars, or pulsars.

In the case of RBFLOAT, the data indicate that it is located in a star-forming region with really massive stars. The triangulation places the signal in a galactic arm where new stars are also being born. This suggests that it could be a magnetar, a subclass of neutron star with a magnetic field billions of times stronger than that of the Earth.

The experience with RBFLOAT will allow the team to apply the same triangulation technique to future signals. The authors estimate that they could achieve about 200 accurate RBF detections per year with just the signals CHIME captures.

“For years, we’ve known FRBs occur all over the sky, but pinning them down has been painstakingly slow. Now, we can routinely tie them to specific galaxies, even down to neighborhoods within those galaxies,” said Yuxin Dong, another member of the team.

This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

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August 23, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Blade Runner 2099 will reportedly be released next year on Prime Video

by admin August 23, 2025

Amazon’s Blade Runner limited series finally has a release window. Deadline reports that the upcoming sequel show, Blade Runner 2099, is slated for a 2026 release on Prime Video. The story at this point remains a mystery, though the title suggests it’ll take place 50 years after the events of Blade Runner 2049. Ridley Scott is said to be involved in the production.

It was revealed last year that Michelle Yeoh will star in the series, and according to Deadline, she’ll be joined by Hunter Schafer, Dimitri Abold, Lewis Gribben, Katelyn Rose Downey and Daniel Rigby. We first heard about the possibility of Blade Runner 2099 back in 2022, when it was reported that Amazon Studios was developing a live-action series set in that universe, but there have been few updates since. The release window was noted in an internal memo obtained by Deadline, which reports that the series is now in post-production.

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August 23, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Bluetti AC180T portable power station review

by admin August 23, 2025

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Specs

Battery: 2× 716 Wh LFP (total 1,433 Wh), ≥3,500 cycles
Output: 1,800 W continuous; 2,700 W surge; four AC outlets + USB-A/C + car port
Inputs: 1,440 W AC, ~500 W solar; UPS switching <20 ms; app + LCD control
Weight/Size: 26.5 kg, 390×280×395 mm

When I have the chance to go on any adventure, I will occasionally take portable power with me. Having something like the swap power system, where I can move around my charged power banks to whatever inverter I want, is handy, especially when you pair that with the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler.

This system allows me to have my Multi-Cooler anywhere in the world that I want, running on batteries, and when one gets low, I can pop it out, hot swap it with another battery that is charging in my AC180T, for example, and keep the cool times cooling. Plus, on the days or trips that I don’t need to bring an entire Cooler with me, I can use just the AC180T on its own, just as I would any standard portable power station.

Bluetti’s AC180T is one of many devices in the SwapSolar ecosystem, and I hope Bluetti continues expanding the devices in that family, too. I didn’t realize how helpful this was until I visited my family cabin. I am in the process of installing the Bluetti AC500 system as a whole cabin backup, but until then, having portable solutions like the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler is vital.

The Cabin is on an old lakefront grid, so during storms, the power goes out regularly. Knowing I can put my meats, dairy, and some beverages I want to keep cold in the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler, and keep that inside, in a tent, in the truck, or wherever I want while at the same time being able to put the AC180T wherever needed to best pull some solar power makes for such an easy experience. Mainly because I don’t even have to move the full AC180T when the batteries are charged, I have to pull out one of the hot-swappable batteries.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

Bluetti AC180T at Walmart for $499

Bluetti AC180T: In use

I’ve gotten to the point where power stations are all the same to me. Yes, there are, of course, specifics that make each unique, but each portable power station is the same idea. It’s heavy enough that you don’t want to move it, but not heavy enough that you can’t.

This makes it portable, and it has a range of port options and capacities. That’s the portable power station market. Now, however, there is a new possibility that has joined the scene. The hot-swappable batteries make for an entirely new possibility when it comes to mentioning specs, features, and even use cases.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

I use the AC180T entirely differently than I use any of the best portable power stations I’ve tested. Most power stations I can plug in and charge, then bring to where I need it, plug things in there, and go from there.

With AC180T, I can set up a charging station. This allows me to efficiently run my cooler or any other Bluetti products within the SwapSolar ecosystem. I can take out a fully charged battery from my AC180T and place it into a different inverter (like my cooler) when I need it. Or, I can use my AC180T as a UPS, a power strip, a battery backup, or anything else.

Speaking of the cooler, it has plenty of space, which is excellent. In addition, if you add some filtered water, you can make ice on the go. So with this setup, you’ll not only have portable power, but you can also keep your food cold and enjoy ice-cold drinks—literally!

The AC180T stands out on its own. It can recharge in about an hour and has enough output to power even larger devices. The accompanying app provides all the relevant stats and information.

On the front of the AC180T, you’ll find four AC ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 120W car port. There’s also a port for the Explore Charger 1, which allows for faster car charging, as well as options for a standard car charger, solar panels, or lead-acid battery charging. The right side features a standard AC port for more traditional recharging of the unit.

Overall, this power station has been fantastic. It’s impressive on its own, but when paired with the cooler, it unlocks amazing capabilities.

If you’re a nomadic traveler, a camper, or just someone looking to ensure you have a backup to keep food and drinks cool, this power station is an excellent choice.

Bluetti AC180T: Final verdict

The Bluetti AC180T is one of the most unique power stations I have tried. It can hot swap batteries with a portable fridge with a working ice maker, it has great ports, fast recharging, and it will hopefully work with other devices in the future as well.

For RV caravaners, van campers, off-grid users, and anything in between, this is a serious power station to consider. It’s a sweet spot. It’s not the largest, but it’s got enough power to give a good amount of power to those who need it, plus it has the added benefit of being able to hot swap with the portable fridge.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Easy to use, great layout

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most who want portable power

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bluetti AC180T: Price Comparison

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August 23, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Five Years Ago, ‘The Batman’ Made Its Brutal, Moody Debut

by admin August 23, 2025

On August 22, 2020, Warner Bros. held its first-ever DC FanDome, a weekend-long virtual event meant to make up for that year’s San Diego Comic-Con, which was canceled due to the pandemic. If you’ve ever followed big industry events like the Game Awards or… well, Comic-Con, you know they often come with a big trailer or two that’s meant to make it all worth it. And for WB, the big showcase for its inaugural, short-lived event was the very first look at Matt Reeves’ The Batman.

Trailers for superhero movies have gradually become more and more of a big deal, whether they’re telegraphed in advance, leaked, or appear just out of the blue. The Batman already caught the internet’s eye with casting Twilight alum Robert Pattinson in the lead role, and excitement truly began to grow once Reeves showed the actor in his Batsuit and the most car-looking Batmobile in years.

It also didn’t hurt that this was the first solo Bat-movie in nearly a decade and technically the true start of WB’s plans to dabble around with a cinematic multiverse that kept this Batman in his own world away from other goings-on at the time.

Within 24 hours, that teaser amassed over 31 million views, and while those numbers are short in the grand scheme, it did its job in getting people talking about Batman again. If online circles weren’t discussing its darkness in comparison to the Nolan films, they were gushing over Colin Farrell’s makeup job as Penguin or listening to Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” on repeat. For a movie that was openly marketing itself back then as still in the works, it won enough of the internet over right away that they were willing to follow Reeves to hell if it meant getting to see this on the big screen.

Had things gone to plan, The Batman would’ve come out in June 2021, but the pandemic forced a readjustment. The Batman was a quarter into production when it was indefinitely paused for most of 2020, during which the film’s dialect coach Andrew Jack passed away from covid and Pattinson himself tested positive just days after work resumed again. As a result, things were basically radio silent until late 2021, when the film basically reintroduced itself with a new trailer that kept the mood and song but featured more bombast and a great idea of what the movie would be about. On just one of WB’s YouTube accounts, it’s gotten over 65 million views and closes on a shot that’ll likely define Reeves’ entire Batman tenure. If there were any doubts that people lost interest in this movie because of the pandemic, that second trailer sure proved that wrong.

Since that first trailer came and went, The Batman (which hit theaters March 4, 2022) has continued to have a hold on the internet, which has been waiting impatiently for its sequel. Like its predecessor, The Batman Part II has had no shortage of production problems and delays, to the degree that DC Studios head James Gunn politely (but firmly) told people to back off Reeves. The second movie isn’t due for another two years and change and only recently entered pre-production—but when the first proper look at that one hits, expect comparisons between it and its predecessor’s first trailer as fans once again prepare to fall in love with Reeves’ interpretation of DC’s ever-brooding leading man.

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August 23, 2025 0 comments