Technology

CNET kicks the tires and takes a ride in Aptera's upcoming solar electric car, which hits the road for preorder holders later this year.

• Microsoft calls 2025 ‘the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh’
• Windows 10 EOS will push 80% of businesses to buy new devices
• Microsoft reckons its Copilot+ PCs are faster than the current-generation MacBook Air

Microsoft has decided CES 2025 is the perfect opportunity to once again plug Windows 11, as adoption figures continue to underwhelm, even as the official Windows 10 end of life looms large.

In a company blog post, Microsoft Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer Yusuf Mehdi declared 2025, “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh”

In a bid to attract more users to Windows 11, Mehdi highlighted Microsoft's latest artificial intelligence improvements, including Copilot+ PCs and the new Copilot button that features on many of the latest models.

Microsoft is still struggling with Windows 11 adoption

“Building on Windows 11, our most secure version of Windows, we introduced a new category of PCs – the Copilot+ PC," Mehdi wrote.

Figures quoted in a separate post by Microsoft claim the top Copilot+ PCs are up to 58% faster than the MacBook Air M3, with up to 47% faster AI performance than the same Apple laptop. Comparing its latest hardware to previous iterations, the company also stated that Copilot+ PCs are up to 5x faster than the most popular five-year-old Windows PCs still in use today.

Following a decade of updates and support, Windows 10 end of service has been confirmed for October 14, 2025, but despite being more than three years old, Windows 11 is still struggling to gain the same level of traction.

As 2024 drew to a close, Windows 10 maintained a nearly two-thirds market share, at 63%. The remaining third was given to Windows 11 (34%), with Windows 7 barely accounting for 2.5%.

Microsoft is hopeful, though, with IDC research suggesting that 80% of businesses could be refreshing their PC portfolios by the end of 2025 and 70% of consumers doing so in the next two years.

Canalys research is also positive, with AI PCs accounting for 20% of the market in Q3 2024. More than half (53%) were Windows PCs, such as Copilot+ models. However, the research firm polled channel partners in November 2024 and found that one in three (31%) do not plan to sell Copilot+ PCs in 2025.

“We believe that Windows 11 is available at a time when the world needs it most – providing advanced AI capabilities and modern security benefits that customers expect in 2025 and beyond," Mehdi concluded.

You might also like

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best business laptops and best mobile workstations
• If you’re after something compact, why not consider the best mini PC?
• Your next work PC will almost certainly be AI-equipped

(Image credit: Future)

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

CES 2025 is now well underway – and while the grand expo technically starts today (January 7), for those in the media (including the TechRadar team), it's the second day of showcases and announcements. It's been another hectic day of tech news, so we're giving you a round-up of the best bits right here.

As with the first day of CES 2025, the gadgets and gizmos on show below will help to define the year in technology. We've got big news from Samsung, Nvidia and LG, as well as new smartwatches, robot vacuums, AI-powered air fryers, and... parasols with batteries attached (perfect for your next beach day).

CES is a tech showcase, so you won't be able to buy all of these products right away – but they give us a glimpse of what's coming later in 2025, so you can start saving up now.

This isn't the end of the CES 2025 fun either, because we'll have another full round-up of hardware for you to dig into tomorrow...

1. Samsung The Frame Pro TV

• Best feature: The addition of mini-LED tech

The 2025 version is a major upgrade (Image credit: Future)

We've always been intrigued by The Frame TV from Samsung – the television that doubles up as an art showcase – and here at CES 2025 the latest model has been unveiled. The Frame Pro adds mini-LED technology and improved HDR to the mix, and the difference between this and the 2024 model is simply stunning.

There's an extra vibrancy here and some other tweaks (like improved refresh rate) that make The Frame Pro a better TV, and yet it doesn't lose any of its appeal when the Art Mode is active. We'll need to put the model more fully to the test, but it seems Samsung may have finally hit on the right formula this time around.

• Read the full story: I saw Samsung's new The Frame Pro mini-LED TV, and it's whole new work of art

2. Nvidia RTX 5090

• Best feature: Proper 8K gaming support

Here comes Nvidia's new RTX 5090 card (Image credit: Nvidia)

We've been waiting a long time, but the Nvidia RTX 5000 series GPUs are finally official – including the top-of-the-range RTX 5090. Early impressions: these graphics cards will be living up to the hype, and pack in an enormous amount of power, though you're going have to pay top dollar to get hold of them.

The RTX 5090 specifically brings with it 92 billion transistors, next-gen Tensor Cores and Ray Tracing Cores, and more than double the AI processing speed of the RTX 4090 (which was a complete beast). Oh, and there's 32GB of new GDDR7 VRAM too, making this comfortably the most powerful GPU on the planet.

• Read the full story: Nvidia unveils new GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 graphics cards at CES 2025

3. SwitchBot K20+ Pro

• Best feature: An innovative mounting platform

Why do one job when you can do three? (Image credit: SwitchBot)

If you've ever thought the key feature missing from your robot vacuum was the ability to bring you a sandwich while cleaning your floors, take a look at the new SwitchBot K20+ Pro. It comes with a mounting platform for attachments such as fans, security cameras, and trays for bringing your lunch right to you (perhaps).

It's a neat idea, and expands the capabilities of the standard robovac – it makes sense that it could also be taking care of other jobs (such as purifying the indoor air) while keeping everything spick and span. How the device and its accessories are priced will be crucial, and we'll find that out at some point later in 2025.

• Read the full story: This robot vacuum can also bring you a sandwich, and it might be the greatest gadget we've seen yet at CES

4. LG xboom Stage 301

• Best feature: Works on the floor or on a stand

The LG xboom Stage 301 produces some serious sound (Image credit: Future)

Musician will.i.am is back in the tech game, and has partnered up with LG to bring us the xboom series of speakers. The best of the bunch right now is the LG xboom Stage 301, which is designed like a stage speaker – it has a corner cut off at the bottom, so you can angle it upwards, just like the pro musicians do.

What's most important though is the sound, and the 6.5-inch woofer and twin 2.5-inch mid-range drivers do a very impressive job here, based on our testing on the CES 2025 show floor. The speaker works on a stand as well as on the floor, and is designed to be versatile enough to meet a whole range of different needs.

• Read the full story: I heard LG's new speakers made with will.i.am, and I kind of love them

5. Anker SOLIX parasol

• Best feature: Shade cover with solar power

"Look... still got Wi-Fi..." (Image credit: Anker)

You know you're at CES when you're looking at recharging stations paired with objects you wouldn't necessarily associate with gadget charging – and that brings us to the Anker SOLIX parasol, which you can wheel out to the beach to make sure you stay very much on the grid while you're soaking in some rays.

Or rather, not soaking in the rays, if you're benefitting from the parasol's cover. The umbrella is waterproof and comes with some clever solar cells on top, so you can use the power of the sun to charge up your phones and tablets. It also pairs rather nicely with other products in the Anker range, including power stations.

• Read the full story: Move over Mary Poppins: this solar umbrella will charge your devices while you chill in the shade

6. Amazfit Active 2

• Best feature: A personal wrist-based AI assistant

The Amazfit Active 2 is available in a number of configurations (Image credit: Amazfit)

It's now been well-established that Amazfit is one of the go-to brands if you're looking for a smartwatch that's both feature-packed and affordable, and the new Amazfit Active 2 series continues that trend. The starting price here is a mere $99.99 (about £80 / AU$160), but you get an awful lot of bang for your buck.

The watch series boasts stainless steel frames, 10 days of battery life, offline maps support, and 160 sports mode options. There are multiple strap and AMOLED display options, and you also get the AI Zepp Flow assistant on board, ready and waiting to help you with fitness insights, watch settings, messaging, and more.

• Read the full story: Amazfit Active 2 is a super-cheap AI fitness watch that responds to voice commands like Alexa

7. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

• Best feature: Saving energy at an affordable price

Heat your home in style (Image credit: Ecobee)

Ecobee isn't missing out on the CES 2025 fun, and it has a new Smart Thermostat Essential to show off in Las Vegas. Not only does it learn the heating and cooling speeds for your home and bring with it a full color touchscreen, it's also half the price of the 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat Google unveiled last year.

It'll set you back $129.99 (about £100 / AU$200) when it goes on sale in March. All the standard features are included, such as customizable schedules and remote control, and it'll work with Ecobee's SmartSensors too, if you have them installed. We haven't had chance to test it yet, but the early signs are very promising.

• Read the full story: Ecobee's new smart thermostat could save you money on heating – and it's half the price of the latest Google Nest

8. Dreo ChefMaker 2

• Best feature: AI-powered conversions for oven recipes

The original Dreo ChefMaker (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

We're often a little disappointed by AI tricks that don't really live up to the hype, but we like the idea of the Dreo ChefMaker 2 air fryer: it uses artificial intelligence to convert standard oven recipes taken from websites or cookbooks, into actual programs the machine can use, with revised temperatures and timings.

Now until we try it out, we don't know how well this works – but given how good the original Dreo ChefMaker was, we're hopeful. If you don't want to rely on AI, there are also 100 pre-programmed recipes available to get you started, and the device looks to offer the usual Dreo build quality and cooking prowess.

• Read the full story: This AI air fryer turns your grandma's old recipes into smart cooking programs

9. TCL Playcube

• Best feature: Can be easily angled in any direction

We need more details about this gadget please, TCL (Image credit: TCL)

We've only seen a fleeting mention of the TCL Playcube at CES 2025 so far, but we're very interested in learning more. The portable projector is battery powered so it can go just about anywhere you like, and it features a 'magic cube' design that means you can easily angle the projected image in any direction.

And... that's just about all we know – TCL hasn't offered any information in the way of pricing or a release date. The previous TCL A1 projector was affordably priced and came with Google TV software on board, so we're expecting the same from the Playcube. Stay tuned to TechRadar for future updates on this.

• Read the full story: TCL's doing the twist with Playcube, its new 'magic cube' projector

10. HMD OffGrid

• Best feature: Satellite connectivity for all smartphones

The new HMD OffGrid device (Image credit: HMD)

The HMD OffGrid brings satellite messaging to any smartphone, so you don't need the latest iPhone to keep in touch with people without any Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. It works like a mobile hotspot that can also reach satellites, and it comes with support for connecting to 24/7 search and rescue services too.

All of this comes at a cost, specifically $199 / £169 upfront with a $14.99 / £14.99 monthly subscription fee – but for some of you outdoor adventurers, that will be well worth it. HMD hasn't confirmed the exact phones this is going to work with, but we should hear more later in the month, when the device goes on sale.

• Read the full story: No iPhone, no problem – this Batman-style location tracker brings satellite messaging to any smartphone

11. Flic Duo

• Best feature: Hugely customizable and versatile

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Sometimes the best gadgets are the simplest gadgets, and the Flic Duo is a case in point from CES 2025: at first glance, it looks like a simple wall switch, but its two buttons can be programmed in all kinds of different ways, and as well as accepting button pushes, you can also control connected devices using swipes.

So, for example, you could change the brightness of smart lights or move a smart blind up and down by moving your finger across one of the buttons. As well as using it on the wall, you can easily pull it off and use it as you wander around your home, making it a versatile and convenient controller for your smart devices.

• Read the full story: This smart-home control button might look like a simple wall switch, but it's way more than that

You might also like

• Maingear's newest PC builds are so good I want to buy them all
• Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable has an extending display
• This coffee brewer uses water condensed from the air in your home

The Zenbook A14 is a very light, very rigid 14-inch laptop, and the Zenbook Duo gets the latest Intel silicon.

John Deere is bringing its next-gen autonomous technology to orchards, quarries and campus lawns.

A new government seal is meant to help consumers identify connected devices that meet minimum standards for digital security and privacy.

The attention being paid to a Chinese outbreak of a virus often confused with flu is a sign that respiratory infection tracking is improving.

CNET's David Katzmaier takes a tour of Samsung's CES booth and checks out the company's newest innovations on display for the crowd at CES.

If a new year means a new TV for you, take a look at dozens of savings on screens of all sizes.

• Magnetic Fluid Drivers taken from Technics' high-end niche IEMs
• Improved active ANC and even clearer voice calls too
• £259 / €299 / $299 (tbc)

It's a huge day at CES 2025: Technics has announced a follow-up to its superb EAH-AZ80 earbuds. They're called the EAH-AZ100 and they promise to maintain every impressive perk of their predecessors but to improve the sound quality and the noise cancellation too.

There are three key upgrades here. The first is a proprietary Magnetic Fluid Driver that, according to Technics, delivers "ultra-low distortion, hi-res audio and accurate, rich bass".

The second big improvement is called Voice Focus AI, and as the name suggests it's designed to make your voice sound better in calls. It uses multiple mics and a new intelligent algorithm to remove wind noise and other unwanted audio in real time.

And the third is improved active noise cancellation, with Conversation Mode so you can hear people without taking out your buds. Oh, and the units are also 10% smaller and 16% lighter, as a quick look at the image below shows (AZ80 on the left; new AZ100 on the right). This downsizing has been aided by the fact that the feedback mic you can just see on the teardrop-shaped older bud is now situated on the side of the sound tube, thus allowing Technics to make the AZ100's top plate truly spherical.

Spot the difference…  (Image credit: Future) Technics EAH-AZ100: key specs, pricing and availability

The new driver is a miniaturised version of the one in the company's 2019 wired EAH-TZ700 wired IEMs (much lauded, but only launched in Europe), whose recommended retail price is a hefty $1,200. Don't worry, Technics has miniaturised the price as well as the driver.

Interestingly, the “Magnetic Fluid” in that Magnetic Fluid Driver really is "an oil-type liquid filled with magnetic particles that is injected into the space between the driver magnet and voice coil", but again there's no cause for concern – Technics' Headphone Project Manager, Ryan Yu, assures us there's absolutely no chance of any fluid leakage from the earbuds.

The new driver (which is still 10mm in size) promises tight, rich bass with an aluminum diaphragm taking care of the details. The earbuds support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio, and this time there's also Bluetooth LE with Auracast, LDAC, LC3 low-latency and Google Fast Pair. Battery life is 10 hours out of the case and 28 with it; that's with ANC enabled, so a big improvement over their predecessors.

This is no small update when you consider that the EAH-AZ80 burst onto the scene as the only product to feature triple-device multipoint and with Technics' own 'concha-fit' design that wowed us under intense review, quickly taking the top spot in our best earbuds buying guide. Suffice to say, we really liked the EAH-AZ80 earbuds, and on paper at least, the EAH-AZ100 are even better. So it'll be really interesting to see how they compare to their direct competitors, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024.

And as luck would have it, we've got a pair of Technics EAH-AZ100 and we've been testing them for you. Usually at this point, we'd have to tell you to check back for a full review very soon – but as luck would have it, our Technics EAH-AZ100 review has been permitted to go live at the same time as this missive. (Spoiler alert: it's very good news.)

The new Technics EAH-AZ100 have an MSRP of $299 / £259 / €299 (which would make them around AU$519).

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

You might also like

• The best noise cancelling earbuds for every budget
• The best budget earbuds
• The best noise cancelling earbuds

• Asus has unveiled several new laptops at CES 2025
• The Zenbook A14 is claimed to be the "World's lightest Copilot+ PC"
• New Vivobook and ExpertBook machines debuted too

New Nvidia GPUs might be the big computing announcement at CES 2025, but there’s plenty for non-gamer computing enthusiasts to appreciate at the tech show, not least Asus delivering a quintet of productivity-focused Copilot+ laptops.

Kicking things off is the Zenbook A14, which at under 980g Asus claims is the “World’s lightest Copilot+ PC.” And though those weight savings don’t seem to come with noticeable performance downgrades, as it reportedly boasts a 32-hour battery life under Asus’ own video test, a Snapdragon X Series processor, a 14-inch Full-HD OLED display, and up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage (though the specs on the beefier end may increase the overall weight).

Meanwhile, the refreshed dual-screened ASUS Zenbook Duo 2025 boasts twin 14-inch 16:10 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreens, up to the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, and up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage if you want more screen real estate from a portable 14.6mm thick and 1.35kg package.

The Zenbook A14 is available now in the UK and starts at £999 (US and Australia pricing is to be confirmed), with the new Duo dropping later in February starting at £1,699 (again, US and Australia prices are to be confirmed).

(Image credit: Future)

Asus has also announced new models in its Vivobook range: Snapdragon X processor powered 14-inch and 16-inch laptops (I’m counting them as one announcement given there’s just a size difference between them) each with a HD screen, 19 hour battery life, and 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but they’ll be landing in February.

Last but not least we have the new ExpertBook B5 and B3, which boast some specific business-centric perks that will appeal to professional users. On top of the robust specs, which include Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, these devices have passed 24 military-grade tests for durability, come with a Digital Product Passport to offer more transparent details on their sustainability credentials, and optional smart card readers so they can double as portable point-of-sale systems.

We’ll have to try these new laptops out for ourselves before passing judgement on their performance credentials, but given some solid specs and Asus’ track record we expect they’ll all be impressive machines capable of handling whatever productivity tasks you throw at them.

You might also like

• AMD CES 2025 Keynote live blog
• Nvidia CES 2025 Keynote live blog
• Razer Blade 16 announced at CES 2025 with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU

You don't need an electrician to install BioLite's backup battery system, which can keep at least a few of your appliances on when the power goes out -- like your refrigerator.

Two weeks before a second Trump term begins, Mark Zuckerberg says "free expression" is the way to go.

Attackers are reportedly using popular VPN applications as a backdoor to inject malware and gain remote control of infected devices.

This is the worrying finding coming from Google's Managed Defense team, which shed light on how malicious actors employ SEO poisoning tactics to spread what's known as Playfulghost malware.

"The malware is bundled with popular applications, like LetsVPN, and distributed through SEO poisoning," wrote the expert. "This involves manipulating search engine results to make the bundled software appear at the top of searches, making it seem like a legitimate download."

Phishing attacks, meaning malicious emails that trick users into clicking on dangerous links to download malware, are another known distribution method.

The dangers of the Playfulghost backdoor

As Google's expert explains in a blog post, Playfulghost is "a backdoor that shares functionality with Gh0st RAT." The latter is a remote administration tool that has been known among the security community since 2008.

Playfulghost, however, has distinct traffic patterns and encryption that differentiate it from the known threat.

Attackers use both phishing and SEO poisoning tactics to trick victims into downloading the malicious software on their devices. In one case, the Google expert explains, the victim was tricked into opening an infected image file to execute Playfulghost from a remote server.

Similarly, SEO poisoning tactics involved using trojanized virtual private network (VPN) apps to download Playfulghost components from a remote server into the victims' devices (see the GIF below).

Playfulghost is a particularly dangerous strain of malware that enables attackers to remotely execute a range of activities once the device is infected. Data mining capabilities include keylogging, screenshot capture, and audio capture. Attackers can also carry on file management activities like opening, deleting, and writing new files, among other things.

You can read all of Playfulghost's technical details in Google's blog post here.

(Image credit: Google)

The Playfulghost malware case is yet another reminder to remain on alert when downloading new software.

Sticking to reputable names, like the best VPN applications, on a search engine isn't enough to stay safe. The same goes for App Stores, unfortunately, as copycat malicious applications may slip through the security checks.

I recommend going through reputable sources, like TechRadar, whenever possible and using the on-page links to download new software – whether this is a new VPN, antivirus, or password manager tool. Heading directly to the provider's official website is another way to ensure your download is a legitimate and secure application.

If you notice your device acting oddly, I suggest looking for applications you don't recognize and running a malware removal service if possible. You should also consider a system reboot to eradicate the potential threat.

Hello, my friend. Stay awhile and play these games.

• Meta has officially discontinued the sale of its Quest Pro headset
• The company announced it would discontinue the sale last year
• It is now suggesting users buy its Quest 3 headset

The Meta Quest Pro mixed reality headset has officially been discontinued and is no longer available to purchase.

That's according to a recent report from Upload VR, which first spotted a new change to the Quest Pro webpage that now confirms that the "Meta Quest Pro is no longer available". It also suggests users "shop Meta Quest 3 for the ultimate mixed reality experience and premium comfort."

Meta confirmed in September 2024 that it planned to discontinue the Quest Pro, the Quest 2, and the 123GB Quest 3 after announcing its Quest 3S headset, a more affordable model that launched in October last year.

The Quest 2 is also currently unavailable after it was completely sold out in July 2024.

At the time of the announcement, Meta told TechCrunch: "With Quest 3S on the shelf, we’re officially winding down sales of Quest 2 and Pro. We’ll be selling our remaining headsets through the end of the year or until they’re gone, whichever comes first.

"If you’d like a carrying case, the Touch Pro controllers, the Quest 2 Active Pack, or any of the other accessories for Quest 2 and Pro, we plan to continue selling those for a bit longer."

The Meta Quest Pro was released in 2022 for a staggering $1599, the company's most expensive model. Right now, users can purchase the 512GB version of the Meta Quest 3 for $650 or the Quest 3S for $299.99, both of which come bundled with a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow.

You might also like...

• Sony announces new Midnight Black versions of the PS Portal, DualSense Edge, and more PS5 accessories, launching next month
• Do you turn off your PS5 or put it in Rest Mode when you're done? According to Sony, the decision is a 50/50 split for all players
• Marvel Rivals Season 1 launches this week and will introduce the Fantastic Four as playable heroes

• Levoit Pet Odor & Hair Air Purifier is specifically for pet owners
• It can sense 'key substances' in the air and boost airflow in response
• Motion sensors also enable you to create routines

Levoit just launched an air purifier that's specifically aimed at pet owners, and it's enough to give your dog a complex. The Levoit Pet Odor & Hair Air Purifier is showing at CES 2025, and boasts a number of features I haven't seen elsewhere amongst today's best air purifiers.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

Firstly, it's programmed to quickly detect "key substances" like isovaleric acid, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. In case you aren't well-versed in scientific terms for bodily functions, I've done some Googling and I believe that roughly translates as sweat, pee, and farts. It'll then adjust fan speeds to clear the air in double-quick time, while a carbon filter helps neutralize the odors. Whether it also works for human smells is unconfirmed.

Second, there's a motion detection system that adjusts settings based on what's going on in the household at the time. This seems to work with the brand's 'Smart Scene technology', which uses AI to create routines. For example, it could boost airflow when you head out to walk your dog, then reduce it when you return, so you come back to a fresh-smelling home. The press information also lists 'behavior anticipation' features, although it doesn't go into any more detail on these.

(Image credit: Levoit)

There's a VeSync companion app that visualizes odor levels and trends in your home, and can (satisfyingly) create a countdown for tracking purification tasks. Here, you'll also be able to view air analysis reports, and see how long you have left before you need to replace your filter (here's more on how air purifiers work, and what air purifiers can help with, if it's helpful).

The standard Pet Odor and Hair Air Purifier is due to go on sale on Amazon in Q2 (so sometime between the start of April until the end of June) and will cost $199 (about £160 / AU$320). There will also be a more advanced self-cleaning model available at major retailers, with a list price of $249 (about £200 / AU$400).

You might also like

• Browse the best vacuums for pet hair
• Roborock’s new robovac has a mechanical arm that can pick up your socks and maybe also play with your cat
• This robot lawn mower promises to traverse awkward lawns with the agility of a mountain goat

Take your favorite hot or cold beverages on the go with our top picks of CNET-approved travel coffee mugs.

Habitually getting up to pee in the middle of the night can impact sleep quality. Here's how to cut down on these nighty interruptions.

• Two self-powered models delivering 34W and 50W respectively
• Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, phono and optical connections; HDMI ARC in the larger model
• $199 / $299, available in Q2 2025

Onkyo is one of the big names in home theater audio, and it's just launched some small footprint speakers for gamers and music fans at CES 2025 – but while the new Onkyo Creator Series speakers may come in relatively small sizes, there's nothing small about their power.

The Creator Series is powered by highly efficient Class D amplifiers and the speakers promise to deliver audio that punches way above their small size. That makes them ideal not just for gaming and general PC audio but for your turntable and other audio sources – and in the case of the larger, HDMI-equipped model, for your TV too.

There are two models in the range: the Onkyo GX10DB and the Onkyo GX30ARC. Both will be available in the second quarter of 2025.

(Image credit: Onkyo) Onkyo Creator Series: key features and pricing

The smaller model, the GX10DB, has a 3-inch woofer and a 3/4-inch tweeter. It delivers 34W per pair and includes 10-degree stands for perfect desktop positioning. There's also an included IR remote for sofa listening. Each speaker is also very compact at just 119mm x 173mm x 149mm (WxHxD).

The powered speakers have USB-C including USB-C Audio, and they also have RCA/Phono, Optical and subwoofer connections. They also have Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless streaming from your phone, tablet or computer.

The GX30ARC has the same connectivity and accessories plus HDMI ARC and a 3.5mm aux in, and the drivers here are 4-inch woofers and 3/4-inch tweeters putting out 50W per pair. To make room for the bigger drivers the GX30ARC are slightly bigger than their sibling speakers: 146mm wide, 220mm high and 170mm deep.

Both sets of speakers will be available in Q2 2025 in a choice of black or white, and the US MSRP is $199 per pair for the GX10DB and $299 per pair for the GX30ARC. Pricing and availability for other markets hasn't yet been announced, but with these specs, they're ripe for consideration in our best stereo speakers guide, if we can get our hands on a set for a thorough review.

You might also like

• Our guide to the best desktop speakers you can buy
• The best stereo speakers of all kinds
• The Logitech Z407 Bluetooth speakers are the PC speakers to beat

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!