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Meta must pay $567 million and change Facebook and Instagram protections for minors under a New Mexico court order it plans to appeal.

The post Meta Ordered to Pay $567M and Overhaul Teen Safety on Facebook, Instagram appeared first on TechRepublic.

Samsung’s August 2026 Galaxy update fixes 56 Android and One UI security flaws, including critical vulnerabilities and clipboard access risks.

The post Samsung’s August Update Patches 56 Security Vulnerabilities Across Galaxy Devices appeared first on TechRepublic.

A federal appeals court says above-ground construction cannot continue without approval from Congress, siding with historic preservation advocates.

(Image credit: Tierney L. Cross)

• Researchers tested AI-generated patches on six CVEs with poor success rates
• Many fixes failed, altered behavior, or introduced new vulnerabilities
• Guidance improved outcomes, leading to FLAWED evaluation harness release

When using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to fix vulnerabilities, security professionals are most of the time just robbing Peter to pay Paul, experts have warned.

Researchers from 1Passwords Off-by-1 Labs analyzed fixes proposed by two frontier models - ChatGPT 5.5 at “medium” effort, and Claude Opus 4.8 at “high” effort.

As an experiment, the researchers took six recently disclosed CVEs and produced 6,080 patches using two frontier, cyber-capable reasoning models. The results were underwhelming to say the least - of all the proposed patches, just a quarter (26%) fully resolved the issue.

FLAWED work?

This obviously leaves plenty to be desired, as half (49.3%) of the patches failed to fix at least one existing exploit path. A fifth (20.1%) fixed the original issue but changed application behavior, while 2.3% introduced new security issues. Funny enough, 2.2% failed to fix the vulnerability while also introducing additional exploit paths, as well.

Even among the patches that might be considered (26% of clean ones and 20.1% of those that changed app behavior), more than a third were fragile and not entirely addressing the underlying problem.

The researchers created an acronym for automated LLM patches: FLAWED (Fix-Like Artifacts With Embedded Defects), and warned against letting AI work without human oversight: "The expected value of a fully LLM-generated, non-human-reviewed patch is a net-negative by a considerable margin."

Results drastically improved when the AI was given better context, the researchers further explained. Before working on any patch, human developers are usually given initial guidance. When AI is given proper guidance, its success rate rises to 65%. Incorrect guidance, on the other hand, drops the success rate down to 15.2%. The difference between humans and AI is that humans are better at catching misleading information and poor guidance.

This doesn’t mean developers will, or should, abandon AI. Worst case scenario is that developers will spend more time reviewing AI-generated fixes which could increase cognitive load and still end up being net negative. Therefore, the researchers released a patch evaluation harness called FLAWED, which organizations can now use to determine the effectiveness of their AI-generated fixes.

Via The Register

The ChatGPT maker is reportedly working on a small, portable AI smart speaker, but it better not look too much like Apple’s designs.

The internationally acclaimed horseman defied the conventional method of breaking horses and developed his own gentler approach — based on horses' non-verbal language. Roberts spoke with Fresh Air in 1997.

Our critical utility infrastructure can make the same classic mistakes as we do with our everyday connected devices.

The bill is meant to stifle Russia's economy by allowing for tough new tariffs against major importers of Russian energy. The legislation was led by Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July.

(Image credit: Heather Diehl)

• Attackers cloned AI skills, later adding malicious code to steal credentials
• Zenity Labs found millions of installs and dozens of dangerous skill variants
• Vercel and Microsoft removed malicious skills, but manual removal is still required

AI skills, instructions that teach AI agents how to do certain tasks and thus extend their capabilities, are increasingly being used in supply chain attacks, researchers have found.

Security experts at Zenity Labs uncovered a credential-stealing campaign on skills.sh, a public registry (essentially an app store) for AI agent skills. In the registry, belonging to Vercel (a cloud platform for web applications), threat actors were cloning existing skills, creating typosquatted lookalikes which, at first, did nothing malicious.

However, after a little time had past, and the skills amassed a solid download count, the attackers introduced malicious code instructing the AI agents to, among other things, exfiltrate SSH keys, cloud credentials, Git and package manager tokens, Kubernetes and Docker configurations, database credentials, infrastructure-as-code credentials, environment files and service account files. The agents were then told to package the stolen information with host metadata and send it to the attackers.

Dozens of malicious skills

While Zenity Labs could not say exactly how many people fell victim to this attack, they did stress that a single skill family amassed more than 1.7 million aggregate installs (not unique users).

And that is just one skill family, in a sea of malicious skills. The researchers also said they found “dozens” of additional skills exhibiting either malicious or dangerous behavior. Almost a third (30%) of identified dangerous skills abused Claude Code and OpenClaw to drop malware to their targets, as well. Also, Zenity found “hundreds” of reserved and empty package names that were being kept for future attacks.

These findings show how quickly cybercriminals adapt, and how creative they can get when it comes to abusing new tech. In essence, this campaign is an AI spin on a software supply-chain attack, being similar in spirit to incidents where attackers compromise an existing trusted package or repository, and later push a malicious update.

Following responsible disclosure, Vercel and Microsoft removed the identified skills, but Zenity warns that those who installed them before won’t be safe until they remove them from their systems manually.

It's a smart donut. That's the only conclusion I can draw about OpenAI's first, groundbreaking piece of AI hardware after reading Bloomberg's revealing but unconfirmed report.

Here's the TLDR summary of these rumors: This donut-shaped, hockey puck-sized AI companion, designed with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, can sit on a table, be carried (or maybe worn). It'll be festooned with sensors, cameras, microphones, and speakers. Meanwhile, it'll be a vessel to bring ChatGPT closer to you and your life. It'll even shape-shift a bit to indicate a response (can a donut shrug?).

OpenAI might, Bloomberg claims, price it between $300 and $400 (or around £220-£300 / AU$425-AU$570). I know. That's almost instantly a hard no for an AI companion that has no defined purpose besides offering always-with-you AI. Even the woebegone Rabbit R1, which also features a camera, speakers, some sensors, and even a rotating camera, costs just $199 (or about £150 / AU$280).

After reading through this, I still wasn't feeling it. Why do we need this gadget? What problem does it solve? Really, why do we need any AI on or near our bodies?

If this product arrived three years ago, would people, including me, feel differently? After all, in 2023, we were all excited about the potential of generative AI. These days, it's fair to say half of us hate it or at least deeply distrust it and hate what it's doing to our resources (water and energy) and landscapes (data centers).

On the other hand, maybe I was judging OpenAI's upcoming device too harshly, especially without having even seen it. That sparked an idea.

Bloomberg's report included enough detail to create an image in my mind's eye, and I wondered if the leading AI platforms, Gemini and, yes, ChatGPT, could use a prompt to generate simulacra of the devices, in situ.

Gemini and ChatGPT take a run at it

I started with this prompt:

"I need an image of a consumer electronics gadget that is shaped like a donut and the size of a hockey puck. It should include tiny microphone holes and grills for a pair of speakers. It should have moving parts, maybe pieces that shift against each other without massively deforming the donut shape. Let's make a pair of them in white and gray on a table. Let's also include an image of someone wearing one like a pendant."

And in full disclosure, after getting my first couple of images, I added this prompt because I realized I left out a pair of key features:

"Without changing the design, can you add a camera and a couple of small black sensors? I want the image to otherwise remain unchanged."

These AI image generation systems are now good enough that they can maintain consistency between image generations (which they did here), so I'll only show you the finished products from both platforms.

Here's the final render from Gemini Pro:

(Image credit: Gemini)

At a glance, they're kind of cute, looking like giant, digital Lifesaver candies. The speaker grills are kind of huge, but I like the subtle placement of the camera and sensors. I can infer the possibility of movement from the multi-part frames.

Gemini is, I can see, a bit unsure if this is a wired or wireless device, but it has made at least one intriguing leap. It assumes, for instance, a connection to a phone-based platform called Aether (the gadgets may even be called "Aether"). In medieval times, according to Gemini, Aether was considered the fifth element. "It was believed to be the pure, heavenly material that filled the region of the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere," wrote Gemini. Yes, that feels a bit like the proliferation of AI.

The fictional device does look as silly as a pendant as I expected, but overall, I'm more intrigued by this device than I was before seeing the Gemini render.

Now let's take a look at the ChatGPT (Free) render:

(Image credit: ChatGPT)

This is a simpler, even plainer device and might fit in a bit better with Jony Ive's previous design oeuvre. I like the low-key speaker grill design, and don't mind the smaller activity lights.

I appreciate that ChatGPT helpfully includes a schematic that breaks down all the key features and even offers a look under the hood. It also manages to look a little less obtrusive as a pendant.

Let's get real

Obviously, this is all guesswork by Gemini and ChatGPT, and it's based on prompts built on rumors. Put another way, OpenAI's upcoming AI wearable could end up being significantly different than either of these generative images.

Somehow, I don't think so. I have a feeling that we will see something small, round, lightweight, and very, very intelligent. The launch, when it happens, will be exciting and buzzworthy. Ive's voice will likely drive the brand narrative as the donut-shaped device floats in an all-white background before settling on a desk or, better yet, in the palm of someone's hand.

That moment, though, won't change the trajectory of OpenAI's AI gadget. When it arrives, it will face an uphill battle to attract consumers who are already suspicious of AI's growing influence on the world. They're tired of AI slop, angry about resources and jobs, and the last thing many want is an AI companion reminding them daily about their frustration.

I don't even know what to say about a donut... er... gadget that squirms in your hand. That sounds positively creepy.

If there's any bright side to these rumors, it's that they probably put to bed the idea that OpenAI is allegedly stealing Apple product secrets. The iPhone maker would never build something like this.

I could be wrong about OpenAI's chances in this space. This might be the first AI gadget to break through. I mean, look at those designs. Aren't they cool? Sure, they are, but they're not reality, and we all know that this gadget will soon face a very harsh reality.

A good ergonomic office chair can make spending long hours at your desk considerably more comfortable, but some of the best models can cost a small fortune. Thankfully, I've found a terrific deal on FlexiSpot's C7 office chair for $300 (was $430).

Better still, this is a chair we highly recommend and have ranked as our top-rated mid-range ergonomic office chair in our buying guide. In the UK, the C7 is priced at £259.99 (was £379.99).

The C7 combines a breathable mesh design with self-adaptive dynamic lumbar support, adjustable seat depth, 3D armrests, and a 4D headrest, giving you plenty of ways to tailor the chair to your body and working position. It also reclines from 90 to 130 degrees, supports up to 300 pounds, and comes with a reassuring 10-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the FlexiSpot C7 if...

You spend long hours working at a desk and want plenty of ergonomic adjustment without moving into the much higher price brackets occupied by premium office chairs. Its adjustable seat depth, lumbar support, armrests, and headrest make it easier to find a comfortable position, while the 300-pound capacity allows it to accommodate most people.

❌ Skip the FlexiSpot C7 if...

You want a simpler chair with fewer adjustments, or you're shopping on a tighter budget. The C7's ergonomic features are aimed primarily at people who spend long periods at a desk, so occasional home-office use may not justify spending out.

The FlexiSpot C7 supports up to 300 pounds and features dynamic lumbar support, adjustable seat depth, 3D armrests, a 4D headrest, 90-to-130-degree recline, and a breathable mesh seat.

In the UK: now £260 (was £380)View Deal

Why we recommend it

In his glowing 4.5-star review our expert Collin said: "This chair is an excellent solution for office managers looking for a quality ergonomic office chair for their employees; it's great for home office use, for your office, cubicle work, and more."

There's an impressive amount of adjustment available for the money, particularly the dynamic lumbar support and adjustable seat depth.

The mesh construction should also help with airflow during long working days, and the 10-year warranty provides some welcome reassurance if you're buying a chair for everyday use.

Price context & historical value

At $299.99, the C7 costs $130 less than its usual $429.99 price, equivalent to a discount of just over 30%. That brings a chair we already consider a fantastic mid-range choice much closer to the price of less sophisticated ergonomic models.

Given the combination of adjustability, 300-pound capacity, lengthy warranty, and the current price, this would make a fantastic home office upgrade and is an easy recommendation from me.

FlexiSpot offer regular sales throughout the year, and by and large, this is the standard deal price. I can't remember seeing it cheaper (although I've certainly seen it more expensive).

The Catch: What to know before you buy

This configuration doesn't include a footrest. If you want one, adding the feature increases the price to $319.99, which isn't that huge a leap.

The mesh construction won't suit everyone, particularly if you prefer a softer, cushioned seat, but you can switch to foam for the same price (although not with a footrest).

FlexiSpot also recommends the C7 for people between 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 11 inches tall. Our reviewer Collin stands a little over six foot and had no issues using the C7, but smaller users will want to pay particular attention to the adjustment ranges for maximum comfort.

• US: See all deals at FlexiSpot
• UK: See the full sale at FlexiSpot.co.uk

He’ll be among the many celebrities attending the launch party for the new Pixel devices.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: One-minute review

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline is the best-looking Xbox controller that I’ve ever tested. The face plate, complete with its illustration of a San Diego skyline dripping with inviting tropical vibes, is gorgeous and pairs wonderfully with the contrasting baby blue buttons and bright pink thumbstick caps.

The Pacific Skyline has a hidden trick up its sleeve as well — stunning RGB lighting that illuminates the city’s major buildings when the controller is turned on and can be customized with a variety of colours and presets without the need for any companion software. It’s genuinely a beautiful bit of hardware, and there’s nothing else quite like it on the market.

I’m sure the look was also closely inspired by Grand Theft Auto 6 as it’s very reminiscent of the game’s bright promotional art, and I already know that this will be my go-to gamepad when I venture into the neon-soaked streets of Vice City on Xbox Series X.

The aesthetics are great, but the controller also performs well overall — even if it’s not particularly feature-rich. The TMR thumbsticks are responsive and smooth, the rear buttons are easy to remap on the fly, and the built-in audio controls are genuinely useful and effective, giving you some compelling reasons to choose it over the stock Xbox Wireless Controller aside from just the look.

Yes, there are some controllers with even more features available for around the same price, just look at the GameSir G7 Pro, but you simply won’t find anything that’s this visually appealing elsewhere.

FutureFutureFutureTurtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Price and availability

• Available in the US and UK
• Costs $89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150
• You’re paying a premium for the design

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is readily available in the US and UK via the Turtle Beach website, where it costs $89.99 / £79.99 (that’s roughly AU$150). This model does not seem to have made its way to Australia yet.

It’s a solid price given the feature set, but you’re definitely paying a bit of a premium for the design, and alternatives like the GameSir G7 Pro deliver more features for the same cost.

Still, it’s worth it if you're considering the likes of the standard Xbox Wireless Controller but are willing to splash out for a nicer and more unique design.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Specs

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Battery life

~20 hours

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Design and features

• Stunning tropical aesthetic
• Standard Xbox controller form factor
• Rear inputs and on-board controls

Out of the box, the first thing you’re going to notice about the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is its beautiful design. Turtle Beach says that the pink and baby blue look was inspired by the ‘Xbox pastel project’ — which saw a selection of third-party gamepads with pastel aesthetics hit the market a few years ago.

I think there’s another clear inspiration, though: GTA 6. Covered in palm trees, with views of a beach and a city skyline (in this case, San Diego, the home of Turtle Beach), it’s a perfect match for the highly anticipated upcoming open-world game.

I imagine this pad is Turtle Beach’s way of getting in on the GTA 6 hype, but that’s certainly not a complaint as I think the result is stunning. The bright colors really pop, and the design is detailed enough to pore over without being too distracting.

(Image credit: Future)

There is also some brilliant RGB lighting when you turn on the pad, which lights up to reveal an otherwise hidden skyline. It looks truly brilliant and surprisingly tasteful, especially if you set it to a static illumination in a custom color.

In terms of layout, the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very close to the standard Xbox gamepad.

The overall shapes are extremely similar, though side by side you will notice that the Pacific Skyline has slightly softer corners and fatter grips. The Turtle Beach pad does have three extra buttons: a microphone mute button (which can also be pressed to access on-board functions) and two customizable rear paddles.

If you look at the D-pad, you will notice a few small markings. Hold the microphone mute button and tap up or down to raise or lower the volume of your connected headphones, while left and right adjust game chat balance. The controls are intuitive and easy to remember, and genuinely quite useful as it means that you don’t have to fiddle around with system menus to adjust game volume if you’re playing with wired headphones connected via the controller's 3.5mm jack.

The controller doesn't feature any removable batteries, and is instead charged via a USB Type-C cable. A generous roughly 10ft / 300cm one is included in the box along with a USB dongle. Sadly, neither the cable nor the dongle are pink or blue to match the controller — a missed opportunity to make them stand out against those of other pads.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Performance

• Delivers well-rounded performance
• Basic but functional software
• Very lightweight

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller delivers basically everything you could want from a basic Xbox Wireless Controller alternative. The thumbsticks are smooth and responsive, the buttons are satisfying to press and well-sized, and additional features like the volume mixing and rear inputs work just as you would expect.

It certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel in any respect, but the performance is exactly what you would want and expect at this price. There are more versatile options out there, though I think this is reasonable when, realistically, you’re mainly buying this particular controller for its looks.

The controller is compatible with two pieces of companion software: the Swarm II mobile app and the Turtle Beach - PDP Control Hub. Both offer similar options and are rather basic, mainly there for adjusting vibration strength, remapping buttons, and tweaking thumbstick dead zones.

My only real complaint using the controller is that the materials simply don’t feel as premium as the Xbox Wireless Controller. I think a lot of that comes down to the weight: the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very light, making it comfortable in the hands but meaning it lacks that reassuring heftiness. The back of the grips is also completely smooth, and I found myself missing the more grippy texture of the original pad.

The Pacific Skyline controller gains back the upper hand with its built-in battery. It lasts for about 20 hours per charge — roughly on par with Microsoft’s pad, all without the need to fiddle with pricey AAs every time you need to top it up.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller?Buy it if…

You love the aesthetic
There’s simply no controller out there that looks like the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline. It’s a must-have if you’re enamoured with its appearance like me.

You want a no-nonsense Xbox gamepad
The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller has fewer features than some alternatives, making it very easy to use.

Don’t buy it if…

You want maximum value
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is cheaper than this model and could be a better choice if you’re on a budget. Performance is similar, and you only miss a few extra features.

Also consider...

Not keen on the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller? Here are two alternatives to weigh up.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

Xbox Wireless Controller

GameSir G7 Pro

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

$59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99

$79.99 / £89.99 (around AU$114)

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

9.76oz / 275g

9.6oz / 272g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

6.02 x 4.01 x 2.40in / 153mm x 102mm x 61mm

6.9 x 6.8 x 3.7in / 177 x 173 x 94mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Wireless (Xbox, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

~20 hours

20-40 hours

Around 12 hours

Xbox Wireless Controller
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is a decent alternative if you're after a cheaper Xbox or PC controller. You lose the remappable rear buttons and the lovely design, though.

Read our full Xbox Wireless Controller review

GameSir G7 Pro
The GameSir G7 Pro shows that you can get even more features for the price of the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller. It offers a 1000Hz polling rate and dual-mode triggers

Read our full GameSir G7 Pro review

How I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Used as primary controller for Xbox and PC
• Compared to other gamepads

I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller for more than two weeks, using it as my primary gamepad for both Xbox and PC play.

During that time, I experienced a wide range of games with it, including driving titles such as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Forza Horizon 3, and Forza Horizon 6, plus shooters like Gears of War Reloaded.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared it to my hands-on testing of other Xbox controllers, including the standard model and those by competitors like GameSir and PowerA.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: One-minute review

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline is the best-looking Xbox controller that I’ve ever tested. The face plate, complete with its illustration of a San Diego skyline dripping with inviting tropical vibes, is gorgeous and pairs wonderfully with the contrasting baby blue buttons and bright pink thumbstick caps.

The Pacific Skyline has a hidden trick up its sleeve as well — stunning RGB lighting that illuminates the city’s major buildings when the controller is turned on and can be customized with a variety of colours and presets without the need for any companion software. It’s genuinely a beautiful bit of hardware, and there’s nothing else quite like it on the market.

I’m sure the look was also closely inspired by Grand Theft Auto 6 as it’s very reminiscent of the game’s bright promotional art, and I already know that this will be my go-to gamepad when I venture into the neon-soaked streets of Vice City on Xbox Series X.

The aesthetics are great, but the controller also performs well overall — even if it’s not particularly feature-rich. The TMR thumbsticks are responsive and smooth, the rear buttons are easy to remap on the fly, and the built-in audio controls are genuinely useful and effective, giving you some compelling reasons to choose it over the stock Xbox Wireless Controller aside from just the look.

Yes, there are some controllers with even more features available for around the same price, just look at the GameSir G7 Pro, but you simply won’t find anything that’s this visually appealing elsewhere.

FutureFutureFutureTurtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Price and availability

• Available in the US and UK
• Costs $89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150
• You’re paying a premium for the design

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is readily available in the US and UK via the Turtle Beach website, where it costs $89.99 / £79.99 (that’s roughly AU$150). This model does not seem to have made its way to Australia yet.

It’s a solid price given the feature set, but you’re definitely paying a bit of a premium for the design, and alternatives like the GameSir G7 Pro deliver more features for the same cost.

Still, it’s worth it if you're considering the likes of the standard Xbox Wireless Controller but are willing to splash out for a nicer and more unique design.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Specs

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Battery life

~20 hours

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Design and features

• Stunning tropical aesthetic
• Standard Xbox controller form factor
• Rear inputs and on-board controls

Out of the box, the first thing you’re going to notice about the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is its beautiful design. Turtle Beach says that the pink and baby blue look was inspired by the ‘Xbox pastel project’ — which saw a selection of third-party gamepads with pastel aesthetics hit the market a few years ago.

I think there’s another clear inspiration, though: GTA 6. Covered in palm trees, with views of a beach and a city skyline (in this case, San Diego, the home of Turtle Beach), it’s a perfect match for the highly anticipated upcoming open-world game.

I imagine this pad is Turtle Beach’s way of getting in on the GTA 6 hype, but that’s certainly not a complaint as I think the result is stunning. The bright colors really pop, and the design is detailed enough to pore over without being too distracting.

(Image credit: Future)

There is also some brilliant RGB lighting when you turn on the pad, which lights up to reveal an otherwise hidden skyline. It looks truly brilliant and surprisingly tasteful, especially if you set it to a static illumination in a custom color.

In terms of layout, the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very close to the standard Xbox gamepad.

The overall shapes are extremely similar, though side by side you will notice that the Pacific Skyline has slightly softer corners and fatter grips. The Turtle Beach pad does have three extra buttons: a microphone mute button (which can also be pressed to access on-board functions) and two customizable rear paddles.

If you look at the D-pad, you will notice a few small markings. Hold the microphone mute button and tap up or down to raise or lower the volume of your connected headphones, while left and right adjust game chat balance. The controls are intuitive and easy to remember, and genuinely quite useful as it means that you don’t have to fiddle around with system menus to adjust game volume if you’re playing with wired headphones connected via the controller's 3.5mm jack.

The controller doesn't feature any removable batteries, and is instead charged via a USB Type-C cable. A generous roughly 10ft / 300cm one is included in the box along with a USB dongle. Sadly, neither the cable nor the dongle are pink or blue to match the controller — a missed opportunity to make them stand out against those of other pads.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Performance

• Delivers well-rounded performance
• Basic but functional software
• Very lightweight

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller delivers basically everything you could want from a basic Xbox Wireless Controller alternative. The thumbsticks are smooth and responsive, the buttons are satisfying to press and well-sized, and additional features like the volume mixing and rear inputs work just as you would expect.

It certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel in any respect, but the performance is exactly what you would want and expect at this price. There are more versatile options out there, though I think this is reasonable when, realistically, you’re mainly buying this particular controller for its looks.

The controller is compatible with two pieces of companion software: the Swarm II mobile app and the Turtle Beach - PDP Control Hub. Both offer similar options and are rather basic, mainly there for adjusting vibration strength, remapping buttons, and tweaking thumbstick dead zones.

My only real complaint using the controller is that the materials simply don’t feel as premium as the Xbox Wireless Controller. I think a lot of that comes down to the weight: the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very light, making it comfortable in the hands but meaning it lacks that reassuring heftiness. The back of the grips is also completely smooth, and I found myself missing the more grippy texture of the original pad.

The Pacific Skyline controller gains back the upper hand with its built-in battery. It lasts for about 20 hours per charge — roughly on par with Microsoft’s pad, all without the need to fiddle with pricey AAs every time you need to top it up.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller?Buy it if…

You love the aesthetic
There’s simply no controller out there that looks like the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline. It’s a must-have if you’re enamoured with its appearance like me.

You want a no-nonsense Xbox gamepad
The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller has fewer features than some alternatives, making it very easy to use.

Don’t buy it if…

You want maximum value
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is cheaper than this model and could be a better choice if you’re on a budget. Performance is similar, and you only miss a few extra features.

Also consider...

Not keen on the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller? Here are two alternatives to weigh up.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

Xbox Wireless Controller

GameSir G7 Pro

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

$59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99

$79.99 / £89.99 (around AU$114)

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

9.76oz / 275g

9.6oz / 272g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

6.02 x 4.01 x 2.40in / 153mm x 102mm x 61mm

6.9 x 6.8 x 3.7in / 177 x 173 x 94mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Wireless (Xbox, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

~20 hours

20-40 hours

Around 12 hours

Xbox Wireless Controller
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is a decent alternative if you're after a cheaper Xbox or PC controller. You lose the remappable rear buttons and the lovely design, though.

Read our full Xbox Wireless Controller review

GameSir G7 Pro
The GameSir G7 Pro shows that you can get even more features for the price of the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller. It offers a 1000Hz polling rate and dual-mode triggers

Read our full GameSir G7 Pro review

How I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Used as primary controller for Xbox and PC
• Compared to other gamepads

I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller for more than two weeks, using it as my primary gamepad for both Xbox and PC play.

During that time, I experienced a wide range of games with it, including driving titles such as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Forza Horizon 3, and Forza Horizon 6, plus shooters like Gears of War Reloaded.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared it to my hands-on testing of other Xbox controllers, including the standard model and those by competitors like GameSir and PowerA.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: One-minute review

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline is the best-looking Xbox controller that I’ve ever tested. The face plate, complete with its illustration of a San Diego skyline dripping with inviting tropical vibes, is gorgeous and pairs wonderfully with the contrasting baby blue buttons and bright pink thumbstick caps.

The Pacific Skyline has a hidden trick up its sleeve as well — stunning RGB lighting that illuminates the city’s major buildings when the controller is turned on and can be customized with a variety of colours and presets without the need for any companion software. It’s genuinely a beautiful bit of hardware, and there’s nothing else quite like it on the market.

I’m sure the look was also closely inspired by Grand Theft Auto 6 as it’s very reminiscent of the game’s bright promotional art, and I already know that this will be my go-to gamepad when I venture into the neon-soaked streets of Vice City on Xbox Series X.

The aesthetics are great, but the controller also performs well overall — even if it’s not particularly feature-rich. The TMR thumbsticks are responsive and smooth, the rear buttons are easy to remap on the fly, and the built-in audio controls are genuinely useful and effective, giving you some compelling reasons to choose it over the stock Xbox Wireless Controller aside from just the look.

Yes, there are some controllers with even more features available for around the same price, just look at the GameSir G7 Pro, but you simply won’t find anything that’s this visually appealing elsewhere.

FutureFutureFutureTurtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Price and availability

• Available in the US and UK
• Costs $89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150
• You’re paying a premium for the design

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is readily available in the US and UK via the Turtle Beach website, where it costs $89.99 / £79.99 (that’s roughly AU$150). This model does not seem to have made its way to Australia yet.

It’s a solid price given the feature set, but you’re definitely paying a bit of a premium for the design, and alternatives like the GameSir G7 Pro deliver more features for the same cost.

Still, it’s worth it if you're considering the likes of the standard Xbox Wireless Controller but are willing to splash out for a nicer and more unique design.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Specs

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Battery life

~20 hours

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Design and features

• Stunning tropical aesthetic
• Standard Xbox controller form factor
• Rear inputs and on-board controls

Out of the box, the first thing you’re going to notice about the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is its beautiful design. Turtle Beach says that the pink and baby blue look was inspired by the ‘Xbox pastel project’ — which saw a selection of third-party gamepads with pastel aesthetics hit the market a few years ago.

I think there’s another clear inspiration, though: GTA 6. Covered in palm trees, with views of a beach and a city skyline (in this case, San Diego, the home of Turtle Beach), it’s a perfect match for the highly anticipated upcoming open-world game.

I imagine this pad is Turtle Beach’s way of getting in on the GTA 6 hype, but that’s certainly not a complaint as I think the result is stunning. The bright colors really pop, and the design is detailed enough to pore over without being too distracting.

(Image credit: Future)

There is also some brilliant RGB lighting when you turn on the pad, which lights up to reveal an otherwise hidden skyline. It looks truly brilliant and surprisingly tasteful, especially if you set it to a static illumination in a custom color.

In terms of layout, the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very close to the standard Xbox gamepad.

The overall shapes are extremely similar, though side by side you will notice that the Pacific Skyline has slightly softer corners and fatter grips. The Turtle Beach pad does have three extra buttons: a microphone mute button (which can also be pressed to access on-board functions) and two customizable rear paddles.

If you look at the D-pad, you will notice a few small markings. Hold the microphone mute button and tap up or down to raise or lower the volume of your connected headphones, while left and right adjust game chat balance. The controls are intuitive and easy to remember, and genuinely quite useful as it means that you don’t have to fiddle around with system menus to adjust game volume if you’re playing with wired headphones connected via the controller's 3.5mm jack.

The controller doesn't feature any removable batteries, and is instead charged via a USB Type-C cable. A generous roughly 10ft / 300cm one is included in the box along with a USB dongle. Sadly, neither the cable nor the dongle are pink or blue to match the controller — a missed opportunity to make them stand out against those of other pads.

(Image credit: Future)Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller: Performance

• Delivers well-rounded performance
• Basic but functional software
• Very lightweight

The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller delivers basically everything you could want from a basic Xbox Wireless Controller alternative. The thumbsticks are smooth and responsive, the buttons are satisfying to press and well-sized, and additional features like the volume mixing and rear inputs work just as you would expect.

It certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel in any respect, but the performance is exactly what you would want and expect at this price. There are more versatile options out there, though I think this is reasonable when, realistically, you’re mainly buying this particular controller for its looks.

The controller is compatible with two pieces of companion software: the Swarm II mobile app and the Turtle Beach - PDP Control Hub. Both offer similar options and are rather basic, mainly there for adjusting vibration strength, remapping buttons, and tweaking thumbstick dead zones.

My only real complaint using the controller is that the materials simply don’t feel as premium as the Xbox Wireless Controller. I think a lot of that comes down to the weight: the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller is very light, making it comfortable in the hands but meaning it lacks that reassuring heftiness. The back of the grips is also completely smooth, and I found myself missing the more grippy texture of the original pad.

The Pacific Skyline controller gains back the upper hand with its built-in battery. It lasts for about 20 hours per charge — roughly on par with Microsoft’s pad, all without the need to fiddle with pricey AAs every time you need to top it up.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller?Buy it if…

You love the aesthetic
There’s simply no controller out there that looks like the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline. It’s a must-have if you’re enamoured with its appearance like me.

You want a no-nonsense Xbox gamepad
The Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller has fewer features than some alternatives, making it very easy to use.

Don’t buy it if…

You want maximum value
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is cheaper than this model and could be a better choice if you’re on a budget. Performance is similar, and you only miss a few extra features.

Also consider...

Not keen on the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller? Here are two alternatives to weigh up.

Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

Xbox Wireless Controller

GameSir G7 Pro

Price

$89.99 / £79.99 / around AU$150

$59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99

$79.99 / £89.99 (around AU$114)

Weight

7.04oz / 200g

9.76oz / 275g

9.6oz / 272g

Dimensions

6.22 x 4.09 x 2.36in / 158 x 104 x 60mm

6.02 x 4.01 x 2.40in / 153mm x 102mm x 61mm

6.9 x 6.8 x 3.7in / 177 x 173 x 94mm

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), 2.4Ghz wireless dongle

Wireless (Xbox, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

~20 hours

20-40 hours

Around 12 hours

Xbox Wireless Controller
The stock Xbox Wireless Controller is a decent alternative if you're after a cheaper Xbox or PC controller. You lose the remappable rear buttons and the lovely design, though.

Read our full Xbox Wireless Controller review

GameSir G7 Pro
The GameSir G7 Pro shows that you can get even more features for the price of the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller. It offers a 1000Hz polling rate and dual-mode triggers

Read our full GameSir G7 Pro review

How I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Used as primary controller for Xbox and PC
• Compared to other gamepads

I tested the Turtle Beach Pacific Skyline Wireless Controller for more than two weeks, using it as my primary gamepad for both Xbox and PC play.

During that time, I experienced a wide range of games with it, including driving titles such as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Forza Horizon 3, and Forza Horizon 6, plus shooters like Gears of War Reloaded.

Throughout my time with the controller, I compared it to my hands-on testing of other Xbox controllers, including the standard model and those by competitors like GameSir and PowerA.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2026

• Take-Two Interactive says it drew in $1.39 billion in sales during Grand Theft Auto 6's pre-order period
• Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says the game had an "exceptional start to pre-orders"
• Specific sales numbers are undisclosed, but Zelnick says "the level of pre-orders is unprecedented and astonishing"

Take-Two Interactive has reported earnings of $1.39 billion during Grand Theft Auto 6's pre-order period.

As reported by Variety, during a recent call with analysts, the Rockstar Games parent company said the sales were recorded from April 1 to June 30, the quarter in which it opened GTA 6 pre-orders. It's worth highlighting that pre-orders were open for just five days during this quarter, which makes them numbers especially astonishing.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said that the game had an "exceptional start to pre-orders", but couldn't disclose specific sales numbers.

"I can say that the level of pre-orders is unprecedented and astonishing, and we’re very grateful for that,” Zelnick said. “But they are so unprecedented that we just don’t know how it’ll translate into sales, which is a question I answered earlier. We genuinely don’t, and we just don’t believe in claiming victory before it occurs."

The publisher's $1.39 billion in total net bookings for the quarter wasn't broken down by title in the report, explaining the figure reflected “better-than-expected performance” from the NBA 2K, which was up 7%, and GTA franchises, which rose by 3%.

GTA 6 launches on November 19, and analysts have determined that the biggest game of all time could generate over $5 billion by the end of its launch week.

Video game market research firm Newzoo previously reported that the game earned roughly $180 million in digital pre-order sales across the US and the five largest European markets during the last week of June, which kicked off "the strongest pre-order campaign ever recorded."

"Placed on the sales curve GTA 6 is likely to follow, that puts it on pace for $3.3 - $5.2 billion in cumulative global sales by the end of launch week," it said.

There is just under four months to GTA 6's launch, but fans will be able to get a fresh look at the game on August 27 with the premiere of 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look' on Netflix.

House of the Dragon season 3 has reached its endpoint. Indeed, with its final episode due to air on numerous TV networks and streaming platforms shortly, we'll be bidding farewell to the Game of Thrones spin-off until its fourth and final season arrives in 2028.

But, let's deal with the here and now. Last week's chapter was full of explosive moments, including the revelation that Sunfyre is alive, Rhaenyra learning that Rhaena was responsible for Jace's death, and Ulf the White all but defecting to the Greens ahead of the long-awaited Battle of Tumbleton, among many other plot points. In short: this season's finale has got plenty of storylines to tackle and/or wrap up.

Thankfully, we don't have long to wait to see if it'll cap off the series' fieriest season yet. So, when will season 3 episode 8 premiere?

What is the launch time for House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8?

Unless the HBO TV Original's release is unexpectedly brought forward, the final episode of House of the Dragon's third season will come out on Sunday, August 9 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.

Well, that'll be the case in the US and Canada. Viewers in other nations will need to tune into their platform of choice on Monday, August 10 at the following times instead:

• US — Sunday, August 9 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
• Canada — Sunday, August 9 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
• UK — Monday, August 10 at 2am BST
• India — Monday, August 10 at 6:30am IST
• Singapore — Monday, August 10 at 9am SGT
• Australia — Monday, August 10 at 11am AEST
• New Zealand — Monday, August 10 at 1pm NZST

Where can I watch House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8?

Loyalty is never free. pic.twitter.com/M4eUmN1E4oAugust 4, 2026

Just like every other entry, House of the Dragon season 3's next installment will premiere on HBO Max, aka one of the world's best streaming services, wherever it's available.

Admittedly, the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) platform hasn't launched in every country yet. Nevertheless, there are other channels and streamers that it'll drop on across the globe.

Unsure of where you'll be able to find season 3 episode 8? Check out the list below:

• US — HBO and HBO Max
• Canada — Crave
• UK — HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and Now TV
• India — JioHotstar
• Singapore — HBO Max
• Australia — HBO Max
• New Zealand — HBO Max

Will there be a fourth season of House of the Dragon?

Behold me now. #HOTD pic.twitter.com/aEeoFT0fCkAugust 3, 2026

Yes. As I mentioned up top, House of the Dragon season 4 is not only already in development, but will also be the program's last hurrah.

Last November, House of the Dragon was one of many HBO TV shows that were renewed for another season. As part of that announcement, it was revealed that the Thrones prequel's final season will be ready to go at some point in 2028, too. Whether that's still the case remains to be seen but, if filming gets underway on House of the Dragon season 4 in early 2027 as expected, a 2028 launch will be more likely than not.

D.Va’s bestie brings a different type of mech gameplay to Overwatch.

RunStar 4E Body Scale: One minute review

The RunStar 4E is an affordable smart scale that costs little more than a standard set of electrical scales. Considering it measures more than 20 different body composition metrics, the low price becomes even more impressive. As you’d expect at this price, there are limitations though, with the inability to measure composition accurately (fat-to-muscle ratios and so on) being the most glaring one.

Despite these shortcomings, everything, from app setup to using the scales, is smooth, straightforward, and wonderfully intuitive. Connecting the scales to the companion app is quick and easy thanks to a robust Bluetooth signal, and the option to create multiple users within the app is a nice touch for a family of my size and stage.

The weight measurement consistently measured around 0.4% more than the pricier RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, which isn’t a massive deviation. For almost all the other measurements, the RunStar 4E adopts a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measuring method through four metal sensors located on the top panel of the scale.

BMI measurements were almost identical every single time compared to the 8E SmartScan Pro (probably because it's a mathematical calculation not dependent on the electrodes), but almost all other composition measurements offered up a deviation of between 3 and 30%. For these reasons, it’s not likely to make it into our best smart scales guide. That said, for the price, the RunStar 4E is a respectable set of scales for weight and quick BMI calculation.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Specifications

Component

RunStar 4E Body Scale

Price

$33.54 / £31.00

Dimensions

11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches

Weight

3.17 pounds

Material

6 mm tempered glass

Display

LCD

Battery

3x AAA

Connection

Bluetooth

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Price and availability

• $33.54 / £31.00
• Not available in Australia
• Budget-friendly smart scale

At $33.54 USD / £31.00 GBP, the RunStar 4E Body Scale is incredibly affordable as far as smart scales go. It might lack full body measurements for fat loss and fitness and muscle gain, but for that pleasure you’ll have to part with a lot more money and shoot for something like the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, Withings Body Scan series, or Wyze Scale X.

A comparable option in terms of price and features would be the Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale, which scored a respectable four stars in our testing. Positives included the easy connection, extremely fast results, and the comprehensive app. Our reviewer had some concerns over accuracy, but overall it’s a solid choice.

The scales are FSA and HSA eligible, which means US users are able to use them in conjunction with designating pre-tax money to be taken from pay and put towards paying medical expenses.

• Value score 4.5/5

Future / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonRunStar 4E Body Scale: Design

• LCD display with color graphics
• Compact and lightweight design
• Powered by 3x AAA batteries

At the heart of the RunStar 4E is a bright LCD display that provides an easy-to-access readout of six metrics: weight, body fat, BMI, muscle mass, body water, and bone mass. The display cycles through these with a few seconds given over to each stat. Unfortunately there’s no way to move to a specific metric using on-device controls, although the full list is available in the accompanying app.

At 11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches and 3.17 pounds, the smart scale is both compact and lightweight. As a result, finding a suitable spot for it in a bathroom or bedroom shouldn’t be a problem. It can also be easily stowed on its side in a cupboard while not in use.

The scale is covered in 6mm tempered glass, which protects against scratches and cracks, neither of which I suffered despite my children doing their accidental best to inflict a dent or two. Underneath you’ll find four anti-slip silicone feet.

Quick and effortless connectivity is via Bluetooth, and power is delivered courtesy of three AAA batteries. USB-C charging would have been better for the environment, but with minimal power required, I don’t envisage getting through too many batteries.

• Design Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Features

• 22 reportable metrics including weight, BMI, and muscle mass
• App supports multiple users

The RunStar 4E boasts an impressive feature set for such an affordable scale, or at least it would be if the extras were more impressive. At its core, the scale is capable of measuring over 20 metrics, including weight, BMI, body fat percentage, body mass, muscle mass, body water rate, bone mass, and visceral fat. Six of these are visible on the smart scale itself, while the full set is reported in the Starfit RunStar app.

To accommodate families, the Starfit app enables users to set up multiple profiles, one for each family member. By entering the height and target weight of each person, the app is able to provide more accurate and informed reporting. The app also tracks measurements over time and plots them on a chart for trend analysis.

• Features Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Performance

• Quick results on-device and in-app
• Accurate weight, BMI, and metabolic age
• Some inaccuracies consistently reported

The first thing to note is that the RunStar 4E is quick. In a matter of seconds the scale is able to measure over 20 different body composition metrics and display them instantly in the app. There’s no waiting around for calculations to be made and zero lag when the display is cycling through the six core metrics.

Weight, as you’d expect, is measured prior to all the body composition elements. Having measured myself hundreds of times, I found that the 4E regularly mismeasured my weight by around 0.4% compared to the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro and, indeed, my rudimentary pair of digital weight scales. It would be unfair to judge the scales too harshly for this small deviation, especially given the price.

According to research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, one study conducted on smart scales shows a median margin of error of around 0.3kgs, so I can forgive it some small deviation. That said, if you’re requiring absolute accuracy, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

BMI was also consistently measured more or less accurately, with deviations of only 0.5%. If you’re only concerned with quick measurements such as weight and BMI, then the RunStar 4E won’t cause you any problems.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Getting into the specifics, musculoskeletal-related measurements using BIA include muscle, muscle mass, and skeletal muscle rates. The first two measured around a 3% deviation from the 8E SmartScan Pro, but it was the skeletal muscle rate which was most concerning, measuring a deviation of nearly 15%.

Unfortunately variable results continue with fat-related metrics. Compared to the SmartScan Pro, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat, and body fat mass all reported a massive 30% deviation.

Despite comparably poor results on some metrics, it’s worth remembering that most of these are specialized measurements, and to expect too much from a smart scale that costs $33.54 / £31.00 might be a little unreasonable.

That said, it would be preferable for consumers if smart scale manufacturers would only include metrics that they could report on accurately. The RunStar 4E also measures consistently with itself, which means it can still be trusted as a weight loss tool assuming you allow for the margin of error.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

RunStar 4E Body Scale: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

An impressive smart scale given its budget-friendly price point.

4.5/5

Design

A compact and lightweight smart scale with a bright LCD display.

4/5

Features

Over 20 body composition metrics with the RunStar app providing a reasonable level of trend analysis.

4/5

Performance

Weight and BMI are accurate, but other measurements are subject to sizable deviations.

3.5/5

RunStar 4E Body Scale: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You’re looking for a decent affordable smart scale

A surprisingly solid set of features for such a cheap scale.

You only care about working towards a healthier BMI

As well as weight, the RunStar 4E delivers accurate BMI calculations.

Don't buy it if...

You want to be able to sync results with health apps

The RunStar isn’t capable of linking in with any sort of wider ecosystem.

Also consider

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale

A similarly priced smart scale with a comparable set of features. Boasts a slightly larger display and a more comprehensive app experience.

Vitafit Smart Bathroom ScaleView Deal

RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro

A superior, and pricier, smart scale capable of measuring more metrics and breaking them down into specific parts of the body.View Deal

How I tested

My family (two adults and three children) has been using the RunStar 4E for three months. We’ve used it to measure and track all types of metrics, including weight, BMI, and muscle mass. I carried out comparison tests with the more premium RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro. In addition, I’ve used every feature of the app to give the smart scales a thorough testing.

First reviewed: July 2026

RunStar 4E Body Scale: One minute review

The RunStar 4E is an affordable smart scale that costs little more than a standard set of electrical scales. Considering it measures more than 20 different body composition metrics, the low price becomes even more impressive. As you’d expect at this price, there are limitations though, with the inability to measure composition accurately (fat-to-muscle ratios and so on) being the most glaring one.

Despite these shortcomings, everything, from app setup to using the scales, is smooth, straightforward, and wonderfully intuitive. Connecting the scales to the companion app is quick and easy thanks to a robust Bluetooth signal, and the option to create multiple users within the app is a nice touch for a family of my size and stage.

The weight measurement consistently measured around 0.4% more than the pricier RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, which isn’t a massive deviation. For almost all the other measurements, the RunStar 4E adopts a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measuring method through four metal sensors located on the top panel of the scale.

BMI measurements were almost identical every single time compared to the 8E SmartScan Pro (probably because it's a mathematical calculation not dependent on the electrodes), but almost all other composition measurements offered up a deviation of between 3 and 30%. For these reasons, it’s not likely to make it into our best smart scales guide. That said, for the price, the RunStar 4E is a respectable set of scales for weight and quick BMI calculation.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Specifications

Component

RunStar 4E Body Scale

Price

$33.54 / £31.00

Dimensions

11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches

Weight

3.17 pounds

Material

6 mm tempered glass

Display

LCD

Battery

3x AAA

Connection

Bluetooth

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Price and availability

• $33.54 / £31.00
• Not available in Australia
• Budget-friendly smart scale

At $33.54 USD / £31.00 GBP, the RunStar 4E Body Scale is incredibly affordable as far as smart scales go. It might lack full body measurements for fat loss and fitness and muscle gain, but for that pleasure you’ll have to part with a lot more money and shoot for something like the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro, Withings Body Scan series, or Wyze Scale X.

A comparable option in terms of price and features would be the Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale, which scored a respectable four stars in our testing. Positives included the easy connection, extremely fast results, and the comprehensive app. Our reviewer had some concerns over accuracy, but overall it’s a solid choice.

The scales are FSA and HSA eligible, which means US users are able to use them in conjunction with designating pre-tax money to be taken from pay and put towards paying medical expenses.

• Value score 4.5/5

Future / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonFuture / Paul HattonRunStar 4E Body Scale: Design

• LCD display with color graphics
• Compact and lightweight design
• Powered by 3x AAA batteries

At the heart of the RunStar 4E is a bright LCD display that provides an easy-to-access readout of six metrics: weight, body fat, BMI, muscle mass, body water, and bone mass. The display cycles through these with a few seconds given over to each stat. Unfortunately there’s no way to move to a specific metric using on-device controls, although the full list is available in the accompanying app.

At 11.02 x 11.02 x 0.78 inches and 3.17 pounds, the smart scale is both compact and lightweight. As a result, finding a suitable spot for it in a bathroom or bedroom shouldn’t be a problem. It can also be easily stowed on its side in a cupboard while not in use.

The scale is covered in 6mm tempered glass, which protects against scratches and cracks, neither of which I suffered despite my children doing their accidental best to inflict a dent or two. Underneath you’ll find four anti-slip silicone feet.

Quick and effortless connectivity is via Bluetooth, and power is delivered courtesy of three AAA batteries. USB-C charging would have been better for the environment, but with minimal power required, I don’t envisage getting through too many batteries.

• Design Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Features

• 22 reportable metrics including weight, BMI, and muscle mass
• App supports multiple users

The RunStar 4E boasts an impressive feature set for such an affordable scale, or at least it would be if the extras were more impressive. At its core, the scale is capable of measuring over 20 metrics, including weight, BMI, body fat percentage, body mass, muscle mass, body water rate, bone mass, and visceral fat. Six of these are visible on the smart scale itself, while the full set is reported in the Starfit RunStar app.

To accommodate families, the Starfit app enables users to set up multiple profiles, one for each family member. By entering the height and target weight of each person, the app is able to provide more accurate and informed reporting. The app also tracks measurements over time and plots them on a chart for trend analysis.

• Features Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)RunStar 4E Body Scale: Performance

• Quick results on-device and in-app
• Accurate weight, BMI, and metabolic age
• Some inaccuracies consistently reported

The first thing to note is that the RunStar 4E is quick. In a matter of seconds the scale is able to measure over 20 different body composition metrics and display them instantly in the app. There’s no waiting around for calculations to be made and zero lag when the display is cycling through the six core metrics.

Weight, as you’d expect, is measured prior to all the body composition elements. Having measured myself hundreds of times, I found that the 4E regularly mismeasured my weight by around 0.4% compared to the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro and, indeed, my rudimentary pair of digital weight scales. It would be unfair to judge the scales too harshly for this small deviation, especially given the price.

According to research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, one study conducted on smart scales shows a median margin of error of around 0.3kgs, so I can forgive it some small deviation. That said, if you’re requiring absolute accuracy, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

BMI was also consistently measured more or less accurately, with deviations of only 0.5%. If you’re only concerned with quick measurements such as weight and BMI, then the RunStar 4E won’t cause you any problems.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Getting into the specifics, musculoskeletal-related measurements using BIA include muscle, muscle mass, and skeletal muscle rates. The first two measured around a 3% deviation from the 8E SmartScan Pro, but it was the skeletal muscle rate which was most concerning, measuring a deviation of nearly 15%.

Unfortunately variable results continue with fat-related metrics. Compared to the SmartScan Pro, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat, and body fat mass all reported a massive 30% deviation.

Despite comparably poor results on some metrics, it’s worth remembering that most of these are specialized measurements, and to expect too much from a smart scale that costs $33.54 / £31.00 might be a little unreasonable.

That said, it would be preferable for consumers if smart scale manufacturers would only include metrics that they could report on accurately. The RunStar 4E also measures consistently with itself, which means it can still be trusted as a weight loss tool assuming you allow for the margin of error.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

RunStar 4E Body Scale: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

An impressive smart scale given its budget-friendly price point.

4.5/5

Design

A compact and lightweight smart scale with a bright LCD display.

4/5

Features

Over 20 body composition metrics with the RunStar app providing a reasonable level of trend analysis.

4/5

Performance

Weight and BMI are accurate, but other measurements are subject to sizable deviations.

3.5/5

RunStar 4E Body Scale: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You’re looking for a decent affordable smart scale

A surprisingly solid set of features for such a cheap scale.

You only care about working towards a healthier BMI

As well as weight, the RunStar 4E delivers accurate BMI calculations.

Don't buy it if...

You want to be able to sync results with health apps

The RunStar isn’t capable of linking in with any sort of wider ecosystem.

Also consider

Vitafit Smart Bathroom Scale

A similarly priced smart scale with a comparable set of features. Boasts a slightly larger display and a more comprehensive app experience.

Vitafit Smart Bathroom ScaleView Deal

RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro

A superior, and pricier, smart scale capable of measuring more metrics and breaking them down into specific parts of the body.View Deal

How I tested

My family (two adults and three children) has been using the RunStar 4E for three months. We’ve used it to measure and track all types of metrics, including weight, BMI, and muscle mass. I carried out comparison tests with the more premium RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro. In addition, I’ve used every feature of the app to give the smart scales a thorough testing.

First reviewed: July 2026