Technology

Some users are already joking that the new logo reads “Instagzam.”

Dear oh dear... things aren't going well for Dutton Ranch season 2, are they?

After that explosive Ed Harris interview, we know that filming for new episodes isn't supposed to start until February 2027, but the writers room appears to be fully underway as of August 2026.

Thanks to a new report from the Daily Mail, a slew of new dramatic allegations are supposedly threatening the "mess of a show" behind the scenes, with an insider claiming "there is high drama on that one, so much tension.

"I believe it's the actors that are a huge part of the problem," they add. "Too many people think they are in control over there and that's causing a lot of issues."

Alongside Harris feeling "p*ssed off" with his lack of screen time, Annette Bening's "star power" has also allegedly caused friction behind-the-scenes.

But none of this is what I'm most interested in. Since before Dutton Ranch even premiered, I've been publicly campaigning for Taylor Sheridan to shift his role from executive producer to showrunner (much like what we saw with Yellowstone).

While there's been a confirmed positive step in a similar direction, the newly announced showrunner, Benjamin Cavell, opens up an entirely new can of worms.

Benjamin Cavell as Dutton Ranch season 2 showrunner could turn it from Yellowstone to Lioness

(Image credit: Paramount+)

According to this same report, Sheridan is set to have a "bigger presence" in the Dutton Ranch season 2 writers room, which is music to my ears. In order for Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip's (Cole Hauser) new start in Texas to be the best it can be, it needs the biggest amount of Sheridan input possible, so this can only be a good thing.

However, the announcement of Benjamin Cavell as the season 2 showrunner might be a cause for concern. Whereas previous showrunner Chad Feehan had Western experience after leading Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Cavell comes from a more military TV background.

With Homeland, SEAL Team, and Justified all under his belt, I wonder if Cavell would be better suited to the Lioness and Tulsa King branch of Sheridan's work. There's no question that he has an exceptional handle on action, and thanks to the miniseries The Stand, we also know that he understands the Paramount+ audience.

But with the Yellowstone world comes such a specific feel and almost a decade of lore attached, and introducing a total newbie at this stage in the game could be a make-or-break moment for Dutton Ranch's future.

As someone who fell head over heels for the spinoff, I'm willing things to work. But even while we have no idea how much truth there really is to these alleged reports, the fact that they exist at all doesn't fill me with confidence.

• Apple's MacBook Air is facing supply constraints, as delivery estimates last up to a month
• The delivery delays are a direct result of the ongoing RAM crisis
• Consumers may have to look at Windows alternatives, as the RAM crisis gets worse

PC hardware manufacturers can't catch a break from the ongoing RAM crisis, and unfortunately, Apple arguably knows that more than anyone.

As reported by 9to5Mac, MacBook Air shortages are worsening, as delivery estimates for configurations on Apple's online store are longer than usual. Nearly all configurations have a 2-3 week shipment estimate, while those with 32GB of RAM have up to 4-5 weeks.

It's increasingly clear that RAM shortages are causing supply issues for Apple, and the extended delivery estimates come shortly after Apple's recent slate of price hikes on Macs and iPads. Notably, the MacBook Air M5 saw a $200 price increase earlier in June, and despite that, shortages remain.

Supply is so bad that 9to5Mac notes that Apple retail employees state that the MacBook Air shipments are "more constrained than they can ever recall", and that's a fitting statement since the PC hardware market is possibly at its worst state ever.

Fresh rumors also point to Apple being set on a price increase for its iPhone 17 — so without a doubt, proceedings aren't looking great for the tech giant (and several other hardware companies) in terms of supply stability.

Apple also has a history of rarely dropping prices for its devices, so the only other options consumers have are to buy MacBooks from other retailers or consider Windows alternatives.

What now?

(Image credit: Shutterstock / D.L.Sakharova)

Outside of Apple's online store, Amazon currently has the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air available at a lower price ($1,256) and a shorter delivery window using Prime. The same applies to several other configurations, including the 15-inch model.

Apple's RAM and supply constraints won't end anytime soon, so Windows alternatives are also sensible for consumers to aim for. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, Yoga Slim 7i Aura, and even Dell's XPS 13 are solid laptop options. They may not all match the MacBook Air in performance, but they are enough to get the job done.

There's no better time than now for consumers to act on purchasing a new laptop, as insiders like Mark Gurman and even Apple chief financial officer Kevan Parekh indicate that Apple's supply constraints aren't set to improve, but only worsen — and that likely extends to 2027 and beyond.

• Nightmare Eclipse discloses ShieldBreak, a new Windows privilege‑escalation zero‑day
• Flaw bypasses a recent patch and works on fully updated Windows 11 systems
• Researcher’s ongoing exploit spree leaves multiple Windows vulnerabilities still unpatched

Nightmare Eclipse has struck again! The notorious zero-day researcher with a Microsoft grudge disclosed its latest vulnerability, and just as in previous instances, they picked their timing and released their research hours after Microsoft published its August Patch Tuesday cumulative update in order to maximize the hurt.

The newest flaw is called ShieldBreak, and is described as a local escalation of privilege vulnerability that allows threat actors to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on vulnerable systems. Speaking of vulnerable systems, the list is rather long because it includes all versions of Windows 11, including those with the latest security patches.

“The PoC was tested in the latest version of windows 11 25h2 (+Canary channel) and windows server 2025, the PoC also have a 100% success rate,” Nightmare Eclipse said on their GitHub account. “Please note that Windows 10 (and respective server editions) are not currently supported, they are however vulnerable to ShieldBreak as well.”

A bypass for the RoguePlanet fix

The mysterious attacker also said that the bug was actually a bypass for the patch Microsoft issued to fix their earlier work, called RoguePlanet.

“Microsoft has failed to properly patch the RoguePlanet vulnerability CVE-2026-50656, this PoC demonstrates a full patch bypass,” the GitHub read entry.

Microsoft, on the other hand, responded in pure enterprise fashion, sharing a boilerplate statement that it was “investigating” and that it “supports coordinated vulnerability disclosure”.

In response to an enquiry by The Register, a company spokesperson said Microsoft "is aware of the reported vulnerability and is actively investigating the validity and potential applicability of these claims."

"Microsoft is committed to investigating security issues and updating impacted products to protect customers as soon as possible,” the statement reads. “Importantly, we support coordinated vulnerability disclosure, an industry standard that protects customers and supports the research community by ensuring their findings are thoroughly investigated and addressed before being made public."

A hacker on a mission

Together with ShieldBreak, the number of disclosed Windows vulnerabilities and exploits now counts 10. Nightmare Eclipse’s campaign began in April 2026, when they demonstrated BlueHammer, a Windows Defender local privilege-escalation flaw that gives low-privileged users SYSTEM-level access. The researcher claimed BlueHammer, now tracked as CVE-2026-33825, was previously reported to Microsoft, but the company allegedly mishandled the disclosure.

Just before publishing the work, they said “someone violated our agreement and left me homeless with nothing. They knew this will happen and they still stabbed me in the back anyways, this is their decision not mine.”

At first, Microsoft took a tough stance, calling the public release “never justifiable” and even warning that it might pursue legal cases against people who put customers at risk.

The community interpreted this statement as a threat of legal action against Nightmare Eclipse, which triggered a backlash. Microsoft later backed away, saying “to be clear about our approach to legal matters, we have no intention to pursue action against individuals conducting or publishing their security research.”

In the meantime, Nightmare Eclipse (also known as Chaotic Eclipse) went on a full-blown rampage. They released RedSun and UnDefend (both targeting Defender), YellowKey (a BitLocker bypass), GreenPlasma (a CTFMON-based privilege-escalation flaw), MiniPlasma (a regression of a vulnerability Microsoft had originally fixed in 2020), RoguePlanet (another Defender privilege-escalation bug), GreatXML (a BitLocker/Windows Recovery Environment bypass), LegacyHive (a Windows User Profile Service privilege-escalation flaw), and now ShieldBreak.

BlueHammer was fixed in April, RedSun and UnDefend in May, and YellowKey, GreenPlasma, and MiniPlasma, in June. RoguePlanet was patched in July, while LegacyHive, GreatXML, and ShieldBreak, remain unpatched.

It is also worth mentioning that not all of Nightmare Eclipse’s releases were equally complete or reproducible by third parties. For GreenPlasma, independent researchers said it contained the vulnerability but turning it into a reliable working exploit required significant additional technical work. Some of the early Defender exploits were also apparently difficult to reproduce, mostly because they relied on delicate race conditions and very specific sequences of Windows components.

ShieldBreak, however, seems to be more dangerous in that respect. Speaking to The Register, security researcher Kevin Beaumont confirmed it as working: “I've tried it, it works on latest Windows 11,” he told the publication.

He also said that while ShieldBreak was described as a bypass for the RoguePlanet fix, the two flaws actually operated quite differently.

“RoguePlanet was a filesystem race condition vuln that uses virtual disks and NT native file manipulation to trick quarantine process into overwriting system files,” Beaumont explained. “ShieldBreak user-mode callback hook to change file contents during a Defender cloud-hydration scan via cfapi (Cloud Filter API).”

No one knows how much ammunition Nightmare Eclipse still has, but we will certainly be paying attention to them in the hours after next month’s Patch Tuesday, as well.

• Fans think they've uncovered The Elder Scrolls 6's eight-letter subtitle
• Redditor 'starfieldnovember' suggests the subtitle is "Sentinel"
• The clue comes from Starfield's character creator and employee number, which, translated via the alphabet, spells "Sentinel"

The Elder Scrolls 6 fans believe they've uncovered the game's secret subtitle, and it may have been under our noses the entire time.

Earlier this week, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma shared an X post that blew up, which read, "Live playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6: ******** this morning. The scale and grandeur are incredible. The story is even greater."

Of course, fans instantly began speculating what those eight asterisks could be; Hammerfell? Nope, too many letters. Redguard? Already been used. But one fan has offered up their own theory, and it's the best one yet.

According to Redditor 'starfieldnovember', The Elder Scrolls 6's subtitle could be "Sentinel," and the clue has been hidden in Starfield's character creator without anyone realizing until now (via IGN).

"By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield," they began. "In Starfield Direct and in the final game, we can see our employee number during character creation. Random string of numbers at first look, but if you translate it by dividing it into pairs and then using the corresponding letter of the alphabet, you get SENTINEL.

"This title was at our noses for more than 3 years, and we somehow missed it."

By the way, Sentinel was already teased in Starfield from r/TESVI

Other fans seem to agree with the theory, not only because Bethesda loves to hide easter eggs in its games, but because Sentinel is a major coastal capital city located in the northwestern hills of Hammerfell, which is rumored to be the setting of The Elder Scrolls 6.

What's more, Bethesda developer Michael Kirkbride replied "Yep" to a separate Reddit post after a fan suggested the name could be Sentinel, which seems like a done deal, but we'll have to wait and see.

The Elder Scrolls 6 was revealed in June 2018, and its announcement has now become as old as The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was at the time. Over eight years later, there's still no development update on the game, besides Sharma's confirmation that she's played it, and no release date.

In November 2025, Todd Howard, director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, said the game is "still a long way off," and revealed at the time that the studio "did a big play test."

It was also speculated that Bethesda could shadowdrop the game, just like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered in April 2025, and when the idea was brought up to Howard, he didn't immediately reject it.

"You might say that was a test run. It worked out well," he said on Oblivion Remastered.

In the meantime, Bethesda is currently working on remasters of both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and continuing support for Starfield.

• Researchers are developing a tent that could produce its own electricity
• It's made out of magnetoelastic material
• It's still in early stages, but scientists intent to use them in off-grid camps and disaster zones

There are plenty of high-tech camping accessories you can get your hands on to spruce up your outdoor vacations — but have you ever thought about a tent that can produce its own electricity? Well, it could be the future of camping.

Researchers have been developing a ‘magnetoelastic’ tent that could generate and harvest its own electricity, kind of like a wind turbine, but one that you sleep in and use to power small devices. I thought I’ve seen my fair share of whacky tech, but this discovery is truly something else.

The tent is made out of a special material with ‘magnetoelasticity’, a textile property that can produce electrical energy from bending and stretching motions, which was first coined by physicist Emilio Villari in 1865. But it relies on fabric layering to harness its electrical production powers.

As mentioned in the Cell Press journal, Matter, the tent’s design consists of a magnetomechanical coupling layer and a magnetic induction layer. This is fused together with weaving patterns, layer stacking, and conductive fiber, allowing the tent to respond to movement.

The tent consists of two different components, one for the flooring and another for the roof. While the tent floor integrates woven fabric embedded with magnetoelastic ribbons, its roof features a layered material made of conductive fibers and magnetoelastic film.

(Image credit: Cell Press / Matter)

The interesting part is that the material can respond to more than just human movement happening inside the tent — it can absorb action from environmental surroundings, too. Even motions such as wind and movement during the setup can also help — but how?

Essentially, the material’s fabric state shifts when it bends and flexes, converting mechanical movement into electricity through induction. During the testing period, researchers found that hand-tapping a small sample of the material could charge a 0.22-μF capacitor to 5.80V in 1.5 seconds. While this is nowhere near enough to power a smartphone, for example, it shows that the material certainly has potential.

Despite the successful early-stage experiments, there’s still a long way to go before it becomes a fully realized product, but the researchers behind it have a vision.

For them, the tent isn’t intended for leisurely camping trips. Instead, they see it as the ideal opportunity to provide sanctuary in shelters, disaster zones, off-grid camps, and areas where electricity access is limited or relies solely on sunlight.

That’s one of the clever elements of the tent: it doesn’t need the sun to power itself as solar panels do. Motion alone is enough to give the tent the power it needs to create its own source of energy, meaning that it can function in the shade and after sunset.

On paper it’s a genius product, but there are many tests that are yet to come — so don’t expect to score one in time for Glastonbury 2027.

• WindRelay campaign used vishing plus custom malware to turn phones into POS skimmers
• Victims installed personalized RATs and NFC malware, enabling real‑time card theft
• Attacks were highly targeted across Eastern Europe, with only a few individuals hit

Hackers are turning people’s smartphones into malicious Point of Sale (POS) devices and stealing their money directly from their payment cards, experts have warned.

Security researchers Group-IB spotted multiple such attacks across Eastern Europe, and named the campaign WindRelay, after the custom-built malware used during the attacks.

The report notes this is a highly sophisticated, custom-tailored attack designed specifically for the victim. It starts with some form of reconnaissance, in which the attackers learn their victim’s identity, phone number, and likely other details. Although the researchers don’t discuss it, it is quite possible that the attackers obtained (or purchased) the data from unrelated data breaches and leaks.

Vishing and malware

After learning a little bit about their target, the attackers get to work. They first prepare a remote access trojan (RAT) named SpyNote. They personalize the label with the victim’s own name (instead of it being a generic or impersonated brand), to build trust with their victim:

“Such tactics are more effective at weakening a victim’s natural defenses and suspicions,” the researchers noted in the report. “It removes the one cue people are trained to check before installing something unfamiliar — a strange or generic app name — right at the moment they’re most likely to hesitate.”

Then, they call the victim on the phone and introduce themselves as employees of their target’s bank. They claim the victim has a problem with their bank card, and instruct them to deploy SpyNote through the device’s package installer (the standard way to sideload apps outside an official app store).

SpyNote is a classic RAT that the attackers then use to deploy stage-two malware themselves. In this next step, they personally (as opposed to having the victim do it) install WindRelay, custom near-field communication (NFC) malware designed to capture contactless payment card data in real-time, when a card is tapped against the phone.

In other words, the malware turns the smartphone into a POS, and when a victim taps their card against it, the information is relayed to an attacker’s terminal.

Vishing + malware

Vishing + malware combo is nothing new. We’ve seen it deployed numerous times before, and ShinyHunters are probably the shiniest example of the practice (pun definitely intended). Over the last couple of years, ShinyHunters have been calling their victims on the phone, impersonating the IT department, and getting their victims to log in via fake login portals which relay the credentials to the attackers.

They then use the credentials to access their victims’ SaaS products, exfiltrate as much sensitive data as possible, and then demand ransom in exchange for deleting the stolen files.

This new campaign, however, is a testament to the technique’s evolution. While ShinyHunters’ operatives only stay on the phone call until the victim logs in, these crooks remain on the line for as long as it takes. Group-IB says the average call lasts around 13 minutes, and by that moment, the victim will have installed both SpyNote and WindRelay, and has tapped their bank card against the phone, making unwanted payments.

In at least one case, the attackers successfully applied for a loan at the victim’s bank, stealing not only the money they had on their account, but also money they would have earned in the future.

The identity of the attackers is unknown at the time. We also don’t know exactly how many victims there were, but given the highly personalized nature of the attack, it’s safe to assume that there were only a handful.

Group-IB says it observed attacks in Czechia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, suggesting a threat actor focused primarily on Eastern European victims. The researchers also said they identified 23 samples uploaded to VirusTotal between November 2025 and July 2026, meaning the campaign was active for approximately seven months, targeting 23 individuals.

“The samples mimic various institutions from the targeted countries and contain text in the language of each targeted country,” the researchers said. “Some samples contain personalized UI elements and labels, such as the name of the victim, similar to the personalized RAT. This suggests the threat actor behind these campaigns most likely has the capability to dynamically build malicious applications tailored to individual victims.”

Group-IB says users should treat personalized app labels as a red flag and should apply extra friction to loan applications.

• A Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 and Pro Controller have reportedly leaked
• New images posted online appear to show the packaging for 40th anniversary Zelda editions of the console and Pro Controller
• Nintendo has yet to formally announce new special edition hardware

Nintendo could be planning to release a special edition Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller inspired by The Legend of Zelda, after leaked images were posted online.

That's according to the Centro LEAKS account on X (via VGC), which posted two images showing the packaging for the themed Switch 2 and Pro Controller, which are seemingly designed to celebrate Zelda's 40th anniversary.

The Switch 2 has black and green Joy-Cons with the iconic Triforce emblem on one side, while the dock itself has the more elaborate design, showing the gold Triforce on the front.

Similarly, the Pro Controller has black and green grips, with a different gold Triforce in the center. Looking more closely at the packaging, you can also see a 40th anniversary logo.

First limited edition Nintendo Switch 2 coming soon pic.twitter.com/cli7icFkbpAugust 11, 2026

Brazilian journalist and Universo Nintendo editor-in-chief ‘Necro’ Felipe Lima previously claimed to have been shown both products, and in a separate post, said the new images are "exactly as I saw it previously."

If these leaks are real, I'm glad I waited to purchase a Switch 2. However, Nintendo hasn't made an official announcement just yet, but it would be the first special edition Switch 2 since the console launched.

Additionally, while some speculated that Nintendo would release a new special edition Switch 2 alongside The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which is due to arrive this year, it appears the supposed leaked console may not be inspired by the game.

The Ocarina of Time remake was announced this summer and will be a Switch 2 exclusive, though a launch date hasn't been set.

The changes to Rivian’s electric pickup and SUV are largely nominal, but a new seating configuration and wheel option stand out.

• Crunchyroll is coming to compatible BMW and Mini vehicles
• It comes as part of a new partnership with automotive app distrubition platform Appning
• More than 40 car brands are expected to follow

Popular anime streaming service Crunchyroll is coming to a range of vehicles in a new collaboration with automation app distribution platform Appning.

Soon, owners of compatible BMW and Mini vehicles in the US, UK, and Australia will be able to access Crunchyroll directly through their car's infotainment systems, giving subscribers a new way to catch up with hit shows like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!, and more.

As a Mini owner and Crunchyroll subscriber I can't wait, and I can already see myself diving into the latest season of Oshi no Ko while parked up waiting at the car wash.

BMW Group cars are just the start, however, with the app expected to steadily roll out to more than 40 automotive brands. Mercedez-Benz, Volkswagen, Leapmotor, and Lotus are just some of the brands that make Appning-enabled vehicles.

Appning owner Forvia estimates that the platform reaches more than 20% of the accessible market share, so if you recently bought a new car there's a decent chance that it will be compatible.

On the announcement, Crunchyroll SVP of global distribution and business development said that "Today’s consumers expect their entertainment to be available wherever they are, including in their vehicle.

"With Crunchyroll coming soon to global automotive partners, the anime experience will be even more accessible on every journey. Through this collaboration with Appning, we’re glad to provide another way for this passionate, global fan community to enjoy their favorite anime.”

Crunchyroll is already available on a wide variety of platforms. You can download the app on your iOS or Android phone, visit the website on your laptop or PC, or access it from a range of games consoles and smart TV devices.

It offers more than 1,000 titles globally, focusing exclusively on Japanese cartoon animation, or anime as it's known. Prices start at $9.99 / £5.99 / AU$11.99 a month for the most basic tier of membership.

• A limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller has been revealed
• The controller releases on September 30 and can be pre-ordered now for $89.99 / £84.99
• A separate 8BitDo charging dock is also up for pre-order

Xbox has unveiled its limited-edition Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Wireless Controller ahead of the game's launch on October 6.

"To celebrate the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, we’re giving fans two new ways to immerse themselves in one of gaming’s most iconic universes," reads the Xbox Wire announcement post. "Together, these offerings pay tribute to Emergence Day with hardware inspired by the symbols, scars, and battles that defined humanity’s war against the Locust Horde."

Starting today, fans can pre-order the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller at participating retailers worldwide and the Xbox online store. The controller, which was "inspired by the horror and brutality unleashed on Emergence Day," will be released on September 30 and cost $89.99 / £84.99.

Where to buy the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller

Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6, but you can pre-order the limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at the Microsoft Store and at the participating retailers below.

Price check: $89.99 at Amazon | $89.99 at Best Buy | $84 at WalmartView Deal

If you're in the UK, you can also secure a pre-order of the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller now at these stores.

Price check: £84.99 at Amazon | £139.99 at Very (includes a copy of Gears of War: E-Day)View Deal

Fans seem to love the design, with one on Reddit saying, "My wallet is not gonna be happy." Another on X said, "They look frigging awesome."

"Drawing from the E-holes that scar the world of Gears of War: E-Day, the controller features 3D molded, laser-etched details of cracked asphalt with red, glowing cracks created by the power of an erupting E-hole, exposing the iconic Crimson Omen beneath the surface," the description reads.

"Blacked-out ABXY buttons are punctuated by a transparent red X button, while matching red triggers and a transparent D-pad reflect the destruction left in the wake of Emergence Day. A dark silver metallic COG tag on the battery door signifies Never Fight Alone. Squad up. Textured grips round out a design built for fans ready to carry a piece of Sera into every battle."

Additionally, beginning September 30, fans can design their own E-Day controller with Xbox Design Lab, featuring exclusive artwork from heavy metal illustrator Luke Preece.

8BitDo is also releasing an Ultimate Charging Dock for Xbox Controllers – Gears of War: E-Day complimentary accessory, which is compatible with Xbox Series X, Series S and Xbox One Wireless controllers, and includes an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack. The charging dock will cost $33.99 / £29.54.

• Dolby confirms that Dolby Vision 2 HDR can come to existing 4K Blu-ray hardware, including both discs and players
• However, it will require the player manufacturers to work with Dolby on updates, and Sony says it has no plans to update, with no comment from Panasonic or Magnetar
• Dolby says that Dolby Vision 2 TVs will still show visual improvements with Dolby Vision 1 discs, because of the upgraded processing engine

Dolby Vision 2, the next generation of Dolby's HDR format, is rolling out to its first TVs right now — and Dolby answered one my most burning questions about the new tech, which is whether it can come to 4K Blu-ray as well as streaming.

Digging into the answer turns out to be mixed news. It was positive from a technical side: the team confirmed that Dolby Vision 2 can work on existing Blu-ray disc and players. However, making it work will require a firmware update to ensure full compatibility — and that looks like it could be the problem.

I sat down with Dolby Laboratories' vice-president of home devices, Chris Turkstra, and director of business strategy Jonas Klittmark. As you'd expect, both men were big cheerleaders for the new technology. But they were also realistic about the challenges around existing Blu-ray players in particular.

"UHD Blu-ray is fantastic," Klittmark said. "It's hard to get 120 megabits over streaming, right? So if you're the kind of person who cares about that, like I am, then it still makes sense."

However, "the problem with UHD Blu-ray is that the industry behind the consumer electronics devices that power it… some of them are not even there any more. My player happens to be an Oppo from 10 years ago, and I think those guys closed shop half a decade ago."

As he explains, that poses a potential problem for full Blu-ray compatibility. "While we wouldn't need any new hardware for those devices to have the optimal behavior for Dolby Vision 2, they would need a software update to make sure they're configured correctly."

And so far, the manufacturers still doing Blu-ray don't seem to be champing at the bit. We reached out to Panasonic, Sony and Magnetar to ask about their Dolby Vision 2 plans, and only Sony responded — and confirmed that that it won't update its existing players, as things stand. A statement from the company read:

"We do not plan to provide a software/firmware update to support Dolby Vision 2 on the current Blu-ray player lineup."

Why does Dolby Vision 2 require an update?

"We would love to see Dolby Vision 2 come to all devices. And I think over time, it will come to many more devices than TVs," Klittman says. "But UHD Blu-ray is a is a problematic one."

While supporting Dolby Vision 2 requires new hardware on TVs (it only works on specific TV processors), it doesn't require it for players because all the players need to do is pass data encoded in the stream onto the TV, and then the TV does the hard processing. However, the players need to know how to handle that data: "Since these are old players, there's probably a software update needed for many of them," says Klittmark.

Dolby's team highlighted that their particular concern is getting the data accurately over the HDMI connection. "There are so many nuances over HDMI," Klittmark says. "Different ways to prioritize things, different transmission formats, et cetera... I don't want to oversimplify the work involved. It's about making sure that all the Dolby Vision 2 Content Intelligence, as we're calling it, actually makes it through, and that the device is configured correctly for the best HDMI transmission."

As Chris Turkstra explains, the software update would be needed "in the formatting tools of the device. It's a fairly complex amount of change... while we definitely would love to have it, I don't know if there will be enough [demand] to get people to do that work."

Of course, the Dolby Vision 2 data would also need to be on the disc itself, so existing movies won't take advantage of it, and I doubt it's a format that will get people replacing their existing discs with a new version — but still, for new releases and fresh restorations, it would be great to have the extra accuracy it's designed to bring.

Dolby Vision 2 and 4K Blu-ray should still be better, even without upgrades

So what happens if your player's manufacturer is long gone, or is still around but doesn't want to put the effort into a firmware upgrade? You should still see some benefits from the new generation of Dolby Vision if you have a compatible TV, especially the new and significantly more powerful image engine.

"When it's just regular Dolby Vision, your Dolby Vision 2 TV will still be able to give you a lot of the benefits that we're talking about, including for UHD Blu-ray," Klittman says. "That's what's exciting: that will work for UHD Blu-ray regardless of whether the players get updated or not."

The upgraded processing engine at the heart of Dolby Vision 2 is capable of doing more advanced work with the existing metadata in Dolby Vision, and Dolby has said that there should be a clear improvement. I've seen a demo of Dolby Vision 2 processing with original Dolby Vision content on cheaper TVs, and there's a visible difference.

Of course, what I'm most interested in is how DV2-exclusive options such as Precision Black — in which data about how the creator viewed the mastering monitor when finalizing the color grade can be used to improve HDR visibility and accuracy — could help really dark movies to bring through more shadow detail while still staying true to the master.

Sadly cinephiles may face a frustrating choice if their favorite movies get the Dolby Vision 2 treatment on streaming: get the 4K Blu-ray version with the best picture quality overall, or stream in a lower bitrate but with potentially closer accuracy to the mastered image.

Multicolor 3D printing is much easier when the hardware needed to handle multiple filaments comes as part of the package. One of our favorite choices from our workshop tests, the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo, is now $550 (was $650) at Amazon for Prime members.

The combo pairs the Kobra S1 with Anycubic's ACE 2 Pro, which manages four filaments while also doubling as a heated filament dryer. It can dry filament at temperatures up to 65°C while you're printing.

This enclosed CoreXY 3D printer offers native four-color printing, 600mm/s maximum speeds, a 320°C hotend, automatic leveling, resonance compensation, smart filament management, and simultaneous filament drying and printing.View Deal

Why we recommend it

Four-color printing straight out of the box is the headline attraction, but the ACE 2 Pro does more than automatically switch between spools. It can identify compatible filament, estimate how much remains, automatically refill filament, and maintain filament condition through active drying and sealed storage.

In his rave four-and-a-half-star review, our expert Alastair said: "When it comes to absolute precision, the Anycubic S1 is one of the best 3D printers out there."

He added: "What really appeals here is the absolute print quality. The precision and quality of the print finish are exceptional, no doubt partially down to the fact that the Ace Pro features a built-in dryer. This means the filament is in top condition when it enters the machine, and it really does make a difference to the quality."

The printer itself uses an enclosed CoreXY design, reaches speeds up to 600mm/s, and has a 320°C quick-release hotend. LeviQ 3.0 automatic leveling and resonance compensation are included to make setup easier, while support for PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and other materials gives you plenty of scope for different projects.

For more options, take a look at our round up of the best 3D printers we've tested and the best 3D printer deals we've seen this week.

Price context & historical value

Amazon has reduced the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo from $649.99 to $549.99, taking $100 off the regular price, or just over 15%. It has been cheaper in the past, but the lowest we've seen it on Amazon is $510, and not for long.

The combo aspect is important here. You're getting both the enclosed Kobra S1 and the ACE 2 Pro rather than buying a printer first and then adding the four-color filament system later.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo if...

You want to get into multicolor 3D printing without buying the printer and filament system separately. The included ACE 2 Pro gives you four-color printing from the start, while adding further ACE 2 Pro units can expand the system to as many as 16 colors.

The ACE 2 Pro can actively dry filament at up to 65°C while the printer is working, so you don't have to finish drying a spool before starting your print.

❌ Skip the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo if...

You mostly produce straightforward single-color PLA prints. A large part of the appeal here comes from the ACE 2 Pro and its multicolor and filament-drying capabilities, so a simpler machine could give you everything you need for even less.

You should also consider how much space you have available. The enclosed printer measures 15.75 x 16.14 x 19.29 inches and weighs 39.6 pounds, before accounting for the ACE 2 Pro and filament.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

Although Anycubic describes the system as expandable, four-color printing is what you get with the hardware included here. Reaching the maximum 16 colors requires four ACE 2 Pro units in total, adding considerably to the cost and physical space required.

There's also a compatibility restriction worth remembering if you already own Anycubic equipment: ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro units can't be used together. Make sure any future expansion hardware is the ACE 2 Pro version.

• Shop all 3D printers at Amazon

The year was 2013. I can remember the sheer excitement I felt as I stepped into my local video game store and laid eyes on the title that I’d been desperate to play for months. I’d brought a bag filled with Nintendo DS games that I’d played to near death, traded them in at the counter, and finally got my hands on the 3DS release that changed my gaming life for good: Fire Emblem Awakening.

Awakening was the game that truly got me into RPGs. Its vibrant cast of characters, its stellar strategic gameplay, its engrossing narrative — twelve-year-old me was enraptured by its brilliance.

Now, 13 years on, those feelings of excitement and enthusiasm have been reawakened. And that’s because I got the chance to play Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, a title which — so far — has encapsulated everything that made me fall in love with the series all those years ago. Here’s how I’ve found my time with Fortune’s Weave, and why I think it could be the epic tactical RPG that defines the Nintendo Switch 2.

Enter the Flame Lords

Theodora is one of the four Flame Lords you can play as in Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (Image credit: Nintendo)

Our adventure is centered around the land of Dagda, a kingdom enjoying a period of relative prosperity under the rule of Divine Sovereign Solel. A grand event is soon to take place in Dagda’s capital, Dagsion, which is drawing great warriors from around the kingdom and beyond: the Heroic Games. This tournament’s victor is to be granted one wish of their choosing, and the city is abuzz with anticipation. But little do the combatants know that a great calamity is soon to befall the world around them.

Five years after the Heroic Games have concluded, turmoil runs rife across Dagda. The demonic god, Balor, has returned, and the forces of the underworld have humanity hanging by a thread. One individual — you, the main protagonist — is tasked by the goddess Sothis to bring about salvation for humanity and drive away the darkness. And this is where we get into the real meat of Fortune’s Weave.

Four great warriors from the Heroic Games, known as the Flame Lords, have vanished. With the help of the goddess Fortuna, you are able to go back in time, alter the causality across each hero’s path, and recruit them to assist in the battle for Dagda’s deliverance.

As the player, you get to travel back to the time of the Heroic Games and delve into four individual campaigns that enable you to control each of the four Flame Lords: Cai, Dietrich, Theodora, and Leda. Meanwhile, you, the main protagonist, will appear as the Pale Raven, and be able to give advice on upcoming battles and watch over the Flame Lords along their journey.

It may sound like a lot to take in, and a lot of back and forths along the timeline, but the storytelling in the early section of the game — which I’ll be discussing here — is incredibly tight, clear, and gripping.

Walk the path of great heroes

Here we have Dietrich, stood beside an abnormally large black cat (Image credit: Nintendo)

After completing a brief prologue, you’re given the chance to pick from any of the four heroes, although you’re able to swap between each individual storyline whenever you feel like. I started by following Dietrich’s path, and wow. What a way to kick off my adventure.

First of all, I have to shout out the character design. Dietrich himself is a truly majestic specimen (something pointed out by many through your journey), and his chilling killer instincts and thirst for battle are reflected in his visceral combat style to perfection. He’s joined by a brilliantly charismatic cast, including the mysterious and eccentric priest, Fabio, the young and skilled Esmeralda, and the former mercenary Mikaela, to name a few.

Each character is surprisingly layered and full of charisma and intrigue, not to mention the absolutely phenomenal voice acting, which is already shaping up to be some of the best the series has ever produced. Naturally, you can build your support with each member of your party and view special conversations, just as you could in previous instalments.

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(Image credit: Future)

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Although Dietrich’s path has been my favorite so far, I’ve dipped into the story of each protagonist, and all offer a strong lineup of characters, distinct yet interwoven narratives, and unique mechanics to drill into.

For instance, Theodora can assign battalions, which can boost a unit’s attack power and inflict status effects on foes, and Dietrich can learn new combat arts from wandering warriors. It keeps each pathway feeling fresh and distinct, and incentivized me to try out each and every one of the Flame Lords’ campaigns.

Although you’ll spend a decent amount of time on main story battles, you’ll also be given free time here and there. With this time, you can access training facilities to strengthen a unit's skill with certain weapons or magic, you can serve at a temple to earn favor from the gods, or you can dine at an inn to build up support with allies and regain motivation (required for certain tasks).

This is just a taste of what’s on offer, but the bottom line is, I found that there was never a shortage of things to do during my free time, and the variety on offer breathes vibrancy and life into Dagsion, making it feel like the esteemed capital it’s presented as.

Gameplay and combat: timeless fundamentals with some neat twists

Combat is as great as ever in Fortune's Weave, with some new mechanics such as Blaze Arts helping the experience feel fresh for returning fans (Image credit: Nintendo)

Let’s talk about the core gameplay on offer, though, which will be the most exciting aspect for a lot of returning fans.

A lot of the bones are the same. Other than some dungeon sections, which incorporate a mild amount of action combat and 3D exploration, you’re mainly playing a tactical JRPG with the usual grid-based combat. Each map is a blast to play through, and although things start out very easy, you’ll soon have to be considerate of which units you select, how you position them, and how you approach the enemy.

At its core, Fortune’s Weave is a continuation of what made the series great, and whether you play in Casual (where units return to your ranks after defeat), or Classic (where units are gone forever if they fall in battle), you’ll find that just about each decision you make on the battlefield matters — and building the perfect units and reclassing them to vanquish your opponent is still outrageously enjoyable.

Combat Arts are back, which degrade weapon durability in exchange for powerful actions, and Blessings from the gods give you boons in combat, such as a reduction in damage received or a higher chance of avoiding attacks. But there are also some new additions. Perhaps the most high-profile, and one I’ve been loving, is Blaze Arts.

Blaze Arts sacrifice a portion of your HP in return for powerful moves, but aren’t available to all units. Dietrich, for example, can warp forward multiple spaces and attack afterwards. Or Theodora can unleash an especially long-range attack on distant foes. The HP sacrifice prevents you from using them without consequence, and the abilities can help you clutch up in tense situations.

I’ve also been loving the battle animations, which add solid immersion to the action. The way that some units will parry attacks and swiftly retaliate, and the elaborate Blaze Arts animations, are both clear standouts and make battles feel like the spectacle they’re intended to be.

Outside of the excellent combat, it’s a lot of fun to just stroll through Dagsion, and movement feels both rapid and responsive. Fast travel is also an option if you want to get from A to B in an instant, but sometimes I just wanted to walk through the city and take in some of the amazing music. Whether it’s beautiful acoustic arrangements or ambient synth-led tracks, Fortune’s Weave is brimming with memorable music, and I can see myself coming back to the OST for years to come.

My only small nitpick about traversing Dagsion is that some of the NPCs provide incredibly repetitive dialogue. I heard “you’re looking well” and its many variations a lot more times than I’d care to mention in my first few hours with the game.

Graphics and performance: a clear step-up on Switch 2

Characters are bursting with personality and color in Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (Image credit: Nintendo)

Moving on to performance now, and I have to say, I’m satisfied with what I’ve experienced from Fortune’s Weave so far.

The Switch 2 has added some much-needed firepower, and the improvement from Three Houses is substantial. Character models, such as that of Fortuna, look excellent, with her beaming yellow and rich purple hair really popping on-screen. I’d argue that a few textures on environmental elements, such as trees, perhaps look a bit basic, but it doesn’t feel like the game’s first priority is to be a graphical marvel.

Drawn characters look impressive during dialogue sections too, and have some animations to add emotion and depth to them. Beyond this, cinematic sequences are epic, and a couple of them reminded me of the grandeur exhibited by the opening of Fire Emblem Awakening (one that felt unskippable all those years ago).

One interesting inclusion in Fortune’s Weave is mouse controls, which, as expected, are as smooth and effective as ever on Switch 2. I honestly didn’t use them much, as I prefer to stick with traditional controls, but it’s always good to see a new title make use of the Switch 2’s new technological capabilities.

The game also runs really smoothly, and the Switch 2’s enhanced resolution makes for a more detailed experience than ever. Most of the time, loading screens are very brief too, although I did occasionally experience some minor delays when opening doors in Dagsion, for instance — nothing particularly grating though.

My final thoughts (so far)

You can interact with the protagonist in the form of the Pale Raven, and boost your support points as you journey through each Flame Lord's path — and if your chat goes well, you can even achieve Perfect Bird Time. Pretty neat, right? (Image credit: Nintendo)

Of course, there are a lot of battles that lie ahead, and there’s a lot more story to sink my teeth into, but the early signs are incredibly positive for Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.

So far, the captivating storytelling, brilliant cast of characters, refined turn-based tactical combat, and immersive world of Fortune’s Weave have got me hooked, and I can’t wait to spend more time with the game. These qualities really took me back in time to when I first fell in love with the series, and if my initial hours are anything to go by, I think long-time fans will appreciate the distinct yet interwoven stories, challenging battles, and high stakes.

I should note that I had a good time with Fire Emblem: Three Houses, but the opening of Fortune’s Weave feels like it’s building on everything that made that entry click in a meaningful, substantive way.

I’m sure there’ll be lots more to discuss when the full game launches in September, so keep your eyes peeled for our full review when the time comes, but until then, I’m going to enjoy my ride on the Fire Emblem hype train.

• .com is no longer the highest-priced TLD in terms of average value
• .ai is at an all-time high average value of $535,000, a 260% surge in three months
• .com domains still lead in terms of volume at $86 million, compared to .ai at $37.7 million

.com has long been established as the gold standard top-level domain (TLD). From Amazon and eBay to Google and Facebook, practically every online behemoth has been built on .com.

But with so much new technology flooding the market, could this all be about to change?

New research has claimed .com has lost its standing as the highest-priced web address in terms of average value – beaten by .ai.

The .ai boom

The report by Escrow.com found a record-high average value of .com domains of $529k, beating its previous cycle peak in 2021. Yet, despite its huge value, .ai still beat it, with an all-time high average value of $535k, marking a 260% surge in just three months.

This data reinforces a clear trend, with AI continuing to spread from the stock market into the TLD space and beyond.

The report also highlights a 270% increase in the volume of .ai domains, growing from $10.0 million to $37.7 million during the period. However, .com remains considerably higher by volume at an impressive $86 million.

"This quarter's .ai growth alone beat the combined gain of every other country-code extension. A year ago we didn't know if .ai would actually challenge .com or just fizzle out like the rest. Now we've got an answer. Buyers are paying more, on average, for a good .ai name than a good .com one," shared Matt Barrie, Chief Executive of Escrow.com.

With many AI-focused businesses entering the market, there is little surprise that there is growing demand for the .ai TLD. Startups and small businesses using it gain an immediately recognizable sign of who they are and what they do.

The risks of .ai

Picking a .ai domain isn’t without its risks - using .ai can make it hard to pivot. For example, if a startup launches its brand on a .ai domain, only to later pivot away from AI, the equivalent .com domain may not be available or may be incredibly expensive.

Brands also need to factor in that .ai isn’t a generic domain like .com, but is an official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean.

According to some reports, .ai domain registrations have transformed Anguilla’s economy, which has primarily relied on tourism in the past. However, this reliance on a single local government can create uncertainty for .ai users, subjecting them to potential regulatory changes, geopolitical instability, and political shifts.

If standard office chairs feel cramped there are options, including choosing something better suited, like the GTPlayer Big and Tall Chair, currently $114 (was $126) at Amazon and designed specifically with bigger and taller adults in mind.

Yes, it's technically a gaming chair, but much of the specification makes just as much sense for a home office. The big selling point is its wide, flat seat, which measures 20.1 inches across and avoids the restrictive raised wings found on many chairs.

The cushion is also a substantial 4.4 inches thick, combining high-density shaped foam with pocket springs for responsive support. There's a 350-pound weight capacity, a retractable footrest, linkage armrests that move as you recline, and a backrest adjustable from 90 to 135 degrees.

This big-and-tall chair supports up to 350 pounds and combines a 20.1-inch wide seat, 4.4-inch pocket-spring cushion, 90 to 135-degree recline, linkage armrests, retractable footrest, and metal frame.View Deal

Why we recommend it

Size is the real attraction here. A chair described as big and tall needs to offer more than a high weight limit, and this one combines its 350-pound capacity with a genuinely wide, flat seat.

Removing the usual gaming-chair side wings also means that extra width is actually available to you rather than being eaten up by bolsters.

Instead of sitting on a relatively thin slab of foam for an entire working day, you get a 4.4-inch cushion combining high-density foam with individual springs designed to spread pressure and provide responsive support.

The backrest reclines as far as 135 degrees, the armrests follow its movement, and the retractable footrest lets you put your feet up without leaving your desk.

For other options, take a look at our round up of the best office chairs.

Price context & historical value

Amazon has reduced the GTPlayer chair from $125.99 to $113.39, taking $12.60 off the usual price. That's a 10% reduction, so the discount itself isn't enormous, but it makes an already affordable big-and-tall chair a little more affordable. This is as cheap as we've seen it on Amazon, so if it appeals, now is a good time to buy.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the GTPlayer Big and Tall Chair if...

You need more space than a conventional office chair provides. The 20.1-inch flat, wingless seat gives bigger users more room around the thighs, while also making it easier for anyone who likes to change position and spread out.

It's also a good fit if you want one chair for both work and downtime. Sit upright at your desk during the day, then recline the backrest and pull out the footrest when you want to relax or watch something.

❌ Skip the GTPlayer Big and Tall Chair if...

You want a dedicated ergonomic office chair with extensive adjustment. Although the backrest reclines and the linkage armrests move with it, you don't get the seat-depth, lumbar, and highly configurable armrest adjustments available on more expensive ergonomic models.

The black and red faux leather finish also reveals its gaming-chair origins. It should fit easily into a home office, but anyone furnishing a more conservative professional workspace may prefer something less conspicuous.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

This is still fundamentally a gaming-style chair rather than a specialist ergonomic office chair, and its faux leather upholstery won't be as breathable as mesh during long work sessions.

It's worth checking the measurements before ordering, too. “Big and tall” can mean different things between manufacturers, so the 20.1-inch seat width and overall dimensions are more useful than the label alone when deciding whether it gives you the extra room you're looking for.

• Shop all gaming chairs at Amazon

Over the last couple of days, I've become intimately aware of basically every product on sale at the new MSI UK Store than I thought one human ever could be. Why? Well, it's all because of a launch promotion that gives you the chance to buy one product each day for just £1.

As part of the MSI Cheat Code event, a voucher code has been hidden on one of the category or product pages on the MSI Store. The task is simple: search through those pages to find the hidden code, enter it at the checkout, and you'll come away with the product of the day for a single pound coin.

The catch, of course, is that the code is squirreled away in one of the hundreds of pages that make up the site. Plus, there's only one code available. So, as soon as someone finds it and uses it, the offer for the day expires.

Quite how or where it's hidden, I can't say for sure. It could be just in a part of the item description, or superimposed over one of the product images, or maybe even just hidden as white text somewhere on the page. I honestly don't know, as I still haven't found one yet. I don't think I'm smart enough to come up with a way to search through the page source to find anything easier, either — if that's even possible.

(Image credit: MSI)

So far, a few lucky so-and-sos have come away with a monitor and a motherboard and AIO cooler bundle for a quid. Today's offer on a mesh Wi-Fi system is still yet to be claimed at the time of writing, so you can head over to the MSI Store to start searching now.

My eyes are on some of the products being featured in the next few days, though. Already confirmed are a case and power supply, a QD-OLED monitor, and, most importantly of all, an RTX 5060Ti. Bagging the latter for just £1 would be the bargain of the year, especially with all the ongoing issues with prices around PC components.

Whether anyone is successful or not, I'm sure this will at least make the metrics look good for MSI's new store, as loads of people repeatedly scour through every category and product page to try and find the hidden code. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm returning to the hunt. I'll be interested to know in the comments if you have any luck.

Elegoo is behind some of the top-rated 3D printers we've tested. And with the company running a big back-to-school sale, I've selected the three best deals for all 3D printing enthusiasts based on our own testing.

My top overall pick has to be the multi-color Centauri Carbon 2 Combo for $379 (was $449), while in the UK it's down to £349 (was £398).

For beginners on a budget, check out the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro for $229 (was $274) in the US, and £179 (was £290) in the UK.

And for model-making and miniatures, the Saturn Ultra 4 drops to $379 (was $594) for US readers, or £309 (was £443) in the UK.

• US: Shop the full back-to-school sale at Elegoo
• UK: See the full sale at Elegoo UK

Awarded 4.5 stars after testing, the Centauri Carbon 2 is a fast, accurate, multi-color 3D printer that builds on the brilliance of the original Centauri Carbon machine. We called it "one of the cheapest and most reliable multifilament machines on the market."

In the UK: now £349 (was £398)View Deal

The Neptune 4 Pro earned 4 stars in our tests, with the open-enclosure 3D printer handling most tasks automatically, making it a good budget pick for beginners. "Efficient, reliable, high-quality 3D printing for enthusiasts," is how we described results.

In the UK: now £179 (was £290)View Deal

As a 12K resin 3D printer, the Saturn Ultra 4 is designed for fine-detail printing of models and miniatures. And that's where it really shone during our own testing, earning it 4 stars.

In the UK: now £309 (was £443)View Deal

• Want higher resolution? The Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is $439 (was $650) and £389 (was £576) at Elegoo

Why we recommend it

The Centauri Carbon 2 is an easy recommendation - we actually awarded it a coveted TechRadar Pro Highly Recommended badge. Earning 4.5 stars in our review, the 3D printer left us impressed with up to 500 mm/s print speeds across a 256 × 256 × 256 mm build area.

The real magic here is in the integrated Canvas multi-color 3D printing feature, which was lacking in the otherwise excellent first-generation Centauri Carbon. It's also capable of printing PLA,PETG,PLA-CF,ABA, ASA,PC,PA,PET filaments.

Overall, we found the machine to be "exceptionally high quality," offering serious value for money. In our final verdict, we noted: When it comes to print quality, the detail and accuracy of the prints really do stand out."

The Neptune 4 Pro is a simpler machine with a budget price-tag comparable with a system like the Creality Hi or Bambu Lab's A-series 3D printers.

We scored this 4 stars in our review, calling it "one of the best 3D printers for beginners, offering a seamless printing experience with great results."

We also found the 3D printer "impresses with its outstanding performance and user-friendly design." So, a great place for those starting out.

In our 4-star review of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, we found ourselves impressed with the "high resolution, ease of use, and smart features," and called it "a great choice for anyone looking to print detailed models.

The feature-set on this 12K 3D printer is pro-grade, coming equipped with auto-levelling and an AI camera to streamline the 3D printing process. As expected from a resin printer, accuracy and print quality proved superb, with excellent value for money overall.

Price context & historical value

As someone who covers a lot of 3D printer deals, these discounts are very good.

For instance, back in March, I spotted the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo discounted to $450 at Amazon, and it's currently priced at $400 there.

Similarly, the Saturn 4 Ultra is $427 at Amazon right now, making it a better buy direct from Elegoo.

Even the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is cheaper at $439 (was $650) and £389 (was £576) at Elegoo compared to Amazon, where it's retailing for $520.

Overall, then, prices are worth jumping on while they're this low.

For more picks, we've tested the best 3D printers and rounded up this week's best 3D printer deals.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if...

You want an impressive all-rounder multi-color 3D printer that delivers speed and accuracy for a reasonable price.

✅ Buy the Neptune 4 Pro if...

You're new to 3D printing and want a value-led machine with features that help ease you into crafting.

✅ Buy the Saturn 4 Ultra if...

Your focus is on 3D printing models, cosplay props, and other prints that demand high-res detail and total accuracy.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

The main issue we found with the Centauri Carbon 2 was that you're still limited to four colors at a time, which are externally attached to the 3D printer. So, make sure you're working in a temperature-controlled environment that's not too cold.

With the Neptune 4 Pro, you may need to tweak some settings to get the setup you really want. That might feel daunting at first, but it's a good excuse to learn the ins and outs of 3D printing.

We have nothing but praise for the performance of the Saturn 4 Ultra, but we did find the AI camera isn't as accurate as we would've liked.

• US: Shop the full back-to-school sale at Elegoo
• UK: See the full sale at Elegoo UK

• No sign of Pixel Buds Pro 3 at Google's recent unveiling event
• Some new upgrades have come to existing buds
• …As well as a new Pixel Buds Pro 2 colorway

At the recent August Pixel 11 unveiling event, we saw some new folding (and unfolding) phones, an updated smartwatch and even a location tracker, but one member of the Pixel family who wasn't invited was the Google Pixel Pro 3.

Despite the Google Pixel Pro 2 being practically two years old now, and the cheaper Pixel Buds 2a being nearly a year old, the brand is not updating its earbud line-up just yet.

Given that the company isn't known for its Samsung- or Apple-style sporadic launches, (Google has typically updated with greater regularity, with true wireless earbuds landing in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025, most recently with the Buds 2a) that could point to an August 2027 release date for new Pro Buds.

Maybe Google wants to keep its buds in the oven a little longer this time, given that we've historically not given them glowing reviews to date. If the company was truly fixated on major updates for its phones, it probably wouldn't have released new smartphones in which the only major update is a notification LED, a feature that while nice to have, is something many a rival phone was able to boast 10 years ago.

Technically, one new pair of Google earbuds did arrive at the August 12 event: Pixel Pro 2 now come in an olive green colorway, which is on sale now. But perhaps more interesting is that some new features are coming to the Pro 2 and 2a from September.

New Pixel Buds features: the lowdown

(Image credit: Future)

None of the new Google Pixel Buds features are groundbreaking — or would cause those review scores to shift — but they might be useful for existing owners. Admittedly, they won't have me dusting off my Buds 2a, but they're worth reporting.

Firstly, you can now use the Gemini chatbot to change audio settings. Whether it's quicker to say "Hey Google, turn the volume up" or just turn the volume up yourself, is up to you. This also works for frequencies in the mix (think, "Hey Google, turn the bass up").

Secondly, the live translation mode can now be triggered by tapping your earbud, and the Pixel Buds will automatically hear and translate for you (the upgrade being that you no longer need to use your phone to do this).

You need a Pixel phone for that tool — and for this next one, a Pixel Watch is needed. If you go to sleep listening to music, your Google-made smartwatch will recognize this, and pause your tunes. It'll also turn off the Buds' touch controls and silence notifications, so you won't be woken by a late-night WhatsApp message, say.

There's one more feature, which sounds like the most interesting, but it's only for the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. It's called Dynamic ANC, and it'll change noise cancellation based on the fit of your earbud. In practice, this means if the buds wiggle around in your ear and affect the tip seal, the Pro 2 will compensate for resulting changes in sound.

Look, it's a welcome new feature within Google's current Pro Buds, even if the cynical among us might suggest Google could've achieved the same end result by releasing new earbuds with an emphasis on fit…

I’ve tested over 10 water filter systems. Ninja’s $200 offering does a few things they don’t.