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Today, October 1, is International Coffee Day, arguably the most important day of the year for many of us. And while that may just mean you have a little extra pep in your step as you head to your local cafe, if you do have a takeaway-coffee habit, we think it can also serve as a healthy reminder that adding a quality coffee machine to your kitchen doesn't need to be expensive – and even can save you money in the long run.

If you're looking for a new espresso machine, De’Longhi is a brand that should be on your list. It lives and breathes coffee via an extensive range of fully automatic and manual espresso machines — and better yet, right now TechRadar readers can save 15% on the purchase of any machine with our exclusive De’Longhi coupon code.

Just head to our dedicated De'Longhi coupon code page, click on the very first green 'Get Code' button and copy the resulting code to your clipboard. Then, head to the De'Longhi website, shop for what you'd like, and paste the code into the field at checkout.

Now, we have one quick word of advice before you pull the trigger on your purchase: De’Longhi also has a specific code of its own — SPRING20 — which can be used to save 20% on three specific machines that are exclusive to its online store: the Eletta Explore (ECAM450.65.S), Magnifica Start (ECAM22061W) and Magnifica Evo (ECAM29083TB).

Also note that right now, every De'Longhi coffee machine purchase comes with a free essentials pack valued up to AU$140, depending on which specific the machine you buy.

With such a huge range of bean-to-cup coffee machines available to shop, you'd be forgiven if you didn't know where to start. As the resident coffee expert for TechRadar Australia, I’ve picked out a selection of my favourites that have my stamp of approval.

Fully automatic coffee machines

Rivelia (EXAM44055W): was $1144 now $972.40
This compact bean-to-cup coffee machine is nothing short of outstanding. Not only does it look the part, but it serves up consistently delicious coffee. There's plenty of customisation on offer, so you can tweak the various preset recipes and it uses De'Longhi's LatteCrema technology for expertly frothed milk.View Deal

Magnifica Evo Next (ECAM31080TB): was $1399 now $1189.15
Excellent espresso and a variety of coffee- and milk-based drinks is what you'll get from this automatic bean-to-cup machine. It is a little fiddly to use for the first time, but once you've got your preferred settings saved, you'll be churning them out like a true barista.View Deal

Eletta Explore (ECAM45065S): was $1599 now $1279.20
This flagship coffee machine can, quite literally, do it all. It can make over 50 coffee-based drink recipes across hot, cold and even takeaway. Two LatteCrema carafes are supplied to take care of hot and cold milk foam, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows for fine-tuning drinks via an app. And with Bean Adapt technology automatically adjusting the grind, dose and temperature, you’ll have a perfect cuppa each time. Note that this machine is eligible for a 20% discount with code SPRING20.View Deal

Manual coffee machines

Dedica Duo (EC890WI): was $279 now $237.15
The Dedica Duo is a stunning espresso machine that earned five stars in our review. A perfect model for novices, the Duo delivers a consistently well-extracted espresso, and it even has an effective cold brew mode — a feature not often found on more expensive machines. There’s no built-in grinder, so you’ll need to add your own ground coffee, but otherwise this is a machine you’ll be proud to display in your kitchen. View Deal

La Specialista Touch (EC9455MEX2): was $1099 now $934.15
The La Specialista Touch is the De’Longhi machine I wish I owned. While it’s a manual machine, it can guide you through the entire process to ensure you’re left with a perfect cuppa. I also love its compact compact dimensions, great looks and its touchscreen display. View Deal

Chefman Coffee Station Pro: two-minute review

The Chefman Coffee Station Pro is a great idea. People like their coffee brewed in different ways, and it's easy to end up with two or even three coffee machines on the counter to accommodate households with multiple coffee drinkers. For example, my husband usually drinks drip coffee, but occasionally likes an espresso. I rotate between drip, espresso, and iced coffee, depending on my mood and the weather. I also like my Nespresso machine, since the capsules are available in some interesting flavors I occasionally enjoy. I also drink a lot of tea, so an instant hot feature is welcome. We don't often drink lattes or cappuccinos, but when our kids or guest come to visit, they often do. We could easily end up with three different coffee machines (plus a frother and a tea kettle) in our coffee nook, but the Chefman Coffee Station Pro can do all that and more.

Sounds like a dream, but unfortunately it doesn't do everything well, or even acceptably. For example, it doesn't brew Nespresso capsules fully or correctly, resulting in a weak and tiny brew. If you don't need every single feature, this machine might be a perfect fit for you because it does a lot of things well. I tested everything and found that it did some things far better than others.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)Chefman Coffee Station Pro: price and availability

• Available on Chefman's website and other retailers
• Retails for $399.99 (about £300 / AU$570)
• Just one colorway, black and silver

You can buy the Chefman Coffee Station Pro on Chefman's website as well as brick-and-mortar and online retailers like Best Buy and Target. The retail price is $399.99, which is about £300 / AU$570, though it's not currently sold in the US and Australia.

Chefman Coffee Station Pro: specs

Name

Chefman Coffee Station Pro

Type

Semi-automatic

Dimensions

13 x 11.7 x 13.9 inches / 33.02 x 29.72 x 35.31 cm

Pressure (for espresso brewing)

20 bars

Brew styles

Espresso, single serve, drip, cold press, cold brew

Milk frother

Yes

Connected device

No

Chefman Coffee Station Pro: design

• Smaller than you might expect
• Has storage for accessories
• Ten in one machine

The Chefman Coffee Station Pro is designed efficiently so it has a lot of features in its reasonably-sized footprint. The machine provides ten different brewing methods: espresso (with grounds or Nespresso capsules), cold press espresso, latte, cappuccino, milk frother, K-cup pods, carafe of drip coffee, drip over ice, cold brew, and instant hot water. You control everything with a touch-screen interface.

It comes with everything you need to make all of the beverages listed above. The big 100-ounce water tank fits onto the back of the machine. On the coffee side, you get a coffee filter holder and a reusable coffee filter basket. If you prefer, you can use paper filters instead. There is also a K-Cup adapter for brewing K-Cups. The glass carafe holds anywhere from four to twelve cups of coffee and it rests on a warming plate (which has a "hot" indicator light.) When you're brewing a single serve K-Cup rather than using the carafe, there is a fold-down cup platform with a removable rubber trivet for resting a mug.

On the espresso side, you get a portafilter with three different filters you can put inside. There's small filter for brewing single espresso, a larger one for double espresso, and an adapter for Nespresso capsules. You get a two-sided espresso tool, one side is a measuring scoop and the other side is a tamper. The included 16-ounce milk reservoir can be removed when not in use.

The Chefman Coffee Station Pro stores its own accessories cleverly. It has a hook on the side to store the portafilter and a compartment on top to store other accessories.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

When you first set up the Chefman Coffee Station Pro, you'll want to set the clock for the correct time. There is a Delay Brew feature so you can set the machine up when you go to bed and you'll have a hot carafe of drip coffee waiting for you in the morning. The Keep Warm feature will keep your carafe hot for up to two hours.

There is a hot water spout, which runs separately from the coffee so you don't have to worry about stale coffee taste mixing with your hot water. This is perfect for making hot chocolate, tea, and other hot beverages with ease. I suppose you could even use for making instant ramen or really anything you might need hot water for. It's worth noting that it's hot but not boiling.

As with any coffee machine, it does need to be cleaned regularly. Since this one has so many features, there's more cleaning that needs to be done. Every time you use it, you'll want to wash any accessories you use, run a clean cycle on the milk frother wand, and wipe down the exterior as needed. Of course you'll want to remove the milk reservoir and refrigerate any unused milk right after use.

On a weekly basis, empty and wash out the water tank, empty and wash the milk reservoir, run a clean cycle on the espresso side, and flush the frother system if you're using it daily. Every month or two, you'll want to do a deep clean of the frother's internal parts.

Roughly every 100 cycles (or 50 for hot water), you'll need to descale the coffee, espresso, and hot water systems. The owner's manual included detailed instruction on how to do all of that, plus you can find videos on Chefman's YouTube channel for guided instruction.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

• Design score: 4/5

Chefman Coffee Station Pro: performance

• Fairly easy to use
• Most of the features work well
• Some features don't result in good coffee

In my testing, most of the drinks I made came out really well. Some came out ok, and some came out actually undrinkable.

Espresso

The espresso came out fine and it had a nice crema. It was pretty easy to do, just measure your grounds with the provided scoop, pour your grounds in the portafilter with the appropriate filter inside. Use one scoop in the smaller filter for a single espresso or two scoops in the larger filter for a double espresso. Tamp them down firmly with the included tamper, and then twist the portafilter into place. Select your drink from the touch-screen menu and you'll have espresso in just a minute or so. I used a carefully measured flat scoop, and found the espresso to be rather weak, but your tastes may vary.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureEspresso with Nespresso capsule

Using the Nespresso capsule basket in the portafilter, you can brew any Nespresso or Nespresso-compatible capsule. Note that this is only for the small original line capsules, not the larger Vertuo line capsules.

This was a big fail, in my opinion. The capsule was only pierced partway, there was water left in the portafilter, and the resulting brew was sour and weak and had very little crema. It was not worth drinking.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

In the photo gallery below, I compare the results of brewing the same kind of Nespresso capsule in both the Chefman Coffee Station Pro and my actual Nespresso machine. In both machines, I brewed it as a small or single espresso. The Nespresso machine results are on the left and the Chefman on the right in both photos.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureLatte and cappuccino

Technically, a latte and a cappuccino are pretty different. Though they are both espresso drinks with frothed milk added, the proportions are different. A cappuccino is one third espresso, one third steamed milk, and one third milk foam.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

A latte is one-third espresso and two thirds steamed milk with a light layer of milk foam on top.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

You can probably tell from my photos above, they don't look all that different. They didn't taste all that different, either, though they were both delicious.

I also tried just frothing some milk and then brewing an espresso separately and putting them together. Again, it just made a lovely foamy milky beverage.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureCold-pressed espresso

This was just a fail, in my opinion. It was so weak that I couldn't even drink it. Again, that's just my taste, yours may be different.

Note that pretty much every time you do a cold-pressed espresso brew, the machine will prompt you to run a cooling cycle on the carafe side first in order to prime the machine for cold press. It's not a big deal, but you'll have to factor in the extra time and place a container under it to catch the flushed water.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureK-Cup

Using the included K-Cup adapater on the carafe side of the machine, you can make any K-Cup you like. I actually thought the Chefman Coffee Station Pro did a great job with this one. I'm not generally a fan of K-Cups but this machine brewed it as well as any Keurig machine I've tried. Note that unlike a Keurig machine, you are using a separate adapter part that you'll probably want to wash each time you use it before putting it away. So it is an extra step.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

There is also an option to brew the K-Cup pod as cold brew. But I can't recommend it, unless you like a super weak iced coffee. I used the same kind of pod, but look at the difference.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureDrip coffee in carafe

The drip coffee came out great. It was easy to do, just like any traditional drip coffee machine. I used the metal and plastic reusable filter, but you could use a paper filter if you prefer. You have the option to set up a delayed brew, so you can get everything ready the night before and have a hot, fresh carafe of coffee when you wake up. The metal plate under the carafe can be set to keep your carafe warm for up to two hours, and an indicator light will let you know that it's hot.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureCold Brew

The Cold Brew feature brews your coffee slower, cooler, and with less water in order to extract the most flavor and give you less ice melt. This came out very well. It does take longer to brew, and it does usually require running a cool cycle first, but the results are tasty.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureOver Ice (in carafe)

The Over Ice funtion is a little different from the Cold Brew. It's brewed into the carafe just like regular hot coffee but a bit stronger to compensate for ice melt. This worked fine, and it wasn't watered down too much. However, it was less smooth than the Cold Brew method and more bitter to my taste.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureHot Water

Hot water comes from a separate spout, not through the coffee system. It works fine and just tastes like pure water with no hint of coffee taste.

I selected maximum temperature setting, but water measured just 163°F/73°C. So, it's certainly hot enough to make hot cocoa, certain delicate teas, and perhaps your instant ramen. But it's not that all that close to boiling water, which would be 212°F/100°C.

Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / Future

• Performance score: 3/5

Should you buy the Chefman Coffee Station Pro?Chefman Coffee Station Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

The price is similar to other multi-functional semi-automatic machines

4/5

Design

The clever design allows for many functions in a not-too-huge footprint

4/5

Performance

This was very much a mixed bag; some types of brew came out great and some definitely not.

3/5

Buy it if

You have a multi-coffee-drinker household

The Chefman Coffee Station Pro does it all: espresso, latte, cappuccino, drip coffee, cold brew, iced coffee, K-cup, Nespresso capsule, and even hot water on demand.

You don't have space for many machines

While this isn't a small machine, it's certainly a lot smaller than separate machines for all of the different functions.

You want lots of options for guests

Even if your household doesn't need all of the features, it's nice to have just about any coffee option available for guests.

Don't buy it if

It's out of your price range

You can get a simple espresso machine plus a drip coffee machine and a basic frother for less than this all-in-one.

You want all of the features to be great

Though there are a lot of ways to brew coffee beverages with this machine, not all of them produce a great result.

You have extremely limited counter space

Considering how many features it has, the footprint isn't that huge. But it's still quite a bit bigger than most coffee machines.View Deal

Chefman Coffee Station Pro: also consider

Ninja AutoBarista Pro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

This machine lacks the drip coffee carafe function and doesn't accept pods, but it has most of the other functions. Plus it has a built-in coffee grinder and comes with two different hoppers you can easily swap out.

Read my Ninja AutoBarista Pro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine reviewView Deal

Terra Kaffe TK-02

No pods here but you can make excellent drip coffee and espresso with just a tap. Use the built-in grinder or the ground coffee chute. The attached milk frother expands this machine's repertoire to six figures. Yes, you read that right. The Terra Kaffe TK-02 connects to an app (and Alexa!) so you can start your brew before you get out of bed.

Check out my Terra Kaffe TK-02 review.View Deal

How I tested the Chefman Coffee Station Pro

I brewed and drank every kind of coffee beverage the Chefman Coffee Station Pro makes. I brewed a Nespresso capsule and a K-cup. I brewed espresso from grounds, both hot and cold-pressed. I frothed milk (barista-style pistachio milk) and added a shot of espresso. I made latte and cappuccino. I brewed a carafe of drip coffee. I made cold brew and coffee over ice. I used the hot water feature, tasted it, and measured the temperature.

First reviewed September 2026

It’s International Coffee Day today, October 1, and I’ve written that phrase so many times already this morning that I’m glad it’s acceptable to be on my third cuppa already — in celebration, of course.

And right on cue, Breville — the brand responsible for many of the best coffee machines in Australia — has discounted a number of its top-performing models to commemorate the occasion. And TechRadar readers can save an extra 10% on already discounted machines with our exclusive promo code.

In fact, our exclusive coupon code can be used to any Breville appliance, not just espresso machines either — it will work site wide!

Just head to our dedicated Breville coupon code page, click on the very first green Get Code button and copy the unique one that's generated just for you. Head to the Breville website, shop what you'd like, then use the code at checkout.

It’s all about the coffee today though, and to help with any purchasing dilemmas you might have, I’ve picked out a few of my favourite Breville espresso machines that get the TechRadar seal of approval.

The Breville Bambino Plus is incredibly simple to use, and can take care of most of the coffee making process for you. Grind some beans into the porta filter, insert it into the group head and use the one-touch controls to brew. It also has a hands-free milk texturing system for expertly frothed milk, while ThermoJet technology means the machine is ready to use in seconds. There's very little you need to do other than simply enjoy the results.View Deal

The Barista Express is about as iconic as they come. It has everything one needs for cafe-quality coffee at home, including built-in grinding, dosage control and a hand tamp. You can also customise the water volume and temperature for the perfect espresso. Available in various colours, the three different shades of black work out to be the most affordable once our coupon code is applied. View Deal

Barista Express Impress (BES876): was $869 now $719.10
The Barista Express Impress takes everything that’s great with the Express, and adds Breville’s Impress tamping lever to ensure you apply the same tamping force to your ground beans each time. It also benefits from smart dosing, which will automatically correct the grind size if the machine detects the previous espresso was under- or over-extracted.View Deal

The Barista Touch is another fine choice for coffee aficionados. It includes a compact integrated grinder, tamping functionality, auto-dosing, and auto milk frothing, along with Thermo Jet technology for quick heat-up times. Its user-friendly interface means anyone can operate it via the touchscreen too. View Deal

The Oracle is one of Breville’s older machines, but it still more than holds its own against newer alternatives. It boasts automatic grinding, dosing, tamping and milk texturing, while its dual boiler means you can extract espresso and foam milk at the same time. View Deal

The Oracle Jet is perhaps all the coffee machine anyone could need. Its front panel is dominated by a large colour touchscreen, making it easy to select and see whatever drink you want. It will grind and tamp for you (and give intelligent feedback), and can steam milk (including non-dairy) automatically too. Plus, it heats up and is ready to use in seconds. It's not cheap, but you'll hold onto it for years to come.View Deal

Vivo's latest foldable just hit the global market, after first appearing in China in June. I'll rip the band-aid off early: the X Fold 6 won't be launching in the UK or US, but it will be available in select European markets (as per usual).

The Vivo X Fold 6 is launching at a very interesting time. Apple's first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo, is just about to land, and Samsung shook things up with its passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold 8 earlier this year, too. Vivo keeps things a little more traditional; the X Fold 6 is the normal book-style fold that Android users are accustomed to. And to keep it appealing, Vivo has maxed out the specs in every department.

Choosing a foldable over a bar phone has always come with compromises, whether that be size and weight, battery capacity, or camera performance. Vivo has been working to eliminate every single one of these limitations, and it's getting really close. I've been using the X Fold 6 as my main device for the past week to see if it lives up to the hype.

The polar opposite of the iPhone Duo

(Image credit: Future)

At the moment, it feels like all eyes are on Apple, as the official launch of the Duo draws closer. I get the impression Vivo is more interested in one-upping the likes of the Honor Magic V6 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the launch timing means that many will be weighing up the difference between it and Apple's first attempt at the foldable form factor. It's an interesting comparison, because the two devices couldn't be more different.

The X Fold 6 looks and feels like a Pro Max-sized flagship when folded shut. The cover screen isn't narrow like the Z Fold 8 Ultra's, nor is it shorter like the Duo. It's meant to feel like a regular phone that can unfold into a spacious tablet when you need it, and it succeeds at doing so.

(Image credit: Future)

It almost feels like this form factor is going out of style, and I think that's a real shame. The utility is plain to see; apps are all perfectly designed for the cover screen, and when you open it, you can have two apps side by side in their intended aspect ratio. I loved using the Z Fold 8, but I ran into software optimization hiccups on many occasions.

The X Fold 6 is a fairly big and heavy phone, especially compared to the slender Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but somehow, it's still lighter than the iPhone Duo. The Vivo tips the scales at 235g, while the smaller iPhone Duo weighs 254g. That chunky camera bump on the Vivo is sure to be divisive, though.

On the other hand, the camera bump is there for a good reason. While the Duo forgoes a telephoto camera entirely, the X Fold 6 has the most impressive telephoto I've ever seen on a foldable. Plus, if you really want to take things to the next level, it supports the same external teleconverter lens as the X300 Ultra.

FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFuture

And the camera prowess doesn't stop there. The X Fold 6 has a 200MP main camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, and a 50MP ultra-wide to boot. It also benefits from Vivo's Zeiss partnership, with the signature T* lens coatings and co-developed picture styles in tow.

I've tested almost every foldable phone in 2026, and so far, I reckon Vivo's photos and videos are probably the best. Sadly, I haven't tried the Duo yet, but I do own the iPhone 18 Pro, and in most situations, I prefer the results I'm getting from this foldable phone. That's quite the achievement, and without a telephoto, I don't see Apple competing.

(Image credit: Future)

Vivo is also light-years ahead of the competition with its battery tech. Somehow, there's a 6,900mAh battery crammed into the X Fold 6, and I've been getting two days on a charge quite consistently. That's with heavy use, spending lots of time with the large folding screen and taking loads of photos.

Apple hasn't revealed the iPhone Duo's battery capacity (it never does), but what it did say at the phone's launch was revealing enough. Users can expect up to 24 hours of typical use. That's not even close to what the Vivo is offering here.

The same goes for the charging speeds; the X Fold 6 supports up to 80W with a wire and 40W wirelessly. Again, Apple hasn't confirmed the wired speed, but we already know enough. The brand says you can expect up to a 50% charge in 20 minutes; meanwhile, the Vivo can fully charge from flat in about 35 minutes.

(Image credit: Future)

Obviously, there will be a lot of differences in the software, but Origin OS 7 is closer to iOS than ever, at least in terms of aesthetics. It has a Dynamic Island clone, really nice-looking Liquid Glass styling, and very similar lock screen customization, too. If there's anything you don't like, you can almost certainly change it, as the customization options are extremely detailed.

Where the X Fold 6 truly pulls ahead is with its multitasking capabilities. So far, all sources report that the iPhone Duo can only display two apps side by side in split-view, and that these windows aren't resizable; it's always a 50/50 split. What Vivo is doing is on a whole different level.

On the X Fold 6, you can have up to four apps open in split view, all resizable, and then you can open a fifth as a floating window on top. Still not enough? You can also add tabs to the floating window to quickly switch between apps. I can't imagine anyone ever needing more than that; it's essentially desktop-level multitasking in your pocket.

(Image credit: Future)Where Vivo falls short

Of course, no device is perfect, and the X Fold 6 has its shortcomings. The biggest one is the phone's software polish, notwithstanding those aforementioned multitasking features. I doubt I'm alone when I say I was salivating when I first saw the iPhone Duo's unfolding animation. It's incredibly slick.

By contrast, the X Fold 6 reacts more slowly than most when being opened or closed. Instead of smooth animation, you'll be greeted with a blank screen every time you unfold it, and then you'll have to wait a split second for the UI to catch up and appear on screen. This transition isn't hard to live with, but it's far less polished than what Apple is offering on the iPhone Duo.

(Image credit: Future)

For the most part, though, I really like the X Fold 6's software. It's quick, smooth, and extremely customizable. Unfortunately, it has the same quirks we always see from Chinese brands. Apps will close themselves in the background to conserve battery life, which can result in delayed notifications until you go in and tweak the settings.

There's also that ever-present lock screen feature that just shows random images until you disable it. Weird.

The iPhone Duo impressed with its almost-invisible crease, too. The Vivo X Fold 6's crease is minimal, but it's still there. I'd say it trades blows with the Z Fold 8, and it's a step behind the Oppo Find N6's crease. It seems like Apple might be leading the pack in this particular area, but we'll pass judgment once we've spent more time with it.

(Image credit: Future)

Then, there's the issue of availability. If you live in a region where Vivo is present, then great, no issue — but that won't be the case for a lot of our readers. I live in the UK; Vivo doesn't operate here, so the only way for me to get a Vivo phone is to import one from a European neighbor, or grab a Chinese model.

It's not hard to do, but it means there are no contract deals on offer, and if anything goes wrong with the phone (which is more of a worry with foldables), I'm on my own.

(Image credit: Future)Should you get one?

The Vivo X Fold 6 is a foldable phone with almost no compromises. Honestly, it'd be a pretty solid phone if it didn't unfold, and the fact that it does is just the icing on the cake. The battery life is incredible, gaming performance is solid, and the cameras are among the best we've seen on a foldable to date.

If the iPhone Duo is the foldable phone for people who didn't know they needed a foldable, the Vivo X Fold 6 is the phone for foldable users who are fed up with compromises. The two couldn't be more different, and I'm glad they both exist.

As someone into photography, gaming, and content creation, who often needs to get serious work done on the go, the Vivo X Fold 6 is almost certainly more suited to my needs. But most people don't demand so much from their phone.

I have no doubt that many will prefer what Apple has cooked up. Still, I've been having an amazing time with this Vivo, and I don't want to put it down anytime soon.

• Critical safety hardware for an upcoming range of Rolls-Royce’s turbine-equipped nuclear power stations is being provided by ŠKODA JS
• The Czech company will provide safety mechanisms for 470 MW reactors
• ŠKODA JS was bought by the Czech Republic’s state-backed electric power company ČEZ in 2022, removing it from its previous Russian owner, OMZ

Development of new nuclear plants based around Rolls-Royce turbines will feature critical safety hardware from ŠKODA JS, it has been announced. The Czechia-based company – once part of the old ŠKODA Works organization – will design and manufacture the Control Rod Drive Mechanisms, which are vital for regulating output and handling safety in emergencies.

The Rolls-Royce SMR (small modular reactor, but also referred to as UK SMR) is a reactor capable of outputting 470 MW of energy. That’s the equivalent of 150 onshore wind turbines, and offers a low-carbon, always on, and virtually invisible alternative to landscape-spoiling steel and fiberglass constructions.

Competition for nuclear hardware expertise is strong across Europe, and ŠKODA JS is considered a “tier-one” supplier. The deal is expected to be worth Kč 1 billion Czech Koruna (around £35 million) per Rolls-Royce power station.

Memorandum of Understanding

Announcement of the ŠKODA JS built Control Rod Drive Mechanisms (CRDMs) follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce, in which the British company developed plans to develop sites in the Czech Republic, enabling deployment of up to 3GW of power.

Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of ČEZ, said: "It is precisely ČEZ’s role as a strategic partner and shareholder of Rolls-Royce SMR that is key to these successes for Czech companies. Škoda JS now faces the task of developing a prototype specifically for small modular reactors so that it can subsequently supply them to Rolls-Royce SMR worldwide.”

The Rolls-Royce SMR project is forecast to create 40,000 jobs in the UK by 2050, and is targeting £250bn of exports. It has additional Memorandums of Understanding in place with Estonia and Turkey, and is delivering a trio of SMRs to locations on Sweden’s west coast.

Leading the SMR field

Small modular reactors are seen as the future of nuclear power, providing the option to assemble on-site rather than requiring huge civil engineering projects. While smaller in size and output (providing 300 MW rather than 1,000 MW), they are also more affordable than traditional nuclear power stations, and can be situated closer to industrial sites.

“ŠKODA JS has proven capability in delivering one of the most important components in our power plant," noted Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive.

"As one of the few businesses in Europe able to provide this vital component, we are proud to have secured Skoda JS as a strategic supplier, further demonstrating the industrial benefits that this project brings."

Rolls-Royce is seen as one of the foremost SMR builders, an extension of its turbine technology. This dates to the 1940s, and over the years has been adapted for propulsion across a number of vehicle types, land, sea and air, as well as power generation. Similarly, ŠKODA JS has a notable legacy and draws on around 70 years’ worth of nuclear power know-how.

The new tools allow parents to customize rules about what their children see on the platform.

While Dyson might be the most popular vacuum brand everyone keeps lusting after, some of its high prices make the brand a hard choice for many people. Moreover, as someone who's been testing and writing about some of the best vacuum cleaners in Australia for a decade, I know there are other options that more powerful and perform better than what Dyson currently offers.

And that brings me to Shark.

Now going under the banner of SharkNinja, the latter has been competing with Dyson for yonks and seems to be consistently making alternatives that aren't just more affordable, but also work very well indeed.

Like the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty, which is my #1 pick of the best stick vacuum in Australia. It's currently sold out on the SharkNinja website despite a AU$799.99 price tag, but it's still available on Amazon for a much lower AU$462.10. That's sadly not the lowest price I've seen for this model — that was just over AU$438 when Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 started on September 29 — but I'd easily recommend it at around the AU$600 mark as that's how good I think it is.

• Follow our dedicated live coverage of the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 sale for more deals and discounts

PowerDetect Clean & Empty: was $999 now $462.10
With powerful and dynamic suction, plenty of attachments and an auto-empty charging dock, this is arguably the best value cordless vacuum right now. It would have been great if Amazon had kept its previous all-time low price of AU$438 but, hey, this is still good. Please note that while Shark lists this vacuum's RRP at AU$999, it is typically listed on Amazon at around the AU$750 — still a fabulous discount.View Deal

Now, I haven't tested the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty myself, but I trust my colleague Ruth Hamilton who did — she's also quite the floorcare expert. According to her, the PowerDetect "came out top in my cleaning trials, beating even Dyson's priciest vacuums to the cleaning crown”.

Like all pricier options, the PowerDetect can automatically adjust suction when it detects different floor types and how dirty the floor is. In fact, it will do so even when it senses it's close to a room edge. Moreover, the floorhead's design allows it to suck just as well when moving backward as it does on a frontal push.

The free-standing self-emptying charging dock is also a fabulous feature at this discounted price, and it doesn't even need replacement dust bags. The box in the dock is easy to empty every now and then, plus it's fully washable too. You can purchase ongoing odour neutraliser pucks so bad smells don't build up inside the vacuum, but that's optional — just keep it clean and you won't need to spend the extra cash.

You can roll with this one too

Hold on for a sec longer as that's not the only vacuum recommendation. The heftily named Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll (IZ102) is always popular with our readers and stock typically runs out quick when it gets a discount.

And it's now at a record-low price of just AU$189 (or AU$10 less than what it was during July's Prime Day sale). We haven't tested it ourselves at TechRadar, but something has got to be said about the 4.3-star average rating it's got with hundreds of Amazon customers giving it 5 stars. It's even got 72% positive ratings on Product Review, so it must be doing something good.

Honestly, at this price, this no-frills stick vac is perfect for those quick cleans, whether that's inside the house or the shed. Hey, even use it in the car or boat.

Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll (IZ102): was $399.99 now $189
It may not have fancy features or the latest tech, but it's a great price for a no-frills stick vacuum that has some glowing user reviews. With a 40-minute runtime, LED lights to expose hidden debris, versatile attachments and a hair-dominating self-cleaning brushroll, it's worth hoovering up (pun intended).View Deal

If neither Shark tickles your fancy, I've handpicked more of the best October Prime Day vacuum deals, which includes a Dyson going for just under AU$290. I've also included some good robot vacuum deals, as well as upright, handhelds and corded barrel types. So there's plenty to choose from and no need to wait for Black Friday 2026 sales in Australia to pick up a new vacuum cleaner.

As Amazon continues its rollout of AI smart glasses, privacy concerns are growing.

• One AtlasBase DNA capsule could eventually hold as much as 50 PB
• One cartridge holds 100 capsules, giving between 100 TB and 5 EB
• Stored DNA can last more than 1,000 years without electricity or cooling

AtlasBase is developing DNA storage hardware that could eventually place as much as 50 PB of digital information inside a small capsule by encoding data in synthetic DNA.

The company’s Thalia platform combines conventional semiconductor controls with biochemical processes to convert digital information into combinations of four DNA bases and write the resulting sequences at very high density.

AtlasBase says its latest chip contains 5.6 billion reaction sites, representing a 700-fold increase over earlier DNA synthesis technology, with the silicon platform chemically producing the encoded DNA sequences.

A tiny capsule could hold huge amounts of data

The chip uses a 16nm CMOS layer beneath a separate biological section, allowing electrical controls to direct reactions across millions of tiny sites.

Each site contains components that enable chemical reactions, with electrical pulses determining which DNA base is added during each synthesis cycle.

The resulting synthetic DNA strands can then be dried and sealed inside metal capsules, which are designed to fit into storage cartridges.

AtlasBase says a capsule can initially contain between 1 TB and 50 PB, while its cartridge design accommodates 100 capsules.

That would create a potential capacity ranging from 100 TB to 5 EB within one cartridge-sized storage footprint for archival storage.

The company also says its molecular medium can remain usable for more than 1,000 years without continuous electricity, cooling or mechanical movement.

“For 2 billion years, DNA has flourished as nature’s data platform, an incredibly capable structure for processing the information that defines every living thing,” said Jeff Treuhaft, CEO of AtlasBase.

“We’re now harnessing that same architecture for computing at a scale that was never before possible.”

The storage proposition therefore centres on long-term preservation rather than replacing high-speed systems.

Molecular computing adds another layer

AtlasBase is also developing ways to perform selected calculations directly with DNA molecules instead of repeatedly transferring data between storage and processors.

The approach uses chemical reactions to examine many possible combinations simultaneously, making it potentially useful for optimization problems involving enormous numbers of possible outcomes.

One example involves scheduling flights, where numerous combinations of aircraft, routes and available times must satisfy several constraints simultaneously.

AtlasBase says its system can examine thousands or millions of candidate combinations concurrently, although accessing stored material still requires preparation and sequencing.

Retrieving previously stored material for computation can take minutes, while the final processing time depends on the complexity of the application.

That timing makes the technology fundamentally different from conventional processors, where calculations can occur far faster once relevant data reaches memory.

AtlasBase has already begun offering early-access programmes covering molecular storage and computing to selected organizations and technology users.

The company says potential applications include archives, records preservation, transport planning, industrial operations, financial work, scientific studies and resource analysis.

However, the technology still lacks the operating history and commercial deployment evidence needed to establish how it compares with established archival systems.

Via Blocksandfiles

The second Prime Day in Australia for 2026 is now live, and that means the next seven days represent one of your best opportunities to secure a new set of headphones at a big discount.

That's right, Prime Big Deal Days, as it's officially known, kicks off today, Tuesday, September 29 and will come to a close next Monday, October 5. As the deals already live are proving, there are massive savings to be found on popular brands including Bose, Sony and Sennheiser, to name a few.

It's fair to say that the prices I've found so far aren't quite as good as those we saw during the main Prime Day back in July, but many come awfully close. Plus, with them being available on Amazon, in many instances, you can have your new headphones arriving at your front door within two days (or sooner) if you have a Prime membership.

And, as experience tells me, fresh deals and prices can appear at any time, so be sure to check back on this page throughout the sale for all the latest finds.

The best Prime Big Deal Days headphone deals in AustraliaOver-ear headphones

If you're looking for a truly cost-effective audio upgrade, the 1More Sonoflow are up for the task. We praised the comfort, noise cancelling capability and the mammoth 70 hours of battery life in our 1More Sonoflow review. You'll struggle to find better at this price, which is the lowest I've seen in a long time.View Deal

Sonoflow Pro: was $129.99 now $82.14
If your budget can stretch a little, you can get yourself the Pro version of 1More's talented over ears. They've maintained a position as the best budget noise-cancelling headphones for some time now, due to their satisfying sound, excellent battery life and the best ANC for the money.View Deal

Soundcore is another brand that knows how to produce a budget-friendly set of headphones that don't scrimp on quality. Check out our Anker Soundcore Space One review for more info, but they reduce noise by 98% and offer continuous playback of up to 55 hours. In other words, these headphones are perfect for any audiophile and offer a great Beats alternative where looks are concerned.View Deal

Soundcore Space One Pro: was $349.99 now $199.99
The Space One Pro headphones improve upon the non-Pro version with improved sound quality, with the added benefit of hi-res audio support (thanks to LDAC). ANC is strong, and battery life is great at up to 60 hours. The companion app also opens up a wealth of customisation and includes a HearID feature that will tailor the sound profile to your personal preference. View Deal

Live 780NC: was $299 now $189.05
JBL's rather stylish over ears are definitely worth checking out if you want a touch of style with your music. They also happen to be a top performer, as we said in our review, they are "everything you want in headphones at this level". Only the orange and and purple pairs are discounted. View Deal

Not only do the Headphone (a) offer a distinctive design, but they’re also crammed with features that make them an utter joy to use. Sound quality is superb too, making these attractive over-ears a genuinely viable alternative to the more established names. The best price is on the white colour option.View Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are simply stunning and prove why the company is the king of ANC. They do miss out on some features only found on their Ultra sibling, but for a solid, everyday pair of over-ear cans, you really can't go wrong here. Check our Bose QuietComfort Headphones review for more info.

The 'SC' variant, with a soft case, is also available for the same price.View Deal

Momentum 4 Wireless: was $624.95 now $240
Sennheiser has now finally released a newer version of its stunning Momentum headphones, but that only means this fourth-gen model becomes even more affordable. In our five-star Sennheiser Momentum 4 review, we highlighted their effective active noise-cancellation, 60-hours of battery life and excellent sound quality. The best price is on the black model, but other colours get good discounts.View Deal

WH-1000XM4: was $439 now $299
They might be a couple of generations old now, but the Sony XM4s are still a formidable pair of headphones that I'm always more than happy to recommend. They're comfortable, sound fantastic, and benefit from very capable ANC. A true gem.View Deal

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Black): was $649 now $378
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are a stunning set of headphones and comfortably the best when it comes to active noise-cancellation. Their sound quality is nothing short of exquisite, and the ability to turn any song into a spatial audio one thanks to Immersive Mode earns it another gold star. View Deal

Apple's first-generation AirPods Max get a welcome discount for Prime Day, in a variety of colours too. Undoubtedly still an investment, but one that is worth it if you're looking for excellent ANC and "unbelievable audio performance" according to our Apple AirPods Max review. They do have a couple of flaws, but the pros outweigh the cons. View Deal

In-ear headphones

It's not the all-time low price of AU$299 that I saw during the last Prime Day, but any saving on the AirPods Pro 3 is worth mentioning. They offer a much-improved fit over the 2s, class-leading ANC and a wonderful sound profile. If you own an iOS device, they're a no brainer.View Deal

Ear (3a): was $179 now $127.75
We're not a fan of the call recording feature, but in all other aspects, these Nothing earbuds are excellent. Sound quality is exemplary, and there's plenty of tweaking available via the app, and the ANC is effective too. The best price is on the black model, but other colours including yellow and pink also see discounts.View Deal

QuietComfort Earbuds: was $289 now $170.05
Coming in at just AU$10 more than their Prime Day price (in black, pink or white only) the Bose QC Earbuds are worth checking out. They employ best-in-class noise cancellation, an unbelievably comfortable and secure fit, solid battery life and a feature-packed app.View Deal

AirPods 4 (ANC): was $299 now $185
If your budget doesn't quiet stretch to the Pro 3, there's a great discount on the AirPods 4 with ANC. They're mightily impressive, being able to effectively block out external sounds, despite not fitting in your ear quite as much. The soundstage is excellent, and they support spatial audio. Battery life is decent with five hours on a single charge or 30 hours with the included carry case.View Deal

Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds: was $499 now $247
We gave these stunning earbuds 4.5 stars out of 5 in our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review, as they have class-leading audio handling and impeccable sound quality that rivals the best wireless earbuds. With balanced sound, effective ANC and a great battery life, these Sennheiser buds will make any audiophile smile. View Deal

Powerbeats Fit: was $329 now $269
We've not reviewed this set of Beats earbuds just yet, but we've been impressed with the brand's previous efforts, including the previous Beats Fit Pro. This new model arrives with a more secure fit, perfect for workout sessions, a smaller case and full IPX4 water and sweat resistance. They don't get the heart-rate sensor as found in the Powerbeats Pro unfortunately, but otherwise this is a cracking set of in-ear headphones. The price here is just AU$19 more than Prime Day.View Deal

EAH-AZ100: was $499 now $331
These Technics buds deliver a sound packed with detail and clarity, and one that is entirely engaging. ANC is great, and they're packed with useful features. View Deal

They are still expensive for a set of in-ear headphones, we know, but the B&W Pi8 are unlike any pair of earbuds we've heard before. They are exceptionally detailed in their audio delivery and the ANC onboard can comfortably compete with the very best. A number of other useful features only add to their appeal. The best price is on the white and jade green colours. View Deal

Open earbuds

Clip 1: was $86.99 now $66.74
If you're unsure if the a clip-style earbud is for you, then you can try it out with this inexpensive pair from Soundpeats. They've claimed a spot in our guide to the best open earbuds thanks to superb battery life and the fact they support hi-res audio. Admittedly, more expensive pairs do sound better, but you can at least tweak the EQ settings in the app to find a sound that's good for you. View Deal

If you're in the market for a pair of open-style earbuds, the Soundcore AeroClip are a fine choice. As we found in our review, they deliver "clear, engaging audio", and are incredibly comfortable to wear. They do miss out on some features you'll find in other, more expensive models, but where sound quality is concerned, they're a winner.View Deal

OpenFit 2+: was $340 now $227
We heaped praise on these open-style earbuds in our review, going as far to say they're "better than Bose". They're comfortable, boast long battery life and we loved the inclusion of Dolby cinematic sound. The price here is for the white model, black is available for AU$238. View Deal

Our reviewer called the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 the ideal runner’s headphones thanks to its lightweight form factor, comfort, stability and sound quality. There’s also a “classic mode” to switch to purely bone conduction that’s better suited for windy conditions or for cycling. The listing here is for both the 'Mini' and 'Standard' sizes. This price is the lowest we’ve seen on Amazon so far. The black colour has sold out, but you can still get this price in orange.View Deal

Offering “incredible sound” according to our review, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have all the power and quality you’d expect from a Bose-branded item while providing the benefits of an open-ear form factor. The Immersive sound is excellent, and they give up to 7 hours of music. At full price they're certainly a premium investment, but this discount scratches that itch.View Deal

Wired headphones

Soundmagic has been at the forefront of quality wired earbuds for years now, and the E11C are the latest in a long lineage of top-performing pairs. They are a few years old, but they're so brilliant, Soundmagic hasn't felt the need to replace them. And at this price, they represent an affordable route to quality in-ear headphones. Note that I've taken the 'before' price from the official Soundmagic Australia website.

The E11D with a USB-C connector for higher quality audio is also available for under AU$82.17 from the Global Store.View Deal

Triple Driver in-ear headphones: was $119.99 now $83.99
We said in our 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphone review that these wired buds deliver "stellar audio", alongside "excellent build and design". Do note that these use a 3.5mm aux connection, but if that's ok for you, this is a great example of what's possible from wired earbuds.View Deal

This Quad Driver set of earbuds ups the ante over the Triple Driver model, delivering an even more engaging sound that's also better built. We did say their higher price could put people off in our 1More Quad Driver in-ear headphones review, but your money does get you improved performance.View Deal

HD 505: was $449.95 now $225
These open-back Sennheiser headphones are extremely comfortable to wear over longer periods and, as we said in our review "are an expansive, wide-open listen — and they can control a soundstage just as confidently as they lay it out in the first place". The fact they're open-backed does mean they're better suited to home listening though.View Deal

• Opera's browser now solves one of the biggest problems travelers face abroad
• The built-in eSIM connects the entire phone rather than Opera alone
• Travelers can activate connectivity without buying another eSIM application first

Opera has added a built-in eSIM to its Android browser, giving travelers 3GB of complimentary mobile data for three days across supported destinations.

Travelers who arrive in a new country can skip the hunt for public Wi-Fi, because the free data requires no card details, purchasing a plan or entering an email.

The connection covers the entire phone rather than only the browser, so maps, messaging and ride apps keep working without roaming charges.

Connectivity starts inside the browser

The new service is available across 47 destinations. International travelers can install the eSIM before departure and activate it after reaching their destination.

Once the introductory allowance expires, users can purchase additional packages through Opera, with options offering 3GB, 5GB or 10GB for 30 days.

Opera says its eSIM plans are about 33% cheaper on average than six major competitors, based on a 5GB United States comparison.

The comparison used prices recorded in August 2026, which means the actual costs can differ depending on the destination and selected package.

The service can connect through 5G where local networks support it, while supported phones can retain their normal cellular number separately.

Why other browsers could copy the approach

The practical advantage of this feature is that travelers no longer need to depend entirely on their carrier's roaming package when crossing international borders.

They also avoid downloading a separate eSIM application while disconnected, although initial installation still requires reliable internet access before departure.

“Opera has spent decades getting people online where data is expensive or hard to come by,” said Tim Lesnik, Product Manager of Opera.

“Roaming is the same problem in a different shape: you pay a disproportionate amount for the same internet you have at home.”

Opera's approach combines connectivity with services already associated with travel, including its VPN and data-saving tools, giving the browser another function beyond opening websites.

“The eSIM, alongside our data savings and VPN, makes browsing while traveling more convenient. After all, a browser is pointless without a connection – so now we provide that as well,” Lesnik added.

The eSIM is data-only, requires Android 10 or later, and works only with compatible phones that are not locked to a carrier.

The free data is currently available in the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, UAE, Brazil, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Poland.

The underlying eSIM service can be purchased worldwide, while users traveling through several countries can keep one installed SIM and add country-specific data.

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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, September 30 (game #1710).

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 #1711) — hint #1 — VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* 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 #1711) — 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 #1711) — 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 #1711) — 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 #1711) — hint #5 — starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• N

• S

• B

• T

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

Quordle today (game #1711) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1711, are…

• NAVEL
• SHEER
• BIRTH
• TACKY

When you get stuck on a word with a missing letter and can’t see anything that would work, the key is invariably the letter V.

Two years into my Quordle obsession and I am still ignoring it, and today I spent ages ruling out every other combination before I final gazed upon NAVEL.

Daily Sequence today (game #1711) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1711, are…

• CLUNG
• SLURP
• WHEAT
• RECAP

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1710, Wednesday, 30 September: CHOKE, BATCH, MOSSY, EAGER
• Quordle #1709, Tuesday, 29 September: BILGE, MEDAL, LODGE, PORCH
• Quordle #1708, Monday, 28 September: BRUNT, TORSO, STONE, HEATH
• Quordle #1707, Sunday, 27 September: VALET, CHEST, VIGIL, PUREE
• Quordle #1706, Saturday, 26 September: SNORT, BIBLE, LAPSE, CRANE
• Quordle #1705, Friday, 25 September: SWEAR, FLOOD, GUPPY, GROAN
• Quordle #1704, Thursday, 24 September: TOPIC, METRO, SCALP, FREED
• Quordle #1703, Wednesday, 23 September: SHEET, BLAND, JOIST, GUAVA
• Quordle #1702, Tuesday, 22 September: COMFY, LOBBY, DRESS, PANEL
• Quordle #1701, Monday, 21 September: WAXEN, HIPPO, PETAL, LEASH
• Quordle #1700, Sunday, 20 September: DERBY, LIMBO, GAWKY, REIGN
• Quordle #1699, Saturday, 19 September: SCOPE, HEIST, PULSE, CHAMP
• Quordle #1698, Friday, 18 September: MUCUS, MIRTH, APPLE, TILDE
• Quordle #1697, Thursday, 17 September: CRIER, CHIRP, NEIGH, FREER
• Quordle #1696, Wednesday, 16 September: SPEAR, PRICE, BLUNT, FISHY
• Quordle #1695, Tuesday, 15 September: SHUSH, LITHE, DELTA, BUGLE
• Quordle #1694, Monday, 14 September: ZEBRA, LEGAL, RATIO, TROLL
• Quordle #1693, Sunday, 13 September: LUCID, SPRAY, MANGE, EMAIL
• Quordle #1692, Saturday, 12 September: SUPER, BRUSH, RESET, SOWER
• Quordle #1691, Friday, 11 September: PLUSH, PAINT, RIVAL, AFOUL

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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Wednesday, September 30 (game #1207).

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 #1208) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• NATIONAL
• KEN
• NECK
• SHINS
• ACRO
• STICK
• WAIST
• WALKMEN
• SITUATE
• SLEEVE
• CROSS
• PLACE
• SUD
• POSITION
• CHEST
• DECEMBERISTS

NYT Connections today (game #1208) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Manoeuvre into a spot where it belongs
• GREEN: Required for sharp dressing
• BLUE: Alt rock with something missing
• PURPLE: A puzzling beginning

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 #1208) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: PUT
• GREEN: DRESS SHIRT MEASUREMENTS
• BLUE: 2000S INDIE ROCK BANDS, WITH "THE"
• PURPLE: STARTS OF NYT PRINT PUZZLES

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

NYT Connections today (game #1208) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #1208, are…

• YELLOW: PUT: PLACE, POSITION, SITUATE, STICK
• GREEN: DRESS SHIRT MEASUREMENTS: CHEST, NECK, SLEEVE, WAIST
• BLUE: 2000S INDIE ROCK BANDS, WITH "THE": DECEMBERISTS, NATIONAL, SHINS, WALKMEN
• PURPLE: STARTS OF NYT PRINT PUZZLES: ACRO, CROSS, KEN, SUD

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

NYT got very meta with today’s purple group, with an online game paying homage to the NYT's offline games. I’m ashamed to say it flew over my head.

Instead, I was focused on the appearance of one of my favorite bands of all time in Connections, The NATIONAL, alongside three other equally highly regarded bands which made it into 2000s INDIE ROCK BANDS, WITH "THE". Even though the majority of music I like could be described as “indie rock” I find genre names cringe, but it’s not a hill I’m willing to die on, or even suffer a mild ankle sprain on, so I’ll let it go.

Anyway, I digress… Fortunately, with that purple group not registering, DRESS SHIRT MEASUREMENTS and PUT were both easy to collect

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Wednesday, September 30, 2026, game #1207)

• YELLOW: SECURITIES: BOND, FUTURE, OPTION, STOCK
• GREEN: THINGS THAT ARE SHAKEN (NOT STIRRED): ETCH A SKETCH, MARTINI, SPRAY PAINT, TAMBOURINE
• BLUE: GANGSTER MOVIES: BUGSY, CASINO, DONNIE BRASCO, SCARFACE
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MONTH ABBREVIATIONS: DECENT, NOVELTY, OCTOPUSSY, SEPTUM

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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, September 30 (game #941).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Things fall apart

NYT Strands today (game #942) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• OBEY
• CRUEL
• CORN
• SLAP
• REAL
• MATES

NYT Strands today (game #942) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 12 letters

NYT Strands today (game #942) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

• First side: left, 3rd row

• Last side: right, 8th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #942) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #942, are…

• BREAK
• CRUMBLE
• COLLAPSE
• DISSOLVE
• FRAGMENT
• SPANGRAM: BEYONDREPAIR

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 hints

I eventually got the spangram after multiple stages of feeling myself towards it — pair, then repair, then on repair, then finally BEYONDREPAIR. Once I’d made it, my gameplay felt the same way.

I was also slow to get going, but after finding half a dozen non-game words I took the lazy person’s way out and grabbed two hints: BREAk and CRUMBLE. From here it was easier, but I didn’t have my finest of days.

In the West we find the idea of things falling apart depressing, but in Japan there is a term — wabi-sabi — for taking pleasure and beauty in the natural decay and weathering of objects and displaying the patina of life. It’s lovely.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, September 30, game #941)

• CAPO
• PICK
• GUITAR
• DRUMS
• PIANO
• SYNTH
• AMPLIFIER
• SPANGRAM: MUSICSTORE

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.

The company estimates its fastest-charging tech yet is coming next year, but it’ll be a while before cars can hit its top speed.

• Russia will reject flight plans from October 1 for civilian drones over 250 grams that are not connected to its ERA-GLONASS tracking system
• ERA-GLONASS is Russia's eCall-style emergency telematics platform that effectively functions as a clearinghouse for tracker data
• Officials are pitching the system as a way to lift regional drone bans, yet Moscow-area and St. Petersburg restrictions remain in force for now

From October 1 2026, Russia will stop accepting flight plans for civilian drones that are not hooked up to ERA-GLONASS, the state telematics platform that was previously best known for dispatching ambulances to car crashes.

The Ministry of Transport recently announced the change, stating "connection to ERA-GLONASS will become a prerequisite for submitting flight plans" to the State Air Traffic Management Corporation.

The requirement, which comes at a time when it continues to engage in an increasingly escalatory conflict with Ukraine, much of which involves drones of various shapes and sizes, applies to any drone that weighs more than 250 grams.

Not a new requirement altogether

The obligation itself is not new: since March 1 2026, aircraft have had to carry remote identification hardware that reports the drone, its owner, location, altitude, and route, under a government decree issued in Feb. 2026 (RU), which amended an earlier 2024 decree.

ERA-GLONASS, which functions as an emergency call system and is Russia's counterpart to the EU's eCall service, is not entirely new; it was officially commissioned in Jan. 2015 and has been mandatory since Jan. 2017 for all passenger and freight vehicles in the region.

It has since doubled as a state-owned clearinghouse for drone information, storing it and tracking them across the board. According to Rosaviatsia, it accepts feeds from cellular, satellite, and hybrid trackers, as well as ADS-B, and passes position, altitude, route, identification index, and aircraft category to supervisory agencies and bodies authorized to stop drone flights.

It is fairly ambitious in its own right; in January, JSC GLONASS chief executive Alexey Raikevich told TASS, after briefing Vladimir Putin at a Moscow unmanned-vehicle exhibition, that the system was ready to monitor up to 1 million civilian unmanned vehicles on land, on water, and in the air.

The ministry's own numbers are much more revealing: after seven months, 1,027 users are connected, comprising 752 organizations and 278 individuals, including 50 professional drone operators, and 1,205 drones are registered.

For context, deputy industry minister Vasily Shpak said Russia produced 16,398 civilian drones in 2024 alone. Not all of these will weigh over 250 grams or remain in civilian hands, and imported consumer drones are not counted here at all; the gap between drones in circulation and drones on the register appears wide.

The boldest claim about the system, however, is one that does not pass the smell test: In January, Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said the system could forcibly stop a drone's movement if necessary, and at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2025, Raikevich said supervisors would be able to "press a button and land all the drones in a given area."

This does not align with the requirements the Russian government's decree established, which describe a one-way data feed from the drone to monitoring services rather than a command link that would make such an approach possible.

There is a significant military aspect to this at a time when Ukraine has managed to hit Russian targets with drones launched into Russian airspace from the ground. The best example is also the one that ran Russia billions of dollars in military equipment: Operation Spiderweb.

Whether the million drone tracking claims hold up or the 'kill switch' is actually a functional design at some level in Russian-made drones or otherwise remains to be seen, but it does highlight a growing awareness at the state level of how lethal even a single unaccounted-for drone can be at a time when both Ukraine and Russia are targeting civillian and energy infrastructure as part of a long-drawn out drone-enabled war of attrition.