Technology

• Microsoft is improving Windows 11 search in multiple ways
• That includes a calmer search panel, the ability to turn off web results, a better way of prioritizing returned results, and a more stable search overall
• This is in testing for now, and the main worry is how long it might take for Microsoft to usher all this through to release

If you're fed up with the way Windows 11's search functionality works – and you wouldn't be alone – some incoming changes are set to greatly improve this experience.

Microsoft revealed the tweaks to the search box in a blog post, explaining that they're being delivered via a gradual rollout to testers in the Experimental channel for Windows 11 preview builds.

The first major change is simply to make search a calmer place, so when the panel appears, it only contains a list of your recent searches (allowing you to easily fire up one of those again if you wish). The current clutter to the right of that list, including recommendations – some of which are outright adverts – along with trending searches has all been banished.

And the second important piece of work here is that Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the ability to get rid of web results in search. Currently, when searching for a file in the operating system you get not just local results (for files on your drives), but also some web results which can get in the way.

In this new scheme of things, you'll be able to switch off all web results in Settings, and also ditch Microsoft Store suggestions too.

If you keep these results on, Microsoft notes that they won't be prioritized, although this is something the company had already started to address (it used to be the case that web content could appear at the top of the returned results in a truly baffling fashion). Web results have also been stripped of any 'promotional content' so you'll only get the most relevant answers if these results are enabled.

Microsoft has also bolstered the handling of results for Windows 11 settings so that more relevant options are flagged up higher in the pecking order, and Microsoft says further fine-tuning is planned on this front.

The search box will also be able to handle typos, with an improved ability to guess what you really meant ('Chrome' rather than 'Chome' for example), and it'll start to surface possible results after typing just two characters (another enhancement we've already heard about).

While this is mostly all about streamlining, Microsoft is going the other way in one notable respect — adding a bit more detail in for the files returned in the results. Search will now provide more info about files (such as when they were last opened) and a more in-depth preview in the right-hand panel, so you can more readily tell what you'll be opening if you click on that result.

Finally, Microsoft is making search more reliable, which involves "reducing [the] likelihood of crashing and loading issues" which is obviously a welcome move.

Analysis: the rollout fly in the soothing search ointment

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11 search has always been a somewhat painful affair for me, thanks mainly to the clutter of the thinly veiled (or not even veiled at all) ads, and the irrelevant results which were surfaced with a baffling level of priority, as noted. Windows 10 isn't a lot better, frankly, but at any rate, I'm very happy to see the fresh direction Microsoft has taken here.

The calmer search results are a major boon, with Microsoft following in the same vein as the streamlining it recently announced for the widgets panel, which was made a quieter place. (All this follows a broader early promise to rein in the upselling with Windows 11 and generally make the interface a more chilled place).

I was hoping that the option to turn off web results would be brought in, and this is the most important addition for me personally. I'm not alone, and the reaction to these various changes has been very positive, with the only real sticking point being impatience around when these new features will be rolled out. That's both in terms of testers wanting to try the revamped search box now, and the general computing public wondering when they will eventually get their hands on all this.

As this tester posts on Reddit: "We love this... except gradual rollouts. We don't like when things are inconsistent from PC to PC despite running identical [test] builds [of Windows 11]. It's really obnoxious and breaks muscle memory. But the changes seem great and I look forward to trying them."

As Microsoft points out in its blog post, it's worth remembering that there are now feature flags that can be enabled if you're really keen to try out something in a preview build, and it's not on your PC yet.

However, as for those asking: 'For those of us on release, when might this arrive?'

Well, that's a very different kettle of fish, as it could take quite some time for this work to progress through testing. Mainly because there are a lot of changes involved, and it's not something Microsoft will want to rush (especially given the drive to make search more reliable and stable).

And when these search improvements are eventually released outside of testing, it'll be on a controlled rollout that you won't be able to jump the queue with. However, there's a reason for that – Microsoft will need to observe the changes going live in a gradual manner to ensure no unexpected gremlins are crawling around in the works.

So, you will have to be patient, and there's some frustration around the length of time it can take for controlled rollouts to proceed these days (the Start menu overhaul from last year being a key example here – some folks still don't have it even now). But the good news is that these changes are coming, and they promise to revamp search in Windows 11 to a considerable extent. I can't wait (but I'll have to).

I'm always keeping my eye out this time of year for the ultimate 'back to school' laptop deals for our readers. Today, I think I've spotted a listing that could actually lay claim to that title.

It's the brand new Dell XPS 13, which is currently on sale for just $599 if you're a student. This new model has just been released at $699, but it looks like Dell is doing a particularly aggressive intro deal for prospective students right now.

To be honest, even at $699, I'd say this Dell XPS 13 is a strong contender. We haven't reviewed it yet here at TechRadar, but this iteration looks like a very compelling alternative to the likes of the new MacBook Neo, which is also $699.

It's surely no coincidence that the new XPS 13 is priced to compete with the MacBook Neo, as both offer a premium, lightweight laptop at a rock bottom price. The XPS 13 is obviously a Windows 11 machine, however, so it's the one to go for if you prefer Windows over MacOS.

Get the new Dell XPS 13 for just $599 today

Processor: Intel Core 5-320 
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB

In a time where laptop prices are spiralling out of control, Dell's latest XPS 13 looks like a rare deal on a premium model. OK, so this is the baseline model with only 8GB of RAM, but the XPS 13 is a great laptop with a fantastic 120Hz display and excellent build quality. Considering that Dell are also offering students an impressive $100 discount at launch, this XPS 13 looks like a very competitive alternative to the likes of the MacBook Neo.View Deal

• See more: check out all of today's laptop deals at Dell

While we haven't reviewed this model yet, our sister-site Windows Central managed to check it out in-person earlier this year. Initial reports are exceedingly positive, with the price, display, and overall build quality being particular highlights.

Interestingly, Dell had MacBook Neos on display next to the New XPS 13, so journalists could directly compare the to models. According to Windows Central, the XPS 13 had better build quality, a better display, and it was lighter. Of course, they do love Windows laptops over on that site, so your preference may vary.

We still rate the MacBook Neo here at TechRadar with its eye-catching colors and incredible battery life.

With that said, if I were choosing between the two, I'd definitely be tempted by the XPS 13. Generally, I prefer Windows laptops, and the XPS 13's Thunderbolt 4 ports are more useful to me than the Neo's standard USB-C ports. I'm also partial to the XPS 13's display, which I think it is a little more modern-looking than the Neo's, with its thick-bezels.

Heading off on a vacation? It's easy to forget about boring things like charging solutions, but when you're away from home, keeping your devices juiced up is both more important than usual, and more difficult than usual. I speak from experience — I've found myself in one too many foreign city after a long day of exploring, trying to memorize Google Maps directions to a hotel while my phone battery dwindles alarmingly into the red.

This year, though, I've decided to get myself prepared, and avoid all that stress by arming myself with the right travel gadgets. Luckily, at TechRadar our reviews team members have tested dozens of charging gadgets of all kinds, and below I've rounded up our top recommendations for travel.

I've included a mix of options here. There are plug-in charging stations that will let me juice up multiple gadgets at once if I end up in a hotel room with limited power outlets (or it's a foreign socket and I've only brought one plug adaptor). There are also plug-in or MagSafe power packs that I can keep in my bag for charging when out and about. I've also thrown in a couple more specialized options: a foldable pad that can juice up three different Apple devices at once, and a 6-port beast that can handle charging power-hungry laptops and tablets — ideal while working while on the go.

I've included a handy specs comparison table at the bottom of the page, and if you want to dig into more options, we have separate, dedicated guides to the best wireless chargers and the best power banks. Bon voyage!

Top travel chargers UGreen Uno 100W USB-C Charger

Why's it good for travel? This is our very favorite charger overall, and it's very well-suited for travel. Charging is super-speedy and there's a good number of ports (four in total) for juicing up multiple gadgets at once. The mini robot styling, complete with changing facial expressions, isn't strictly necessary, but who doesn't want a bit of extra friendly company when they're away from home?

Read our full review

Pros

• Super-fast charging
• Fun display and emojis
• Four ports including USB-A and USB-C

Cons

• Not the cheapest charger on the market
• Display could be a touch brighter

UGreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh Qi2 25W

Why's it good for travel? We called this "the ultimate on-the-go charging solution". There's a wireless charging pad, a speedy USB-C port, and an integrated USB-C cable, and it's compact, high-quality and charges fast. If you can stretch to the higher price, it'd make a superb travel buddy.

Read our full review

Pros

• Reliable performance
• Great build quality
• Integrated cable and USB-C port add flexibility

Cons

• Can get a little hot
• Price may be a turn-off

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable

Why's it good for travel? An integrated, retractible USB-C cable means you don't have to worry about remembering to bring an extra cable or remember where you've put it. It's a generous length, which is helpful if your power outlet isn't optimally placed. In our tests, charging was impressively speedy, too.

Read our full review

Pros

• Convenient retractable cable
• Strong overall performance
• Compact build

Cons

• Multi-port power distribution won’t suit all
• In-built cable doesn’t support Samsung Super Charge 2.0 45W
• Non-foldable prongs on UK model

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1 Foldable Pad)

Why's it good for travel? This palm-sized, fold-up, wireless charger is perfect for traveling Apple fans. It unfolds to offer up charging modules for an iPhone and AirPods, plus a certified Apple Watch fast-charging module. It also turns into a landscape stand for your iPhone.

Read our full review

Pros

• Light-weight and travel-sized
• Good iPhone and Apple Watch charging speeds
• Can charge Apple Watches with loop bands
• Turns into a landscape stand for iPhone

Cons

• Tricky to take phone off charge one-handed
• Moves on surfaces easily
• It’s pretty pricey

Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 45W Built-In Retractable USB-C Cable

Why's it good for travel? This compact power bank has an integrated, retractable charge cable — ultra-helpful if you're traveling about and don't want to have to remember a separate one — and a handy cord to clip on a backpack or belt loop.

Read our full review

Pros

• Convenient retractable cable
• Useful display
• Solid overall performance

Cons

• Not enough wattage for more power-hungry devices
• Could recharge a little faster
• Thermal throttling can prevent peak performance

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K Slim)

Why's it good for travel? If you have a MagSafe device you want to keep powered up, this slimline Anker power bank is a great choice. It's well-built, the charging is speedy, and the grip is strong enough that you won't have to worry about it dropping off.

Read our full review

Pros

• Charges fast
• Strong magnetic grip
• Slim for a 10K battery

Cons

• Heavier than expected
• On the pricey side

Anker Prime Charger 200W 6 Ports GaNPrime

Why's it good for travel? It's overkill for casual travelers just looking to juice up their phone and earbuds, but if you're working on the go, this charge station is an excellent choice. It has the most power-out ports of any featured in this list (four USB-C ports and two more USB-A) and packs a hefty output of 200W, making it suitable for power-hungry devices like laptops.

Read our full review

Pros

• Six speedy charging ports
• High build quality
• Great value

Cons

• No Anker app compatibility
• Lacks any kind of display

ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger

Why's it good for travel? This Qi2 charger is light in weight, compact in size and has a reinforced power cable that won't mind being shoved into your luggage. The magnetic grip is secure and it's perfectly possible to keep using your phone while it's charging. If you just have one MagSafe device to charge, it's a great choice.

Read our full review

Pros

• Easy to hold
• Robust power cable
• Reassuringly secure magnet

Cons

• Integrated power cable
• Slides around on surfaces
• Not as comfortable to hold as some alternatives

Specs compared

• Marvel is reportedly making a Nova movie with the aid of Loki's showrunner
• The cosmic hero was originally going to star in a Disney+ TV show
• If true, the film will need to address three big questions about the MCU

Marvel is turning its attentions to the stars again as it begins work on a movie starring fan-favorite character Nova.

Per Deadline, the comic-book titan has pivoted away from telling a story about the cosmic hero on Disney+ to give him the full big-screen treatment. Furthermore, Michael Waldron, who was Loki's showrunner and rewrote parts of the Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness script, is leading development on the untitled Nova project.

According to Deadline's sources, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flick is still in the early planning stages. Nonetheless, I've already got four big questions that Marvel and Waldron need to shed light on regarding their next sci-fi project…

1. Who will play Nova?

Tenative rumors have circulated online that Powell could play Nova in the MCU (Image credit: Hulu)

Chief among the answers I seek is which actor will portray the eponymous character.

With Waldron also the creator-in-chief on acclaimed sports comedy Chad Powers, a Hulu TV Original that starred Glen Powell, it's little surprise to see that the aforementioned actor has been linked with the titular role. Add in the fact that Marvel has prioritized casting A-listers in its movie and TV productions recently, and the charismatic Powell would fit the bill as a big name who could draw a crowd, too.

That said, Powell is far from the only star that Waldron has worked with before. Additionally, Marvel President Kevin Feige has occasionally stated his belief that the comic giant needs to reduce the costs of its films and TV series, which includes the salaries of those who appear in said screen projects. Powell's hiring, then, is certainly not a foregone conclusion.

2. Which version of the superhero will we see — Richard Rider, Sam Alexander, or Frankie Raye?

It's unclear which version of Nova we'll see in this Marvel production (Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Like the Green Lantern Corps that exist in DC Comics, there are hundreds of individuals who have held the rank of 'Nova' in Marvel Comics.

There are three particular human characters who are part of the insterstellar cop agency known as the Nova Corps, though — those being the aforementioned Rider, Alexander, and Raye.

Of that trio, Rider is the most famous, so it would make sense if Marvel decided to center Nova around this well-known individual. However, should Marvel want to go down the route of introducing a younger Nova to audiences, Alexander would be the way to go. Furthermore, if Marvel isn't worried about the fan backlash that could come from casting a female lead in this film and/or taking creative liberties with Raye's comic-book origins, it could turn heads by selecting the least likely member of this group to star in it.

For what it's worth, I think Marvel will play it safe and go for Rider — but that's just my view. Vote in the poll below to let me know which character you'd like to see!

3. Will Nova show us the off-screen destruction of Xandar at Thanos' hands?

Thanos brought wrath and ruin to Xandar prior to the events of 2018's Avengers: Infinity War (Image credit: Marvel)

Think you've heard the word 'Nova' before in the MCU? You'd be right. We were actually introduced to the Nova Corps in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, which saw the titular ragtag group travel to — and then save — Xandar, aka the capital city of the Nova Empire and, by proxy, the space cop agency's headquarters.

At the end of that film, the Nova Corps was entrusted with the Power Stone, aka one of the Infinity Stones. Unfortunately, as part of his genocidal plan to destroy half of all life in the universe, the Mad Titan known as Thanos soon came calling for said cosmic gem. Long story short: he acquired the Power Stone and, as punishment for Xandar's role in trying to stop him obtaining it, decimated the planet.

So, will we witness Xandar's destruction in a flashback sequence as part of Nova's story? If it had been developed and released by now, I believe we already would have. However, Nova won't arrive before the Marvel Multiverse Saga comes to an end with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. And, with that Marvel Phase 6 duology set to reboot the MCU, I think it's incredibly unlikely that Xandar's annihilation at Thanos' hands will be depicted in Nova.

4. Can Waldron win over the MCU sceptics?

Waldron is something of a divisive figure among Marvel fans (Image credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez)

There's no denying that Waldron's apparent involvement in Nova has caused something of a ruckus online. Indeed, following the publication of Deadline's article, fans have taken to various Reddits, the ResetEra forums, and other social platforms to criticize or defend Waldron's hiring.

There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, too. As Loki's head writer, Waldron proved he had the necessary writing chops to tell a sci-fi story that was focused on a beloved Marvel character. In sharp contrast to the praise he received for his work on that show, though, Waldron is often 'credited' with not only turning Doctor Strange 2 into a narrative mess, but also with undoing all of the growth that Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch underwent in WandaVision and positioning her as a one-dimensional villain in Multiverse of Madness.

Of course, Loki and Doctor Strange 2 aren't the only screenwriting credits on Waldron's resume, but they're the ones that MCU diehards will know him from. In that sense, he's one for two in the 'great MCU project' department. The jury is still out, then, on whether it'll be one or two for three before Nova's arrival.

Shokz is a big name in running and fitness headphones. And if you've been intrigued by its bone conduction headphones but put off by the cost, there's now a chance to bag the Shokz OpenRun Pro at Amazon for $109.95 (was $124.95) — that's a record-low price.

Yes, these may be the older first-generation model, but they remain an excellent pair of headphones to this day. They boast excellent audio quality, a slim and comfortable design, and solid battery life of up to 10 hours.

While the OpenRun Pro 2 do offer better sound, a slightly larger battery, and more convenient charging options, I'd say these upgrades are not super-important to more casual users — and certainly aren't worth paying up to $70 more for.

Shokz OpenRun Pro — record-low price

If you've never tried bone conduction headphones before, maybe this record-low price for the Shokz OpenRun Pro is what finally encourages you to pick up a pair. This may be the older model, but you still get excellent audio quality, a comfortable and slim fit, and good battery life of up to 10 hours. If you're a runner or fitness enthusiast who wants to avoid in-ear options or be aware of your surroundings, these are a great budget buy.View Deal

When we originally reviewed the Shokz OpenRun Pro, we called them "the best bone conduction headphones you can buy.' New models have been released now that improve the unique tech and add quality-of-life features, such as USB-C charging and longer battery life, but these are still a good buy at this low price.

If you are set on the tech but would prefer a newer model, though, do check out our guide to all of the best bone conduction headphones for several other options from top brands including Shokz, H2O, and Nank.

• Future Games Show will return for Gamescom 2026
• The main showcase will begin on August 26, followed by the FGS Live, and the FGS Best Of Gamescom will air on August 30
• Future Games Show at Gamescom will feature world premieres, new trailers, and more

The Future Games Show will officially return next month for Gamescom 2026 with three digital showcases.

Future Games Show at Gamescom will air the same day the industry event kicks off, on August 26, and feature new announcements from "some of the industry’s most creative studios," including world premieres, exclusive trailers, developer deep dives, and brand-new game demos.

The recent Future Game Show Summer Showcase in June included 40+ games and 11 world premieres, and reached over 17.8 million live and launch-weekend views, so viewers should expect some more exciting game reveals.

FGS Live From Gamescom will immediately follow the main showcase on August 26, be hosted by the FGS editorial team, and feature more world premieres and exclusive trailers, as well as news and interviews from the Gamescom show floor.

To round out the event, the FGS Best Of Gamescom broadcast will kick off on August 30 and take viewers to the show floor to wrap up the best games of the event. Those tuning in can also expect exclusive booth tours, developer interviews, and a recap of Gamescom’s most exciting announcements.

All three digital shows can be watched on Future Games Shows' Twitch, YouTube, X, TikTok, Facebook, and GamesRadar+.

"The Future Games Show is the best place to discover new games, from indie gems like acclaimed-puzzler Blue Prince to AAA blockbusters such as sci-fi RPG Exodus," said Daniel Dawkins, Content Director of Future Games Show at Future. "Our Summer Showcase delivered 3.72 wishlists per live viewer, comfortably outperforming industry averages, thanks to our super-engaged viewers.

"Since launching in 2020, we have been proud to showcase the industry's most exciting titles alongside premier hosts like Troy Baker, Alix Wilton Regan and Ben Starr. This Gamescom, we are delivering three massive digital showcases packed with the latest news and world premieres for PC and consoles. Don’t miss it!”

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has warned AI companies are training their models on the business secrets of their customers
• These secrets are then used to train new, more powerful models, that are sold to their customer's competitors
• But, Nadella says there is a way to remain competitive without being locked in to one AI vendor

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has warned the big players in the AI industry are using their proprietary models to learn the business secrets of their customers, which they can then use to train and deploy more advanced AI models.

The crux of the issue, Nadella said in a blog post, is that, “You essentially pay for intelligence twice, once with money, and again with something even more valuable: the proprietary knowledge you must reveal to make that intelligence useful. The better you want the model to perform, the more of that knowledge you have to feed it!”

What Nadella is saying in essence, is that AI companies are harvesting sensitive business data from their customers, using it to make training their models cheaper, and then launching these models for use by their own customer’s competition.

“The kind of knowledge a competitor could never buy”

“Models learn from ‘exhaust,’ the prompts people write, the tools agents use, and especially the corrections people make when the model is wrong. Every correction is distilled into institutional know-how,” Nadella explained.

Nadella also criticized how AI companies are increasingly complaining about how their models are being distilled by their own competition. For example, Anthropic accused retailer and e-commerce company Alibaba for using thousands of Claude prompts to distill their own models. By figuring out how a proprietary model works, you don’t have to spend the enormous amount of capital needed to source training data and create your own AI model.

This, for Nadella, is a major contradiction in how AI companies work. “While the great innovation that comes from model providers having fair use rights to train models on public data is needed, I find it ironic that the status quo is to then turn around and impose restrictive terms on distillation,” he said.

It is also therefore hypocritical for AI companies to accuse other companies of distilling their own product, and then include within their AI usage contracts clauses that allow AI companies to “reserve the right to learn from customer usage and interaction data.”

“In consuming intelligence, you are creating intelligence. And what you create should belong to you,” Nadella added.

On-prem is back in fashion

Nadella’s fix for this growing problem? It’s time to move back to on-prem. Nadella encourages businesses to “retain ownership” of the data they feed AI models by switching to the use of “proprietary learning environments” built on the cloud.

The added benefit of moving to these environments is that they allow businesses to switch between different AI models provided by different companies using “orchestration layers” and AI gateways.

There is also a growing trend of businesses switching to using open source technologies, which goes hand in hand with businesses operating in the cloud. Businesses can train open source AI models using their data that is already available in cloud environments to do much of what the proprietary models do, for far cheaper — and without handing over that same sensitive data to be used by AI companies to train their own models.

The on-prem solution also has additional benefits. AI models operated on-site within manufacturing plants, stores, and other premises are far cheaper and require less specialized hardware. Businesses that operate using a centralized cloud are increasingly encountering issues with data egress fees, storage bloat, and idle specialized hardware.

Google Cloud recently released a report about these very issues, and also encouraged businesses to move towards using AI gateways and on-prem models to reduce latency, improve resilience, and cut per-token costs by switching to local, highly optimized models.

Via TechCrunch

• Early listings for the Pixel 11 series were spotted on Amazon
• These include renders of the phones in various shades
• Some of the listed specs would be a downgrade

We’ve just seen perhaps the biggest Google Pixel 11 series leak yet, as listings for the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold have all appeared on Amazon.

These were spotted by 9to5Google and — while they’ve now been removed — the site claims that they appear to be part of the ‘Google Store’ seller, which suggests they might be official listings, albeit a bit early.

In any case, you can see some images taken from the listings below, with the Pixel 11 itself being shown in Midnight (black), Fuchsia (pink), and Moss (green) shades. The Pro and Pro XL meanwhile appear in Dune (a pale pink), Sterling (a grayish lavender), Pine (green), and Light Fog (a pale blue), and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is listed just in Midnight and Pine.

There’s a mix of bright and understated shades here, and reactions to the images — particularly the brighter ones — seems quite positive so far. Over on Reddit, comments include “those non-pro colors are incredible if true. That’s green and pink are just perfect,” “in pink omg,” and “Dune is pretty nice.”

That said, some reactions to the Pro shades are a bit less positive, including “Why can't the pro like get some fun colors too?,” and “imagine seeing the popularity of the bold orange iPhone Pro color and STILL choosing to offer the same boring muted colors for the Pro.”

Leaked images showing the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro9to5Google / AmazonLeaked images showing the Pixel 11 Pro Fold9to5Google / Amazon

And when it comes to the other details in these listings, reactions are more universally negative. According to the listings, the standard Pixel 11 will have a 6.3-inch 1080 x 2424 screen, a 4,985mAh battery, 256GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM for $899 (probably £899 / AU$1,149 based on Google Pixel 10 pricing in these regions).

That’s the same price as the 256GB Pixel 10 launched at, though that’s also available in a cheaper 128GB version, and it’s unclear whether there will be a 128GB model this time. The listed specs are also identical, except the battery which is 15mAh higher capacity this time.

Less RAM and smaller batteries

As for the Pixel 11 Pro, that’s listed with 12GB of RAM, down from 16GB in the Pixel 10 Pro, and 9to5Google also mentions a 5,115mAh battery in the Pixel 11 Pro XL (down from 5,200mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro XL), and a 4,750mAh one in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (down from 5,015mAh in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold).

So these incomplete specs lists point to a mix of similar specs and downgrades, with Reddit responses including “people already thought the 10 Pro was a small upgrade,” and “iPhone 17 is such a better value.”

Still, while these early listings seem like they might be the real deal, there are some red flags, with 9to5Google highlighting that Android 16 is mentioned on them, when these phones are certain to run Android 17.

So there’s a chance these aren’t in fact official listings, and even if they are, that error means other details could be wrong too. We should find out for sure on August 12, as that’s when Google is unveiling these phones.

Every dorm room deserves an upgrade with these capable, space-saving smart products I've reviewed for back-to-school plans.

Even deep in the woods, you can make filter coffee without fuss. Here's why this simple, foldable brewing design works so well.

The three-match series sees the hosts looking to build on their T20I triumph over the tourists.

• Xiaomi reveals its first extended-range electric vehicle
• SkyNomad will sit separately from its pure EV Xiaomi Auto company
• The 1.5-liter engine is manufactured by Changan's subsidiary Harbin Dongang

Xiaomi is set to enter the hotly contested luxury SUV sector with an all-new business that it has dubbed SkyNomad.

Fresh off the success of both the SU7 and YU7, the former of which has outsold the Tesla Model 3 in the Chinese market, smartphone-maker Xiaomi sees a gap in the market for its first extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), which sees a gasoline engine act as a generator to charge battery packs on the move.

While the powertrain is still in its infancy in Europe, with just the Leapmotor C10 REEV and Mazda MX-30 R-EV currently on sale in many markets, it has experienced sales success in much of China.

Li Auto is the current market leader, with six models offering a mix of combustion engines and battery packs, while AITO, Deepal, Avatar and Leapmotor also offer similar solutions.

Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, which use a gas engine to drive the wheels or charge the batteries, EREVs rely solely on a fully electric powertrain for propulsion, with the combustion engine serving as a generator to charge the batteries.

According to Car News China, Xiaomi's SkyNomad brand will offer the N70 and N90, the latter coming as a full-size, three-row SUV with rotating front seats, a full leather premium interior, and an N90 Max Camping Edition that adds a pop-up roof and a built-in side awning for upmarket camping trips.

SkyNomad is also selling the idea of modularity, stating in its promotional material that the cabin can transform into a studio for one, a cafe for two, a meeting room for three, or a play area for the whole family.

Under the skin, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine from Changan's subsidiary, Harbin Dongang, sends power to a 76 kWh ternary NMC battery pack in the N90, while a pair of electric motors team up to deliver 310 kW (416 hp) of power.

Analysis: unnecessarily enormous

(Image credit: Xiaomi/SkyNomad)

Xiaomi's decision to launch an EREV-focused brand, SkyNomad, is a clear shot at market leader Li Auto, which is experiencing a 74% year-over-year sales decline in the first four months of 2026, according to Electrek.

The introduction of EREVs to Xiaomi's stable will undoubtedly help it boost sales in China, but it's difficult to get away from the fact that the N90 is absolutely enormous. It measures over five meters in length and weighs 3,361 kg, which makes the 416 hp feel slightly underpowered.

Car News China says the N90 can manage around 230 miles before the batteries are depleted, by which point the 1.5-liter engine is called upon. Overall range is in excess of 1,500 km — or around 930 miles.

It's also interesting that Xiaomi, a company that found great success with pure EVs, is pivoting back to fossil fuels.

All of the PR coming out of China suggests that its public EV charging network is both faster and more widespread than most other markets, which raises the question of why the market needs big, heavy range extenders like this in the first place.

• Marshall's 1959BJA Signature amp was first seen at the Super Bowl
• Built on Marshall’s handwired 1959HW platform, with a custom 'Dookie Mod'
• The color? A nod to Billie Joe Armstrong's first guitar, Blue (are you even an Idiot?)

When Billie Joe Armstrong et al took to the stage for Green Day's Super Bowl performance earlier in the year, I'm pretty sure most guitarists stopped listening for the "MAGA agenda" lyric switcheroo that never came and instead simply breathed "That amp though…"

And now, shredders can buy their own striking baby-blue Marshall head, just like the one that was set up behind Billie Joe Armstrong — for a not insignificant sum of $3,999.99 / £3,099.99 (which is around AU$5,779, where sold).

It is Marshall's first artist signature amp in 14 years, and its full name is the Billie Joe Armstrong 1959BJA Artist Signature. Yes, it's inspired by one of punk rock’s most recognizable guitar tones, and yes, that means it has a special "Dookie mod".

Basket Case? No, just the amp please

(Image credit: Marshall)

The amp was developed with Billie Joe Armstrong (it even bears his signature on the front and back) and is built on Marshall’s hand-wired 1959HW platform, refined with a custom “Dookie Mod”. This, says Marshall, is "inspired by the tone shaped alongside producer Rob Cavallo during Green Day’s breakthrough era".

The promise? A classic plexi but with modern performance flexibility, "increased gain, tighter lows and the saturated punch that brings Billie’s signature sound into a modern stage-ready format."

The design, of course, is a nod to Billie’s first guitar, Blue (seen in the main image), combining baby-blue with brass and silver panel details, all hand-wired in the UK.

It is released as a head-only unit, so axe men can pair it with the cabinet of their choice — but I'm sure a blue cabinet is possible to purchase as well…

And this isn't Billie Joe Armstrong's first rodeo with Marshall. Back in 2024, he actually appeared in the Monitor III ANC headphones campaign. So, the 1959BJA simply marks the natural progression of that relationship? It certainly looks that way.

Armstrong himself is quoted as saying, “I’m so overjoyed to have my own signature Marshall amp", adding "These amps have been a part of my musical life, from my heroes down to little old me. Turn it the f**k up!!”

You'll be able to buy the 1959BJA Billie Joe Armstrong Artist Signature from July 21, and again, you'll need to part with $3,999.99 / £3,099.99 (or around AU$5,779) to get yours when they become available.

Sometimes you don't find the amp; it finds you. It's something unpredictable, but in the end, it's right…

The Hisense A10 has a removable magnetic color screen on the back that lets you swap between E Ink and color.

• AI expansion is overwhelming transformer factories across global electricity markets today
• Power transformer delivery times have stretched from months into several years
• Aging electricity grids are driving an urgent wave of transformer replacements

Electricity grids across Europe and North America are facing a serious equipment shortage that could delay new electricity connections for years, experts have warned.

Power transformers, the large devices that regulate voltage before electricity reaches homes and factories, now take considerably longer to manufacture.

Orders that once took 6 to 12 months before 2020 can now take between 24 and 48 months to complete.

What is fueling the surge in demand?

The rise of electric vehicles and the shift toward industrial electrification are placing significant new demands on local power grids.

Utility companies increasingly compete directly with private developers for the same limited factory capacity, extending wait times for nearly everyone.

Much of the substation infrastructure built 30 to 50 years ago across the United States and Western Europe now requires urgent replacement.

Wind farms and solar installations also require specialized step-up transformers to convert the power they generate before long-distance transmission occurs.

Battery storage projects add further complexity, since each installation requires its own dedicated transformer connected directly to the wider power grid.

The most significant new demand originates from data centers built to support artificial intelligence and AI tools, which consume electricity at an extraordinary rate.

A single facility of this kind can draw several hundred megawatts, comparable to the electricity consumption of a mid-sized city.

Large technology firms can pay in advance to reserve years of factory output, leaving smaller buyers to wait even longer.

The situation is so critical that the largest transformers, rated above 100 MVA and 230 kV, once shipped within 12 to 18 months, can now require well more than 36 months for delivery.

Why factories cannot simply build faster

The principal constraint lies at the material level, since transformer cores depend on grain-oriented electrical steel that remains in short supply.

Alternative steel grades cannot satisfy strict efficiency standards set by the European Union and the United States Department of Energy.

Copper prices for internal winding materials have remained high, adding considerable cost pressure to already constrained manufacturing budgets across the industry.

Skilled labour shortages further complicate matters across the industry, since transformer assembly still depends heavily on precise, hands-on manual craftsmanship.

Factory testing facilities, where each unit undergoes impulse voltage and short-circuit evaluation, can only process a limited volume weekly, further limiting overall output.

As a result, equipment prices have climbed 50% to 80% above pre-2020 levels, driven largely by rising material and labour costs.

While industrial transformers take more time, smaller units used in residential and commercial settings ship faster, usually within 12 to 20 months.

Industry analysts regard these pressures as structural rather than temporary, suggesting sustained capacity investment will be required before conditions ease

Buyers who plan early, secure factory slots in advance, and standardize technical specifications appear better equipped to manage prolonged delays.

Diversifying supplier relationships beyond congested manufacturers may offer flexibility as global demand continues to outpace available production capacity worldwide.

Via Evernew Electrical (originally in Swedish)

For now, a single satellite has been cleared for a test demonstration, but the company making it hopes to eventually launch 50,000 of them into orbit.

• QinetiQ testing of SuperDielectrics' water-based zinc cells showed up to 13x longer high-power cycle life, 100C discharge in 36 seconds, and zero thermal runaway
• The company is pitching its solution to AI datacenters as a 'shock absorber' that can deal with power requirement spikes safely and reliably
• SuperDielectrics' Faraday 3's first commercial deployment is slated for early 2027 as it goes up against existing Lithium-ion battery-based energy storage as an alternative that can be deployed inside the data center

Cambridge-based advanced battery technology company SuperDielectrics recently published independent test results for its upcoming water-based Zinc battery, which could help cement its de facto presence in most projects that leverage renewable energy, whose output is often inconsistent.

The next-generation battery offers up to 13 times longer life cycle under high-power cycling, zero thermal runway, and charging and discharging gains that eclipse those of Lithium-ion-based batteries.

This makes it a great add-on for critical infrastructure, as well as for a new, fast-growing sector that is extremely power-intensive with huge power spikes in tow: AI data centers.

A solution that caters specifically to the AI power problem?

SuperDielectrics is painting its battery technology as the holy grail for AI data center problems, and with good reason: it is where all infrastructure spending will be concentrated over the next decade, and the firm decidedly wants a piece.

SuperDielectrics’ core innovation is a unique, patented polymer that enables it to deliver results that dwarf those of similarly configured single-layer lithium-ion cells. With the battery leveraging Zinc in addition to the proprietary polymer, the abundantly available metal could mean that batteries would be cheaper, immune to geopolitical and supply chain vulnerabilities, and easier to scale.

Room temperature testing of the battery showed impressive results when compared to lithium-ion-based alternatives, with SuperDielectrics claiming:

- Up to 13x longer cycle life under high-power cycling (10 mins charge and discharge, 100% depth of discharge);

- 10x better discharge performance (maintained >85% nominal capacity, achieved at 36 seconds)

- 8x better charging performance (maintained >70% nominal capacity, achieved at 1 minute, 12 seconds)

“These results provide independent benchmarking of the technology at the heart of our batteries: a proprietary polymer separator that combines rapid ion transport with the safety advantages of an aqueous electrolyte system," noted Shelley Brown, CTO of SuperDielectrics.

"The outcome is an energy storage solution purpose-built for high-power, fast-cycling applications, offering an alternative to lithium-ion systems that typically rely on extensive oversizing and additional safety infrastructure to manage demanding power profiles."

There is more to the story that makes the solution ideal: Unlike lithium-ion-based solutions, the battery is safe to deploy in datacenters, whereas off-site deployments are currently required for lithium-ion-based solutions due to their potential as a fire hazard.

AI datacenters are known to be particularly power-intensive and often require significantly higher peak power when performing certain computing tasks. Lithium-ion batteries are not ideal for this because not only do frequent charging and discharging degrade them fairly quickly, but they also do not charge or discharge as fast as the Zinc-based offering from SuperDielectrics.

As a result, as noted by the CTO of SuperDielectrics, data centers need to overcompensate for this limitation by buying more capacity than needed to allow smooth operations without pushing existing lithium-ion-based infrastructure too hard.

There is a trade-off, however: Zinc batteries generally sacrifice energy density to offer advantages over lithium, and SuperDielectrics' silence on capacity does not work in its favor here.

Despite this, thanks to AI compute requirements' near-violent power swings requiring a moderator, SuperDielectrics seems to have a winner on its hands, at least on paper, but it might have its limits for datacenters that require longer backup times. The question that comes to mind is whether a smoothing layer can grow into genuine storage, especially for rack-scale product deployment.

On the flip side of the equation, SuperDielectrics is not the only one toying with a 'safe' battery solution; Chinese researchers are concentrating on a similar approach even as the automobile industry is already using sodium for EVs, which is already racking up wins in extreme low-temperature conditions.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Monday, July 13 (game #1631).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,500 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today — or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1632) — hint #1 — VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1632) — hint #2 — repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1632) — hint #3 — uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1632) — hint #4 — starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1632) — hint #5 — starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• E

• A

• R

• C

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1632) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1632, are…

• EBONY
• AVOID
• RODEO
• CUTIE

There was a while when I doubted my three starter words of “duchy”, “robin” and “slate”, but they really have helped me whiz through games recently.

Today, for example, I had three words where I had all the right letters (but not necessarily in the right order) and one word where the missing letter was obvious.

Daily Sequence today (game #1632) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1632, are…

• SEDAN
• VALVE
• FAULT
• SMELT

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1631, Monday, 13 July: VOICE, BISON, BURNT, BUILT
• Quordle #1630, Sunday, 12 July: STAIN, BINGO, LARVA, DICEY
• Quordle #1629, Saturday, 11 July: WORTH, PRONG, DINGO, DRUID
• Quordle #1628, Friday, 10 July: GREET, STEAK, DUSKY, HAUTE
• Quordle #1627, Thursday, 9 July: CRUMP, PHONE, SHINY, STONY
• Quordle #1626, Wednesday, 8 July: GHOST, TREND, EXALT, ALONG
• Quordle #1625, Tuesday, 7 July: ARRAY, SUITE, KIOSK, BOULE
• Quordle #1624, Monday, 6 July: TRAWL, SPICE, PIANO, SHARK
• Quordle #1623, Sunday, 5 July: PINEY, SWOON, TITLE, PINTO
• Quordle #1622, Saturday, 4 July: ARGUE, MOTEL, OPERA, TRUCE
• Quordle #1621, Friday, 3 July: AVERT, MOTOR, MANIC, WORDY
• Quordle #1620, Thursday, 2 July: BULKY, PARSE, BELOW, MOVIE
• Quordle #1619, Wednesday, 1 July: EASEL, OTTER, LYRIC, SHACK
• Quordle #1618, Tuesday, 30 June: HALVE, DRYER, THERE, MINTY
• Quordle #1617, Monday, 29 June: SLURP, CRACK, CRANK, PHONY
• Quordle #1616, Sunday, 28 June: RUPEE, TOPAZ, FULLY, BEING
• Quordle #1615, Saturday, 27 June: PRINT, MARRY, SADLY, BICEP
• Quordle #1614, Friday, 26 June: JUICE, ARRAY, BONEY, SKIFF
• Quordle #1613, Thursday, 25 June: SHELF, TAWNY, HYPER, SOLVE
• Quordle #1612, Wednesday, 24 June: SOBER, ECLAT, GOOSE, NINNY

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, July 13 (game #1128).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #1129) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• U-TURN
• PICNIC
• CUT
• SHUFFLE
• LAUNDRY
• RECYCLING
• DEAL
• COPY
• BARGAIN
• GROCERY
• UNDERSTANDING
• THIS SIDE UP
• PASTE
• AGREEMENT
• EASTER
• DELETE

NYT Connections today (game #1129) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: A treaty or pact
• GREEN: Choices for changing text
• BLUE: Like a bucket, but with holes
• PURPLE: Graphics with a point

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #1129) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: CONTRACT
• GREEN: EDIT MENU OPTIONS
• BLUE: KINDS OF BASKETS
• PURPLE: SYMBOLIZED WITH ARROWS

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #1129) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #1129, are…

• YELLOW: CONTRACT: AGREEMENT, BARGAIN, DEAL, UNDERSTANDING
• GREEN: EDIT MENU OPTIONS: COPY, CUT, DELETE, PASTE
• BLUE: KINDS OF BASKETS: EASTER, GROCERY, LAUNDRY, PICNIC
• PURPLE: SYMBOLIZED WITH ARROWS: RECYCLING, SHUFFLE, THIS SIDE UP, U-TURN

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 mistake

With PICNIC, LAUNDRY and GROCERY locked in I made the mistake of selecting BARGAIN instead of EASTER.

There was logic to my error. My parents used to run a grocery store and they would put items that were close to their sell-by date or damaged in a basket that became known as the BARGAIN basket. I thought it was a universal thing, but maybe not.

The next two groups came pretty easily, especially the four tiles that made up the yellow CONTRACT group, as they are words that seem to be constantly in the news in regards to negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, July 13, 2026, game #1128)

• YELLOW: INTERROGATE: EXAMINE, GRILL, PUMP, QUESTION
• GREEN: THINGS WITH HANDLES: BUCKET, DRAWER, MUG, UMBRELLA
• BLUE: FICTIONAL CATS: FIGARO, PUSS, SALEM, TOM
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH SMOOCHES: BUSSIN, KISSER, PECKISH, SMACKDOWN

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, July 13 (game #862).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #863) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Make yourself comfortable

NYT Strands today (game #863) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• RELIC
• SOCK
• BREAK
• ERASE
• HORN
• RAVE

NYT Strands today (game #863) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 9 letters

NYT Strands today (game #863) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

• First side: left, 2nd row

• Last side: right, 5th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #863) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #863, are…

• CHAIR
• ROCKER
• BEANBAG
• OTTOMAN
• RECLINER
• THRONE
• SPANGRAM: HAVEASEAT

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Today’s search takes from the high-born of the seating world (THRONE), to the lowest (BEANBAG).

If I am going to make myself comfortable then I would pick the BEANBAG any day. Although it does depend on how long you’ve owned it; a baggy bean bag is nobody’s friend. Having said that, I’ve not sat in many thrones. Or indeed any, but judging by House of the Dragon, they’re not particularly ergonomic.

Anyway, it was hard not to whizz around today’s game, with even the longest and most obscure word, OTTOMAN, being easy to spot thanks to the double T.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, July 13, game #862)

• PLEASANT
• DELIGHTFUL
• ENJOYABLE
• SATISFYING
• SPANGRAM: HITSTHESPOT

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.