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Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
Game Reviews

AirPods 4 Are Now 3x Cheaper Than AirPods Pro, Amazon Is Offering Entry-Level Clearance Prices

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Apple just released the AirPods 4 as their latest open-ear earbuds that sit outside your ear canal rather than sealing inside it like in-ear models. Compared to the newly launched AirPods Pro 3, the standard AirPods 4 cost three times less while the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation come in at more than half the price. But those savings only apply if you snag them during Prime Big Deal Days on Amazon, where Prime members can grab the standard version for $89 instead of $129, or upgrade to the ANC model for $119 down from $179. You’re essentially getting premium Apple earbuds at budget earbud pricing.

See AirPods 4 without ANC at Amazon

See AirPods 4 with ANC at Amazon

Open-ear mode appeals to individuals who don’t like in-ear tips for longer wear times or prefer remaining attentive to their environments instead of switching between transparency modes. They sit comfortably in your outer ear, not pressing down nor giving that stuffed-up feeling sealed tips tend to produce. The new shape accommodates a broader geometry of ears compared to older AirPods, and fixes one of the largest gripes about prior versions falling off during exercise.

High-End Features That Could Use a Refresh

The H2 chip drives both models and offers huge upgrades compared to the H1 chip found in prior AirPods. The newer processor supports complex computational audio processing, which supports Advanced Audio and Personalized Spatial Audio, both of which involve some serious real-time math. The H2 chip also enhances battery life, supporting the lengthy 30-hour total listening time if you count the charging case. The headphones themselves last about five hours per charge, and the case yields several additional charges before it itself must be recharged.

Personalized Spatial Audio creates a three-dimensional soundstage which adds immersion to music, movies, and games. Head tracking is used to anchor sound to space so if your head moves when looking at a video, sound appears to remain affixed to your monitor rather than moving along with your head. Apple adjusts this setting per your actual ear geometry, gathered by your TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, for improved tailoring of the spatial effect for how your own ear shape affects perceived sound.

The ANC version implements Active Noise Cancellation which is impressive for an open-ear model. Standard ANC is optimized for sealed-in in-ear tips that quiet sound passively before it’s quieted electronically by the electronics. Apple designed a solution to actively cancel external sound even for an open-ear model by employing sophisticated algorithms and processing of the H2 chip. The payoff won’t be equivalent to AirPods Pro’s isolation, but it does a great job of cutting down on background sound in places like a coffee shop or bus/subway ride.

Transparency Mode allows you to easily discern what’s going on around you if you require awareness for sake of safety, for example, or for conversation. As opposed to just silencing your sound, Transparency Mode actually processes external sound so it’s normal-sounding but your music stays playing softly in the background.

Pairing with iPhone occurs automatically by way of Apple’s pairing process: Lift the case by your iPhone and a connection notice pops up automatically. Your AirPods then synchronize on all your Apple devices signed into a single iCloud account, switching automatically between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac as you transition between devices.

At $89 for the standard version and $119 for the model including ANC during Prime Big Deal Days, you’re getting Apple’s new earbud technology at prices comparable to generic Bluetooth earbuds. Those are all-time-low prices for getting high-end elements available without typical Apple markup.

See AirPods 4 without ANC at Amazon

See AirPods 4 with ANC at Amazon



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Dyson V8 Plus
Game Reviews

Dyson Is Offloading Its V8 Plus Model, Now Cheaper Than Entry-Level Cordless Vacuums

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Dyson pioneered the cordless bagless vacuum cleaner category and remains the brand everyone tries to copy but nobody quite matches. Even older models like the V8 Plus continue to outperform most competitors’ newer releases which says something about the engineering quality baked into these machines. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to invest in a Dyson without paying full flagship prices, Prime Big Deal Days on Amazon just delivered exactly that opportunity. Prime members can grab the V8 Plus at an all-time low of $299 instead of its typical $539 price tag, which is a massive 44% discount on a vacuum that still holds its own against much newer models.

See at Amazon

The core appeal of cordless stick vacuums centers on convenience and the V8 Plus nails this concept. You can clean your entire home without dragging a corded vacuum from outlet to outlet or dealing with the weight and bulk of traditional uprights. The lightweight design means you can carry it upstairs, clean ceiling corners or vacuum out your car without your arm getting tired halfway through.

The battery delivers up to 40 minutes of fade-free suction in standard mode, which translates to enough runtime to clean most homes in a single session. When you encounter stubborn messes or high-traffic areas that need extra attention, MAX mode provides intensified suction for spot cleaning, though this reduces runtime to just a few minutes.

Most Affordable Dyson Vacuum Cleaner

The Motorbar cleaner head represents one of Dyson’s smartest innovations. This powered brush roll actively de-tangles wrapped hair as you clean, automatically clearing long strands and pet fur that would normally wind around the brush and require manual removal. If you’ve ever spent 15 minutes cutting hair off a vacuum brush with scissors, you’ll appreciate how much hassle this eliminates.

In addition to the primary cleaner head, the supplied hair screw tool addresses pet hair and lengthy human hair in problematic areas by itself. With its anti-tangle conical brush bar configuration, it extracts hair off pet beds, auto interiors, stairways and chair furniture where regular attachments would merely circulate hair about or clog themselves right away.

The V8 Plus turns into a handheld vacuum by removing the wand, which then turns it into a whole other kind of cleaning machine for autos, stairs, furniture, and confined areas. Since it’s a dual-purpose vacuum, you are getting two vacuums for the price of one package. The three accessories provided give you increased reach for other types of cleaning jobs: dusting high places, reaching into crevices, or cleaning delicate areas requiring less suction force.

Whole-machine advanced filtration catches 99.99% of particles down to a tiny 0.3 microns, including nearly all allergens, dust mites, and ultra-fine dust which other vacuum cleaners would blow back into your airstream. The sealed filtration process results in the output of air actually being cleaner than it took in and it makes a genuine difference for allergy, asthma, etc.

At $299 for Prime Big Deal Days, you’re getting proven Dyson engineering and performance for nearly half of the going retail price. Make sure you don’t miss that deal.

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Small but perfectly formed, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine
Product Reviews

Small but perfectly formed, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


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.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: two-minute review

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine that looks great and performs extremely well, despite its modest price tag.

It has a similar appearance to its predecessor, the De’Longhi Dedica Style, but with some key improvements – including a wider drip tray that can accommodate two espresso cups. The steam wand has been upgraded with a cool-touch handle and a knurled control dial for better grip, and the machine is available in a choice of four colors (including three gelato-inspired pastel shades).

The Dedica Duo’s accessories, such as the color-coordinated portafilter handle, feel robust. It comes with two pressurized portafilter baskets, a coffee scoop, a pin tool, a descaler pack, a tamper, and a stainless-steel milk pitcher. The water tank is easily accessible at the back, with a hinged lid to keep water fresh, and it can be fitted with an optional water filter.

(Image credit: Future)

The machine is operated by illustrated buttons on top for single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Colored lights on these buttons indicate the machine’s status, requiring reference to the manual for full understanding.

  • De’Longhi Dedica Duo at Amazon for $249.95

Although it takes a little while to heat up, the Dedica Duo delivers a good shot with a fine grind consistently. There is some minor dripping after the pump finishes due to the absence of a three-way solenoid valve.

The Dedica Duo’s cold-extraction mode, while slower than preparing hot espresso, is much faster than traditional overnight cold-brewing and produces a full, mellow flavor. This cold brew is versatile, suitable for drinking straight, with milk and ice, or in blended drinks and cocktails.

My only real complaint is that the system of lights to indicate the machine’s current status and any problems (such as scale, or air in the system) can be confusing, and you’ll find yourself having to refer back to the manual quite regularly while you’re getting a handle on things. Other than that, though, this is an easy machine to recommend and worthy of a full five stars.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: price and availability

  • Released in August 2025
  • List price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600)
  • Sold in the UK and US, but not yet in Australia

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo launched in August 2025 with a list price of $299.95 / £279.99. At the time of writing (September 2025), it isn’t yet available in Australia, but hopefully that will change soon.

At that price, it’s one of the most affordable espresso machines I’ve tested in the past year. The Casabrews 5418 Pro is in the same entry-level bracket with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460), but it’s clear that Casabrews has cut quite a lot of corners, and it can’t compete with the Dedica Duo for build quality and performance.

Today’s best De’Longhi Dedica Duo deals

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: design

  • Updated design with refined details and new colors
  • Wider drip tray to accommodate two espresso cups
  • Accessories feel substantial and well made

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is a compact, smart-looking espresso machine. At first glance it bears a strong similarity to its predecessor, the Dedica Style. It’s almost exactly the same size, but on closer inspection you’ll notice lots of refinements and improvements.

Most noticeably, the Dedica Duo comes in an updated range of colors, with classic stainless steel accompanied by soft shades of white, pink and green, which De’Longhi says were inspired by different flavors of gelato. Candy-colored appliances have become increasingly popular in 2025, and they look good, with a satin finish rather than gloss.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

For me, one of the most notable updates is to the drip tray, which is now considerably wider, making it easier to fit two espresso cups underneath the portafiter when pulling a double shot. If you have a particularly tall cup, you can remove the stainless steel grille and place the cup directly on a removable ridged plate at the bottom of the tray. A nice touch, and one that helps make clean-up easier.

The steam wand now has a cool-touch handle, which is a nice upgrade, and its control dial sports a knurled texture that looks good and provides extra grip. The wand doesn’t bend, but it does pivot, and its angle makes it easy to achieve a good whirlpool movement when texturizing your milk.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

All of the Dedica Duo’s accessories feel robust in the hand, unlike those of some other entry-level coffee machines I’ve tested recently (I’m looking at you, Casabrews). The portafilter handle is satisfyingly weighty, with a textured end that matches the steam wand dial, and is colored to match the body of the machine.

You get two pressurized portafilter baskets (one for single shots and one for doubles), a coffee scoop, a pin tool for clearing the hole of the steam wand if it becomes blocked, a pack of descaler, a weighty tamper that makes it easy to put sufficient pressure on your ground, and a stainless steel milk pitcher (with a fine spout ideal for pouring latte art).

(Image credit: Future)

The machine’s water tank slides onto the back, and has a sturdy-feeling hinged lid to keep water fresh. It can also be fitted with an optional water filter, but this needs to be purchased separately. The tank lifts out easily and is simple to slot back into place. You’ll need to pull the machine away from the wall to do this, but it’s so small and light, this shouldn’t present a problem.

The Dedica Duo has a power switch on its right-hand side, and is operated using a set of illustrated buttons on top: single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Pressing combinations of these buttons, or pressing and holding, provides access to certain menus, and the colored lights on them give you information about the machine’s current status, so it’s useful to keep the manual on hand for reference. For example, a solid white light on only the steam button means there’s probably air in the system that needs clearing.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: performance

  • Steady pressure for consistently extracted hot espresso
  • Cold-extraction works well, too, producing a smooth flavor
  • System of indicator lights can be confusing

The Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine, providing the steady pressure necessary for preparing consistently good coffee. The Casabrews 5418 Pro I reviewed a few weeks ago was so variable, it had me questioning whether I actually knew how to make espresso at all; the Dedica Duo has restored my faith in my own abilities. It takes a little while to heat up, but once it does, and the espresso buttons on top are illuminated, you can be confident that you’re going to get a very good shot. I’ve been using a fairly fine grind for my coffee, and the results have been faultless.

There’s no three-way solenoid, so you can expect a little dripping after the pump has finished, but that certainly isn’t the end of the world.

(Image credit: Future)

The Dedica Duo’s star feature is cold extraction, and it works very well. Whereas some other espresso machines I’ve tested recently create “chilled” drinks by asking you to fill a cup with ice and then dumping a shot of hot espresso on top, the Duo’s cold brew mode bypasses the Thermoblock heater and uses ambient-temperature water direct from the tank.

This takes longer than brewing hot espresso (measured in minutes rather than seconds), but it’s still a lot faster than preparing cold-brewed coffee in the traditional way (by infusing the grounds in the fridge overnight), yet the resulting flavor profile is very similar. The flavor is full and rounded, but more mellow than the same coffee extracted hot. Whether you drink it straight, add milk and ice, or use it in blended drinks and cocktails, it’s very tasty.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that the Dedica Duo isn’t a quiet machine. Unlike some advanced machines from the likes of KitchenAid or Jura, the Duo has no space in its compact chassis for sound-deadening material, so you’ll be able to hear its pump working away at full volume. Pumping water doesn’t take very long, though; but if you’re sensitive to noise then it’s something to be aware of.

For me, the only disadvantage of the Dedica Duo is the system of lights that change colour and/or blink to indicate your machine’s status or any problems. These aren’t always self-explanatory, and until you’ve learned what they all mean, you’ll find yourself referring back to the manual regularly. Perhaps it would be better to have a small row of status lights for common issues in the interest of clarity.

Should you buy the De’Longhi Dedica Duo?

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDe’Longhi Dedica Duo score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Very reasonably priced, squarely in the “budget” bracket for an espresso machine of this type.

5/5

Design

Modern and stylish, with thoughtful touches such as a wide, adjustable drip tray and cool-touch steam wand.

5/5

Performance

Brews consistently well hot or cold, with steady pressure from the pump. Status lights can be confusing, though.

4.5/5

Buy it if

Don’t buy it if

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: also consider

If the De’Longhi Dedica Duo doesn’t sound like quite the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives in the same price bracket, both of which come highly recommended.

How I tested the De’Longhi Dedica Duo

I used the De’Longhi Dedica Duo for three weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of fresh Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans, freshly ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro grinder. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with chilled, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing to make sure it was clean, and 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 reviewed September 2025

De’Longhi Dedica Duo: Price Comparison



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Sony Bravia Projector 7 on table with laser turned on
Product Reviews

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: a brighter and better entry-level Sony 4K projector

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Why you can trust TechRadar


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.

Sony Bravia Projector 7 : One minute review

The Sony Bravia Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES) joins Sony’s projector lineup following the Bravia Projector 9 and Bravia Projector 8. It’s the cheapest of the three but still comes in at a staggering $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999. Compared to popular consumer projectors like the $2,999 Hisense C2 Ultra, that is a huge leap. But the Bravia Projector 7 is specialty hardware designed for die-hard cinema fans with plans for a robust home theater, and in that context, it’s fairly priced.

Like other higher-end examples of the best projectors, the Bravia Projector 7 is somewhat simple – it’s just a projector. There’s no Google TV or other streaming platform built in, and there’s no sound system or even audio output ports. The few ports the Bravia Projector 7 does have are a pair of 4K 120Hz-capable HDMI 2.1 inputs plus a smattering of ports used for custom installation.

Though it’s just a projector, it’s a truly excellent one. It has flexible optics with a wide zoom range as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, making it easy to align the projection. The picture you’ll get on your screen is also stunning: bright, colorful, and with the deepest black levels I can recall seeing from a projector.

While I’d love to see a wider color gamut and support for more HDR formats, these never felt like more than minor shortcomings during my time with the Bravia Projector 7, which never failed to impress. If you’re considering a projector for a dedicated, high-end home theater, it should be on your list.

  • Sony Bravia Projector 7 (HDR Black) at Best Buy for $9,999.99

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Price & release date

The Bravia Projector 7 features manual focus and zoom adjustments on its lens (Image credit: Future)

  • Release date: June 2025
  • Price: $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999

The Bravia Projector 7 launch trailed behind the Projector 8 and 9, and though its price also trails behind those models, it is decidedly a luxury home theater product. The Bravia Projector 7 comes in at $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999.

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Screen sizes supported:

90-130 inches

Brightness (specified):

2,200 Lumens

HDR support:

HDR10, HLG

Optical technology:

Laser SXRD (Silicon Crystal Reflective Display)

Smart TV:

N/A

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, USB-A, RS-232C, D-Sub 9-pin, 3.5mm (12V trigger)

Dimensions (H x W x D):

18.3 x 18.59 x 7.88 inches

Weight:

15.4 pounds (7kg)

Dials on the projector’s top provide 71% vertical and 25% horizontal lens shift adjustments (Image credit: Future)

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Design & features

The projector’s connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz and ALLM support (Image credit: Future)

  • Large footprint
  • No audio capabilities or smart TV
  • Flexible optics

The Bravia Projector 7 is a sizable home theater projector on the scale of the Epson LS12000 and BenQ W5800. This isn’t one of those compact lifestyle projectors, and it’s even larger than some of the ultra short throw projectors I’ve tested. The upside to this size is that the Bravia Projector 7 runs quietly, and it can still fit onto a (sizable) mantle or shelf at the back of a room, but it is better suited to ceiling mounting.

Thankfully, the Bravia Projector 7 is flexible about placement. The lens has a 1.6x zoom range, letting it shift from a modest throw ratio of 1.38 to a longer 2.21. It also has vertical and horizontal lens shift, offering 71% shifting vertically and 25% horizontally in either direction. You manually adjust focus and zoom using rings around the lens, and lens shift with a set of dials hidden under a small panel on the projector’s top.

In addition to these optical adjustments, the Bravia Projector 7 supports digital keystone, though for a projector of this caliber, it’s worth just ensuring proper alignment.

On one side, the Bravia Projector 7 includes several controls in case you misplace the remote control. There is also a series of ports, though most of these are for professional features, like networking and special triggers. Two HDMI 2.1 ports will accept a 4K 120Hz input, but these are for video input only. Neither offers eARC to pass on an audio signal. And with no other form of audio output, the projector doesn’t play well with streaming sticks or even some home theater PCs if they lack a quality audio output of their own.

The Bravia Projector 7 includes a large remote control with a fully backlit keypad. It includes buttons to access preset picture profiles, along with sharpness, brightness, and contrast. A large directional control is also built into the remote and includes a toggle to let the projector display a test pattern to help line up and focus the picture.

  • Design & features score: 4/5

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Picture quality

Image 1 of 3

The Bravia Projector 7’s picture is characterized by crisp 4K detail and deep blacks(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

  • Bright and sharp picture
  • Deep blacks
  • Support for 4K 120Hz

Inside, the Bravia Projector 7 is built around a laser diode light source and features a native 4K SXRD optical system. While it’s still not quite on the level of triple-laser projectors for color gamut coverage, the picture is still simply stunning. As much as I’d love to see that extra bit of color, the quality is otherwise the best I’ve ever seen.

Blacks on the Bravia Projector 7 are simply exceptional. I can’t recall another projector I’ve seen that so thoroughly sank into darkness when displaying shadows. Letterbox bars presented by the Bravia Projector 7 looked so dim as to be indistinguishable from the surrounding walls, which were only illuminated by the light bouncing around the room from the projector itself during my evaluation. The Bravia Projector 7 has such good black levels that you will really want to invest in some light-absorbing materials or dark paint to reduce reflected room light’s impact on the picture.

The projector also gets bright enough for various uses in the daytime, even with daylight coming in through multiple windows. Cartoons, bright video games, and even web-browsing were all possible. You won’t want to watch darker content in this environment, though. But given this is a projector intended for a specialized viewing setup, I don’t think a few blackout curtains would be a tall order.

Basic adjustments and menu nav controls are located on the side (Image credit: Future)

The Projector 7 uses Sony’s XR Processor for projector, and the resulting image is fantastically crisp, with the optics making even fine text appear clear from edge to edge. And that includes objects in motion. Panning shots looked fluid, avoiding stuttering and judder but also artifacts such as the soap opera effect that plagues many systems trying to smooth motion. The Bravia Projector 7 was also happy to game at 4K 120Hz, with smooth visuals and only faint ghosting, and its ALLM feature ensured any input lag was negligible.

Even though the HDR support doesn’t go beyond HDR10, the Projector 7’s XR Dynamic Tone Mapping provides features to enhance the look of HDR content, including three selectable tone mapping modes. An XR Deep Black feature also contributes by ensuring blacks look deep and highlights get maximum brightness punch. For example, when the earth ships decelerate as they approach Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water, the picture looked simply stunning with the deep black of space contrasted with brilliant flames.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

  • High price tag
  • Price is still competitive for category
  • Performance equivalent to competition

The Bravia Projector 7 is expensive, and you are only getting a display for the money with no speakers (or a way to output audio to speakers), and no smart platform for streaming. That may be a tough pill to swallow for some, but the Bravia Projector 7 isn’t meant for someone who wants anything less than a masterful home theater setup. And the display that you’re getting is a truly exceptional one.

There’s no getting past this being a big investment, both for the projector and for all the other elements you’ll need to make the most of the Sony Bravia Projector 7. And there are plenty of projectors that won’t look half bad next to the Bravia Projector 7 while being way less expensive.

So while it’s tough to say the Bravia Projector 7 is a great value, that still can’t undercut its greatness. And the truth is, the Bravia Projector 7 is still a bargain next to some, like the Epson QL7000, and it’s a comparably priced and worthy rival to the JVC DLA-NZ700.

Should I buy the Sony Bravia Projector 7?

(Image credit: Future)Swipe to scroll horizontallySony Bravia Projector 7

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

Fairly huge, but it’s smartly designed, and the adjustable optics allow for positioning flexibility

4/5

Picture quality

The picture quality is absolutely brilliant, and I haven’t seen such a deep black from a projector before. Its ability to run at 4K 120Hz for gaming also adds to the experience

4.5/5

Value

It’s not cheap, but the picture is great and the price is comparable to some of the other dedicated home theater projector options out there

3.5/5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyComparison: projectorsHeader Cell – Column 0

Sony Bravia Projector 7

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000

Hisense C2 Ultra

JVC DLA-NZ700

Price:

$9,999

$5,000

$2,999

$8.999

Screen sizes supported:

90 to 130 inches

50 to 130 inches

65-300 inches

30 to 150 inches

Brightness (specified):

2,400 lumens

2,500 lumens

3,000 lumens

2,300 lumens

HDR support

HDR10, HLG

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG

Optical technology:

Laser SXRD

Laser 3LCD

RGB Laser DLP

Laser D-ILA

Smart TV:

n/a

n/a

Vidaa OS

n/a

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.1

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)

2x HDMI 2.0

How I tested the Sony Bravia Projector 7

  • Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
  • Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
  • I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Sony Bravia Projector 7 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, and in-room lighting,. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and PC gameplay.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

Sony Bravia Projector 7: Price Comparison



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Apple announces new entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 with always-on display
Gaming Gear

Apple announces new entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 with always-on display

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Apple has a refreshed entry-level smartwatch for 2025, the new Apple Watch SE 3. Announced at its “awe dropping” event alongside new iPhones, the new SE 3 gets a faster S10 processor, more battery life, and (finally) an always-on display.

The 2025 Apple Watch SE is a follow-up to the outgoing model, which was launched back in 2022. It’s once again Apple’s new base model wearable — typically a parts-bin remix of previous and current flagship features offered for a lower price. This isthe third iteration of Apple’s cheaper watches. The last-gen SE started at $249 for a 40mm version and $279 for 44mm. It used the same size screen and design of the older Apple Watch Series 6, but it shared the newer S8 processor of the Series 8 and Ultra watches that it launched beside. But it left out features like an always-on display and sensors for temperature, EKG, and blood oxygen.



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Gaming Gear

Hue takes on cheaper rivals with the entry-level Essential smart bulb lineup

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Hue just did its biggest product launch ever as part of IFA 2025 and a key product is the new entry-level Essential smart bulb lineup. Though still not as cheap as some products you can find on Amazon, it’s designed to take on budget rivals like Govee and Aqara with bulbs starting under $20.

The new range includes A19 bulbs, GU10 spots and strip lights with and without color options. Effectively, you’re not losing a lot compared to the regular color/white bulbs. They still run on the same platform and offer Bluetooth out of the box along with extra features enabled when using a bridge or Matter-over-Thread.

To highlight the differences, Hue released a feature comparison sheet. You can’t dim the Essential bulbs as much, they offer a reduced range of whites (2200 to 6500K compared to 1000 to 20000K) and color quality is less accurate. The latter is arguably the most important feature for folks who use smart bulbs to sync with their TVs or require precise matching between bulbs.

You’ll be able to buy the Hue Essential bulbs starting this month, with the new A19 bulbs priced at $25 individually or $60 in a four-pack. The Essential strip light arrives in December for $60 in a 5 meter length (16 feet) or $100 for 10 meters (33 feet). You can also grab the A19 bulb in a starter kit in the US starting at $80 for the Essential E27 2 pieces and Hue Bridge V2, up to $100 for the Essential E27 4 pieces and Hue Bridge V2.

Another primary piece of Hue’s smart lighting puzzle is the Hue Bridge Pro. It has a more serious black look compared to the white models of the past to signify the extra power. That includes five times the processing performance and 15 times the memory of the Hue Bridge V2 that came out 10 years ago.

Along with the extra power, the Huge Bridge Pro debuts a new feature called Hue Motion Aware. That transforms Hue Bulbs (including 95 percent of existing models) into motion sensors able to detect movement and trigger actions or security alerts.

Hue says you can easily upgrade a current Hue Bridge “with just a few clicks,” and Signify will release support for combining multiple Bridges into a single Bridge Pro by year’s end. The Bridge pro arrives in North America in September 2025 for $90.

Hue OmniGlow strip lighting

(JuanCruzDuranPhotographer for Hue)

Hue also refreshed its strip lighting with several new products including the flagship OmniGlow (starting at $140 for a 3 meter length and arriving in November), the first Hue strip with no visible hotspots via CSP tech to accent your decor with a seamless glow. It also introduced the Flux lineup with indoor, outdoor, ultra-bright and neon options (in sizes up to 10m) starting at $70 for 3 meters, for applications ranging from indoor accents to outdoor facades. Also new are the Festavia string lights that can be used for holiday decor or year round in a permanent model for rooflines, patios and balconies. Those start at $160 for 7m lengths or $120 for 9 meters for the permanent model with availability in September.

Signify also introduced a new A19 bulb that can replicate the entire spectrum of daylight while offering 40 percent great efficiency compared to its predecessor. Finally, the company announced a Sonos partnership that will allow you to operates Philips Hue lights using voice controls, and eventually “integrate light and sound in new intuitive ways.”



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The new entry-level Kindle Colorsoft is $30 off for a limited time
Gaming Gear

The new entry-level Kindle Colorsoft is $30 off for a limited time

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Amazon’s 16GB Kindle Colorsoft is less than a month old, but it’s already on sale for $219.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Meanwhile, the new Colorsoft Kids — which includes a 12-month subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, a two-year extended warranty, and a cover-style case — has been discounted to $239.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Both ad-free e-readers feature a seven-inch color E Ink display, IPX8 waterproofing, and a battery that can last up to eight weeks on a single charge.

The 16GB Colorsoft is Amazon’s newest color e-reader, and it has many of the same features found on last year’s Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It offers the same page turn speeds and works well when reading both monochrome and color books; however, like with the step-up model, the resolution drops from 300ppi to 150ppi when reading books in color, which was noticeable but not a dealbreaker in our testing. Viewing PDFs in color on the Signature Edition via the Send to Kindle service worked well enough, too, but transferring them from a computer via USB-C stripped their color.

Overall, Amazon’s entry-level Colorsoft is the best color e-reader in its price range. If you love reading graphic novels or books with a lot of illustrations, you’ll get a much richer experience compared to reading the same titles on a monochrome Kindle (it also won’t irritate your eyes as much as staring at a phone or tablet screen). That being said, you do lose some features when stepping down from the Signature Edition, including support for wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light. The Signature Edition also has twice the storage (32GB) and supposedly an extra four weeks of battery life, though we haven’t used the entry-level model long enough to confirm the latter.



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